US3780729A - Universal shoulder immobilizing support - Google Patents

Universal shoulder immobilizing support Download PDF

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US3780729A
US3780729A US00212958A US3780729DA US3780729A US 3780729 A US3780729 A US 3780729A US 00212958 A US00212958 A US 00212958A US 3780729D A US3780729D A US 3780729DA US 3780729 A US3780729 A US 3780729A
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fabric
bristly
chest
chest band
upper arm
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US00212958A
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R Garnett
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Richards Manufacturing Co Inc
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Richards Manufacturing Co Inc
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F5/00—Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints; Nursing devices; Anti-rape devices
    • A61F5/37—Restraining devices for the body or for body parts, e.g. slings; Restraining shirts
    • A61F5/3715—Restraining devices for the body or for body parts, e.g. slings; Restraining shirts for attaching the limbs to other parts of the body
    • A61F5/3723—Restraining devices for the body or for body parts, e.g. slings; Restraining shirts for attaching the limbs to other parts of the body for the arms
    • A61F5/3738—Slings

Definitions

  • ABSTRACT A support intended to be used to immobilize either shoulder of any one of a wide range of different size persons.
  • the support includes a chest band having an open cell plastic foam sheeting, e. g., a polyurethane reticulated foam, constituting the inner surface thereof and a Velcro sensitive material covering the outer surface, a Velcro hooked member is attached to one end of the chest band for overlapping and grippingly engaging the outer surface to detachably hold the chest band snugly around the chest of different size persons.
  • An upper arm band is included which may be detachably secured to the chest band at infinite locations thereon selectively for the size of the user for immobilizing the upper arm of the user.
  • a wrist band which may be detachably secured to the chest band at infinite locations thereon selectively for the size of the user,.thus immobilizing the forearm of the user.
  • This invention relates to devices for immobilizing the shoulder of a person.
  • prior known shoulder supports are manufactured in different sizes to accommodate the wide range of different size persons. Certain of these prior supports include laces or buckles for making limited adjustments. However, this usually resulted in unsatisfactory fit.
  • Other known supports include a chest band which does not allow for free passage of air; accordingly, these supports are very warm, causing the patient to perspire profusely;
  • Other known supports include stiffeners such as bulky metal stays which oftimes cause bruises or skin ulcers to develop.
  • Other prior supports have hard spots caused by overlapping or wrinkling of the chest band which cause skin bruises.
  • the present invention is directed towards overcoming the disadvantages and problems relative to previous shoulder immobilizing supports.
  • An important feature of the present invention is its universal adaptability to either shoulder of any one of a wide range of different size persons. In other words, the present invention eliminates the necessity for maintaining a large inventory of odd size shoulder immobilizing supports.
  • One of the principal objects of the present invention is to provide a shoulder and arm immobilizing support which not only may be used for a wide range for different size persons, but firmly and securely holds the persons shoulder and arm in place without the danger of shifting or becoming loose or detached.
  • one of the important features of the present invention is the unique arrangement of the holding means for the wrist cuff in which an X-like configuration is employed to provide optimum holding power yet permit the desired adjustment.
  • This feature can be appreciated when it is considered that the constant weight of the forearm on the cuff and the accentuation thereof caused by the jostling of the forearm when the patient is walking, would otherwise permit the likelihood of detachment of the Velcro from the chest band were it not for the holding power of the X- like configuration of the present invention.
  • Another important feature of the present invention is the unique arrangement of the arm band member which includes a rearwardly extending-portion for pulling'the user's arm rearwardly and securely close in to the chest band.
  • the support of the present invention includes a chest band constructed from an open cell plastic foam sheeting, e.g., a polyurethane reticulated foam constituting the inner surface or inner ply of the chest band. Additionally, Velcro sensitive material or micro-filament looped pile fabric is provided which constitutes the outer ply and preferably covers the entire outer surface thereof.
  • An upper arm band is included which-may be detachably secured to the chest band at infinite locations thereon selectively for the size of theuser to immobilize the upper arm of the user.
  • a wrist cuff which may be detachably secured to the chest band at infinite locations thereon selectively for the size of the user to immobilize the forearm of the user.
  • the chestband of the shoulder immobilizing support of the present invention is spongy, non-allergenic, and allows for free passage of air to the skin which keeps the patient cool, comfortable and dry. Additionally, a contoured fit of the shoulder immobilizing support of the present invention is assured with notable absence of bulky metal stays which eliminates bruises caused by these or wrinkled and hard spots of prior devices.
  • the support of the present invention may be washed or autoclaved. Further, the shoulder immobilizing support of the present invention may be removed when retiring or bathing and re-applied by inexperienced personnel who may readily properly position the support to the shoulder of the patient.
  • FIG. 1 is an elevational view of the chest band for the universal shoulder immobilizing support of the present invention with the view taken of the inner liner depicting in phantom a typical location for engagement of the upper arm band and the wrist cuff members.
  • FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken as on the line lI-II of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged elevational view of the upper arm band member.
  • FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken as on the line IVIV of FIG. 3.
  • FIG. 5 is an enlarged elevational view of the wrist cuff member.
  • FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken as on the line VI-VI of FIG. 5.
  • FIG. 7 depicts the universal shoulder immobilizing support of the present invention in a typical environment as it might appear when viewed from the front when worn by a user.
  • FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken as on line VIII-VIII of FIG. 7.
  • FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken as on the line IX-IX of FIG. 7.
  • the universal shoulder immobilizing support 11 of the present invention generally includes a chest band member 13 (also see FIGS. 1 and 2), an upper arm band member 15 (also see FIGS. 3, 4, and 8), and a wrist cuff member 17 (also see FIGS. 4, 5 and 9).
  • the elongated chest band member 13 is intended to circumferentially engage the chest of a person, i. e., any one of a wide range of different size persons.
  • the midportion thereof preferably is provided with inwardly directed arcuate portions 19, 21 to enable the chest band member 13 to be worn high on the chest of the user and not extend upwardly into his armpit as clearly illus trated in FIG. 7 of the drawings.
  • one of the arcuate portions, e. g., arcuate portion 19 would be adjacent the users right arm pit.
  • the opposite arcuate portion e. g., the arcuate portion 21, would be adjacent the users left arm pit.
  • the chest band member l3 includes an inner ply of open cell plastic foam 23, e. g., a polyurethane reticulated foam.
  • a piece of bristly fabric 27 is included which has a multiplicity of minute resilient hooks on the front side thereof, i. e., well known in the art as a Velcro element.
  • the back side of the bristly fabric 27 contiguously engages the inner ply 23 and is attached thereto adjacent one end of the chest band member 13 by suitable means, as stitching.
  • the front side of the bristly fabric 27 or the hooks are directed inwardly to overlappingly and grippingly engage the outer ply 25 for coacting operably therewith selectively along the length thereof to detachably hold the chest band member 13 snugly around the chest of different size persons.
  • the upper arm band member 15 includes an elongated weblike member 29 having first and second sides 31, 33 thereto and is detachably attached to the chest band member 13 in a mannner yet to be described by bindingly engaging the upper arm of the user.
  • a piece of bristly fabric 35 substantially identical to the previously-described bristly fabric 27, is included and has the back side thereof contiguously engaging the first side 31 of the member 29 and is fixedly attached thereto, as by stitching at 35 intermediate the length thereof to divide the elongated weblike member 29 into a pair of free ends 37, 39 and for detachably holding the upper arm band member 15 to the chest band member 13 at various locations thereon.
  • the arm band member 15 also includes an additional piece of bristly fabric 41 having proximal and distal ends 43, thereto.
  • the bristly fabric 41 which is substantially identical to the previously-described bristly fabric 27, is disposed with the back side thereof contiguously engaging the second side 33 of the weblike member 29 and is fixedly attached, as by stitching, to a portion of the free end 37 adjacent the outermost end thereof.
  • the arm band member 15 additionally includes a piece of micro-filament looped pile fabric 47 for coacting operatively with the proximal end 43 of the bristly fabric 41 to detachably secure the free ends 37, 39 adjustably one to the other, i. e., the weblike chamber 29 circumferentially engaging the arm of the user.
  • the looped pile 47 has the back side thereof contiguously engaging the first side 31 of the weblike member 29 adjacent the outer end of the free end 39 and is fixedly attached thereto, as by stitching.
  • the upper arm band 15 is adapted to have the second side 33 of the weblike member 29 contiguously engaging the upper portion of the users arm (FIG. 8) with a portion of the second side 33 thereof overlapping a portion of the first side 31 and with the proximal end 43 of the bristly fabric 41 coating operatively with the looped pile fabric 47 which is attached to the first side 31.
  • the distal end 45 of the bristly fabric 41 extends rearward of the users arm and engages the outer portion or outer ply 25 of the chest band member 13.
  • the distal end 45 of the bristly fabric 41 coacts operatively with the outer ply 25 to further hold the upper arm band member 15 to the chest band member 13 in a manner which pulls the users upper arm rearwardly and close in to the chest band 13.
  • the wrist cuff member 17 includes an elongated weblike member 49 for bindingly engaging the wrist of the user. At least a pair of elongated pieces of bristly fabric 51, 53 are included which are preferably arranged in an X-like configuration substantially as depicted in FIG. 5 of the drawings.
  • the fabric pieces 51, 53 are attached one to the other and to the weblike member 49 in any well known manner as by stitches 54 or the like intermediate thereof to divide the wrist weblike member 49 into a pair of free ends 55, 57.
  • the pieces of bristly fabric 51, 53 are substantially identical to the previouslydescribed piece of bristly fabric 27. Accordingly, the bristly fabric pieces 51, 53 are disposed with the front sides, i.
  • the wrist cuff member 17 additionally includes means attached to the weblike member 49 for detachably securing the free ends 55, 57 adjustably one to the other. More specifically, one side of the weblike member 49 adjacent the free end thereof is provided with a piece of microfilament looped pile fabric 59 attached thereto, as by stitching, and the other side of the weblike member 49 adjacent the outer end of the free end 57 thereof is provided with a piece of bristly fabric 61 attached thereto, as by stitching, and is substantially identical to the previously-described bristly fabric 27.
  • the bristly fabric 61 operates coactively with the looped pile 59 for detachably securing the free ends 55, 57 of the weblike member 49 adjustably one to the other, as best illustrated'in'FIG. 9 of the drawings.
  • weblike member 49 preferably includesa inner'ply 63 of open cell pastic foam, e. g., a polyurethane reticulated foam.
  • a support for immobilizing the shoulder of any one I of a wide range of different size persons comprising elongated chest band means for circumferentially engaging the chest of the person; said chest band means including an inner ply of an open cell plastic foam, an outer poly of micro-filament looped pile fabric with said inner ply and said outer poly being bonded one to the other, and first bristly fabric means having a multiplicity of minute resilient hook means on the front side thereof for coacting operatively with said outer ply, said first bristly fabric means contiguously engaging said inner ply and being attached thereto adjacent one end thereof with said front side of said fabric means being directed inwardly to overlappingly and grippingly engage said outer ply selectively along the length thereof to detachably hold said chest band means snugly around the chest of different size persons; elongated upper arm band means including first elongated web means for bindingly engaging the upper arm of the person, second bristly fabric means attached to said first elongated web means intermediate thereof
  • said fourth bristly fabric means of said wrist cuff means includes two elongated pieces of said bristly fabric means, said two pieces being perpendicularly disposed one with the other and with the longitudinal axes thereof being obliquely arranged with the longitudinal axis of said second elongated web means to provide optimum holding power for holding said wrist cuff means to said chest band means.
  • a support for immobilizing the shoulder of a user comprising elongated chest band means for bindingly engaging the chest of the user, said chest band means including at least an outer portion thereof formed of micro-filament looped pile fabric, means for detachably holding said chest band means snugly around the chest of the user;
  • wrist cuff means including an elongated wrist weblike member for bindingly engaging the wrist of the user, bristly fabric means attached to said weblike member intermediate thereof to divide said wrist weblike member into a pair of free ends and for detachably holding said wrist cuff means to said chest band means, and means attached to said wrist weblike member for detachably securing said free ends adjustably one to the other;
  • said bristly fabric means including at least two elongated pieces of fabric having a multiplicity of minute resilient hook means on the front sides thereof for coacting operatively with said outer portion of looped pile, said bristly fabric pieces being disposed with the front sides thereof directed outwardly from said wrist weblike member in a non
  • a support for immobilizing the shoulder of a user comprising elongated chest band means for bindingly engaging the chest of the user, said chest band means including at least an outer portion thereof formed of micro-filament looped pile fabric, means for detachably holding said chest band means snugly around the chest of the user, upper arm band means including an elongated upper arm weblike member having first and second sides thereto for bindingly engaging the upper arm of the user and at least two pieces of a bristly fabric having a multiplicity of minute resilient hook means on the front sides thereof; the first of said two pieces contiguously engaging said first side of said weblike member, having said front side thereof directed outwardly from said first side, and being fixedly attached to said weblike member intermediate thereof to divide said upper arm weblike member into a pair of free ends and for detachably holding said upper arm band means to said chest band means at various locations thereon; the second one of said two pieces of bristly fabric having proximal and distal ends thereto and being disposed with the one side thereof

Abstract

A support intended to be used to immobilize either shoulder of any one of a wide range of different size persons. The support includes a chest band having an open cell plastic foam sheeting, e. g., a polyurethane reticulated foam, constituting the inner surface thereof and a Velcro sensitive material covering the outer surface, a Velcro hooked member is attached to one end of the chest band for overlapping and grippingly engaging the outer surface to detachably hold the chest band snugly around the chest of different size persons. An upper arm band is included which may be detachably secured to the chest band at infinite locations thereon selectively for the size of the user for immobilizing the upper arm of the user. Also included is a wrist band which may be detachably secured to the chest band at infinite locations thereon selectively for the size of the user, thus immobilizing the forearm of the user.

Description

United States Patent [191 Garnett Dec. 25, 1973 UNIVERSAL SHOULDER IMMOBILIZING SUPPORT [75] Inventor: Robert E. Garnett, Memphis, Tenn.
[73] Assignee: Richards Manufacturing Company, Memphis, Tenn.
[22] Filed: Dec. 28, 1971 [21] Appl. No.1 212,958
Primary Examiner-Richard A. Gaudet Assistant ExaminerJ. Yasko Att0rney-.lohn R. Walker, 111
[ 5 7] ABSTRACT A support intended to be used to immobilize either shoulder of any one of a wide range of different size persons. The support includes a chest band having an open cell plastic foam sheeting, e. g., a polyurethane reticulated foam, constituting the inner surface thereof and a Velcro sensitive material covering the outer surface, a Velcro hooked member is attached to one end of the chest band for overlapping and grippingly engaging the outer surface to detachably hold the chest band snugly around the chest of different size persons. An upper arm band is included which may be detachably secured to the chest band at infinite locations thereon selectively for the size of the user for immobilizing the upper arm of the user. Also included is a wrist band which may be detachably secured to the chest band at infinite locations thereon selectively for the size of the user,.thus immobilizing the forearm of the user.
4 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PAIENTED 3.780.729
I I3 I 1:: 52f W INVENTOR ROBERT E. GARNETT MM 5 W UNIVERSAL SHOULDER IMMOBILIZING SUPPORT BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention:
This invention relates to devices for immobilizing the shoulder of a person.
2. Description of the Prior Art:
The state of the prior art as known to the applicant includes the Stevens US. Pat. No. 3,515,131 which does not readily lend itself toward a universal application. In other words, prior known shoulder supports are manufactured in different sizes to accommodate the wide range of different size persons. Certain of these prior supports include laces or buckles for making limited adjustments. However, this usually resulted in unsatisfactory fit. Other known supports include a chest band which does not allow for free passage of air; accordingly, these supports are very warm, causing the patient to perspire profusely; Other known supports include stiffeners such as bulky metal stays which oftimes cause bruises or skin ulcers to develop. Other prior supports have hard spots caused by overlapping or wrinkling of the chest band which cause skin bruises.
Other prior art known to applicant include: Smitley U.S. Pat. No. 114,615; Gaiter US. Pat. No. 794,457; Peterson US. Pat. No. 2,560,243; Goldstein US. Pat. No. 3,400,710; and Hirschtick Utility Shoulder Splint in Fracture Appliances catalog by DePuy Manufacturing Co., Inc., Warsaw, Ind., 1954, p. 9. None of these above-mentioned references disclose applicants concept, as will be apparent from the description to follow.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed towards overcoming the disadvantages and problems relative to previous shoulder immobilizing supports. An important feature of the present invention is its universal adaptability to either shoulder of any one of a wide range of different size persons. In other words, the present invention eliminates the necessity for maintaining a large inventory of odd size shoulder immobilizing supports.
One of the principal objects of the present invention is to provide a shoulder and arm immobilizing support which not only may be used for a wide range for different size persons, but firmly and securely holds the persons shoulder and arm in place without the danger of shifting or becoming loose or detached.
Thus, one of the important features of the present invention is the unique arrangement of the holding means for the wrist cuff in which an X-like configuration is employed to provide optimum holding power yet permit the desired adjustment. The importance of this feature can be appreciated when it is considered that the constant weight of the forearm on the cuff and the accentuation thereof caused by the jostling of the forearm when the patient is walking, would otherwise permit the likelihood of detachment of the Velcro from the chest band were it not for the holding power of the X- like configuration of the present invention.
Another important feature of the present invention is the unique arrangement of the arm band member which includes a rearwardly extending-portion for pulling'the user's arm rearwardly and securely close in to the chest band.
The support of the present invention includes a chest band constructed from an open cell plastic foam sheeting, e.g., a polyurethane reticulated foam constituting the inner surface or inner ply of the chest band. Additionally, Velcro sensitive material or micro-filament looped pile fabric is provided which constitutes the outer ply and preferably covers the entire outer surface thereof. 1
A piece of bristly fabric having a multiplicity of minute resilient books on the front side thereof, well known in the art as a Velcro element, is included for coacting operably with the above-described outer ply and is attached transversely to one end of the chest band. Accordingly, the chest band may be snugly fitted around the chest of different size persons by overlapping the hook element along the length of the outer surface. The hook member grippingly engages the outer surface to detachably hold the chest band at infinite l0- cations along the length thereof.
An upper arm band is included which-may be detachably secured to the chest band at infinite locations thereon selectively for the size of theuser to immobilize the upper arm of the user. Also included is a wrist cuff which may be detachably secured to the chest band at infinite locations thereon selectively for the size of the user to immobilize the forearm of the user.
The chestband of the shoulder immobilizing support of the present invention is spongy, non-allergenic, and allows for free passage of air to the skin which keeps the patient cool, comfortable and dry. Additionally, a contoured fit of the shoulder immobilizing support of the present invention is assured with notable absence of bulky metal stays which eliminates bruises caused by these or wrinkled and hard spots of prior devices. The support of the present invention may be washed or autoclaved. Further, the shoulder immobilizing support of the present invention may be removed when retiring or bathing and re-applied by inexperienced personnel who may readily properly position the support to the shoulder of the patient.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an elevational view of the chest band for the universal shoulder immobilizing support of the present invention with the view taken of the inner liner depicting in phantom a typical location for engagement of the upper arm band and the wrist cuff members.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken as on the line lI-II of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged elevational view of the upper arm band member.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken as on the line IVIV of FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged elevational view of the wrist cuff member.
FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken as on the line VI-VI of FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 depicts the universal shoulder immobilizing support of the present invention in a typical environment as it might appear when viewed from the front when worn by a user.
FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken as on line VIII-VIII of FIG. 7.
FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken as on the line IX-IX of FIG. 7.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring first to FIG. 7 of the drawings, wherein it may be seen that the universal shoulder immobilizing support 11 of the present invention generally includes a chest band member 13 (also see FIGS. 1 and 2), an upper arm band member 15 (also see FIGS. 3, 4, and 8), and a wrist cuff member 17 (also see FIGS. 4, 5 and 9).
The elongated chest band member 13 is intended to circumferentially engage the chest of a person, i. e., any one of a wide range of different size persons. The midportion thereof preferably is provided with inwardly directed arcuate portions 19, 21 to enable the chest band member 13 to be worn high on the chest of the user and not extend upwardly into his armpit as clearly illus trated in FIG. 7 of the drawings. In other words, when immobilizing a users right shoulder, one of the arcuate portions, e. g., arcuate portion 19, would be adjacent the users right arm pit. Conversely, when immobilizing the users left shoulder, the opposite arcuate portion, e. g., the arcuate portion 21, would be adjacent the users left arm pit.
The chest band member l3 includes an inner ply of open cell plastic foam 23, e. g., a polyurethane reticulated foam. An outer ply of micro-filament looped pile fabric 25, e. g., nylon or the like, is included and is preferably bonded to the inner ply 23. A piece of bristly fabric 27 is included which has a multiplicity of minute resilient hooks on the front side thereof, i. e., well known in the art as a Velcro element. The back side of the bristly fabric 27 contiguously engages the inner ply 23 and is attached thereto adjacent one end of the chest band member 13 by suitable means, as stitching. in other words, the front side of the bristly fabric 27 or the hooks are directed inwardly to overlappingly and grippingly engage the outer ply 25 for coacting operably therewith selectively along the length thereof to detachably hold the chest band member 13 snugly around the chest of different size persons.
The upper arm band member 15 includes an elongated weblike member 29 having first and second sides 31, 33 thereto and is detachably attached to the chest band member 13 in a mannner yet to be described by bindingly engaging the upper arm of the user. A piece of bristly fabric 35, substantially identical to the previously-described bristly fabric 27, is included and has the back side thereof contiguously engaging the first side 31 of the member 29 and is fixedly attached thereto, as by stitching at 35 intermediate the length thereof to divide the elongated weblike member 29 into a pair of free ends 37, 39 and for detachably holding the upper arm band member 15 to the chest band member 13 at various locations thereon.
The arm band member 15 also includes an additional piece of bristly fabric 41 having proximal and distal ends 43, thereto. The bristly fabric 41, which is substantially identical to the previously-described bristly fabric 27, is disposed with the back side thereof contiguously engaging the second side 33 of the weblike member 29 and is fixedly attached, as by stitching, to a portion of the free end 37 adjacent the outermost end thereof.
The arm band member 15 additionally includes a piece of micro-filament looped pile fabric 47 for coacting operatively with the proximal end 43 of the bristly fabric 41 to detachably secure the free ends 37, 39 adjustably one to the other, i. e., the weblike chamber 29 circumferentially engaging the arm of the user. The looped pile 47 has the back side thereof contiguously engaging the first side 31 of the weblike member 29 adjacent the outer end of the free end 39 and is fixedly attached thereto, as by stitching. More specifically, the upper arm band 15 is adapted to have the second side 33 of the weblike member 29 contiguously engaging the upper portion of the users arm (FIG. 8) with a portion of the second side 33 thereof overlapping a portion of the first side 31 and with the proximal end 43 of the bristly fabric 41 coating operatively with the looped pile fabric 47 which is attached to the first side 31.
An important feature of the present invention is that the distal end 45 of the bristly fabric 41 extends rearward of the users arm and engages the outer portion or outer ply 25 of the chest band member 13. In other words, the distal end 45 of the bristly fabric 41 coacts operatively with the outer ply 25 to further hold the upper arm band member 15 to the chest band member 13 in a manner which pulls the users upper arm rearwardly and close in to the chest band 13.
The wrist cuff member 17 includes an elongated weblike member 49 for bindingly engaging the wrist of the user. At least a pair of elongated pieces of bristly fabric 51, 53 are included which are preferably arranged in an X-like configuration substantially as depicted in FIG. 5 of the drawings. The fabric pieces 51, 53 are attached one to the other and to the weblike member 49 in any well known manner as by stitches 54 or the like intermediate thereof to divide the wrist weblike member 49 into a pair of free ends 55, 57. The pieces of bristly fabric 51, 53 are substantially identical to the previouslydescribed piece of bristly fabric 27. Accordingly, the bristly fabric pieces 51, 53 are disposed with the front sides, i. e., having the resilient hooks thereon, directed outwardly from the weblike member 49 in a nonparallel relationship one with the other and with the longitudinal axes thereof being disposed in a nonparallel non-perpendicular relationship with the weblike member 49, as clearly shown in FIG. 5 of the drawings. This arrangement of the bristly fabric pieces 51, 53 and the weblike member 49 is an important concept of the present invention since this arrangement provides optimum holding power for holding the wrist cuff member 17 to the chest band member 13. Thus, this X- like configuration gives a holding power which is able to withstand considerable pulling forces as opposed to the situation which would exist with a single piece of bristly fabric disposed vertically or horizontally.
The wrist cuff member 17 additionally includes means attached to the weblike member 49 for detachably securing the free ends 55, 57 adjustably one to the other. More specifically, one side of the weblike member 49 adjacent the free end thereof is provided with a piece of microfilament looped pile fabric 59 attached thereto, as by stitching, and the other side of the weblike member 49 adjacent the outer end of the free end 57 thereof is provided with a piece of bristly fabric 61 attached thereto, as by stitching, and is substantially identical to the previously-described bristly fabric 27. The bristly fabric 61 operates coactively with the looped pile 59 for detachably securing the free ends 55, 57 of the weblike member 49 adjustably one to the other, as best illustrated'in'FIG. 9 of the drawings. Also, weblike member 49 preferably includesa inner'ply 63 of open cell pastic foam, e. g., a polyurethane reticulated foam.
Although the invention has been described and illustrated with respect to a preferred embodiment thereof, it is to be understood that 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 claim:
1. A support for immobilizing the shoulder of any one I of a wide range of different size persons, said support comprising elongated chest band means for circumferentially engaging the chest of the person; said chest band means including an inner ply of an open cell plastic foam, an outer poly of micro-filament looped pile fabric with said inner ply and said outer poly being bonded one to the other, and first bristly fabric means having a multiplicity of minute resilient hook means on the front side thereof for coacting operatively with said outer ply, said first bristly fabric means contiguously engaging said inner ply and being attached thereto adjacent one end thereof with said front side of said fabric means being directed inwardly to overlappingly and grippingly engage said outer ply selectively along the length thereof to detachably hold said chest band means snugly around the chest of different size persons; elongated upper arm band means including first elongated web means for bindingly engaging the upper arm of the person, second bristly fabric means attached to said first elongated web means intermediate thereof to divide said first elongated web means into a pair of free ends, said second bristly fabric means having a multiplicity of minute resilient hook means on the front side thereof for grippingly coacting with said outer ply of said chest band means to detachably hold said upper arm band means to said chest band means at infinite locations along the length thereof, means for detachably securing said free ends of said first elongated web means adjustably one to the other, and third bristly fabric means attached to one of said free ends of said first elongated web means, said third bristly fabric means having a multiplicity of minute resilient hook means on the front side thereof for grippingly coacting with said outer ply of said chest band means to further hold said upper arm band to said chest band means in a manner which pulls the persons upper arm rearwardly; and wrist cuff means including second elongated web means for bindingly engaging the wrist of the person, fourth bristly fabric means attached to said second elongated web means intermediate thereof to divide said second elongated web means into a pair of free ends, said fourth bristly fabric means having a multiplicity of minute resilient hook means on the front side thereof for grippingly coacting with said outer poly of said chest band means detachably hold said wrist cuff means at infinite locations on said chest band means, and means for detachably securing said free ends of said second elongated web means adjustably one to the other.
2. The support of claim lin which said fourth bristly fabric means of said wrist cuff means includes two elongated pieces of said bristly fabric means, said two pieces being perpendicularly disposed one with the other and with the longitudinal axes thereof being obliquely arranged with the longitudinal axis of said second elongated web means to provide optimum holding power for holding said wrist cuff means to said chest band means.
rearwardly.
3. A support for immobilizing the shoulder of a user, said support comprising elongated chest band means for bindingly engaging the chest of the user, said chest band means including at least an outer portion thereof formed of micro-filament looped pile fabric, means for detachably holding said chest band means snugly around the chest of the user; wrist cuff means including an elongated wrist weblike member for bindingly engaging the wrist of the user, bristly fabric means attached to said weblike member intermediate thereof to divide said wrist weblike member into a pair of free ends and for detachably holding said wrist cuff means to said chest band means, and means attached to said wrist weblike member for detachably securing said free ends adjustably one to the other; said bristly fabric means including at least two elongated pieces of fabric having a multiplicity of minute resilient hook means on the front sides thereof for coacting operatively with said outer portion of looped pile, said bristly fabric pieces being disposed with the front sides thereof directed outwardly from said wrist weblike member in a nonparallel relationship one with the other and with the longitudinal axes thereof being disposed in a nonparallel non-perpendicular relationship with said weblike member to provide optimum holding power for holding said wrist cuff means to said chest band means.
4. A support for immobilizing the shoulder of a user, said support comprising elongated chest band means for bindingly engaging the chest of the user, said chest band means including at least an outer portion thereof formed of micro-filament looped pile fabric, means for detachably holding said chest band means snugly around the chest of the user, upper arm band means including an elongated upper arm weblike member having first and second sides thereto for bindingly engaging the upper arm of the user and at least two pieces of a bristly fabric having a multiplicity of minute resilient hook means on the front sides thereof; the first of said two pieces contiguously engaging said first side of said weblike member, having said front side thereof directed outwardly from said first side, and being fixedly attached to said weblike member intermediate thereof to divide said upper arm weblike member into a pair of free ends and for detachably holding said upper arm band means to said chest band means at various locations thereon; the second one of said two pieces of bristly fabric having proximal and distal ends thereto and being disposed with the one side thereof contiguously engaging said second side of said weblike member, having said front side thereof directed outwardly from said second side, and being fixedly attached to a portion of the first of said free ends adjacent the outermost end thereof; said first side of said weblike member including a portion thereof adjacent the end of the second of said free ends formed of micro-filament looped pile fabric for coacting operatively with said proximal end of said bristly fabric to detachably secure said free ends adjustably one to the other, said second side of said upper arm weblike member being adapted for contiguously engaging the users arm with a portion of said second side thereof overlapping a portion of said first side and with said proximal end of said second piece of bristly fabric coacting operatively with said looped pile fabric of said first side thereof, and said distal end of said second piece of bristly fabric extending rearward of the users arm and engaging said outer portion of said chest band means for coacting operably therewith to further hold said upper arm band means to said chest band means in a manner which pulls the users upper arm

Claims (4)

1. A support for immobilizing the shoulder of any one of a wide range of different size persons, said support comprising elongated chest band means for circumferentially engaging the chest of the person; said chest band means including an inner ply of an open cell plastic foam, an outer poly of micro-filament looped pile fabric with said inner ply and said outer poly being bonded one to the other, and first bristly fabric means having a multiplicity of minute resilient hook means on the front side thereof for coacting operatively with said outer ply, said first bristly fabric means contiguously engaging said inner ply and being attached thereto adjacent one end thereof with said front side of said fabric means being directed inwardly to overlappingly and grippingly engage said outer ply selectively along the length thereof to detachably hold saId chest band means snugly around the chest of different size persons; elongated upper arm band means including first elongated web means for bindingly engaging the upper arm of the person, second bristly fabric means attached to said first elongated web means intermediate thereof to divide said first elongated web means into a pair of free ends, said second bristly fabric means having a multiplicity of minute resilient hook means on the front side thereof for grippingly coacting with said outer ply of said chest band means to detachably hold said upper arm band means to said chest band means at infinite locations along the length thereof, means for detachably securing said free ends of said first elongated web means adjustably one to the other, and third bristly fabric means attached to one of said free ends of said first elongated web means, said third bristly fabric means having a multiplicity of minute resilient hook means on the front side thereof for grippingly coacting with said outer ply of said chest band means to further hold said upper arm band to said chest band means in a manner which pulls the person''s upper arm rearwardly; and wrist cuff means including second elongated web means for bindingly engaging the wrist of the person, fourth bristly fabric means attached to said second elongated web means intermediate thereof to divide said second elongated web means into a pair of free ends, said fourth bristly fabric means having a multiplicity of minute resilient hook means on the front side thereof for grippingly coacting with said outer poly of said chest band means detachably hold said wrist cuff means at infinite locations on said chest band means, and means for detachably securing said free ends of said second elongated web means adjustably one to the other.
2. The support of claim 1in which said fourth bristly fabric means of said wrist cuff means includes two elongated pieces of said bristly fabric means, said two pieces being perpendicularly disposed one with the other and with the longitudinal axes thereof being obliquely arranged with the longitudinal axis of said second elongated web means to provide optimum holding power for holding said wrist cuff means to said chest band means.
3. A support for immobilizing the shoulder of a user, said support comprising elongated chest band means for bindingly engaging the chest of the user, said chest band means including at least an outer portion thereof formed of micro-filament looped pile fabric, means for detachably holding said chest band means snugly around the chest of the user; wrist cuff means including an elongated wrist weblike member for bindingly engaging the wrist of the user, bristly fabric means attached to said weblike member intermediate thereof to divide said wrist weblike member into a pair of free ends and for detachably holding said wrist cuff means to said chest band means, and means attached to said wrist weblike member for detachably securing said free ends adjustably one to the other; said bristly fabric means including at least two elongated pieces of fabric having a multiplicity of minute resilient hook means on the front sides thereof for coacting operatively with said outer portion of looped pile, said bristly fabric pieces being disposed with the front sides thereof directed outwardly from said wrist weblike member in a nonparallel relationship one with the other and with the longitudinal axes thereof being disposed in a non-parallel non-perpendicular relationship with said weblike member to provide optimum holding power for holding said wrist cuff means to said chest band means.
4. A support for immobilizing the shoulder of a user, said support comprising elongated chest band means for bindingly engaging the chest of the user, said chest band means including at least an outer portion thereof formed of micro-filament looped pile fabric, means for detachably holding said chest band means snugly around the chest of the user, upper arm band means including an elongated upPer arm weblike member having first and second sides thereto for bindingly engaging the upper arm of the user and at least two pieces of a bristly fabric having a multiplicity of minute resilient hook means on the front sides thereof; the first of said two pieces contiguously engaging said first side of said weblike member, having said front side thereof directed outwardly from said first side, and being fixedly attached to said weblike member intermediate thereof to divide said upper arm weblike member into a pair of free ends and for detachably holding said upper arm band means to said chest band means at various locations thereon; the second one of said two pieces of bristly fabric having proximal and distal ends thereto and being disposed with the one side thereof contiguously engaging said second side of said weblike member, having said front side thereof directed outwardly from said second side, and being fixedly attached to a portion of the first of said free ends adjacent the outermost end thereof; said first side of said weblike member including a portion thereof adjacent the end of the second of said free ends formed of micro-filament looped pile fabric for coacting operatively with said proximal end of said bristly fabric to detachably secure said free ends adjustably one to the other, said second side of said upper arm weblike member being adapted for contiguously engaging the user''s arm with a portion of said second side thereof overlapping a portion of said first side and with said proximal end of said second piece of bristly fabric coacting operatively with said looped pile fabric of said first side thereof, and said distal end of said second piece of bristly fabric extending rearward of the user''s arm and engaging said outer portion of said chest band means for coacting operably therewith to further hold said upper arm band means to said chest band means in a manner which pulls the user''s upper arm rearwardly.
US00212958A 1971-12-28 1971-12-28 Universal shoulder immobilizing support Expired - Lifetime US3780729A (en)

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Cited By (25)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4198964A (en) * 1979-01-11 1980-04-22 Zimmer Usa, Inc. Acromioclavicular brace
US4355635A (en) * 1980-07-14 1982-10-26 Jung Products, Inc. Adjustable arm sling with pouch
US4550724A (en) * 1981-04-28 1985-11-05 Berrehail Mohammed Orthopedic vest for support and restrainment in the treatment of subjects to trauma and surgery of the shoulder, scapular arch and upper limb
FR2585561A1 (en) * 1985-08-01 1987-02-06 Berrehail Mohammed Abduction apparatus for the upper limbs
DE3604476A1 (en) * 1985-10-24 1987-04-30 Manuf De Bandes Platrees ORTHOPEDIC VEST
FR2590479A2 (en) * 1985-08-01 1987-05-29 Berrehail Mohammed Abduction apparatus for the upper limbs
US4709693A (en) * 1986-02-10 1987-12-01 Key James D Belt for arthroscopic treatment of an injured leg supported by a surgeon
US4751923A (en) * 1987-06-02 1988-06-21 Marino Michael P Sling, shoulder immobilizer and posture corrector
US4836195A (en) * 1987-08-24 1989-06-06 Berrehail Mohammed Device for abduction of upper limbs
US5095894A (en) * 1990-12-14 1992-03-17 Level-One Products, Inc. Upper extremity stabilizer
US5114142A (en) * 1984-03-12 1992-05-19 Gillespie Gordon A Training device for baseball hitters
AT396649B (en) * 1991-07-15 1993-10-25 Erwin Podolsky Ges M B H Bandage system
US5358470A (en) * 1993-04-23 1994-10-25 James Johnson Shoulder immobilization restraint
US5385536A (en) * 1993-03-01 1995-01-31 Wayne Z. Burkhead Orthopedic brace for arm and shoulder
US5772617A (en) * 1996-10-09 1998-06-30 A&B Stablizer, Inc. Stabilizing arm sling
US6453904B1 (en) * 2002-03-19 2002-09-24 Greg W. Wilson Arm-sling vest
US20030226187A1 (en) * 2002-06-07 2003-12-11 Gordon Arana Arm support device for supporting both arms of an individual
US20070016121A1 (en) * 2005-07-14 2007-01-18 Marek Kaminski An orthopedic appliance and method to reduce anterior dislocation of shoulder and to provide post reduction immobilization
US20070191746A1 (en) * 2005-10-26 2007-08-16 Barnes Darryl E Shoulder distraction splint
US20110125242A1 (en) * 2009-11-24 2011-05-26 BZ Medical, Inc. Post-operative pectoral-pocket immobilization device
US20150094635A1 (en) * 2013-10-02 2015-04-02 Barbara Keller Arm Restricting Bandage
US20160023080A1 (en) * 2014-07-28 2016-01-28 Steve Gregory Apparatus and method for training football quarterbacks
EP3108859A1 (en) * 2015-06-25 2016-12-28 Pascal Boileau Improvements in or relating to upper extremity braces
US20200368057A1 (en) * 2015-06-25 2020-11-26 Pascal Boileau Upper Extremity Braces
US20210085506A1 (en) * 2019-09-25 2021-03-25 Pediatric Answers, L.L.C. Braces for immobilizing a clavicle fracture in an infant and related methods

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US3572327A (en) * 1968-07-03 1971-03-23 Richards Mfg Co Universal traction belt means
US3559640A (en) * 1968-10-16 1971-02-02 Orval D Beckett Double arm-sling jacket
US3515131A (en) * 1968-10-24 1970-06-02 Daniel D Stevens Immobilizing shoulder support
US3623488A (en) * 1969-08-15 1971-11-30 Takeo Nakayama Belly-band
US3646932A (en) * 1970-01-06 1972-03-07 August L Schultz Groin support

Cited By (32)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4198964A (en) * 1979-01-11 1980-04-22 Zimmer Usa, Inc. Acromioclavicular brace
US4355635A (en) * 1980-07-14 1982-10-26 Jung Products, Inc. Adjustable arm sling with pouch
US4550724A (en) * 1981-04-28 1985-11-05 Berrehail Mohammed Orthopedic vest for support and restrainment in the treatment of subjects to trauma and surgery of the shoulder, scapular arch and upper limb
US5114142A (en) * 1984-03-12 1992-05-19 Gillespie Gordon A Training device for baseball hitters
FR2590479A2 (en) * 1985-08-01 1987-05-29 Berrehail Mohammed Abduction apparatus for the upper limbs
FR2585561A1 (en) * 1985-08-01 1987-02-06 Berrehail Mohammed Abduction apparatus for the upper limbs
DE3604476A1 (en) * 1985-10-24 1987-04-30 Manuf De Bandes Platrees ORTHOPEDIC VEST
GB2181952B (en) * 1985-10-24 1989-09-20 Manuf De Bandes Platrees A D H Orthopedic vests
GB2181952A (en) * 1985-10-24 1987-05-07 Manuf Bandes Platrees Adhesia Orthopedic vests
US4709693A (en) * 1986-02-10 1987-12-01 Key James D Belt for arthroscopic treatment of an injured leg supported by a surgeon
US4751923A (en) * 1987-06-02 1988-06-21 Marino Michael P Sling, shoulder immobilizer and posture corrector
US4836195A (en) * 1987-08-24 1989-06-06 Berrehail Mohammed Device for abduction of upper limbs
US5095894A (en) * 1990-12-14 1992-03-17 Level-One Products, Inc. Upper extremity stabilizer
AT396649B (en) * 1991-07-15 1993-10-25 Erwin Podolsky Ges M B H Bandage system
US5385536A (en) * 1993-03-01 1995-01-31 Wayne Z. Burkhead Orthopedic brace for arm and shoulder
US5358470A (en) * 1993-04-23 1994-10-25 James Johnson Shoulder immobilization restraint
US5772617A (en) * 1996-10-09 1998-06-30 A&B Stablizer, Inc. Stabilizing arm sling
US6453904B1 (en) * 2002-03-19 2002-09-24 Greg W. Wilson Arm-sling vest
US20030226187A1 (en) * 2002-06-07 2003-12-11 Gordon Arana Arm support device for supporting both arms of an individual
US20070016121A1 (en) * 2005-07-14 2007-01-18 Marek Kaminski An orthopedic appliance and method to reduce anterior dislocation of shoulder and to provide post reduction immobilization
US20070191746A1 (en) * 2005-10-26 2007-08-16 Barnes Darryl E Shoulder distraction splint
US20110125242A1 (en) * 2009-11-24 2011-05-26 BZ Medical, Inc. Post-operative pectoral-pocket immobilization device
US8639362B2 (en) * 2009-11-24 2014-01-28 Byron Zahler Post-operative pectoral-pocket immobilization device
US20150094635A1 (en) * 2013-10-02 2015-04-02 Barbara Keller Arm Restricting Bandage
US20160023080A1 (en) * 2014-07-28 2016-01-28 Steve Gregory Apparatus and method for training football quarterbacks
EP3108859A1 (en) * 2015-06-25 2016-12-28 Pascal Boileau Improvements in or relating to upper extremity braces
US20170027737A1 (en) * 2015-06-25 2017-02-02 Pascal Boileau Upper extremity braces
US10736767B2 (en) * 2015-06-25 2020-08-11 Pascal Boileau Upper extremity braces
US20200368057A1 (en) * 2015-06-25 2020-11-26 Pascal Boileau Upper Extremity Braces
US11517465B2 (en) * 2015-06-25 2022-12-06 Pascal Boileau Upper extremity braces
US20210085506A1 (en) * 2019-09-25 2021-03-25 Pediatric Answers, L.L.C. Braces for immobilizing a clavicle fracture in an infant and related methods
US11890217B2 (en) * 2019-09-25 2024-02-06 Pediatric Answers, L.L.C. Braces for immobilizing a clavicle fracture in an infant and related methods

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