US3823711A - Inflatable profile with high pneumatic rigidity - Google Patents

Inflatable profile with high pneumatic rigidity Download PDF

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US3823711A
US3823711A US00267162A US26716272A US3823711A US 3823711 A US3823711 A US 3823711A US 00267162 A US00267162 A US 00267162A US 26716272 A US26716272 A US 26716272A US 3823711 A US3823711 A US 3823711A
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tubular
cells
extremity
fabric
cell
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US00267162A
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G Hatton
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Safran Aerosystems SAS
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Aerazur Constructions Aeronautiques SA
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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
    • A61F5/01—Orthopaedic devices, e.g. splints, casts or braces
    • A61F5/0102—Orthopaedic devices, e.g. splints, casts or braces specially adapted for correcting deformities of the limbs or for supporting them; Ortheses, e.g. with articulations
    • A61F5/012—Orthopaedic devices, e.g. splints, casts or braces specially adapted for correcting deformities of the limbs or for supporting them; Ortheses, e.g. with articulations inflatable
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S128/00—Surgery
    • Y10S128/20—Inflatable splint
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S2/00—Apparel
    • Y10S2/03—Inflatable garment

Definitions

  • An inflatable shaped structure comprising an assembly of pneumatic tubular elements, characterized by the combination of a number of inflatable tubes made from elastic material and a fabric casing forming adjacent elongated cells which contain the tubes, each pair of adjacent cells having plane sides. joined by stitching along at least one generator to the vicinity of a continuous wall which closesthe cells.
  • Such a structure will only support relatively weak inflation pressures, of the order of 200 g/cm (2.84 pounds per square inch) for example, and provides no continuous plane surface.
  • the structure of the invention can support inflation pressures which may reach, for example, several kg/cm (1 kg/cm 14.2 pounds per square inch).
  • the cells are in the form of square-section pipes, closed on one side by a sheet of fabric to which they are stitched, and at least one second line of stitching joins adjacent cells on the opposite side, forming plane sides in mutual contact between the cells, which act as braces after inflation.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view, with a transverse section, of a shape conforming to a preferred mode of execution of the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a section of a leg dressed in an orthopaedic costume using such a shape
  • FIG. 3 is a back view of such a costume
  • FIG. 4 is the front view.v
  • FIG. 1 shows a part of an elongated section comprising. by way of example, three latex tubes 1-3 contained in a fabric casing.
  • the latter consists of a plane side 4 and three parts 5-7 forming pipes.rThe parts 5-7 are stitched to the side 4 at 8, 9, l0, 11, 12 and 13. They also are stitched to each other, on the one hand in the vicinty of the side 4 (at and 11, for example), and on the other hand at their opposite side (at 14 and 15, for example). This results in the adjacent plane sides of the pipes being in mutual contact and acting as braces.
  • Zip fasteners may be provided to allow the tubes to be threaded in the casing, previously sewn 2 so as to be an integral part of the assembly to which they are applied.
  • FIG. 2 shows a leg 16 of an orthopaedic costume in which each leg is provided with two sections 17 and 18.
  • the section 17' comprises three tubes and is intended for application to the back of the patients leg, while the section 18, with only two tubes, is applied to the front part of the leg.
  • each'tubular cell has a length which upon inflation of the infaltable tubes 1,
  • the rigidity is very much greater'than would be the case if the tubes were completely separated from each other.
  • the fabric used is an aerated linen and preferably fireproofed.
  • the structure is then permeableto air, which is important in the case of an orthopaedic costume. It is clearly much lighter and more flexible than a metal or plastic frame, yet possesses sufficient rigidity to replace them in most cases.
  • the orthopaedic costume shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 made from a light strong fabric, aerated and preferably fireproof, consists of a garment fitted around the legs and the body up to a certain height. It is supported by shoulder-straps or other means, not shown, and can be puton easily thanks to zip fasteners 19, 20 and 21 (FIG. 4.) or otherv quick fastenings, so positioned that it can be laid flat when the fasteners are open: the user can then lie on the costume and put it on unaided.
  • lacings 22, 23 allow adjustment for differing body sizes, so as to fit closely without impeding the circulation.
  • Two openings, posterior 24, and anterior 25, are provided so that the femoral artery will not come under any pressure, which would cause serious problems in the case of prolonged wearing of the costume.
  • This arrangement is not limitative; nor is the number of tubes which comprise each tubular section.
  • the ante rior tubular sections FIG. 4 are shown with three tubes in their upper part and two tubes in their lower part. It may be preferable in some cases to prolong the third tube to the bottom of the section.
  • the tubes are closed at either end, as is the casing, and are joined to each other and to the tubes of the other sections of the costume by a flexible tube 32 (FIGS. 3 and 4).
  • a feeding device (not shown) comprises preferably a micro-valve, a striker and a valve fixed to the tube 32.
  • a bottle of carbonic gas or a compresser with a presl5 sure-reducer may be joined to the valve to ensure inflation.
  • the inflation pressure needed to ensure bodily sup port for an adult is of the order of 2 bars or 29.4 pounds per square inch.
  • the costume thus inflated exerts a light pressure on the members, which suppresses hypotension.
  • An inflatable shaped structure comprising an assembly of pneumatic tubular elements, characterized by the combination of a number of parallel inflatable tubes made from gas tight elastic material and a fabric casing forming adjacent elongated cells which contain the tubes, each pair of adjacent cells having plane sides joined along at least one side to the vicinity ofa continuous wall which closes-the cells characterized in that the cells have the form of square-section pipes, closed on one side by a sheet of air permeable fabric to which they are stitched, and by at least a second line of stitching which joins adjacent cells on the opposite side, forming plane sides in mutual contact between the cells, which act as braces after inflation.
  • An orthopedic brace of high pneumatic rigidity comprising:
  • each said cell having radially extending sidewalls in contact with like sidewalls of each adjacent cell;
  • each said sidewall to said fabric to form elongated braces some of which are of double fabric thickness and all of which extend parallel to the long axes of said tubular wall structures;
  • means including gas-impervious wall structure for induces rigidity of said tubular wall without increase in inward pressure upon said extremities sufficient to impede blood circulation.
  • tubular cells are each of generally rectangular shape before inflation, said fabric of said tubular enclosures forming corresponding wall portions of each said cell, and means securing each said sidewall to said fabric of said tubular enclosures.
  • An orthopedic brace of high pneumatic ridigity for an extremity of the body comprising:
  • extremity enclosing means adapted for close contorfitting; a tubular wall structures, on the outer surface of said enclosing means, at least one of which is adapted to be disposed in front of and another of which is adapted to be disposed behind the knee; each said tubular wall structure being a dimensionally stable fabric casing having therein at least a pair of elastic inflatable tubular cells closed at both ends and extending lengthwise of said extremity;' each said cell having radially extending sidewalls in contact with the sidewalls of an adjacent cell; and
  • means including gas-impervious wall structure for inflating said tubular cells to a pressure which pro Jerusalem rigidity of said tubular wall structures without increase in inward pressure upon said extremities sufficient to impede blood circulation.
  • extremity enclosing means of flexible sheet material adapted for close contor-fitting
  • tubular wall structures of flexible sheet material on the outer surface of said enclosing means at least one of which is adapted to be disposed in front of and another of which is adapted to be disposed behind the knee;
  • each said tubular wall structure having therein at least two tubular cells closed at both ends and extending lengthwise of said extremity
  • each'said cell having a radially extending sidewall in contact with a like sidewall of an adjacent cell
  • a costume according to claim 7 in which the flexities sufficient to impede blood circulation. 5 ble sheet material of the extremity enclosing means is 8.
  • the orthopedic bracing costume of claim 7 in permeable to body fluids and vapors. which said enclosing means in the region of the crotch v

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Nursing (AREA)
  • Orthopedic Medicine & Surgery (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Vascular Medicine (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)
  • Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)
  • Materials For Medical Uses (AREA)
  • Mattresses And Other Support Structures For Chairs And Beds (AREA)

Abstract

An inflatable shaped structure comprising an assembly of pneumatic tubular elements, characterized by the combination of a number of inflatable tubes made from elastic material and a fabric casing forming adjacent elongated cells which contain the tubes, each pair of adjacent cells having plane sides joined by stitching along at least one generator to the vicinity of a continuous wall which closes the cells. Its application to orthopaedic clothing.

Description

United States Patent 1191 Hatton INFLATABLE PROFILE WITH HIGH PNEUMATIC RIGIDITY [75] Inventor: Gildas Hatton, Paris, France [73] Assignee: Aerazur Constructions Aeronautiques Anciens Establissements Clande Ethatten,
Issy-Les-Moulineaux, France [22] Filed: June 28, 1972 [21] -Appl. No.: 267,162
[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Dec. 14, 1971 France 71.44817 [52] US. Cl 128/78, 128/DIG. 20, 2/DIG. 3 [51] Int. Cl. A6lf 5/02 [58] Field Of Search 128/78, 87, DIG. 20, 83, 128/84; 2/DIG. 3, 2.1
[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,589,670 6/1926 Vartia...., 128/75 1,891,492 12/1932 Anderson 9/2 2,028,060 1/1936 Gilbert 47/23 2,245,909 6/1941 Enfiajian 128/D1G. 20 2,397,710 4/1946 Versoy et al 128/1 2,501,903 3/1950 Huggins 2/267 2,531,074 11/1950 Miller 128/D1G. 20
[111 3 ,823,711 [451 July 16, 1974 Primary Examiner-Richard A. Gaudet Assistant Examiner-J. Yasko Attorney, Agent, or Firm'-William Anthony Drucker s7 ABSTRACT An inflatable shaped structure comprising an assembly of pneumatic tubular elements, characterized by the combination of a number of inflatable tubes made from elastic material and a fabric casing forming adjacent elongated cells which contain the tubes, each pair of adjacent cells having plane sides. joined by stitching along at least one generator to the vicinity of a continuous wall which closesthe cells.
Its application to orthopaedic clothing.
9 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures PATENTEU JUL 1 e 1914 SHEET 2 0F 2 FIGS FICA
INFLATABLE PROFILE WITH HIGH PNEUMATIC RIGIDITY Some pneumatic mattresses are made of two layers I of fabric water-proofed with latex and stuck together along parallel lines in order to form several inflatable cylinders.
Such a structure will only support relatively weak inflation pressures, of the order of 200 g/cm (2.84 pounds per square inch) for example, and provides no continuous plane surface.
The structure of the invention can support inflation pressures which may reach, for example, several kg/cm (1 kg/cm 14.2 pounds per square inch).
It is mainly characterized by the combination of a number of cubes of rubber or other elastic material and a fabric casing forming adjacent elongated cells which contain the tubes, each pair of adjacent cells having plane sides joined by stitching along at least one generator to the vicinity of a continuous wall which closes the cells.
In a preferred mode of execution the cells are in the form of square-section pipes, closed on one side by a sheet of fabric to which they are stitched, and at least one second line of stitching joins adjacent cells on the opposite side, forming plane sides in mutual contact between the cells, which act as braces after inflation.
Although theinvention will be more particularly described in the sequel by reference to its application to an orthopaedic costume, it should be well understood that the structure above can be used for a wide variety or purposes.
The invention will be better understood with the help of the following description.
In the following drawings:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view, with a transverse section, of a shape conforming to a preferred mode of execution of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a section of a leg dressed in an orthopaedic costume using such a shape;
FIG. 3 is a back view of such a costume, and
FIG. 4 is the front view.v
FIG. 1 shows a part of an elongated section comprising. by way of example, three latex tubes 1-3 contained in a fabric casing.
The latter consists of a plane side 4 and three parts 5-7 forming pipes.rThe parts 5-7 are stitched to the side 4 at 8, 9, l0, 11, 12 and 13. They also are stitched to each other, on the one hand in the vicinty of the side 4 (at and 11, for example), and on the other hand at their opposite side (at 14 and 15, for example). This results in the adjacent plane sides of the pipes being in mutual contact and acting as braces.
Zip fasteners, not shown, may be provided to allow the tubes to be threaded in the casing, previously sewn 2 so as to be an integral part of the assembly to which they are applied.
By way of example, FIG. 2 shows a leg 16 of an orthopaedic costume in which each leg is provided with two sections 17 and 18. The section 17' comprises three tubes and is intended for application to the back of the patients leg, while the section 18, with only two tubes, is applied to the front part of the leg.
It can be seen that the sections 17 and 18 form an integral part of the leg of the costume, the fabric wall 16 closing the pipes of the two structures. In this connection, the circumferential wall of each'tubular cell has a length which upon inflation of the infaltable tubes 1,
2 and 3 minimizes any tightening of the fabric 16 enclosing the lower extremity. Yet because of the adjacent wall structure in contact relation one with theother as well as the spaced stitching 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
and 13 securing the tubular wall structures to the fabric 16 they do indeed form the needed, in integral, bracing means.
' When the tubes are inflated they completely fill the interior space of the pipes, slightly rounding their exterior walls, and the adjoining walls stretch and become rigid. Each section thus forms a homogeneous structure in which the stretched adjoining walls act as stiffening braces, and has considerable rigidity.
The rigidity is very much greater'than would be the case if the tubes were completely separated from each other.
In the-application described here, it is indispensible that the adjoining walls of the pipes be joined by at least two lines of stitching in order to form stiffening braces after inflation.
However, in other applications where less rigidity is needed a single line of stitching will suffice to prevent the tubes from separating during inflation.
The fabric usedis an aerated linen and preferably fireproofed. The structure is then permeableto air, which is important in the case of an orthopaedic costume. It is clearly much lighter and more flexible than a metal or plastic frame, yet possesses sufficient rigidity to replace them in most cases.
The orthopaedic costume shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, made from a light strong fabric, aerated and preferably fireproof, consists of a garment fitted around the legs and the body up to a certain height. It is supported by shoulder-straps or other means, not shown, and can be puton easily thanks to zip fasteners 19, 20 and 21 (FIG. 4.) or otherv quick fastenings, so positioned that it can be laid flat when the fasteners are open: the user can then lie on the costume and put it on unaided.
Suitably positioned lacings 22, 23 allow adjustment for differing body sizes, so as to fit closely without impeding the circulation.
Two openings, posterior 24, and anterior 25, are provided so that the femoral artery will not come under any pressure, which would cause serious problems in the case of prolonged wearing of the costume.
A gusset 26, freed by a zip fastener 27, gives fullness at a variable height according to the case being treated. This arrangement is not limitative; nor is the number of tubes which comprise each tubular section. The ante rior tubular sections FIG. 4 are shown with three tubes in their upper part and two tubes in their lower part. It may be preferable in some cases to prolong the third tube to the bottom of the section.
The tubes are closed at either end, as is the casing, and are joined to each other and to the tubes of the other sections of the costume by a flexible tube 32 (FIGS. 3 and 4).
A feeding device (not shown) comprises preferably a micro-valve, a striker and a valve fixed to the tube 32.
A bottle of carbonic gas or a compresser with a presl5 sure-reducer may be joined to the valve to ensure inflation.
When the user has no such source available, he operates the striker which opens a cartridge of carbonic gas (not shown), which may also be joined to the valve. The microvalve is to allow decompression.
The inflation pressure needed to ensure bodily sup port for an adult is of the order of 2 bars or 29.4 pounds per square inch.
The costume thus inflated exerts a light pressure on the members, which suppresses hypotension.
It goes without saying that the number and the size of the tubes, and the different details of the realization described, are not limitative.
It is advisable to note here that, in the costume described and shown, a continuous and sensibly uniform support is given along the length of the patients body, with the result that his bones are put under pressure and the body support is effected normally by bone pressure.
in particular cases where it would be useful, a ground support could nevertheless be provided.
I claim:
1. An inflatable shaped structure comprising an assembly of pneumatic tubular elements, characterized by the combination of a number of parallel inflatable tubes made from gas tight elastic material and a fabric casing forming adjacent elongated cells which contain the tubes, each pair of adjacent cells having plane sides joined along at least one side to the vicinity ofa continuous wall which closes-the cells characterized in that the cells have the form of square-section pipes, closed on one side by a sheet of air permeable fabric to which they are stitched, and by at least a second line of stitching which joins adjacent cells on the opposite side, forming plane sides in mutual contact between the cells, which act as braces after inflation.
2. An orthopedic brace of high pneumatic rigidity comprising:
tubular wall structures of light, strong fabric for close-fitting wrap-around disposition with each lower extremity having a plurality of contiguous, tubular cellsc'losed at their ends and extending lengthwise of each extremity;
each said cell having radially extending sidewalls in contact with like sidewalls of each adjacent cell;
means securing each said sidewall to said fabric to form elongated braces some of which are of double fabric thickness and all of which extend parallel to the long axes of said tubular wall structures; and
means including gas-impervious wall structure for induces rigidity of said tubular wall without increase in inward pressure upon said extremities sufficient to impede blood circulation.
3. The orthopedic brace ofclaim 2 in which said tu- 5 bular cells are each of generally rectangular shape before inflation.
4. The orthopedic brace of claim 2 in which said tubular cells are each of generally rectangular shape before inflation, said fabric of said tubular enclosures forming corresponding wall portions of each said cell, and means securing each said sidewall to said fabric of said tubular enclosures.
5. An orthopedic brace of high pneumatic ridigity for an extremity of the body, comprising:
enclosing means of a light, strong, fabric for close contor-fltting of said extremity; tubular wall structure of light, strong, fabric having a plurality of contiguous, tubular cells closed at their ends and extending lengthwise of said extremy; I v an elastic tube coextensive in length with and dis posed within each said cell; each said cell having a sidewall in contact with a like sidewall of each adjacent cell to form a plurality .of elongated braces of double fabric thickness; and means for inflating said elastic tubes to a pressure which produces rigidity of said tubular wall structures without increase in circumferential pressure upon said extremity. 6. An orthopedic bracing costume of high pneumatic rigidity adapted for use with at least one of the lower extremities, comprising: 7
. extremity enclosing means; adapted for close contorfitting; a tubular wall structures, on the outer surface of said enclosing means, at least one of which is adapted to be disposed in front of and another of which is adapted to be disposed behind the knee; each said tubular wall structure being a dimensionally stable fabric casing having therein at least a pair of elastic inflatable tubular cells closed at both ends and extending lengthwise of said extremity;' each said cell having radially extending sidewalls in contact with the sidewalls of an adjacent cell; and
means including gas-impervious wall structure for inflating said tubular cells to a pressure which pro duces rigidity of said tubular wall structures without increase in inward pressure upon said extremities sufficient to impede blood circulation.
7. An orthopedic bracing costume of high pneumatic rigidity adapted for use with at least one of the lower extremities, comprising:
extremity enclosing means of flexible sheet material adapted for close contor-fitting;
tubular wall structures of flexible sheet material on the outer surface of said enclosing means, at least one of which is adapted to be disposed in front of and another of which is adapted to be disposed behind the knee;
each said tubular wall structure having therein at least two tubular cells closed at both ends and extending lengthwise of said extremity,
each'said cell having a radially extending sidewall in contact with a like sidewall of an adjacent cell; and
means including gas-impervious wall structure for inhave openings somewhat greater than the regions in flating said tubular cells to a pressure which prowhich the femoral arteries surface in avoidance of reduces rigidity of said tubular wall structures withstrictive pressureupon said arteries. out increase of inward pressure upon said extremi- 9. A costume according to claim 7 in which the flexities sufficient to impede blood circulation. 5 ble sheet material of the extremity enclosing means is 8. The orthopedic bracing costume of claim 7 in permeable to body fluids and vapors. which said enclosing means in the region of the crotch v

Claims (9)

1. An inflatable shaped structure comprising an assembly of pneumatic tubular elements, characterized by the combination of a number of parallel inflatable tubes made from gas tight elastic material and a fabric casing forming adjacent elongated cells which contain the tubes, each pair of adjacent cells having plane sides joined along at least one side to the vicinity of a continuous wall which closes the cells characterized in that the cells have the form of square-section pipes, closed on one side by a sheet of air permeable fabric to which they are stitched, and by at least a second line of stitching which joins adjacent cells on the opposite side, forming plane sides in mutual contact between the cells, which act as braces after inflation.
2. An orthopedic brace of high pneumatic rigidity comprising: tubular wall structures of light, strong fabric for close-fitting wrap-around disposition with each lower extremity having a plurality of contiguous, tubular cells closed at their ends and extending lengthwise of each extremity; each said cell having radially extending sidewalls in contact with like sidewalls of each adjacent cell; means securing each said sidewall to said fabric to form elongated braces some of which are of double fabric thickness and all of which extend parallel to the long axes of said tubular wall structures; and means including gas-impervious wall structure for inflating said tubular cells to a pressure which produces rigidity of said tubular wall without increase in inward pressure upon said extremities sufficient to impede blood circulation.
3. The orthopedic brace of claim 2 in which said tubular cells are each of generally rectangular shape before inflation.
4. The orthopedic brace of claim 2 in which said tubular cells are each of generally rectangular shape before inflation, said fabric of said tubular enclosures forming corresponding wall portions of each said cell, and means securing each said sidewall to said fabric of said tubular enclosures.
5. An orthopedic brace of high pneumatic ridigity for an extremity of the body, comprising: enclosinG means of a light, strong, fabric for close contor-fitting of said extremity; tubular wall structure of light, strong, fabric having a plurality of contiguous, tubular cells closed at their ends and extending lengthwise of said extremity; an elastic tube coextensive in length with and disposed within each said cell; each said cell having a sidewall in contact with a like sidewall of each adjacent cell to form a plurality of elongated braces of double fabric thickness; and means for inflating said elastic tubes to a pressure which produces rigidity of said tubular wall structures without increase in circumferential pressure upon said extremity.
6. An orthopedic bracing costume of high pneumatic rigidity adapted for use with at least one of the lower extremities, comprising: extremity enclosing means; adapted for close contor-fitting; tubular wall structures, on the outer surface of said enclosing means, at least one of which is adapted to be disposed in front of and another of which is adapted to be disposed behind the knee; each said tubular wall structure being a dimensionally stable fabric casing having therein at least a pair of elastic inflatable tubular cells closed at both ends and extending lengthwise of said extremity; each said cell having radially extending sidewalls in contact with the sidewalls of an adjacent cell; and means including gas-impervious wall structure for inflating said tubular cells to a pressure which produces rigidity of said tubular wall structures without increase in inward pressure upon said extremities sufficient to impede blood circulation.
7. An orthopedic bracing costume of high pneumatic rigidity adapted for use with at least one of the lower extremities, comprising: extremity enclosing means of flexible sheet material adapted for close contor-fitting; tubular wall structures of flexible sheet material on the outer surface of said enclosing means, at least one of which is adapted to be disposed in front of and another of which is adapted to be disposed behind the knee; each said tubular wall structure having therein at least two tubular cells closed at both ends and extending lengthwise of said extremity; each said cell having a radially extending sidewall in contact with a like sidewall of an adjacent cell; and means including gas-impervious wall structure for inflating said tubular cells to a pressure which produces rigidity of said tubular wall structures without increase of inward pressure upon said extremities sufficient to impede blood circulation.
8. The orthopedic bracing costume of claim 7 in which said enclosing means in the region of the crotch have openings somewhat greater than the regions in which the femoral arteries surface in avoidance of restrictive pressure upon said arteries.
9. A costume according to claim 7 in which the flexible sheet material of the extremity enclosing means is permeable to body fluids and vapors.
US00267162A 1971-12-14 1972-06-28 Inflatable profile with high pneumatic rigidity Expired - Lifetime US3823711A (en)

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US3868952A (en) * 1971-12-14 1975-03-04 Aerazur Constr Aeronaut Inflatable shaped structures
US3982531A (en) * 1975-04-30 1976-09-28 Thiokol Corporation Inflation device for a pneumatic orthosis
US4039039A (en) * 1976-03-01 1977-08-02 Jobst Institute Inc. Inflatable anti-shock and splinting trousers
US4270527A (en) * 1979-08-09 1981-06-02 Armstrong Industries, Inc. Inflatable trouser for medical use
US4960115A (en) * 1988-08-05 1990-10-02 Peter Ranciato Body support apparatus
US5658246A (en) * 1995-03-30 1997-08-19 Saca; Ricardo E. Protective garment for the hip
US20060064800A1 (en) * 2004-09-27 2006-03-30 Freund Robert M Decubitus ulcer prevention and treatment
US20070000188A1 (en) * 2005-06-30 2007-01-04 Aleksandr Smushkovich Wind, hurricane, and cold protection devices
WO2014144158A2 (en) 2008-01-07 2014-09-18 Lite Run, Inc. Suspension and body attachment system and differential pressure suit for body weight support devices
US9445880B2 (en) 2008-01-07 2016-09-20 Lite Run, Inc. Portable system for assisting body movement
US9554964B1 (en) 2008-01-07 2017-01-31 Lite Run, Inc. Suspension and body attachment system and differential pressure suit for body weight support devices
US9827667B2 (en) 2013-12-19 2017-11-28 Other Lab Llc Pneumatic exomuscle system and method
US10543110B2 (en) 2015-03-27 2020-01-28 Roam Robotics Inc. Lower-leg exoskeleton system and method
US10611020B2 (en) 2013-12-19 2020-04-07 Roam Robotics Inc. Pneumatic exomuscle system and method
US10780012B2 (en) 2017-08-29 2020-09-22 Roam Robotics Inc. Exoskeleton fit evaluation system and method
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US5658246A (en) * 1995-03-30 1997-08-19 Saca; Ricardo E. Protective garment for the hip
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US9561149B2 (en) 2008-01-07 2017-02-07 Lite Run, Inc. Suspension and body attachment system and differential pressure suit for body weight support devices
US9492258B2 (en) 2008-01-07 2016-11-15 Lite Run, Inc. Portable system for assisting body movement
US9554964B1 (en) 2008-01-07 2017-01-31 Lite Run, Inc. Suspension and body attachment system and differential pressure suit for body weight support devices
WO2014144158A2 (en) 2008-01-07 2014-09-18 Lite Run, Inc. Suspension and body attachment system and differential pressure suit for body weight support devices
US9445880B2 (en) 2008-01-07 2016-09-20 Lite Run, Inc. Portable system for assisting body movement
US9827667B2 (en) 2013-12-19 2017-11-28 Other Lab Llc Pneumatic exomuscle system and method
US10611020B2 (en) 2013-12-19 2020-04-07 Roam Robotics Inc. Pneumatic exomuscle system and method
US11213417B2 (en) 2015-03-27 2022-01-04 Roam Robotics Inc. Lower-leg exoskeleton system and method
US10543110B2 (en) 2015-03-27 2020-01-28 Roam Robotics Inc. Lower-leg exoskeleton system and method
US11259979B2 (en) 2017-02-03 2022-03-01 Roam Robotics Inc. System and method for user intent recognition
US11033450B2 (en) 2017-04-13 2021-06-15 Roam Robotics Inc. Leg exoskeleton system and method
US10966895B2 (en) 2017-08-29 2021-04-06 Roam Robotics Inc. Exoskeleton continuous-use fit evaluation system and method
US10780012B2 (en) 2017-08-29 2020-09-22 Roam Robotics Inc. Exoskeleton fit evaluation system and method
US11266561B2 (en) 2017-08-29 2022-03-08 Roam Robotics Inc. Exoskeleton fit evaluation system and method
US11351083B2 (en) 2017-08-29 2022-06-07 Roam Robotics Inc. Semi-supervised intent recognition system and method
US11872181B2 (en) 2017-08-29 2024-01-16 Roam Robotics Inc. Semi-supervised intent recognition system and method
US20210177686A1 (en) * 2019-12-13 2021-06-17 Roam Robotics Inc. Powered device to benefit a wearer during skiing
US11931307B2 (en) 2019-12-13 2024-03-19 Roam Robotics Inc. Skiing exoskeleton control method and system
US11642857B2 (en) 2020-02-25 2023-05-09 Roam Robotics Inc. Fluidic actuator manufacturing method

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPS4865040A (en) 1973-09-07
BE784153A (en) 1972-09-18
FR2170305A5 (en) 1973-09-14
JPS5122432B2 (en) 1976-07-09
DE2251643A1 (en) 1973-06-28
SE394371B (en) 1977-06-27
IT969745B (en) 1974-04-10
GB1390835A (en) 1975-04-16
ES404177A1 (en) 1975-07-01
DE2251643C2 (en) 1982-04-29

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