Importance

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Abstract

A hyperextension brace includes an upright support frame and a sternum pad positioned at one end of the upright support frame and a pubic pad positioned at the opposite end of the upright support frame. The brace further includes self-adjusting connectors for pivotally attaching the pads to the ends of the vertical support frame. The self-adjusting connectors comprise a one-piece structure having a generally flat web section integrally molded with an elongated, narrow recessed portion projecting from and reinforcing the web section. The recessed portion has an open end opening into an internal cavity for slidably receiving the end portions of the upright support frame. The one-piece connector further includes a U-shaped flange section integrally molded with and extending away from an end of the recessed portion opposite from its open end. The flange section has an elongated mounting surface generally parallel to and to the rear of the web section and bendable toward and away from the web section and its recessed portion. The self-adjusting connectors provide an infinite number of flexible axes for the sternum and pubic pads to rotate about with respect to the upright support frame, thereby conforming to anatomical differences in the human body.

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First Claim