ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 23 -- United States Patent no. 12,502,296, issued on Dec. 23, was assigned to WEBER ORTHOPEDIC LP (DFW Airport, Texas).
"Ankle brace with Achilles tendon support" was invented by James M. Jablonka (Wethersfield, Conn.), James Buckhout (Keller, Texas) and Kelly Nolan (Trophy Club, Texas).
According to the abstract* released by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office: "An orthopedic ankle brace allowing rear entry through an open back, enclosed by a back panel with tendon buttresses that pinch the Achilles tendon between the buttresses. The brace includes a gauntlet having a front panel with a forefoot opening underneath, a bottom integrated to opposed side panels, an open top, and an open back. A lace closure system cinche...