U.S. patent application number 11/042122 was filed with the patent office on 2006-07-27 for shoulder brace with body to arm attachment straps.
Invention is credited to Thomas M. Sawa.
Application Number | 20060167395 11/042122 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36687047 |
Filed Date | 2006-07-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060167395 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sawa; Thomas M. |
July 27, 2006 |
SHOULDER BRACE WITH BODY TO ARM ATTACHMENT STRAPS
Abstract
A shoulder complex and upper arm injury reduction system having
a torso fitting part, an upper arm wrap part, and at least one
movement control strap constructed of non-stretchable material. The
movement control straps are strategically anchored on the system to
control posterior, anterior, and multidirectional movement of the
upper arm wrap part relative to the torso fitting part. The straps
are length adjustable to control the amount of movement of the
upper arm wrap part relative to the torso fitting part, and prevent
separation of the upper arm wrap part from the torso fitting part
beyond the strap length. The system includes a control strap that
extends from the shoulder capping region to a strap mounting
location below or above the shoulder capping region. The strap is
length adjustable to allow tension to be placed on the strap and to
produce traction between the shoulder strapping region and the
strap mounting location.
Inventors: |
Sawa; Thomas M.;
(Mississauga, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DENNISON ASSOCIATES
133 RICHMOND STREET WEST
SUITE 301
TORONTO
ON
M5H 2L7
CA
|
Family ID: |
36687047 |
Appl. No.: |
11/042122 |
Filed: |
January 26, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
602/19 ; 602/20;
602/5; 602/60; 602/62 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 5/3746 20130101;
A61F 5/34 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
602/019 ;
602/005; 602/020; 602/060; 602/062 |
International
Class: |
A61F 5/00 20060101
A61F005/00; A61F 13/00 20060101 A61F013/00; A61F 13/06 20060101
A61F013/06 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. (canceled)
3. (canceled)
4. A system as claimed in claim 5 wherein said first loop forming
parts include interlocking VELCRO surfaces and is adjustable to
different loop formations to provide the different strap lengths to
which said movement control strap is adjusted.
5. A shoulder complex and upper arm injury reduction system
comprising: a torso fitting part, an upper arm wrap part having an
exterior surface provided with a movement control strap coupling
region extending at least substantially around said upper arm wrap
part, and at least one movement control strap, having at least one
torso attachment region for attachment to at least one strap anchor
on the torso fitting part wherein said torso attachment region
includes a first loop forming part which loops through and secures
with said at least one strap anchor to secure the torso attachment
region with the torso fitting part, and having an interlocking
strap region which interlocks with the movement control strap
coupling region of the upper arm wrap part to provide interlocked
wrapping of said interlocking strap region around said upper arm
wrap part, wherein said at least one movement control strap is
adjustable to different strap lengths between said torso attachment
region and said interlocking strap region, said at least one
movement control strap being made from an essentially inelastic
material such that said at least one movement control strap
controls separation and rotation of said upper arm wrap part
relative to said torso fitting part beyond any one of the strap
lengths to which said at least one movement control strap is
adjusted.
6. A system as claimed in claim 5, wherein a first strap anchor is
provided to a front side of said torso fitting part, said movement
control strap extending across said front side of said torso
fitting part to said upper arm wrap part to limit rearward movement
of said upper arm wrap part relative to said torso fitting
part.
7. A system as claimed in claim 5, wherein a first strap anchor is
provided to a rear side of said torso fitting part and said
movement control strap extends across said rear side of said torso
fitting part of said upper arm wrap part to limit forward movement
of said upper arm wrap part relative to said torso fitting
part.
8. A system as claimed in claim 5, wherein said system comprises
one movement control strap having a first torso attachment region
at a first strap end region, a second torso attachment region at a
second strap end region, and the interlocking strap region
positioned between said first and second end regions, a first strap
anchor provided to a front side of said torso fitting part, said
movement control strap extending across said front side of said
torso fitting part to said upper arm warp part to limit rearward
movement of said upper arm wrap part relative to said torso fitting
part, a second strap anchor provided to a rear side of said torso
fitting part and said movement control strap extends across said
rear side of said torso fitting part of said upper arm wrap part to
limit forward movement of said upper arm wrap part relative to said
torso fitting part.
9. A system as claimed in claim 5, wherein said system comprises: a
first movement control strap having one torso attachment region at
a first strap end region, and the interlocking strap region
positioned at a second strap end region, a second movement control
strap having one torso attachment region at a first strap end
region, and the interlocking strap region positioned at a second
strap end region, a first strap anchor provided to a front side of
said torso fitting part, said first movement control strap
extending across said front side of said torso fitting part to said
upper arm wrap part, a second strap anchor provided to a rear side
of said torso fitting part and said second movement control strap
extends across said rear side of said torso fitting part of said
upper arm wrap part, wherein said first movement control strap and
said second movement control strap extending across said front and
rear surfaces of said torso fitting part to said first and second
strap anchors on said torso fitting part to limit both forward and
rearward movement of said upper arm wrap part relative to said
torso fitting part.
10. A system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the torso fitting part
comprises a shoulder capping region, and the system further
comprising: a plurality of control straps having a first strap
region which is anchored at the torso fitting part and having a
second strap region which is anchored at the upper arm wrap part,
said control straps being adjustable to different strap lengths
between said first and second strap regions, said strap being made
from an essentially inelastic material such that said strap
prevents separation of said upper arm wrap part from said torso
fitting part beyond any one of the strap lengths to which said
strap is adjusted, and a traction control strap extending from the
shoulder capping region to a strap mounting location within said
system below the shoulder capping region, the traction control
strap being length adjustable to place tension on and to produce
traction within said system between the shoulder capping region and
the strap mounting location below the shoulder capping region.
11. A shoulder complex and upper arm injury reduction system
comprising: a torso fitting part, having a shoulder capping region
and a plurality of strap anchors, an upper arm wrap part, having an
exterior surface provided with a movement control strap coupling
region extending at least substantially around the upper arm wrap
part, a movement control strap having a first torso attachment
region at a first strap end region, a second torso attachment
region at a second strap end region, and an interlocking strap
region positioned between said first and second end regions, said
interlocking strap region interlocks with the movement control
strap coupling region of the upper arm wrap part to provide
interlocked wrapping of said interlocking strap region around said
upper arm wrap part, wherein said first torso attachment region
includes a first loop forming part which loops through and secures
with a first strap anchor provided to a front side of said torso
fitting part, said movement control strap extending across said
front side of said torso fitting part to said upper arm wrap part,
and said second torso attachment region includes a first loop
forming part which loops through and secures with a second strap
anchor provided to a rear side of said torso fitting part and said
movement control strap extending across said rear side of said
torso fitting part to said upper arm wrap part, to limit forward
and rearward movement of said upper arm wrap part relative to said
torso fitting part, a plurality of control straps having a first
strap region anchored at the torso fitting part and having a second
strap region which is anchored at the upper arm wrap part, said
control straps being adjustable to different strap lengths between
said first and second strap regions, said control straps being made
from an essentially inelastic material to prevent separation of
said upper arm wrap from said torso fitting part beyond said strap
lengths, a traction control strap extending from the shoulder
capping region to a strap mounting location within said system
below the shoulder capping region, the traction control strap being
length adjustable to place tension on and to produce traction
within said system between the shoulder capping region and the
strap mounting location, below the shoulder capping region, and a
foamed pad beneath said traction control strap at said shoulder
capping region.
12. (canceled)
13. (canceled)
14. (canceled)
15. (canceled)
16. (canceled)
17. (canceled)
18. (canceled)
19. A system as claimed in claim 5 wherein said movement control
strap coupling region of the upper arm wrap part is a first VELCRO
surface and wherein said interlocking strap region includes a
second VELCRO surface which interlocks with said first VELCRO
surface.
20. A system as claimed in claim 8, wherein die movement control
strap is interconnected at a position between the interlocking
strap region and the strap ends.
21. A system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first and second
movement control straps are interconnected at a position between
the first and second strap end regions.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a shoulder complex and
upper arm injury reduction system. The system is particularly
useful for athletes in contact sports.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Dating back to 1988, I patented an injury reduction and
stabilizing harness as described in my U.S. Pat. No. 4,735,198.
According to my earlier patent, I used elastic straps on a torso
and upper arm fitting harness to control the amount of movement of
the upper arm relative to the torso of the user. The straps,
according to my earlier patent, attached at their opposite ends by
Velcro.TM. to different part of the harness.
[0003] My earlier patented harness allowed athletes or even people
under general rehabilitation continued controlled use of an injured
shoulder or upper arm. The elasticity of the straps, particularly
once the straps are stretched, would slow movement of the injured
body part rather than allowing the body part completely
unrestricted free motion.
[0004] Since the time of my earlier patent, many athletes in
professional sports have grown much bigger and much stronger.
Consider the size of a lineman on a pro football team who will
easily weight in excess of 300 pounds. Today's professional hockey
players usually weight in excess of 200 pounds which is probably
some 20 to 30 pounds heavier than the players in the 1980s. It is
well accepted that athletes of the 21.sup.st century are much
larger, stronger and faster than their counterparts of the 1980s.
As such, the harness as described in my 1988 patent, although
providing extremely beneficial results at the time, is not capable
of standing up to the tremendous physical punishment encountered by
the larger athletes of the present.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention provides a shoulder complex and upper
arm injury reduction system. The system of the present invention
comprises a torso fitting part, an upper arm wrap part and at least
one movement control strap. That strap has a first strap region
which is secured by an anchor fixed at the torso fitting part and a
second strap region which is anchored at the upper arm wrap
part.
[0006] The strap itself is adjustable to different strap lengths
between the first and second strap regions. The length to which the
strap is adjusted sets the amount of movement of the upper arm wrap
part relative to the torso fitting part. The strap is made from an
essentially inelastic material such that the strap prevents
separation of the upper arm wrap part from the torso fitting part
beyond the strap length to which the strap is adjusted.
[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, the
torso fitting part includes a shoulder capping region and a control
strap which extends from the shoulder capping region to a strap
mounting location below the shoulder capping region. Alternatively,
the strap can extend from a location below the shoulder capping
region to a strap mounting location above the shoulder capping
region. The strap is length adjustable to allow tension to be
placed on the strap and to produce traction within the system
between the shoulder strapping region and the strap mounting
location.
[0008] The key to the present invention lies in the use of length
adjustable, essentially non-stretch straps, which can be fixedly
anchored in position on the system. Through the use of these three
features, the straps, while allowing a controlled limited movement
of the upper arm wrap part relative to the torso fitting part, are
strong enough to control even the biggest and strongest athlete
from moving beyond a desired range of motion set by the control
straps.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The above as well as other advantages and features of the
present invention will be described in greater detail according to
the preferred embodiments of the present invention, wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view looking down on a
shoulder complex and upper arm injury reduction system according to
a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a system similar to
that shown in FIG. 1 but set up in a different manner from that
shown in FIG. 1;
[0012] FIGS. 3 and 4 are front views of the system of FIG. 1 with
FIG. 3 showing positioning of a plurality of control straps to the
front of the system while FIG. 4 shows positioning of one of those
control straps to the rear of the system;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a front view of a set of shoulder pads modified to
incorporate the system of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the shoulder pads of
FIG. 5 using a rear control strap;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a side view of an individual using the system of
the present invention and showing various different ranges of
motion to which the system can be set;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a top view looking down on the system of the
present invention showing the position for an alternate control
strap within the system;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a side view of a traction control system for
producing traction between the shoulder and the upper arm according
to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view looking down on a shoulder
and upper arm traction control system slightly modified from that
shown in FIG. 9;
[0019] FIG. 11 is a front view of a shoulder to chest control strap
according to yet a further preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 12 is a front view of a shoulder to chest control strap
slightly modified from that shown in FIG. 11;
[0021] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a shoulder complex and a
pad exploded from a control system according to a preferred
embodiment of the invention for fitting with the shoulder
complex;
[0022] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the pad of FIG. 13 to be
fitted to the underside of a shoulder complex system;
[0023] FIG. 15 shows the pad of FIG. 14 in position in the shoulder
complex control system and seated atop the shoulder complex.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION ACCORDING TO THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE
PRESENT INVENTION
[0024] FIG. 1 shows a shoulder complex and upper arm injury
reduction system generally indicated at 1. This system is based on
a corset like member comprising a torso fitting part 3 and an upper
arm wrap part 5. The torso fitting part 3 and the upper arm wrap
part 5, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, are part of a one piece
corset provided with an underarm cutout 6. This underarm cutout
allows movement of the upper arm wrap part 5 relative to the torso
fitting part 3 without chaffing in the underarm region.
[0025] Torso fitting part 3 includes a side closure 11 which allows
the entire corset to be opened for fitting on to the user including
the fitting of the upper arm through part 5. Side closure 11, which
is preferably a Velcro.TM. closure, can then be secured to hold the
overall corset tightly wrapped on the body of the user.
[0026] Upper arm wrap part 5 preferably includes a side closure
which allows the entire upper arm wrap part to be opened for
fitting on to the arm of the user. The side closure, which is
preferably a Velcro.TM. closure, can then be secured to hold the
upper arm wrap tightly wrapped on the arm of the user. The side
closure also allows different arm sizes to be accommodated.
[0027] Both the torso fitting part 3 and the upper arm wrap part 5
are preferably made from a rubbery stretch material such as
neoprene or the like. This type of material is light in weight,
hugs neatly to the user, and provides body warmth which is
particularly useful if the system is being used with a previously
injured body part. Even if there is no previous injury, the warmth,
i.e. blood flow, induced by the neoprene or similar material helps
to prevent an injury to the user. In addition, it can be
appreciated that a stretchy blended cotton material or stretchy
blended synthetic material, which is breathable, flexible and
strong, can also be used for the torso fitting part 3 and the upper
arm wrap part 5. However, this is not limiting and other materials
are considered within the scope of the invention.
[0028] A certain amount of stability is desired in the torso
fitting part 3 so that it does not overstretch and move around
while fitted to the user. To this end, flexible stabilizer bars 7
and 9 are secured, as by stitching for example, to the stretch
material of the torso fitting part 3. FIG. 2 of the drawings shows
that further flexible stabilizer bars 27, 29 and 31 are provided on
the rear surface of the torso fitting part 3.
[0029] The system described thus far is similar to what was
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,735,198. However, substantial
differences between the two systems as provided in the present
invention will now be further described.
[0030] Torso fitting part 3 is provided with a series of rigid
buckles 13, 15 and 17. These buckles are held in place by small
non-stretchable anchoring straps 14, 16 and 18 respectively. A
further buckle 19 is secured by anchoring strap 20 to the front
side of the torso fitting part 3. The inclusion of the anchoring
straps, which are permanently fastened to the torso fitting part 3,
allow the buckles some freedom of movement outwardly away from the
torso fitting part 3. This in turn allows for easy fitting of
control straps, to be described later in detail, to be fitted
through the buckles. Preferably, the anchoring straps 14, 16, 18,
and 20 are permanently fastened to a location on the stabilizer bar
9 to provide greater stability and strength to the system.
[0031] In one preferred embodiment of the invention, provided on
the upper arm wrap part 5 is a further rigid buckle 23 anchored or
held fast on the upper arm wrap part 5 by a non-stretchable
anchoring strap 24. Once again, the purpose of anchoring strap 24
is simply to remove buckle 23 far enough away from the surface of
the upper arm wrap part 5 to accommodate the fitting of a control
strap through the buckle.
[0032] Now turning to FIG. 2, further rigid buckles 33 and 35,
which are secured by non-stretchable anchoring straps 34 and 36
respectively, are provided to the backside of the torso fitting
part 3. A further rigid buckle 39, which is secured by
non-stretchable anchoring strap 40, is provided on the backside of
torso fitting part 3, as shown in FIG. 2. The inclusion of the
anchoring straps, which are permanently fastened to the torso
fitting part 3, allow the buckles some freedom of movement
outwardly away from the torso fitting part 3. This in turn allows
easy fitting of control straps, to be described later in detail, to
be fitted through the buckles. Preferably, the anchoring straps 34,
36, and 40 are permanently fastened to locations on the stabilizer
bar to provide greater stability and strength to the system.
[0033] In one embodiment of the invention, a further rigid buckle
37, which is secured by non-stretchable anchoring strap 38, is
provided on the backside of torso fitting part 3, as shown in FIG.
4. Once again, the purpose of anchoring strap 38 is simply to
remove buckle 37 far enough away from the surface of the upper arm
wrap part 5 to accommodate the fitting of a control strap through
the buckle.
[0034] Preferably anchoring straps 14, 16, 18, 20, 24, 34, 36, 38,
and 40 are made from a material such as a woven nylon which is
essentially stretch free. Such a material is also resistant to
deterioration which might otherwise be caused by body sweat over
the life of the system.
[0035] One of the keys to the present invention resides in the
essentially immoveable location of the buckles on the system and
the use of non-elastic, i.e. essentially stretch free, control
straps, to be described later in detail, for controlling movement
of the upper arm wrap part 5 relative to the torso fitting part 3
of the system 1.
[0036] Provided on upper arm wrap part 5 is an elongated Velcro.TM.
surface member 21. This Velcro.TM. member 21 encircles most, if not
all, of the outside surface of the upper arm wrap part 5 near its
lower end as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0037] Further provided on upper arm wrap part 5 is a second
Velcro.TM. surface member 22, which extends upwardly along the
length of upper arm wrap part 5. Located directly over the shoulder
capping region of upper arm wrap part 5 is a strap trapping loop
25.
[0038] To control movement of the upper arm wrap part 5 relative to
the torso fitting part 3 of the system 1, at least one movement
control strap 43 is provided. The control strap 43 is preferably
made from an inelastic non-stretch material, such as woven nylon,
and is anchored to the upper arm wrap part 5 and to the torso
fitting part 3 such that the control strap 43 restricts and
controls the amount and degree of posterior and anterior movement
of the upper arm wrap part 5 from the torso fitting part 3 beyond
the length of the strap, which length is adjustable as described
later in detail, and to restrict and control multidirectional
movements of the upper arm wrap part 5 from the torso fitting part
3 beyond the length of the strap, which length is adjustable as
described later in detail.
[0039] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the system 1
utilizes a series of control straps as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and
2. In this preferred arrangement, the control straps 43a, 43b, 43c,
and 43d are of varying lengths, wherein each control strap has a
first strap end region 45 and a second strap end region 47, which
anchors to the torso fitting part 3 and the upper arm fitting part
5, as described later in detail.
[0040] Control strap 43a restricts the rearward movement of the
upper arm wrap part 5 relative to the torso fitting part 3, and
thus provides the capability of preventing movement of the shoulder
joint into a position in which it could dislocate. In one aspect of
the invention, the first strap end region 45 of control strap 43a
is threaded through buckle 13, and is folded back over buckle 13 to
form a first loop part 49. The first loop part 49 includes an
interlocking Velcro.TM. surface region 51 to secure the first strap
end region 45 to buckle 13. The second strap end region 47 of
control strap 43a is threaded through buckle 23, and is folded back
over buckle 23 to form a second loop part 53. The second loop part
53 includes an interlocking Velcro.TM. surface region 55 to secure
the second strap end region to buckle 23. By adjusting the first
loop part 49 and the second loop part 53, different strap lengths,
which correspond to different ranges of movement, can be
utilized.
[0041] Similarly, control strap 43d provides the capability of
restricting the forward movement of the upper arm wrap 5 relative
to the torso fitting part 3. In one aspect of the invention as
illustrated in FIG. 2, the first strap end region 45 of control
strap 43d is threaded through buckle 35, and is folded back over
buckle 35 to form a first loop part 49. The first loop part 49
includes an interlocking Velcro.TM. surface region 51 to secure the
first strap end region 45 to buckle 35. The second strap end region
47 of control strap 43d is threaded through buckle 37, and is
folded back over buckle 37 to form a second loop part 53. The
second loop part 53 includes an interlocking Velcro.TM. surface
region 55 to secure the second strap end region 47 to buckle 37. By
adjusting the first loop part 49 and the second loop part 53,
different strap lengths, which correspond to different ranges of
movement, can be utilized.
[0042] In an alternate embodiment, one of either the first strap
end region 45 or the second strap end region 47 of control straps
43a and 43d is permanently attached to the torso fitting part 3 or
the upper arm wrap part 5 respectively. Adjustments to the length
of the control strap are made at the unfixed strap end region,
which is threaded through a buckle and folded back over the buckle
to form a loop part and secured using interlocking Velcro.TM.
surface regions as described above. For example, as illustrated in
FIG. 2, the second strap end region 47 of control strap 43d is
permanently secured to the upper arm wrap part 5, and adjustment of
the length of the control strap is made by adjusting the first loop
part 49 of the first strap end region 45.
[0043] In a further alternate embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 3,
4, and 8, forward and rearward movement of the upper arm wrap part
5 is controlled by a single control strap 43e. In this embodiment,
the first strap end region 45 of control strap 43e is threaded
through buckle 23, and is folded back over buckle 23 to form a
first loop part 49. The first loop part 49 includes an interlocking
Velcro.TM. surface region 51 to secure the first strap region 45 to
buckle 23. The second strap end region 47 of control strap 43e is
threaded through buckle 37, and is folded back over buckle 37 to
form a second loop part 53. The second loop part 53 includes an
interlocking Velcro.TM. surface region 55 to secure the second
strap region to buckle 37. Control strap 43e is positioned to
encircle the torso, and is threaded through buckle 13 to prevent
slippage of the encircling position of control strap 43e. By
adjusting the first loop part 49 and the second loop part 53,
different strap lengths, which correspond to different ranges of
movements, is achieved.
[0044] Control straps 43a, 43d, and 43e are designed to restrict
the forward and rearward movement of the upper arm wrap part 5, and
thereby restricting the forward and rearward movement of the
shoulder joint and preventing the shoulder joint from moving into a
position in which it could dislocate.
[0045] Control strap 43b controls the multidirectional movement of
the upper arm wrap part 5 relative to the torso fitting part 3. In
a preferred embodiment, control strap 43b is of an extended length
wherein the first strap end region 45 is anchored at the front side
of the torso fitting part 3, and the second strap end region 47 is
anchored at the rear side of the torso fitting part 5. As
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, control strap 43b is positioned to
encircle both the torso fitting part 3 and the upper arm wrap part
5, wherein a segment of control strap 43b is secured to Velcro.TM.
member 21. In addition, control strap 43b is permanently affixed
together, preferably by stitching, at a location 57 between the
torso fitting part 3 and the upper arm wrap part 5.
[0046] The first strap end region 45 of control strap 43b is
threaded through buckle 15, and is folded back over buckle 15 to
form a first loop part 49. The first loop part 49 includes an
interlocking Velcro.TM. surface region 51 to secure the first strap
end region 45 to buckle 15. The second strap region 47 of control
strap 43b is threaded through buckle 33, and is folded back over
buckle 43 to form a second loop part 53. The second loop part 53
includes an interlocking Velcro.TM. surface region 55 to secure the
second strap end region 47 to buckle 33. By adjusting the first
loop part 49 and the second loop part 53, different strap lengths
for control strap 43b is achieved. In particular, the stitching at
location 57 allows for independent adjustment of the front portion
of control strap 43b, located on the front side of the torso
fitting part 3, and of the rear portion of control strap 43b,
located on the rear side of the torso fitting part 3. Thus, this
preferred arrangement of control strap 43b controls the
multidirectional movement of the arm, including flexion and
extension of the arm, internal and external rotation of the arm,
and all combinations thereof. This is particularly useful for
shoulders that are unstable in all directions of movement.
Furthermore, stitching at location 57 also prevents control strap
43b from tangling and catching.
[0047] In an alternate embodiment of the invention [not shown],
control strap 43b is preferably comprised of two identical straps
43bb and 43bbb, wherein control strap 43bb is positioned on the
front side of torso fitting part 3 and control strap 43bbb is
positioned on the rear side of torso fitting part 3. The first
strap end region 45 of control strap 43bb is threaded through
buckle 15, and is folded back over buckle 15 to form a first loop
part 49. The first loop part 49 includes an interlocking Velcro.TM.
surface region 51 to secure the first strap end region 45 to buckle
15. The second strap end region 47 of control strap 43b, which
includes an interlocking Velcro.TM. surface region 55, is wrapped
around and secured to Velcro.TM. member 21. The first strap end
region 45 of control strap 43bbb is threaded through buckle 33, and
is folded back over buckle 33 to form a first loop part 49. The
first loop part 49 includes an interlocking Velcro.TM. surface
region 51 to secure the first strap end region 45 to buckle 33. The
second strap end region 47 of control strap 43bbb, which includes
an interlocking Velcro.TM. surface region 55, is wrapped around and
secured to Velcro.TM. member 21. Control straps 43bb and 43bbb are
permanently affixed together, preferably by stitching, at a
location 57 between the torso fitting part 3 and the upper arm wrap
part 5. This alternate embodiment of control strap 43b allows
different arm sizes to be accommodated.
[0048] Control strap 43c provides tension to the acromioclavicular
(A/C) joint when there is interruption of the acromioclavicular
ligaments, i.e. the conoid and trapezoid, and the coracoacromial
ligaments. The degree of sprain or tear can vary from 0% to 100%
disruption of these ligaments. Control strap 43c is positioned over
the acromioclavicular joint to provide a splint-like application to
provide stability while the acromioclavicular joint heals.
Furthermore, the action of the control strap 43c will help to
reduce pain, minimize soft tissue scarring and help promote a
normal range of motion. Control strap 43c is anchored from a point
on the front side of the torso fitting part 3, and extends over the
shoulder capping region through strap trapping loop 25, and
anchored to the rear side of the torso fitting part 3. In a
preferred embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first
strap end region 45 of control strap 43c is threaded through buckle
19, and is folded back over buckle 19 to form a first loop part 49.
The first loop part 49 includes an interlocking Velcro.TM. surface
region 51 to secure the first strap end region 45 to buckle 19. The
second strap end region 47 of control strap 43c is threaded through
buckle 39, and is folded back over buckle 39 to form a second loop
part 53. The second loop part 53 includes an interlocking
Velcro.TM. surface region 55 to secure the second strap end region
47 to buckle 39. Strap trapping loop 25 maintains the positioning
of the control strap 43c, and prevents slippage of the control
strap 43c.
[0049] In an alternate embodiment of the invention, one of either
the first strap end region 45 or the second strap end region 47 of
control strap 43c is anchored directly to the torso fitting part 3,
and preferably affixed together with a stabilizer bar on the torso
fitting part 3.
[0050] In an alternate embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and
12, the control strap 43c extends from the chest region of the
torso fitting part 3 to a location on the rear of the torso fitting
part 3. In this embodiment, control strap 43c is anchored to a
strap mounting location on the chest portion of the torso fitting
part 3. The first strap end region and second strap end region of
control strap 43c are anchored to adjustment anchors 59 permanently
affixed to the torso fitting part 3. The strap end region of the
control strap 43c is threaded through the adjustment anchor 59, and
is folded back over adjustment anchor 59 to form a loop part,
wherein the interlocking Velcro.TM. surface region 51 secures the
strap end region to the adjustment anchor 59.
[0051] Furthermore, to avoid undue pressure on the injured shoulder
joint as a result of the force and tension of the control strap
43c, a high density pad 84 is removeably positioned beneath control
strap 43c over the acromioclavicular joint, to be described later
in detail. To ensure the correct positioning of the pad 84, a pad
insertion pocket 68 is utilized for removeably receiving a pad 84.
The pad insertion pocket 68 is preferably positioned over the
acromioclavicular joint, as illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15.
[0052] Control strap 43d is provided to allow further adjustments
of the torso fitting part 3 to accommodate different torso widths.
Control strap 43d permits the tightening of the lower part of the
torso fitting part 3 to increase the fit of the torso fitting part
3 and to prevent the torso fitting part 3 from rising up. The first
strap end region 45 of control strap 43c is threaded through buckle
17, and is folded back over buckle 17 to form a first loop part 49.
The first loop part 49 includes an interlocking Velcro.TM. surface
region 51 to secure the first strap end region 45 to buckle 17. The
second strap end region 53 is preferably permanently secured to the
torso fitting part 3.
[0053] It can also be appreciated that the number of control straps
used in the system 1 can be customized to accommodate the specific
injuries and needs of the user. When all the control straps 43 as
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 are used, the system 1 can restrict
and limit posterior and anterior movement of the shoulder, as well
as multidirectional movement of the shoulder.
[0054] It can be appreciated that by adjusting the first loop part
49 and/or the second loop part 53 of control straps 43, the length
of each control strap is independently adjusted. The adjustments
are easily and simply done. The adjustability of the control straps
allows the user to selectively customize the range of movement of
the shoulder. Thus, the adjustability of the control straps 43
allows the shoulder complex and upper arm injury reduction system 1
to be used throughout the duration of rehabilitation, as a wide
range of motions can be achieved: from holding the shoulder
completely immobile to allowing motion of the shoulder in limited
specific directions. The degree of mobility of the system 1 can be
adjusted to accommodate the regained mobility of the user's
shoulder.
[0055] FIGS. 3, 4, and 7 further demonstrate the principals of the
invention. Within the permitted range of motion as set by the
length of the control straps 43, there is complete mobility of the
arm and shoulder region. However, movement of the arm and shoulder
beyond the length of the control straps 43 is prevented by the
inelastic material of the straps.
[0056] It can be appreciated that the principals of the invention
can be used to modify existing athletic equipment to accommodate
injured athletes. In particular, this is useful because athletes
will not be required to wear a separate brace beneath their
equipment. As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the principles of the
shoulder complex and upper arm injury reduction system 1 is
incorporated into an athletic shoulder pad. Control straps 43 are
anchored or fixed directly to the shoulder pads at one end, and
adjustments to the length of the control strap is made at the other
end. However, this example is not limiting and other athletic
equipment can be modified and are considered within the scope of
the invention.
[0057] In a further aspect of the invention, the shoulder complex
and upper arm injury reduction system 1 includes a control strap
60. In this embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, it is
preferable that the upper arm wrap part 5 fit snugly around the
upper arm region. The first surface of control strap 60 comprises
at least one interlocking Velcro.TM. surface region to secure
traction strap 60 to Velcro.TM. surface member 22 on upper arm wrap
part 5. The upper arm wrap part 5 further comprises an adjustment
anchor 64, and a pad insertion pocket 68. Control strap 60 further
comprises an end region with a Velcro.TM. surface region 76.
[0058] Control strap 60 is preferably made from an inelastic
non-stretch material, such as woven nylon. Control strap 60 is
preferably comprised of a single piece of material, however, it can
be appreciated that control strap 60 can be comprised of at least
one interconnecting pieces of material.
[0059] The end region of the control strap 60 is threaded through
the adjustment anchor 64, and is folded back over adjustment anchor
64 to form a loop part 80 wherein the Velcro.TM. surface region 76
attaches to a Velcro.TM. receiving region 78. The control strap 60
provides traction and upward lift of the arm so as to approximate
the humerus and glenoid labrum and capsule of gleno-humeral.
Controlling the level of traction can be controlled through the
adjustment of control strap 60.
[0060] As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the adjustment anchor 64
is mounted at a location on the shoulder capping region. However,
it is recognized that the adjustment anchor 64 can also be mounted
at a location below the shoulder capping region.
[0061] As illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, to avoid undue pressure
on the injured shoulder joint as a result of the force and tension
of the control strap 60 or control strap 43c, a pad 84 is
removeably placed in the pad insertion pocket 68, wherein the pad
insertion pocket 68 and the pad 84 are located directly over the
acromioclavicular joint. Pad 84 is preferably made from a high
density material to allow the pad to absorb the force created by
the control strap.
[0062] As illustrated in FIG. 13, to avoid undue direct pressure on
the acromioclavicular joint, the pad 84 is shaped to avoid direct
contact with the acromioclavicular joint and to contact the area
immediately surrounding the acromioclavicular joint. It can be
appreciated that the pad 84 can be provided in a variety of shapes,
and the pad 84 is preferably shaped in a C-shape 84a, or in a ring
of hexagons 84b.
[0063] Although the invention has been described with respect to
specific preferred embodiments, it should be appreciated that other
embodiments utilizing the concept of the present invention are
possible without departing from the scope of the invention. The
invention is not intended to be limited to the specific
embodiments.
* * * * *