Self tightening, ankle brace

A self tightening, ankle brace, comprising combination, strap structure including first and second elongated strap portions, said structure defining a through slit, said first portion adapted to be wrapped about an ankle or lower leg, said second portion adapted to extend through the slit then downwardly at one side of the ankle, then underfoot, and then upwardly at the opposite side of the ankle, in operative attachment and said first portion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to ankle braces, and more particularly to improvements in such braces enabling ease and rapidity of application to the wearer's ankle, as well as continued and enhanced ankle stability, due to brace self-tightening.

Injuries to ankles such as sprains frequently require the application of ankle braces, which must be repeatedly applied and removed at frequent intervals. Accordingly, ease and rapidity of application and removal are essential. There is need for improvements in ankle braces enabling such ease and rapidity of brace application and removal, as well as providing for enhanced and/or continued ankle stability, when applied.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a major object of the invention to provide an improved ankle brace meeting the above need. Basically, the ankle brace apparatus embodying the invention comprises:

a) strap structure including first and second elongated strap portions, said structure defining a through slit,

b) said first portion adapted to be wrapped about an ankle,

c) said second portion adapted to extend through the slit, then downwardly at one side of the ankle, then underfoot, and then upwardly at the opposite side of the ankle, for operative attachment to said first portion.

As will appear, stabilized and simplified support at ankle opposite sides with self adjustment, an important, along with provision of a unitary strap configuration. As will be seen, the unitary strap incorporate said first and second portions, the second portion foldable relative to the first portion, and proximate the slit that accommodates self adjustment. The slit typically extends at angle α relative to the strap first portion direction of elongation, where
40°<α<50°.

A further object of the invention is to provide an adjustable hook and pile interconnection that defines the attachment between the strap first and second portions.

The method of establishing the brace in operation position includes the steps

a) and providing strap structure including first and second elongated strap portions, said structure defining a through slit,

b) wrapping the strap first portion about the lower leg above the malleolus, and passing the strap second portion through the slit, and to extend downwardly at the ankle side.

As will be seen, the strap second portion is allowed to self adjustingly slide endwise in said slit, in response to ankle flexing, assisting tightening of strap structure.

Another step of the method may be considered to include folding of the strap structure to direct the strap downwardly through an angled slit that extends at an angle α relative to the strap first portion direction of elongation, where
40°<α<50°.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the drawings, the brace10includes an elongated strap structure11having first11aand second11bstrap portions. First portion11ais configured to wrap about the lower leg12, just above the protruding malleolus region12a, which blocks the wrap from shifting downwardly. See inFIG. 3lower edge beading11aaof the strap first portion retained just above the protrusion12aat the user's right ankle. The wrapped first portion11ais initially fixed in position by an attachment means, one example being hook and pile (VELCRO) elements shown at13on the outer side of11a, and at14on the inner side of a tab or flap15attached at15ato the end of11a.

The strap portion11aalso has, or defines, an associated “re-direction means”, as for example an angled slit or slot16extending through11anear its end11a′, to which flap15is attached.

Stiffener means may be provided proximate the inner side of11a, proximate slit16, to stiffen the re-directing function of the slit i.e. re-directing of the strap second portion11bto extend downwardly through the slit, and as accommodated by down folding at11b′ of the strap11, after passing through the slit. SeeFIG. 2.

Lengthwise elongated cushioned areas17, extend at opposite sides of the concealed elongated stiffeners20. The stiffeners which may be defined by thin metallic members, extend generally diagonally and parallel to the slit, at angle β relative to the length direction22of the strap, where β is between 30° and 60°, and preferably about 45°.

FIGS. 1 and 2show the strap portion11bextending downwardly at11bbat one side of the ankle (preferably the inner side); then extending under the foot23, at11cc; and then extending upwardly at11ddat the outer side of the foot, for easy attachment to strap portion11a. The strap extent11ddmay cover the malleolus, when pulled up into affixing position defined by adjusted hook and pile elements as at15band26on the two strap portions11aand11b. The latter may be used to easily and adjustably attach the strap portion11ddto the wrap, allowing self-adjusting or self tightening of the brace, as also accommodated by adjusting of the folded strap portion11b′ at the slit. Removal of the brace is quick, as enabled by pulling11ddfree from the wrap.

The method of strap use includes:

a) providing strap structure including first and second elongated strap portions, said strap first portion extending in a generally longitudinal direction, said structure defining a through slit, extending through the strap first portion at an angle α between 40° and 50° relative to said longitudinal direction,

b) wrapping the strap first portion about a leg just above or proximate the malleolus,

c) passing said strap second portion through the slit and then folding it to extend downwardly at one side of the ankle, then underfoot, and then upwardly at the opposite side of the ankle, in operative attachment with said first portion.

The method also include allowing the strap second portion to self adjustingly slide endwise in the slit, in response to ankle flexing, assisting tightening of the strap structure; and folding of the strap structure to cause the strap second portion to extend downwardly through the slit.