Abstract:
A fastener system for an orthopedic device having separable, spaced apart first posterior and second anterior sections. The system uses sets of straps, complimentary clips, cooperating fixed anchor ring assemblies and pull ring assemblies to quickly ensure accurate and proper alignment of the device to the user&#39;s body.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to an improved orthotic appliance and, more particularly, to a brace or support device for a limb wherein the device is secured to the patient with a quick fastening system. The quick clip system of the present invention provides an apparatus for attaching a back support appliance without twisting the patient&#39;s limb, torso, or trunk. 
     As is well known, many orthotic appliances must be frequently removed by the patient throughout an ordinary day. When the patient&#39;s movement and flexibility are impaired or restricted by the physician&#39;s directive, the process of removing and reinstalling the appliance can be quite difficult. Existing devices require elaborate procedures for securing an orthopedic device to a patient. Orthosis manufacturers prepare extensive, detailed diagrams to facilitate instructing and training physicians, nurses, therapists, and patients in the proper procedures for attaching such devices. These procedures are even more difficult when the appliance is a rigid, molded, conformable, corset-like lumbosacral spine and pelvic tilt control brace and the patient must not twist his/her back, trunk or torso. The present invention utilizes a unique, easy-to-adjust fastening system to secure the orthopedic appliance to the patient. The present system may be utilized with any two piece, separable appliance having a front (anterior) section and a back (posterior) section wherein the appliance is secured to the patient&#39;s body by adjustable straps. 
     Numerous prior art fastener systems are known. These include U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,102,879; 5,840,051; 5,722,940; 5,690,609; 5,651,764; 5,433,697; 5,363,863; and 5,095,894. However, none of the prior art teaches or discloses the unique quick clip system of the present invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of an orthopedic device having the present inventive fastener system. 
     FIG. 2 shows a partial exploded perspective view of a strap and clip arrangement of the present inventive system. 
     FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of a clip of the present invention with a first indicia of strap position of a clip body. 
     FIG. 4 illustrates a side elevation view of a clip of the present invention. 
     FIG. 5 shows a front elevation view of a second clip of the present invention with a second strap position indicator shown on the clip. 
     FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of a third clip of the present invention with yet another strap position indicator. 
     FIG. 7 illustrates a back elevation view of a clip of the present invention with a locking member hole in the hook section. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     In FIG. 1, a rigid, molded plastic torso brace ( 10 ) incorporating the present invention is shown properly fitted and secured to a patient ( 12 ). The front ( 14 ) (anterior) and back (posterior) sections of the brace are sized and shaped to generally conform to the patient&#39;s skeletal structure. While the drawings illustrate the present invention in the form of an orthopedic back brace structure ( 10 ), it should be understood that the present invention may also be incorporated in any two-piece, separable support appliance that requires adjustment of straps to secure the appliance to the patient; for example, an arm, shoulder, leg, hip, wrist, or ankle brace may be adapted to accept the present fastener system. The improvement lies in the ease of proper alignment and adjustment of the appliance to the patient&#39;s body without undue twisting or turning. 
     Brace ( 10 ) is shown with six securing straps ( 16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24  and  26 ), six complimentary clips ( 28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34 ,  36  and  38 ), six cooperating fixed anchor ring assemblies ( 40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48  and  50 ), and six releasably attachable pull ring assemblies ( 52 ,  54 ,  56 ,  58 ,  60  and  62 ). Again, it should be understood that more or less of these elements may be required depending on the size and shape of the appliance. However, the straps, clips, anchor ring assemblies, and pull ring assemblies are used in cooperating sets to achieve the desired results. 
     In FIG. 1, clips  34 ,  36  and  38  are provided with locking set screws ( 64 ,  66  and  68 ) as will as described in more detail below. 
     Turning to FIG. 2, the top set of fasteners is illustrated for clarity purposes. The top right securing strap ( 16 ) is permanently secured at a first end ( 72 ) by a rivet, screw, or like fastener to the posterior brace section ( 15 ). Cooperating and opposing, top left side securing strap ( 22 ) is likewise permanently fastened to the posterior brace section ( 15 ). Each strap ( 16  and  22 ) extends from the back side ( 15 ) to the front side ( 14 ) of the brace ( 10 ). The lengths of the straps is adjustable to vary the distance separating the brace sections to accommodate the body size of the patient. Once the strap lengths are properly set, there is little or no need to frequently readjust the strap lengths except to extend the length to fit over differing clothing thicknesses, or if there has been a significant limb or body size change. 
     The straps ( 16  and  22 ) are wrapped forwardly around the outer surface of the brace sections and second ends ( 74  and  76 ) are threaded through fastener loops ( 78  and  80 ) in clips ( 28  and  34 ), respectively. The straps have appropriate facings ( 82  and  84 ) to attach Velcro (hook and loop fastener) sections ( 86  and  88 ) on pull ring assemblies ( 52  and  58 ), as will be well understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Once the ends ( 74  and  76 ) are threaded and pull rings ( 90  and  92 ) are attached, the length of the straps may be adjusted to set the distance d between the brace sections ( 14  and  15 ). 
     The clips ( 28  and  34 ) are connectable to anchor ring assemblies ( 40  and  46 ), which are permanently attached to the anterior brace section ( 14 ) by fasteners ( 100  and  101 ), through fastener loops ( 104  and  106 ). The C-shaped hooks ( 108  and  110 ) hook about the loops ( 104  and  106 ). 
     To adjust the strap lengths, the user pulls the pull rings ( 90  and  92 ) causing the straps to slide over sleeves ( 112  and  114 ) which rotate about fixed journals ( 116  and  118 ) in the strap loops ( 78  and  80 ) in clips ( 28  and  34 , respectively). The rotatable sleeves ( 112  and  114 ) facilitate the adjusting of the straps and reduces wear on the strap surfaces. These features are particularly important when adjusting the straps must be accomplished without twisting or turning the torso or limb. As the appropriate length is achieved, the pull rings are pressed against intermediate sections ( 120  and  122 ) of the straps, thereby securing the straps to the hook and loop fastener sections ( 86  and  88 ). 
     To reduce the number of straps which must be adjusted, selected clips ( 34 ,  36  and  38 ) are provided with locking set screws ( 64 ,  66  and  68 ) which pass through threaded holes ( 65 ) (in FIG. 2) to the C-shaped end of the clips. Tightening the set screw keeps the hook ( 110 ) on the clip ( 34 ) from disconnecting from the loop ( 106 ). 
     When the user must remove the appliance ( 10 ), all he/she has to do is loosen the pull ring assemblies ( 52 ,  54  and  56 ) on one side from the intermediate sections and the two separate brace sections ( 14  and  15 ) may be separated as the clips ( 28 ,  30  and  32 ) are released from anchor ring assemblies ( 40 ,  42  and  44 ). When the appliance is to be reapplied the user reverses the process. All adjustment takes place in the front of the appliance and can be seen by the user with no twisting or turning required. 
     To further eliminate the need to twist and turn, selected clips ( 28 ,  30  and  32 ) are provided with indicia ( 130 ) on other selected clips to indicate the relative position of the strap on the posterior brace section. For example, FIGS. 3,  5  and  6  show indicia ( 130 ,  131  and  132 ) indicating that clips ( 28 ,  30  and  32 ) are the “top,” “middle,” and “bottom” straps. The user does not have to twist around to make sure that the straps are not crossed. While one embodiment uses indicia actually cut through the clip body, it should be understood that the indicia may be stamped, raised, or printed on the selected clips. 
     Although the invention has been described with reference to a specific embodiment, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. On the contrary, various modifications of the disclosed embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will cover such modifications, alternatives, and equivalents that fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.