Abstract:
Provided are apparatus and methods of securing an orthopedic brace on a wearer such that the brace is unlikely to migrate. In preferred embodiments, the apparatus includes a band that extends entirely around the wearer, making contact with the entire circumference of the wearer. In certain embodiments, a strap secured to the brace threads through loops on the band, thereby operably connecting the brace and the band. In certain other embodiments, the apparatus further includes a belt that overlaps the band. Suspenders operably connect the brace to the band/belt. Because the band makes contact with the entire circumference of the wearer, the apparatus comfortably secures the brace to the wearer while effectively preventing migration of the brace and without hindering the intended function of the brace.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to provisional application Ser. No. 60/534,584, filed on Jan. 6, 2004, and to provisional application Ser. No. 60/557,149, filed on Mar. 29, 2004. The entire contents of each of these applications are hereby expressly incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to orthopedic braces. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a conventional orthopedic knee brace  30 . Such braces tend to slide downward on the wearer&#39;s leg  32 . A few different factors cause this downward migration. First, when the wearer is standing or sitting gravity tends to pull the brace  30  downward along the wearer&#39;s leg  32 . When the wearer walks or runs, the added acceleration of the wearer&#39;s gait exacerbates the downward pull of gravity upon the brace  30 . 
     Second, like the illustrated brace  30  most knee braces are secured to the wearer&#39;s leg  32  with straps  34 . These straps  34  generate friction on the leg  32  by applying a compressive force to the leg  32 . But the human leg  32  has a generally conical shape, being wider at the thigh  36  and narrower at the calf  38 . As a result, the compressive force applied by each strap  34  tends to make the strap  34  slide downward. Further, the conical shape provides no resistance to the natural tendency of the brace  30  to slide downward under the influence of gravity. 
     Third, conventional straps  34  do not contact the wearer&#39;s leg  32  at all points around the perimeter. As  FIG. 2  illustrates, ends of the straps  34  attach to outward facing surfaces  39  of rigid frame portions  40  of the brace  30 . The outward facing surfaces  39  of the frame portions  40  are spaced from the wearer&#39;s leg  32 . This spacing creates gaps  42  between the straps  34  and the medial regions  44  and lateral regions  46  of the wearer&#39;s leg  32 , where the straps  34  connect to the frame  40 . The gaps  42  create uneven pressure on the leg  32 , with pressure points at the anterior regions  48  and posterior regions  50 . The arrows in  FIG. 2  represent the pressure applied by the straps  34 , with the magnitude of the pressure being directly proportional to the length of the arrow. The pressure points and gaps  42  contribute to wearer discomfort and the tendency for the straps  34  to slide down the leg  32 . 
     To combat downward migration, some knee braces include a strap that resides on the top of the wearer&#39;s gastroc muscle  52  ( FIG. 1 ). For example, the brace  30  illustrated in  FIG. 1  includes such an anti-migration strap  34 . FIGS. 9-12 of U.S. Pat. No. 4,643,176 also disclose an anti-migration strap  60 . The strap  60  is constructed of a flexible but substantially non-stretchable material. The strap  60  wraps around the wearer&#39;s leg where the calf flares outwardly immediately below the knee joint. 
     In certain knee braces, particularly those knee braces that treat and/or prevent injuries to the wearer&#39;s anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), an anti-migration strap atop the gastroc muscle can hinder the intended beneficial function of the orthosis.  FIG. 3  illustrates the shear forces F 1 , F 2  that a knee brace should apply to a wearer&#39;s leg  32  in order to simulate the action of the ACL (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,697,583).  FIG. 4  illustrates an ACL brace  30  including an anti-migration strap  34  atop the gastroc muscle  52 .  FIG. 4  further illustrates the direction of each force F 1 , F 2 , F 3  applied by each strap  1 ,  2 ,  3 . The straps  1 ,  2  apply beneficial forces F 1 , F 2 , while the strap  3  applies a force F 3  that opposes the force F 2  applied by the strap  2 . 
     A system for comfortably fitting an orthopedic brace to a wearer&#39;s limb while effectively preventing migration of the brace and without hindering the intended function of the brace would be of great benefit to those who wear orthopedic braces. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The preferred embodiments of the present orthopedic brace suspension system have several features, no single one of which is solely responsible for their desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of this orthopedic brace suspension system as expressed by the claims that follow, its more prominent features will now be discussed briefly. After considering this discussion, and particularly after reading the section entitled “Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments,” one will understand how the features of the preferred embodiments provide advantages, which include effective brace fixation on the wearer&#39;s leg with minimal or no brace migration and minimal or no detraction from the intended function of the brace. 
     One embodiment of the present orthopedic brace suspension system comprises an orthopedic brace including first and second rigid uprights and at least one strap. The system further comprises a band that is adapted to extend around a wearer. The band includes at least one loop that extends transversely across the band. When the brace is worn, the at least one strap threads through the at least one loop. 
     Another embodiment of the present orthopedic brace suspension system comprises an orthopedic brace including first and second rigid uprights. The system further comprises a band that is adapted to extend around the wearer. The band includes at least one loop that extends transversely across the band. The system further comprises a belt that is adapted to extend around the wearer, overlapping the band and threading through the at least one loop. The system further comprises at least one suspender. When the brace is worn, the at least one suspender operably connects the belt to one of the first and second rigid uprights. 
     Another embodiment of the present orthopedic brace suspension system comprises an orthopedic brace including first and second rigid uprights. The system further comprises a band that is adapted to extend around a limb of a wearer such that the band contacts the entire circumference of the limb. When the brace is worn, the brace is operably connected to the band. 
     Another embodiment of the present orthopedic brace suspension system comprises a method of securing an orthopedic brace to a wearer. The method comprises the step of applying to the wearer a band of material. The band includes at least one loop that extends transversely across the band. The band contacts the entire circumference of the wearer. The method further comprises the step of threading a strap of the brace through the at least one loop. 
     Another embodiment of the present orthopedic brace suspension system comprises a method of securing an orthopedic brace to a wearer. The method comprises the step of applying to the wearer a band of material. The band contacts the entire circumference of the wearer. The method further comprises the step of applying to the wearer a belt of material. The belt overlaps the band. The method further comprises the step of connecting at least one suspender between the brace and the belt. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The preferred embodiments of the present orthopedic brace suspension system, illustrating its features, will now be discussed in detail. These embodiments depict the novel and non-obvious orthopedic brace suspension system shown in the accompanying drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only. These drawings include the following figures, in which like numerals indicate like parts: 
         FIG. 1  is a left-side elevational view of a prior art orthopedic knee brace secured to a wearer&#39;s leg; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the brace and leg of  FIG. 1 , taken along the line  2 - 2  in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a left-side elevational view of a leg, illustrating the shear forces that a knee brace should apply to the leg in order to simulate the action of the ACL; 
         FIG. 4  is a left-side elevational view of the brace and leg of  FIG. 1 , illustrating the shear forces applied to the knee by the straps most proximal to the knee; 
         FIG. 5  is a front elevational view of one embodiment of the present orthopedic brace suspension system secured to a wearer&#39;s leg; 
         FIG. 6  is a rear elevational view of the orthopedic brace suspension system and leg of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic cross-sectional view of the system and leg of  FIG. 5 , taken along the line  7 - 7  in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a front elevational view of one embodiment of the inner band of the system of  FIG. 5 , illustrating the band applied to a wearer&#39;s leg; 
         FIG. 9  is a rear elevational view of the inner band and the leg of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a front elevational view of the inner band and the leg of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a front elevational view of the inner band and the leg of  FIG. 8 , and one embodiment of the outer belt of the system of  FIG. 5 , illustrating the belt applied over the band; 
         FIG. 12  is a rear elevational view of the inner band, leg and outer belt of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a rear elevational view of the inner band, leg and outer belt of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a front elevational view of the inner band, leg and outer belt of  FIG. 11 , and one embodiment of the suspenders of the system of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a rear elevational view of the inner band, leg, outer belt and suspenders of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a front elevational view of another embodiment of a band for use in the present orthopedic brace suspension system, showing the band secured to a wearer&#39;s leg; 
         FIG. 17  is a rear elevational view of the band and the leg of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a front elevational view of the band and the leg of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a rear elevational view of a brace and the band and the leg of  FIG. 16 ; and 
         FIG. 20  is a front elevational view of the brace, the band and the leg of  FIG. 19 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , the following directional terms will be used in this application. Anterior denotes toward the front of the wearer. Posterior denotes toward the rear of the wearer. Superior denotes higher on the wearer. Inferior denotes lower on the wearer. Medial denotes toward a vertical centerline of the wearer. Lateral denotes away from a vertical centerline of the wearer. 
       FIGS. 5-15  illustrate one embodiment of the present orthopedic brace suspension system. With reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , this embodiment includes three main parts: an inner band  54 , an outer belt  56 , and suspenders  58  connecting the belt  56  to the rigid brace frame  60 . With reference to  FIGS. 8-10 , the inner band  54  comprises an elongate strip of material including a first end  62  and a second end  64 . The inner band  54  extends around the entire circumference of the wearer&#39;s leg  66  just below the patella  68  ( FIG. 10 ), and just above the gastroc muscle  70  ( FIG. 9 ). The inner band  54  is preferably constructed of an elastic material that is comfortable to wear directly against the skin. Examples of such materials are neoprene and DRYTEX®. Of course, as those of skill in the art will appreciate, the wearer need not wear the inner band  54  directly against his or her skin, and could, for example, fasten the band  54  over a layer of clothing. Those of skill in the art will further appreciate that the inner band  54  need not include first and second ends  62 ,  64 . The inner band  54  could, for example, comprise a continuous loop that the wearer positions on his or her leg by sliding it up and over the foot and ankle. 
     The first and second ends  62 ,  64  of the band meet beneath the wearer&#39;s patella  68  ( FIGS. 8 and 10 ). The ends  62 ,  64  preferably include mating fasteners  72 , such as hook-and-loop material. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that other types of fasteners, such as buttons or snaps, could be used instead. The wearer secures the band  54  to his or her leg  66  by positioning the first end  62  beneath the patella  68  with the fastener  72  facing out. The wearer then wraps the second end  64  around the back of his or her leg  66  and secures the fastener  72  on the second end  64  to the mating fastener  72  on the first end  62 . Of course, the first and second ends  62 ,  64  of the band  54  need not be positioned anteriorly of the wearer. The band  54  could be rotated about the wearer&#39;s leg  66  so that the first and second ends  62 ,  64  are positioned anywhere around the leg  66 . The band  54  preferably fits snug, but not so tight as to restrict circulation. The elasticity of the band  54  advantageously allows the band  54  to contact the entire circumference of the wearer&#39;s leg  66 , as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . The elasticity of the band  54  also advantageously allows the band  54  to stretch to fit a range of leg circumferences without bunching up. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 8-10 , the band  54  includes a plurality of loops  74  that extend in a transverse direction across the band  54 . In the illustrated embodiment, the band  54  includes four such loops  74 , with two loops  74  being positioned on an anterior portion of the band  54  ( FIG. 10 ), and two loops  74  being positioned on a posterior portion of the band  54  ( FIG. 9 ). Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the band  54  could include virtually any number of loops  74 , and that they could be positioned anywhere on the band  54 . The loops  74  are preferably secured in place on the band  54 , for example with stitching (not shown), such that they cannot slide along the length of the band  54 . The loops  74  could, however, be freely slidable along the length of the band  54 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 11-13 , the outer belt  56  comprises an elongate strip of material including a first end  76  and a second end  78  ( FIG. 12 ). The belt  56  is preferably constructed of an inelastic material, such as nylon. The outer belt  56  extends around the wearer&#39;s leg  66 , overlapping the inner band  54  and threading through the loops  74  on the inner band  54 . The first end  76  of the belt includes an attached D-ring  80 . The D-ring  80  is preferably constructed of a metal, such as steel. The D-ring  80  could, however, be constructed of virtually any sturdy material, such as plastic or composite. 
     At least part of an outward facing surface  82  ( FIG. 12 ) of the belt  56  is preferably covered with either the hook portion or the loop portion of a hook-and-loop material. At least part of an inward facing surface  84  of the second end  78  of the belt  56  preferably includes the mating portion of a hook-and-loop material. The second end  78  threads through the D-ring  80  on the first end  76  and folds back over onto the outward facing surface  82  of the belt  56 . The hook-and-loop material on the second end  78  mates with the hook-and-loop material on the outward facing surface  82 . The wearer preferably pulls the belt  56  snug before securing the second end  78  to the outward facing surface  82 . The first end  76  of the belt  56 , adjacent the D-ring  80 , may be permanently secured to the inner band  54 , as by stitching (not shown). 
     With reference to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , a pair of suspenders  58  is releasably securable to the outer belt  56 . Each suspender  58  comprises an elongate strip of material having first and second ends  86  that are joined to one another so that the strip forms a loop. The suspenders  58  may be constructed of any suitable material, including elastic and inelastic materials. Each looped suspender  58  receives the belt  56 . The wearer may, for example, thread the belt  56  through each suspender  58  at the same time that he or she secures the belt  56  about the inner band  54 . The suspenders  58  are preferably positioned medially and laterally with respect to the wearer&#39;s knee  68  ( FIG. 14 ). 
     The ends  86  of each suspender  58  preferably include attachment apparatus  88  that is adapted to engage attachment apparatus  90  ( FIG. 5 ) on the rigid frame  60  of a brace  92 . For example, the attachment apparatus  88 ,  90  could comprise mating portions of metal snaps, a button and a loop or threaded fasteners. Alternatively, the ends of each suspender  58  could be permanently attached to the brace  92 , as with rivets or adhesive, for example. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the fully assembled brace suspension system includes the inner band  54 , the outer belt  56 , the suspenders  58  and the rigid brace frame  60 . The inner band  54  wraps around the wearer&#39;s leg  66  and provides a comfortable, padded interface for the wearer. The elasticity in the inner band  54  allows it to snugly engage the entire circumference of the leg  66 . The outer belt  56 , which is preferably inelastic, tightens the grip of the inner band  54  around the leg  66 , lessening the chance that the inner band  54  might migrate up or down the leg  66 . The loops  74  on the band  54  keep the belt  56  from slipping out of place with respect to the band  54 . 
     The suspenders  58  link the brace frame  60  to the belt  56 . They loop around the belt  56  and connect to the frame  60  at a location just below the belt  56 . The suspenders  58  are able to swing in the anterior-posterior direction. This arrangement allows vertical force to be transferred through the suspenders  58  to support the brace  92 , but does not allow anterior-posterior forces to be transferred between the band  54  and the frame  60 . 
     The band  54  and belt  56  are positioned above the girth of the wearer&#39;s gastroc muscle  70 . Neither the band  54  nor the belt  56  attaches directly to the brace frame  60 . Instead the brace  92  is suspended from the band  54  and the belt  56 . The band  54  and belt  56  are advantageously able to remain snug against the wearer&#39;s leg  66  while preventing any anterior-posterior forces from being transmitted through the band  54 . 
       FIGS. 16-18  illustrate another embodiment of the present brace suspension system. This embodiment includes a band  94  that comprises an elongate strip of material including a first end  96  and a second end  98  ( FIG. 16 ). The band  94  extends around the entire circumference of the wearer&#39;s leg  66  just below the patella  68  ( FIG. 18 ), and just above the gastroc muscle  70  ( FIG. 17 ). The band  94  is preferably constructed of an inelastic material that is comfortable to wear directly against the skin. Of course, as those of skill in the art will appreciate, the wearer need not wear the band  94  directly against his or her skin, and could, for example, fasten the band  94  over a layer of clothing. Those of skill in the art will further appreciate that the band  94  need not include first and second ends  96 ,  98 . The band  94  could, for example, comprise a continuous loop that the wearer positions on his or her leg by sliding it up and over the foot and ankle. 
     The first and second ends  96 ,  98  of the band  94  meet beneath the wearer&#39;s patella  68  ( FIGS. 16 and 18 ). The ends  96 ,  98  preferably include mating fasteners  100 ,  102 , such as hook-and-loop material. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that other types of fasteners, such as buttons or snaps, could be used instead. The wearer secures the band  94  to his or her leg  66  by positioning the first end  96  beneath the patella  68  with the fastener  100  facing out ( FIG. 16 ). The wearer then wraps the second end  98  around the back of his or her leg  66  and secures the fastener  102  on the second end  98  to the mating fastener  100  on the first end  96 . Of course, the first and second ends  96 ,  98  of the band  94  need not be positioned anteriorly of the wearer. The band  94  could be rotated about the wearer&#39;s leg  66  so that the first and second ends  96 ,  98  are positioned anywhere around the leg  66 . The band  94  preferably fits snug, but not so tight as to restrict circulation. The band  94  advantageously contacts the entire circumference of the wearer&#39;s leg  66 . The adjustability of the band  94  also advantageously allows the band  94  to fit a range of leg circumferences without bunching up. 
     The band  94  includes a plurality of loops  104  that extend in a transverse direction across the band  94 . In the illustrated embodiment, the band  94  includes three such loops  104 , with one loop  104  being positioned on an anterior portion of the band  94  ( FIG. 18 ), and two loops  104  being positioned on a posterior portion of the band  94  ( FIG. 17 ). Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the band  94  could include virtually any number of loops  104 , and that they could be positioned anywhere on the band  94 . The loops  104  are preferably secured in place on the band  94 , for example with stitching (not shown), such that they cannot slide along the length of the band  94 . The loops  104  could, however, be freely slidable along the length of the band  94 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 19 and 20 , the loops  104  are adapted to receive and retain a strap  34  of the knee brace  92 , which is threaded through the loops  104 . For example, the posterior loops  104  may receive the strap  34  of the brace  30  in  FIG. 1  that sits atop the wearer&#39;s gastroc muscle  52 . If the brace  92  includes an anterior strap  34  that extends across the wearer&#39;s leg  66  just below the patella  68 , then the anterior belt loop  104  may receive that strap  34 . The band  94  thus anchors the brace  92  to the wearer&#39;s leg  66 , while maintaining contact between the band  94  and the wearer&#39;s leg  66  around the entire circumference of the leg  66 . 
     SCOPE OF THE INVENTION 
     The above presents a description of the best mode contemplated for carrying out the present orthopedic brace suspension system, and of the manner and process of making and using it, in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains to make and use this system. This system is, however, susceptible to modifications and alternate constructions from that discussed above that are fully equivalent. Consequently, this system is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. On the contrary, this system covers all modifications and alternate constructions coming within the spirit and scope of the system as generally expressed by the following claims, which particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter of the system.