Patent ID: 6852088
Filing Date: 2005-02-08
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. An adjustable support device for the knee, comprising: (a) an elongate strap including at least one elastic portion, and first and second ends for being secured around the knee in a tensioned condition and providing supplemental support to the patella, knee joint, and attachment sites of the connective tissues of the knee joint, said strap having interior walls that define a chamber; (b) a primary tensioning device positioned on said strap for securing the strap around the knee and positioning the strap in a primary tensioned position relative to the patella, knee joint, and attachment sites of the connective tissues of the knee joint; and (c) a secondary tensioning device carried by the strap and including an elastic element and at least one attachment member for being placed in a secondary tensioned position relative to the strap for increasing the tension of the strap and applying concentrated radially-directed support pressure to the knee joint, attachment sites of the connective tissues of the knee joint, and an anterior aspect of the patella; wherein said elastic element of the secondary tensioning device is positioned within the chamber such that the elastic element is axially movable independent of said strap and said primary tensioning device between a contracted position in the absence of tension on the elastic element and an expanded position in response to laterally-directed forces on the respective opposing side edges of the elastic element, thereby permitting the secondary tensioning device to be placed in the secondary tensioned position relative to the strap.