369results about "Braces" patented technology

A pair of straps configured to resembled suspenders are fitted with lights and electrical circuits which when combined with a power pack radiate flashes of visible light. The power pack may be carried on a belt to which the straps are attached. The circuits allow all or just some of the lights to flash at one time. Reflective material occupies the areas not used by lights.

A strap tension indicator for orthopedic brace is provided. Certain embodiments include a strap tab cap that is slidable relative to a rigid brace frame member. As tension in the strap increases or decreases, the strap tab cap slides with respect to the frame member, covering and uncovering various indicator portions on the frame member. Certain other embodiments include a strap tab that is slidable relative to a strap tab cap. As tension in the strap increases or decreases, the strap tab slides relative to the strap tab cap, covering and uncovering various indicator portions on the strap tab and / or the frame member. The strap tension indicator provides positive indication of optimal strap tension. Certain embodiments also provide positive indication of inadequate or excessive strap tension.

Two elongated, flat, belt end-tabs (20) and (32) made of a material suitable for permanent attachment to opposite ends of a torso-encircling strap (38). The first said belt end-tab (20) having Velcro hook (28) material attached lengthwise to it's underside and, the second said belt end-tab (32) having Velcro loop (34) material attached lengthwise to it's topside. Said belt end tabs (20) and (32) being releasably attachable to each other in an overlapping fashion by the mating of said Velcro hook (28) and said Velcro loop (34). Said Velcro hook (28) being a predetermined length so that approximately one inch of the free end of said belt end tab (20) is left uncovered so that pull-grip (30) is formed. In addition, a belt buckle (22) is mounted to the first said belt end tab (20) by means of a buckle positioning hole (24) which gives the assembly the deceptive appearance of being fastened with a buckle.

An adjustable fastener such as one suitable for use in securing straps in a variety of orthotic and other types of devices. The fastener has a male portion and a female portion that are each attached to a strap or other desired location on the device with which the fastener is used. The male portion has an elongated tab and the female portion has a housing and a passage through the housing. The passage allows the elongated tab to slide through the housing in the female portion. An engagement finger in the housing is resiliently biased to engage one or more teeth along an edge of the elongated tab to prevent the elongated tab from sliding further out of the passage. The finger can be selectively disengaged from the teeth to allow the elongated tab to slide further or completely out of the housing.

A novel form of belt is presented where the two ends of the belt can be attached directly to a wearer's clothing instead of the belt closing on itself like a conventional belt. Two fastening means such as commercially available vest-clips are attached to the two extremities of a flexible length of belting material. A buckle or other adjusting means may be provided for varying the length of the wrap belt. In use, the wearer first attaches one end of the belt to a selected position on her article of clothing; she then wraps the belt around her torso one or more times; finally, she fastens the other end of the belt to a second selected position on her clothing. She may adjust the length of the belt before, or during or after wearing the belt.

Maternity wear of the invention accommodates the changing shape of a woman's body during pregnancy, minimizing the need for maternity clothes. In one aspect of the invention, pants or a skirt are worn with the upper end unfastened so as to conform to the shape of the swelling torso in pregnancy, and an elastic band shaped similarly to a tube top is worn generally around the waist, so as to overlap the top of the unfastened pants or skirt and retain them on the body. A top, such as a blouse or shirt, can be worn with its tail end extending over the band. In another aspect of the invention, too-large maternity clothing is worn with the band garment engaged over the upper end. If desired the band garment can be folded over on itself, thus doubling its thickness.