Appeal No. 96-3886
Application 08/275,091
In use, the hollow interior sleeve-like cavity of
the device between walls 123 and 124 is collapsed so
that the particles therein are loosely arrayed, and
offer no resistance to the insertion of the
patient’s foot and leg 129 within the device to the
position shown in Fig. 12. Additional particles of
filler material may be added through the portal 126
if desired, and the encircling straps 128 may be
adjusted to provide the desired reinforcement. The
device is then evacuated by drawing air from the
interior cavity of the device through the portal 126
. . . . The resulting pressure differential allows
atmospheric pressure to urge the walls 123 and 124
together, securely clamping the filler particles
therebetween in a rigid, immobilizing position,
anchoring the wearer’s leg 129 in position therein
and inhibiting articulating movement of the wearer’s
knee, ankle and foot to a substantial degree. [col.
9, line 52 - col. 10, line 3.]
Johnson discloses an orthopedic leg cast comprising
complementary shells 12, 14 fitted around a limb to define a
tubular outer member. Adjacent longitudinal edges of the half
shells overlap to allow the shells to be radially adjusted
relative to each other about the limb. Inflatable air bags 30
are positioned between the inner surfaces of the shells and
the patient’s leg. The air bags need not be permanently fixed
to the shells, but, if desired, may be attached to the shells
by light adhesive (page 4, lines 121-130). Johnson describes
the placement of the cast about a patient’s leg as follows:
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