Abstract:
An ankle brace which is positioned on an ankle of a person which incorporates a tensioning structure which permits full range of motion to the ankle joint but which prevents the ankle joint from moving past its normal range of motion to protect the ankle joint. An optional ankle strap system is also provided.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This is a Continuation-In-Part application of application Ser. No. 13/871,094 filed Apr. 26, 2013 entitled ANKLE BRACE, which is a Continuation-In-Part application of Ser. No. 13/134,087, filed May 27, 2011 entitled ANKLE BRACE, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,657,773, issued Feb. 25, 2014. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates to an ankle brace and more particularly to an ankle brace including a tensioning system which functionally stabilizes the ankle as it reaches extreme ranges of motion. Even more particularly, this invention relates to an optional ankle strap system which may be used to further stabilize the ankle. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Conventional braces for protecting joints of the body do so by restricting or limiting motion of the joint to which it is applied to prevent a new injury or to protect a pre-existing injury. An ankle joint, just like all the joints in the human body, has a natural range of motion that it can move through without causing damage to itself. As it reaches the end of these ranges, the body has structure such as ligaments and tendons to create tension to end range of motion and protect the joint. Many of the prior art ankle braces do prevent the ankle from exceeding its extreme ranges of motion but do not provide the necessary flexibility to permit the athlete to function normally. 
         [0006]    Applicant&#39;s ankle brace described and shown in the co-pending application and the issued patent, represent improvements in the ankle brace art. The instant invention represents a further improvement in the ankle brace art. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key aspects or essential aspects of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, this Summary is not intended for use as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
         [0008]    An ankle brace is disclosed for use with a cleated athletic shoe having a sole with a lower surface, with cleats extending downwardly therefrom, a lateral side, a medial side, an upper part with an upper end, a lacing closure with upper and lower ends, including a plurality of spaced-apart pairs of eyelets adapted to have a shoe lace threaded therein. The brace of this invention includes a flexible lateral portion having an upper end, a lower end, a forward end, a rearward end, an outer side and an inner side. The upper end of the lateral portion preferably has first, second and third spaced-apart eyelets formed therein at the forward end thereof. The lateral portion also has fourth and fifth eyelets formed therein rearwardly of the third eyelet thereof. An upwardly extending first loop is secured to the outer side of the lateral portion adjacent the eyelets at the forward end thereof. An upwardly extending second loop is secured to the outer side of the lateral portion rearwardly of the first loop. The lateral portion is removably positioned adjacent the lateral side of the upper part of the shoe. 
         [0009]    The ankle brace also includes a flexible medial portion having an upper end, a lower end, a forward end, a rearward end, an outer side and an inner side. The upper end of the medial portion preferably has first, second and third spaced-apart eyelets formed therein at the forward end thereof. The medial portion also has fourth and fifth eyelets formed therein rearwardly of the third eyelet thereof. An upwardly extending first loop is secured to the outer side of the medial portion rearwardly of the fourth and fifth eyelets thereof. An upwardly extending second loop is secured to the outer side of the medial portion rearwardly of the first loop. A patch or strip of hook fasteners is secured to the outer surface of the medial portion at the rearward end thereof. 
         [0010]    Preferably, the lateral and medial portions are of one-piece construction with the lower ends of the lateral and medial portions being connected by a bottom portion which extends between the lower ends of the lateral and medial portions beneath the sole of the shoe. The rearward ends of the lateral and medial portions are spaced apart. 
         [0011]    The ankle brace of this invention also includes a flexible and stretchable body member having upper and lower ends, a lateral side portion, a medial side portion, and a heel portion. The lower end of the lateral side portion of the body member is secured to the lateral portion. The lower end of the medial side portion of the body member is secured to the medial portion. The heel portion of the body member is secured to the spaced-apart rearward ends of the lateral and medial portions and extends therebetween. 
         [0012]    A flexible and stretchable first strap is provided having a first end, a second end, an upper end, a lower end, and inner and outer sides. The lower end of the first strap is secured to the upper end of the body member so that the first and second ends of the first strap extend forwardly from the body member. The outer side of the first strap has loop fasteners thereon. The brace also includes a second flexible strap having a first end, a second end, an outer side and an inner side. The first end of the second strap is secured to the first end of the first strap. The inner side of the second strap has hook fasteners thereon for adjustable attachment to the loop fasteners on the first strap at the second end of the first strap. A flexible, non-stretchable third strap is provided having first and second ends with the third strap being secured to the outer side of the first strap. The first end of the third strap has a pair of eyelets formed therein. The second end of the third strap has a pair of eyelets formed therein. A lace adjustably connects the eyelets on the third strap. A strip of loop fasteners is secured to the outer side of the third strap. 
         [0013]    A downwardly extending first loop is secured to the third strap at the first end thereof. A downwardly extending second loop is secured to the third strap rearwardly of the first loop thereof. A downwardly extending third loop is secured to the third strap at the second end thereof. A downwardly extending fourth loop is secured to the third strap at the second end thereof rearwardly of the third loop. A flexible lateral anchor strap is secured to the third strap rearwardly of the second loop thereon and is secured to the lateral portion rearwardly of the second loop thereon so as to extend therebetween. A flexible medial anchor strap is secured to the third strap rearwardly of the fourth loop thereof and is secured to the medial portion rearwardly of the second loop thereof so as to extend therebetween. 
         [0014]    The ankle brace of this invention includes a flexible and stretchable lateral tensioning cord having first and second ends. The first end of the lateral tensioning cord is fixed to the inner side of the lateral portion and extends outwardly through the fourth eyelet of the lateral portion. The lateral tensioning cord extends from its fixed first end upwardly and rearwardly through the first loop on the third strap, thence downwardly and rearwardly through the second loop on the lateral portion, thence around the lateral anchor strap, thence through the second loop on the third strap, thence downwardly and forwardly through the first loop on the lateral portion. The second end of the lateral tensioning cord extends through the fifth eyelet of the lateral portion and is secured to the lateral portion. 
         [0015]    A flexible and stretchable medial tensioning cord is also provided having first and second ends with the first end of the medial tensioning cord being fixed to the inner side of the medial portion. The medial tensioning cord extends outwardly through the fourth eyelet of the medial portion. The medial tensioning cord then extends upwardly and rearwardly through the third loop on the third strap, thence downwardly and rearwardly through the second loop on the medial portion, thence around the medial anchor strap, thence forwardly through the fourth loop on the third strap, thence downwardly and forwardly through the first loop on the medial portion, thence downwardly through the fifth eyelet of the medial portion and is secured to the inner side of the medial portion. 
         [0016]    The ankle brace also includes fourth and fifth straps having first and second ends. The first end of the fourth strap is secured to the lateral tensioning cord. The second end of the fourth strap is adjustably secured to the second end of the third strap. The fifth strap has its first end secured to the medial tensioning cord and has its second end selectively adjustably secured to the first end of the third strap. The ankle brace of this invention permits the wearers ankle to move through its normal range of motion and yieldably prevents the ankle from moving beyond its normal range motion thereby protecting the ankle. 
         [0017]    The ankle brace also includes an optional one-piece ankle strap. The ankle strap is selectively secured, intermediate its length, to the heel portion to define first and second ankle strap members. The first ankle strap member extends forwardly from the heel portion adjacent the lateral portion, thence downwardly therefrom, thence beneath the lower ends of the lateral and medial portions, thence upwardly and rearwardly towards the first end of the third strap, with the second end of the first ankle strap member being adjustably secured to the third strap at the first end thereof. 
         [0018]    The second ankle strap member extends forwardly from the heel portion adjacent the medial portion, thence downwardly therefrom, thence beneath the lower ends of the medial and lateral portions, thence upwardly and rearwardly towards the second end of the third strap, with the second end of the second strap being adjustably secured to the third strap at the second end thereof. 
         [0019]    The ankle strap system is designed to provide additional support to the ankle should it be necessary or desired. 
         [0020]    It is therefore a principal object of the invention to provide an improved ankle brace. 
         [0021]    A further object of the invention is to provide an ankle brace for use with a cleated athletic shoe which permits the wearer&#39;s ankle to move through its normal range of motion but which yieldably prevents the ankle from moving beyond its normal range of motion thereby protecting the ankle. 
         [0022]    A further object of the invention is to provide an ankle brace of the type described which does not interfere with the normal movement of the person&#39;s ankle. 
         [0023]    A further object of the invention is to provide an optional ankle strap system. 
         [0024]    These and other objects will be apparent to those skilled in the art. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0025]    Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified. 
           [0026]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the ankle brace of this invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 2  is a medial side view of the invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating the ankle brace of this invention mounted on a cleated shoe; 
           [0029]      FIG. 4  is a medial side view of the ankle brace of this invention mounted on a shoe; 
           [0030]      FIG. 5  is a lateral side view of the ankle brace of this invention mounted on a shoe; and 
           [0031]      FIG. 6  is a bottom view of the ankle brace of this invention mounted on a shoe. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0032]    Embodiments are described more fully below with reference to the accompanying figures, which form a part hereof and show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments. These embodiments are disclosed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. However, embodiments may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense in that the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims. 
         [0033]    The disclosure of the co-pending application Ser. No. 13/871,094 filed Apr. 26, 2013 entitled ANKLE BRACE is incorporated herein by reference thereto to complete this disclosure if necessary. 
         [0034]    The ankle brace of this invention is referred to generally by the reference numeral  10 . Ankle brace  10  is designed to be attached to an athletic shoe  12  having a sole  14  and an upper part  16 . A plurality of cleats  18  extend downwardly from the underside of sole  14 . Upper part  16  has a lacing closure structure  20  having a lower end  22  and an upper end  24 . Lacing closure  20  has a plurality of eyelets, grommets or lace openings  26  designed to receive a shoelace  28  in conventional fashion. Shoe  14  will be described as having a lateral side  30 , a medial side  32  and a heel counter  34 . 
         [0035]    Ankle brace  10  includes a lateral portion  36  having a forward end  38 , a rearward end  40 , an upper end  42  and a lower end  44 . Lateral portion  36  is comprised of a flexible, non-stretchable material such as polyester. The inner side of lateral portion  36  has a flexible, non-stretchable reinforcing or stiffening member (not shown) secured to the upper portion thereof by stitching or the like. The upper forward end of lateral portion  36  has a plurality of spaced-apart grommets or eyelets  48  formed therein. Preferably, three eyelets  48  are formed in lateral portion  36 . Grommets  50  and  51  are formed in lateral portion  36  rearwardly of the rearward-most grommet  48 . Upwardly extending loops  52  and  54  are secured to the outer surface of lateral portion  36  rearwardly of the eyelets  50  and  51 . 
         [0036]    Ankle brace  10  also includes a medial portion  56  having a forward end  58 , a rearward end  60 , an upper end  62  and a lower end  64 . Medial portion  56  is comprised of a flexible, non-stretchable material such as polyester. The lower end  64  of medial portion  56  and the lower end  44  of lateral portion  36  have a bottom member  66  which extends therebetween beneath the sole  14 . Member  66  could be of two-piece construction if so desired. Bottom member  66  has openings  68  and  70  formed therein. The upper forward end of medial portion  56  has a plurality of spaced-apart grommets or eyelets  74  formed therein, the number of which is equal to the number of grommets or eyelets  48  formed in lateral portion  36 . Grommets  76  and  78  are formed in medial portion  56  rearwardly of the rearward-most grommet  74 . 
         [0037]    An upwardly extending loop  80  is secured to the outer surface of medial portion  56  rearwardly of the rearward most grommet  74 . An upstanding loop  82  is secured to the outer surface of medial portion  56  below grommet  78 . The upper rearward end of medial portion  56  has a strip  84  of hook fasteners secured thereto at the outer surface thereto. As seen in  FIG. 6 , the rearward ends of lateral portion  36  and medial portion  56  are spaced-apart. The upper rearward end of lateral portion  36  has a first strap  88  secured thereto which extends horizontally therefrom. The inner surface of strap  88  has loop fasteners  90  thereon to enable the strap  88  to be adjustably secured to the strip  84 . 
         [0038]    The numeral  92  refers to a flexible and stretchable body member preferably comprised of neoprene or the like which is secured to lateral portion  36  and medial portion  62  as will now be described. Body member  92  includes a lateral side portion  94 , a medial side portion  96  and a heel portion  98 . The lower end of lateral side portion  94  of body member  92  is secured to the upper end of lateral portion  36  by stitching or the like. The lower end of medial side portion  96  is secured to the upper end of medial portion  56  by stitching or the like. Heel portion  98  is positioned between the rearward ends of lateral portion  36  and medial portion  56  and is secured thereto by stitching or the like. 
         [0039]    The numeral  100  refers to an elongated second strap having ends  102  and  104 , an upper end  106  and a lower end  108 . The lower end  108  of strap  100  is secured to the upper end of flexible and stretchable body member  92  so that the ends  102  and  104  extend forwardly from the forward ends of flexible and stretchable body member  92 . The outer surface of strap  100  has loop fastener material thereon. 
         [0040]    A short third strap  110  has one end secured to end  102  of strap  100  and extends therefrom. The inner side of strap  110  has hook fasteners  111  thereon for adjustable connection to the loop fasteners on the outer side of end  104  of strap  100 . 
         [0041]    A flexible and non-stretchable fourth strap  112 , having ends  114  and  116 , is secured to strap  100  at the outer side thereof by stitching or the like. Grommets  118  and  120  are formed in the end  114  of strap  112 . Grommets  122  and  124  are formed in the end  116  of strap  112 . A lace adjustably connects grommets  118 ,  120 ,  122  and  124  as in the co-pending application. An elongated strip  126  of loop fasteners is secured to the outer surface of strap  112 . Downwardly extending loops  128  and  130  are secured to strap  112  adjacent end  114  thereof. Downwardly extending loops  132  and  134  are secured to strap  112  adjacent end  114  of strap  112 . A flexible anchor strap  136  is secured to strap  112  and medial portion  56  and extends therebetween rearwardly of loops  130  and  82 . The anchor strap  136  could have both if its ends secured to medial portion  56  so as to form an anchor loop. A flexible anchor strap  138  is secured to strap  112  and lateral portion  36  and extends therebetween rearwardly of loops  134  and  54 . The anchor strap  138  could have both of its ends secured to lateral portion  36  so as to form an anchor loop. 
         [0042]    The numeral  140  refers to a lateral tensioning cord which interconnects lateral portion  36  and strap  112 . One end of cord  140  is secured to the inner side of lateral portion  36  at  142  and extends outwardly through grommet  50 . Cord  140  extends through loop  132 , thence through loop  54 , thence around or through anchor strap  138 , thence through loop  134 , thence through loop  52 , and thence through grommet  52 . The other end of cord  140  is secured to lateral portion  36  at  144 . In the alternative, the ends of cord  140  could be joined together rather than being secured to lateral portion  36 . 
         [0043]    The numeral  146  refers to a medial tensioning cord which interconnects medial portion  56  and strap  112 . One end of cord  146  is secured to the inner side of medial portion  56  and extends outwardly through grommet  76 . Cord  146  then extends through loop  128 , thence through loop  82 , thence around anchor strap  136 , thence through loop  130 , thence through loop  80 , and thence through grommet  78 . The other end of cord  146  is secured to the inner side of medial portion  56 . In the alternative, the ends of cord  146  could be joined together rather than being secured to medial portion  56 . 
         [0044]    The numeral  148  refers to an elongated flexible strap having one end thereof secured to lateral tensioning cord  140 . The free end of strap  148  has hook fasteners  150  on the inside surface thereof and loop fasteners  152  on the outer surface thereof. The free end of strap  148  may be adjustably secured to the loop fasteners  126  on the outer surface of strap  112  at the medial side thereof. 
         [0045]    The numeral  149  refers to a strip or patch which is secured to the outer side of medial portion  56 . The outer surface of strip  149  has loop fasteners thereon. The free end of strap  148  may be adjustably secured to the outer surface of strip  149  rather than the loop fasteners  126  on the outer surface of strap  112 . 
         [0046]    The numeral  154  refers to an elongated flexible strap having one end thereof secured to medial tensioning cord  146 . The free end of strap  154  has hook fasteners on the inside surface thereof and loop fasteners  156  on the outer surface thereof. The free end of strap  154  is adjustably secured to the loop fasteners  126  on the outer surface of strap  112  at the lateral side thereof. The numeral  157  refers to a strip or patch which is secured to the outer side of lateral portion  36 . The outer surface of strip  157  has loop fasteners thereon. The free end of strap  154  may be adjustably secured to the outer surface of strip  157  rather than the loop fasteners  126  on the outer surface of strap  112 . 
         [0047]    The numeral  158  refers to an optional ankle strap having ends  160  and  162 . Ankle strap  158  has a pair of slits  164  and  166  formed therein intermediate the ends thereof. Strap  88  extends through slits  164  and  166  as seen in  FIG. 2 . The free end of strap  88  is then attached to the loop fasteners  84  on medial portion  56  to define ankle strap portions  168  and  170 . The free end of ankle strap portion  168  has hook fasteners  172  at the inner side thereof. The free end of ankle strap portion  170  has hook fasteners  174  on the inner side thereof. 
         [0048]    As seen in  FIG. 5 , the ankle strap portion  168  is folded over at  176  and is maintained in the folded position by a grommet  178 . Ankle strap portion  168  extends beneath the sole  14  of shoe  12 , thence upwardly adjacent medial portion  56 , thence towards the lateral side of the shoe, thence upwardly and rearwardly to strap  112  at the lateral side thereof. The hook fasteners  172  on the ankle strap portion  168  are then adjustably secured to the loop fasteners on strap  112  at the lateral side thereof as seen in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0049]    As seen in  FIG. 2 , the ankle strap portion  170  is folded over at  180  and maintained in the folded position by a grommet  182 . Ankle strap portion  170  extends beneath the sole  14 , thence upwardly over the shoe  12  and towards the medial side of the shoe, thence adjacent the lateral side of the shoe, thence upwardly and rearwardly towards the medial side of strap  112 . The hook fasteners on the free end  160  of ankle strap  112  are then adjustably secured to the loop fasteners on strap  148  and strap  112 . The ankle strap  158  could be used on an ankle brace which does not have the lateral and medial tensioning cords and does not have the straps  148  and  154 . 
         [0050]    In use, the brace  10  is positioned on the shoe as generally shown in  FIGS. 3-6 . At this time, the lace connecting the eyelets on strap  112  is not tied, and the straps  148  and  154  are not connected to strap  112 . The shoe lace  28  is threaded through some of the lower lace openings or eyelets  26  and through at least some of the eyelets  48  of lateral portion  36  and through some of the eyelets  74  of medial portion  56 . The shoe lace  28  is then threaded through the remaining eyelets  26  and tied at the upper end of the shoe  12 . 
         [0051]    A lace member is then threaded through the eyelets  118 ,  120  at end  114  of strap  112  and through the eyelets  122  and  124  at end  116  of strap  112 . The lace member is then tightened and tied. The strap  110  is then secured to the strap  100  at end  104  thereof. The free end of strap  148  is then adjustably secured to strap  112  at the second end thereof. The free end of strap  154  is then adjustably secured to strap  112  at the first end thereof. 
         [0052]    The ankle brace  10  permits the ankle of the person to move through its natural range of motion either laterally, medially, fore and aft. When the ankle moves towards the end of its normal range of motion, the tensioning cords  140  and  146  resist further motion to protect the ankle. Ankle support is also provided by the lateral and medial portions  36  and  56 . Ankle support is also provided by the flexible and stretchable member  92  which enables the person&#39;s ankle to move through its normal range of motion. 
         [0053]    If additional support is needed beyond that which is provided by the ankle brace  10 , the ankle strap  158  will be utilized. The strap  88  is disconnected from the loop fasteners  84 . The strap  88  is then threaded through slits  164  and  166  of ankle strap  158 . The free end of strap  88  is then secured to the loop fasteners  84 . Ankle strap member  168  is then extended forwardly along lateral portion  38 , thence downwardly and laterally beneath the sole  14  of shoe  12  towards the medial side  32  of shoe  12 , thence upwardly, thence laterally towards lateral side  30  of shoe  12 , thence upwardly and rearwardly adjacent lateral portion  36  towards the first end of strap  112 . The free end of ankle strap member  158  is adjustably secured to strap  154  and strap  112 . 
         [0054]    Ankle strap member  170  is then extended forwardly along medial portion  56 , thence downwardly and laterally beneath the sole  14  of shoe  12  towards the lateral side  30  of shoe  12 , thence upwardly, thence laterally towards medial side  32  of shoe  12 , thence upwardly and rearwardly adjacent medial portion  56  towards the second end of strap  112 . The free end of ankle strap member  160  is adjustably secured to strap  148  and strap  112 . 
         [0055]    Thus it can be seen that the invention accomplishes at least all of its stated objectives. 
         [0056]    Although the invention has been described in language that is specific to certain structures and methodological steps, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific structures and/or steps described. Rather, the specific aspects and steps are described as forms of implementing the claimed invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be practiced without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.