Importance

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Abstract

An ankle brace product including an ankle brace for being custom-formed to the shape of an ankle while flexible and upon hardening providing a rigid, supporting custom fit. The ankle brace product includes an outer container formed of moisture-impervious material and a flexible ankle brace positioned in the container in substantially moisture-free conditions and sealed therein against entry of moisture until use. The ankle brace includes an elongate substrate with a reactive system impregnated into or coated onto the substrate. The system remains stable when maintained in substantially moisture-free conditions and hardens upon exposure to moisture to form a rigid, self supporting structure. An elongate, flexible protective pad is positioned on one side of the substrate along its length to provide a cushioning barrier between the substrate and the skin of a patient when the ankle brace is in use. An outer wrapping encloses the substrate and the protective pad. Alternatively, the outer wrapping covers the substrate and the pad provides protection on the other side of the brace next to the skin. The substrate, protective pad and outer wrapping define a first brace segment for being molded while flexible to the lateral aspect of the foot, ankle and lower leg, a second brace segment for being molded to the medial aspect of the foot, ankle and lower leg, and a heel support of reduced width in comparison with the first and second brace segments for supporting the heel and the molded first and second segments.

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First Claim