U.S. patent application number 10/315709 was filed with the patent office on 2003-05-01 for ankle brace allowing flexion and extension.
This patent application is currently assigned to Core Products International, Inc.. Invention is credited to Nelson, Ronald E..
Application Number | 20030083603 10/315709 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25361843 |
Filed Date | 2003-05-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030083603 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nelson, Ronald E. |
May 1, 2003 |
Ankle brace allowing flexion and extension
Abstract
An ankle brace designed to limit inversion, eversion and
twisting movements while allowing near-normal flexion and
extension. The ankle brace includes a medial member and a lateral
member, each of which has a forward edge, a bottom edge and a
rearward edge. The forward edges are associated with one another to
define a front support portion of the ankle brace. Similarly, the
bottom edges are connected and define a base support portion of the
ankle brace. Finally, the rearward edges are associated with one
another to define a rear support portion which further includes a
one direction stretch material strip. The material strip is
disposed at the rear support portion such that during use, the
material strip stretches with flexion of the user's ankle. However,
the material strip and remaining components remain relatively rigid
in other directions to limit inversion, eversion and twisting
movements.
Inventors: |
Nelson, Ronald E.;
(Cambridge, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Wayne A. Sivertson
NAWROCKI, ROONEY & SIVERTSON, P.A.
Broadway Place East, Suite 401
3433 Broadway Street Northeast
Minneapolis
MN
55413
US
|
Assignee: |
Core Products International,
Inc.
|
Family ID: |
25361843 |
Appl. No.: |
10/315709 |
Filed: |
December 10, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10315709 |
Dec 10, 2002 |
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09490203 |
Jan 24, 2000 |
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09490203 |
Jan 24, 2000 |
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08873542 |
Jun 12, 1997 |
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6022332 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
602/27 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 5/0111
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
602/27 |
International
Class: |
A61F 005/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An ankle brace formed as a bootlike structure for use on a human
foot and ankle and including a medial member and a lateral member
wherein said medial member is configured to encompass a medial
malleolus of wearer's foot and extend to a lower portion of a
wearer's leg, said medial member having a recessed area for receipt
of said medial malleolus, and said lateral member is configured to
encompass a lateral malleolus of wearer's foot and extend to a
lower portion of a wearer's leg, said lateral member having a
recessed area for receipt of said lateral malleolus.
2. The ankle brace of claim 1 wherein the medial and lateral
members comprise material that will not stretch vertically.
3. The ankle brace of claim 2 wherein the medial and lateral
members comprise a plurality of layers.
4. The ankle brace of claim 3 wherein said plurality of layers
include inner and outer layers spaced apart by an intermediate
layer.
5. The ankle brace of claim 4 wherein a portion of said
intermediate layer is omitted in the vicinity of the malleoli to
form said recessed area.
6. The ankle brace of claim 4 wherein the recessed areas are formed
in the intermediate layers of the medial and lateral members.
7. The ankle brace of claim 4 wherein said recessed areas are
created by a die cut in the intermediate layers of the medial and
lateral members.
8. An ankle brace to be worn on a human foot and ankle comprising,
a medial member and a lateral member, said medial member and said
lateral member being configured to include relief areas for
receiving malleoli of a wearer's ankle so as to relieve pressure
thereon and thereby provide a comfortable form fit for said ankle
brace.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an improved ankle brace.
More particularly, it relates to an ankle brace including single
direction stretch material along a rear portion to facilitate
near-normal flexion and extension movements while limiting
inversion, eversion and rotational movements.
[0002] The human ankle joint is a unique anatomical structure. The
ankle includes seven bones, referred to as tarsal bones, one of
which is a talus or ankle bone. The talus bone forms a lower half
of an ankle joint. The upper half of the ankle joint is formed by
tibia and fibula bones of the lower leg. The lower portion of the
tibia forms a medial malleolus or inner portion of the ankle. The
lower portion of the fibula forms a lateral malleolus or outer
portion of the ankle. The fibula and tibia are held together by
ligaments and form a mortice to receive the talus.
[0003] A relatively complex ligament system holds the ankle joint
together. The ankle, or tibiofibular, joint includes three separate
articulations; the inferior tibiofibular joint which is the
articulation between the lateral malleolus and the tibia, the
tibiofibular union which is the union of the shafts of the tibia
and fibula by an interosseous membrane that consists of numerous
short fibers which pass transversely from one articular surface to
the other, and a superior tibiofibular articulation which is an
articulation between the head of the fibula and a fibular facet of
the tibia. During flexion in which the foot is pivoted toward the
leg, the fibula tends to be displaced upward. Conversely, an
extension movement, or pivoting of the foot away from the leg, the
fibula tends to be displaced downward. These movements are normally
resisted by the interosseous membrane. However, normal walking
movements involve the simple flexion and extension of the foot
relative to the leg.
[0004] While the human ankle is constructed to be highly durable,
injuries can and do happen. Oftentimes during strenuous activities
or sports participation, the foot is forced into an inversion or
eversion position. Inversion is movement of the foot inward with
respect to the leg. Conversely, eversion is a sideways, outward
movement of the foot with respect to the leg. While the ankle joint
structure does allow for minor natural inversion or eversion,
overexertion in either of these directions results in stretching of
the ankle joint, more commonly referred to as an "ankle sprain".
For example, a common basketball or volleyball-related injury
occurs when a participant lands on a side of the foot, causing the
ankle to "roll" in an inverted or everted fashion. Alternatively
and even more problematic is a bone fracture of one of the ankle
bones. For example, a common skiing-related injury occurs when the
foot is severely twisted with respect to the leg, fracturing the
lateral or medial malleoli.
[0005] Immobilization of the ankle joint is commonly required to
facilitate requisite healing following injury. Obviously, when a
bone fracture has occurred, an immobilizing cast is required.
However, for less severe injuries, the ankle need only be
immobilized so as to restrict inversion, eversion and twisting
movements. In other words, where the injury is such that the person
may still engage in flexion and extension movements, such as normal
walking or running, the ankle need only be partially immobilized.
Normal flexion-extension of the foot will not magnify or otherwise
aggravate the injury.
[0006] One common method for partially immobilizing an ankle is
wrapping athletic tape around the person's foot, ankle and lower
leg. To provide additional support, the user's ankle and lower leg
is taped to the user's shoe. While the athletic taping approach is
widely accepted, it does not provide support for an adequate period
of time. Once applied, repeated movement of the foot causes the
tape to loosen. Thus, after as little as 15 minutes of activity,
the tape no longer provides the necessary inversion, eversion and
twisting support required to prevent injury. Further, while a
single roll of athletic tape is inexpensive, constantly retaping
the injured area will, over time, require a relatively significant
expenditure.
[0007] In view of the above-described problems associated with
taping an injured ankle, various reusable ankle braces have been
developed. Generally speaking, the standard ankle brace is designed
to mimic the effects of the taping approach, but for a longer
period of time and at a reduced cost. The standard ankle brace is
basically a boot-shaped structure defined by a lateral member and a
medial member. The lateral and medial members are configured to
approximately match the contours of the lateral and medial members
of the ankle, respectively. While flexible, the members are made
from a non-stretch material. The members define an upper or calf
opening for receiving and fitting about the user's calf and dorsal
opening for receiving and fitting about the dorsal portion of the
user's foot. Thus, the user's toes normally extend from the boot.
With this configuration, the boot can accommodate a wide variety of
different width feet. Further, the boot normally includes a slit or
opening at the heel to facilitate positioning the foot/ankle brace
into an athletic shoe. Finally, a front closure device, such as a
shoelace, is used to tightly secure the ankle brace about the
user's foot.
[0008] Unlike athletic tape, the above-described ankle brace does
not normally lose its resiliency over time. Therefore, the ankle
brace can provide the long-term support not otherwise found with
athletic tape. Unfortunately, however, the standard ankle brace
design has several drawbacks.
[0009] Unlike a permanent cast, the purpose of taping or use of an
ankle brace is to partially immobilize the ankle joint. Once again,
most ankle-related injuries, such as an ankle sprain, are not
further traumatized by flexion and/or extension movements. The
standard ankle brace design, however, does not allow for this type
of movement. Instead, the standard ankle brace limits all
movements. Thus, a person wearing a standard ankle brace is unduly
restricted from performing normal range walking or running
movements that require flexion and extension. Where the ankle brace
is worn as a precautionary measure, the user's performance again
will be unnecessarily hindered as he or she is prevented from
making normal movements. Further, because the ankle brace is
essentially clamped over the user's Achilles tendon, tendinitis may
result.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention provides an ankle brace configured to
promote flexion and extension movements while limiting inversion,
eversion and twisting. The ankle brace includes a medial member and
a lateral member, both of which include a forward edge, a rearward
edge and a bottom edge. The medial member and the lateral member
are configured to support a human foot and ankle. In this regard,
the forward edges of the medial and lateral members are selectively
associated to define a front support portion. Further, the bottom
edges of the medial and lateral members are attached to define a
base support portion. Finally, the rearward edge of the medial
member is associated with the rearward edge of the lateral member
to define a rear support portion. The rear support portion further
includes a strip of single direction stretch material which
connects the rearward edges. The material strip is preferably
configured to stretch only in a vertical direction.
[0011] During use, the ankle brace of the present invention is
placed over a user's foot. In the preferred embodiment, the ankle
brace includes a calf opening and a tarsal opening for facilitating
proper placement of the ankle brace on the foot. Once in place, the
ankle brace supports the user's ankle. The base support portion is
positioned at a bottom of the foot. The front support portion
extends along a superior surface of the foot to a lower portion of
the leg or shin. Notably, the front support portion may include
tightening means, such as various eyelets disposed along the
forward edges of the medial and lateral members in conjunction with
a shoelace, by which the user may tighten the ankle brace about the
foot and ankle. Finally, the rear support portion extends along the
heel and Achilles tendon to a lower portion of the user's calf. The
single direction stretch material strip is preferably disposed at a
point above the heel.
[0012] Once the ankle brace is secure, the user is able to engage
in normal activities, such as walking or running. The ankle brace
of the present invention fully supports the user's foot and ankle
during these activities. The rear support portion in conjunction
with other components of the ankle brace limits inversion, eversion
and twisting movements, but allows near-normal flexion. More
particularly, when the user's foot is flexed toward the leg, the
single direction stretch strip stretches vertically. However, the
single direction stretch strip is inelastic in a horizontal
direction such that inversion, eversion and twisting movements are
limited.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of an ankle brace in
accordance with the present invention with a lace removed;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a front plan view of the ankle brace of the
present invention with lace removed and in a spread open
configuration to show the inside thereof;
[0015] FIG. 3 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of a recessed
area of the ankle brace in accordance with the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 4 is an exploded, perspective view of the ankle brace
of FIG. 1 and a support stirrup; and
[0017] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of an alternative ankle
brace in accordance with the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of another alternative
ankle brace in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILE DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] A preferred embodiment of an ankle brace 10 is shown in FIG.
1. The ankle brace 10 includes a medial member 12, a lateral member
14, a front support portion 16, a base support portion 18, a rear
support portion 20 and a top edge 22.
[0020] The medial member 12 and the lateral member 14 extend from
the base support portion 18 and are connected at the front support
portion 16 and the rear support portion 20. In this regard, the
medial member 12 and the lateral member 14 define a metatarsal
opening (not shown) between the base support portion 18 and the
front support portion 16. The top edge 22 attaches the medial
member 12 and the lateral member 14 and defines a leg opening 23.
The front support portion 16 includes a tongue 24. The rear support
portion 20 includes a material strip 26.
[0021] The medial member 12 is generally configured to encompass a
medial malleolus of a user's foot and extends to a lower portion
(or tibia) of a user's leg. Thus, the medial member 12 is generally
L-shaped. The medial member 12 includes a bottom edge 28, a forward
edge 30, a rearward edge 32, a first reinforcement 34 and a second
reinforcement 36. The medial member 12 is made of durable, flexible
sheet-like material such as canvas having a soft side to be
orientated toward the foot. In the preferred embodiment, the medial
member 12 is made of a material which will not stretch vertically.
The first reinforcement 34 is preferably a strip of relatively
rigid material sewn into the medial member 12, orientated to
further support a user's arch and dorsal region. Similarly, the
second reinforcement 36 is a strip of relatively rigid material
sewn to the medial member 12 to provide additional support to a
user's lower leg.
[0022] The lateral member 14 is configured to support and reinforce
a lateral malleolus of a user's ankle and adjacent lower leg
portion (or fibula). Although not fully shown in FIG. 1, the
lateral member 14 is nearly identical to the medial member 12.
Thus, the lateral member 14 includes a bottom edge 38 (shown
partially in FIG. 1), a forward edge (not shown), a rearward edge
40, and first and second reinforcements (not shown). The lateral
member 14 is made of durable, flexible sheet-like material, such as
canvas, having a soft side to be orientated toward a user's
foot.
[0023] The medial member 12 and the lateral member 14 are
preferably sized to extend from a base of a user's foot to the
user's calf, and thus have a length of about 9 inches. In the
preferred embodiment, the medial member 12 is approximately 0.25
inches shorter in vertical height (before placement over a foot)
than the lateral member 14 to conform to an arch of the foot. For
example, the medial member 12 is cut at a vertical length of 9
inches and the lateral member 14 is cut at a vertical length of
9.25 inches. With this preferred configuration, by allowing the
ankle brace 10 to conform to the arch of the foot, overall support
is improved. It should be understood that the medial member 12 and
the lateral member 14 may be sized at a variety of identical or
varying lengths.
[0024] The front support portion 16 is defined by the forward edge
30 of the medial member 12, the forward edge (not shown) of the
lateral member 14 and the tongue 24. The front support portion 16
is preferably adapted to encompass a front portion of a human foot
(not shown). In the preferred embodiment, the tongue 24 is
connected by stitching to the medial member 12 and the lateral
member 14 so as to associate the respective forward edges 30. In
this regard, the respective forward edges 30 are intermediately
curved as shown in FIG. 1 to correspond with a transition region
between a user's leg and foot. The front support portion 16 further
includes eyelets 50 and a lace (not shown). The eyelets 50 are
disposed in opposing relationship on both the forward edge 30 of
the medial member 12 and the forward edge (not shown) of the
lateral member 14. Similar to a standard shoe, the lace is fed
through the eyelets 50, providing the user with means to pull the
medial member 12 toward the lateral member 14, thus tightening the
ankle brace 10. Alternatively, eyelets 50 may be eliminated with
the medial member 12 and lateral member 14 joined at the front
support portion 16 by elastic material.
[0025] The base support portion 18 is defined by the bottom edge 28
of the medial member 12 and the bottom edge 38 of the lateral
member 14. The base support 18 is preferably adapted to underlie a
human foot (not shown). In the preferred embodiment, the base
support portion 18 includes a support strip 52 connecting the
bottom edges 28, 38 of the medial and lateral members 12, 14. The
support strip 52 is made of relatively rigid, durable material, and
reinforces the ankle brace 10 against wear. The support strip 52 is
preferably sewn to the medial and lateral members 12, 14.
[0026] The rear support portion 20 is preferably adapted to overlie
a human foot and is defined in part by the rearward edge 32 of the
medial member 12 and the rearward edge 40 of the lateral member 14.
The rear support portion 20 further includes the material strip 26
which connects the rearward edges 32, 40. In this regard, the
material strip 26 is disposed near the top edge 22 of the ankle
brace 10 and extends to a point slightly above a user's heel. Thus,
the rearward edges 32, 40 and the material strip 26 define a heel
opening 54 preferably sized to receive a user's heel.
[0027] The material strip 26 is made of single direction stretch
material. Thus, the material strip 26 is configured to stretch only
in a vertical direction, with reference to the orientation shown in
FIG. 1. The material strip 26 preferably does not stretch
horizontally under normal stress. It should be recognized that
depending upon composition of the material strip 26, some limited
horizontal stretch may occur. The single directional stretch
attribute of the material strip 26 is preferably achieved via an
elastomeric material. However, other materials can be used, such as
woven or knitted cloth, configured to allow only vertical
stretch.
[0028] The rearward edges 32, 40 of the medial member 12 and the
lateral member 14, respectively, are preferably configured to
facilitate vertical stretch of the material strip 26. In this
regard, the rearward edges 32, 40 are preferably constructed
identically. Therefore, in the interest of brevity, only the
rearward edge 30 of the medial member 12 will be described in
detail below. It is to be understood, however, that the rearward
edge 40 of the lateral member 14 is similarly constructed.
[0029] The rearward edge 32 of the medial member 12 includes a
lower segment 60, an intermediate segment 62 and an upper segment
64. The lower segment 60 extends from the bottom edge, 28 in a
relatively linear fashion. The intermediate segment 62 is
preferably arc-shaped, defining a window or movable slot 66. In
other words, the intermediate segment 62 extends toward the forward
edge 30 to an apex 68. The intermediate segment 62 then extends
from the apex 68 away from the forward edge 30. Finally, the upper
segment 64 extends in a relatively linear fashion from the
intermediate segment 62 to the top edge 22.
[0030] The arc-shaped intermediate segment 62 facilitates vertical
stretch of the material strip 26. As described in greater detail
below, when the base support portion 18 is forced away from the top
edge 22, the lower segment 60 is pulled away from the upper segment
64 via extension of the intermediate segment 62. Basically, the
rearward edge 32 "pivots" at the apex 68 of the intermediate
segment 62. Further, as the lower segment 60 moves away from the
upper segment 64, the material strip 26 is stretched
vertically.
[0031] While the intermediates segment 62 has been preferably
described as being arc-shaped, other configurations are equally
acceptable. Importantly, the intermediate segment 62 only partially
extends toward the forward edge 30. In other words, the window 66
created by the intermediate segment 62 cannot extend so as to
encompass the medial malleolus, as with such a configuration,
eversion movements would not be limited.
[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, the rearward edge 40 of the lateral
member 14 is preferably constructed identically to the rearward
edge 32 of the medial member 12. The material strip 26 is
preferably sewn to the rearward edges 32, 40 at an interior of the
ankle brace 10. Further, the material strip 26 is attached by
stitching to the top edge 22 of the ankle brace 10. In the
preferred embodiment, the material strip 26 has a length of 3.5
inches and a width sufficient to encompass the window 66 created by
the rearward edges 32, 40. Thus, in the preferred embodiment, the
material strip 26 has a width of 1.5 inches. It should be
understood, however, that other dimensions are equally acceptable
so long as the material strip 26 is large enough to allow
near-normal flexion movements.
[0033] Finally, as shown in FIG. 2, the preferred ankle brace 10
includes stirrup retaining means 80 for engaging an extension
stirrup (described in greater detail below) and a recessed area,
shown generally at 82. The stirrup retaining means 80 are
preferably disposed in an opposing relationship along an interior
of the medial member 12 and the lateral member 14. In the preferred
embodiment, the stirrup retaining means 80 are in the form of
loop-like filaments of the type commonly sold under the trademark
VELCRO.RTM..
[0034] Greater details on the recessed area 82 are provided in FIG.
3, which is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the
medial member 12. As shown in FIG. 3, the medial member is
comprised of an outer layer 84, an intermediate layer 86 and an
inner layer 88. In a preferred embodiment, the outer layer 84 is
made of a relatively strong fabric, such as ANSOTEX.RTM.,
configured to resist wear while providing ankle stability to a
user. The intermediate portion 86 is preferably a coarse fabric,
such as vinyl. Finally, the inner layer 88 is a cloth-like
material. Because the inner layer 88 is in direct contact with a
user's foot, the inner layer is soft to minimize skin irritation,
but will preferably absorb sweat.
[0035] As shown in FIG. 3, the recessed area 82 is formed in the
intermediate layer 86. In one preferred embodiment, the recessed
area 82 is formed by a die cut during manufacture of the medial
member 12. Thus, the recessed area 82 is a layer of material
removed from the medial member 12 to minimize pressure on an ankle
bone (not shown) during use. The lateral member 14 may also include
a recessed area. Alternatively, the ankle brace 10 need not include
the recessed area 82.
[0036] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a user's foot (not shown)
is simply slid into engagement with the ankle brace 10. The ankle
brace 10 has been described for placement over a user's right foot.
It should be understood, however, that the ankle brace 10 for
placement over a user's left foot is identically configured. When
properly positioned, the metatarsals and phalanges portions of the
user's foot extend forwardly from the front support portion; the
heel extends through the heel opening 55; and the lower leg extends
from the leg opening 23. The medial member 12 supports a medial
malleolus bone, whereas the lateral member 14 supports a lateral
malleolus bone. The front support portion 16 rests along a superior
front portion of the user's foot. The base support portion 18
underlies a foot base and arch. Finally, the rear support portion
20 overlies the user's Achilles tendon. The ankle brace 10 is
secured in this position by tightening the lace (not shown)
relative to the eyelets 50 so that the top edge 22 is snug about
the user's lower leg.
[0037] During use, the ankle brace 10 limits inversion and eversion
of the user's foot. The medial and lateral members 12, 14 will not
stretch vertically. Therefore, the medial and lateral members 12,
14 prevent eversion and inversion respectively. Further, as
previously described, the material strip 26 does not stretch
horizontally. Therefore, the ankle brace 10 also limits horizontal
twisting of the ankle. However, flexion and extension movements are
allowed.
[0038] More particularly, a flexion movement pulls the lower
segment 60 of the rearward edges 32, 40 away from the upper segment
64. The vertical stretch characteristic of the material strip 26
allows this movement to occur. In other words, the lower segment 60
and the upper segment 64 are attached to the material strip 26. As
the lower segment 60 pulls away from the upper segment 64, the
material strip 26 stretches vertically. The intermediate segment 62
of the rearward edges 32, 40 extends slightly in conjunction with
this vertical stretch of the material strip 26. When the foot
returns to a normal position, the material strip 26 is resilient so
as to return the rear support portion 20 to the position shown in
FIG. 1.
[0039] Conversely, when the foot is extended, the material strip 26
has sufficient flexibility to collapse on itself. Thus, with an
extension movement, the lower segment 60 of the rearward edges 32,
40 move toward the upper segment 64. The material strip 26
collapses with this movement, as does the intermediate segment 62.
Thus, the rear support portion 20 is configured to allow
near-normal extension and flexion movements. A user can engage in
normal walking or running motions without undue restriction.
[0040] As previously described, the ankle brace 10 is preferably
designed to selectively receive an extension stirrup 90, as shown
in FIG. 4. The extension stirrup 90 is configured to provide
additional support along a user's leg, and includes opposing legs
92, a strap 94 and strap retaining means 96. Each of the opposing
legs 92 includes a foam interior 98, a reinforced exterior 98,
brace retention means 100 and strap retaining means 102. The foam
interior 96 is configured to conform with a human foot, ankle and
lower leg. Further, the foam interior 98 is preferably made of a
soft material so that the extension stirrup 90 may be worn
comfortably. The reinforced exterior 100 generally conforms in
shape to that of the foam interior 98. Further, the reinforced
exterior 98 is preferably made of a rigid material, such as
hardened plastic. The brace retaining means 102 are configured to
mate with the stirrup retaining means 80 disposed within the ankle
brace 10. Thus in the preferred embodiment, the brace retaining
means 102 are strips which form a corresponding releasable closure
means in the form of hook-like filaments of the type commonly sold
under the trademark VELCRO.RTM.. Finally, the strap retaining means
102 is preferably configured to selectively secure a portion of the
retention strap 94. In this regard, the strap retaining means 102
is a material strip in the form of loop-like filaments of the type
commonly sold under the trademark VELCRO.RTM..
[0041] The strap 94 connects the opposing legs 92. The strap 94 is
preferably made of a flexible, yet inelastic material such as
canvas, and is permanently attached at one end to one of the
opposing legs 92. Further, the retention strap 94 includes a
retaining means (not shown) which selectively mates with the strap
retaining means 96 otherwise disposed on one of the opposing legs
92.
[0042] The extension stirrup 90 is secured to the user's foot (not
shown) and lower leg prior placement of to the ankle brace 10. More
particularly, the opposing legs 92 are positioned on opposite sides
of the user's leg such that the opposing legs 92 extend to a base
portion of the user's foot. The strap 94 is wrapped around the
opposing legs 92 as shown and secured to the strap retaining means
96, securing the extension stirrup 90 to the user's leg. Once in
place, the user's foot is then positioned within the ankle brace 10
as previously described. The brace retaining means 102 of the
opposing legs 92 are secured to the stirrup retaining means 80
within the ankle brace 10. When properly positioned, the extension
stirrup 90 serves to further limit inversion and eversion
movements.
[0043] An alternative embodiment of an ankle brace 110 is shown in
FIG. 5. The ankle brace 110 shown in FIG. 4 is highly similar to
the ankle brace 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2. Thus, the ankle brace 110
includes a medial member 112, a lateral member 114, a front support
portion 116, a base support portion 118, a rear support portion 120
and a top edge 122. The medial 112, lateral 114, front support 116
and base support 118 portions and the top edge 122 are identical to
those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0044] The rear support portion 120, however, includes a material
strip 126, an upper closure 128, a window 130, a lower closure 132
and a heel opening 134. The material strip 126 is disposed at an
interior of the ankle brace 110 and encompasses the window 130. The
upper closure 128 defines a top portion of the window 130 and
connects the medial member 112 and the lateral member 114.
[0045] The window 130 is positioned slightly below the top edge 122
of the ankle brace 110 and is defined by the medial member 112, the
lateral member 114, the upper closure 128 and the lower closure
132. In this regard, the window 130 extends from the rear support
portion 120 toward the front support portion 116. In the preferred
embodiment, the window 130 is reinforced with additional stitching.
The lower closure 132 is attached to a portion of the material
strip 126 and connects the medial member 112 and the lateral member
114. The lower closure 132 is preferably positioned at a point
above the user's heel. Finally, the heel opening 134 is sized to
receive a user's heel.
[0046] The material strip 126 includes an Achilles portion 136 and
a heel portion 138. The Achilles portion 136 is sized to encompass
the window 130. The heel portion 138 is sized to extend from the
lower closure 132 into the heel opening 134.
[0047] Similar to the material strip 26 of FIGS. 1 and 2, the
Achilles portion 136 of the material strip 126 shown in FIG. 4 is
preferably comprised of a single direction stretch material, such
as woven elastic or knitted cloth. Regardless of composition, the
Achilles portion 136 is designed to stretch vertically, while
remaining rigid in a horizontal orientation. Similarly, the heel
portion 138 is designed to have a one-directional stretch
attribute. However, the heel portion 138 stretches horizontally.
Finally, a bottom 140 of the heel portion 138 is "open" or
unsupported so that horizontal stretch is not impeded.
[0048] In the preferred embodiment, the Achilles portion 136 has a
length of 3.5 inches whereas the heel portion 138 has a length of 1
inch. The Achilles portion 136 is attached to the heel portion 138
with a zig-zag stitch. The Achilles portion 136 is sized to conform
with an Achilles tendon of a user's foot. The heel portion 138 is
sized to conform with a user's heel. Thus, the Achilles portion 136
and the heel portion 138 work in concert to control heel and ankle
movement.
[0049] The ankle brace 110 of FIG. 5 functions similar to the ankle
brace 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2. The ankle brace 110 is placed over a
user's foot and lower leg as previously described. The medial
member 112 is made of a vertically inelastic material so as to
limit inversion. Similarly, the lateral member 114 is vertically
inelastic to limit eversion. The rear support portion 120 limits
twisting but allows flexion and extension movements. With a flexion
movement, the lower closure 132 is pulled away from the upper
closure 128. The Achilles portion 136 of the material strip 126
stretches vertically. The window 130 allows the material strip 126
to stretch, elongating in the vertical direction. The Achilles
portion 136 of the material strip 126 has a resiliency to return
the rear support portion 120 to the position shown in FIG. 4 when
the flexion movement is ceased.
[0050] The heel portion 138 of the material strip 126 allows both
vertical and horizontal movements. The heel portion 138 conforms to
a top portion of the user's heel so as to maintain the user's foot
within the ankle brace 110.
[0051] Another alternative embodiment of an ankle brace 150 in
accordance with the present invention is shown in FIG. 6, which is
highly similar to the ankle brace 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2. Thus, the
ankle brace 150 includes a medial member 152, a lateral member 154,
a front support portion 156, a base support portion 158, a rear
support portion 160 and a top edge 162. The rear support portion
160 includes a window 164 and a material strip 166 having an
Achilles portion 168 and a heel portion 170. The Achilles portion
168 is sized to encompass the window 164. The heel portion 170 is
attached to the Achilles portion 168 with a zig-zag stitch and
extends into a heel opening 172.
[0052] The Achilles portion 168 is preferably comprised of a single
stretch material, such as woven elastic or knitted cloth, designed
to stretch vertically, while remaining relatively rigid
horizontally. The heel portion 170 is configured to stretch
horizontally, and includes an open end 174.
[0053] The ankle brace 150 of FIG. 6 functions similar to the ankle
brace 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2, and the ankle brace 110 of FIG. 5.
Basically, once placed over a user's foot (not shown), the ankle
brace 150 limits inversion, eversion and twisting while allowing
near-normal flexion and extension. The Achilles portion 168 and
heel portion 170 stretch vertically to allow flexion. Because the
Achilles portion 168 is relatively rigid horizontally, twisting
motions are impeded. Finally, the horizontal stretch attribute of
the heel portion 170 conforms to a user's heel to maintain the
ankle brace 150 about the foot.
[0054] The ankle brace of the present invention overcomes the
problems associated with prior art ankle braces. The ankle brace
limits inversion, eversion and twisting movements. However, by
utilizing a single direction stretch material strip at the rear
support portion, the ankle brace allows near-normal flexion and
extension movements. Thus, a user is not unduly restricted when
walking and/or running. Further, the rear support portion of the
present invention eliminates much of the stress and pressure on the
Achilles tendon found with the standard ankle brace design. The
ankle brace of the present invention is not clamped down on the
Achilles tendon. Therefore, the ankle brace will not cause
tendinitis. Importantly, the vertical stretch material of the
present invention is not limited to ankle brace application. In
other words, recognition of the benefits achieved with a placement
of vertical stretch material in the heel area can be applied to
other foot-related art. For example, a standard "high top" athletic
shoe can be modified to include a strip of vertical stretch-only
material in the heel area of the shoe. With is configuration, the
athletic shoe acts as a form of an ankle brace, allowing near
normal flexion and extension movements, while limited damaging
inversion and eversion.
[0055] It will be understood that this disclosure, in many
respects, is only illustrative. Changes may be made in details,
particularly in matters of shape, size, material, and arrangement
of parts without exceeding the scope of the invention. Accordingly,
the scope of the invention is as defined in the language of the
appended claims. For example, the preferred embodiment has been
described as including an extension stirrup and means within the
ankle brace for retaining the extension stirrup. However, the
extension stirrup is only an additional accessory that can be used
with the ankle brace of the present invention. Therefore, the
extension stirrup is in no way a required element.
[0056] Similarly, the ankle brace has been described as having
separable medial and lateral members. However, the ankle brace can
be manufactured as a single piece of material which defines the
medial and lateral members. Additionally, the reinforcements
disposed on the medial and lateral members are not required.
Finally, the general design of the ankle brace is only one example
of an acceptable approach. A wide variety of other designs can be
utilized, so long as the rear support portion having a single
direction stretch material located above the heel is included.
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