Inventors:
William S. Patterson - Orlando FL, US
Robert Gailey - Miami FL, US
Augusto Sarmiento - Miami FL, US
Maitland C. MacKenzie - Orlando FL, US
Roy P. McMurray - Merritt Island FL, US
Assignee:
Vacuity, Inc. - Orlando FL
International Classification:
A61F 5/00
US Classification:
602 13, 602 26, 602 16, 128882
Abstract:
The vacuum orthopedic brace and method include the use of an inner sleeve or liner, first and second cuffs, and a hinge connecting the cuffs. The cuffs includes a fabric liner or other porous material to act as a wick, and a gasket surrounding the wick material. A valve is preferably provided in the cuff for drawing air from between the cuff and the liner, i. e. to create a vacuum. Furthermore, an external, internal or integrated chamber or rigid reservoir is preferably included, and in communication with the wick filled area between the cuff and liner, to hold a vacuum.