Abstract:
According to an embodiment, a system for tightening an article about a limb includes a reel based closure system having a tension member that is guided about the article and tensionable to close or tighten the article and a reel based tightening mechanism that is configured to tension the tension member and to maintain the tension member&#39;s tension so that the article remains closed or tightened. The system also includes a strap having a first end that is attached to a first edge of the article and a second end that is operably coupled with the reel based closure system so that tensioning of the tension member causes the strap to be tensioned. An intermediate portion of the strap spans a portion of an opening of the article and is slidingly positioned within a ring component that is attached to a second edge of the article.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 61/831,076 filed Jun. 4, 2013, entitled “Straps for Devices and Methods Therefor,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, for all purposes, as if fully set forth herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention is related to closure devices for various articles, such as braces, medical devices, shoes, clothing, apparel, and the like. Such articles typically include closure devices that allow the article to be placed and closed about a body part. The closure devices are typically used to maintain or secure the article to the body part. For example, shoes are typically placed over an individual&#39;s foot and lace is tensioned and tied to close the shoe about the foot and secure the shoe to the foot. Conventional closure devices have been modified in an effort to increase the fit and/or comfort of the article about the body part. For example, shoe lacing configurations and/or patterns have been modified in an attempt to increase the fit and/or comfort of wearing shoes. Conventional closure devices have also been modified in an effort to decrease the time in which an article may be closed and secured about the body part. These modifications have resulted in the use of various pull cords, straps, and tensioning devices that enable the article to be quickly closed and secured to the foot. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The embodiments described herein provide straps that may be used closure systems to close and/or tighten an article, such as a brace, that is fit about a limb of the user. In some embodiments, the straps may provide gross, macro, or large adjustment while the closure system provides more micro or minor adjustment of the brace about the limb. According to one aspect, a system for tightening an article about a limb includes a reel based closure system having a tension member that is guided about the article and tensionable to close or tighten the article and a reel based tightening mechanism that is configured to tension the tension member and to maintain the tension member&#39;s tension so that the article remains closed or tightened. The system also includes a strap having a first end that is attached to a first edge of the article and a second end that is operably coupled with the reel based closure system so that tensioning of the tension member causes the strap to be tensioned. An intermediate portion of the strap spans a portion of an opening of the article and is slidingly positioned within a ring component that is attached to a second edge of the article. 
         [0004]    According to another aspect, a method for tightening an article about a limb includes providing an article with a system that is configured to tighten the article about the limb. The system includes a reel based closure system having a tension member that is guided about the article and a reel based tightening mechanism that is configured to tension the tension member and to maintain the tension of the tension member. The system also includes a strap having a first end that is attached to a first edge of the article and a second end that is operably coupled with the reel based closure system. An intermediate portion of the strap between the first end and the second end spans at least a portion of an opening of the article and is slidingly positioned within a ring component that is attached to a second edge of the article. The method also includes tensioning the strap to initially close the article about the limb and tensioning the tension member via the reel based tightening mechanism to further tension the strap and further close or tighten the article about the limb. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]    The present invention is described in conjunction with the appended figures: 
           [0006]      FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of an orthopedic brace. 
           [0007]      FIGS. 2-3  illustrate an orthopedic brace being fit over a wearer&#39;s leg. 
           [0008]      FIG. 4  illustrates the dynamic adjustment capability of a brace having a closure or lacing system as described herein. 
           [0009]      FIG. 5  illustrates an embodiment of a strap that may be used with a closure system to close and/or tighten a brace. 
           [0010]      FIG. 6A  illustrates an embodiment of a reel based closure system. 
           [0011]      FIGS. 6B-J  illustrate embodiments of straps that are operable with a reel based closure system to close or tighten an article about a limb. 
           [0012]      FIGS. 7A-B  illustrate embodiments of straps having various strap configurations. 
           [0013]      FIG. 7C  illustrates an exemplary strap and reel based closure system configuration for a knee brace. 
           [0014]      FIG. 8  illustrates various means for connecting a guide and lace system with a strap and/or to a brace. 
           [0015]      FIGS. 9A-C  illustrate various other strap features and/or strap configurations. 
       
    
    
       [0016]    In the appended figures, similar components and/or features may have the same numerical reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a letter that distinguishes among the similar components and/or features. If only the first numerical reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components and/or features having the same first numerical reference label irrespective of the letter suffix. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0017]    Embodiments described herein provide various closure devices that may be used with medical devices, such as braces, footwear, prosthetics, orthotics, and the like. (hereinafter a brace). These devices typically include a strap (hereinafter strap or over and back strap) that is pulled over an open region of the brace and coupled with the brace to allow a user to easily don and doff the brace. The straps may also be tensioned by the user to allow the user to adjust the tightness or fit of the brace. Conventional closure straps often utilize Velcro® technology. Such straps typically attach to one end of the brace, cross the brace, loop through a D ring or other fastener, and lay back upon themselves to close the brace. Such straps often do not allow for adjustability of the brace after the strap is coupled to itself to close the brace. Thus, the user typically is required to undo the strap to adjust the fit of the brace. Moreover, the Velcro components may become dirty or soiled and lose some of the ability to tightly close the brace. 
         [0018]    The straps described herein greatly improve closure technology by offering quick and patient friendly means of closing a brace about a body part. In many embodiments, the use of Velcro components is eliminated entirely so that the straps maintain a clean, dirt-free appearance and do not wear out over time. Further, many of the straps described herein do not stick together, which is a common problem of conventional Velcro straps. The straps also provide an improved user interface that allows for simple brace adjustment (i.e., brace tensioning and loosening). In addition, the user is often able to close the straps and tension the brace with a single hand. 
         [0019]    For convenience, the disclosure will focus mainly on braces, although it should be realized that the embodiments described herein (i.e., the closure device and/or other devices) may be used with virtually any type of medical device and/or apparel, garment, or other structure. For example, the embodiments (i.e., closure and other devices) may be used on shoes, boots, gloves, hats, medical devices, goggles, glasses, protective gear used in sports, and the like. 
         [0020]    In additional, for convenience in describing the embodiments, the disclosure generally describes the devices, or components thereof, being closed via a reel or dial mechanism. The reel or dial mechanism typically closes the device, or components thereof, by tensioning a lace. As described herein, a knob assembly is typically twisted to wind a lace within a spool housing and onto a spool. However, although the disclosure generally describes the closure devices, or components thereof, using a knob assembly, it should be realized that any tightening mechanism may be used and the disclosure is not limited to embodiments that only use such a knob assembly. 
         [0021]    Before describing specific details of the various embodiments, a general description of a brace and closure device or system will be provided. Referring to  FIG. 1 , illustrated is an embodiment of an orthopedic brace  20 . The orthopedic brace  20  generally comprises a knee brace that is tightened around a wearer&#39;s leg such that the knee brace substantially surrounds and protects the wearer&#39;s knee. Brace  20  may be tightened using a lacing configuration comprising two lacing systems  22   a ,  22   b . The orthopedic brace of the illustrated embodiment is particularly concerned with relieving and/or supporting the knee joint. Although this illustrated embodiment shows the lacing systems applied to knee braces, it is to be understood that the principles discussed herein are readily applicable to any of a variety of orthopedic braces, including ankle braces, wrist braces, foot braces, elbow braces and many other types of orthopedic braces well known to those of skill in the art. 
         [0022]    In some embodiments, the lacing configuration of closure system comprises two distinct lacing systems  22   a ,  22   b . In some embodiments, each lacing system  22  includes a lace or cable  23  that is threaded through portions of the orthopedic brace and attached at opposite ends to a tightening mechanism  25  or reel assembly, which includes a control such as a lever, crank or knob assembly, which can be manipulated to retract the lace  23 . In addition, the reel assembly  25  may comprise a mechanism of release, such as a button or lever, for disengaging the reel assembly  25 , to permit the lace  23  to be withdrawn freely. In other embodiments, the reel assembly  25  may be pulled upward to allow an internal spool to spin and the lace to be pulled freely. In yet another embodiment, the reel assembly  25  may be unwound (e.g., counterclockwise) to release the spool and allow the lace to be pulled, or to unwind the lace. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the lace  23  may be threaded in a crossing pattern along a generally forward-facing portion of the brace  20 , between two generally parallel rows of side retaining members or straps  40 . In another embodiment, the lace  23  may be threaded or run laterally across the brace  20 . The straps  40  may consist of a strip of material attached to the brace  20  so as to define a space in which guides  50  are positioned. The lace  23  slides through the guides  50  during tightening and untightening of the lace  23 . A more thorough description of the brace  20  and lacing systems,  22   a  &amp;  22   b , is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 8,277,401, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
         [0023]    The orthopedic brace  20  shown in  FIG. 1  is constructed to fit a wearer&#39;s leg. The upper cuff  10  is formed to fit the wearer&#39;s thigh and curves around the thigh, generally conforming to the wearer&#39;s musculature. The lower cuff  12  is similar in construction to the upper cuff  10 , and is formed to fit and curve around the wearer&#39;s calf. In some embodiments, the upper and lower cuffs  10 ,  12  are formed from a relatively lightweight, breathable material. In some embodiments, the cuffs  10 ,  12  are manufactured from a cloth, fabric, or foam-like material, or a thermoformable or non-thermoformable plastic material as would be well-known to those skilled in the art. 
         [0024]    As shown, each of the cuffs  10 ,  12  are generally formed from a single piece of material that is wrapped around itself, forming two ends  32 ,  34  that are drawn towards each other and, in fact, may overlap. Although the ends  32 ,  34  are shown in an overlapping position, it should be understood that these ends might also be sized to be separated by some distance when the orthopedic brace  20  is tightened. Generally, the lace  23  may be tensioned to draw the ends  32 ,  34  past each other and thereby tighten the orthopedic brace  20  about the wearer&#39;s limbs. As is readily understood in the art, the two ends  32 ,  34  of brace  20  are designed to be open and fit about a patient&#39;s leg. The two ends  32 ,  34  are then positioned over the leg and brace  20  is tightened as described above. 
         [0025]      FIGS. 2 and 3  illustrate another brace  120  being fit over a wearer&#39;s leg  101 . Brace  120  includes a closure system (e.g.,  122   a  and  122   b ) that is described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 8,277,401 incorporated by reference herein. Brace  120  also includes a rough adjustment feature that permits further opening of the brace  120  to facilitate attachment of the brace  120  to a wearer&#39;s leg  101 , while still providing the reel assembly  125  for final tightening. The rough adjustment feature may be variable length retaining members  140  that allow brace  120  to fit a wider variety of wearers&#39; legs. In one embodiment, the variable length retaining member  140  includes adjustable straps. In other embodiments, a panel  141 , such as those described herein, may be used. The panel  141  may be coupled with the reel assembly  125 , such as a knob assembly and lace, to provide gross or macro adjustment of the brace  120 . In some embodiments, retaining members  140  are configured to be releasably engaged with guides  150  opposite the reel assembly  125 . The engagement may be by way of a quick release mechanism  142 , for example the detachable guides described herein. In other embodiments, Fastex® buckles (not shown), Velcro® or other similar mechanisms known to those of skill in the art may be used. As shown in greater detail in  FIG. 3 , each quick release mechanism  142  may include a female component  142   a  and a male component  142   b  that are coupled over the wearer&#39;s leg  101  to allow brace  120  to be donned and doffed. Exemplary embodiments of male and female components,  142   b  and  142   a , are described in the applications incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, the female component  142   a  may be attached to the guide  150  while the male component  142   b  is attached to the retaining member, though the arrangement of components may be switched as needed. The opposite end of the retaining member  140  may be attached to the brace such that tension in the lacing system  122  causes tension on the retaining member  140  when the quick released mechanism  142  is engaged, thereby compressing the cuffs around the wearer&#39;s limb. 
         [0026]    Closure system  122  may include additional gross adjustment features in combination with the quick release mechanism  142  to provide a rough or gross adjustment of the closing pressure of the brace  120  prior to use of the reel assembly  125 . For example, the closure system  122  may include ladder locks (e.g., Fastex Slider®) which allow the retaining members  140  to be lengthened or shortened as needed. Though shown with two retaining members  140 , as with the other embodiments disclosed herein in some embodiments, the number of retaining members  140  may vary. In some embodiments, three, four, five, six or more retaining members  140  may be desirable. 
         [0027]      FIG. 3  shows one embodiment of the brace  120  in a partially open configuration. The quick release mechanism  142  have been disconnected leaving the guides  150  attached to the brace and releasing one end of the retaining member  140 . To remove the brace  120 , the user may then open the cuffs  110 ,  112  and slide the brace from the user&#39;s leg  101 . Prior to releasing the quick release mechanism  142 , the user may release tension in the closure system  122  by releasing the reel assembly  125  by, for example, pulling outwards on the knob assemblies  162 . 
         [0028]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , one advantage of using the above described brace  20  is the increased ability of the brace  20  to fit a conical shape or an adjustable shape, such as a leg  21 , arm, or any other body part of a patient. The ability of the brace  20  to fit a conical shape is provided by the lace winding system  22 . As the brace  20  is fit about a conical shape (e.g., the leg  21 ) and the lace  23  wound via reel assembly  25 , an upper portion  23   a  of the brace  20  contacts the conically shaped object. As the lace  23  is wound, the lace  23  adjusts until the lower portion  23   b  of the brace  20  also contacts the conically shaped object (e.g., the leg  21 ). Additional winding of the lace  23  will result in approximately equal tension throughout the lace  23 , which provides a relative even pressure on the conically shaped object resulting in a good fit of the brace  20  on the conical shape. 
         [0029]    Further, the brace  20  is able to adjust to changes in the shape of the object, such as changes in the shape of a leg  21  (or other body part) due to flexing and/or relaxing of the muscle. For example, as a leg  21  is flexed and assumes a more cylindrical shape, the lace  23  is able to slide within, or relative to, the guides  50  so that a bottom portion  23   b  of the brace opens or widens as a top portion  23   a  contracts or shrinks, or vice versa. Conventional braces typically do not adjust in this manner and as such, when a patient flexes their leg  21  (or other body part) the brace  20  is typically forced to move or migrate, such as downward against the knee or ankle. In the embodiments described herein, because the lace  23  is able to slide relative to the brace  20  and guides  50 , and the brace  20  is able to adjust to changes in shape, the fit or hold of the brace about the body part is increased and migration of the brace  20  is greatly limited or eliminated. 
         [0030]    As mentioned previously, the disclosure is directed mainly toward braces and other medical devices. However, the straps described herein may be used in a variety of different applications, including, for example: a tool bag, on a bicycle, under a bicycle&#39;s saddle to hold one or more bags or components, in a battery casing or cover, on a bag (e.g., sleeping bag), on a shoe, on goggles, on protective gear, and the like. It should be realized that many applications exists for the straps and that the straps are not limited by the embodiments described herein. 
         [0031]    According to some embodiments, the straps described herein allow for adjustability of the brace, or other component, without completely undoing and reattaching the strap. Thus, the brace may stay in place about a patient&#39;s body part while the strap tension, and brace fit, are adjusted. Stated differently, the straps described herein provide for on the fly micro-adjustability of the brace, device, or component. Conventional braces straps (i.e., those using Velcro or similar straps) typically require the user to undo the strap, tension the strap, and then reattach the strap. Undoing the strap as required by conventional straps may cause the brace to shift on the patient&#39;s body part or possibly fall off, which may not be desired. 
         [0032]    Some additional advantages of the straps described herein are the ability to easily close the brace and/or allow for fine adjustment of the lace tension and/or length. For example, many straps include coupling components that allow the brace to be easily coupled over the patient&#39;s body part. In contrast, Velcro or similar straps often pass through a D-ring, which forces the user to pull against the strap to tension the strap before coupling the strap on itself. In addition, Velcro often creases when set in an initial position, which may discourage further micro-adjustments. Similarly, Velcro brace systems usually have a little bit of “play” or movement after donning of the brace, which may cause unwanted loosening. The straps described herein provide greater rigidity than conventional straps. 
         [0033]    In some embodiments, the straps provide a mechanical advantage in closing the brace when compared to conventional brace closure systems because of the knob diameter vs. the spool diameter. For example, when the reel assembly is coupled with a strap that winds around a lace guide element, the lace guide element functions as a pulley reducing the required lace tension force. Further, in some embodiments the reel assembly is coupled with two straps and therefore two lace guides, which also reduce the overall lace tension. The use of two straps allows the force to be projected into different areas of the brace. The straps may also provide increased breathability to the brace. For example, the heavy straps and webbing material used in conventional straps may be replaced by the reel assembly&#39;s lacing system. The lacing system may allow increased air access to the enclosed body part, thereby reducing the heat associated with wearing such braces. 
         [0034]    In some embodiments, the reel assembly may include a tension indicator that visually displays the amount of tension applied by the straps. For example, the knob assembly could include a tab, counter, or dial that displays the amount of tension applied. In other embodiments, a potentiometer or other electronic device could be used to display the displacement of the strap. In other embodiments, the tension may be displayed via the laces. For example, the tension in the lace may be measured via a tensiometer. In other embodiments, the distance or displacement of the lace or straps may be measured to calculate the applied tension. For example, a measuring scale may be coupled with the lace and/or reel assembly to visually display the lace or strap displacement. Displaying the tension in this manner allows the user to repeatably “dose” the brace fit, or in other words, to repeatably fit the brace about the body part with a desired amount of pressure and tension. 
         [0035]    In some embodiments, the reel assembly of the strap may have an automatic means of winding up lace. This may allow the strap to be easily pulled across an opening of the brace and coupled with an opposite side of the brace. The strap may be wound or pulled back across the brace&#39;s opening when decoupled from the brace. In some embodiments, the automatic means of winding up lace may be a coil spring component of the reel assembly. The coil spring component may prevent the lace from tangling when the strap is not coupled to close the brace. Having described several embodiments generally, additional aspects of the straps will become more evident with reference to the figures described below. 
         [0036]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , illustrated is an embodiment of a strap  500  that may be used with a reel assembly  510  to close a brace. The strap  500  includes a first strap  504  and a second strap  506  that are coupled together via a fastener  502 . In some embodiments, the first strap  504  is fixedly coupled with the fastener  502 , such as by stitching the first strap  504  around a rung of fastener  502  (i.e., a ladder lock fastener). The second strap  506  may wind around a separate rung  503  of fastener  502  and may be pulled against rung  503  to tension the first strap  506  and the second strap  504  to close the brace  508 . The reel assembly  510  may be operated as previously described to tension lace (not shown) that extends across webbing  509 , fabric, or an open portion of the brace  508 . Because the brace  508  may be adjusted via reel assembly  510 , the strap  500  may need to be tensioned only one time via straps  504  and  506  before all further adjustments are performed via reel assembly  510 . Stated differently, the strap  500  may only be required to be tensioned once to close the brace  508  about a patient&#39;s body part and adjust to their particular size and all subsequent adjustment of the brace  508  may be performed via reel assembly  510 . 
         [0037]    Referring now to  FIG. 6A , illustrated is another embodiment of a reel system  600 . Reel system  600  includes a reel assembly  602  as previously described. The reel assembly  602  is coupled with a detachable guide  604  via lace  603 . Detachable guide  604  is removably couplable with component  606 , which is connected to strap  608 . In one embodiment detachable guide  604  comprises a female component that is couplable with a male component  606 , or vice versa, as described in U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/722,022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, lace  603  is inserted through tubing or an aperture of guide  604 . In other embodiments, lace  603  may be placed over or around an open channel of guide  604  so that the lace  603  is removable from guide  604 . 
         [0038]    Strap  608  is further coupled with a fastener  610  (e.g., ladder lock) such as the fastener previously described in  FIG. 5 . A second strap  612  may wind around a rung  609  of fastener  610  to allow strap  612  to be tensioned to initially close the brace or to provide further macro adjustment of the brace. Subsequent adjustment of the brace may be performed via reel assembly  602  and lace  603  as described herein. 
         [0039]    The brace may be easily donned and doffed without tensioning strap  612  since the strap  600  may be uncoupled via guide  604  and component  606 . Stated differently, strap  612  may be initially tensioned to close the brace and any subsequent donning and doffing of the brace may be accomplished by uncoupling guide  604  and component  606 . Thus, the overall fit of the brace may be initially set with strap  612 , after which strap  612  may remain virtually unused. In some embodiments, strap  612  may be fixedly coupled to itself or to another component so that further adjustment of strap  612  is prevented. Guide  604  and component  606  may be configured to remain coupled while lace  603  is under tension. Thus, to uncoupled guide  604  and component  606 , the tension in lace  603  may be removed via reel assembly  602 . 
         [0040]    In some embodiments reel assembly  602  may include a coiled spring, such as a clock spring, or other component, that automatically winds the lace  603  within a spool housing of the reel assembly  602 . The coil spring may pull guide  604  toward reel assembly  602  when guide  604  is uncoupled from component  606 . The coil spring may also allow guide  604  to be pulled toward component  606  and coupled therewith. This feature allows guide  604  and component  606  be easily coupled and further allows the brace to be easily donned and doffed. The coil spring further manages the lace  603  to prevent the lace from twisting or entangling with nearby objects. 
         [0041]      FIG. 6B  illustrates another embodiment of a strap  620 . Strap  620  includes a reel assembly  622  that is coupled with a detachable guide  624  via lace  623 . Guide  624  is removably couplable with component  620  via male and female components described in U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/722,022, which is incorporated herein, or via any other coupling means. Component  626  is coupled with strap  628  that passes through fastener  629  as shown. In some embodiments, a terminal end of strap  628  may be fixedly coupled with fastener  629 , such as by sewing the terminal end of strap  628  around a rung of fastener  629 . This configuration may allow fastener  629  to be moved proximally and distally along strap  628  relative to component  626 . As with strap  600 , strap  620  may be uncoupled via guide  624  and component  626  to allow the brace to be easily donned and doffed. Subsequent adjustment of the brace (i.e., the adjustment after initially closing the brace the strap  628 ) may be performed via reel assembly  622  and lace  623 . Reel assembly  622  may further include a coil spring that automatically winds lace  623  as previously described to allow guide  624  and component  626  to be easily coupled to allow the brace to be easily donned and doffed. 
         [0042]      FIGS. 6C &amp; 6D  illustrate additional embodiments of straps. Specifically, strap  630  includes a reel assembly  632  that is connected with a detachable guide  634  via lace. Guide  634  is removably couplable with component  636  as previously described. Guide  636  is coupled with strap  638  which passes through a fastener  639  as shown.  FIG. 6D  illustrates a similar embodiment having a different lacing configuration of strap  648  and fastener  649 . The reel assembly of  FIGS. 6C &amp; 6D  may also include a coil spring as previously described to automatically wind lace and allow the brace to be easily donned and doffed. 
         [0043]      FIG. 6E  illustrates another embodiment of a strap  650 . Strap  650  includes a reel assembly  652  that is coupled with a guide  654  via lace  655 . Guide  654  is connected with a first end of a strap  656 , such as by sewing the first end around a rung of guide  654 . Strap  656  passes a around a rung of a D ring  658  and further passes around a rung of a coupling component  653 , which is spaced laterally apart from D ring  658 . A second end of strap  656  is coupled with reel assembly  652  via adhesive bonding, riveting, welding, mechanically fastening, sewing, and the like. As reel assembly  652  is operated to tension lace  655 , a gap between the first and second ends of strap  656  is closed to draw the brace closed. In some embodiments, lace  655  may be placed over or around an open channel of guide  654  so that the lace  655  is removable from the guide  654 . Reel assembly  652  may include a coil spring that automatically winds lace  655  within a spool housing and allows the lace  655  to be pulled around guide  654 . In other embodiments, lace  655  may be fixedly coupled with guide  654 . In some embodiments, D ring  658  may be a male or female component that is couplable with a corresponding component attached to the brace. In such embodiments, strap  650  may be fully removable from the brace by uncoupling D ring  658  and coupling component  653  from corresponding components of the brace. 
         [0044]    Coupling component  653  is coupled with a corresponding component (not shown) that is attached to the brace. Coupling component  653  may include a male or female component of a detachable guide system as described in U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/722,022, which is incorporated herein. As stated above, in some embodiments, reel assembly  652  may include a coil spring that automatically winds lace  655  such that when component  653  is uncoupled from a corresponding component (not shown), the first and second ends of strap  656  are drawn toward one another. The coil spring may allow the coupling component  653  and reel assembly  652  to be pulled over in opening of the brace and coupled with an opposite side of the brace so that tensioning of lace  655  via reel assembly  652  closes the brace about a patient&#39;s body part. 
         [0045]      FIG. 6F  illustrates a similar embodiment of a strap  660 . Similar to strap  650 , strap  660  includes a reel assembly  662  that is coupled with a guide  664  via lace  665 . A second end of a strap  666  is coupled with the reel assembly  662  while a first end is insertable around a rung of guide  664 . The first end of strap  666  includes Velcro  667  or another attachment mechanism to allow the first end to be tensioned and coupled to itself. In this manner, strap  666  may be used to provide macro or gross adjustment of the brace while reel assembly  662  is used to provide micro or fine-tuned brace adjustments. 
         [0046]    In some embodiments, the Velcro portion  667  of strap  666  may be positioned on a bottom surface of the strap  666  so that the strap couples on itself underneath strap  666  (i.e., opposite of that shown) and is hidden from the patient when coupled on itself. This configuration provides the advantage of discouraging the patient from uncoupling the Velcro portion  667  of strap  666  to loosen the brace. As such, the brace may be initially fit with strap  666  and afterwards adjusted via reel assembly  662 . 
         [0047]    In some embodiments, strap  666  may pass around rungs of a first coupling component  669  and a second coupling component  668  that are each removably couplable with corresponding components that are attached to the brace. In such embodiments, the strap  660  may be fully removable from the brace by uncoupling the first and second coupling components,  669  and  668 , from the corresponding components of the brace. In other embodiments, either the first or second coupling components,  669  and  668 , may be fixedly coupled with the brace. 
         [0048]    The reel assemblies shown in  FIGS. 6E and 6F  may be “floating reels” meaning that the reel assemblies may slide relative to the brace and away from the coupling component (i.e.,  653  and  669 ) as the lace is tensioned via the reel assembly.  FIG. 6J  illustrates another embodiment of a strap  690  that utilizes a floating reel. As shown, strap  690  includes a reel assembly  694  that is coupled with a guide  693  via lace  691 . The guide  693  and reel assembly  694  are coupled with a strap  695  as previously described. In turn, the strap  695  is inserted around rungs of a D-ring  696  and coupling component  692  as previously described. The reel assembly  694  is designed to “float” or move toward the guide  693  as the lace  691  is tensioned. In some embodiments, the guide  693  may be coupled with a housing  698  having an opening or chamber  699  within which the reel assembly  694  may slide as the reel assembly slides toward guide  693 . In some embodiments, guide  693  may be a buckle having detachable ends. In such embodiments, reel assembly  694  may include a coil spring that automatically winds lace  691  to pull guide  693  toward reel assembly  694 . In other embodiments, the reel assemblies of  FIGS. 6E ,  6 F, and/or  6 J may be fixedly coupled in place so that the reel assemblies do not float. 
         [0049]    Referring now to  FIGS. 6G and 6H , illustrated is another embodiment of a strap  670  that may be used to close a brace. Strap  670  includes a reel assembly  673  that is coupled to a male component  674  that is removably couplable with a female component  672  attached to the brace. Male component  674  and reel assembly  673  are coupled with a guide  678  via lace  675 . Male component  674  and guide  687  typically include a channel or aperture through which the lace  675  is inserted. Male component  674  and guide  678  are latterly spaced apart and guide  678  is coupled with an opposite side of a brace opening so that the reel assembly  673  may be operated to close a gap between the components and thereby close the gap of the brace. 
         [0050]    In some embodiments, reel assembly  673  may include a coil spring that automatically winds lace  675  so that male component  674  is pulled toward guide  678  when male component  674  is uncoupled from female component  672 . The coil spring may also allow the male component  674  to be pulled toward the female component  672  for coupling therewith. The coil spring may also help manage the lace  675  to prevent twisting of the lace or entangling of the lace with nearby objects. In some embodiments, a component  676  may be coupled with the lace  675  between the male component  674  and guide  678  to further prevent twisting or entangling of the lace. The component  676  may be removably attachable to a protective pad  679  via Velcro and the like to prevent the component  676  from rubbing against the patient&#39;s body part and/or against the brace. 
         [0051]      FIG. 6I  illustrates another embodiment of a strap  680 . Strap  680  includes a reel assembly  684  that is connected to a male component  681 , which is removably couplable with a female component  682  as previously described. Male component  681  is coupled with a guide  683  via lace  685 . Guide  683  is coupled with a strap  686  via sewing, adhesive bonding, riveting, mechanically fastening, rf welding, and the like. The strap  686  winds around a rung of fastener  687  and further winds around and is coupled to a rung of male component  681 . A second strap  689  winds around and is coupled to a rung of fastener  687 . A proximal end of second strap  689  is coupled with the brace or with a component attached to the brace. Operating reel assembly  684  tensions lace  685  to pull guide  683  toward the male component  681  and thereby adjust the fit or tension of the brace about the patient&#39;s body part. 
         [0052]    The embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 6A-J  illustrate straps having parallel lacing patterns. Stated differently, the laces of the straps do not cross atop one another. The parallel lacing patterns provide an efficient transfer of force from the reel assembly and the closure force is directed substantially in one direction. This helps prevent buckling of the brace and helps prevent unnecessary tightening. The parallel lace pattern also makes concealing or hiding the laces within a strap, such as for tending the lace. The lack of lace crossings in the parallel pattern also lowers the friction of or imposed on the lace and helps the lace lay flat on a surface of a device without twisting and the like. In addition, as stated previously, the use of straps and fasteners in the above described straps provides a mechanical advantage in closing the brace when compared to conventional brace closure systems. For example, since the straps are wound around rungs of the fastener, the fasteners function as a pulley and reduce the required lace tension force in half. Thus, it is easier for a patient to tension the lace and adjust the fit of the brace. 
         [0053]    Referring now to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , illustrated are embodiments of straps that include multiple strap configurations. Referring specifically to  FIG. 7A , the strap  700  includes a reel assembly  702  that is coupled with a first strap  704  and a second strap  706  positioned diagonally relative to each other. The straps  704  and  706  each include guides, fasteners, and lace that are coupled with reel assembly  702  as previously described. A terminal end  705  of the lace of straps  704  and  706  is coupled near reel assembly  702 . As reel assembly  702  is operated, the lace is tensioned to tension the strap and pull the guides of straps  704  and  706  toward reel assembly  702 . Reel assembly  702  may be coupled with a male component (or female component) that is removably couplable with a corresponding component attached to the brace as previously described. In this manner, reel assembly  702  may be uncoupled from the brace to allow easy donning and doffing of the brace. 
         [0054]    The use of two straps provides a mechanical advantage as previously described which reduces the required tension force in each strap in half. Straps  704  and  706  are also wound around rungs of the corresponding fasteners. As such, the fasteners function as pulleys to further reduce the required tension force in each strap in half. Thus, the strap configuration shown in  FIG. 7A  provides a significant mechanical advantage when compared with conventional brace closure straps. 
         [0055]      FIG. 7B  illustrates another embodiment of a strap  710 . Strap  710  includes a reel assembly  712  that is coupled with a first strap  714  and a second strap  716  via D-ring guides,  715  and  717  respectively. In some embodiments, the D-ring guides,  715  and  717 , include channels or apertures through which lace is inserted to couple the guides to reel assembly  712 . In other embodiments, the guides,  715  and  717 , may include open channels over and around which the lace is placed so that the lace is removable from the guides. The first and second straps,  714  and  716 , are inserted around a respective rung of the guides,  715  and  717 . The first and second straps,  714  and  716 , may be connected at a distal end with an additional fastener that further couples with the brace or with a strap that is attached to the brace. 
         [0056]    The lace may have a single lace path from the reel assembly  712 , through guide  715 , through tubing  718 , through guide  717 , and back to reel assembly  712 . Tubing  718  may be coupled with the brace via adhesives, sewing, mechanical fasteners, and the like. The single lace path allows the first and second straps,  714  and  716 , to be equally tensioned via reel assembly  712 . In some embodiments, the first and second straps,  714  and  716 , may include Velcro or other attachment means to allow the straps to be lengthened or shortened as desired. In this manner gross or macro adjustment of the brace may be accomplished via the straps,  714  and  716 , to initially fit the brace about the patient&#39;s body part and subsequent adjustment of the brace (i.e., micro or fine adjustment) may be performed via reel assembly  712 . The Velcro may attach to itself on a rear surface that faces the brace as previously described to limit the patient&#39;s access to the Velcro attachment mechanism and encourage the patient to use reel assembly  712  to adjust the brace. In some embodiments, the straps,  714  and  716 , may be fixedly coupled after the initial adjustment to prevent the user from releasing the straps. An advantage of the strap  710  configuration of  FIG. 7B  is the ability of the strap to dynamically adjust, for example, in instances where specific tension in each zone is desired and each strap length is individually adjusted. 
         [0057]      FIG. 7C  illustrates a specific use of a strap. Specifically,  FIG. 7C  illustrates a brace  730  coupled with the strap  710  of  FIG. 7B . As shown, the first strap  714  is coupled with the lower portion of the brace  730  positioned adjacent the patient&#39;s calf. The first strap  714  winds around the patient&#39;s leg and couples with D-ring guide  715  near the patient&#39;s knee. The tubing  718  and reel assembly  712  are coupled adjacent and to the side of the patient&#39;s knee. The second strap  716  is coupled with the upper portion of the brace  730  positioned adjacent the patient&#39;s thigh. The second strap  716  winds around the patient&#39;s leg and couples with D-ring guide  717  near the patient&#39;s knee. Lace runs from reel assembly  712 , through the guide  715  and  717 , and through the tubing  718  as previously described. In some embodiments, straps  714  and  716  include the Velcro fasteners as previously described. In other embodiments other fasteners are used or the straps  714  and  716  do not include fasteners. 
         [0058]    The strap configuration of brace  730  provides several advantages over conventional knee braces including: migration control (i.e., prevents brace  730  from sliding relative to the patient&#39;s leg), easy adjustability via reel assembly  712  and lace, the ability to telescope (i.e., stretch vertically to fit various shaped and sized patients), an increase in sizing or the ability to use a single brace for multiple patients, the ability to adjust two or more straps via a single control (i.e., reel assembly  712 ), and the like. Migration control is provided by the dynamic nature of lace and straps as described above that adjust to changes in shape and size as the patient flexes and moves the leg. For example, as the upper portion of the leg expands, the lace pulls through the guides,  715  and  715 , and tubing  718  to allow the upper portion of the brace  730  and second strap  716  to expand. The lower portion of the brace  730  and the first strap  714  simultaneously contract about the lower portion of the leg due to the lace pulling through the guides,  715  and  717 , and tubing  718 . The first strap  714  also fits tightly around the gastroc to prevent downward movement of the brace  730 . 
         [0059]    Straps  714  and  716  pull around the conically shaped leg, which provide the migration control benefit and also provide angles that may benefit the fitting of that brace around the leg. An additional benefit is that some of the strap material may be reduced by using the two strap configuration, which creates more breathable space for the leg. 
         [0060]    Although  FIG. 7C  illustrates the brace  730  using a single reel assembly  712  and dual strap configuration, in some embodiments the single one strap-reel assembly combinations describe in  FIGS. 6A-J  may be used, or a single reel assembly connected to three or more straps could be used. For example, a single strap (not shown) could be wound 360°, or some other amount, around the leg and pulled via a single reel assembly. Further, reel assembly  712  and/or tubing  718  may be removable from brace  730  to allow the patient to easily don and doff the brace. In some embodiments, the reel assembly  712  and tubing  718  may be part of or coupled with a panel that is removably couplable to the brace  730 . 
         [0061]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , illustrated are various methods in which the guide and lace may be connected to a strap and/or to the brace. These embodiments illustrate various ways in which the guide or reel may be disconnected from the brace, or a strap attached to the brace, to allow the brace to be opened for easy donning and doffing. In one embodiment, a releasable guide  802  may be coupled with the brace or with a strap that is attached to the brace. The releasable guide  802  may be uncoupled from the brace or a strap to allow the brace to be donned and doffed. In another embodiment, a pull tab  804  may be coupled with the lace. The pull tab may be pulled around and over a channel of a guide to couple the lace with the guide. Similarly, the pull tab  804  may be pulled from the guide to allow the brace to be opened. In another embodiment, the guide may be fixed  806  to the brace or strap and the reel assembly may include a hooked portion, or other mechanical means, that couple with a hook that is attached to the brace or a strap. In this manner, the reel assembly may be disconnected from the brace to allow the brace to be donned and doffed. In yet another embodiment, webbing guides may be attached to webbing  808  that includes a keyhole. A key or post that is attached to the brace or a strap may be inserted through the keyhole to removably couple the webbing and webbing guides to the brace. 
         [0062]      FIGS. 9A-C  illustrate various other features of strap configurations. 
         [0063]    Having described several embodiments, it will be recognized by those of skill in the art that various modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents may be used without departing from the spirit of the invention. Additionally, a number of well-known processes and elements have not been described in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention. Accordingly, the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. 
         [0064]    Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limits of that range is also specifically disclosed. Each smaller range between any stated value or intervening value in a stated range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included or excluded in the range, and each range where either, neither or both limits are included in the smaller ranges is also encompassed within the invention, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included. 
         [0065]    As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a process” includes a plurality of such processes and reference to “the device” includes reference to one or more devices and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth. 
         [0066]    Also, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” “include,” “including,” and “includes” when used in this specification and in the following claims are intended to specify the presence of stated features, integers, components, or steps, but they do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, components, steps, acts, or groups.