Supports including dual pivot axes for hinge joint

A support for an area of a body that includes a hinge joint, comprising:

• (a) first and second hinge mechanisms;
• (b) a flexible, elastically stretchable framework injection molded about the first and second hinge mechanisms, the framework comprising a web of elastomeric interconnecting members formed of a first elastomeric material, the web including an intermediate portion configured to extend across the hinge joint;
• (c) wherein the framework is injection molded about the first hinge mechanism such that the first hinge mechanism is secured within the web proximate a first side of the intermediate portion of the web, the first hinge mechanism comprising an injection molded strut component formed of a second elastomeric material at least partially embedded in a material of the web and first and second injection molded arm components formed of the second elastomeric material at least partially embedded in the material of the web, the first and second arm components being connected to respective opposite end portions of the strut component such that the first and second arm components are rotatable relative to the strut component about respective pivot axes located at opposite end portions of the strut component;
• and
• (d) wherein the framework is injection molded about the second hinge mechanism such that the first hinge mechanism is secured within the web proximate a second, opposite side of the intermediate portion of the web, the second hinge mechanism comprising an injection molded strut component formed of the second elastomeric material at least partially embedded in the material of the web and first and second injection molded arm components formed of the second elastomeric material at least partially embedded in the material of the web, the first and second arm components of the second hinge mechanism being connected to respective opposite end portions of the strut component of the second hinge mechanism such that the first and second arm components of the second hinge mechanism are rotatable relative to the strut component of the second hinge mechanism about respective pivot axes located at opposite end portions of the strut component of the second hinge mechanism;
• (e) wherein each of the strut components and arm components of the first and second hinge mechanisms comprises components that are distinct from one another;
• and
• (f) wherein the first elastomeric material is different from the second elastomeric material.

A support for an area of a body that includes a hinge joint, comprising:

• (a) a hinge mechanism comprising an injection molded strut component and injection molded first and second arm components;
• (b) an elastically stretchable framework injection molded about the strut and arm components of the hinge mechanism, the framework being configured to extend across the hinge joint of the area of the body, and the framework defining a flexible, elastically stretchable web of elastomeric interconnecting members;
• (c) wherein the first arm component is connected to the strut component such that the first arm component is rotatable relative to the strut component only about a first pivot axis;
• (d) wherein the second arm component is connected to the strut component such that the second arm component is rotatable relative to the strut component only about a second pivot axis;
• and
• (e) wherein the strut component is configured to extend with the framework across the hinge joint such that the first pivot axis is located on a first side of the hinge joint and the second pivot axis is located on a second, opposite side of the hinge joint;
• (f) wherein the strut and arm components of the hinge mechanism are formed of a first elastomeric material, and the framework is formed of a second elastomeric material injection molded about the first elastomeric material, the second elastomeric material being different from the first elastomeric material.