Title:
CLAVICLE BRACE
United States Patent 3856004
Abstract:
A clavicle brace for giving support to a patient's shoulders during the healing of an injured clavicle. The clavicle brace includes a body portion and integral first and second strap portions made generally of reticulated foam. A coupling means is substantially fixedly attached to the body portion for allowing the distal ends of the first and second strap portion to extend therearound after passing over the patient's shoulders and under his axillae. The distal ends of the first and second strap portions are then doubled back on themselves and attached by Velcro type fastening means to other parts of the first and second strap portions thereby properly securing the clavicle brace to the patient.
US Patent References:
/1050257.html
Trigg - January 1913 - 1050257
Clavicle splint
Peterson et al. - September 1948 - 2450298
Flexion back brace
Stuttle - November 1967 - 3351053
SHOULDER BRACE
Kaplan - December 1970 - 3548818
/1050257.html
Trigg - January 1913 - 1050257
Clavicle splint
Peterson et al. - September 1948 - 2450298
Flexion back brace
Stuttle - November 1967 - 3351053
SHOULDER BRACE
Kaplan - December 1970 - 3548818
Application Number:
05/427995
Publication Date:
12/24/1974
Filing Date:
12/26/1973
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Assignee:
Comfort, Care Products (Pontotoc, MS)
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
128/DIG.019, 2/908, 2/45
International Classes:
A61F5/058; A61F5/04; A61F5/04
Field of Search:
128/78,DIG.19,DIG.15,87 2/44,45
Primary Examiner:
Gaudet, Richard A.
Assistant Examiner:
Yasko J.
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Walker III, John R.
Claims:
I claim
1. A clavicle brace for giving support to a patient's shoulders during the healing of an injured clavicle, said clavicle brace comprising:
2. The clavicle brace of claim 1 in which said body means and said first and second strap means are of a one-piece, integral construction.
3. The clavicle brace of claim 2 in which said body means and said first and second strap means include a first side of reticulated foam for contacting the patient'body and include a second side of synthetic fabric.
4. A clavicle brace for giving support to a patient's shoulders during the healing of an injured clavicle, said clavicle brace comprising:
5. The clavicle brace of claim 4 in which said body means and said first and second strap means are of a one-piece, integral construction.
6. The clavicle brace of claim 5 in which said body means and said first and second strap means include a first side of reticulated foam for contacting the patient's body and include a second side of synthetic fabric.
7. The clavicle brace of claim 6 in which said synthetic fabric consists of a Velcro hook sensitive material and in which said fastening means of said first and second strap consists of a Velcro hook material for engagement with said Velcro hook sensitive material.
1. A clavicle brace for giving support to a patient's shoulders during the healing of an injured clavicle, said clavicle brace comprising:
2. The clavicle brace of claim 1 in which said body means and said first and second strap means are of a one-piece, integral construction.
3. The clavicle brace of claim 2 in which said body means and said first and second strap means include a first side of reticulated foam for contacting the patient'body and include a second side of synthetic fabric.
4. A clavicle brace for giving support to a patient's shoulders during the healing of an injured clavicle, said clavicle brace comprising:
5. The clavicle brace of claim 4 in which said body means and said first and second strap means are of a one-piece, integral construction.
6. The clavicle brace of claim 5 in which said body means and said first and second strap means include a first side of reticulated foam for contacting the patient's body and include a second side of synthetic fabric.
7. The clavicle brace of claim 6 in which said synthetic fabric consists of a Velcro hook sensitive material and in which said fastening means of said first and second strap consists of a Velcro hook material for engagement with said Velcro hook sensitive material.
Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to devices for supporting the shoulder region of a patient's body during the healing or mending of injured, dislocated, fractured or broken clavicles.
Description of the Prior Art: The prior art includes the following U.S. Pats.: Meek, No. 3,141,456; McLeod, No. 3,338,236; Stiefel, No. 3,382,868; Hall, No. 3,449,441; Kaplan, No. 3,548,818; and Gaylord, No. 3,718,137. None of the above patents disclose or suggest the present invention.
As evidenced by the above patents, numerous clavicle braces are known in the art and typically comprise a pair of straps extending over the patient's shoulders, under his axillae, and to a connector positioned on the middle of his back. However, these previous clavicle braces have been disadvantageous in that they are relatively difficult to adjust properly to the patient. They often pull at the wrong angles to the injured clavicles, and they are relatively complicated to manufacture.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed towards overcoming the problems and disadvantages in previous clavicle braces. The concept of the present invention is to provide a clavicle brace that is simple to adjust properly, that always pulls at the correct angle to the injured clavicle, and that is simple to manufacture.
The present invention discloses a universal clavicle brace including a body for positioning substantially over the upper back of the patient, a first strap attached to the upper portion of the body for extending over one shoulder and under the corresponding axilla of the patient, a second strap attached to the upper portion of the body adjacent the first strap for extending over the other shoulder and under the corresponding axilla of the patient, and coupling means attached to the body below the first and second straps for allowing the distal ends of the first and second straps to extend therethrough after passing under the respective axillae of the patient and to be subsequently doubled back on themselves for allowing the distal ends of the first and second straps to be fastened to other portions of the first and second straps.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a front view of a patient wearing the clavicle brace of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a rear view of a patient wearing the clavicle brace of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a portion of the present invention showing how the coupling means is attached to the body of the clavicle brace.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a portion of the present invention showing how the distal end of the first strap extends through the coupling means and is subsequently fastened to itself.
FIG. 5 is a plan view of the clavicle split of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The clavicle brace 11 of the present invention is for use in giving support to a patient's shoulders during the healing of a dislocated, injured or fractured clavicle. The clavicle brace 11 includes a body 13, first strap 15, second strap 17, and coupling means 19. The first strap 15 is attached to the upper portion of the body 13 for extending over one shoulder and under the corresponding axilla of the patient. The first strap 15 has a distal end 15' which includes a fastening means 21 thereon for allowing the distal end 15' to be fastened to other portions of the first stap 15 and has a medial portion 15". The second strap 17 is attached to the upper portion of the body 13 adjacent the first strap 15 for extending over the other shoulder and under the corresponding axilla of the patient. The second strap 17 has a distal end 17' which includes a fastening means 23 thereon for allowing the distal end 17' to be fastened to other portions of the second strap 17 and has a medial portion 17".
The coupling means 19 is attached to the body 13 below the first and second straps 15, 17 for allowing the distal ends 15', 17' of the first and second straps 15, 17 to extend therethrough after passing under the respective axilla of the patient and to be subsequently doubled back on themselves for allowing the fastening means 21, 23 to attach the distal ends 15', 17' of the first and second straps 15, 17 to the medial portions 15", 17" of the first and second straps 15, 17 thereby properly securing the clavicle brace 11 to the patient. Preferably, the coupling means 19 includes a first leg 25, a second leg 27, and a third leg 29 joined together to form an equilateral triangle. The equilateral triangle insures that there are equal and opposing pulls through the first and second straps 15, 17. The coupling means 19 is preferably constructed of a plastic material. The first leg 25 is substantially fixedly attached to the body 13 through a fabric loop 31. The fabric loop 31 is attached to the body 13 by stitching or the like. The fabric loop 31 allows the coupling means 19 to be firmly held against the body 13 while allowing the second and third legs 27, 29 of the coupling means 19 to be pivoted away from the body 13 for ease in inserting the first and second straps 15, 17 therethrough. The second leg 27 depends downwardly from the first leg 25 for allowing the distal end 15' of the first strap to be doubled therearound. Likewise, the second leg 29 depends downwardly from the first leg 25 for allowing the distal end 17' of the second strap 17 to be doubled therearound.
Preferably, the body 13 and the first and second straps 15, 17 are of a one-piece, integral construction. The body 13 and the first and second straps 15, 17 are preferably constructed of a first layer 33 of reticulated foam such as Scott industrial type foam and a second layer 35 of synthetic fabric laminated to the first layer 33 of reticulated foam. The first layer 33 of reticulated foam is for contacting the patient's body and provides a soft, absorbent and porous surface. The first layer 33 of reticulated foam also prevents the straps 15, 17 from biting into the patient's axillae as they extend thereunder. The second layer 35 of synthetic fabric preferably consists of a Velcro hook sensitive material. Likewise, the fastening means 21, 23 of the distal ends 15', 17' of the first and second straps 15, 17 preferably consist of a Velcro hook material for engagement with the Velcro hook sensitive material.
In placing the clavicle brace 11 of the present invention on a patient, the body 13 is positioned substantially over the upper back of the patient and the first and second straps 15, 17 are placed over the patient's shoulders, under the corresponding axillae and looped around the second and third legs 27, 29 of the coupling means 19. The first and second straps 15, 17 are then pulled tightly to properly position the clavicle brace 11 on the patient. Next, the fastening means 21, 23 of the distal ends 15', 17' of the first and second straps 15, 17 are fastened to the medial portions 15", 17" of the first and second straps 15, 17. The clavicle brace 11 of the present invention is universally applicable to patients regardless of body size, simple to adjust properly, and always pulls at the correct angle to the injured clavicle.
Althouugh the invention has been described and illustrated with respect to a preferred embodiment thereof, it is not to be so limited since changes and modifications may be made therein which are within the full intended scope of the invention.
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to devices for supporting the shoulder region of a patient's body during the healing or mending of injured, dislocated, fractured or broken clavicles.
Description of the Prior Art: The prior art includes the following U.S. Pats.: Meek, No. 3,141,456; McLeod, No. 3,338,236; Stiefel, No. 3,382,868; Hall, No. 3,449,441; Kaplan, No. 3,548,818; and Gaylord, No. 3,718,137. None of the above patents disclose or suggest the present invention.
As evidenced by the above patents, numerous clavicle braces are known in the art and typically comprise a pair of straps extending over the patient's shoulders, under his axillae, and to a connector positioned on the middle of his back. However, these previous clavicle braces have been disadvantageous in that they are relatively difficult to adjust properly to the patient. They often pull at the wrong angles to the injured clavicles, and they are relatively complicated to manufacture.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed towards overcoming the problems and disadvantages in previous clavicle braces. The concept of the present invention is to provide a clavicle brace that is simple to adjust properly, that always pulls at the correct angle to the injured clavicle, and that is simple to manufacture.
The present invention discloses a universal clavicle brace including a body for positioning substantially over the upper back of the patient, a first strap attached to the upper portion of the body for extending over one shoulder and under the corresponding axilla of the patient, a second strap attached to the upper portion of the body adjacent the first strap for extending over the other shoulder and under the corresponding axilla of the patient, and coupling means attached to the body below the first and second straps for allowing the distal ends of the first and second straps to extend therethrough after passing under the respective axillae of the patient and to be subsequently doubled back on themselves for allowing the distal ends of the first and second straps to be fastened to other portions of the first and second straps.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a front view of a patient wearing the clavicle brace of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a rear view of a patient wearing the clavicle brace of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a portion of the present invention showing how the coupling means is attached to the body of the clavicle brace.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a portion of the present invention showing how the distal end of the first strap extends through the coupling means and is subsequently fastened to itself.
FIG. 5 is a plan view of the clavicle split of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The clavicle brace 11 of the present invention is for use in giving support to a patient's shoulders during the healing of a dislocated, injured or fractured clavicle. The clavicle brace 11 includes a body 13, first strap 15, second strap 17, and coupling means 19. The first strap 15 is attached to the upper portion of the body 13 for extending over one shoulder and under the corresponding axilla of the patient. The first strap 15 has a distal end 15' which includes a fastening means 21 thereon for allowing the distal end 15' to be fastened to other portions of the first stap 15 and has a medial portion 15". The second strap 17 is attached to the upper portion of the body 13 adjacent the first strap 15 for extending over the other shoulder and under the corresponding axilla of the patient. The second strap 17 has a distal end 17' which includes a fastening means 23 thereon for allowing the distal end 17' to be fastened to other portions of the second strap 17 and has a medial portion 17".
The coupling means 19 is attached to the body 13 below the first and second straps 15, 17 for allowing the distal ends 15', 17' of the first and second straps 15, 17 to extend therethrough after passing under the respective axilla of the patient and to be subsequently doubled back on themselves for allowing the fastening means 21, 23 to attach the distal ends 15', 17' of the first and second straps 15, 17 to the medial portions 15", 17" of the first and second straps 15, 17 thereby properly securing the clavicle brace 11 to the patient. Preferably, the coupling means 19 includes a first leg 25, a second leg 27, and a third leg 29 joined together to form an equilateral triangle. The equilateral triangle insures that there are equal and opposing pulls through the first and second straps 15, 17. The coupling means 19 is preferably constructed of a plastic material. The first leg 25 is substantially fixedly attached to the body 13 through a fabric loop 31. The fabric loop 31 is attached to the body 13 by stitching or the like. The fabric loop 31 allows the coupling means 19 to be firmly held against the body 13 while allowing the second and third legs 27, 29 of the coupling means 19 to be pivoted away from the body 13 for ease in inserting the first and second straps 15, 17 therethrough. The second leg 27 depends downwardly from the first leg 25 for allowing the distal end 15' of the first strap to be doubled therearound. Likewise, the second leg 29 depends downwardly from the first leg 25 for allowing the distal end 17' of the second strap 17 to be doubled therearound.
Preferably, the body 13 and the first and second straps 15, 17 are of a one-piece, integral construction. The body 13 and the first and second straps 15, 17 are preferably constructed of a first layer 33 of reticulated foam such as Scott industrial type foam and a second layer 35 of synthetic fabric laminated to the first layer 33 of reticulated foam. The first layer 33 of reticulated foam is for contacting the patient's body and provides a soft, absorbent and porous surface. The first layer 33 of reticulated foam also prevents the straps 15, 17 from biting into the patient's axillae as they extend thereunder. The second layer 35 of synthetic fabric preferably consists of a Velcro hook sensitive material. Likewise, the fastening means 21, 23 of the distal ends 15', 17' of the first and second straps 15, 17 preferably consist of a Velcro hook material for engagement with the Velcro hook sensitive material.
In placing the clavicle brace 11 of the present invention on a patient, the body 13 is positioned substantially over the upper back of the patient and the first and second straps 15, 17 are placed over the patient's shoulders, under the corresponding axillae and looped around the second and third legs 27, 29 of the coupling means 19. The first and second straps 15, 17 are then pulled tightly to properly position the clavicle brace 11 on the patient. Next, the fastening means 21, 23 of the distal ends 15', 17' of the first and second straps 15, 17 are fastened to the medial portions 15", 17" of the first and second straps 15, 17. The clavicle brace 11 of the present invention is universally applicable to patients regardless of body size, simple to adjust properly, and always pulls at the correct angle to the injured clavicle.
Althouugh the invention has been described and illustrated with respect to a preferred embodiment thereof, it is not to be so limited since changes and modifications may be made therein which are within the full intended scope of the invention.