Abstract:
An orthopedic bandage includes a length of unbroken loop fabric to which a layer of thermoplastic breathable elastomeric foam is intimately adhered. The bandage has integral or attachable parts of different widths that are closed around an anatomical part using tabs that engage the fabric where desired, in a hook-and-pile fastener arrangement. Narrower strap-like parts and wider pad-like parts which can have specific shapes, wrap around the body with minimal bunching or folding which allow a user to apply desired amount of concentrated and general pressure around the particular areas of the body. In addition, the wide and narrow straps are effective to engage tapering anatomical parts such as the base of the hand and wrist or the ankle and foot.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/276,875, filed Mar. 26, 1999, now abandoned. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates generally to the field of elasticized orthopedic devices applied on or about portions of the body for compression, support, protection, therapeutic effect and the like. More particularly, a reusable, bonded, urethane-based thermoplastic foam layer is intimately adhered to an elasticized fabric substrate having certain fastening structures and properties. According to an inventive aspect, the fabric and bonded foam define flat strap and pad portions having different widths, arranged such that the device conforms to specific body portions for compression and support with minimal bunching or folding. In particular the invention is arranged to conform to a user&#39;s limbs and joints. The structure of the fabric and bonded foam and the fastening structures permit wrap-backs and overlaps. More or less tension can be applied up to a point of attachment, for adjusting the intensity at localized areas with gradient pressure. Electrically formed heat-welded seams bond parts of the device, including the hook parts of hook-and-loop fastening elements that engage at a user selected position on the fabric to adjust and affix the device in place. 
     2. Prior Art 
     For various reasons, for example due to trauma, illness, weakness or age, or simply to provide additional resistance to strains, the muscles, joints, and soft tissue of the human body can benefit from added exterior compression and support. This may be the case for mundane functions such as walking, running, throwing and the like, for physically demanding functions such as weight lifting, for repetitive motions such as typing, etc. To be compatible for use on the human anatomy, applied supports have traditionally taken the form of some type of stretch fabric which is wrapped around the portion of the user&#39;s body that is required to be reinforced and supported, for example, the ankles, knees, wrists, elbows, shoulders, lumbar region, thighs or digits as well as the soft tissue that adjoins and surrounds these regions of the body. Elasticized tubular structures also have been produced in suitable size and shape for use about the knees, wrists, etc. Conventional tubular structures that might exert effective pressure can be difficult to get on and off, or to pull into place, or to keep in position. Tubular structures generally lack adjustability, and may not exert the most desirable amount of pressure at the point where they are placed, due to the relative sizes of the tubular support structure and the user&#39;s body. Every user&#39;s body is substantially unique in its dimensions, at a level of precision that is needed to provide a convenient yet effective support. 
     A support as described may be used for purposes of therapeutic support, such as to protect and support tissues that already have been injured or weakened, or for prophylactic use, i.e., to prevent an injury. Such supports may be used to ensure safety during a particularly vigorous form of exercise, to carry a supporting or impact-absorbing structure, or simply for the user&#39;s comfort. Although discussed herein with reference to support of the human body, and in particular to support joints and appendages, the invention is broadly applicable to other sites on the human body as well as to veterinary uses and the like. 
     A popular form of support for a muscle or joint is an elongated length of resiliently stretchable (e.g., elasticized) fabric, known as an “Ace” bandage. The Ace type bandage is versatile in that the same form of bandage can be wrapped around various different portions of the body when necessary, by suitably encircling the affected body portion using the simple elongated strip-like bandage. Thus the bandage can be wrapped around irregularly shaped portions of the anatomy, for example, arches, ankles, knees, elbows and the like. The bandage is wrapped with some elastic elongation, in repeated turns of the fabric over and around the affected portion, until the area requiring support is adequately covered and adequate resilient pressure is applied. After the strip-like bandage is wrapped around the affected body portion, the free end of the bandage is secured against a previous wrap. This can be accomplished by butterfly clips that engage in the fabric, by tucking under the free end or other by another fastening method or device that prevents unraveling of the wraps. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,036,838—Sherman discloses an improved foam plastic orthopedic bandage which is simple in design, inexpensive to manufacture and efficient in use. The bandage comprises a layer of unbroken-loop fabric which may be elasticized. The unbroken loop fabric has fastening properties similar to the pile side of a hook-and-pile fastener (e.g., “VELCRO” brand or a similar material) such that the hook side of such a fastener can be used to affix a free end of the bandage to an overlapped layer. The unbroken loop fabric when utilized in a support device, can be either stretchable with elasticity both in the longitudinal direction and in the transverse direction or non-stretchable. A second stretchable foam plastic layer is intimately bonded to the unbroken loop fabric layer or sheet without the need for additional materials such as stitching, rivets, staples, etc. in an automatic, heat applied, bonding process. The foam layer is non-cytotoxic, breathable, and of sufficient thickness to provide satisfactory cushioning over the portion of the human body to be treated with the orthopedic bandage. 
     Although the &#39;838 patent provided an improved foam plastic orthopedic bandage, it was limited to a generally elongated strip structure similar to an Ace bandage. In U.S. Patent Des.383,846—Goldstein, the foam plastic bandage concept is embodied in a bandage or support structure having a central panel of relatively greater width with adjoining lengths extending in opposite directions from the central panel, and tapering to narrow ends. One of the ends bears a fastener that can engage at any point on one face of the composite foam/fabric material (namely on the fabric side. This bandage is disclosed for use, for example, as a foot and ankle support; however its structure and concept are similar to an Ace bandage in that it is a generic-shaped piece of material can be wrapped around a body part and affixed as desired by joining a free end to the underlying wrap(s). It would be advantageous if such a bandage could be improved for particular uses such as specific joints and appendages, optimized for such uses and nevertheless arranged to adjust precisely in a manner appropriate for the location and the extent of support required by the user. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention concerns elasticized orthopedic devices that are wrapped about portions of the body and affixed at least at one free overlapping end, for applying compression, pressure and support to the tissues and to support joints, such as, ankles, elbows, knees, and wrists. More particularly, a reusable, bonded, plastic foam layer is intimately adhered to an elasticized fabric substrate having fastening properties. The overlapping portions of fabric are provided in varying widths and shapes that can be endwise attached to one another. Wider shapes are useful in wrapping around specific portions of the body to provide a relatively wide area of supporting pressure, and the narrower shapes concentrate additional support at a selected area, for example overlapping or underlapping the wider part, or engaging adjacent to a protruding anatomical area such that the adjustable device is fixed in is place as well as adjustable for the user&#39;s particular size and the extent of pressure required. 
     The foam plastic and fabric device preferably comprises a thermoplastic urethane foam layer that has been intimately adhered to an elasticized substrate fabric. Such adherence is aptly provided by curing a liquid foam composition that is poured or flowed onto one side of the fabric such that the curing foam engages the interstices of the fabric upon curing, while leaving strands of the fabric exposed on the opposite side, including unbroken strands that provide the functional loop or pile structure needed for engagement with the hook side of a hook-and-pile fastener. Thus the substrate preferably comprises an unbroken loop or strand fabric and has fastening properties resembling those of the pile side of a hook and pile fastener. Tabs that are faced with the corresponding hooks of a hook and pile type fastener are attached to the device, preferably at least at one free edge of the wider or narrower shapes, for example being electronically welded to the fabric and underlying foam layer at the end of a narrower over-wrap portion. The tabs can be quickly fastened to the fabric with minimal pressure or released from the surface of the fabric by being pulled upward from engagement, enabling the device to be fit precisely, or to be refit afterwards (e.g., tightened, loosened, repositioned, etc.). The device accommodates the dimensions of any user over a wide range of sizes, and provides the desired degree of resilient pressure for each. The tabs can be affixed anywhere over the available span of fabric to achieve a wide variety of different configurations, with certain particular configurations being discussed below for relief of common complaints or for supporting particularly vulnerable anatomical structures. 
     The thermoplastic foam layer provides a cushioning support device that breathes, for comfortable, direct contact with the skin, and can even be used over an open wound. Different examples of the invention can be used singularly or in combination, on the ankles, feet, knees, wrists, hands, elbows and the like. 
     It is therefore an object of the invention to provide improved foam plastic orthopedic bandages having the attributes set forth. 
     It is another object to provide improved foam plastic orthopedic bandages which may be used to treat and/or to obviate the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbows, injuries to the Achilles tendon and similar traumatic conditions located around ankles, wrists, and knees, as well as generally to provide comfortable, well fitting and protective support to the ankles, wrists and other anatomical parts which can benefit from added exterior support. 
     Other objects and aspects of the invention will be apparent from the following description of certain exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Shown in the drawings are exemplary embodiments of the invention as presently preferred. It should be understood that the invention is not limited to only these embodiments but is capable of variation within the scope of the appended claims. In the drawings: 
     FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the foam plastic orthopedic bandage of the invention; 
     FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing the orthopedic bandage of FIG. 1 in the process of being wrapped around a wrist and thumb; 
     FIG. 1B shows the result of the wrapping shown in FIG. 1A; 
     FIGS. 1C,  1 D and  1 E are top perspective views showing the orthopedic bandage of FIG. 1 being wrapped around a wrist such that the wider and narrower portions engage and overlap; 
     FIGS. 1F,  1 G and  1 H are top perspective views showing the orthopedic bandage of FIG. 1 being wrapped around an elbow such that the wider and narrower portions engage and overlap; 
     FIG. 2 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken along line  2 — 2  on FIG. 1, looking in the direction of the arrows; 
     FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a modified embodiment of a foam plastic orthopedic bandage of the invention; 
     FIGS. 3A,  3 B,  3 C and  3 D are top plan views showing the orthopedic bandage of FIG. 3 being wrapped around a foot and ankle; 
     FIGS. 3E,  3 F,  3 G and  3 H are perspective views showing the orthopedic bandage of FIG. 3 being wrapped around a foot and ankle; 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another modified embodiment of the foam plastic orthopedic bandage; 
     FIG. 4A is a perspective view showing the orthopedic bandage of FIG. 4 being wrapped around a foot and being used in combination with a similar but narrower bandage wrapped around an ankle, to support the arch, subtalor joint and the Achilles tendon; 
     FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the foam plastic orthopedic bandage; 
     FIG. 5A is a perspective view showing the orthopedic bandage of FIG. 5 as wrapped around a wrist and used in combination with another similar but narrower bandage wrapped obliquely to engage around a thumb; 
     FIG. 6 is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment of the foam plastic orthopedic bandage of the invention; 
     FIGS. 6A,  6 B,  6 C and  6 D are top perspective views showing the orthopedic bandage of FIG. 6 being wrapped around a wrist such that the wider and narrower portions engage and overlap; 
     FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a fabric-side of another alternative embodiment of a foam plastic orthopedic bandage of the invention; 
     FIG. 7A is a top perspective view of a foam-side of another alternative embodiment of a foam plastic orthopedic bandage of FIG. 7; 
     FIGS. 7B,  7 C,  7 D and  7 E are perspective views showing the orthopedic bandage of FIG. 7 being wrapped around a hand, wrist and thumb for relieving carpal tunnel syndrome by providing support in the region of the wrist; 
     FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the foam plastic orthopedic bandage, specifically for restraining the position of the patella while otherwise permitting substantial knee joint mobility; 
     FIGS. 8A,  8 B,  8 C,  8 D,  8 E and  8 F are perspective views showing the orthopedic bandage of FIG. 8 being wrapped around a knee; 
     FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the foam plastic orthopedic bandage; and, 
     FIGS. 9A,  9 B and  9 C are perspective views showing the orthopedic bandage of FIG. 9 being wrapped around a foot and Achilles tendon. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, orthopedic bandage  10  comprises a layer of loop fabric  12  and a layer of plastic  14 . Preferably, loop fabric  12  is elasticized, and has fastening properties similar to the loop side of a hook-and-loop fastener pair, namely exposed unbroken loops or lengths of fiber over a span permitting the fiber to be engaged by the hook side of such a fastener pair. As seen in FIG. 2, a first layer comprising fabric layer  12  is permanently affixed to second layer  14 , which is made of a stretchable foam plastic. Foam plastic layer  14  can comprise a urethane foam that is securely bonded to fabric layer  12 . In one embodiment of the invention, foam plastic layer  14  and fabric layer  12  are attached by adhesive or by electrical welding. In another embodiment, foam plastic layer  14  is formed from a blown liquid polymer that is poured onto fabric layer  12  and cured in situ. In this embodiment, the liquid polymer penetrates the interstices of the fabric prior to curing, thereby creating a secure bond. It is preferred that no additional fasteners, such as, stitching, rivets, staples, etc., be required or used to adhere fabric layer  12  to foam plastic layer  14 . According to another embodiment, the foam is specifically thermoplastic urethane foam and the fabric is adhered to the foam in an automatic bonding process involving heating the fabric (and the foam through the fabric), to soften the foam and achieve a similar interstitial bonding between the foam and the fabric. 
     As seen in FIG. 1, the layer of fabric  12  includes a first end  18  and a second end  20 . First end  18  is disposed along a thinner strap-like section and second end  20  is disposed along a wider pad-like section. A transverse opening  22  is provided in second end  20  (wider section), and is dimensioned such that the narrower strap-like section (first end  18 ) can be looped over and passed through opening  22 . Opening  22  is bounded by a reinforcing strip  24 , which may comprise a tab of plastic that is heat bonded to fabric layer  12  and a portion of foam plastic layer  14  that bleeds through fabric layer  12  during welding. For example, reinforcing strip  24  may comprise hook-type fastening material which is permanently affixed to fabric layer  12  by heat sealing. The hooks are arranged to engage foam plastic layer  14  through fabric layer  12  behind it. 
     Fastening tabs  16  are provided on first end  18  and second end  20 , and are formed of hook-type fastening material that is adapted to engage and hold fabric layer  12  when bandage  10  is stretched and wrapped, as will hereinafter be disclosed in further detail. Fastening tabs  16  comprise short lengths of plastic hook material, which may be heat sealed at each end of the device. Fastening tabs  16  have hook material surfaces extending beyond the extreme ends of bandage  10 . The hook material is oriented so that when bandage  10  is stretched taut around an anatomical part, and tab  16  is pressed against fabric layer  12 , the hooks engage fabric layer  12  and lock bandage  10  taut in place. It is possible to place a tab  16  at only one end; however, tabs  16  are preferably provided at both ends of fabric layer  12  and stretchable foam plastic layer  14 . 
     A portion  25  of bandage  10 , disposed between first end  18  and second end  20 , is wider than first end  18 . In this way, transverse opening  22  may be provided in bandage  10  so as to be at least as wide as first end  18 . As a result, first end  18  may be wrapped around a body part and threaded through opening  22 . 
     The preferred embodiment of bandage  10  comprises two different widths along its length. It would be possible, however, to employ additional distinct widths along the length bandage  10 . When bandage  10  is wrapped about a body part, with selected resilient stretching, inward pressure is more concentrated under the thinner-width portions of bandage  10 , and less concentrated under the thicker-width portions. Different constructions are possible but in the embodiment shown the thicker-width portion is intended either to overly the thinner-width portion, or the thicker-width portion may wrap around one anatomical part and the thinner-width portion may wrap around an adjacent anatomical part. This arrangement positions the respective thicker and thinner portions of bandage  10 , securely and comfortably without folding and bunching. 
     As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, bandage  10  can be wrapped around the base of the hand to encompass and lock around the wrist  38  and the tapering proximal part of the wearer&#39;s hand, with tab  16  on second end  20  of bandage  10  locking back against itself. The thinner portion encircles the base of thumb  36  and attaches back to the wider portion of bandage  10 , via tab  16  at first end  18 . 
     As shown in FIG. 1A, after first end  18  of bandage  10  is threaded through transverse opening  22  (not shown in this figure) and first end  18  is wrapped around thumb  36 , tab  16  of first end  18  is secured to a receiving portion of first end  18 . Second end  20  of bandage  10  is shown partially wrapped around wrist  38 FIG. 1B shows second end  20  completely wrapped around wrist  38  and tab  16  of second end  20  secured to the receiving portion of second end  20 . The arrangement as shown can be wrapped at the user&#39;s choice further up over the hand, for example to support the wrist for alleviating carpal tunnel pain, or further away from the hand, for example to support a sprained wrist. In addition, more or less pressure can be exerted, as desired, by exerting corresponding tension (stretching force), when wrapping bandage  10 . With more or less tension and stretching, the position at which tabs  16  attach to underlying fabric layer  12  is moved circumferentially farther or less far. 
     FIGS. 1C,  1 D and  1 E show an alternative use of bandage  10  of FIG. 1 to concentrate the pressure exerted on a more or less cylindrical anatomical part, such as the wrist or forearm. The wider section of bandage  10  exerts a distributed force and/or acts as an outer pad; and the narrower section of bandage  10  exerts a concentrated force which may be selected by the user. As shown in FIG. 1C and 1D, when wrapping bandage  10  around wrist  38 , first end  18  threaded through transverse opening  22  and tab  16  (not shown) of first end  18  is secured to a receiving surface defined by the portion of fabric layer  12 . FIG. 1E shows second end  20  of bandage  10 , (wider section), wrapped completely around wrist  38  with tab  16  secured to the receiving surface defined by a portion of fabric layer  12  that is facing the wider section of bandage  10 , and which section overlies the affixed narrower strap section. 
     FIGS. 1F,  1 G and  1 H show another alternative use of bandage  10  of FIG. 1 to concentrate the pressure exerted on a more or less cylindrical anatomical part, such as a forearm near an elbow. The wider section of bandage  10  exerts a distributed force and/or acts as an outer pad; and the narrower section of bandage  10  exerts a concentrated force which may be selected by the user. As shown in FIG. 1F and 1G, when wrapping bandage  10  around elbow  29 , first end  18  threaded through transverse opening  22  (not shown) and tab  16  of first end  18  is secured to a receiving surface defined by the portion of fabric layer  12 . FIG. 1H shows second end  20  of bandage  10  (wider section), wrapped completely around the forearm near the elbow  29  with tab  16  secured to the receiving surface defined by a portion of fabric layer  12  that is facing the wider section of bandage  10 , and which section overlies the affixed narrower strap section. 
     FIG. 3 shows another application of combined wide and narrow pads/straps in a bandage according to the invention. This bandage  10  is generally U-shaped with a singular wide body  19  having a fastener tab  16  that wraps in a first direction to engage a first end  18 , and two legs  21  leading to tabs  16  at a second end  20 , the legs being arranged to wrap in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first. This embodiment advantageously is applied to joints that may be arranged at a right angle, such as the ankle or elbow. 
     In FIGS. 3A,  3 B,  3 C and  3 D, the wide portion of bandage  10  is wrapped over the instep of a foot  26 , and the narrower strap portions of bandage  10 , which are arranged symmetrically, are crossed behind the ankle, e.g., over the Achilles tendon. The narrow straps are brought forward such that their tabs  16  attach on the surface of fabric layer  12  of the wider portion, now affixed around the foot. 
     Referring to FIG. 3A, bandage  10  is shown partially wrapped around foot  26 . FIG. 3B shows singular body  19  of first end  18  wrapped around foot  26  and tab  16  of first end  18  secured to the receiving surface of first end  18 , at a specific position determined by the degree of tightness required by the wearing. FIG. 3C shows one leg  21  of second end  20  wrapped around ankle  28  and foot  26  and tab  16  on one leg  21  of second end  20  secured to the receiving surface of first end  18 . FIG.  3 D. shows the other leg  21  of second end  20  wrapped around ankle  28  and foot  26  and tab  16  (not shown) on the other leg  21  of second end  20  secured to the receiving surface adjacent to first end  18 . Bandage  10  is shown completely wrapped and affixed around ankle  28  and foot  26 . 
     Singular body  19  also can be wrapped around a vertical axis, forwardly, from behind the ankle and around foot  26 . The two legs  21  of bandage  10  are wrapped around and cross-over foot  26 . In any event, bandage  10  wraps around ankle  28  and foot  26  of the wearer, in this example, or around the humerus and radius/ulna at the elbow, etc. 
     In FIGS. 3E,  3 F, 3 G and  3 H, the wide portion of bandage  10  is wrapped over the Achilles tendon  32 , heel and ankle  28  areas of a foot  26 , and the narrower strap portions of bandage  10 , which are arranged symmetrically, are crossed over the instep of a foot  26 . The narrow straps are brought forward such that their tabs  16  attach on the surface of fabric layer  12  of either the wider portion or the narrow portion, both now affixed around the foot and ankle. 
     Referring to FIG. 3E, bandage  10  is shown partially wrapped around foot  26 . FIG. 3F shows singular body  19  of first end  18  wrapped around ankle  28  and tab  16  of first end  18  secured to the receiving surface of first end  18 , at a specific position determined by the degree of tightness required by the wearing. FIG. 3G shows one leg  21  of second end  20  wrapped around foot  26  and ankle  28  and tab  16  (not shown) on one leg  21  of second end  20  secured to the receiving surface of first end  18 . FIG. 3H shows the other leg  21  of second end  20  wrapped around ankle  28  and foot  26  and tab  16  (not shown) on the other leg  21  of second end  20  secured to the receiving surface adjacent to first end  18 . Bandage  10  is shown completely wrapped and affixed around ankle  28  and foot  26 . 
     According to the foregoing embodiments, wide and narrow pads/straps are permanently affixed, end to end, either by having been integrally cut from the same sheet (e.g., FIGS. 1,  7 ) or having attached separate parts (e.g., FIGS. 3,  6 ,  8  and  9 ). For example, in FIG. 3, electrically welded bridging tabs  24  affix the narrow legs to the wider singular part. As an alternative, the wide and narrow sections can be separably attached using hook type fastener tabs. 
     FIG. 4 shows the basic unit of the bandage having a fabric faced, foam body and a hook-type fastener tab  16  attached thereto. This basic unit can be relatively wide and short and used together with an otherwise similar unit that is relatively long and narrow, thereby achieving even more versatility than in the previous embodiments. Furthermore, as suggested in FIG. 4, bandage  10  can have a part which is non-linear from first end  18  to second end  20 . In this case, one side is substantially concave and one side is substantially convex, as viewed from first end  18  to second end  20 . Combining the aspects of non-linear shape and the use of wider and narrower segments, as shown in FIG. 4A, bandage  10  can be wrapped around a joint in which there is a transition from one shape to another. In FIG. 4A, the wider non-linear shape complements the generally elliptical and tapering shape of foot  26  with tab  16  securing this part to the receiving surface of bandage  10 . One or more narrower straps are wrapped around the ankle and have a tab  16  that preferably is affixed to the receiving fabric surfaces of both the wide and narrow parts. 
     FIGS. 5 and A show a similar embodiment, as applied to a hand and wrist. This embodiment of bandage  10  is also non-linear from first end  18  to second end  20 , but is symmetrical, in that both sides are generally tapered toward one another from first end  18  to the second end  20 . As seen in FIG. 5A, bandage  10  may be wrapped around a wrist  38  and tab  16  secured to the receiving surface of bandage  10 . A similar but narrower orthopedic bandage  30  is wrapped around a thumb  36  to provide additional support, as well as to hold the wider part forwardly against the rearward taper of the hand. 
     FIGS. 6,  6 A,  6 B,  6 C and  6 D show an alternative use of bandage  10  to concentrate the pressure exerted on a more or less cylindrical anatomical part, such as a wrist  38  or forearm. The wider section of bandage  10  exerts a distributed force and/or acts as an inner pad; and the narrower section of bandage  10  exerts a concentrated force which may be selected by the user. FIG. 6A, shows the initial placement of the wider section of bandage  10  around wrist  38 . FIG. 6B shows the first closure of the wider section and the initial wrapping of the narrower section around wrist  38 . As shown in FIG. 6B, when wrapping bandage  10  around wrist  38 , first end  18  of bandage  10  and tab  16  of first end  18  is secured to a receiving surface defined by the wider section of fabric layer  12 . FIG. 6C shows the narrower section of bandage  10  being pulled for compression around the general wrist area. FIG. 6D shows the second end  20  of bandage  10  (narrower section), wrapped completely around wrist  38  with tab  16  (not shown) secured to the receiving surface defined by a portion of fabric layer  12  of the narrower section of bandage  10 , and which section overlies the affixed wider strap section. 
     FIGS. 7,  7 A,  7 B,  7 C,  7 D and  7 E show bandage  10  being wrapped around a hand  37 , wrist  38  and thumb  36 , similar to FIG.  5 . FIG. 7 shows a view of the fabric-side and FIG. 7A shows a view of the foam-side of the foam plastic orthopedic bandage of FIG.  7 . This embodiment of bandage  10  is also non-linear from first end  18  to second end  20  and generally tapers from the wider first end  18  to the narrower second end  20 . In addition, bandage  10  is diagonally opposed generally from first end  18  to second end  20  and an opening  31  is formed in bandage  10  in said wider portion, said opening  31  being located off-center. As seen in FIG. 7B, bandage  10  is worn like a glove around a hand  37  and shows bandage  10  being closed. In contrast, FIG. 7C shows the bandage before the glove portion is actually closed. FIG. 7D shows bandage  10  being pulled for compression around the general hand area. FIG. 7E shows the second end  20  of bandage  10  wrapped completely around hand  37  with tab  16  secured to the receiving surface defined by a portion of fabric layer  12  of the second end  20  of bandage  10 , and which section overlies the affixed glove strap section. 
     FIG. 8 shows the invention in an embodiment combining the aspects of wide and narrow pads/straps in a bandage. This bandage is generally U-shaped with a singular wide body  19  having a fastener tab  16  that wraps in a first direction to engage a first end  18 , two legs  21  leading to tabs  16  at a second end  20 , and a single leg  34  leading to tabs at a third end  23 . This embodiment is advantageously applied around a knee  27 . FIGS. 8A,  8 B,  8 C,  8 D,  8 E and  8 F are perspective views showing the orthopedic bandage of FIG. 8 being wrapped around a knee  27 . The bandage is adjustable in tension to apply gradient pressure for securely positioning the patella, namely by defining a fixed at-least-partial enclosure surrounding the crown of the patella, but not substantially impeding the mobility of the knee joint as a whole. FIG. 8A shows initial placement of the first end  18  having a singular wide body  19 , around a knee  27 . FIG. 8B shows the closure of one of the two legs  21  of the second end  20  around the knee with the tab  16  of one leg of the second end  20  secured to a receiving surface defined by the first leg of the second end  20  of fabric layer  12 . FIG. 8C similarly shows the closure of the second of the two legs  21  of the second end  20  around the knee  27  with the tab of the second leg of the second end  20  secured to a receiving surface defined by the second leg of the second end  20  of fabric layer  12 . FIG. 8D additionally shows the single leg  22  of the third end being pulled for compression around the knee cap area. Referring to FIG. 8D, the single leg  24  of the third end  23  of the bandage is being pulled for compression behind the knee cap area. FIG. 8E is a side view of the embodiment, showing the single leg  34  of the third end  23  of the bandage wrapped completely around the knee  27  area with tab  16  (not shown) secured to a receiving surface defined by the single leg  34  of the third end  23  of fabric layer  12 . FIG. 8F is a front view of the embodiment shown in FIG.  8 E. 
     FIG. 9 shows a bandage  10  combining the aspects of non-linear shape and the use of wider and narrower segments. As suggested in FIG. 9, bandage  10  can have a part which is non-linear from first end  18  to second end  20 . In this case, one side is substantially concave and one side is substantially convex, as viewed from first end  18  to second end  20 . Combining the aspects of non-linear shape and the use of wider and narrower segments, as shown in FIG. 9A, bandage  10  can be wrapped around a joint in which there is a transition from one shape to another. As shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C, the wider non-linear shape complements the generally elliptical and tapering shape of foot  26  with tab  16  securing this part to the receiving surface of bandage  10 . The affixed narrower linear strap  39  is wrapped around the Achilles is tendon  32  and have a tab  16  that preferably is affixed to the receiving fabric surfaces of both the wide and narrow parts. FIG. 9A, shows the initial placement of the wider non-linear section of bandage  10  underneath foot  26 . FIG. 9B shows the closure of the wider section around foot  26  and the narrower section  39  around Achilles tendon  32 . As shown in FIG. 9B, when wrapping bandage  10  around foot  26 , second end  20  of bandage  10  and tab  16  of second end  20  is secured to a receiving surface defined by the wider first end  18  of fabric layer  12 . Also shown in FIG. 9B, when wrapping bandage  10  around Achilles tendon  32 , third end  23  of bandage  10  and tab  16  of third end  23  is secured to the receiving surfaces defined by the wider section and the narrower section of fabric layer  12 . FIG. 9C shows a side perspective view of FIG.  9 B. FIGS. 9B and 9C show the third end  23  of bandage  10  (narrower section  39 ), wrapped completely around Achilles tendon  32  with tab  16  secured to the receiving surface defined by a portion of fabric layer  12  of the narrower section  39  and the wider section of bandage  10 , and which narrower section  39  overlies the affixed wider strap section. 
     The invention having been disclosed in connection with the foregoing variations and examples, additional variations will now be apparent to persons skilled in the art. The invention is not intended to be limited to the variations specifically mentioned, and accordingly reference should be made to the appended claims rather than the foregoing discussion of preferred examples, to assess the scope of the invention in which exclusive rights are claimed.