WO2001060291A1 - Shoulder brace - Google Patents

Abstract

A shoulder brace (10) including front (80) and rear pressure pads to be respectively positioned on front and rear portions of an individual's shoulder joint, a support member (18) to be positioned at a mid-section of the individual, a front frame member connected to the support member and the front pressure pad, and a rear frame member connected to the support member and the rear pressure pad. Also included is an arm cuff to be positioned on the arm of the individual, and a compression mechanism (20) configured to compress the front and rear frame members in accordance with a movement of the individual's arm such that the front and rear pressure pads press against the individual's shoulder joint.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO A RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to U.S. application S/N 09/363,924, filed on July 30, 1999;

and U.S. application S/N 09/506,012, filed on February 17, 2000; U.S. provisional

application S/N 60/183,559, filed on February 18, 2000; U.S. provisional application filed on

April 13, 2000; and U.S. and PCT application S/N XXX,XXX, filed on February 18, 2001,

all of which are incoφorated in their entirety.

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

SHOULDER BRACE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention:

The present invention relates generally to orthopedic braces, particulary to a shoulder

brace for providing support to the shoulder area.

Description of the Related Art:

The ball and socket joint of the human shoulder provides for free movement of the

arm. The area of contact between the various bones in the shoulder is minimal and the

shoulder joint is dependent upon surrounding muscles, and to a lesser extent ligaments,

tendons and fibrocartiledge, for its integrity and functionality. The muscular and bone

composition of the shoulder is the subject of extensive medical study and while a more

detailed discussion of the anatomy of the shoulder is not necessary for the puφoses here, such a discussion can be found in most basic human anatomy books. Because of its

construction, the shoulder joint is capable of flexion, extension, abduction, adduction,

rotation and circumduction movement. Also because of its construction, the shoulder joint is

susceptible to a great number of injuries.

Injuries are commonplace in various activities that require constant motion of the

shoulder joint or subject the shoulder to stress. For example, the overhand throwing motion

used in baseball is an unnatural motion that can cause shoulder muscle strains or tears,

including injury to the deep rotator muscles or rotator cuff of the shoulder and arm.

Participants in contact sports such as rugby and football often suffer shoulder injuries, e.g.,

dislocation of the ball and socket joint as well. Once an injury to the shoulder area has

occurred, it is frequently necessary to support the joint area to both facilitate the convalescing

process in certain situations, and minimize discomfort due to the injury. Additionally, it is

advantageous to provide support to the shoulder area to help prevent shoulder injuries to

individuals who are particularly susceptible to such injuries.

Anterior shoulder instability most commonly develops when the restraints of the

humeral head are inadequate or excessive force is being applied, usually when the shoulder is

in abduction, external rotation, and extension. Anterior shoulder stability is usually

maintained by the anteroinferior glenohumeral ligament as well as the subscapularis muscle

and the middle glenohumeral ligament. Weakness in these allows excessive anterior

translation of the humeral head in the glenoid fossa, the humeral head being the ball and the

glenoid fossa being the socket of what is commonly referred to as the ball and socket joint of

the shoulder. Since the anteroinferior glenohumeral ligament is especially stressed when the arm is positioned in abduction, extension or external rotation, it is reasonable to assume that

preventing or limiting these positions might be beneficial for patients with instability.

However, by preventing or limiting those positions, athletes who suffer these types of injuries

or weaknesses would be particularly impaired in their ability to perform their respective

activity.

There are a number of braces and harnesses known in the art that alleviate pressure on

various points of the shoulder joint. For example, U.S. Patent No. 3,906,944 issued to

Christian discloses a shoulder harness that prevents damage to the muscles, tendons and

ligaments in the shoulder area and also provides support to prevent the dislocation of the

shoulder. The shoulder harness disclosed in the Christian patent, however, severely restricts

the movement of the upper arm with respect to the shoulder, thereby restricting the movement

of the ball and socket joint. Furthermore, existing braces, such as the Christian harness, are

cumbersome and difficult for a wearer to put on, particularly because of the shoulder injury.

Most known braces and harnesses also neither allow the wearer to increase or decrease the

amount of support around the area of the shoulder, nor are capable of being adjusted to

conform to the particular body size of the wearer.

Furthermore, known shoulder braces are generally excessively restrictive on arm

movement while they provide inadequate support for preventing anterior dislocation of the

shoulder joint.

U.S. Patent No. 5,188,587 issued to McGuire et al. teaches an active shoulder brace

made of a resilient fabric-like material. The shoulder brace taught by McGuire et al. includes

a sleeve portion which is designed to fit around the upper end of the upper arm of a patient and it includes straps that are wrapped over and around the sleeve portion and attached to a

torso belt which anchors the straps attached to the sleeve portion. When a patient wearing the

shoulder strap taught by McGuire et al. raises their arm, the straps tighten and provide

support to the shoulder joint.

However, as with the other known shoulder straps, the shoulder strap taught by

McGuire et al. exerts a substantial amount of force to the top of the shoulder and the upper

arm when the patient wearing the strap raises their arm and far less pressure or support to the

anterior, posterior and medial side of the shoulder joint. The result is that the shoulder strap

provides a strong force which inhibits upward movement of the arm of the patient yet

provides only moderate or little support or pressure to the anterior, posterior and medial sides

of the shoulder joint. As discussed above, patients with chronically dislocating shoulders

experience problems with the humeral head of the shoulder moving in an anterior direction

out of the glenoid fossa and thereby dislocating. Therefore, the shoulder straps of the prior

art provide an excessive amount of force that inhibits motion of the arm while ineffectively

preventing the anterior dislocation of the shoulder joint. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a

shoulder brace which can compensate for weaknesses in tissues such as the glenohumeral

ligament, the subscapularis muscle and the middle glenohumeral ligament, without causing

excessive restriction to arm movement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore desirable and an object of the present invention to provide a shoulder

brace that provides strong posterior, anterior and/or medial pressure to the shoulder joint of a patient wearing the shoulder strap while not excessively inhibiting motion of the arm.

Movement of a patient's shoulder can be broken down into safe zones and danger zones.

When a patient moves their arm so that their elbow is above the shoulder joint when the

patient is in a standing position, or when the elbow is behind the plane passing between the

front and rear side of the body, or when the arm is in excessive external rotation, movements

into any such areas would be into a danger zone where the likelihood of an anterior

dislocation greatly increases. Furthermore, if such a movement occurs during an athletic

activity, where other forces and stresses are exerted upon the shoulder joint, the chances of an

anterior dislocation are even greater.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a shoulder brace that provides

anterior and posterior compression of the shoulder joint when the arm of the patient is moved

into a danger zone.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a shoulder brace that is less

intrusive than that of the braces used in the prior art, causing less interference with a patient's

movements and allowing greater range of motion.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a shoulder brace that can

provide anterior and posterior compression of a shoulder joint without inhibiting motion of

the patient's arm in the upward direction.

These and other objects are achieved according to the present invention by providing

a shoulder brace including a shoulder member mountable to a shoulder of a patient's arm, and

a positioning device configured to increase a pressure to the shoulder of the patient in

accordance with a position of the user's arm. In one embodiment of the present invention, the shoulder brace includes a shoulder

member mountable to a shoulder of a patient's arm with an open portion forming

substantially rigid first and second arms and a positioning device configured to vary the

spacing of the first and second arms according to the position of the patient's arm. By

constructing the shoulder brace as such, the present invention avoids undue restriction of

movement of the user's arm while efficiently transforming the energy directed into the

shoulder brace by the movement of the user's arm into a pressure to the user's shoulder.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the positioning device

includes a tensioning ring and first and second tension triggering straps configured to provide

anterior and posterior compression of the shoulder joint when the arm of the patient is moved

into a danger zone.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the shoulder brace

includes a first mounting member mountable to a user's pectoral area, a second mounting

member mountable to a user's upper arm, and a connecting member connected to the first

mounting member at a first end, and connected to the second mounting member at a second

end. Additionally, a positioning device is configured to increase a pressure to the user's

shoulder according to the movement of the user's arm. By constructing the shoulder brace as

such, the shoulder brace efficiently communicates movements of the user's upper arm to the

shoulder brace to thereby effect the pressure directed to the shoulder joint.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a front view of a patient wearing a shoulder brace according to the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a side view of the shoulder brace shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a rear view of the shoulder brace shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of the shoulder brace shown in Fig. 1;

Figs. 4a, 4b and 4c are cross-sectional views I-I and II-II shown in Fig. 4;

Fig. 5 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the shoulder brace according to

the present invention;

Fig. 6 is a front view of an anchor strap according to the shoulder brace of the present

invention;

Figs. 7 and 8 are side views of a further embodiment of the shoulder brace of the

present invention;

Fig. 9 is a further embodiment of the shoulder brace according to the present

invention;

Figs. 10-15 are side views of further embodiments of biasing and relaxing devices

according to the present invention;

Fig. 16 is a further embodiment of the shoulder brace of the present invention;

Fig. 17 is a further embodiment of the shoulder brace of the present invention;

Fig. 18 is an additional side view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 17 according to

the present invention;

Fig. 19 is a side view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 18;

Fig. 20 is a front view of a further embodiment of the shoulder brace of the present

invention; Fig. 21 is a side view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 20;

Fig. 22 is a side view of a further embodiment of the shoulder brace according to the

present invention;

Fig. 23 is a front view of a further embodiment of the shoulder brace of the present

invention;

Fig. 24 is a front view of a further embodiment of the shoulder brace of the present

invention;

Fig. 25 is a front view of a further embodiment of the shoulder brace of the present

invention;

Fig. 26 is a side view of a patient wearing a further embodiment of the shoulder brace

of the present invention;

Fig. 27 is a front view of the patient wearing the shoulder brace shown in Fig. 26;

Fig. 28 illustrates an alternative alignment and anchor strap of the shoulder brace

shown in Fig. 26;

Figs. 29a-b are cross-sectional side views of an actuating mechanism included in the

shoulder brace shown in Figs. 26 and 28;

Fig. 30 is a side view of a patient wearing yet another embodiment of the shoulder

brace of the present invention;

Fig. 31 is a front view of the patient wearing the shoulder brace shown in Fig. 30;

Fig. 32 is a schematic of a compression mechanism included in the shoulder brace

shown in Figs. 31 and 32;

Fig. 33 is a schematic of another compression mechanism included in the shoulder brace shown in Figs. 31 and 32;

Fig. 34 is a schematic of yet another compression mechanism included in the shoulder

brace shown in Figs. 31 and 32;

Fig. 35 is a schematic illustrating an adjustment mechanism for a rear frame member

of the shoulder brace according to the present invention;

Fig. 36 is a schematic illustrating a gear box included in the compression mechanism

according to the present invention; and

Figures 37-41 are copies of photographs of a person wearing the shoulder brace

shown in Figures 30, 31 and 32.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the nonlimiting example of the drawings, wherein like reference

numerals designate identical or coπesponding parts throughout the several views, and more

particularly to Figs. 1 through 4, thereof, a shoulder strap 10 being worn by a patient 12 is

generally shown. Shoulder brace 10 generally includes shoulder joint member 14, and

positioning device 20. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, shoulder joint member 14 is generally

annularly shaped so as to fit generally over a shoulder joint 22 of a patient 12. Brace 10 may

optionally include alignment strap 16 which generally has a front end 24 attached to a front

arm 26 of shoulder joint member 14 and a rear end 28 attached to a rear arm 30 of shoulder

joint member 14. Preferably, front end 24 and rear end 28 of alignment strap 16 are attached

to shoulder joint member 14 at a pivot 32. Such a pivot allows the shoulder joint member 14

to rotate relative to anchor strap 16 when a patient raises their arm, without significant

impingement or distortion of the strap 16 or shoulder joint member 14. Additionally, strap 16 may be made of elastic, or include an elastic portion (not shown) so as to provide a bias

pulling shoulder joint member 14 towards the torso of the patient.

Alignment strap 16 may also include a support strap 34 shown in phantom lines in

Figs. 1 and 3, thereby ensuring that alignment strap 16 does not inadvertently fall from a

proper alignment for maintaining shoulder joint member 14 in alignment with a patient's

shoulder joint 22.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, anchor strap 18 is wrapped around a patient's torso 36.

Anchor strap 18 is preferably positioned according to the preferences of the patient. As

shown in Fig. 1, anchor strap 18 is provided in an upper abdominal region of the patient's

torso 36. However, as shown in Fig. 2, anchor strap 18 may alternatively be provided

approximately around the patient's waste. Additionally, anchor strap 18 may be provided in

other configurations discussed in greater detail later.

Positioning device 20 may be comprised of tension triggering strap 21 and a

positioning unit 25. In this embodiment, triggering strap 21 is connected at lower end 38 to

anchor strap 18 and connected to front lower end 40 and rear lower end 42 of shoulder joint

member 14 at an upper end 44 of strap 21. Tension triggering strap may be constructed out

of any flexible material formed into any shape including a woven cable or a band. In this

embodiment, positioning unit 25 is constructed of tensioning ring 46 and eyelets 50 which are

constructed to receive one end of triggering strap 21. As better seen in Fig. 4, strap 21 is first

threaded through tensioning ring 46 at a lower end 48 of tensioning ring 46, then through

eyelets 50 formed on lower ends 40 and 42 of shoulder joint member 14 and then through an

upper end 52 of tensioning ring 46. More specifically, a first portion 54 of strap 21 is threaded upwards through tensioner ring 46 then through eyelet 50 of front lower portion 40

of shoulder joint member 14 through the upper portion 52 of tensioning ring 46, then through

eyelet 50 of rear lower portion 42 of shoulder joint member 14 then again through lower

portion 48 of tension ring 46 wherein a double-back portion 56 of strap 21 is secured to the

first portion 54 of strap 21 with a binder 58. Threaded as such, strap 21 is guided through

tensioner ring 46 such that when strap 21 is provided with tension when a patient wearing the

shoulder brace 10 raises their arm, the positioning device 20 contracts shoulder joint member

14 such that front arm 26 of shoulder joint member 14 is compressed towards rear arm 30 so

as to cause an anterior-posterior compression of the shoulder joint. By threading strap 21

through tensioner ring 46 as such, positioning device 20 efficiently transmits the downward

pulling of strap 21 through the ring to the eyelets 50 of shoulder joint member 14 in a

direction nearly peφendicular to the direction strap 21 enters tensioning ring 46. Thereby,

positioning device 20 transmits nearly a 1:1 ratio of compression between eyelets 50 to the

length of strap 21 pulled downward through tensioner ring 46. Furthermore, tensioner ring

46 is maintained in the vertical position shown by the tension in strap 21 since strap 21 is

threaded through tensioner ring 46 and contacts it at the upper portion 52 of tensioner ring 46,

as shown in Fig. 4. However, positioning device 20 may take other forms, such as that

shown in Fig. 5, where tension triggering strap 23 is made from a wide strap such as a nylon

strap and where positioning unit 25 includes tensioning loop 59 and eyelets 50 wherein

triggering strap 23 is connected to loop 59. Also shown in Fig. 5 is an alternative design for

eyelets 50 formed on the front and rear lower ends of shoulder joint member 14. As shown

there, eyelets 50 are constructed of metal rings connected to ends 40 and 42. Referring again to Figs. 1 through 4, shoulder joint member 14 is preferably generally

annularly shaped with a front arm 26 and a rear arm 30. In order to provide efficient transfer

of the pulling force generated in positioning device 20 by the upward movement of a patient's

arm into a compression force, preferably an anterior-posterior compression of the shoulder

joint by the movement of front arm 26 and rear arm 30 towards each other in the direction of

arrows A and B respectively, shoulder joint member 14 includes a flexible portion 60 formed

between arms 26 and 30. By providing a flexible portion 60 between arms 26 and 30,

shoulder joint member 14 is more easily compressed in the directions of A and B as

compared to an annular member with uniform rigidity. Also preferably, front arm 26 and rear

arm 30 are constructed so as to be substantially rigid. Constructed as such, the relatively

rigid arms 26 and 30 efficiently transfer the compression force in the directions of A and B

while flexible portion 60 allows arms 26 and 30 to move in directions A and B without

excessive resistance.

By aligning arms 26 and 30 as such, arms 26 and 30 will apply a direct force in

directions of A and B and thereby stabilize the glenohumeral head. It is also conceived,

however, that arms 26 and 30, or other members (not shown) could be aπanged at other

locations on the arm so that a force is can be applied on the arm and close enough to the

shoulder joint so that the resultant indirect force would provide sufficient posteriorward force

on the humeral head, in an indirect manner.

Shoulder joint member 14 can be constructed from a single piece as shown in Fig. 4.

When constructed as such, the rigidity of joint member 14 can be varied along its length by

changing its cross-sectional shape. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, the cross-sectional thickness of joint member 14 can be made relatively thick along front and rear arm portions

26 and 30 and relatively thinner at flexible portions 60 between decreasing thickness sections

62 and 64. Flexible portion 60 may have a uniform thickness across its length such as that

shown in the broken line in Fig. 4. Alternatively, flexible portion 60 may have a spacing

portion 66 which is relatively thicker than flexible portion 60. By providing flexible portion

60 with a spacing portion 66, flexible portion 60 is effectively broken into two flexible

portions, front flexible portion 68 and rear flexible portion 70. By constructing the flexible

portion 60 as such, impingement of the upper portion of a patient's shoulder can be reduced

since the folding or creasing of shoulder joint member 14 is inhibited when front arm 26 and

rear arm 30 are moved towards each other in directions A and B, respectively.

Referring now to Fig. 5, flexible portion 60 may optionally be constructed with hinges

72. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, flexible member 60 may be constructed with a single

hinge 73 or the combination of a front hinge 74, a rear hinge 76 and a spacer element 78.

Similar to the function of the front and rear flexible portions 68 and 70 shown in Fig. 4, front

and rear hinges 74 and 76 similarly can reduce impingement of the upper part of the patient's

shoulder when the front and rear arms 26 and 30 of shoulder joint member 14 are moved

towards each other in the direction of aπows A and B, respectively.

As discussed above, in order to produce areas of differing rigidity, shoulder joint

member 14 may be provided with cross-sections of varying shape or size along its length.

Referring now to Figs. 4a, 4b and 4c, optional cross-sectional shapes are shown for the cross-

sections at I-I for front flexible portion 68 for example and cross-section II-II for the rigid

portion of front arm 26. As shown in Fig. 4a, cross-sections I-I and II-II can be of a channel shape wherein the cross-section at I-I is more shallow relative to the depth of the cross-

section at II-II. Fig. 4b shows a cross-sectional that is a solid rectangle. Fig. 4c shows a

cross-section that is oval wherein the cross-section at II-II is substantially hollow thereby

providing for a lightweight design which does not have shaφ edges on an outer surface so as

to cause unattractive protrusions in the outer clothing of a patient wearing the shoulder strap.

By providing for the reduced thickness cross-section at flexible portions 68 and 70, those

portions are more flexible and thereby provide the flexation which allows shoulder joint

member 14 to compress in the directions of A and B without excessive resistance.

Furthermore, by providing front arm 26 and rear arm 30 with increased cross-sectional depth

such as those shown in Figs. 4a through 4c, arms 26 and 30 efficiently transfer the

compression force imparted upon arms 26 and 30 by positioning device 20 to the anterior and

posterior areas of a patient's shoulder joint 22, similar to the operation of a hand-held nut¬

cracker. Although the cross-sections shown in Figs. 4a through 4c are not drawn to scale,

they are meant only to illustrate the concept of reducing the width or thickness of the cross-

section of the joint shoulder member 14 to provide for relatively rigid portions and relatively

flexible portions. Using such a configuration, the shoulder joint member 14 can be made out

a variety of materials including thermoplastics and other composite materials such as carbon

fiber. Although, when using more brittle or fatigue sensitive materials such as carbon fiber or

metals such as aluminum or titanium, it may be necessary to use hinges rather than areas of

reduced cross-sectional thickness in order to allow the shoulder joint member to compress in

the directions of arrows A and B without excessive resistance.

In order to provide greater comfort to a patient wearing the shoulder strap according to the present invention, the shoulder strap preferably includes cushion 80 which is positioned

to be aligned generally with the anterior portion of a patient's shoulder joint 22. Preferably,

cushion 80 is shaped to evenly distribute the compression forces transmitted to it by the

compression of front arm 26 towards rear arm 30 yet small enough so as to minimize

impingement of the pad when the patient moves their arm towards their chest, i.e., adduction.

Shoulder joint member 14 may also be provided with a rear cushion 82 so as to provide

additional comfort for the patient's back upon compression of front arm 26 and rear arm 30

towards each other in the directions of arrows A and B, respectively. Cushions 80 and 82

may be constructed of any known cushioning material such as foam, rubber compounds, or

other soft materials, but are preferably constructed of PDE.

Referring now to Fig. 6, an alternative embodiment of anchor strap 18 is shown. As

shown in the figure, anchor strap 18 may be constructed as strap 84 such that it wraps

diagonally around an upper abdominal region of 86 of a patient. Alternatively, the anchor

strap may be constructed as strap 88 which wraps around a patient's waste or hips or finally,

anchor strap 18 may be wrapped around a patient's upper thigh as strap 90. In each case,

tension triggering straps 21 or 23 would be attached to the anchor strap in an area below the

patient's arm as shown in the solid and dotted lines. However, it has been found that straps

such as 88 and 90 are less stable, less comfortable and/or are affected by other body motions,

and are thereby less reliable in providing tension to shoulder strap member 14 to compress

front and rear arms 26 and 30. Therefore, strap 84 is the prefeπed configuration of anchor

strap 18.

Referring now to Figs. 7-15, a further embodiment of the present invention is shown therein. As shown in the figures, positioning unit 25 includes a relaxing device 92 connected

between the two open ends 94 and 96 of shoulder joint member 14. As in the previous

embodiment, shoulder joint member 14 can be held in place by alignment strap 16, around

the shoulder joint of a patient. Optionally, the shoulder brace in this embodiment can include

a cushion 80 alone or in addition to a rear cushion 82. In this embodiment, shoulder joint

member 14 is biased in a direction so as to compress in an anterior-posterior direction

shoulder joint 22 of a patient, so that the front arm 26 and rear arm 30 of shoulder joint

member 14 are biased in the directions of aπows A and B respectively. Relaxing device 92 is

configured such that when it is urged downward in the direction of arrow C, the open ends 94

and 96 of shoulder joint member 14 are spread apart thereby relaxing the compression in the

direction of arrows A and B on the shoulder joint 22. In order to urge relaxing device 92 in

the downward direction, tension triggering strap 98 is connected to relaxing device 92 at

upper end 100 and attached to anchor strap 102 at lower end 104, as shown in Fig. 8.

Connected as such, when a patient has their arm in a lowered position, such as that shown in

Fig. 8, tension triggering strap 98 is pulled in a downward direction as viewed in Fig. 8

thereby pulling relaxing device 92 in a downward direction and thereby spreading front arm

26 and rear arm 30 of shoulder joint member 14 in the direction of aπows D and E,

respectively.

As better seen in Figs. 10 and 11 , relaxing device 92 comprises a wedge-shaped

member 106 that is configured to be received by the open ends 94 and 96 of shoulder joint

member 14 such that as wedge-shaped member 106 is pulled downward in the direction of

arrow C, to the downward position shown in Fig. 11, open ends 94 and 96 of shoulder joint member 14 are pushed apart thereby relaxing the anterior-posterior contraction of the

shoulder joint member 14.

By constructing shoulder joint member 4 so that it biased in a compressive state, and

providing a relaxing device for opposing the bias of the shoulder joint member 14, the

shoulder brace according to this embodiment operates in a substantially opposite manner as

that of the previous embodiment. For example, in the previous embodiment, the energy

transfeπed to the shoulder joint member 14 by the movement of the patient's arm in an

upward direction caused the shoulder joint member 14 to be compressed in an anterior-

posterior direction which thereby inherently causes at least some resistance to the patient's

arm movement. However, in the present embodiment, shoulder joint member 14 is biased

toward a compressive state, and is released when the patient moves their arm in an upward

direction. Furthermore, because relaxing device 92 maintains tension in tension triggering

strap 98 when the patient's arm is in a lowered position, the tension in tension triggering strap

98 aids the patient in raising their arm, while gravity aids in lowering of the arm. This

embodiment thereby provides a substantial benefit to patients suffering from a serious injury

or disability where any resistance to the movement of their arm in an upward direction would

prevent them from moving their arm at all, which thereby enhances the disability, and slows

physical therapy and recovery.

As shown in Figs. 12-15, the relaxing device can be constructed in a number of ways.

For example, the relaxing device 92 shown in Figs. 12-14, includes a pivot boss 108 which is

oriented vertically between the free ends of shoulder joint member 14, as viewed in Figs. 12-

14, and a pair of pivot rods 110. Similar to the operation of the wedge-shaped member 106, when the tension triggering strap 98 is pulled in a direction of aπow C, pivot rods 110 are

urged to rotate in the direction of arrow C, and therefor push the open ends 94, 96 of shoulder

joint member 14 apart in the direction of aπows D and E, respectively, as shown in Fig. 13.

Although this embodiment requires a greater number of moving parts, this embodiment

inherently has less frictional resistance compared to the operation of the wedge-shaped

member 106. Figures 14 and 15 show further embodiments of the relaxing device 92 where

an upper biasing device 112 such as a spring. In this embodiment, shoulder joint member 14

may be constructed of two separate pieces 114 and 116 which are attached at hinge 118. In

order to provide a bias to joint member 14, when it is constructed as such, a lower biasing

member 120 such as a spring may be used and optionally an additional upper biasing member

may be used. This aπangement would be particularly useful when shoulder joint member 14

is constructed of brittle and/or fatigue sensitive materials such as resin-matrix composites

such as carbon fiber, or metals such as aluminum or titanium.

Fig. 16 illustrates a further alternative embodiment to the present invention. In this

embodiment, the shoulder brace is provided with limiter 122 which is attached to alignment

pivot plate 124 which is in turn pivotally mounted to pivot 32. Limiter member 122 extends

downwardly from hinge 126 the patient's upper arm, curls along an inside surface 128 of a

patient's arm then behind the elbow of the patient's arm at an elbow end 130 of limiter

member 122. Limiter member 122 is preferably made of a semi-rigid material which can flex

with movement of the user but provides, however, a desired amount of resistance to specified

motions. For example, with the configuration as described above, limiter member 122 will

provide strong resistance to the movement of the patient's arm in a rearward direction along arrow F shown in Fig. 21. However, because limiter member 122 is hinged to alignment

plate 124, which is in turn pivotally attached to shoulder joint member 14, limiter member

122 can freely rotate around pivot 32 so that a movement of the patient's arm in the direction

of aπow G, as shown in Fig. 20, is not excessively resisted. Hinge 126 also allows a user to

move their arm in adduction without excessive impingement. For example, if a user moves

their arm from the position shown in Fig. 20 by moving the arm shown so that the elbow

moves towards the patient's chest, hinge 26 will allow limiter member 122 to rotate around

hinge 126 and thereby allow the patient's arm to move in adduction. Also as shown in Fig.

16, alignment strap 16 is constructed with a telescoping portion 132. Telescoping portion

132 includes a tongue element 134 and the sleeve element 136. Sleeve element 136 is

hingedly attached to alignment plate 124 with telescope hinge 138. Constructed as such, the

telescoping portion provides greater mobility in that when the shoulders of the patient are

shrugged forward, the telescoping portion can contract and sleeve element 136 can rotate

around telescope hinge 138 so that impingement is prevented. This provides greater comfort

for a user. Sleeve element 136 may optionally include a biasing device (not shown) such as a

spring to bias tongue element 134 into sleeve element 13.

Referring now to Fig. 17, a further embodiment of the present invention is shown

therein. As shown in the figure, the shoulder brace is provided with an anti-rotation strap

which is wound helically around the upper arm of the patient with at least one turn. Upper

end 142 of anti-rotation strap 140 is pivotally connected to pivot 32 and lower end 144 of

anti-rotation strap is connected to anti-rotation anchor 146. Arranged as such, anti -rotation

strap 140 resists rotation of the patient's arm in the direction of aπow G as shown in Fig. 17. However, anti-rotation strap 140 does not inhibit upward motion of the patient's arm as

shown in Fig. 18.

A further embodiment of the present invention is shown in Fig. 22. As shown in this

figure, positioning device includes a reference orientation detecting device 148, an arm

orientation detecting device 150 and a compression device 152. Orientation detecting devices

148 and 150 can be constructed of inclinometers, for example. In this embodiment,

compression device 152 is configured to pull front arm 26 and rear arm 30 in a direction of

aπows A and B respectively, when the patient's arm is moved into a "danger zone".

Compression device 152 may be constructed of a solenoid or other electronic or hydraulic

device. In operation, orientation detecting device 148 can provide a signal coπesponding to

the orientation of the patient's shoulder since shoulder joint member 14 remains relatively

stationary with respect to the patient's shoulder joint 22. Orientation detecting device 150

provides a signal coπesponding to the orientation of the patient's upper arm. In this

embodiment, a comparator (not shown) which may be incoφorated into orientation detecting

device 150 or 148, or into compression device 152, compares the orientation signals output

by orientation detecting devices 148 and 150 and determines if the patient's arm is in a danger

zone. If the patient's arm is in a danger zone, then the comparator signals compression device

152 to compress front arm 26 and rear arm 30 of shoulder joint member 14 in the directions

of aπows A and B respectively. In this embodiment, it may be preferable to incoφorate

hinges 72 into flexible portion 60 so as to minimize resistance to the compression caused by

compression device 152 since any resistance will require additional power to be supplied to

compression device 152, and therefore require additional weight. This embodiment is also particularly useful for patient's who have experienced an extreme injury or disability. Since

this embodiment does not rely on any motion of the patient's arm to provide energy for

compressing or releasing the anterior-posterior compression of the patient's shoulder joint,

there is no inhibition of the patient's arm movements. Therefore, this embodiment allows for

maximum movement of the patient's arm and therefore aids the patient in the movements that

may be required in physical therapy.

Refeπing now to Figure 23, a further embodiment of the present invention is

constructed of a first mounting member 160 configured to fit over at least a pectoral area of a

user or patient 12. A second mounting member 162 is configured to be mountable to an

upper arm portion 164 of a patient's arm. First mounting member 160 may be constructed out

of any material. However, it is preferable that first mounting member 160 is made from at

least a semirigid material such as plastic or even light metals such as aluminum. Preferably,

only a portion of first mounting member 160 is made from a rigid material, so as to avoid

impingement upon the user's skin. The remaining portion 161 of first mounting member 160

could be made from spandex or other materials so as to provide maximum comfort. Second

mounting member 162 may also be made of an at least a semirigid material such as plastic or

light metals. Similarly, the portion of second mounting member 162 made from the at least

semirigid material is preferably made as small as possible, while the remaining portion 163 of

second mounting member 162 is made from a fabric so as to maximize comfort.

As shown in Figure 23, a connecting member 166 is attached to a first mounting

member 160 at a first end 168 and is attached to second mounting member 162 at a second

end 170. Also shown in Figure 23, are two parallel slots 172 and 174 formed in first mounting

member 160. First end 168 of connecting member 166 is slidably connected to slots 172 and

174 via mounting members 176 and 178. Optionally, mounting members 176 and 178 may

include threaded fasteners (not shown) for anchoring the connection between the first end 168

of connecting member 166 to first mounting member 160. This allows a user to install the

shoulder brace in such a way so as to immobilize the patient's shoulder, which may be

desirable immediately after an injury, for example.

As shown in Figure 23, positioning device 180 is formed of two springs 182 and 184

which bias the connecting members towards a medially inward direction, i.e., in the direction

of arrow A shown in Figure 23. By construction of the shoulder brace as such, a patient's

weakened glenohumeral ligaments, which may have been weakened by a dislocation injury,

are prevented from being stressed by the medially inward bias created by the positioning

device 180. Although not illustrated in Figure 23, positioning device 180 may be formed

with a single slot and/or a single spring.

One advantage of forming the shoulder brace with slots 172 and 174 and springs 182

and 184, is that when a user rotates their upper arm 164 in the direction of aπow B, mounting

member 178 is pushed in the direction of aπow C, thereby adding tension into spring 184,

thereby causing additional medially inward pressure, thereby preventing stress being

imparted to the glenohumeral ligaments.

As shown in Figure 23, connecting member 166 is in the form of a plate. Preferably,

connecting member 176 is made from a semirigid material that allows some flexation, so that

a patient may have some mobility. However, for certain injuries, it may be desirable to construct a connecting member 166 from a rigid material having a thickness which would

prevent movement of the user's upper arm 164 forward or backwards. On the other hand, by

constructing connecting member 166 from a more flexible material, such as a hard rubber, the

patient or user is not preventing from moving their upper arm 164 forward or backward, and

is thereby provided with some flexibility.

Additionally, the shoulder base may include a second connecting member (not shown)

configured to be aπanged in essentially an identical configuration shown in Figure 23, but

aπanged on the user's back. By adding an additional connector member 166 as such, the

shoulder brace provides additional support and symmetry to the forces imparted to the

shoulder joint.

Figures 24 and 25 illustrate other embodiments of the shoulder brace of the present

invention. The shoulder braces shown in Figures 24 and 25 are similar to that shown in

Figures 1 and 2, for example, but the positioning unit 20 includes at least one additional

tension triggering strap 200. The elements shown in Figures 24 and 25 which have the same

reference numerals as in Figures 1-23 are not described for simplicity puφoses. However, it

is to be noted that any of the shoulder braces previously discussed and shown in the Figures

may be used with the additional tension triggering strap 200.

Figure 24 illustrates the tension triggering strap 200 connected to an arm band 212 on

an upper arm portion 206 of the patient 12. The tension triggering strap 200 is passed

through the tensioner ring 46 and looped through a ring 202 attached to the anchor strap 18.

One end 204 of the tension triggering strap is attached to the arm band 212. The one end 204

may be riveted, clamped, sewn, etc., so that the one end 204 is fixedly secured to the arm band 212. Further, the arm band 212 is placed as close to an armpit of the user so that a shirt

may be easily placed over the shoulder brace 10 including the tension triggering strap 200.

Another end 214 of the tension triggering strap 200 is looped through the ring 202 and then

attached to the strap 200 with a binder, for example (similar to the binder 58 discussed in

Figures 1 and 2, for example). Further, the tension triggering strap 21 is also fixed at the end

214 of the tension triggering strap 200. Threaded as such, the strap 200 is guided through the

tensioner ring 46 such that when the strap 200 is provided with tension when a patient

wearing a shoulder brace 10 raises their arm, the positioning device 20 contracts shoulder

joint member 14 such that the front arm 26 of the shoulder joint member 14 is compressed

towards rear arm 30 so as to cause an interior-posterior compression of the shoulder joint.

The tension triggering strap 200 provides additional compression of the front arm 26 towards

the rear arm 30 indicated by aπows A and B.

The shoulder brace 10 shown in Figures 24 and 25 may also include alignment straps,

such as an alignment strap 16 shown in Figures 1 and 2. In addition, the anchor strap 18 is

shown wrapped around a patient's torso 36. However, the anchor strap 18 may be positioned

according to the preferences of the patient. In addition, the anchor strap 18 may alternatively

be provided approximately around the midriff, thigh or hips, for example. That is, the anchor

strap 18 may be placed at a most comfortable position for the patient and which provides a

sufficient tension for the triggering straps 21 and 200.

The ring 202 may be secured to the anchor 18 by sewing, a binder, glue or may be

omitted. That is, the strap 200 may be looped through a hole provided in the anchor 18.

Alternatively, the triggering strap 200 may be fixedly secured to the anchor 18 in a similar fashion as the triggering strap 21.

Figure 25 is similar to Figure 24 but the first and second ends 204 and 214 of the

triggering strap 10 are attached (e.g., fixedly secured) to the arm band 212. In addition,

Figure 25 illustrates two portions of the strap 200 passing through the tensioner ring 46,

whereas Figure 24 illustrates only one portion of the strap 200 passing through the tensioner

In addition, the lengths of the straps 21 and 200 may be varied by using clamps rather

than glueing or sewing the ends 204 and 214 (in both of Figures 24 and 25). Thus, the

pressure of the shoulder brace may be adjusted by adjusting a slack in the tensioning straps

21 and 200 and clamping the ends 204 and 214 with a clamp. Further, Figs. 24 and 25

illustrate two tension triggering straps 21 and 210. However, it is possible that these two

triggering straps be included into a single tension triggering strap which performs the same

functions as the two tension triggering straps.

Figures 26-29b illustrate another embodiment of the shoulder brace of the present

invention. In particular, Figure 26 illustrates the patient 12 wearing a shoulder brace 201

which includes actuators 249, 250. The actuators 249, 250 compress the shoulder joint when

the patient's arm is moved. Also shown is a rigid frame which includes an arm frame

member 256 and a shoulder frame member 258. The alignment strap 16 and anchor strap 18

may also be used for aligning and securing the shoulder brace 201. The straps 16 and 18

have previously been described and accordingly a detailed description is now omitted.

However, note Figure 28 (which is discussed later) illustrates an alternative aπangement for

aligning and securing the shoulder brace. Figure 27 illustrates a front view of the shoulder brace 201 shown in Figure 26 and

will be used to describe an operation thereof. As shown, when the right arm of the patient 12

is moved (e.g., in the direction of the aπow Y), the rigid arm frame member 256 is also

moved causing a clockwise force (in the direction of the aπow X) on the actuator 250. This

clockwise force causes front and rear pads 252, 254 (only the front pad 252 is shown in

Figure 27) to press against the shoulder joint of the patient 12 (and thus compress the

shoulder joint). The more the arm is moved, the greater the compression force. The actuators

249, 250 are discussed in more detail with reference to Figures 29a-b.

Figure 28 illustrates an alternative alignment and anchor strap 17 from the alignment

strap 16 and anchor strap 18 discussed previously. As shown, the alignment strap 16 and

anchor strap 18 in Figure 27 are combined into a single strap 17 for aligning and securing the

shoulder brace 201. The anchoring and alignment strap 17 reduces the number of straps and

provides more comfort to the individual.

Turning now to Figures 29a and 29b, which are cross-sectional side views of the front

and rear actuators 249, 250. In particular, Figure 29a illustrates a disassembled view of the

front actuator 250, which includes the shoulder frame member 258 threadably engaged with

the frame member 256 (via a threaded portion 260). The arm frame member 256 is securely

fastened (e.g., integrally molded) with the threaded portion 260, such that when the arm

frame member 256 is moved away from the body, the threaded portion 260 is rotated inwards

so as to press the front pressure pad 252 against the patient's shoulder joint.

In more detail, when the patient's arm is moved, the arm frame member 256 causes

the threaded portion 260 to rotate such that the front pressure pad 252 presses against the

patient's shoulder joint. The pressure is generated towards the patient's shoulder because the shoulder frame member 258 remains in essentially a fixed position (i.e., the frame member

258 does not move). Thus, the threaded portion 260 rotates towards the patient's shoulder

joint. The rear actuator 249 operates in a similar fashion.

Figure 29b illustrates an assembled view of the rear actuator 249 including the frame

member 258 threadably engaged with the frame member 256 (via a threaded portion 261).

The threaded portion 261 includes left-hand threads, whereas the threaded portion 260

includes right-hand threads, such that the threaded portions rotate inwards so as to press the

front and rear pressure pads 252, 254 against the patient's shoulder joint. That is, the

threaded portions 260 and 261 are oppositely threaded.

In addition, the front and rear pressure pads 252, 254 may be connected to the arm

frame member 256 such that the pads do not rotate when the actuator rotates. This may be

accomplished by including a projecting portion 262 of the pressure pad which freely rotates

in a passageway 264 of the arm frame member 256 (see Figs. 29a and 29b). The diameters of

the projecting portions 262 are smaller than the diameters of the holes 264, and thus the

pressure pads are free to rotate.

The front and rear pads 252, 254 may be assembled by pushing the projection portion

262 into the passageway 264 until the projecting portion 262 "snaps" into place, thereby

securing the front and rear pressure pads 252, 254 to the frame member 256.

In addition, the frame portions may include a fiber-reinforced plastic, injected molded

plastic, etc., with a sufficient rigidity to function as a frame for supporting the actuators 249,

250.

Turning now to Figs. 30-36, which illustrate yet another embodiment of the shoulder

brace of the present invention. In particular, Fig. 30 illustrates the individual 12 wearing a shoulder brace 300, which includes a front frame member 304, a rear frame member 306, a

front pressure pad 308, a rear pressure pad 310, an arm cuff 314 and a support frame member

312. The front and rear pressure pads 308, 310 are respectively positioned on front and rear

portions of the individual's shoulder joint and the support member 312 is positioned at a mid-

section of the individual. Further, the front frame member 304 is connected to the support

frame member 312 and the front pressure pad 308. Similarly, the rear frame member 306 is

connected to the support frame member 312 and the rear pressure pad 310. The shoulder

brace 300 also includes a cord 316 which traverses over the individual's shoulder.

Figure 31 illustrates a front view of the shoulder brace 300 shown in Figure 30 and

will be used to describe an operation thereof. As shown, when the right arm of the individual

12 is moved away from the body (e.g., in the direction of the aπow Y), the arm cuff 314 is

also moved, which pulls the cord 316. This causes the compression mechanism (described in

more detail later) to compress the front and rear frame members 304, 306 in accordance with

the movement of the individual's arm such that the front and rear pressure pads 308, 310

press against the individual's shoulder joint. The more the arm is moved, the greater the

compression force. Also shown in Figure 31 is an anchor strap 318 for securing the support

frame member onto the mid-section of the individual. The anchor strap 318 may be a nylon

belt, for example.

Turning now to the different examples of the compression mechanisms according to

the present invention. In the first example, as shown in Figure 32, the compression

mechanism includes a gear box 302 connected to the support frame member 312. In addition,

the cord 316 is routed from an anchor point 329 on the arm cuff (not shown) through the gear

box 302, onto a surface of the rear frame member 306, over the individual's shoulder, and onto an anchor point 326 on the front frame member 304.

Thus, according to this example, the cord 316 is pulled so as to compress the front and

rear frame members 304, 306 in accordance with the movement of the individual's arm such

that the front and rear pressure pads 308, 310 press against the individual's shoulder joint.

The gear box 302 (shown in more detail in Fig. 36) provides the efficient conversion ratio

(e.g. a 4:1 gear ratio or any other gear ration necessary to achieve to amount of pressure

required to compress the shoulder joint) so that the further movement of the individual's arm

away from the body results in a greater compression force.

Further, a plurality of pulleys may be positioned along the route of the cord 316 so as

to facilitate the easy movement of the cord 316. For example, in Figure 32, a pulley 328 is

provided on the support member 312 so as to facilitate the easy movement of the cord

between the gear box 302 and the arm cuff 314. Also shown is a cord anchor 326 for

anchoring the cord 316 onto the front frame member 304. In addition, the rear frame member

includes a groove 320 for receiving and routing the cord 316 along the surface of the rear

frame member 306. Note, a plurality of pulleys may also be positioned along the rear frame

member to facilitate a movement of the cord. For example, the cord 316 may be anchored by

passing it through a plurality of hole in the frame member and securing an end of the cord

through at least one loop created by the cord passing in and out of the plurality of holes.

Another method of securing the cord is by using a screw and washer type mechanism to

secure fasten the cord to the frame member.

Turning now to Figure 33, which illustrates another example of the compression

mechanism according to the present invention. As shown, the cord 316 is routed from an

anchor point 329 on the arm cuff (not shown), through the gear box 302, onto a pulley 328 included on the rear frame member, under the individual's shoulder (note this differs from

Figure 32 in which the cord 316 is routed over the individual's shoulder), through a pulley

328 included on the front frame member 304, and back under the individual's shoulder to an

anchor point 326 on the rear frame member 306. Thus, as the individual's arm is moved, the

cord 316 is pulled so as to compress the front and rear pressure pads 308, 310 against the

individual's shoulder joint. Note the rear frame member 306 in Fig. 33 does not include a

groove as in Fig. 32.

Fig. 34 illustrates yet another example of the compression mechanism according to

the present invention. Note Fig. 34 is similar to Fig. 33, except the cord 316 is routed from

the anchor point 329 on the arm cuff (not shown), through the gear box 302, onto a surface of

the rear frame member 306 through the groove 320, under the individual's shoulder to a

pulley 328 included on the front frame member 304, and back under the individual's shoulder

to an anchor point 326 included on the rear frame member 306. Thus, as the individual's arm

is moved, the cord 316 is pulled so as to compress the front and rear pressure pads 308, 310

against the individual's shoulder joint.

In addition, it is also possible to not loop back the cord 316 under the individual's

shoulder. That is, the cord 316 may be anchored onto the front frame member 304.

However, looping the cord 316 between the front and rear frame members 304, 306 provides

an additional compression force.

In addition, the front pressure pad 308 is moveably connected to the front frame

member 304 (e.g., via a ball and socket type connection) and may be "snapped" onto the front

frame member 304. The front pressure pad 308 may be movable to accommodate movement

of the individual's front shoulder joint. That is, the front shoulder joint tends to move more than the rear shoulder joint when the individual's arm is moved. Alternatively, both the front

and rear pressure pads 308, 310, may be movably connected to, or permanently fixed to, the

front and rear frame members 304, 306.

Further, as shown in Figs. 32-34, the front frame member 304 is pivotably connected

to the support frame member 312 at an end thereof (i.e., pivoted about a pivot joint 324 in a

direction of the aπow H).

Figure 36 illustrates an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the location of the

rear pad 310 on the individual's shoulder joint. For example, as shown, the rear frame

member 306 and the support member 312 include slots 336, 338 at an interconnection region

thereof such that the positioning of the rear pressure pad 310 on the individual's shoulder

joint may be adjusted. Also shown are fasteners 340 (e.g., a nut and bolt) used to lock the

rear frame member 306 into the desired adjustment. Thus, the rear frame member may be set

into a desired position so as to set the position of the rear pad 310 on the individual's shoulder

joint. The front and rear pads 308, 310 may also be adjusted on the front and rear frame

members 304 and 306, respectively.

In addition, the arm cuff 314 may be made from a rigid plastic material and include a

velcro portion so as to be easily positioned and secured to the arm of the individual. For

example, the arm cuff 314 may be placed around the individual's arm and then secured via the

velcro strap.

In addition, the support frame member 312 may be made from a rigid plastic material

such as polystyrene, the front and rear frame members may be made from a rigid lightweight

metal, such as aluminum, and the front and rear pads and the arm cuff 314 may be made from

a rigid plastic material (such as polystyrene) including a thermoplastic padding to provide comfort and to provide location stability. The material selected for the shoulder brace should

provide the sufficient rigidity required and be lightweight. The cord material may be a

braided cord having sufficient strength to withstand the tensions to compress the front and

rear frame members 304, 306 in accordance with the movement of the individual's arm (such

as a braided cord manufactured by Western Filament under the trademark SPECTRA).

Turning now to Figure 35, which illustrates the gear box 302 in more detail. As

shown, the gear box 302 includes a first wheel 332 and a second wheel 334 attached to the

first wheel 332. Note, the first and second wheels 332, 334 may be a single component (e.g.,

be integrally molded). The second wheel 334 has a larger diameter than the diameter of the

first wheel 332. Thus, because the second wheel 334 has a larger diameter than the first

wheel 332, a larger pulling force on the front and rear frame members 304, 306 is created

with a movement of the individual's arm. That is, the gearbox 302 converts the pulling force

created by the movement of the arm cuff 314 into a larger pulling force (e.g., a pulling force

which is 4 times greater) used to pull the front and rear members 304, 306 together.

In addition, as shown, the cord 316 is routed from the arm cuff (not shown) through

the pulleys 328 provided on the support frame member 312 into the gear box 302 and is

wound around (at least once) the first and second wheels 332, 334. The cord 316 then exits

the gear box 302 and is routed over a pulley 328 into the rear frame member 306 (via a

through hole) and onto the groove 320 of the rear frame member 306. The cord 316 may be a

single cord as shown in the figures, or may be, for example, two separate cords: a first cord

connected to the first wheel 332 and a second cord connected to the second wheel 334.

Thus, according to the present invention, a shoulder injury may be efficiently treated

via the shoulder brace shown in the Figs. 30-36 by positioning the front and rear pressure pads on front and rear portions of the individual's shoulder joint, positioning the shoulder

member at a mid-section of the individual, and positioning the arm cuff on the arm of the

individual Then, the compression mechanism compresses the front and rear frame members

in accordance with a movement of the individual's arm such that the front and rear pressure

pads press against the individual's shoulder joint. The positions of the front and rear pads

may also be adjusted and the support frame member may be secured to the mid-section of the

individual.

Figs. 37-40 are copies of photographs of a person wearing the shoulder brace 300. In

particular, Figs. 37-39 are a side view, rear view and front view of the individual, and Fig. 40

is a view illustrating the individual's arm being raised. As shown in figures, the should brace

fits close to the body of the individual (i.e., the shoulder brace is made to conform with the

natural contours of the body). Further illustrated are the front and rear frame members 304,

306; the front and rear pads 308, 310; the support frame member 312; the anchor strap 318;

the arm cuff 314 and the fiber cord 316. In these figures, the fiber cord is routed over the

individual's shoulder (similar to the shoulder brace shown in Figs. 30-32).

Further, because wounds may appear or be at locations where the shoulder brace

contacts the individual's skin (e.g., at the front and rear pressure pads, on the inner surface of

the arm cuff, etc.), a bacteria static material may be applied to these regions to prevent

infection and/or to reduce the odor associated with such wounds. In more detail, a bacteria

static material that is activated by moisture (such a silver nylon material made by Omishield,

Sacuoito, or Swift) may be applied on the inner surfaces of the front and rear pads, support

frame member, arm cuff, etc. (the inner surfaces being defined as the surfaces which contact

the skin). The bacteria static material kills unwanted organisms and other odor causing organisms. Another bacteria static material which may be applied to areas on the shoulder

brace is one manufactured by Becker Technology Group under the Trademark

SILVERAPLPHA. The inventor of the present application has filed several related bacteria

static material applications related to preventing odor and unwanted organisms using bacteria

static materials such as silver-impregnated fabric.

In addition, it may be preferable to apply the bacteria static material only on certain

portions of the front and rear pressure pads (and other skin touching areas on the shoulder

brace). That is, there is a thermoplastic material provided on parts of the shoulder brace (e.g.,

the front and rear pads), which provide location stability for the front and rear pads (e.g., the

front and rear pads do not slip due to the thermoplastic material). However, if a bacteria

static material is applied to the entire inner surface of the front and rear pressure pads, for

example, the pads may be more likely to slip. Therefore, it may be preferable to apply the

bacteria static material only to the inner or outer regions of the pressure pads (i.e., to

effectively utilize the location stability of the thermoplastic material as well as the benefits of

the bacteria static material) .

In addition, the present inventor has determined the amount of pressure to be applied

to the shoulder joint to avoid the shoulder from popping out of its joint is in the range of

about 1 to 40 pounds. This can be accomplished by measuring (via a pressure gauge

including a spring loaded mechanism,), a minimum amount of pressure required to prevent an

individual from dislocating his shoulder. In fact, many patients are refeπed to as "voluntary

sublexers," which means they can voluntarily dislocate their shoulder. Based on preliminary

investigations, it is believed the minimum pressure is about 1 pound (the pressure required to

prevent a voluntary sublexerfrom discloting his shoulder) . Further, it is believed a maximum amount of pressure is about 40 pounds.

Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are

possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope

of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically

described herein.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED AS NEW AND DESIRED TO BE SECURED BY LETTERSPATENT OF THE UNITED STATES IS:

1. A shoulder brace comprising:

front and rear pressure pads to be respectively positioned on front and rear portions of

an individual ' s shoulder j oint;

a support member to be positioned at a mid-section of the individual;

a front frame member connected to the support member and the front pressure pad;

a rear frame member connected to the support member and the rear pressure pad;

an arm cuff to be positioned on the arm of the individual; and

a compression mechanism configured to compress the front and rear frame members

in accordance with a movement of the individual's arm such that the front and rear pressure

pads press against the individual's shoulder joint.

2. The shoulder brace according to claim 1, wherein the compression mechanism

comprises:

a gear box connected to the support member;

a cord which is routed from an anchor point on the arm cuff, through the gear box,

onto a surface of the rear frame member, over the individual's shoulder, and to an anchor

point on the front frame member.

3. The shoulder brace according to claim 1, wherein the compression mechanism

comprises:

a gear box connected to the support member;

a cord which is routed from an anchor point on the arm cuff, through the gear box,

onto a pulley included on the rear frame member, under the individual's shoulder, to a pulley included on the front frame member, and back under the individual's shoulder to an anchor

point on the rear frame member.

4. The shoulder brace according to claim 1, wherein the compression mechanism

comprises:

a gear box connected to the support member;

a cord which is routed from an anchor point on the arm cuff, through the gear box,

onto a surface of the rear frame member, under the individual's shoulder, to a pulley included

on the front frame member, and back under the individual's shoulder to an anchor point on

the rear frame member.

5. The shoulder brace according to claims 2, 3, or 4, further comprising:

a plurality of pulleys positioned along the route of the cord so as to facilitate the

movement of the cord.

6. The shoulder brace according to claims 2, 3, or 4, wherein the gear box includes a

first wheel and a second wheel attached to the first wheel, said second wheel having a larger

diameter than a diameter of the first wheel, and

wherein the cord is wound around the first and second wheels at least once.

7. The shoulder brace according to claims 2 or 4, wherein the rear frame member

comprises a groove configured to receive and route the cord along the surface of the rear

frame member.

8. The shoulder brace according to claims 2, 3, or 4, wherein the cord comprises a

braided cord having sufficient strength to compress the front and rear frame members in

accordance with the movement of the individual's arm.

9. The shoulder brace according to claim 1, wherein the front pressure pad is movably connected to the front frame member and the rear pressure pad is fixed to the rear

frame member.

10. The shoulder brace according to claim 1, wherein both the front and rear pressure

pads are respectively movably connected to the front and rear frame members.

11. The shoulder brace according to claim 1 , wherein the support member is made

from a semi-rigid material, the front and rear frame members are made from a rigid-material,

and the front and rear pads and the arm cuff are made from a semi-rigid material having a

thermoplastic padding to provide comfort and to provide location stability of the front and

rear pads.

12. The shoulder brace according to claim 1, wherein the rear frame member and the

support member comprises slots at an interconnection region thereof such that the positioning

of the rear pressure pad on the individual's shoulder joint may be adjusted.

13. The shoulder brace according to claim 1, wherein the front frame member is

pivotally connected to the support frame member at an end thereof, and is fixed in place via

an anchor provided on the support frame member.

14. The shoulder brace according to claim 1, further comprising:

an anchoring mechanism configured to secure the support frame member on the mid-

section of the individual.

15. The shoulder brace according to claim 1, wherein the arm cuff comprises a velcro

portion to be easily positioned and secured to the arm of the individual.

16. The shoulder brace according to claim 1, wherein a bacteria static material is

provided on skin-touching portions of the shoulder brace.

17. The shoulder brace according to claim 1, wherein the shoulder brace conforms closely to the contour of the individual's body.

18. A shoulder brace comprising:

front and rear pressure pads to be respectively positioned on front and rear portions of

an individual's shoulder joint;

a support member to be positioned at a mid-section of the individual;

a front frame member connected to the support member and the front pressure pad;

a rear frame member connected to the support member and the rear pressure pad;

an arm cuff to be positioned on the arm of the individual; and

compression means for compressing the front and rear frame members in accordance

with a movement of the individual's arm such that the front and rear pressure pads press

against the individual's shoulder joint.

19. The shoulder brace according to claim 18, further comprising:

means for facilitating the movement of a cord included in the compression means.

20. The shoulder brace according to claim 19, wherein the rear frame member

comprises means for receiving and routing the cord along the surface of the rear frame

member.

21. The shoulder brace according to claim 18, wherein the front pressure pad is

movably connected to the front frame member and the rear pressure pad is fixed to the rear

frame member.

22. The shoulder brace according to claim 18, wherein both the front and rear

pressure pads are respectively movably connected to the front and rear frame members.

23. The shoulder brace according to claim 18, further comprising:

adjustment means for adjusting the position of the rear pressure pad on the individual ' s shoulder j oint .

24. The shoulder brace according to claim 18, further comprising:

adjustment means for adjusting the position of the front pressure pad on the

individual's shoulder joint.

25. The shoulder brace according to claim 18, further comprising:

anchoring means for securing the support frame member on the mid-section of the

individual.

26. The shoulder brace according to claim 18, wherein the arm cuff comprises

adjustment means for positioning and securing the arm cuff to the arm of the individual.

27. The shoulder brace according to claim 18, wherein a bacteria static material is

provided on skin-touching portions of the shoulder brace.

28. The shoulder brace according to claim 18, wherein the shoulder brace conforms

closely to the contour of the individual's body.

29. A method of treating a shoulder injury via a shoulder brace including front and

rear pressure pads; a support member; a front frame member connected to the support

member and the front pressure pad; a rear frame member connected to the support member

and the rear pressure pad; an arm cuff; and a compression mechanism, and said method

comprising:

positioning the front and rear pressure pads on front and rear portions of the

individual's shoulder joint;

positioning the support member at a mid-section of the individual; and

positioning the arm cuff on the arm of the individual,

wherein the compression mechanism compresses the front and rear frame members in accordance with a movement of the individual's arm such that the front and rear pressure

pads press against the individual's shoulder joint.

30. The method according to claim 29, further comprising:

adjusting the position of the rear pressure pad on the individual's shoulder joint.

31. The method according to claim 29, further comprising:

adjusting the position of the front pressure pad on the individual's shoulder joint.

32. The method according to claim 29, further comprising:

securing the support frame member on the mid-section of the individual.

33. The method according to claim 29, further comprising:

positioning and securing the arm cuff to the arm of the individual

34. The method according to claim 29, further comprising:

setting the amount of pressure the compression mechanism will press the front and

rear pressure pads against the individual's shoulder joint.

35. The method according to claim 29, further comprising:

determining, prior to positioning the shoulder brace on the individual, the amount of

pressure the compression mechanism will press the front and rear pressure pads against the

individual's shoulder joint.

36. The method according to claim 29, wherein a bacteria static material is provided

on skin-touching portions of the shoulder brace.

37. The method according to claim 29, wherein the shoulder brace conforms closely

to the contour of the individual's body.

38. A shoulder brace comprising:

a shoulder frame member mountable to an individual's shoulder; and an upper arm frame member mountable to the individual's upper arm, and including

at least one actuator configured to apply pressure to a shoulder joint of the individual in

accordance with a movement of the individual's arm.

39. The shoulder brace according to claim 38, wherein the at least one actuator

comprises a threaded portion threadably engaging with the shoulder frame member such that

the at least one actuator is rotated inwards toward the individual's shoulder joint in

accordance with the movement of the individual's arm.

40. The shoulder brace according to claim 38, further comprising:

a pressure pad associated with the at least one actuator and configured to provide a

comfortable pressure against the individual's shoulder joint.

41. The shoulder brace according to claim 40, wherein the pressure pad is slidably

moveable with the at least actuator so the pressure pad does not rotate when the at least

actuator rotates.

42. The shoulder brace according to claim 38, wherein the at least one actuator

includes a first actuator positioned on a front portion of the individual's shoulder joint and a

second actuator positioned on a rear portion of the individual's shoulder joint.

43. The shoulder brace according to claim 42, wherein the first and second actuators

rotate inwards at a same rotational speed in accordance with the movement of the individual's

arm so as to apply an equal pressure to the front and rear portions of the individual's

shoulder.

44. The shoulder brace according to claim 42, wherein the first and second actuators

rotate inwards at a same rotational speed in accordance with the movement of the individual's

arm so as to apply an equal pressure to the front and rear portions of the individual's shoulder.

45. The shoulder brace according to claim 38, further comprising:

an alignment strap mountable to an upper torso region of the individual and

configured to align the shoulder frame member, said alignment strap including first and

second ends pivotally connected to said shoulder frame member; and

an anchor strap mountable to a mid-section of the individual and configured to anchor

the shoulder frame member, said anchor strap including a first and second ends pivotally

connected to the shoulder frame member.

46. The shoulder brace according to claim 38, wherein a bacteria static material is

provided on skin- touching portions of the shoulder brace.

47. The shoulder brace according to claim 38, wherein the shoulder brace conforms

closely to the contour of the individual's body.

48. A shoulder brace comprising:

actuating means for compressing an individual's shoulder joint in accordance with a

movement of the individual' s arm.

49. The shoulder brace according to claim 48, further comprising:

means for mounting the shoulder brace to the individual's shoulder and upper arm.

50. The shoulder brace according to claim 48, further comprising:

means for providing a comfortable pressure against the individual's shoulder joint

when the actuating means compresses the individual's shoulder joint.

51. The shoulder brace according to claim 48, further comprising:

alignment means for aligning the shoulder brace; and

anchoring means for anchoring the shoulder brace to a mid-section of the individual

52. A method of treating a shoulder injury, comprising:

mounting a shoulder frame member on the individual's shoulder; and

mounting an upper arm frame member on the individual's upper arm, said upper arm

frame member including at least one actuator configured to apply pressure to the individual's

shoulder joint in accordance with a movement of the individual's arm.

53. The method according to claim 52, wherein the at least one actuator comprises a

threaded portion threadably engaging with the shoulder frame member such that the at least

one actuator is rotated inwards toward the individual's shoulder joint in accordance with the

movement of the individual's arm.

54. The method according to claim 52, wherein a pressure pad is associated with the

at least one actuator so as to provide a comfortable pressure against the individual's shoulder

joint.

55. The method according to claim 54, wherein the pressure pad is slidably moveable

with the at least actuator so the pressure pad does not rotate as the at least actuator rotates.

56. The method according to claim 52, wherein the at least one actuator includes a

first actuator positioned on a front portion of the individual's shoulder joint and a second

actuator positioned on a rear portion of the individual's shoulder joint.

57. The method according to claim 56, wherein the first and second actuators rotate

inwards at a same rotational speed in accordance with the movement of the individual's arm

so as to apply an equal pressure to the front and rear portions of the individual's shoulder.

58. The method according to claim 56, wherein the first and second actuators rotate

inwards at a same rotational speed in accordance with the movement of the individual's arm

so as to apply an equal pressure to the front and rear portions of the individual's shoulder.

59. The method according to claim 52, further comprising:

an alignment strap mountable to an upper torso region of the patient and configured to

align the shoulder frame member, said alignment strap including first and second ends

pivotally connected to said shoulder frame member; and

an anchor strap mountable to a mid-section of the patient and configured to anchor the

shoulder frame member, said anchor strap including a first and second ends pivotally

connected to the shoulder frame member.

60. The method according to claim 52, wherein a bacteria static material is provided

on skin-touching portions of the shoulder brace.

61. The method according to claim 52, wherein the shoulder brace conforms closely

to the contour of the individual's body.

62. A shoulder brace comprising:

a shoulder member mountable to a shoulder of an individual's arm; and

a positioning device configured to increase a pressure on the shoulder of the

individual's arm in accordance with a movement of the individual's arm.

63. A shoulder brace according to claim 62, wherein said shoulder member comprises

an open portion forming substantially rigid first and second arms, and wherein said

positioning device is configured to vary a spacing between said first and second arms of said

shoulder member according to a position of the individual's arm.

64. A shoulder brace according to claim 63, wherein said positioning device

comprises:

a first tension triggering strap having a first and second end;

an anchor mountable to a predetermined position on a individual's body; and a positioning unit communicating with said first and second arms of said shoulder

member;

said first end of said first tensioning strap communicating with said positioning unit;

said second end attached to said anchor strap such that a tension is generated in said

first tension triggering strap according to movement of the arm, and said first tension

triggering strap communicating with said positioning unit according to the tension generated

in said first tension triggering strap.

65. A shoulder brace according to claim 64, wherein the positioning device further

comprises:

at least a second tension triggering strap having a first and second end and

communicating with the positioning unit;

said first end of the second tension triggering strap being attached to an arm band

placed on an upper arm of the patient;

said second end of the second tension triggering strap looping through a ring provided

in the anchor strap and being attached to a portion of the second tension triggering strap;

said second tension triggering strap communicating with the positioning unit

according to a tension generated in said second tension triggering strap according to the

movement of the arm.

66. The shoulder brace according to claim 62, wherein a bacteria static material is

provided on skin-touching portions of the shoulder brace.

67. The shoulder brace according to claim 62, wherein the shoulder brace conforms

closely to the contour of the individual's body.

68. A shoulder brace comprising:

a shoulder member mountable to a shoulder of a individual's arm; and

compression means for increasing a pressure on said shoulder member in accordance

with a movement of the individual's arm.

69. A shoulder brace according to claim 68, wherein said compression means

comprises means for constricting said shoulder member in accordance with a movement of

the individual's arm.

70. A shoulder brace according to claim 68, wherein said compression means

comprises a tension strap configured to be anchored at a first end to a predetermined portion

of a individual's body beneath the shoulder and connected at a second end to said shoulder

member such that said shoulder member is constricted in accordance with a movement of the

arm away from the individual's body.

71. A shoulder brace according to claim 68, wherein the compression means

comprises:

a positioning device configured to increase a pressure on the shoulder of the

individual's arm in accordance with a movement of the individual's arm;

at least a second tension triggering strap having a first and second end and

communicating with the positioning unit;

said first end of the second tension triggering strap being attached to an arm band

placed on an upper arm of the patient;

said second end of the second tension triggering strap looping through a ring provided

in the anchor strap and being attached to a portion of the second tension triggering strap; and

said second tension triggering strap communicating with the positioning unit according to a tension generated in said second tension triggering strap according to the

movement of the arm.

72. The shoulder brace according to claim 68, wherein a bacteria static material is

provided on skin-touching portions of the shoulder brace.

73. The shoulder brace according to claim 68, wherein the shoulder brace conforms

closely to the contour of the individual's body.