Patent Publication Number: US-11039948-B2

Title: Hinged ankle brace

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/179,806, filed Jun. 10, 2016, which is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/851,725, filed Mar. 27, 2013 and now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,364,366, which is a continuation application of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/243,754, filed on Oct. 4, 2005 and now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,641,654, on Feb. 4, 2014, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/615,621, filed Oct. 4, 2004. Each application is hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field of the Disclosure 
     The present disclosure relates to orthopedic ankle braces. 
     Description of the Related Technology 
     A variety of ankle braces are currently available to prevent ankle injuries, such as sprains. Some braces include purely soft components, and others incorporate rigid components. In general, these braces are designed to support the wearer&#39;s ankle and prevent unnatural movements that might cause injury. 
     SUMMARY 
     The preferred embodiments of the present ankle braces have several features, no single one of which is solely responsible for their desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of these ankle braces as expressed by the claims that follow, more prominent features will now be discussed briefly. After considering this discussion, and particularly after reading the section entitled “Detailed Description,” one will understand how the features of the preferred embodiments provide advantages, which include support for high ankle sprains, improved inversion and eversion control, reduced foot slippage, calcaneus support, and incremental adjustability as well as enhanced comfort, support and stability for a wearer. 
     In certain embodiments, the present ankle braces comprise a semi-rigid ankle cuff, a semi rigid foot bed, a medial hinge, and a lateral hinge. The semi-rigid ankle cuff includes a calf-supporting portion configured to extend around a posterior side of a lower calf of a wearer, a medial upright extending generally downward from a medial side of the calf-supporting portion, and a lateral upright extending generally downward from a lateral side of the calf-supporting portion. The foot bed includes a foot plate contoured to underlie at least a portion of a foot of the wearer, a medial wing extending generally upward from the medial side of the foot bed, and a lateral wing extending generally upward from the lateral side of the foot bed. The medial hinge rotatably connects the medial wing with the medial upright. The lateral hinge rotatably connects the lateral wing with the lateral upright. The medial hinge is positioned higher than the lateral hinge relative to the foot plate. Advantageously, this relative positioning of the medial hinge and the lateral hinge closely simulates ankle anatomy, thus allowing a natural bending motion of a wearer&#39;s ankle. 
     In other embodiments, the present ankle brace comprises a semi-rigid ankle cuff and a semi rigid foot bed. The semi-rigid ankle cuff includes a calf-supporting portion configured to extend around a posterior side of a lower calf of a wearer, a medial upright extending generally downward from a medial side the calf-supporting portion, and a lateral upright extending generally downward from a lateral side of the calf-supporting portion. The semi rigid foot bed includes a foot plate contoured to underlie at least a portion of a foot of the wearer, a cut out portion configured to receive a heel of a wearer, a medial wing extending generally upward from a posterior medial edge of the foot plate, and a lateral wing extending generally upward from a posterior lateral edge of the foot plate. The foot bed is rotatably coupled to the ankle cuff. 
     In other embodiments, the present ankle brace comprises a semi-rigid ankle cuff and a semi-rigid foot bed rotatably coupled to the ankle cuff. The semi-rigid cuff comprises a calf-supporting portion configured to support a posterior side of an ankle of a wearer, and at least one semi-rigid strap extending from the calf-supporting portion and including a ratchet mechanism to adjustably position the ankle cuff on the ankle of a wearer. 
     In other embodiments, the present ankle brace comprises a semi-rigid shell configured to overlie and support at least a portion of a wearer&#39;s ankle and/or foot, and an outer sleeve configured to overlie at least a portion of the semi-rigid shell, and configured to apply compression to the semi-rigid shell. 
     In other embodiments, the present ankle brace comprises a semi-rigid ankle cuff configured to overlie and support at least a portion of a calf and/or ankle of the wearer, and a semi-rigid foot bed configured to underlie at least a portion of the wearer&#39;s foot. The foot bed includes at least one of a medial posterior extension and a lateral posterior extension. The at least one posterior extension is configured to cup and support a heel of the wearer. 
     In other embodiments, a method for applying an ankle brace is provided. The method comprises the steps of applying an inner liner to the ankle of the wearer, applying a semi-rigid shell including an ankle cuff and at least one strap to the inner liner, incrementally adjusting the circumference of the ankle cuff, and securing the strap with respect to the calf-supporting portion. The semi-rigid shell comprises a foot bed and an ankle cuff rotatably coupled to the foot bed, the ankle cuff comprising a calf-supporting portion, at least one semi-rigid strap extending from the calf-supporting portion, and a ratchet mechanism to incrementally adjust a circumference of the ankle cuff. 
     In other embodiments, another method for applying an ankle brace is provided. The method comprises the steps of applying a semi-rigid shell to the ankle, securing the semi-rigid shell about the ankle, applying an outer sleeve over the semi-rigid shell, and securing the outer sleeve with respect to the semi-rigid shell. The semi-rigid shell includes structure that overlies and supports at least a portion of the ankle, and the outer sleeve is configured to overlie and compress at least a portion of the semi-rigid shell. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The preferred embodiments of the present ankle braces, illustrating their features, will now be discussed in detail. These embodiments depict the novel and non-obvious ankle braces 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 front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present hinged ankle brace; 
         FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of a semi-rigid shell of the hinged ankle brace of  FIG. 1 , illustrating the semi-rigid straps of the shell in a disengaged configuration; 
         FIG. 3  is a partially exploded front perspective view of the hinged ankle brace of  FIG. 1 , illustrating an inner liner of the brace removed from the semi-rigid shell; 
         FIG. 4  is a front elevational view of the semi-rigid shell of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a left-side elevational view of the semi-rigid shell  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a right-side elevational view of the semi-rigid shell  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a detail front elevational view of the curved slot and ratchet mechanism of the semi-rigid straps of the ankle brace of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a detail front elevational view of the curved slot and ratchet mechanism of  FIG. 7  in a first rotated position; 
         FIG. 9  is a detail front elevational view of the curved slot and ratchet mechanism of  FIG. 7  in a second rotated position; 
         FIG. 10  is a front elevational view of the foot bed of the hinged ankle brace of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a front perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the present hinged ankle brace; 
         FIG. 12  is a rear elevational view of the hinged ankle brace of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a front perspective view of an outer sleeve of the hinged ankle brace of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a front perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the present hinged ankle brace; 
         FIG. 15  is a front perspective view of an outer sleeve of the hinged ankle brace of  FIG. 14 ; and 
         FIG. 16  is a rear perspective view of an inner liner of the hinged ankle brace of  FIG. 14 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-10 , one embodiment of the present hinged ankle brace  100  includes a semi-rigid shell  101 . The shell  101  comprises an upper ankle cuff  102  and a lower foot bed  104 . In one embodiment, the lower foot bed  104  and the upper ankle cuff  102  are each constructed of a plastic material, such as polyamide or a composite of polyamide and ABS. The material used to construct the lower foot bed  104  and the upper ankle cuff  102  preferably imparts these components with semi-rigid characteristics, such that they generally hold their respective shapes and provide support to the wearer&#39;s ankle, but are capable of being deformed to match the contours of the wearer&#39;s ankle and to allow the wearer&#39;s ankle to follow its natural motion. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that any materials having the desired properties could be used to construct the lower foot bed  104  and the upper ankle cuff  102 , and that the examples provided above are not limiting. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-16 , the illustrated embodiments of present ankle brace  100 ,  200 ,  300  are configured to fit a wearer&#39;s right ankle. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the configuration of the illustrated ankle braces could be reversed to provide an ankle brace configured to fit a wearer&#39;s left ankle. Moreover, certain features and aspects of the illustrated embodiments discussed further below, including the ratchetably interconnected straps and the outer soft sleeve, could be used in conjunction with a universal ankle brace, that is, one that is configured to fit either a wearer&#39;s left or right ankle. 
     As described in more detail below, in certain embodiments the hinged ankle brace comprises a three-layer apparatus including an outer soft sleeve  902 ,  1202  ( FIGS. 11, 14 ), an inner soft liner  130 ,  1230  and a semi-rigid shell  101  disposed between the outer sleeve  902 ,  1202  and the inner liner  130 ,  1230 . In certain embodiments, the hinged ankle brace is configured to be worn inside a shoe. The semi-rigid shell  101  provides sufficient flexibility to conform to a wearer&#39;s anatomy, but is sufficiently rigid to resist torsional distortion imparted by inversion and eversion forces. The ankle brace may be used for a variety of purposes including, but not limited to, prevention of ankle/foot rolling, protection against high ankle sprains, and protection against excessive supination and/or pronation of the foot. 
     With reference to  FIG. 2 , one embodiment of the semi-rigid shell  101  comprises an ankle cuff  102  and foot bed  104 , wherein the ankle cuff  102  and foot bed  104  are pivotally connected, such as by a hinge mechanism. Pivot points are preferably provided along both the medial and lateral sides of the foot bed  104 , with the lateral pivot  106  being slightly lower than the medial pivot  108 . This arrangement of the pivots  106 ,  108  enables the pivoting action of the ankle cuff  102  with respect to the foot bed  104  to match the natural pivoting motion of the wearer&#39;s ankle in dorsi-flexion and plantar-flexion. The ankle cuff  102  and foot bed  104  are preferably sufficiently flexible for conforming to the shape of the wearer&#39;s foot, ankle, and lower leg, while being sufficiently rigid to protect against injury. If desired, the foot bed  104  may be heat-formed or otherwise molded to conform to the wearer&#39;s foot for additional comfort. When assembled, the semi-rigid shell  101  is preferably open toed and open heeled. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 2 and 7 , in the illustrated embodiment, a medial strap  140  and a lateral strap  141  extend forward from the ankle cuff  102 . The straps  140 ,  141  are preferably semi-rigid and include a ratchet mechanism to incrementally tighten the cuff and maintain the desired tension. The lateral strap  141  preferably extends through a slot  710  in the medial strap  140  having a curved shape  714  for allowing the straps  140 - 141  to angularly adjust. As best illustrated in  FIGS. 7-9 , this feature accommodates medial/lateral cuff flexing for additional comfort and effectiveness during use. It will further be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the interlocking nature of the strap provides excellent torsional rigidity and improved eversion and inversion control. 
     Upper Ankle Cuff 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the upper ankle cuff  102  includes a calf-supporting portion  121  shaped and configured to support a posterior side of the wearer&#39;s calf. A lateral upright  120  extends downward from a lateral side of the calf-supporting portion  121 , and a medial upright  122  extends downward from a medial side of the calf-supporting portion  121 . A lower end of the lateral upright  120  is pivotally attached to a corresponding lateral wing  110  extending upward from a lateral side of the foot bed  104  with a lateral hinge  106 . A lower end of the medial upright  122  is pivotally attached to a corresponding medial wing  112  extending upward from a medial side of the foot bed  104  with a medial hinge  108 . These pivotal attachments  106 ,  108  allow the upper ankle cuff  102  and the foot bed  104  to pivot with respect to each other such that the ankle brace allows the ankle of a wearer to flex in dorsi-flexion and plantar-flexion. With reference to  FIG. 4 , in certain embodiments, the pivots  106 ,  108  may be arranged such that the medial pivot  108  is higher with respect to the foot bed  104  than the lateral pivot  106 . Thus, the centers of the axes of rotation for each pivot  106 ,  108  are offset from one another, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . Additionally, the axes of rotation are skewed relative to a horizontal plane. Advantageously, this offset and skewed geometry of the pivots  106 ,  108  closely resembles the anatomy of a human ankle, thus allowing the brace to closely simulate the natural bending motion of the human ankle. 
     In certain embodiments, the upper ankle cuff  102  may be comprised of a heat moldable material. For example, certain polyamide and polyamide/ABS composite materials may have the desired heat moldability. In these embodiments, advantageously, the upper ankle cuff  102  may be individually molded to accurately conform to the particular calf anatomy of a wearer. A heat gun or other readily available heating device may be used to raise the temperature of the upper ankle cuff  102  so that it becomes moldable, allowing each individual wearer to create a custom-fit ankle cuff  102 . 
     Semi-Rigid Straps 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , in certain embodiments the ankle brace  100  includes a semi-rigid medial strap  140  and a semi-rigid lateral strap  141 . The semi rigid straps  140 ,  141  are configured to adjustably position the ankle cuff  102  on the ankle of a wearer. In the illustrated embodiments, at least a portion of each semi-rigid strap  140 ,  141  is formed integrally with the upper ankle cuff  102 . For example, these portions could be molded as one piece of polyamide or a composite of polyamide and ABS. The medial strap  140  extends forward from a medial side of the upper ankle cuff  102 , and the lateral strap  141  extends forward from a lateral side of the upper ankle cuff  102 .  FIG. 1  illustrates the straps  140 ,  141  in an engaged position, and  FIG. 2  illustrates the straps in a disengaged position. 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 7-9 , the ratcheted adjustment of the medial strap  140  with respect to the lateral strap  141  is provided by the engagement between a slot  710  disposed on the medial strap  140  and a plurality of ridges  712  disposed on the lateral strap  141 . However, it is recognized that other ratchet mechanisms known in the art could be incorporated into the straps  140 ,  141  of the ankle brace. A curved edge  714  of the slot  710  engages one of the plurality of ridges  712 , thus maintaining the position of the two straps relative to each other. Advantageously, the ratcheted interconnection allows a wearer to repeatedly and reliably adjust the straps to a desired size of the ankle brace. The wearer may note the number of ridges  712  advanced through the slot  710  when the ankle brace  100  is properly sized. By advancing the same number of ridges  712  through the slot  710  during each fitting, the wearer is able to repeatedly and consistently achieve the same incremental adjustment of the ankle brace. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 7-9 , in the illustrated embodiments the engagement side of the slot  710  includes a curved profile  714 . This curved profile  714  allows ratcheted interconnection of the two straps  140 ,  141  even over a range of angles where the straps  140 ,  141  are transverse to each other.  FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate the ratcheted interconnection of the straps  140 ,  141  over a range of transverse orientations of the straps  140 ,  141  relative to each other. In  FIG. 8 , the straps are in a first rotated position. In  FIG. 9 , the straps are in a second rotated position relative to each other. The curved profile  714  of the slot  710  allows the slot  710  to maintain contact with the ridges  712  for all rotated positions in a range between the first rotated position and the second rotated position. Advantageously, this contact between the slot  710  and the ridges  712  allows the straps  140 ,  141  to securely conform to any of various ankle sizes and geometries. Additionally, the curved profile  714  maintains the ratcheted interconnection between the straps  140 ,  141  even where a wearer&#39;s walking or running motion rotates the straps relative to each other. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 5-9 , each of the straps  140 ,  141  may comprise of a first segment  702  adjacent the ankle cuff  102  and a second segment  704  spaced from the ankle cuff  102 . These segments  702 ,  704  may comprise materials having different rigidities. In one embodiment, the first segment  702  is semi-rigid, and, as noted above, is formed as a single, unitary piece with the upper ankle cuff  102 . The second segment  704 , however, may be relatively less rigid. Therefore, the increased flexibility of the second segment  704  advantageously allows the straps  140 ,  141  to closely conform to the shape of the outer surface of the ankle cuff  102 , thus tightly conforming the ankle brace to a wearer&#39;s ankle. The semi-rigid first segment  702  contributes to the overall support and stability provided to a wearer&#39;s ankle by the ankle brace  100 . The first segments  702  of the ratchetably interconnecting straps  140 ,  141 , combined with the calf-supporting portion  121  ( FIG. 1 ), completely encircle the wearer&#39;s ankle. Advantageously, since the ankle brace  100  provides a semi-rigid structure completely encircling the ankle of the wearer, it provides enhanced resistance to high ankle sprains as compared to an ankle brace including only a soft strap. 
     The second segments  704  may be configured to mate with outer surfaces of the ankle cuff  102  through the use of fasteners such as, for example, hook-and-loop fasteners. In a preferred embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , each second segment  704  includes a patch of hook fasteners  204  disposed on an inner surface. An outer surface of the calf-supporting portion  121  includes a patch of loop fasteners  202  disposed thereon. When the strap  140  is in an engaged position ( FIG. 1 ), the hook fasteners  204  and loop fasteners  202  mate to secure the straps  140 ,  141 . Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the locations of the hook fasteners and the loop fasteners could be switched to position the loop fasteners on the straps  140 ,  141  and the hook fasteners on the ankle cuff  102 . Those of skill in the art will further appreciate that other fasteners such as snaps, buttons, laces, zippers, or other similar fasteners could be used to adjustably secure the second segments  704  to the ankle cuff  102 . 
     Foot Bed 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-3 and 10 , the foot bed  104  includes a contoured lower foot plate  150 , a lateral wing  110 , and a medial wing  112 . The wings  110 ,  112  extend generally upwardly from medial and lateral edges, respectively, of a posterior portion of the foot plate  150 . The contours of the foot plate  150  preferably follow the natural contours of the sole of a typical human foot. For example, the foot plate  150  includes a raised portion  151  that mates with the concavity of the wearer&#39;s arch. The foot plate  150  underlies the entire width of the wearer&#39;s foot and extends from adjacent the ball of the wearer&#39;s foot to adjacent the wearer&#39;s heel. Therefore, the foot plate  150  provides a relatively large coverage area and sole-conforming contours that reduce the incidence of foot slippage from the foot plate  150 . This large coverage area provides various advantages over a stirrup-like foot retaining section as has been previously disclosed. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,524,266 and 6,656,145 disclose stirrup-like foot retaining portions. In contrast to these stirrup-like foot retaining sections, which rely on only a narrow strip of material contacting a wearer&#39;s foot for all support of that foot, the foot plate  150  of the illustrated embodiments provides a larger contact area between the wearer&#39;s foot and the foot plate  150 . This larger contact area contributes to greater control against inversion, eversion, and rotation of a wearer&#39;s foot, at least in part by reducing the risk of foot slippage with respect to the foot plate  150 . Further, the sole-conforming contours of the foot plate  150  also reduce the incidence of foot slippage from the foot plate  150 , which provides further control against inversion, eversion, and rotation of the wearer&#39;s foot. 
     With references to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , which depict left and right side views of the semi-rigid shell  101 , the lateral wing  110  includes a lateral posterior extension  114 , and the medial wing  112  includes a medial posterior extension  116 . Each of the posterior extensions  114 ,  116  is shaped substantially as a rounded lobe in side elevational view, and each is configured to cup and support each side of the wearer&#39;s ankle and heel. The posterior extensions  114 ,  116  thus provide calcaneal support to the wearer and prevent unnatural inversion and eversion. 
     The lateral and medial wings  110 ,  112  may be connected to the foot plate  150  by a medial bend region  152  and a lateral bend region  154  ( FIG. 10 ) interposed between the foot plate  150  and corresponding lateral and medial wings  110 ,  112 . These bend regions  152 ,  154  may be slightly more flexible than the foot plate  150  to facilitate conformance of the ankle brace with the anatomy of a particular wearer. For example, the bend regions  152 ,  154  may be formed of the same material as the foot plate  150 , but be less thick than the foot plate  150 . The bend regions  152 ,  154  advantageously allow the ankle brace to fit a given individual well despite variations in anatomical geometry across the general population. 
     The lateral and medial wings  110 ,  112  are configured to be pivotally coupled to the lateral and medial uprights  120 ,  122  of the upper ankle cuff  102 . With reference to  FIG. 2 , a medial hinge  108  pivotally couples the medial wing  112  of the foot bed  104  with the medial upright  122  of the ankle cuff  102  and a lateral hinge  106  pivotally couples the lateral wing  110  of the foot bed  104  with the lateral upright  120  of the ankle cuff  102 . As discussed above, in certain embodiments, the medial pivot  108  is higher with respect to the foot plate  150  than the lateral pivot  106 . Advantageously, this geometry closely resembles the anatomy of a human ankle, thus allowing the ankle brace to closely simulate an ankle&#39;s natural bending motion. As depicted, the lateral and medial hinges  106 ,  108  comprise rotatable riveted connections. However, those of skill in the art will appreciate that other rotatable connections could be used instead. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , a substantially semi-circular cut-out portion  160  of the foot plate  150  receives the wearer&#39;s heel. As explained above, in certain embodiments, the ankle brace  100  may be worn within a shoe of a wearer. The cut-out portion  160  enables the wearer&#39;s heel to engage the insole of the wearer&#39;s shoe, such that the foot plate  150  does not interfere with the cushioning provided by the shoe. Likewise, in the illustrated embodiments the foot bed  104  does not extend under the ball of the wearer&#39;s foot, thus allowing the shoe to cushion standing, walking, and running loads on the heel and the ball of the wearer&#39;s foot. 
     In certain embodiments, the foot bed  104  may be comprised of a heat moldable material. For example, certain polyamide and polyamide/ABS composite materials may have the desired heat moldability. In these embodiments, advantageously, the foot bed  104  may be individually molded to accurately conform to the particular foot anatomy of a wearer or a particular shoe or orthotic to be worn by the wearer. A heat gun or other readily available heating device may be used to raise the temperature of the foot bed  104  so that it becomes moldable, allowing each individual wearer to create a custom-fit foot bed  104 . 
     In certain embodiments, the foot bed  104  may be comprised of a trimmable material. For example, certain polyamide and polyamide/ABS composite materials may be trimmable. In these embodiments, advantageously, material may be trimmed from the foot bed  104  to accurately conform the foot bed  104  to the foot anatomy of a particular wearer or to a shoe of the wearer. Scissors, knives, saws, rotary tools, or other cutting devices may be used to trim the foot bed  104 . 
     Inner Liner 
     In certain embodiments, the present ankle brace includes an inner liner. As depicted in  FIGS. 1, 3 and 11-12 , the inner liner  130  is sized and shaped to underlie the ankle cuff  102 . With reference to  FIG. 3 , the inner liner  130  has a calf-supporting portion  131  configured to encircle the wearer&#39;s lower calf, a medial upright  133  extending downward from a medial side of the calf-supporting portion, and a lateral upright  135  extending downward from the lateral side of the calf-supporting portion.  FIG. 3  illustrates a partially exploded view of the ankle brace  100  with its inner liner  130  removed from its semi-rigid shell  101 . The inner liner  130  may be comprised of a soft, compressible material. In one embodiment, the inner liner  130  is comprised of an EVA foam inner cushion in a brushed polyamide outer layer. Alternatively, the inner liner  130  could be comprised of polyurethane foam, polyethylene foam, microspheres (such as glass) contained in a lubricant matrix (such as mineral oil), other gels and foams, or pneumatics. Advantageously, the inner liner  130  provides a comfortable fit for the wearer as well as stability. 
     The inner liner  130  may include at least one generally vertical channel  301 . The channel  301  is formed on an inner surface of the inner liner  130 . The channel may extend below the surface of the inner liner  130 . The channel  301  allows the inner liner  130  to flex. This flexibility enhances the ability of the inner liner  130  to encircle and maintain contact with ankles having a variety of sizes and shapes. 
     The inner liner  130  is preferably removable from the ankle cuff  102 .  FIG. 1  illustrates the ankle brace  100  with an inner liner  130  inserted in the ankle cuff  102 .  FIGS. 2-6  illustrate a semi-rigid shell  101  of the ankle brace  100  with the inner liner  130  removed. Preferably, this removability may be achieved with hook-and-loop fasteners. In certain embodiments, a portion of a brushed polyamide surface of the inner liner  130  serves as the loop component of a hook-and-loop fastener. At least one patch of hooks  302  ( FIGS. 2, 3 ) may be adhered to an inner surface of the ankle cuff  102  such that the inner liner  130  may be removably attached thereto. Alternatively, other fasteners known in the art such as snaps, zippers, buttons, or adhesive strips may be used to removably or permanently attach the inner liner  130  to the ankle cuff  102 . Advantageously, a removable inner liner  130  may be removed for various reasons including to be cleaned, dried, laundered, or replaced with an inner liner  130  of a different size. 
     With reference to  FIG. 3 , the calf-supporting portion  131  of the inner liner  130  is shaped and configured to provide support for the posterior of the wearer&#39;s ankle and is open at an anterior side to allow the wearer to easily don the inner liner  130 . The inner liner  130  may also comprise an adjustable fastener such that the inner liner  130  may be adjustably conformed to a wearer&#39;s ankle. Preferably, this adjustable fastener comprises a hook-and-loop fastener. The outer surface of the inner liner may serve as a loop portion of a hook-and-loop fastener, configured to mate with a patch of hooks  304  on an inner surface of the inner liner  130 . Other fasteners such as laces, snaps, buttons, zippers or other similar adjustable fasteners may be used to adjust the inner liner  130 . 
       FIGS. 14-16  illustrate another embodiment of the present ankle brace  300  in which an inner liner  1230  additionally includes an Achilles heel pad  1234  to provide enhanced comfort and stability to a wearer&#39;s ankle.  FIG. 16  illustrates the inner liner  1230  to be used with the ankle brace  300  in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 14 . The inner liner  1230  includes a calf-supporting portion  1221  sized and configured to encircle the wearer&#39;s lower calf, a lateral upright  1220  extending downward from a lateral side of the calf-supporting portion, a medial upright  1222  extending downward from a medial side of the calf-supporting portion, and an Achilles heel pad  1234  extending downward from a posterior side of the calf-supporting portion  1221 . The medial and lateral uprights  1220 ,  1222  extend anteriorly such that they overlap at an anterior face of the inner liner  1230 . The Achilles heel pad  1234  provides additional comfort and support to the wearer&#39;s heel. Additionally, the Achilles heel pad provides cushioning to the wearer&#39;s heel when the inner liner  1230  is worn in conjunction with a compressive outer sleeve  1202  as depicted in  FIG. 15  and discussed further below. Preferably, the Achilles heel pad  1234  has at least one vent  1232  therein to promote breathability of the ankle brace. 
     Outer Sleeve 
       FIGS. 11 and 12  illustrate another embodiment of the present ankle brace  200 , which comprises a removable outer sleeve  902 . The outer sleeve  902  is an adjustable soft band that is sized and configured to encircle the semi-rigid shell  101  at a location overlying the wearer&#39;s ankle joint. In the illustrated embodiments, the outer sleeve  902  is a generally rectangular band whose ends may be overlapped to form a generally cylindrical segment whose inner diameter can be varied by adjusting the amount of overlap of the ends. 
     The outer sleeve is best illustrated in  FIG. 13 . The outer sleeve  902  may be comprised of a relatively inelastic fabric that is strong and durable such as a polyester material. The outer sleeve  902  is configured to be positioned outside the ankle cuff  102  at a location approximately overlying the ankle joint of a wearer. The outer sleeve  902  thus provides ankle joint compression to a wearer by compressing the semi-rigid ankle cuff  102  and foot bed  104  around the ankle of a wearer. This ankle joint compression provides additional support to the wearer&#39;s ankle joint. 
     The circumference of the outer sleeve  902  is preferably securably adjustable. As depicted this securable adjustability is provided by a plurality of laces  904  passing through a tongue lace guide  906  and opposing eyelets  908  on the outer sleeve  902 . Ends of the laces  904  are securable to the outer sleeve  902  with hook-and-loop fasteners  910 . In the illustrated embodiments, the outer surface of the outer sleeve  902  forms the loop portion of the fastener, and the hook portion is provided by a patch to which the ends of the laces are affixed. Advantageously, this combination of laces  904  with hook-and-loop fasteners  910  facilitates rapid application, adjustment, and removal of the outer sleeve  902 . But, it is recognized that other fastening devices such as knotted laces, flexible hook-and-loop straps, elastic bands, and other similar securable adjustable devices may be used in conjunction with an outer sleeve  902  to provide the desired ankle joint compression. 
     In other embodiments, as depicted in  FIGS. 14-16 , an ankle brace  300  may further comprise a removable outer sleeve  1202  that provides enhanced support. The outer sleeve  1202  is configured to overlie the foot bed  104  and a lower portion of the ankle cuff  102 . The outer sleeve  1202  thus provides enhanced support to a wearer by compressing the foot bed  104  around the wearer&#39;s foot and by compressing ankle cuff  102  around the wearer&#39;s ankle joint. The outer sleeve  1202  is preferably adjustably securable. A plurality of laces  1204  interwoven through a tongue lace guide  1206  and opposing eyelets  1208  on the outer sleeve  1202  may provide this adjustable securability. Ends of the laces  1204  may be adjustably secured to the outer sleeve  1202  with hook-and-loop fasteners substantially as described above with respect to the embodiments of  FIGS. 11-13 . Also, other suitable fasteners such as knotted laces, flexible hook-and-loop straps, elastic bands, or other similar securable adjustable devices may be used in conjunction with an outer sleeve providing enhanced support. 
     Applying the Present Ankle Brace 
     A wearer may don the ankle brace illustrated in  FIGS. 1-10  with the semi rigid shell  101  and the inner liner  130  in an open configuration as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . The wearer applies the inner liner  130  to his or her lower calf such that the calf-supporting portion  131  covers a posterior side of the wearer&#39;s ankle and the lateral and medial uprights  135 ,  133  extend down corresponding lateral and medial sides of the wearer&#39;s ankle. The wearer may then secure the inner liner  130  around the ankle by applying the patch of hooks  304  to a loop portion formed on a surface of the inner liner  130 . The wearer also securably positions the inner liner  130  in the semi-rigid shell  101  such that the inner liner  130  is substantially aligned with the ankle cuff  102 . Patches of hooks  302  may mate with an outer surface of the inner liner  130  to secure the inner liner  130  with respect to the semi-rigid shell  101 . The inner liner  130  may be securely positioned in the semi rigid shell  101  before the wearer applies the inner liner to the ankle. Alternatively, the inner liner  130  and semi-rigid shell  101  may be applied in sequence. As the wearer applies the inner liner  130  and securely positions the inner liner  130  in the semi-rigid shell  101 , the wearer&#39;s foot should align with the foot bed  104  such that the wearer&#39;s heel is in the cut-out portion  160  of the foot bed  104 , the sole of the wearer&#39;s foot is resting on the foot bed  104 , and the ball of the wearer&#39;s foot is adjacent the foot bed  104 . 
     The wearer then interconnects the straps  140 ,  141  by passing an end of the lateral strap  141  through the slot  710  of the medial strap  140 . As discussed above, the wearer may incrementally adjust the straps  140 ,  141  by advancing a desired number of ridges  712  on the lateral strap  141  through the slot  710 . Once a desired adjustment has been achieved, the wearer secures ends of the straps  140 ,  141  to the ankle cuff  102 . This securing may be accomplished by fastening hook fasteners  204  on the second segments  704  of the straps  140 ,  141  to loop portions  202  on a surface of the ankle cuff  102 . 
     To don other embodiments of ankle brace as illustrated in  FIGS. 11-15 , the wearer may also apply an outer sleeve  902  ( FIGS. 11-13 ),  1202  ( FIGS. 14-15 ). In certain instances, the outer sleeve  902 ,  1202  may have been previously applied to the semi-rigid shell  101  such that to apply the outer sleeve  902 ,  1202  the wearer inserts a foot through the outer sleeve  902 ,  1202  and advances the foot and ankle until the ankle brace  200 ,  300  is appropriately positioned around the wearer&#39;s foot and ankle as discussed above. The wearer would then securably adjust the outer sleeve  902 ,  1202 , by tightening laces on the outer sleeve  902 ,  1202  and securing the ends of the laces by, for example, using a hook and loop fastener. Alternatively, the wearer may apply the outer sleeve  902 ,  1202 , after the semi-rigid shell  101  has been applied. The wearer would slidably advance the outer sleeve  902 ,  1202  over the foot in the foot bed  104  of the semi-rigid shell  101 , into the appropriate position. In applying a band type outer sleeve of the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 11-13 , the outer sleeve  902  would be advanced until it overlies the wearer&#39;s ankle. In applying an outer sleeve with enhanced support, as illustrated in  FIGS. 14-15 , the outer sleeve  1202  would be advanced until it substantially covers a lower surface of the foot plate  104 . Once advanced, the outer sleeve  902 ,  1202  would be securely adjusted using an adjustable fastener at the end of the laces. 
     SCOPE 
     The above presents a description of the best mode contemplated for carrying out the present ankle brace, 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 ankle brace. This ankle brace is, however, susceptible to modifications and alternate constructions from that discussed above that are fully equivalent. Consequently, this ankle brace is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. On the contrary, this ankle brace covers all modifications and alternate constructions coming within the spirit and scope of the ankle brace as generally expressed by the following claims, which particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter of the ankle brace.