Patent ID: 6610023
Filing Date: 2003-08-26
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
A knee brace method for tracking the patella and giving added support to the muscles, ligaments and tendons above, below and on each side of the patella, the knee brace method comprising:the step of wrapping an elongated singular strap of resilient elasticized material, having an adjustable engaging means at each end, around a knee to form a double loop with a midportion of the singular strap in a first position in front of the leg vertically adjacent to the patella and the ends of the singular strap wrapped around the leg with the strap crossing over itself, at a cross overlap point providing extra support, away from the front of the leg to form a first loop encircling the leg and bringing the ends forward to the front of the leg to overlap, at an end overlap adjustable attaching portion, equal to the width of the kneecap and capable of cradling the patella and lifting the patella to relieve pain, providing extra support, and interconnecting the ends by mutually engaging the adjustable engaging means at each end to form a second loop encircling the leg, the overlapping connected ends vertically adjacent to the patella on a portion of the patella away from the midportion of the singular strap forming a combined knee brace and patella tracking knee strap in the form of a thin tension band double loop which creates a minimum of skin irritation while providing resilient support capable of allowing normal leg movement while applying maximum pressure and support on the problem areas around the perimeter of the knee where displacement arises and keeping the quadriceps stable, and the step of adjusting the singular strap in a desired level of tension adjustment by stretching the resilient material of the singular strap to engage the knee with a desired level of tension fit tracking the patella and giving support to the muscles, ligaments and tendons above, below, and on each side of the patella to support the knee and protect it from injury; wherein the cross overlap point is capable of being positioned at the back of the knee, on the right side of the knee, and on the left side of the knee alternately for extra support at each position; and wherein the end overlap point is capable of being positioned above the patella and below the patella alternately for extra support at each position; wherein the elasticized strap is capable of being positioned to apply pressure and support on exact problem areas and provide full peripheral support around the perimeter of the knee to prevent knee displacement while maintaining a desired level of tension in the elasticized strap to allow normal activity without restraining the movement of the knee simulating and supporting the natural tendons surrounding the knee.