Anatomical brace for dynamically stabilizing the elbow

An anatomical brace for dynamically stabilizing the elbow during elbow articulation, the anatomical brace comprising: a brace body comprising a distal portion for fitting over the forearm of a user and a proximal portion for fitting over the upper arm of a user; a hinge mechanism comprising a distal segment, a proximal segment and a pivot for pivotally connecting the distal segment and the proximal segment, the distal segment of the hinge mechanism being mounted to the distal portion of the brace body and the proximal segment of the hinge mechanism being mounted to the proximal portion of the brace body; a pivot cable guide mounted to the anterior portion of the pivot; an upper arm cable guide mounted to at least one of the proximal segment of the hinge mechanism and the proximal portion of the brace body, the upper arm cable guide being configured to change the direction of a cable extending through the upper arm cable guide; an ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) cable guide mounted to the brace body and configured to direct a cable extending through the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) cable guide over the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and toward the distal portion of the brace body; and a cable having a first end and a second end; the first end of the cable being mounted to the distal segment of the hinge mechanism, the second end of the cable being mounted to the distal portion of the brace body, and the cable being routed proximally along the distal segment of the hinge mechanism, through the pivot cable guide, proximally along the proximal segment of the hinge mechanism, through the upper arm cable guide, and through the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) cable guide; wherein, when the anatomical brace is mounted to the arm of a user so that the distal portion of the brace body is secured to the forearm of the user, and the proximal portion of the brace body is secured to the upper arm of the user, and when the elbow thereafter moves to full extension, the cable is tensioned, whereby to apply a force to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the user, and when the elbow thereafter moves to full flexion, the cable is relaxed, so that the force applied to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is released.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to anatomical braces in general, and more particularly to anatomical braces for dynamically stabilizing the elbow, especially during overhead throwing, other overhead activities and/or racquet sports, so as to protect the elbow from injury.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Baseball players and other athletes are at risk of elbow injuries due to the valgus stresses on the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) during elbow flexion (e.g., such as during the cocking and acceleration phases of throwing), and are also at risk of elbow injuries due to the snapping forces on the elbow from overextension (e.g., such as during the release and follow-through phases of throwing). SeeFIG.1. These valgus stresses and snapping forces can lead to injuries such as ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears, growth plate injuries, stress fractures, chondral injuries and osteochondritis dessicans. All of these injuries may lead to pain, disability, decreased athletic performance, time missed from playing a sport and, in severe cases, career-ending surgery.

Conventional elbow braces are configured to provide a limit to the extension of the elbow, e.g., such as during the phases of throwing. By only providing a limit to the extension of the elbow during elbow movement (e.g., such as during the phases of throwing), conventional elbow braces do not provide support to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) during other phases of elbow motion (i.e., conventional elbow braces do not provide variable tension as the wearer moves their arm, such as during throwing). Therefore an individual wearing a conventional elbow brace is still at risk of elbow injuries due to the valgus stresses on the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) during elbow flexion (e.g., such as during the cocking and acceleration phases of throwing).

Thus there is a need for an elbow brace that provides a dynamically adjustable force to protect the elbow from forces that may cause injury during all of the phases of elbow motion, e.g., such as during all of the phases of throwing. The elbow brace must be comfortable and low-profile so as to prevent disruption of the mechanics of the elbow during a throwing motion (or other motion) so that the elbow brace does not affect the performance of a wearer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises the provision and use of a novel anatomical brace for dynamically stabilizing the elbow, especially during overhead throwing, other overhead activities and/or racquet sports, so as to protect the elbow from injury.

Among other things, the novel anatomical brace provides a dynamically adjustable force to protect the elbow from forces that may cause injury during all of the phases of elbow motion, e.g., such as during all of the phases of throwing. And the novel anatomical brace is configured to be comfortable and low-profile so as to prevent disruption of the mechanics of the elbow during a throwing motion (or other motion) so that the elbow brace does not affect the performance of a wearer.

In one form of the invention, there is provided an anatomical brace for dynamically stabilizing the elbow during elbow articulation, said anatomical brace comprising:

a brace body comprising a distal portion for fitting over the forearm of a user and a proximal portion for fitting over the upper arm of a user;

a hinge mechanism comprising a distal segment, a proximal segment and a pivot for pivotally connecting said distal segment and said proximal segment, said distal segment of said hinge mechanism being mounted to said distal portion of said brace body and said proximal segment of said hinge mechanism being mounted to said proximal portion of said brace body;

a pivot cable guide mounted to the anterior portion of said pivot;

an upper arm cable guide mounted to at least one of said proximal segment of said hinge mechanism and said proximal portion of said brace body, said upper arm cable guide being configured to change the direction of a cable extending through said upper arm cable guide;

an ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) cable guide mounted to said brace body and configured to direct a cable extending through said ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) cable guide over the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and toward said distal portion of said brace body; and

a cable having a first end and a second end;

said first end of said cable being mounted to said distal segment of said hinge mechanism, said second end of said cable being mounted to said distal portion of said brace body, and said cable being routed proximally along said distal segment of said hinge mechanism, through said pivot cable guide, proximally along said proximal segment of said hinge mechanism, through said upper arm cable guide, and through said ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) cable guide;

wherein, when said anatomical brace is mounted to the arm of a user so that said distal portion of said brace body is secured to the forearm of the user, and said proximal portion of said brace body is secured to the upper arm of the user, and when the elbow thereafter moves to full extension, said cable is tensioned, whereby to apply a force to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the user, and when the elbow thereafter moves to full flexion, said cable is relaxed, so that the force applied to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is released.

In another form of the invention, there is provided an anatomical brace for dynamically stabilizing the elbow during elbow articulation, said anatomical brace comprising:

a brace body comprising a distal portion for fitting over the forearm of a user and a proximal portion for fitting over the upper arm of a user;

a hinge mechanism comprising a distal segment, a proximal segment and a pivot for pivotally connecting said distal segment and said proximal segment, said distal segment of said hinge mechanism being mounted to said distal portion of said brace body and said proximal segment of said hinge mechanism being mounted to said proximal portion of said brace body;

a pivot cable guide mounted to the posterior portion of said pivot;

an upper arm cable guide mounted to at least one of said proximal segment of said hinge mechanism and said proximal portion of said brace body, said upper arm cable guide being configured to change the direction of a cable extending through said upper arm cable guide;

an ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) cable guide mounted to said brace body and configured to direct a cable extending through said ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) cable guide over the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and toward said distal portion of said brace body;

a cable having a first end and a second end;

said first end of said cable being mounted to said distal segment of said hinge mechanism, said second end of said cable being mounted to said distal portion of said brace body, and said cable being routed proximally along said distal segment of said hinge mechanism, through said pivot cable guide, proximally along said proximal segment of said hinge mechanism, through said upper arm cable guide, and through said ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) cable guide;

a limiter cable guide mounted to the anterior portion of said pivot; and

a limiter cable having a first end and a second end;

said first end of said limiter cable being mounted to said distal segment of said hinge mechanism, said second end of said limiter cable being mounted to said proximal segment of said hinge mechanism, and said limiter cable being routed through said limiter cable guide;

wherein, when said anatomical brace is mounted to the arm of a user so that said distal portion of said brace body is secured to the forearm of the user, and said proximal portion of said brace body is secured to the upper arm of the user, and when the elbow thereafter moves to full extension, said cable is tensioned, whereby to apply a force to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the user, and when the elbow thereafter moves to full flexion, said cable is relaxed, so that the force applied to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is released.

In another form of the invention, there is provided a method for dynamically stabilizing the elbow during elbow articulation, said method comprising:

providing an anatomical brace, said anatomical brace comprising:a brace body comprising a distal portion for fitting over the forearm of a user and a proximal portion for fitting over the upper arm of a user;a hinge mechanism comprising a distal segment, a proximal segment and a pivot for pivotally connecting said distal segment and said proximal segment, said distal segment of said hinge mechanism being mounted to said distal portion of said brace body and said proximal segment of said hinge mechanism being mounted to said proximal portion of said brace body;a pivot cable guide mounted to the anterior portion of said pivot;an upper arm cable guide mounted to at least one of said proximal segment of said hinge mechanism and said proximal portion of said brace body, said upper arm cable guide being configured to change the direction of a cable extending through said upper arm cable guide;an ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) cable guide mounted to said brace body and configured to direct a cable extending through said ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) cable guide over the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and toward said distal portion of said brace body; anda cable having a first end and a second end;said first end of said cable being mounted to said distal segment of said hinge mechanism, said second end of said cable being mounted to said distal portion of said brace body, and said cable being routed proximally along said distal segment of said hinge mechanism, through said pivot cable guide, proximally along said proximal segment of said hinge mechanism, through said upper arm cable guide, and through said ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) cable guide;wherein, when said anatomical brace is mounted to the arm of a user so that said distal portion of said brace body is secured to the forearm of the user, and said proximal portion of said brace body is secured to the upper arm of the user, and when the elbow thereafter moves to full extension, said cable is tensioned, whereby to apply a force to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the user, and when the elbow thereafter moves to full flexion, said cable is relaxed, so that the force applied to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is released;

fitting said distal portion of said brace body over the forearm of a user and said proximal portion of said brace body over the upper arm of a user;

positioning said first end of said cable to said distal segment of said hinge mechanism, and positioning said second end of said cable to said distal portion of said brace body; and

articulating the elbow.

In another form of the invention, there is provided a method for dynamically stabilizing the elbow during elbow articulation, said method comprising:

providing an anatomical brace, said anatomical brace comprising:a brace body comprising a distal portion for fitting over the forearm of a user and a proximal portion for fitting over the upper arm of a user;a hinge mechanism comprising a distal segment, a proximal segment and a pivot for pivotally connecting said distal segment and said proximal segment, said distal segment of said hinge mechanism being mounted to said distal portion of said brace body and said proximal segment of said hinge mechanism being mounted to said proximal portion of said brace body;a pivot cable guide mounted to the posterior portion of said pivot;an upper arm cable guide mounted to at least one of said proximal segment of said hinge mechanism and said proximal portion of said brace body, said upper arm cable guide being configured to change the direction of a cable extending through said upper arm cable guide;an ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) cable guide mounted to said brace body and configured to direct a cable extending through said ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) cable guide over the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and toward said distal portion of said brace body;a cable having a first end and a second end;said first end of said cable being mounted to said distal segment of said hinge mechanism, said second end of said cable being mounted to said distal portion of said brace body, and said cable being routed proximally along said distal segment of said hinge mechanism, through said pivot cable guide, proximally along said proximal segment of said hinge mechanism, through said upper arm cable guide, and through said ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) cable guide;a limiter cable guide mounted to the anterior portion of said pivot; anda limiter cable having a first end and a second end;said first end of said limiter cable being mounted to said distal segment of said hinge mechanism, said second end of said limiter cable being mounted to said proximal segment of said hinge mechanism, and said limiter cable being routed through said limiter cable guide;wherein, when said anatomical brace is mounted to the arm of a user so that said distal portion of said brace body is secured to the forearm of the user, and said proximal portion of said brace body is secured to the upper arm of the user, and when the elbow thereafter moves to full extension, said cable is tensioned, whereby to apply a force to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the user, and when the elbow thereafter moves to full flexion, said cable is relaxed, so that the force applied to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is released;

fitting said distal portion of said brace body over the forearm of a user and said proximal portion of said brace body over the upper arm of a user;

positioning said first end of said cable to said distal segment of said hinge mechanism, and positioning said second end of said cable to said distal portion of said brace body, and positioning said first end of said limiter cable to said distal segment of said hinge mechanism, and positioning said second end of said limiter cable to said proximal segment of said hinge mechanism; and

articulating the elbow.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention comprises the provision and use of a novel anatomical brace for dynamically stabilizing the elbow, especially during overhead throwing, other overhead activities and/or racquet sports, so as to protect the elbow from injury.

Among other things, the novel anatomical brace provides a dynamically adjustable force to protect the elbow from forces that may cause injury during all of the phases of elbow motion, e.g., such as during all of the phases of throwing. And the novel anatomical brace is configured to be comfortable and low-profile so as to prevent disruption of the mechanics of the elbow during a throwing motion (or other motion) so that the elbow brace does not affect the performance of a wearer.

Construction of the Novel Anatomical Brace

Looking first atFIGS.2-7, in one preferred form of the invention, there is provided a novel anatomical brace5for dynamically stabilizing the elbow during overhead throwing so as to protect the elbow from injury. Anatomical brace5generally comprises a brace body10comprising a distal portion15, a proximal portion20, a central opening25and one half30(FIG.4) of a hook-and-mesh (e.g., Velcro®) fastener. Brace body10is flexible, and is preferably formed out of a flexible material such as a woven fabric, a synthetic rubber, etc. In one preferred form of the invention, brace body10is an elbow sleeve formed out of a breathable lightweight elastic fabric which provides light compression to the forearm, elbow and upper arm of the user.

A distal strap35(FIG.3), having a first end40and a second end45, is mounted on distal portion15of brace body10and is configured to be secured around the forearm of a wearer so as to adjustably fasten brace body10to the forearm of a wearer. One half46of a hook-and-mesh (e.g., Velcro®) fastener is fixed to the first end40of distal strap35, and the other half47of a hook-and-mesh (e.g., Velcro®) fastener is fixed to second end45of distal strap35, such that distal strap35can be wrapped over distal portion15of brace body10and secured in place, whereby to secure distal portion15of brace body10to the forearm of the user.

A proximal strap50(FIG.3), having a first end55and a second end60, is mounted on proximal portion20of brace body10and is configured to be secured around the bicep area of the wearer so as to adjustably fasten brace body10to the arm of a wearer. One half61of a hook-and-mesh (e.g., Velcro®) fastener is fixed to first end55of proximal strap50, and the other half62of a hook-and-mesh (e.g., Velcro®) fastener is fixed to second end60of proximal strap50, such that proximal strap50can be wrapped over proximal portion20of brace body10and secured in place, whereby to secure proximal portion20of brace body10to the upper arm of the wearer.

Central opening25(FIG.3) of brace body10is configured to be positioned in the antecubital area (i.e., the front crease of the elbow) of a wearer so that the material of brace body10does not bunch when the elbow is flexed (which could inhibit flexing of the elbow).

A hinge mechanism65is mounted on the lateral portion of brace body10(i.e., on the radial side of the elbow). More particularly, hinge mechanism65comprises a distal segment70and a proximal segment75, with distal segment70being connected to proximal segment75at a pivot80. Distal segment70of hinge mechanism65, and proximal segment75of hinge mechanism65, are each relatively stiff but have some degree of flexibility, and are preferably formed out of a plastic, or a carbon fiber, or a lightweight metal, etc. Pivot80of hinge mechanism65is relatively frictionless (i.e., it is easily articulated) and is preferably formed as an assembly comprising a central disc-shaped body81(FIG.3) to which both distal segment70and proximal segment75are pivotally attached. Alternatively, pivot80can comprise a simple “rivet pivot” or “screw pivot” of the sort well known in the art where distal segment70and proximal segment75pivotally articulate relative to one another.

In one preferred form of the invention, hinge mechanism65comprises an articulatable plastic structure and is sewn into brace body10on the radial side of the elbow.

It should be appreciated that the configuration of hinge mechanism65is preferably low profile so as to prevent disruption of the mechanics of the elbow during a throwing motion (or other motion) so that the elbow brace does not affect the movements of a wearer when flexing or extending the elbow.

A cover85(FIG.2) is preferably mounted over hinge mechanism65so as to shield hinge mechanism65from inadvertently catching on clothing, etc. Cover85preferably comprises an opening87(FIG.2) on the proximal portion of cover85and a slit90over distal segment70of hinge mechanism65. In one preferred form of the invention, cover85may be formed out of the same material as brace body10, or cover85may be formed out of a different material than brace body10. In one preferred form of the invention, cover85is sewn onto brace body10. It should be appreciated that opening87of cover85is configured to allow a cable (see below) to pass through cover85, and slit90of cover85is configured to allow access to the interior of cover85, and hence access to distal segment70of hinge mechanism65.

In an alternative form of the invention, cover85is removably mounted to brace body10, e.g., via one or more hook-and-mesh (e.g., Velcro®) fasteners, so as to selectively cover/uncover hinge mechanism65.

A first cable guide (e.g., a pivot guide)95(FIG.3) is mounted to pivot80on the lateral portion of anatomical brace5.

A second cable guide (e.g., a brace tunnel)100(FIG.3) is mounted to proximal segment75of hinge mechanism65, also on the lateral portion of anatomical brace5. Where second cable guide100comprises a brace tunnel, the brace tunnel may be formed out of the same material as brace body10, or the brace tunnel may be formed out of a different material than brace body10. In one preferred form of the invention, second cable guide100forms a 90 degree angle. It will be appreciated that in one preferred form of the invention, second cable guide100is partially covered by cover85, with a portion of second cable guide100protruding from opening87of cover85.

A third cable guide (e.g., a brace tunnel)105(FIG.4) is mounted to proximal portion20of brace body10on the medial portion of anatomical brace5. Where third cable guide105comprises a brace tunnel, the brace tunnel may be formed out of the same material as brace body10, or the brace tunnel may be formed out of a different material than brace body10.

A fourth cable guide (e.g., a brace tunnel)110(FIG.4) is mounted to proximal portion20of brace body10, also on the medial portion of anatomical brace5. Where fourth cable guide110comprises a brace tunnel, the brace tunnel may be formed out of the same material as brace body10, or the brace tunnel may be formed out of a different material than brace body10. In one preferred form of the invention, fourth cable guide110forms a 90 degree angle.

A fifth cable guide (e.g., a brace tunnel)115(FIG.4) is mounted to brace body10, also on the medial portion of anatomical brace5, and extends over the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). Where fifth cable guide115comprises a brace tunnel, the brace tunnel may be formed out of the same material as brace body10, or the brace tunnel may be formed out of a different material than brace body10. In one preferred form of the invention, fifth cable guide115comprises a fabric which is sewn onto brace body10.

A cable120(FIGS.3and4) runs along hinge mechanism65, crosses over the biceps or triceps of the wearer, and then over the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the wearer to the forearm of the wearer, so that cable120tightens during elbow extension and relaxes during elbow flexion. More particularly, cable120comprises a first end125(FIG.3) which is adjustably secured to distal segment70of hinge mechanism65, and a second end130(FIG.4) which is adjustably secured (see below) to the medial distal portion15of brace body10(see below), with the intermediate portion of cable120extending proximally along hinge mechanism65, through first cable guide95(FIG.3), proximally along proximal segment75of hinge mechanism65, through second cable guide100(FIG.3), across the biceps or triceps of the wearer, through third cable guide105(FIG.4), through fourth cable guide110(FIG.4), and then through fifth cable guide115(FIG.4), with cable120passing over the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL).

First end125of cable120is preferably adjustably fixed to distal segment70of hinge mechanism65via an adjustable sliding termination point132(FIG.3), and second end130of cable120is preferably adjustably fixed to a termination point135on distal portion15of brace body10, e.g., via the other half136of a hook-and-mesh (e.g., Velcro®) fastener which mates to the aforementioned one half30of a hook-and-mesh (e.g., Velcro®) fastener.

In other words:

one end of cable120is adjustably fixed to distal segment70of hinge mechanism65;

the body of cable120passes proximally along distal segment70of hinge mechanism65, through first cable guide95on the flexion side of pivot80, proximally along proximal segment75of hinge mechanism65, enters second cable guide100and is redirected 90 degrees so as to pass laterally across the anterior biceps area to the opposite side of the arm (i.e., to the ulnar side of the arm), through third cable guide105, enters fourth cable guide110and is redirected 90 degrees so as to pass distally back down the medial side of brace body10, enters fifth cable guide115so that cable120is passed over the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL); and exits fifth cable guide115extending distally along the forearm; and

the second end of cable120is adjustably fixed to distal portion15of brace body10. Specifically, as cable120passes through fifth cable guide115, cable120travels along the ulnar side of the elbow, overlaying the region where the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is located.

By virtue of this construction, and as will hereinafter be discussed in further detail, cable120is able to release tension when the elbow flexes and increase tension when the elbow extends. Furthermore, when cable120is tensioned, cable120applies a supportive compression to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). Thus it will be seen that the present invention provides a hinged elbow brace with a cable system where the cable passes along the length of the hinge, on one side of the hinge pivot, and with the cable overlying the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). This unique design allows for tightening of the cable during elbow extension so as to protect the elbow joint by limiting overextension of the joint and by providing support to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) during elbow extension; and provides for loosening of the cable during elbow flexion.

In one preferred form of the invention, cable120comprises a non-elastic first segment141which includes the aforementioned first end125, and an elastic second segment142which includes the aforementioned second end130. First segment141transitions to second segment142at a transition zone143. In one preferred form of the invention, non-elastic first segment141comprises a non-stretchable metal or plastic cable. And in one preferred form of the invention, elastic second segment142comprises an elastomeric cord or other elastically-stretchable element.

Significantly, where cable120comprises a non-elastic first segment141and an elastic second segment142, cable120(and specifically elastic second segment142of cable120) provides variable tension as the wearer flexes and extends their elbow, i.e., elastic second segment142of cable120provides increasing elastic tension as the elbow extends (and the tension on cable120is increased) and decreasing elastic tension as the elbow flexes (and the tension in cable120is decreased). Also significantly, elastic second segment142of cable120provides increasing tension over the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) as the elbow extends, thereby providing increased support to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) during elbow extension.

In one preferred form of the invention, a connector144(FIG.4) is disposed at transition zone143so as to secure first segment141of cable120to second segment142of cable120. This arrangement is desirable since it allows one second segment142(comprising a specific degree of elasticity and/or a specific tensile strength) to be replaced by another second segment142(comprising a different degree of elasticity and/or a different tensile strength). In this way, users having different physical attributes (e.g., different physical characteristics, different physical strengths, etc.) can select a particular second segment142to create a complete cable120having the desired characteristics.

And in one preferred form of the invention, connector144can include a tension sensor145for detecting and reporting the tension occurring at transition zone143. By way of example but not limitation, tension sensor145at connector144can be a tension sensor of the sort configured to detect and wirelessly report (e.g., via Bluetooth, WiFi, etc.) the tension occurring at transition zone143to a remote unit, e.g., a smartphone, a smartwatch, a tablet, a laptop, etc., where the smartphone, smartwatch, tablet, laptop, etc. is running an applet for assessing and displaying information relating to the tension detected at transition zone143. In one preferred form of the invention, the smartphone, smartwatch, tablet, laptop, etc. is connected to the internet via a cellular and/or WiFi communication link to enable uploading of the information relating to the tension detected by tension sensor145at transition zone143.

The ability to monitor the tension occurring at transition zone143of cable120can be highly advantageous, since as the user's muscles fatigue, the user is able to provide less support for the joint, so that tension at transition zone143increases. Therefore, increasing tension at transition zone143is indicative of increasing muscle fatigue in the user, which can be important for deciding when to stop or reduce joint flexing (e.g., in the case of a baseball pitcher, when to take the pitcher out of the game).

If desired, tension sensor145can be disposed at a location other than connector144, e.g., tension sensor145can be mounted to another part of cable120(e.g., tension sensor145can be mounted to non-elastic first segment141of cable120, or tension sensor145can be mounted to elastic second segment142of cable120), or tension sensor145can be mounted at the point at which non-elastic first segment141is secured to distal segment70of hinge mechanism65, or tension sensor145can be mounted at the point at which elastic second segment142is secured to distal portion15of brace body10, etc.

The adjustable nature of the elasticity of the length of second segment142of cable120, as well as the adjustable securement points of first end125and second end130of cable120on brace body10, allows for the optimal amount of dynamically-adjustable tension to be established in anatomical brace5during extension of the elbow.

It should be appreciated that first end125of cable120is adjustably mounted to distal segment70of hinge mechanism65such that the position of first end125of cable120can be adjusted relative to distal segment70of hinge mechanism65, whereby to change the angle and/or tension of cable120, in order to accommodate a wearer's anatomy. In one preferred form of the invention, first end125of cable120is adjustably mounted to distal segment70of hinge mechanism65using a rail, with an adjustable fixation element (e.g., a set screw) being used to lock first end125of cable120in place at a desired position along the rail. More particularly, in this form of the invention, distal segment70of hinge mechanism65comprises a rail146, and first end125of cable120is mounted to an adjustable fixation element (e.g., a set screw)147—adjustable fixation element (e.g., set screw)147is slid along rail146until first end125of cable120is at a desired location relative to distal segment70of hinge mechanism65, and then adjustable fixation element (e.g., set screw)147is locked in position on rail146.

It should also be appreciated that second end130of cable120is adjustably mounted to termination point135on the medial distal portion15of brace body10such that the position of second end130of cable120can be adjusted relative to medial distal portion15of brace body10, whereby to change the angle and/or tension of cable120, in order to accommodate the wearer's anatomy. In one preferred form of the invention, second end130of cable120is adjustably mounted to termination point135using a hook-and-mesh (e.g., Velcro®) fastener. By way of example but not limitation, one half136of a hook-and-mesh (e.g., Velcro®) fastener is fixed to second end130of cable120and the other half30of a hook-and-mesh (e.g., Velcro®) fastener is mounted to distal portion15of brace body10as previously described.

It should be appreciated that many other mounting mechanisms (e.g., snap fasteners, cable clamps, cable tie-downs, etc.) may be used to adjustably mount the two ends of cable120to the remainder of the brace.

Use of the Novel Anatomical Brace

In use, and still looking atFIGS.2-7, anatomical brace5is first secured to a wearer by positioning brace body10over the elbow so that central opening25of brace body10is in the antecubital area (i.e., the front crease of the elbow) of the wearer. Note that when anatomical brace5is positioned in this manner about the elbow of a wearer, hinge mechanism65will extend along the lateral portion of the elbow, and the interior of the elbow is left substantially uncovered by anatomical brace5. And note also that no hinge mechanism is disposed along the medial portion of the elbow.

Next, cable120has its first end125adjustably secured to the lateral portion of distal segment70of hinge mechanism65, and second end130of cable120is adjustably secured to the medial portion of distal portion15of brace body10, with tension being adjusted as appropriate.

Distal strap35is then wrapped around the forearm portion of brace body10, overlapping the joined first half30and second half136of the hook-and-mesh fastener securing second end130of cable120to distal portion15of brace body10, in order to further fix second end130of cable120into place. Then proximal strap50is wrapped around the biceps portion of brace body10in order to further secure brace body10to the wearer.

As a result, when the elbow thereafter moves to full extension, cable120is tightened, whereby to apply a distal-to-proximal force on the elbow, and to apply a stabilizing force on the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL); and when the elbow thereafter moves to flexion, cable120is relaxed, so that the forces applied to the elbow by cable120are also relaxed.

Alternative Constructions

In one alternative form the invention, an offset cam may be provided at pivot80of hinge mechanism65so as to allow for greater tensioning of cable120during elbow extension and greater unloading of the tension during elbow flexion. See, for example,FIGS.7A and7B, which show a cam200located at pivot80: cam200allows for greater tensioning of cable120during elbow extension (i.e., during transition from the position ofFIG.7Ato the position ofFIG.7B) and greater unloading of the tension during elbow flexion (i.e., during transition from the position ofFIG.7Bto the position ofFIG.7A).

In a similar way, and looking now atFIG.8, there is shown an alternative anatomical brace5which provides increased mechanical advantage during the cocking and acceleration phases of throwing (or during other activities involving elbow flexion and extension). This form of the anatomical brace is generally similar to the anatomical brace shown inFIGS.2-7, except that pivot80of hinge mechanism65comprises an off-center pivot point148. More particularly, off-center pivot point148modifies the path of cable120during articulation of the elbow in order to provide increased mechanical advantage during the cocking and acceleration phases of throwing (or during other activities involving elbow flexion and extension).

In another alternative form of the invention, second cable guide100of anatomical brace5may be configured conversely, so that cable120is directed laterally across the posterior triceps area (rather than laterally across the anterior biceps area.

In another alternative form of the invention, hinge mechanism65of anatomical brace5may be placed on the ulnar side of the elbow, with cable120running along the radial side of the elbow.

And in another alternative form of the invention, and looking now atFIGS.9-14, there is shown an alternative anatomical brace5which provides additional ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) protection and additional throwing power through the acceleration phase of throwing (or additional extension power through the acceleration phase of elbow extension). This form of the anatomical brace is generally similar to the anatomical brace shown inFIGS.2-7, except that the anatomical brace comprises a second limiter cable149, and the aforementioned cable120is routed differently around pivot80.

More particularly, second limiter cable149comprises a first end150which is fixed to distal segment70of hinge mechanism65, and a second end155which is adjustably secured to proximal segment75of hinge mechanism65(e.g., via a rail156and a fixation element (e.g., a set screw)157). The intermediate portion of second limiter cable149passes through the aforementioned first cable guide95. Second limiter cable149is formed out of an inelastic material. In essence, second limiter cable149is configured to prevent full extension of the elbow of a wearer, thus providing additional protection to a wearer from injuries due to overextension of the elbow. The extent of extension permitted by second limiter cable149is set by the length of second limiter cable149and the point at which second limiter cable149is secured to proximal segment75of hinge mechanism65.

In this form of the invention, cable120still comprises an inelastic first segment141and an elastic second segment142, with inelastic first segment141transitioning to elastic second segment142at transition zone143. However, in this form of the invention, inelastic first segment141of cable120runs through a cable guide160set along the posterior aspect of hinge mechanism65. This construction still allows for tightening of cable120during elbow flexion and loosening of cable120during elbow extension. The tensioning during elbow flexion will provide increased tension along the ulnar side of the elbow to further protect the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) against extreme valgus forces during elbow flexion. This construction will also provide a wearer with additional power through the acceleration phase of throwing (or other elbow extension) as the elastic component of cable120provides a mechanical force (i.e., a mechanical advantage) to help pull the forearm forward, whereby to increase acceleration and increase throwing (or other elbow extension) power and velocity.

With this dual cable construction (i.e., one cable149anterior to pivot80and one cable120posterior to pivot80), anatomical brace5is designed to provide both superior protection of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and increased throwing power during the cocking and acceleration phases of throwing (or other activities which involve elbow extension), as well as protecting the elbow from overextension during the release and follow-through phases of throwing (or other activities which involve elbow extension). Additionally, each cable can be adjusted independently of the other so as to maximize functionality and to be most specific to the individual needs of a wearer.

It should also be appreciated that the anatomical brace shown inFIGS.9-14may also have an off-center pivot point construction (see, for example,FIG.15).

Modifications of the Preferred Embodiments