Patent ID: 7985194
Filing Date: 2011-07-26
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A band assembly for aligning a patellar tendon with a trochlear groove, the patellar tendon having a tendon width, the band assembly comprising: a flexible strap made of neoprene; a liner attached to the flexible strap; a flexible pad made of expanding foam, the flexible pad having a length, the flexible pad residing between the flexible strap and the liner; a reinforcement strip attached to the flexible strap, the reinforcement strip running the length of the flexible pad; a hook fastener attached to one end of the flexible strap; a loop fastener attached to an opposing end of the flexible strap; elastic edging bordering the flexible strap; a first rounded ridge located on the flexible pad, the first rounded ridge having a first peak, the first rounded ridge being configured to apply a first distribution of pressure to a soft-tissue area on a left side of the patellar tendon; and a second rounded ridge located on the flexible pad, the second rounded ridge having a second peak, the second peak being separated from the first peak by a peak-to-peak distance, the peak-to-peak distance being approximately double the tendon width, the second rounded ridge being configured to apply a second distribution of pressure on a soft-tissue area on a right side of the patellar tendon, the application of the first distribution of pressure and the second distribution of pressure resulting in alignment of the patellar tendon with the trochlear groove.