Patent Publication Number: US-2004054310-A1

Title: Supportive knee brace

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001] This invention relates to a supportive knee brace which is invented primarily to establish the locking mechanism in the knee joint when the extensory apparatus is limited or weakened by paralysis or equilibrium deficiency. Many orthopaedic braces exist for different medical uses. Some are used to support the knee during sport activity, some are used after knee surgery to protect the ligament reconstruction during the recovery period and some are used to reduce the muscle contracture in the knee joint. None of these braces provides a means to support the knee during standing and walking when the knee extensors are weak or paralyzed. The Supportive Knee Brace is a simplified brace that can provide the sufficient support to the knee joint and enable the patient to walk without the fear of falling.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002] I have invented the Supportive Knee Brace to be used as a supportive device for patient with severe muscle weakness or paralysis in the knee joint. My brace is made with soft material called neoprene and has a soft contact with the patients skin. The Supportive Knee Brace has a longitudinal pocket on each side for insertion of the hinged rod. The mid section of the hinge is placed on the medial and lateral axis of the knee joint and moves through the fall range of flexion and extension. The hinge has a lock button and can be locked and unlocked manually by the patient. The Supportive Knee Brace has two straps above and below the knee which can reinforce the locking position during walking. Two flexible stays of the brace located on the back of the brace support the knee joint against excessive extension movement in the joint.  
     
    
    
     A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0003]FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the Supportive Knee Brace.  
     [0004]FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view for the Supportive Knee Brace.  
     [0005]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the Supportive Knee Brace positioned on a patient&#39;s knee in full locking position.  
     [0006]FIG. 4 is a view of a hinged support element in full extension and in a 90 degree bending position.  
     [0007]FIG. 5 shows two flexible stays.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
     [0008]FIG. 1. The Supportive Knee Brace  2  is shown presenting the top plan view. The brace is made with soft material called neoprene. The edge of the Brace  2  has a velcro section  14  which is sewn securely to the edge of the knee brace, above and below the patella opening  16 . Strap  12  passes through pocket  6  on top and bottom of the knee brace  2  are used in fastening the knee brace during use.  
     [0009]FIG. 2. The Supportive Knee Brace  2  is shown presenting a bottom plan view of the Supportive Knee Brace. On the mid section of the brace  2  are flexible stays  18  which are inserted in the longitudinal position and fit s the contour section of the knee joint on the back and give an additional support during standing and walking.  
     [0010]FIG. 3. The Supportive Knee Brace  2  is shown presenting a view of the knee brace positioned on a patients knee with the hinged rod in a straight and locking position.  
     [0011]FIG. 4. The Supportive Knee Brace  2  shown presenting a view of a hinged rod  6  in 90degrees and 180degrees position. The hinged rod is placed in pocket  4  which is securely holding in stable position. When the Supportive Knee Brace is position on the patient&#39;s knee, the circular section  8  of the rod  6  are placed precisely over the medial and lateral section of the knee joint. The hinged rods are capable of maneuvering to the full range of flexion and extension position and it can be manually locked by locking element  10  in a straight position for standing or walking.