U.S. patent application number 10/948003 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-23 for dual tensioning health support.
This patent application is currently assigned to SCHERING-PLOUGH HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS, INC.. Invention is credited to Goodrich, Kellie M., Grisoni, Bernard F., Howlett, Harold A..
Application Number | 20050133044 10/948003 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34393030 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050133044 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Goodrich, Kellie M. ; et
al. |
June 23, 2005 |
Dual tensioning health support
Abstract
A dual tensioning health support includes a support layer
adapted to be at least partially wrapped about a body part; first
and second elongated securing straps extending from opposite sides
of the support layer adjacent a first common side of the support
layer such that they can be simultaneously pulled away from each
other in opposite directions without substantial twisting of the
support layer; a first securing device for securing a distal end of
the first elongated securing strap to the support layer after the
first elongated securing strap has been wrapped at least partially
about the body part; and a second securing device for securing a
distal end of the second elongated securing strap to the support
layer after the second elongated securing strap has been wrapped at
least partially about the body part.
Inventors: |
Goodrich, Kellie M.;
(Appleton, WI) ; Grisoni, Bernard F.; (Cordova,
TN) ; Howlett, Harold A.; (Horn Lake, MS) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SCHERING-PLOUGH CORPORATION
PATENT DEPARTMENT (K-6-1, 1990)
2000 GALLOPING HILL ROAD
KENILWORTH
NJ
07033-0530
US
|
Assignee: |
SCHERING-PLOUGH HEALTHCARE
PRODUCTS, INC.
|
Family ID: |
34393030 |
Appl. No.: |
10/948003 |
Filed: |
September 23, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60505534 |
Sep 24, 2003 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
128/882 ;
128/876 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 5/0111
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
128/882 ;
128/876 |
International
Class: |
A47K 001/00; E04G
003/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A dual tensioning health support comprising: a support layer
adapted to be at least partially wrapped about a body part; a first
elongated securing strap extending from one side of said support
layer; a second elongated securing strap extending from an opposite
side of said support layer, said second elongated securing strap
being positioned substantially opposite from said first elongated
securing strap such that said first and second elongated securing
straps are both adjacent a first common side of said support layer
and can be simultaneously pulled away from each other in opposite
directions without substantial twisting of said support layer; a
first securing device for securing a distal end of said first
elongated securing strap to said support layer after said first
elongated securing strap has been wrapped at least partially about
the body part; and a second securing device for securing a distal
end of said second elongated securing strap to said support layer
after said second elongated securing strap has been wrapped at
least partially about the body part.
2. The dual tensioning health support according to claim 1, further
comprising: a third elongated securing strap extending from one
side of said support layer; a fourth elongated securing strap
extending from an opposite side of said support layer, said fourth
elongated securing strap being substantially opposite said third
elongated securing strap such that said third and fourth elongated
securing straps are both adjacent a second common side of said
support layer and can be simultaneously pulled away from each other
in opposite directions without substantial twisting of said support
layer; a third securing device for securing a distal end of said
third elongated securing strap to said support layer after said
third elongated securing strap has been wrapped at least partially
about the body part; and a fourth securing device for securing a
distal end of said fourth elongated securing strap to said support
layer after said fourth elongated securing strap has been wrapped
at least partially about the body part.
3. The dual tensioning health support according to claim 2, wherein
said support layer is formed by an endless loop having an opening
therein for receiving a foot of a person such that the endless loop
is adapted to wrap about an arch and an instep of the foot.
4. The dual tensioning health support according to claim 3, wherein
said first and second elongated securing straps are positioned at
an ankle of the person when the support layer is wrapped about the
foot of a person and are adapted to wrap around an ankle of the
person, and the third and fourth elongated securing straps are
positioned at the instep of the foot and are also adapted to wrap
around the ankle of the person.
5. The dual tensioning health support according to claim 4, wherein
said first and second elongated securing straps are offset slightly
from each other such that said wrapping of said first elongated
securing strap around the ankle does not interfere with wrapping of
the second elongated securing strap around the ankle and said
wrapping of said second elongated securing strap around the ankle
does not interfere with wrapping of the first elongated securing
strap around the ankle.
6. The dual tensioning health support according to claim 4, wherein
said first elongated securing strap has an opening therein for
receiving said second elongated securing strap therethrough when
said first and second elongated securing straps are wrapped about
the ankle such that said wrapping of said first elongated securing
strap around the ankle does not interfere with wrapping of the
second elongated securing strap around the ankle and said wrapping
of said second elongated securing strap around the ankle does not
interfere with wrapping of the first elongated securing strap
around the ankle.
7. The dual tensioning health support according to claim 2, further
comprising a fifth elongated securing strap extending from said one
side of said support layer in spaced apart, substantially parallel
relation to said first elongated securing strap, for wrapping about
an ankle of the person.
8. The dual tensioning health support according to claim 2, for use
as a knee support wherein said support layer is adapted to wrap at
least partially around a knee of a person, with said first and
second elongated securing straps being adapted to wrap around a leg
of the person above the knee and the third and fourth elongated
securing straps being adapted to wrap around a leg of the person
below the knee.
9. The dual tensioning health support according to claim 8, wherein
said support layer includes an opening located centrally
therein.
10. The dual tensioning health support according to claim 8,
wherein said first and second elongated securing straps are offset
slightly from each other such that said wrapping of said first
elongated securing strap around the leg does not interfere with
wrapping of the second elongated securing strap around the leg, and
said third and fourth elongated securing straps are offset slightly
from each other such that said wrapping of said third elongated
securing strap around the leg does not interfere with wrapping of
the fourth elongated securing strap around the leg.
11. The dual tensioning health support according to claim 8,
wherein said first elongated securing strap has an opening therein
for receiving said second elongated securing strap therethrough
when said first and second elongated securing straps are wrapped
about the leg, and said fourth elongated securing strap has an
opening therein for receiving said third elongated securing strap
therethrough when said third and fourth elongated securing straps
are wrapped about the leg.
12. The dual tensioning health support according to claim 2,
wherein said first through fourth securing devices include
hook-like fasteners for engaging loops of fabric on the support
layer.
13. The dual tensioning health support according to claim 12,
wherein said support layer and said first through fourth elongated
securing straps are made from a first stretchable material on one
side and a second material on an opposite side having a plurality
of loops thereon to be engaged by said hook-like fasteners.
14. A dual tensioning knee support comprising: a support layer
adapted to be at least partially wrapped about a knee; a first
elongated securing strap extending from one side of said support
layer; a second elongated securing strap extending from an opposite
side of said support layer, said second elongated securing strap
being positioned substantially opposite from said first elongated
securing strap such that said first and second elongated securing
straps are both adjacent a first common side of said support layer
and can be simultaneously pulled away from each other in opposite
directions without substantial twisting of said support layer; a
third elongated securing strap extending from one side of said
support layer; a fourth elongated securing strap extending from an
opposite side of said support layer, said fourth elongated securing
strap being substantially opposite said elongated third securing
strap such that said third and fourth elongated securing straps are
both adjacent a second common side of said support layer and can be
simultaneously pulled away from each other in opposite directions
without substantial twisting of said support layer; a first
securing device for securing a distal end of said first elongated
securing strap to said support layer after said first elongated
securing strap has been wrapped at least partially about a leg
above the knee; a second securing device for securing a distal end
of said second elongated securing strap to said support layer after
said second elongated securing strap has been wrapped at least
partially about a leg above the knee; a third securing device for
securing a distal end of said third elongated securing strap to
said support layer after said third elongated securing strap has
been wrapped at least partially about a leg below the knee; and a
fourth securing device for securing a distal end of said fourth
elongated securing strap to said support layer after said fourth
elongated securing strap has been wrapped at least partially about
a leg below the knee.
15. The dual tensioning knee support according to claim 14, wherein
said support layer includes an opening located centrally
therein.
16. The dual tensioning health support according to claim 14,
wherein said first through fourth securing devices include
hook-like fasteners for engaging loops of fabric on the support
layer.
17. The dual tensioning health support according to claim 16,
wherein said support layer and said first through fourth elongated
securing straps are made from a first stretchable material on one
side and a second material on an opposite side having a plurality
of loops thereon to be engaged by said hook-like fasteners.
18. A dual tensioning ankle support comprising: a support layer
formed by an endless loop having an opening therein for receiving a
foot, so as to wrap about an arch and instep of the foot; a first
elongated securing strap extending from one side of said support
layer and positioned at the ankle of said foot; a second elongated
securing strap extending from an opposite side of said support
layer and positioned at the ankle of said foot, said second
elongated securing strap being positioned substantially opposite
from said first elongated securing strap such that said first and
second elongated securing straps are both adjacent a first common
side of said support layer and can be simultaneously pulled away
from each other in opposite directions without substantial twisting
of said support layer; a third elongated securing strap extending
from one side of said support layer and positioned at the instep of
said foot; a fourth elongated securing strap extending from an
opposite side of said support layer and positioned at the instep of
said foot, said fourth elongated securing strap being substantially
opposite said elongated third securing strap such that said third
and fourth elongated securing straps are both adjacent a second
common side of said support layer and can be simultaneously pulled
away from each other in opposite directions without substantial
twisting of said support layer; a first securing device for
securing a distal end of said first elongated securing strap to
said support layer after said first elongated securing strap has
been wrapped at least partially about the ankle; a second securing
device for securing a distal end of said second elongated securing
strap to said support layer after said second elongated securing
strap has been wrapped at least partially about the ankle; a third
securing device for securing a distal end of said third elongated
securing strap to said support layer after said third elongated
securing strap has been wrapped at least partially about the ankle;
and a fourth securing device for securing a distal end of said
fourth elongated securing strap to said support layer after said
fourth elongated securing strap has been wrapped at least partially
about the ankle.
19. The dual tensioning health support according to claim 18,
wherein said first through fourth securing devices include
hook-like fasteners for engaging loops of fabric on the support
layer.
20. The dual tensioning health support according to claim 19,
wherein said support layer and said first through fourth elongated
securing straps are made from a first stretchable material on one
side and a second material on an opposite side having a plurality
of loops thereon to be engaged by said hook-like fasteners.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims benefit of priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/505,534 filed Sep. 24,
2003, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by
reference.
INTRODUCTION TO THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to health supports
for knees and ankles, and more particularly, is directed to
improved health supports for knees and ankles which provide
improved tensioning for more accurate placement and tensioning of
the device.
[0003] Certain health supports, such as knee braces and ankle
braces, are made in discrete sizes, such as small, medium, and
large. For example, such health supports include knee braces which
are of a fixed annular shape and dimensions.
[0004] A problem with such known health supports is that each
individual is different, so that a health support intended to
accurately fit an intended appendage for one individual to provide
tension and/or support, may not accurately fit other individuals.
As a result, the correct and desired amount of tension and/or
support may not be properly provided.
[0005] For this reason, health supports are also known which are
adjustable. These adjustable health supports tend to be made in one
size to fit most users, and need to be adjusted to the intended
appendage to exercise tension and support. With such known
adjustable health supports, however, tension is provided by holding
one end of a support strap in place and applying tension to the
other end of the strap until sufficient tension is applied. The
stretched end is then attached to the fixed end by means of any
suitable means, such as with hooks, by tying, or with hook and loop
securing material such as is sold by Velcro USA Inc. of Manchester,
N.H. U.S.A. under the trademark VELCRO. An example of such a device
is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,080,121 to Madow et al.
[0006] However, this adjusting and securing method is not easy to
perform. This is because the hand holding the first end blocks or
is in the way of the attachment means located on the stretched end.
Further, misalignment occurs because of the tension being applied
on only one side of the device, generating a torsional effect.
Accordingly, the device generally requires subsequent
readjustments.
[0007] Other known health supports, such as those disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,221,252 to Caprio, Jr. et al. and U.S. Pat. No.
5,399,153 to Caprio, Jr. et al. provide a first strap at the upper
edge at one side of the main body and a second strap at the lower
edge at the opposite side of the main body. The first and second
straps cannot be simultaneously pulled, since this would result in
an uneven securement and a twisting of the main body. Therefore,
each strap must be separately secured in a similar manner to U.S.
Pat. No. 6,080,121.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Accordingly, it is a feature of the present invention to
provide a tensioning health support that overcomes the
aforementioned problems.
[0009] It is another feature of the present invention to provide a
tensioning health support for the knees and ankles that provides
improved control of the applied tension.
[0010] It is still another feature of the present invention to
provide a tensioning health support that provides a higher degree
of tension.
[0011] It is yet another feature of the present invention to
provide a tensioning health support that provides more accurate
positioning of the device.
[0012] It is a further feature of the present invention to provide
a tensioning health support that allows differential tension at
several locations across the strap.
[0013] It is a still further feature of the present invention to
provide a tensioning health support that requires less material
than conventional arrangements.
[0014] It is a yet further feature of the present invention to
provide a tensioning health support that is economical to
manufacture and easy to use.
[0015] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a
tensioning health support a dual tensioning health support
includes: a support layer adapted to be at least partially wrapped
about a body part; a first elongated securing strap extending from
one side of the support layer; a second elongated securing strap
extending from an opposite side of the support layer, the second
elongated securing strap being positioned substantially opposite
from the first elongated securing strap such that the first and
second elongated securing straps are both adjacent a first common
side of the support layer and can be simultaneously pulled away
from each other in opposite directions without substantial twisting
of the support layer; a first securing device for securing a distal
end of the first elongated securing strap to the support layer
after the first elongated securing strap has been wrapped at least
partially about the body part; and a second securing device for
securing a distal end of the second elongated securing strap to the
support layer after the second elongated securing strap has been
wrapped at least partially about the body part.
[0016] The dual tensioning health support further includes: a third
elongated securing strap extending from one side of the support
layer; a fourth elongated securing strap extending from an opposite
side of the support layer, the fourth elongated securing strap
being substantially opposite the third elongated securing strap
such that the third and fourth elongated securing straps are both
adjacent a second common side of the support layer and can be
simultaneously pulled away from each other in opposite directions
without substantial twisting of the support layer; a third securing
device for securing a distal end of the third elongated securing
strap to the support layer after the third elongated securing strap
has been wrapped at least partially about the body part; and a
fourth securing device for securing a distal end of the fourth
elongated securing strap to planar support after the fourth
elongated securing strap has been wrapped at least partially about
the body part.
[0017] In one embodiment, the support layer is formed by an endless
loop having an opening therein for receiving a foot of a person
such that the endless loop is adapted to wrap about an arch and an
instep of the foot. In such case, the first and second elongated
securing straps are positioned at an ankle of the person when the
support layer is wrapped about the foot of a person and are adapted
to wrap around an ankle of the person, and the third and fourth
elongated securing straps are positioned at the instep of the foot
and are also adapted to wrap around the ankle of the person.
[0018] In a first example of the first embodiment, the first and
second elongated securing straps are offset slightly from each
other such that the wrapping of the first elongated securing strap
around the ankle does not interfere with wrapping of the second
elongated securing strap around the ankle and the wrapping of the
second elongated securing strap around the ankle does not interfere
with wrapping of the first elongated securing strap around the
ankle. In a second example of the first embodiment, the first
elongated securing strap has an opening therein for receiving the
second elongated securing strap therethrough when the first and
second elongated securing straps are wrapped about the ankle such
that the wrapping of the first elongated securing strap around the
ankle does not interfere with wrapping of the second elongated
securing strap around the ankle and the wrapping of the second
elongated securing strap around the ankle does not interfere with
wrapping of the first elongated securing strap around the ankle. In
a third example of the first embodiment, there is a fifth elongated
securing strap extending from the one side of the support layer in
spaced apart, substantially parallel relation to the first
elongated securing strap, for wrapping about an ankle of the
person.
[0019] In a second embodiment, for use as a knee support, the
support layer is adapted to wrap at least partially around a knee
of a person, with the first and second elongated securing straps
being adapted to wrap around a leg of the person above the knee and
the third and fourth elongated securing straps being adapted to
wrap around a leg of the person below the knee. The support layer
includes an opening centrally therein.
[0020] In a first example of the second embodiment, the first and
second elongated securing straps are offset slightly from each
other such that the wrapping of the first elongated securing strap
around the leg does not interfere with wrapping of the second
elongated securing strap around the leg, and the third and fourth
elongated securing straps are offset slightly from each other such
that the wrapping of the third elongated securing strap around the
leg does not interfere with wrapping of the fourth elongated
securing strap around the leg. In a second example of the second
embodiment, the first elongated securing strap has an opening
therein for receiving the second elongated securing strap
therethrough when the first and second elongated securing straps
are wrapped about the leg, and the fourth elongated securing strap
has an opening therein for receiving the third elongated securing
strap therethrough when the third and fourth elongated securing
straps are wrapped about the leg.
[0021] Preferably, the first through fourth securing devices
include hook-like fasteners for engaging loops of fabric on the
support layer. Also, the support layer and the first through fourth
elongated securing straps are preferably made from a first
stretchable material on one side and a second material on an
opposite side having a plurality of loops thereon to be engaged by
the hook-like fasteners.
[0022] The above and other features of the invention will become
readily apparent from the following detailed description thereof,
which is to be read in connection with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a planar support layer of an
ankle support according to a first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0024] FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the planar support layer of
the ankle support of FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the ankle support
formed from the planar support layer of FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the ankle support
formed from the planar support layer of FIG. 1;
[0027] FIGS. 5-8 are perspective views showing the steps for
tensioning and positioning of the ankle support of FIG. 3 around
the ankle of a person;
[0028] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a planar support layer of an
ankle support according to a modification of the first embodiment
of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of the planar support layer of
the ankle support of FIG. 9;
[0030] FIGS. 11-16 are perspective views showing the steps for
tensioning and positioning of the ankle support of FIG. 9 around
the ankle of a person;
[0031] FIG. 17 is a top plan view of a planar support layer of an
ankle support according to another modification of the first
embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 18 is a bottom plan view of the planar support layer of
the ankle support of FIG. 17;
[0033] FIGS. 19-22 are perspective views showing the steps for
tensioning and positioning of the ankle support of FIG. 17 around
the ankle of a person;
[0034] FIG. 23 is a top plan view of a planar support layer of a
knee support according to a second embodiment of the present
invention;
[0035] FIG. 24 is a bottom plan view of the planar support layer of
the knee support of FIG. 23;
[0036] FIGS. 25-31 are perspective views showing the steps for
tensioning and positioning of the knee support of FIG. 23 around
the knee of a person;
[0037] FIG. 32 is a top plan view of a planar support layer of a
knee support according to a modification of the second embodiment
of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 33 is a bottom plan view of the planar support layer of
the knee support of FIG. 32; and
[0039] FIGS. 34-38 are perspective views showing the steps for
tensioning and positioning of the knee support of FIG. 32 around
the knee of a person.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0040] Referring to the drawings in detail, and initially to FIGS.
1-9, an ankle support 10 according to a first embodiment of the
present invention is formed from a planar support layer 12 formed
generally in the shape of the Greek letter .pi..
[0041] Specifically, planar support layer 12 includes an upper roof
shaped section 14 formed by a first slightly downturned roof
section 16 and a second slightly downturned roof section 18 that
meet at a center section 20 having a flat upper edge 22. A first
elongated securing strap 24 extends down from the distal end 16a of
first slightly downturned roof section 16 and a second elongated
securing strap 26 extends down from second slightly downturned roof
section 18 at a position spaced inwardly of the distal end 18a
thereof, the purpose for which will be apparent from the discussion
hereafter. First and second elongated securing straps 24 and 26
extend generally perpendicular to first and second slightly
downturned roof sections 16 and 18, and therefore, are angled
slightly toward each other.
[0042] First slightly downturned roof section 16 is cut along a
separation line 28 that is parallel to the upper edge 16b thereof
and which extends from distal end 16a to center section 20 to
define a third elongated securing strap 30 which is separated from
a first main body portion 32 of first slightly downturned roof
section 16. First main body portion 32 has an upper edge 34 that
extends along separation line 28. In like manner, second slightly
downturned roof section 18 is cut along a separation line 36 that
is parallel to the upper edge 18b thereof and which extends from
distal end 18a to center section 20 to define a fourth elongated
securing strap 38 which is separated from a second main body
portion 40 of second slightly downturned roof section 18. Second
main body portion 40 has an upper edge 42 that extends along
separation line 36.
[0043] Planar support layer 12 can be made from any suitable
material, but is preferably made from a 3 mm neoprene nylon jersey
material on the rear side 12a thereof which renders the material
stretchable, and an unbroken loop-like fabric such as is sold under
the trademark VELCRO on the front side 12b thereof. The continuous
peripheral edge 44 of planar support layer 12 has a binding 46
thereon which extends around the edge to both sides of planar
support layer 12, and which can be secured by any suitable means,
such as stitching, adhesive, ultrasonic welding, etc. Binding 46
can be made from any suitable material, but is preferably a mesh
cloth.
[0044] In addition, four patches 48a-48d of hook-like elements such
as is sold under the trademark VELCRO are secured to the distal
ends of securing straps 24, 26, 30 and 38 on the same side 12a of
planar support layer 12. Patches 48a-48d can be secured by any
suitable means, such as stitching, adhesive, ultrasonic welding,
etc.
[0045] In the actual construction, upper edges 34 and 42 are
secured together by any suitable securing means 49, such as
stitching, adhesive, ultrasonic welding, etc. As shown in FIGS. 3
and 4, this creates an endless loop defined by center section 20
and having an elongated opening 50 therein. It is also appreciated,
as shown best in FIG. 3, that when first and second elongated
securing straps 24 and 26 are extended out away from each other,
they are offset slightly from each other in a direction transverse
to their linear extending directions. This is because first
elongated securing strap 24 is connected to distal end 16a of first
slightly downturned roof section 16, while second elongated
securing strap 26 is connected to second slightly downturned roof
section 18 at a position spaced inwardly of distal end 18a thereof.
However, for purposes of the present application, straps 24 and 26
are still substantially directly opposite each other, and straps 30
and 38 are substantially opposite each other, that is, they are
adjacent a common side and can be simultaneously pulled away from
each other in opposite directions without substantial twisting or
skewing of ankle support 10, as would occur with the aforementioned
U.S. Pat. No. 5,221,252 to Caprio, Jr. et al. and U.S. Pat. No.
5,399,153 to Caprio, Jr. et al., in which the securing strap on one
side is adjacent the top edge and the securing strap on the
opposite side is adjacent the bottom edge.
[0046] The manner of securing ankle support 10 around the ankle 52
of a person will now be described in relation to FIGS. 5-8.
[0047] Specifically, from the rear direction of FIG. 3, a person
inserts a foot 54 through opening 50 such that connected upper
edges 34 and 42 are centered over the instep of the foot 54, and
center section 20 is positioned under the arch of foot 54. Then,
first and second elongated securing straps 24 and 26 are grasped by
the two hands of the person, as shown in FIG. 5, and both stretched
simultaneously rearwardly around the rear side of ankle 52. Because
of the aforementioned offset of first and second elongated securing
straps 24 and 26, the wrapping of first elongated securing strap 24
does not interfere with the wrapping of second elongated securing
strap 26. However, because the offset is not great and because both
first and second elongated securing straps 24 and 26 are both
adjacent a common edge, there is no substantial twisting or skewing
of the ankle support 10. The stretching of first and second
elongated securing straps 24 and 26 is continued such that first
and second elongated securing straps 24 and 26 are stretched to the
front of ankle 52 where they are secured by patches 48a and 48b of
hook-like elements onto the unbroken loop-like fabric on the front
side 12b. Straps 24 and 26 can be released and repositioned as
desired in order to adjust the tension.
[0048] Then, third and fourth elongated securing straps 30 and 38
are grasped by the two hands of the person, and both criss-crossed
over the instep of foot 54 and simultaneously stretched rearwardly
to the rear side of ankle 52 where they are secured by patches 48c
and 48d of hook-like elements onto the unbroken loop-like fabric
thereat. Patches 48c and 48d are preferably secured to the outer
surfaces of straps 24 and 26 at the rear side of ankle 52. Because
both third and fourth elongated securing straps 30 and 38 are both
adjacent a common edge, there is no substantial twisting or skewing
of the ankle support 10. Straps 30 and 38 can be released and
repositioned as desired in order to adjust the tension.
[0049] Referring now to FIGS. 9-16, an ankle support 60 according
to a modification of the first embodiment of the present invention
is formed from a planar support layer 62 formed generally in the
same shape as planar support layer 12 of FIGS. 1 and 2. The same
numerals are used to identify the same elements in planar support
layers 12 and 62. However, planar support layer 62 differs from
planar support layer 12 by the addition of a fifth elongated
securing strap 64 extending down from first slightly downturned
roof section 16 at a position spaced inwardly from distal end 16a
thereof and spaced away from first elongated securing strap 24.
Fifth elongated securing strap 64 is generally parallel to first
elongated securing strap 24 and has a similar length.
[0050] In addition, a patch 48e of hook-like elements is secured to
the distal end of securing strap 64 on the same side of planar
support layer 62 as patches 48a-48d. Patch 48e can be secured by
any suitable means, such as stitching, adhesive, ultrasonic
welding, etc.
[0051] The manner of securing ankle support 60 around the ankle 52
of a person will now be described in relation to FIGS. 11-16.
[0052] Specifically, a person inserts a foot 54 through opening 50
such that connected upper edges 34 and 42 are centered over the
instep of the foot 54, and center section 20 is positioned under
the arch of foot 54. Then, first and second elongated securing
straps 24 and 26 are grasped by the two hands of the person, as
shown in FIGS. 11-13, and both stretched simultaneously rearwardly
around the rear side of ankle 52. Because of the aforementioned
offset of first and second elongated securing straps 24 and 26, the
wrapping of first elongated securing strap 24 does not interfere
with the wrapping of second elongated securing strap 26. The
stretching of first and second elongated securing straps 24 and 26
is continued such that first and second elongated securing straps
24 and 26 are stretched to the front of ankle 52 where they are
secured by patches 48a and 48b of hook-like elements onto the
unbroken loop-like fabric on the front side 12b. Straps 24 and 26
can be released and repositioned as desired in order to adjust the
tension.
[0053] Thereafter, fifth elongated securing strap 64 is grasped by
one hand of the person, as shown in FIG. 14, and stretched
rearwardly around the rear side of ankle 52. Because of the offset
of fifth elongated securing strap 64 from first and second
elongated securing straps 24 and 26, first and second elongated
securing straps 24 and 26 do not interfere with the wrapping of
fifth elongated securing strap 64. The stretching of fifth
elongated securing strap 64 is continued such that fifth elongated
securing strap 64 is stretched to the front of ankle 52 where it is
secured by patch 48e of hook-like elements onto the unbroken
loop-like fabric on the front side 12b. Strap 64 can be released
and repositioned as desired in order to adjust the tension.
[0054] Then, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, third and fourth
elongated securing straps 30 and 38 are grasped by the two hands of
the person, and both criss-crossed over the instep of foot 54 and
simultaneously stretched rearwardly to the rear side of ankle 52
where they are secured by patches 48c and 48d of hook-like elements
onto the unbroken loop-like fabric thereat. Patches 48c and 48d are
preferably secured to the outer surfaces of straps 24 and 26 at the
rear side of ankle 52. Straps 30 and 38 can be released and
repositioned as desired in order to adjust the tension.
[0055] Referring now to FIGS. 17-22, an ankle support 80 according
to another modification of the first embodiment of the present
invention is formed from a planar support layer 82 formed generally
in the same shape as planar support layer 12 of FIGS. 1 and 2. The
same numerals are used to identify the same elements in planar
support layers 12 and 82. However, with planar support layer 82,
first elongated securing strap 24 is made much wider than second
elongated securing strap 26, and second elongated securing strap 26
is centered on second slightly downturned roof section 18 so that
first and second elongated securing straps 24 and 26 are in line
with each other, rather than being offset from each other. Further,
first elongated securing strap 24 is provided with an opening 84
therein. Although opening 84 is shown to be circular, the present
invention is not limited to this shape, and any other suitable
shape, such as square, rectangular, triangular, etc. can be
used.
[0056] The manner of securing ankle support 80 around the ankle 52
of a person will now be described in relation to FIGS. 19-22.
[0057] Specifically, from the rear direction of FIG. 19, a person
inserts his foot 54 through opening 50 such that connected upper
edges 34 and 42 are centered over the instep of the foot 54, and
center section 20 is positioned under the arch of foot 54. Then,
first and second elongated securing straps 24 and 26 are grasped by
the two hands of the person, as shown in FIG. 19, and both
stretched simultaneously rearwardly around the rear side of ankle
52. Second elongated securing strap 26 is then inserted through
opening 84, as shown in FIG. 20, and the stretching of first and
second elongated securing straps 24 and 26 is continued such that
first and second elongated securing straps 24 and 26 are stretched
to the front of ankle 52 where they are secured by patches 48a and
48b of hook-like elements onto the unbroken loop-like fabric on the
front side 12b. Since second elongated securing strap 26 extends
through opening 84 of first elongated securing strap 24, the
wrappings of first and elongated securing straps 24 and 26 do not
interfere with each other. Straps 24 and 26 can be released and
repositioned as desired in order to adjust the tension.
[0058] Then, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, third and fourth
elongated securing straps 30 and 38 are grasped by the two hands of
the person, and both criss-crossed over the instep of foot 54 and
simultaneously stretched rearwardly to the rear side of ankle 52
where they are secured by patches 48c and 48d of hook-like elements
onto the unbroken loop-like fabric thereat. Patches 48c and 48d are
preferably secured to the outer surfaces of straps 24 and 26 at the
rear side of ankle 52. Straps 30 and 38 can be released and
repositioned as desired in order to adjust the tension.
[0059] It will therefore be appreciated that ankle supports 10, 60
and 80 permit tensioning by pulling simultaneously on both first
and second elongated securing straps 24 and 26 and on both third
and fourth elongated securing straps 30 and 38. This results in an
easy application, better control of the applied tension, a higher
degree of tension and more accurate placement of the ankle support.
In addition, with this arrangement, differential tension at several
locations across the straps is permitted. Furthermore, the
construction of each ankle support reduces the amount of material
that is required, and consequently the bulk necessary to provide
the required tension. These advantages have been confirmed by
different studies that have been performed with the ankle
supports.
[0060] The same concept as applied to ankle supports 10, 60 and 80
can also be applied to knee supports.
[0061] Referring now to FIGS. 23-31, a knee support 100 according
to a second embodiment of the present invention includes a planar
support layer 101 with a rear side 101a and a front side 101b. Knee
support 100 includes a generally 10 rectangular central section 102
having a top edge 102a and a bottom edge 102b, and with the height
of central section 102 being approximately twice the width thereof.
A first elongated securing strap 104 extends from a first side 102c
of central section 102 adjacent top edge 102a, such that the top
elongated edge 104a of first elongated securing strap 104 is formed
as a smooth continuation of top edge 102a.
[0062] A third elongated securing strap 106 also extends from first
side 102c such that the bottom elongated edge 106a of third
elongated securing strap 106 is in spaced relation from bottom edge
102b and does not form a smooth continuation thereof. The length of
third elongated securing strap 106 is substantially the same as
first elongated securing strap 104.
[0063] A fourth elongated securing strap 108 extends from the
second opposite side 102d of central section 102 adjacent bottom
edge 102b, such that the bottom elongated edge 108a of fourth
elongated securing strap 108 is formed as a smooth continuation of
bottom edge 102b.
[0064] A second elongated securing strap 110 also extends from
second side 102d such that the top elongated edge 110a of second
elongated securing strap 110 is in spaced relation from top edge
102a and does not form a smooth continuation thereof. The length of
second elongated securing strap 110 is substantially the same as
fourth elongated securing strap 108.
[0065] It will therefore be appreciated, as shown in FIGS. 23 and
24, that elongated securing straps 104, 106, 108 and 110 are each
staggered in the heightwise direction from each other in the order,
from top to bottom, of elongated securing straps 104, 110, 106 and
108. However, for purposes of the present application, first and
second elongated securing straps 104 and 110 are still
substantially directly opposite each other and third and fourth
elongated securing straps 106 and 108 are still substantially
directly opposite each other, that is, they are adjacent a common
side and can be simultaneously pulled away from each other in
opposite directions without substantial twisting or skewing of
ankle support 10, as would occur with the aforementioned U.S. Pat.
No. 5,221,252 to Caprio, Jr. et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,399,153 to
Caprio, Jr. et al. in which the securing strap on one side is
adjacent the top edge and the securing strap on the opposite side
is adjacent the bottom edge.
[0066] Further, a circular opening 112 is provided centrally of
central section 102. An annular area 114 surrounding circular
opening 112 is made from the same materials as the remainder of
central section 102 but is thicker in order to provide a larger
cushion at the knee cap when worn.
[0067] Knee support 100 can be made of any suitable material, but
is preferably made from a 3 mm neoprene nylon jersey material on
the rear side 101a of planar support layer 101 which renders the
material stretchable, and an unbroken loop-like fabric such as is
sold under the trademark VELCRO on the front side 101b thereof. The
continuous peripheral edge 116 of planar support layer 101 has a
binding 118 thereon which extends around the edge to both sides of
planar support layer 101, and which can be secured by any suitable
means, such as stitching, adhesive, ultrasonic welding, etc.
Binding 118 can be made from any suitable material, but is
preferably a mesh cloth.
[0068] Further, two triangular cut-out darts 120 can be provided in
side edges 102c and 102d for providing greater ease of wrapping of
knee support 100 around the knee of a person, although darts 120
can be eliminated.
[0069] In addition, four patches 122a-122d of hook-like elements
such as is sold under the trademark VELCRO are secured to the
distal ends of securing straps 104,106, 108 and 110 on the same
rear side 101a of planar support layer 101. Patches 122a-122d can
be secured by any suitable means, such as stitching, adhesive,
ultrasonic welding, etc.
[0070] The manner of securing knee support 100 around the knee of a
person will now be described in relation to FIGS. 25-31. Knee
support 100 is first held by elongated securing straps 104 and 110
such that central section 102 is placed against the knee with
opening 112 centered on the kneecap. Then, elongated securing
straps 104 and 110 are grasped by the two hands of the person, as
shown in FIG. 25, and both stretched simultaneously rearwardly
around the rear side of the leg just above the knee, as shown in
FIG. 26. Because of the offset of first and second elongated
securing straps 104 and 110, the wrapping of first elongated
securing strap 104 does not interfere with the wrapping of second
elongated securing strap 110, as shown in FIG. 27. However, because
the offset is not great and because both first and second elongated
securing straps 104 and 110 are both adjacent a common edge, there
is no substantial twisting or skewing of the knee support 100. The
stretching of first and second elongated securing straps 104 and
110 is continued such that first and second elongated securing
straps 104 and 110 are stretched toward the front of the leg just
above the knee where they are secured by patches 122a and 122d of
hook-like elements onto the unbroken loop-like fabric on the front
side 101b, as shown in FIG. 28. Straps 104 and 110 can be released
and repositioned as desired in order to adjust the tension.
[0071] Then, as shown in FIG. 29, third and fourth elongated
securing straps 106 and 108 are both stretched simultaneously
rearwardly around the rear side of the leg just below the knee.
Because of the offset of third and fourth elongated securing straps
106 and 108, the wrapping of third elongated securing strap 106
does not interfere with the wrapping of fourth elongated securing
strap 108, as shown in FIG. 30. However, because the offset is not
great and because both third and fourth elongated securing straps
106 and 108 are both adjacent a common edge, there is no
substantial twisting or skewing of the knee support 100. The
stretching of third and fourth elongated securing straps 106 and
108 is continued such that third and fourth elongated securing
straps 106 and 108 are stretched toward the front of the leg just
below the knee where they are secured by patches 122b and 122c of
hook-like elements onto the unbroken loop-like fabric on the front
side 101b, as shown in FIG. 31. Straps 106 and 108 can be released
and repositioned as desired in order to adjust the tension.
[0072] Referring now to FIGS. 32-38, a knee support 130 according
to a modification of the second embodiment of the present invention
is formed from a planar support layer 101 formed generally in the
same shape as planar support layer 101 of FIGS. 23 and 24. The same
numerals are used to identify the same elements in planar supports
101 and 131. However, planar support layer 131 differs from planar
support layer 101 in that first and second elongated securing
straps 104 and 110 are in line with each other, rather than being
offset from each other. In like manner, third and fourth elongated
securing straps 106 and 108 are in line with each other, rather
than being offset from each other.
[0073] Further, first and third elongated securing straps 104 and
108 are made wider than second and fourth elongated securing straps
106 and 110. An opening 132 is provided in the proximal end of each
elongated securing strap 104 and 108, with the width of each
elongated securing strap 106 and 110 not being generally greater
than the diameter of openings 132 so as to fit therethrough.
[0074] In operation, knee support 130 is first held by elongated
securing straps 104 and 110 such that central section 102 is placed
against the knee with opening 112 centered on the kneecap. Then,
elongated securing straps 104 and 110 are grasped by the two hands
of the person, as shown in FIG. 34, and both stretched
simultaneously rearwardly around the rear side of the leg just
above the knee. As shown in FIG. 35, second elongated securing
strap 110 is then inserted through the opening 132 in first
elongated securing strap 104. As a result, the wrapping of first
elongated securing strap 104 does not interfere with the wrapping
of second elongated securing strap 110. The stretching of first and
second elongated securing straps 104 and 110 is continued such that
first and second elongated securing straps 104 and 110 are
stretched toward the front of the leg just above the knee where
they are secured by patches 122a and 122d of hook-like elements
onto the unbroken loop-like fabric on the front side 101b, as shown
in FIG. 36. Straps 104 and 110 can be released and repositioned as
desired in order to adjust the tension.
[0075] Then, third and fourth elongated securing straps 106 and 108
are both stretched simultaneously rearwardly around the rear side
of the leg just below the knee. Third elongated securing strap 106
is then inserted through the opening 132 in fourth elongated
securing strap 108. As a result, the wrapping of third elongated
securing strap 106 does not interfere with the wrapping of fourth
elongated securing strap 108, as shown in FIG. 37. The stretching
of third and fourth elongated securing straps 106 and 108 is
continued such that third and fourth elongated securing straps 106
and 108 are stretched toward the front of the leg just below the
knee where they are secured by patches 122b and 122c of hook-like
elements onto the unbroken loop-like fabric on the front side 101b,
as shown in FIG. 38. Straps 106 and 108 can be released and
repositioned as desired in order to adjust the tension.
[0076] As with ankle supports 10, 60 and 80, it will therefore be
appreciated that knee supports 100 and 130 permit tensioning by
pulling simultaneously on both the first and second elongated
securing straps and on both the third and fourth elongated securing
straps. This results in an easy application, better control of the
applied tension, a higher degree of tension and more accurate
placement of the ankle support. In addition, with this arrangement,
differential tension at several locations across the straps is
permitted. Furthermore, the construction of each ankle support
reduces the amount of material that is required, and consequently
the bulk necessary to provide the required tension. These
advantages have been confirmed by different studies that have been
performed with the ankle supports.
[0077] Having described specific preferred embodiments of the
invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be
appreciated that the present invention is not limited to those
precise embodiments and that various changes and modifications can
be effected therein by one of ordinary skill in the art without
departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined by
the appended claims.
REFERENCE DESIGNATOR
[0078] 10 ankle support
[0079] 12 planar support layer
[0080] 12a rear side
[0081] 12b front side
[0082] 14 upper roof shaped section
[0083] 16 first slightly downturned roof section
[0084] 16a distal end
[0085] 18 second slightly downturned roof section
[0086] 18a distal end
[0087] 20 center section
[0088] 22 flat upper edge
[0089] 24 first elongated securing strap
[0090] 26 second elongated securing strap
[0091] 28 separation line
[0092] 30 third elongated securing strap
[0093] 32 first main body portion
[0094] 34 upper edge
[0095] 36 separation line
[0096] 38 fourth elongated securing strap
[0097] 40 second main body portion
[0098] 42 upper edge
[0099] 44 continuous peripheral edge
[0100] 46 binding
[0101] 48a-d patches of hook-like elements
[0102] 49 securing means
[0103] 50 opening
[0104] 52 ankle
[0105] 54 foot
[0106] 60 ankle support
[0107] 62 planar support layer
[0108] 64 fifth elongated securing strap
[0109] 80 ankle support
[0110] 82 planar support layer
[0111] 84 opening
[0112] 100 knee support
[0113] 101 planar support layer
[0114] 101a rear side
[0115] 101b front side
[0116] 102 rectangular central section
[0117] 102a top edge
[0118] 102b bottom edge
[0119] 102c side edge
[0120] 102d side edge
[0121] 104 first elongated securing strap
[0122] 104a top elongated edge
[0123] 106 third elongated securing strap
[0124] 106a bottom elongated edge
[0125] 108 fourth elongated securing strap
[0126] 108a bottom elongated edge
[0127] 110 second elongated securing strap
[0128] 110a top elongated edge
[0129] 112 circular opening
[0130] 114 annular area
[0131] 116 peripheral edge
[0132] 118 binding
[0133] 120 triangular cut-out darts
[0134] 122a-d patches of hook-like elements
[0135] 130 knee support
[0136] 131 planar support layer
[0137] 132 openings
* * * * *