Abstract:
An adjustable elastomeric leg support for knee, calf or thigh formed or a central body, interdigitating straps and terminal end tabs, secured by means of Velcro hook fasteners adjustably attachable to its elastomeric fabric exterior having a rubberized inner neoprene surface affording comfortable skin adherence that offers the capacity of fitting a variety of sizes and either leg while possessed of a unique leg brace design of interdigitating straps and opening passages to quickly and securely position, loosen or to readjust the brace while affording the capacity to simultaneously tension and bias the brace support system and patella with the use of inner buttresses if so desired.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Disclosure Document 511239 and Provisional Patent 60/433,093. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention relates a method of bracing the leg with a non-conventional strapping device brace using interdigitating bands to support the leg, knee and patella with the ease and speed of simultaneous tensioning or re-adjustment of bilateral end tabs.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    Man has attempted to stabilize and support injured or stressed body parts for centuries. The twentieth century has seen the evolution and advancement of many forms of tubular sleeve braces for the knee and leg as well as various forms of wrap around braces.  
           [0004]    While many are suitable for their intended purpose they pose certain difficulties in their use and application that centers around the difficulty or exertion required to pull and place the tubular support about the intended body part as that brace must be snug to offer appropriate support and thus is often hard to pull into place. This is especially burdensome to the ill, handicapped or geriatric patient.  
           [0005]    A further difficulty is the complexity of many braces with multiple straps and involved closure systems that are perhaps beyond the mechanical scope of many patients.  
           [0006]    Another impediment is the difficulty in properly securing braces that are wrap around and whose underlying portion must be held by one hand while the overlapping second portion or side is secured. The clumsiness and often lack of proper security of tensioning is a common failing of the design.  
           [0007]    Another disadvantage of most braces is their narrow range of fir requiring multiple brace sizes.  
           [0008]    A final short coming is the ease with which many of these braces slip or shift shortly after placement of with tensioning and re-adjustment of complicated straps due to generally poor design or deficient skin adherence by the inner brace contact surface.  
           [0009]    Accordingly what is needed is a brace that ‘goes on loose’ and is easily positioned, fits a variety of sizes, fits the left or right knee or leg, is non-complex and easy to use and reposition, can be re-adjusted quickly, can be easily tensioned by both hands simultaneously and lastly is comfortable and yet has good tissue compliance to avoid internal slippage.  
         DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART  
         [0010]    This invention relates generally to knee braces and more particularly to knee braces for use by the elderly.  
           [0011]    Various knee or leg braces in the form of elastic sleeves are commercially available and/or are disclosed in the patent literature to stabilize or support the knee joint, patella and leg. Examples of such braces are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,703,171 (Schiavitto), U.S. Pat. No. 3,934,583 (Hollingshead), U.S. Pat. No. 3,945,046 (Stromgren), U.S. Pat. No. 3,970,081 (Applegate), U.S. Pat. No. 4,064,874 (Valin), U.S. Pat. No. 4,084,584 (Detty), U.S. Pat. No. 4,116,236 (Albert), U.S. Pat. No. 4,250,578 (Barlow), U.S. Pat. No. 4,296,744 (Palumbo), U.S. Pat. No. 4,353,362 (DeMarco), U.S. Pat. No. 4,366,813 (Nelson), U.S. Pat. No. 4,370,978 (Palumbo), U.S. Pat. No. 4,474,573 (Detty), U.S. Pat. No. 4,476,857 (Levine), U.S. Pat. No. 4,765,318 (Per Tranberg et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 5,085,210 (Smith), U.S. Pat. No. 5,139,477 (Peters), U.S. Pat. No. 5,168,577 (Detty), and U.S. Pat. No. 5,334,135 (Grim). While such sleeves are generally suitable for their intended purposes, a large segment of the population, namely, the elderly, may be incapable of adequately using such braces since they no longer have sufficient hand strength and/or dexterity to pull the sleeve onto their knee.  
           [0012]    Various wrap-around knee braces are commercially available and/or disclosed in the patent literature. Examples of such braces are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,463,147 (Stubbs), U.S. Pat. No. 3,831,467 (Moore), U.S. Pat. No. 4,090,508 (Gaylord, Jr.), U.S. Pat. No. 4,651,722 (Karczewski), U.S. Pat. No. 4,378,009 (Rowley et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 5,024,216 (Hiono), U.S. Pat. No. 5,086,761 (Ingram), U.S. Pat. No. 5,221,252 (Caprio et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 5,399,153 (Caprio et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 5,451,201 (Prengler), and U.S. Pat. No. 5,472,413 (Detty).  
         OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION  
         [0013]    Accordingly, it is a general object of this invention to provide a leg brace which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art.  
           [0014]    It is a further object of this invention to provide a brace which is easy to apply and remove due to its interdigitating strap design and bilateral tab positioning.  
           [0015]    It is a further object of this invention to provide a brace which is comfortable to wear and does not shift or slip on skin tissue.  
           [0016]    It is a further object of this invention to provide a brace which provides good support for the knee structures.  
           [0017]    It is a further object of this invention to provide a brace which serves to stabilize the knee joint and the patella.  
           [0018]    It is a further object of this invention to provide a brace which when mounted is resistant to slippage, e.g., “riding-up” or sliding down.  
           [0019]    It is a further object of this invention to provide a brace which does not bunch up in the back of the knee.  
           [0020]    It is a further object of this invention to provide a brace, which when mounted in place acts like a sleeve brace.  
           [0021]    It is a further object of this invention to provide a brace that will versatile and support the thigh, calf, knee or other body part.  
           [0022]    It is a further object of this invention to provide a brace that will fit either leg.  
           [0023]    It is a further object of this invention to provide a brace that will fit a variety of sizes due to its ability to expand or reduce in girth.  
           [0024]    It is a further object of this invention to provide a brace that will allow for simultaneous and rapid adjustment or re-adjustment.  
           [0025]    It is still a further object of this invention to provide a brace that allows for ease in biasing the patella.  
         SUMMERY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0026]    These and other objects of this invention are achieved by providing a leg brace for a person. The knee brace is formed of a generally planar sheet of elastomeric, e.g., fabric coated neoprene material having a central body-portion, with or without a patellar opening depending on its use as a knee, thigh or calf brace (or other body part). The elastomeric sheet comprises a central portion giving rise to three straps on one side and two on the other which pass through suitable openings to become unified as lateral or end tabs after interdigitating. The tab ends of the brace includes a free end portion in the form of a releasable securable connector.  
           [0027]    The central portion of the brace is arranged to be disposed on the person&#39;s knee so that the longitudinal axis is disposed over the person&#39;s patella if used as a knee support. A patellar opening fits the circumference of the patellar in registration with same and a surrounding inner Velcro velour doughnut allows for the positioning of two inner patellar semi-lunar support buttress if so desired.  
           [0028]    Due to the adjustability of size afforded by the interdigitating strap design the brace can be quickly slipped over the foot in its unsecured and expanded position and tightened rapidly and securely at any position along the leg or other body part. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0029]    [0029]FIG. 1 is a frontal and slightly downward view of the support prior to closure.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 2 is a frontal view of the support in its closed position.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 3 a  is a cross sectional view of the brace on the leg in its closed position.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 3 b  is an enlarged cross sectional view of the supports neoprene elastomeric fabric.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 4 is an inner view of the brace&#39;s central area to depict its patellar opening and buttresses.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 5 is a rearward view of the support to depict its position of smallest size adjustment.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 6 is a rearward view of the support to depict its position of maximum size adjustment.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 7 is a frontal view of the brace being positioned for knee support.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 8 is a frontal view of the brace being positioned for thigh support and rotated in this case to clarify the rearward band components of the brace that pass through or ‘interdigitate’ one another.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 9 is a frontal view of the brace being positioned for calf support without patellar opening.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 10 is a frontal view of a brace variation.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 11 is a frontal view of the design of FIG. 10 in the closed position for knee support.  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 12 is a rearward view of the brace of FIG. 10 depicting the passage of lateral brace components. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0042]    [0042]FIG. 1 shows a knee support  10 . The support composed primarily of plush neoprene (fabric outer layer bonded to a neoprene inner layer). The support is shown according to the present invention in its unsecured position having a given height  13  and length  12 . A central outer portion  14  of the support is positioned over the kneecap or patellae  25 . An inner portion  15  having two distinct sides  18  and  19  that give rise to rearward bands  20 ,  21 ,  22  and  23 ,  24  respectively. These bands passing through corresponding openings in the rearward part of the brace  46 ,  47  and  48 . A sloping or narrowing of the band  23  and  24  is depicted by  49   a  and  50   a  allowing their unimpeded movement through opening  47  and  48 . Areas  49   b  and  50   b  indicate a flaring of the straps  23  and  24  that allows for some expansion to allow the end tab  16  more contact surface for closure of the Velcro bell hook fabric parts  32  and  33 . These being stitched to the neoprene at  36  and  37 . On the opposite end or tab  17  having Velcro bell hook closure fabric  34  and  35  stitched by  38 ,  39 . Each end or tab being reinforced by a flexible stay indicated by  41  and  44  and housed by their respective cloth covers  40  and  43 . These covers stitched by  42  and  45 . Straps  23  and  24  are joined to their more terminal ends by the abutment of their pieces at a conjoined juncture and stitching indicated by  30  and  31  to allow attachment of tab end  16  to side  19 .  
         [0043]    The front portion of the support depicts the patellar opening  25  as previously described. The brace is gathered slightly and diminished to better contour the infra-patellar leg region at joined and stitched points  28  and  29 . A velour fabric or multi-loop VELCRO.RTM area around the inner patellar opening on the inner aspect of the brace is attached by stitching at its inner and outer circumference depicted by  27  and  26 .  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 2 references the support  10  secured about the knee. Area  25  in registration with the patellae, with stitching  26 ,  27  as a means of securing the inner plush buttress fabric, area  28  and  29  as a means of joining the lower brace for proper knee contour and  36 ,  37 ,  38  and  39  as stitching for Velcro closure tabs.  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 3 a  where-in the cross sectioned leg is seen as  11  with the front brace  14  representing the outer brace plush fabric surface of bonded neoprene. The brace of area  14  extending backward to become 20 and 23 strap components, ending in terminal edges or tabs  17  and  16 .  49   a  and  49   b  represent sloping contours of strap  23 . Items  51  and  52  represent portions of the internal buttresses. Area  15  denoting the inner aspect of the brace which is the inner surface of the bonded neoprene being the rubberized surface.  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 3 b  representing and enlarged cross section of the bonded neoprene elastomeric brace material to depict the inner surface  15  which is the rubberized neoprene proper and area  14  which is the elastomeric plush fabric covering of lesser width used to allow a suitable surface for attachment of the bell hook Velcro closures.  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 4 to view the inner aspect of the support  10 , which reveals rearward elastomeric rubberized neoprene  15 , velour plush or multi-loop VELCRO.RTM closure fabric doughnut  53  surrounded and adhered to  15  by stitching  26  and  27 , patellar opening  25 , contouring stitches  28  and  29 , and semi-lunar buttresses  51  and  52 .  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 5 reveals the brace  10  in its smallest size to demonstrate straps  23  and  24  of part  16  and straps  20 ,  21  and  22  of part  17 . Joining and stitches of strap  23  and  24  are shown as  30  and  31  respectively. Rearward and hidden areas of contour emerging from straps  23  and  24  beneath straps  20  and  22  are shown as areas  49   a  and  50   a.    
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 6 discloses the support  10  in its largest dimension.  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 7 is a frontal view of the brace placed to support the knee with area  25  in registration with the patellae. The brace is positioned but not yet secured and can be seen to be grasped by its ends/tabs as  16  and  17  respectively.  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 8 is a rearward view of the brace rotated 180 degrees to reveal the backward strap interdigitation mechanism unique to this leg brace; particularly tab end  17  becoming straps  20 ,  21  and  22  separating openings  47  and  48  to allow passage of straps  23  and  24  evolving from tab end  16 . It is understood that body portion  14  surrounds the rearward/unseen knee. Space  46  allows for passage of the middle strap  21  of tab  17 .  
         [0052]    [0052]FIG. 9 is a frontal view of the positioned but unsecured brace of  10  as used for calf support. In this instance as in support of the upper leg no patellar opening is needed and so would be deleted in brace manufacture. Seen are tab ends  16  and  17  with passage openings  46 ,  47  and  48 .  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 10 is a frontal view of an alternate strap design which allows for passage of part  54  through opening  58 . The space of  58  allows for upper and lower straps  56  and  57  leading to tab end  55  with stitching  59  for underlying Velcro. The patellar opening  25  is shown but may be deleted in cases of manufacture for thigh and calf use. Depicted is stitching  26  and  27  and body portion  14 . The opposite tab end depicts stitching  60  for underlying Velcro.  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 11 is a frontal view of the design of FIG. 10 that depicts the brace positioned and secured for knee support. Secured tab ends  54  and  55  are seen.  
         [0055]    [0055]FIG. 12 demonstrates the brace of FIG. 10 and shows the positioned but unsecured brace having the passage of  54  through space  58  and alternate end tab  55 .  
         [0056]    As a practical matter the positioning or readjustment of the brace can be quickly afforded by bilateral and simultaneous loosening of the lateral or terminal end tab contact surfaces of bell hook Velcro to the braces plush outer fabric. As will be appreciated from the foregoing, the removal of the knee brace  10  can be readily achieved by even persons having very little hand strength and/or dexterity/coordination. In particular, to accomplish that task, all that the user has to do is to grasp the end tabs  16 / 17  and peel them away from the plush fabric  14  on the surface of the brace to which they are releasable secured. This action releases each tab from connection, thereby freeing the associated end tab. When all the tabs are free, the brace can be taken off the knee or quickly re-adjusted.  
         [0057]    It should be pointed out at this junction that other materials than those described heretofore can be used to make the brace of this invention. For example, elastomeric materials other than neoprene having a tufted fabric covering may be used. Thus, the neoprene may not be covered by any fabric or may be covered by a non-tufted fabric, such as smooth nylon. In the case where the material of the sheet of material forming the brace does not include a plush fabric covering, the outer surface of that sheet should include at least patches of a plush or multi-loop VELCRO.RTM Moreover, in some cases, it may not be desired to use neoprene as the material of the brace. Thus, other elastic materials, with or without cushioning and thermal retention properties may be used for either, if desired. Further still, the central portion  10  and tabs  16  and  17  need not be a unitary member, i.e., formed of a single piece of material. Thus, one or more of those portions of the brace may be formed of plural pieces which are secured together to form an integral assembly.  
         [0058]    As should be appreciated from the foregoing, the brace of the subject invention can be applied to various sized limbs. This can be performed without requiring undue stretching or manipulation. This feature makes it particularly suitable for a variety of sizes and for geriatric applications. Moreover, the adjustment straps of the brace provide customized tensioning of the brace above and below the knee, while leaving the patella unconstrained by any strap stretched there over (as has characterized several prior art knee braces). Moreover, the opposite direction wrapping of the end tabs provides increased balance and stability for the brace. Further still, the application of the brace can be achieved quite easily and simply and does not require complicated wrappings of long straps. All that is required is to pull and stretch the various tabs and subsequently straps and secure the fastening means. The application of customized bilateral tension to the brace allows for an ease of application and a fit and feel of brace support quite unlike any other brace. Moreover, the construction of the knee brace of this invention is very simple. In this regard it can be readily fabricated from any suitable material(s), e.g., a sheet of fabric covered neoprene.  
         [0059]    Without further elaboration, the foregoing will so fully illustrate my invention, that others may, by applying current or future knowledge; readily adapt the same for use under the various conditions of service.