Patent Publication Number: US-2013237894-A1

Title: Ankle stabilizer

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION  
     This is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/414,378, filed Mar. 30, 2009, entitled ANKLE STABILIZER, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/072,251, filed Mar. 28, 2008, entitled ANKLE STABILIZER, each of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND  
     1. Field 
     The present invention relates generally to orthotic medical devices. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention concern an ankle stabilizer that supports an ankle joint by restricting inversion and/or eversion of the foot while permitting plantar flexion and/or dorsiflexion of the foot. 
     2. Discussion of Prior Art 
     The ankle comprises a synovial joint and connects the foot to the tibia and fibula of the leg. The ankle and foot include numerous bones that are interconnected by ligaments, muscles, and other tissues. These ligaments are prone to various types of high and low ankle sprains caused by excessive foot movement, such as eversion (when the foot is turned outwardly relative to the leg and causes undue stretching of medial ligaments) or inversion (when the foot is turned inwardly relative to the leg and causes undue stretching of lateral ligaments) of the ankle. 
     Various conventional devices have been employed to support or immobilize the ankle joint and thereby provide orthotic treatment of sprains. For example, a splint-type brace is particularly used for immobilizing the ankle joint during the acute stage of ankle injury. However, this type of brace is typically bulky and therefore cannot be worn inside a shoe or clothing. Another serious problem with a “splint-type” brace is that essentially all joint function is prevented, which restricts activity involving use of the joint and can thereby slow rehabilitation and promote muscle atrophy. 
     Wrapping of the joint with a cloth bandage or tape is another conventional technique for immobilizing a joint. Although cloth or tape wraps are more comfortable and less bulky than “splint-type” braces, the wraps likewise immobilize the joint and therefore present the same problems of atrophy, lack of performance during the rehabilitation stage of the injury, and excessive restriction of joint function. Cloth and tape wraps are particularly problematic because they encircle the joint and adjacent body parts, such as the top of the foot, and also preclude necessary dorsi and plantar flexion of the ankle joint. 
     Braces have been designed for use during the rehabilitation stage of injuries. Rehabilitative braces typically include a pliable sleeve formed of elastic material for placement on the joint and adjacent body parts. For example, a rehabilitative ankle brace traditionally comprises a boot-shaped sleeve that is tightened about the lower leg, ankle joint and foot by suitable lacing. Although this type of brace is comfortable and capable of being worn within a shoe, the sleeve itself provides little support to the joint. Accordingly, the sleeve would not be effective during the acute stage of an injury because of its failure to sufficiently restrict movement of the joint. Even when the sleeve is used for rehabilitative purposes, it restricts movement of the joint in virtually any direction and, consequently, fails to permit dorsiflexion and plantar flexion of the foot. It will be appreciated that rehabilitative sleeves are also often used as a prophylaxis for reducing the risk of re-injury. 
     Rehabilitative sleeves have been provided with various structure in an attempt to broaden their application to include treatment during the acute stage of the injury. For example, sleeves have been provided with rigid splints inserted into pockets formed along the sleeve. However, this type of brace still presents the same problems noted above. 
     Accordingly, there is a need in the art for improved orthotic devices that treat ankle sprains or serve as a prophylaxis by restricting lateral and medial movement of the foot while permitting dorsiflexion and plantar flexion. 
     SUMMARY  
     Embodiments of the present invention provide an ankle stabilizer that does not suffer from the problems and limitations of the prior art ankle wraps, sleeves, and braces set forth above. 
     A first aspect of the present invention concerns an ankle brace configured to provide support of the ankle joint between the leg and foot. The ankle brace broadly includes an upper brace structure, a heel plate, and an elongated strap. The upper brace structure is configured to be attached to the leg and anchor the ankle brace above malleoli of the joint. The heel plate is positioned below the upper brace structure and is configured to be located below the heel to anchor the ankle brace below the malleoli. The heel plate includes a substantially flat base and upright lateral and medial walls that extend upwardly from the base. The elongated strap is adjustably attached to the upper brace structure and heel plate and extends exteriorly along at least one of the lateral and medial walls. The heel plate presents an open longitudinal channel extending between the lateral and medial walls and operable to receive the foot. The heel plate has anterior and posterior open channel ends so that the channel is devoid of an upright wall, with adjustable tensioning of the strap serving to flex the at least one of the lateral and medial walls relative to the base to conform the heel plate to the heel. 
     A second aspect of the present invention concerns an ankle brace configured to provide support of the ankle joint between the leg and foot. The ankle brace broadly includes an upper brace structure and an elongated strap. The upper brace structure is configured to be attached to the leg and anchor the ankle brace above malleoli of the joint. The elongated strap includes first and second strap sections. The upper brace structure presents lateral and medial sides configured to engage the strap. The first strap section is attached to the upper brace structure at an attachment location, with the first strap section extending horizontally from the attachment location. The second strap section is joined to the first strap section at a downward angle spaced from the attachment location so that the second strap section is configured and dimensioned to extend between the lateral and medial sides to permit substantially unrestricted dorsiflexion of the foot. 
     A third aspect of the present invention concerns an ankle brace configured to provide support of the ankle joint between the leg and foot. The ankle brace broadly includes an upper brace structure, a generally horizontal adjustably tensionable closure strip, and an elongated strap. The upper brace structure is configured to be attached to the leg and anchor the ankle brace above malleoli of the joint. The upper brace structure includes an arcuate unitary hard shell that presents proximal and distal open ends, a closed posterior portion extending between the ends, and lateral and medial sides projecting from the posterior portion and extending between the proximal and distal open ends. The hard shell presents an adjustable leg-receiving slot that extends between the open ends. The hard shell extends continuously between the open ends to cover the malleoli and present integral proximal and distal shell segments, with the proximal shell segment dimensioned and configured to be attached above the malleoli and the distal shell segment dimensioned and configured to extend below the malleoli. The generally horizontal adjustably tensionable closure strip is attached to sides of the proximal shell segment to selectively close the slot and constrict the proximal shell segment about the leg. The elongated strap is adjustably attached to the upper brace structure and extends distally from the hard shell to a location below the foot. 
     A fourth aspect of the present invention concerns an ankle brace configured to provide support of the ankle joint between the leg and foot. The ankle brace broadly includes an upper brace structure and an elongated strap. The upper brace structure is configured to be attached to the leg and anchor the ankle brace above malleoli of the joint. The elongated strap is adjustably attached to the upper brace structure. The elongated strap is dimensioned and configured to extend distally from the upper brace structure to a location below the foot. The elongated strap includes a flexible fabric strip that presents opposite faces. The elongated strap includes a high-friction coating applied to at least one of the faces and extends to the location. The faces exhibit a strip self-coefficient of friction and the coating exhibits a coating self-coefficient of friction greater than the strip self-coefficient of friction, with the coating thereby configured to secure the elongated strap at the location and restrict strap movement relative to the foot. 
     Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES  
       Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a lateral side elevation of an ankle stabilizer constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the ankle stabilizer secured around a lower leg, foot, and ankle of a user, where the ankle stabilizer includes a compressive sheath, lateral and medial stabilizing straps wrapped around the sheath, a U-shaped heel plate secured by a lateral one of the straps, and a proximal cuff secured around the sheath and straps, with the ankle stabilizer being anchored above the lateral and medial malleoli of the ankle by the sheath and below the malleoli by the heel plate; 
         FIG. 2  is a posterior elevation of the ankle stabilizer shown in  FIG. 1 , showing stabilizing straps tensioned and removably attached to sides of the sheath, and also showing lateral and medial upright walls of the heel plate flexed inwardly by the tensioned lateral strap; 
         FIG. 3  is an anterior perspective of the ankle stabilizer shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , showing proximal strap ends of the stabilizing straps attached to a tubular sleeve of the sheath adjacent a rear margin of the sleeve, and showing distal strap ends detached from the sheath, with the straps being unwound from the foot in an unsecured strap configuration and the heel plate slidably received on the lateral strap, and further showing the proximal cuff unwound from the sheath; 
         FIG. 4  is a posterior perspective of the ankle stabilizer shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , showing the stabilizing straps in the unsecured strap configuration; 
         FIG. 5  is an anterior perspective of the ankle stabilizer shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , showing the medial strap wrapped and secured around the sheath in a secured strap configuration, with the medial distal strap end removably attached to a medial side of the sheath, with the lateral strap in the unsecured strap configuration; 
         FIG. 6  is an anterior perspective of the ankle stabilizer shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , showing a medial side of the sheath, with the medial strap wrapped around the sheath in the secured strap configuration and the lateral strap in the unsecured strap configuration; 
         FIG. 7  is an anterior perspective of the ankle stabilizer shown in  FIGS. 1-6 , showing the lateral and medial straps wrapped around the sheath in the secured strap configuration, with the heel plate being secured over the sheath and medial strap, and with the lateral strap being wrapped over and securing the heel plate; 
         FIG. 8  is an anterior perspective of the ankle stabilizer shown in  FIGS. 1-7 , showing the lateral and medial straps wrapped around the sheath in the secured strap configuration, and also showing the proximal cuff wrapped around the sheath and distal strap ends to further secure the strap and anchor the ankle stabilizer about the leg; 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom view of the ankle stabilizer shown in  FIGS. 1-8 , showing the heel plate anchored below and secured to the foot by the secured lateral strap; 
         FIG. 10  is an aft side elevation of the lateral strap shown in  FIGS. 1-9 , showing a distally and diagonally extending body and a proximal, generally horizontal strap extension, with the body including a fabric strip that presents opposite faces covered by a high-friction coating, with the coating extending continuously along the faces between an overlapping area of the body and strap extension and a distal fastener strip attached to a distal end of the body; 
         FIG. 11  is an anterior perspective of an ankle stabilizer constructed in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, and showing a high-ankle support, lateral and medial stabilizing straps wrapped and secured to the support in a secured strap configuration, a closure strip attached to the support in a secured strip position adjacent a proximal end of the support, and a top cuff of the ankle stabilizer attached to the support in an unwound position; 
         FIG. 12  is an enlarged anterior perspective of the high-ankle support shown in  FIG. 11 , showing a substantially rigid outer shell, an inner padding attached to an inner surface of the shell, and loop fastener strips attached to opposite sides of the outer shell, with the shell including oppositely positioned strap connectors; 
         FIG. 13  is a fragmentary anterior perspective ofthe ankle stabilizer shown in  FIG. 11 , showing the stabilizing straps unwound from the high-ankle support in an unsecured strap configuration, with a U-shaped heel plate slidably attached to the medial stabilizing strap, and showing one end of the closure strip detached from the support; 
         FIG. 14  is a fragmentary anterior perspective of the ankle stabilizer shown in  FIGS. 11 and 13 , showing the medial stabilizing strap wrapped and secured to the support in the secured strap configuration and the lateral stabilizing strap in the unsecured strap configuration, with the closure strip attached and secured at both ends thereof to the support in the secured strip position; 
         FIG. 15  is a fragmentary lateral side elevation of the ankle stabilizer shown in  FIGS. 11 ,  13 , and  14 , showing the ankle stabilizer secured around an ankle, with the high-ankle support covering lateral and medial malleoli of the ankle, and showing the stabilizing strips in the secured strap configuration, with both straps engaging and flexing upright walls of the heel plate; and 
         FIG. 16  is a fragmentary posterior elevation of the ankle stabilizer shown in FIGS.  11  and  13 - 15 , showing the stabilizing strips in the secured strap configuration, with both straps engaging and flexing the upright walls, and showing the top cuff of the ankle stabilizer attached to the support in the unwound position. 
     
    
    
     The drawing figures do not limit the present invention to the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the preferred embodiment. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
     Turning initially to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a synovial ankle joint A of the human body is generally formed between the leg B and the foot C. The ankle joint A includes a number of bones that generally connect the foot C to the tibia D and fibula E of the leg B. For instance, the tibia D and fibula E present corresponding medial and lateral malleoli F, G that are attached to the talus H and calcaneous I. The ankle joint A is flexible in a number of directions including inversion (where the foot is turned inwardly relative to the leg and which can result in undue stretching of lateral ligaments), eversion (where the foot is turned outwardly relative to the leg and which can result in undue stretching of medial ligaments), dorsiflexion (where the anterior end of the foot is turned upwardly relative to the heel) and plantar flexion (where the anterior end of the foot is turned downwardly relative to the heel). Although several foot joints adjacent the heel permit these movements, the words “ankle joint” as used herein will generally refer to the bone and ligament structure which permits up, down, inward (i.e., medial), or outward (i.e., lateral) movement of the foot C relative to the leg B. 
     Ankle sprains and other injuries associated with the ankle joint A involve excessive inversion, which often causes over-extension of laterally positioned tissues, such as the anterior and posterior talofibular ligaments and the calcaneofibular ligament (all not shown). Other ankle injuries involve excessive eversion, which can cause over-extension of medially positioned tissues, such as the deltoid ligament (not shown). Yet further, some ankle injuries can result in damage to tissues above the ankle, such as over-extension of the syndesmotic ligament (this type of injury is commonly referred to as a high ankle sprain). 
     A removable ankle stabilizer  20  is constructed and configured to provide lateral and medial support of the ankle joint A with a selective degree of immobilization of the joint. More particularly, the ankle stabilizer  20  is operable to permit a progressive reduction of joint immobilization of the joint during rehabilitation. In this manner, the ankle stabilizer  20  allows strengthening of various muscles while injured tissues (e.g., muscles, tendons, ligaments) of the joint heal and return to normal activity. Most notably, the ankle stabilizer  20  has been found to permit a significant amount of dorsiflexion and plantar flexion of the foot, and this also been discovered to allow strengthening of muscles during ankle rehabilitation and to prevent atrophy of tissue in and around the ankle. 
     The removable ankle stabilizer  20 , selected for illustration, is also configured to provide compression of the foot C, lower leg B, and ankle to minimize swelling of tissues. Thus, the ankle stabilizer  20  is advantageously configured to provide support, stabilization, and immobilization of the ankle joint A during the acute and rehabilitative stages of injuries associated with the ankle joint A. It will be appreciated that the principles of the present invention are equally applicable with respect to support, stabilization, and immobilization of other types of synovial joints that experience injury to bones, ligaments, muscles, tendons, or other tissues. The ankle stabilizer  20  broadly includes a pliable lace-up sheath  22 , a compressive proximal cuff  24 , a U-shaped heel plate  26 , and lateral and medial stabilizing straps  28 , 30 . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 1-4 , the sheath  22  provides compression of the lower leg B and foot C and serves to anchor the ankle stabilizer  20  proximally above malleoli F, G, as will be discussed in greater detail. The sheath  22  includes a boot-shaped, tubular sleeve  32  that presents proximal and distal openings  34 , 36 , and a heel opening  38 . As used herein, the term “proximal” generally refers to a location along the leg B and foot C that is relatively close to the upper leg, and the term “distal” generally refers to a location along the leg B and foot C that is relatively far from the upper leg. The sleeve  32  also includes a sleeve body  40  and a stretchable elastic tongue  42 . The sleeve body  34  presents a forwardly facing open face that extends from the proximal opening  34  to the distal opening  36 . The illustrated sleeve  32  is preferably made of fabric that includes one or more synthetic materials, such as nylon or neoprene. The sleeve body  34  also presents a plurality of apertures  43  spaced along the length of the open face and receive a lace  44  of the sheath  22 , with the lace  44  being secured to tighten the sheath  22  about the ankle joint A. The sheath  22  also includes loop fastener strips  46  attached to lateral and medial sides  48  of the sheath  22 . As used herein, the terms “loop fastener” and “hook fastener” generally refer to corresponding fasteners of a conventional hook-and-loop arrangement. The loop fastener strips  46  preferably extend distally from adjacent the proximal opening  34  to a location adjacent the heel opening  38 . 
     The sheath  22  is slipped onto the ankle joint A by inserting the foot C into the proximal opening  34  and sliding the sheath  22  up the foot C until the foot C extends through the distal opening  36  and the heel of the foot C is received by the heel opening  38 , with the tongue  42  lying on top of the foot C. With the foot C received in the sheath  22 , the tongue  42  stretches so that the sheath  22  expands accordingly and is snugly received about the foot C, leg B, and ankle. Thus, the sheath  22  is tensioned about the ankle and holds itself in place as the lace  44  is tightened to further constrict the sheath  22 . The elastic tongue  42  is also configured to cover the top of the foot C and prevent chafing of the lower leg B and foot C. While the sheath  22  preferably is secured by the lace  44 , it is also within the scope of the present invention where another type of fastener secures the sheath  22  to provide compression of the foot C and leg B. Features of another preferred tubular sleeve that provides compression and thereby reduces swelling of a sprained ankle are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,126,625, issued Oct. 3, 2000, entitled ORTHOTIC DEVICE FOR A JOINT OF THE HUMAN BODY, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference herein. 
     The illustrated sheath  22  is preferably entirely pliable to provide a comfortable fit and uniform compression of the foot C and leg B. However, it is also within the scope of the present invention where the sheath  22  includes rigid components that provide additional support to the ankle joint A. For instance, the sleeve  32  could include rigid bars or plates integrated into the sleeve body  40  and positioned along the sides  48  to provide additional support against inversion and/or eversion of the foot C. The illustrated sheath  22  preferably permits the normal full range of dorsiflexion and plantar flexion of foot C. However, for some aspects of the present invention, the sheath  22  could restrict at least some dorsiflexion and plantar flexion of the foot C. 
     Again turning to  FIGS. 1-4 , the proximal cuff  24  is operable to provide additional compression of the lower leg B and to further anchor the stabilizer  20  to the leg B and above malleoli F, G. The cuff  24  includes an elastic strip  50  with opposite cuff sections and hook and loop fasteners  52 , 54  stitched onto respective cuff sections. The illustrated cuff  24  is preferably attached to the sleeve  32  by a line of stitching  56  extending along a rear margin  58  of the sheath  22 , with the respective cuff sections extending in lateral and medial directions from the stitching  56 . The fasteners  52 , 54  are attached to corresponding sides of the strip  50  so that the fasteners  52 , 54  can be adjustably secured to each other once the cuff sections are wrapped forwardly about the leg B. Thus, the cuff  24  is adjustably tensionable about the leg B. The cuff  24  is positioned just below the proximal opening  34  and is configured to wrap partly around the straps  28 , 30  and the lace  44  (see  FIG. 8 ). The stabilizer  20  also preferably includes the illustrated cuff  24  in order to provide adjustable compression about the lower leg B (in addition to the compression provided by the sheath  22 ). The cuff  24  also is preferably used to further anchor the stabilizer  20  above malleoli F, G. For some aspects of the present invention, the stabilizer  20  could include an alternative cuff configuration or could be used without the cuff  24 . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 1-6  and  9 , the heel plate  26  is secured below the sheath  22  by stabilizing straps  28 , 30  that are adjustably tensionable, as will be discussed in greater detail. Furthermore, the heel plate  26  is configured to conform to the foot C and serves to anchor the ankle stabilizer  20  below the foot C and the malleoli F, G. The illustrated heel plate  26  preferably comprises a unitary molded synthetic resin construction, and could be made of one or more types of elastomers (e.g., a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV)) or plastic materials (e.g., polyurethane, PVC, polyethylene, etc.). More preferably, the synthetic resin material comprises a Santoprene™ TPV, manufactured by ExxonMobil Chemical of Houston, Tex. The preferred Santoprene™ heel plate material also preferably has a Shore-A Hardness that ranges from about 70 to about 100. In addition, the heel plate  26  is made of a material that is harder and more rigid than the material of the pliable straps  28 , 30 . In this manner, the heel plate  26  is constructed to provide a resilient and secure anchoring structure that can be retained below the foot C. 
     The heel plate  26  includes a base plate  60  and upright lateral and medial walls  62 , 64  that extend generally along a longitudinal direction. The walls  62 , 64  also extend upwardly from side margins of the base plate so that the walls  62 , 64  and base plate  60  cooperatively present a U-shaped cross section, with lateral and medial bend regions  66 , 68  that extend longitudinally and are presented between the base plate  60  and walls  62 , 64  (see  FIGS. 2 and 5 ). The base plate  60  also presents centrally positioned lateral and medial longitudinal slots  70 , 72  that are elongated and present enlarged slot ends. The slots  70 , 72  slidably receive one of the straps  28 , 30 , as will be discussed further (see  FIGS. 5 and 6 ). 
     Turning to  FIGS. 2 ,  5 , and  6 , the base plate  60  and walls  62 , 64  preferably present a longitudinal channel  74  that extends continuously between anterior and posterior open ends  76 , 78 , and the channel  74  is also preferably devoid of any walls that extend upwardly from the base plate  60 . The channel  74  is configured to receive the bottom of the foot C adjacent the heel, with the heel extending rearwardly from the posterior open end  78  and an anterior part of the foot C extending forwardly of the anterior open end  76  (see  FIG. 1 ). Importantly, the open channel configuration of the heel plate  26  permits the foot C to be selectively positioned in the heel plate  26  along the longitudinal direction so that the heel plate  26  can adjustably conform to different foot shapes while being comfortable to wear. Specifically, this configuration allows walls  62 , 64  and base plate  60  to flex from a relaxed plate configuration (shown in broken lines in  FIG. 2 ) about a longitudinal axis of the heel plate  26  to assume a flexed plate configuration that conforms to the foot C (see  FIG. 2 ). Preferably, the heel plate  26  presents a thickness between inner and outer plate surfaces  80 , 82  that ranges between about 0.020 inches and about 0.200 inches to allow movement between the relaxed and flexed configurations while providing desired plate rigidity and strength. 
     The illustrated heel plate  26  is configured to be positioned below the foot C and malleoli F, G and serve as a distal anchor of the ankle stabilizer  20 . It has been found that the construction of the heel plate  26  also permits the heel plate  26  to be comfortably and adjustably applied to various foot shapes while providing a resilient and substantially rigid anchoring structure beneath the ankle joint A. However, for some aspects of the present invention, the ankle stabilizer  20  could be applied to an injured ankle without the heel plate  26  and still provide sufficient support to the ankle joint A, e.g., where the straps  28 , 30  themselves serve to anchor the ankle stabilizer  20  below the foot C and malleoli F, G. 
     The heel plate  26  is preferably positioned outside of the sheath  22 , i.e., the sleeve  32  is received in the channel  74  and engages the inner surface  80  of the heel plate  26 . However, the principles of the present invention are applicable where the heel plate  26  is secured within the tubular internal passage presented by the sleeve  32  or is integrally constructed as part of and secured within the sleeve  32 . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 2-10 , the straps  28 , 30  are adjustably tensionable, serve to provide adjustable compression of the ankle, leg B, and foot C, and restrict inversion and/or eversion of the foot C. In particular, the straps  28 , 30  serve to adjustably interconnect the proximal anchoring structure (e.g., the sheath  22 ) and the distal anchoring structure (e.g., the heel plate  26 ) and thereby stabilize the ankle joint A. The illustrated straps  28 , 30  are mirror images of one another and are otherwise identical in construction. The straps  28 , 30  each include a fabric strap body  84  and a proximal fabric extension  86  that overlap one another and are attached to each other with stitching  88  along an overlapping strap area. However, the principles of the present invention are applicable where the strap body  84  and extension  86  comprise a unitary piece of fabric. As will be discussed, the strap body  84  and extension  86  are joined with an obtuse angle therebetween. The extension  86  and strap body  84  preferably comprise a synthetic nylon fabric material, but could include another synthetic material without departing from the scope of the present invention. The extension  86  and strap body  84  present respective proximal and distal strap ends  90 , 92  of the straps  28 , 30 . 
     The extension  86  and strap body  84  also cooperatively present opposite fore and aft strap faces  94 , 96  (see  FIGS. 3 and 4 ). As will be shown, the straps  28 , 30  are wrapped about the sheath  22  so that fore strap faces  94  face generally inwardly to engage the sheath  22  and the aft strap faces  96  face generally outwardly away from the sheath  22 . The straps  28 , 30  each include a hook fastener strip  98  attached to the fore strap face  94  with stitching  99  and a looped tab  100  attached to the aft strap face  96 , with both the hook fastener strip  98  and looped tab  100  being attached to the strap body  84  adjacent the distal strap end  92  (see  FIGS. 3 ,  4 , and  10 ). The straps  28 , 30  also include a loop fastener strip  102  attached to the aft strap face  96  of the extension  86  adjacent the proximal strap end  90  (see  FIGS. 4 and 10 ). 
     The straps  28 , 30  also include a high-friction coating  104  applied in a thin layer to both of the fore and aft strap faces  94 , 96  of the strap body  84  and applied so that the layer extends continuously from the overlapping strap area to the hook fastener strip  98  (see  FIGS. 3 ,  4 , and  10 ). However, it is also within the ambit of the present invention where the high-friction coating  104  is applied in a pattern (e.g., where the material is applied as a uniform pattern of spaced apart dots or strips along the strap face) between the overlapping strap area and the hook fastener strip  98 . It will be appreciated that the illustrated layer of coating  104  can be applied using various conventional techniques, such as dipping, screen-printing, spraying, or brushing. While the illustrated straps  28 , 30  preferably have coating  104  on both faces  94 , 96 , for some aspects of the present invention the coating  104  could be applied to only one of the faces  94 , 96 . As will be discussed, the coating  104  is configured to promote frictional interengagement between components of the ankle stabilizer  20 . The high-friction coating  104  preferably comprises an elastic material that includes at least one of latex, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, urethane, and neoprene. More preferably, the elastic material comprises the synthetic rubber coating identified by the trade name “Plasti Dip,” and manufactured by Plasti Dip International of 3920 Pheasant Ridge Drive • Blaine, Minn. 55449. Preferably, the coating  104  exhibits a self-coefficient of friction that is greater than a self-coefficient of friction of the fabric strap faces  94 , 96 . The term “self-coefficient of friction” as used herein refers to the coefficient of friction associated with frictional engagement between a pair of structures that comprise the same material. More preferably, the coating  104  exhibits a self-coefficient of friction greater than about 0.2 in order to provide the desired frictional interengagement. 
     As mentioned previously, the extension  86  and strap body  84  are preferably positioned and joined to one another at an angled joint, with a downward angle θ therebetween that is measured between respective adjacent margins  106 , 108 . The angle θ preferably comprises an obtuse angle (see  FIG. 10 ). More preferably, the angle θ ranges between about 130 degrees and about 150 degrees. As will be shown, the angled joint between the extension  86  and strap body  84  allows the straps  28 , 30  to be secured while allowing dorsiflexion and plantar flexion. 
     For the lateral strap  28 , the extension  86  projects in a medial direction from the strap body  84 , when viewing the aft strap face  96  (see  FIGS. 4 and 10 ). Conversely, the extension  86  of the medial strap  30  projects in a lateral direction from the strap body  84 , when viewing the aft strap face  96 . For both straps  28 , 30 , the margin  106  of the extension  86  presents a length L that ranges between about one (1) inch and about six (6) inches and, more preferably, is about three (3) inches (see  FIG. 10 ). For some aspects of the present invention, the construction and arrangement of strap body  84  and extension  86  could be alternatively configured without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 3-8 , the illustrated straps  28 , 30  are stitched to the sleeve  32  at attachment locations  110  adjacent the proximal opening  34  of the sleeve  32  and adjacent the rear margin  58  (see  FIG. 4 ). The lateral strap  28  extends in a lateral direction from the sleeve  32  and the medial strap  30  extends in a medial direction from the sleeve  32  when the straps  28 , 30  are unwrapped and in an unsecured strap configuration (see  FIGS. 3 and 4 ). As the straps  28 , 30  are wrapped and secured around the sheath  22  into a secured strap configuration, the extensions  86  project generally forwardly and horizontally about the sheath  22  from the attachment locations  110  (see  FIG. 6 ). The strap body  84  of the medial strap  28  extends from the extension  86  distally and laterally across the tongue  42  and along the lateral side  48  of the sheath  22  (see  FIGS. 5 and 6 ). That is, the strap body  84  extends from the angled joint, which is spaced forwardly from the attachment location  110 , at the downward angle θ from the extension  86 . In this manner, the strap body  84  is positioned away from the top of the foot C to permit dorsiflexion. The strap body  84  of the medial strap  28  then wraps underneath the bottom of the sleeve  32  and extends proximally along the medial side  48  of the sheath  22 , with the hook fastener strip  98  removably attached to the medial loop fastener strip  46 . 
     Conversely, the strap body  84  of the lateral strap  30  extends from the respective extension  86 , distally and laterally across the tongue  42  and along the medial side  48  of the sheath  22  (see  FIGS. 7 and 8 ). In particular, the strap body  84  of the lateral strap  30  extends from the corresponding angled joint, which is spaced forwardly from the respective attachment location  110 , at the downward angle θ relative to the extension  86 . The strap body  84  of the lateral strap  30  then wraps underneath the bottom of the sleeve  32  and extends proximally along the lateral side  48  of sheath  22 , with the hook fastener strip  98  removably attached to the lateral loop fastener strip  46 . Thus, both straps  28 , 30  are attached by a hook-and-loop fastener arrangement that permits adjustable tensioning of the straps  28 , 30 . 
     The proximal cuff  24  is configured to be wrapped about the sheath  22  and the secured straps  28 , 30  so that the proximal cuff  24  covers and frictionally engages the attached distal strap ends  92 , portions of the straps  28 , 30  adjacent the overlapping strap areas, the tongue  42 , and the lace  44 . In this manner, the cuff  24  serves to restrict inadvertent detachment of the distal strap ends  92  and serves to further anchor the ankle stabilizer  20  about the leg B and above malleoli F, G. However, for some aspects of the present invention, the ankle stabilizer  20  could be devoid of cuff  24 . 
     The illustrated straps  28 , 30  are preferably configured and attached to the sheath  22  to permit at least some dorsiflexion and plantar flexion of the foot C. The extensions  86  serve to position the strap body  84  at a location spaced from the distal opening  36 . More particularly, the extensions  86  each project in a generally horizontal and forward direction about the sleeve  32  to position a proximal end of the strap body  84  forwardly of the rear margin  58  and adjacent the tongue  42 . As a result, the straps  28 , 30  are configured so that the respective strap body  84  is directed distally and laterally from the extension  86 , about the leg B, and onto the opposite side of the sheath  48 . In this manner, the straps  28 , 30  are restricted from applying significant downward pressure onto the top of the foot C, and the ankle stabilizer  20  thereby allows dorsiflexion and plantar flexion. 
     The straps  28 , 30  are preferably tensioned to provide additional compression of the leg B, foot C, and ankle. Furthermore, the straps  28 , 30  are tensioned to support and stabilize the ankle joint A. For example, the lateral strap  28  generally supports the lateral side of the ankle joint A and restricts inversion. While the lateral strap  28  is preferably attached adjacent the lateral side  48 , wraps around the medial side  48 , and is attached to the lateral loop fastener strip  46 , it is also within the ambit of the present invention where the lateral strap  28  is configured alternatively to provide support along the lateral side of the ankle joint A. Preferably, alternative configurations of the lateral strap  28  include a tensioned strap with one portion attached to a location adjacent the proximal opening  34  (such as the lateral loop fastener strip  46 ) and another portion secured to a location on the heel plate  26  (or otherwise secured at a location below the foot C) so that the tensioned strap restricts movement of the locations away from each other (such as would occur during inversion of the foot C). For instance, an alternative configuration of the lateral strap  28  could comprise a strap that is not wrapped around the sheath  22  but simply extends directly from the heel plate  26  to the lateral loop fastener strip  46 . 
     Similarly, the medial strap  30  generally supports the medial side of the ankle joint A and restricts eversion. Although the medial strap  30  also preferably wraps around the sheath  22 , it is within the ambit of the present invention where the medial strap  30  is alternatively configured to provide support along the medial side of the ankle joint A. Alternative configurations of the medial strap  30  preferably include a tensioned strap with one portion attached to a location adjacent the proximal opening  34  (such as the medial loop fastener strip  46 ) and another portion secured to a location on the heel plate  26  (or otherwise secured at a location below the foot C) so that the tensioned strap restricts movement of the locations away from each other (such as would occur during eversion of the foot C). For instance, an alternative configuration of the medial strap  30  could comprise a strap that is not wrapped around the sheath  22  but simply extends directly from the heel plate  26  to the medial loop fastener strip  46 . 
     By supporting the respective sides of the ankle joint A to restrict inversion and eversion, the lateral and medial straps  28 , 30  serve to mimick tissues that control inversion and eversion, such as the peroneus brevis muscle and associated tendons. Additional details concerning these tissues are disclosed in the above-incorporated &#39;625 patent. 
     As discussed, the straps  28 , 30  also include coatings  104  to restrict relative movement between components of the ankle stabilizer  20 . For example, the coated straps  28 , 30  each engage the sheath  22  along the coating  104  (see  FIGS. 5-9 ). In this manner, the straps  28 , 30  are restricted from moving relative to the sheath  22  when wrapped and secured about the sheath  22  in the secured strap configuration. Preferably, the straps  28 , 30  at least partly engage each other so that coatings  104  of respective straps  28 , 30  are in frictional engagement and thereby restrict relative movement between the straps  28 , 30  (see  FIGS. 7 and 8 ). The straps  28 , 30  are preferably secured by wrapping the medial strap  30  around the sheath  22  and then wrapping the lateral strap  28  on top of the medial strap  30  and around the sheath  22 . However, the principles of the present invention are applicable where the lateral strap  28  is wrapped first, followed by the medial strap  30 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the lateral strap  28  slidably receives the heel plate  26  by extending the distal strap end  92  through the slots  70 , 72 . Preferably, the distal strap end  92  is fed from the outer surface  82  through the medial slot  72 , through the channel  74 , and through the lateral slot  70 . In this manner, the lateral strap  28  is adjustably attached to the heel plate  26  and secures the heel plate  26 . More particularly, the lateral strap  28  engages the outer surface  82  along both of the walls  62 , 64 . Consequently, as the lateral strap  28  is secured and tensioned, the lateral strap  28  engages the walls  62 , 64  and flexes the heel plate  26  (by flexing the walls  62 , 64  and base plate  60 ) securely around the foot C (see  FIG. 2 ). The medial strap  30  is wrapped between the sheath  22  and the heel plate  26 . However, it is also within the scope of the present invention where the medial strap  30  is wrapped around the heel plate  26  so that both straps  28 , 30  engage the outer surface  82  of walls  62 , 64  to generally flex the heel plate  26 , e.g., where more force is required to conform the heel plate  26  to the foot C. The principles of the present invention are also applicable where the medial strap  30  is slidably attached to the heel plate  26 . 
     As discussed, the straps  28 , 30  include high-friction coatings  104  that promote frictional engagement between the straps  28 , 30  and between each strap  28 , 30  and the sheath  22 . In addition, the coatings  104  also serve to promote frictional engagement between each strap  28 , 30  and the heel plate  26 . For instance, coating  104  applied to the fore strap face  94  of the lateral strap  28  engages the outer plate surface  82 , particularly along walls  62 , 64 , to restrict relative movement between the heel plate  26  and lateral strap  28 . Similarly, coating  104  applied to the aft strap face  96  of the medial strap  30  engages the inner plate surface  80  to restrict relative movement between the heel plate  26  and the medial strap  28 . Consequently, the straps  28 , 30  and heel plate  30  are frictionally interengaged to secure the ankle stabilizer  20  onto the leg B and foot C and prevent inadvertent relative shifting of stabilizer components. 
     The coatings  104  are also configured to restrict relative movement between the ankle stabilizer  20 , the foot C, and a shoe (not shown) worn over the stabilizer  20 . In particular, coating  104  applied to the aft strap face  96  of the lateral strap  28  is configured to frictionally engage an inner surface of the shoe. Furthermore, coating  104  applied to the fore strap face  94  of the medial strap  30  frictionally engages the foot C (or a sock worn on the foot C). 
     In use, the ankle stabilizer  20  can be applied to the ankle during the acute and/or rehabilitative stages of injury associated with the ankle joint A. Initially, the sheath  22  is slipped onto the ankle joint A by inserting the foot C into the proximal opening  34  and sliding the sheath  22  up the foot C until the foot C extends through the distal opening  36  and the heel of the foot C is received by the heel opening  38 . When the ankle is received in the sheath  22 , the tongue  42  stretches so that the sleeve  32  is in a stretched condition and is snugly received about the ankle. Thus, the sleeve  32  is configured to retain itself on the ankle and the sheath  22  can then be more snugly secured onto the ankle by tightening the lace  44 . The secured sheath  22  provides compression of the injured tissues and ligaments surrounding the ankle joint A and is thereby configured to minimize swelling of the ankle. 
     The ankle stabilizer  20  is further secured by first wrapping the medial strap  30  about the ankle and securing the medial strap  30  in the secured configuration by attaching the distal strap end  92  to the medial loop fastener strip  46 . The lateral strap  28  is then wrapped about the ankle and secured in the secured strap configuration by attaching the distal strap end  92  to the lateral loop fastener strip  46 . As the lateral strap  28  is being wrapped and secured, the heel plate  26  is selectively positioned along the length of the strap body  84  so that the bottom of the foot C is comfortably and securely received by the heel plate  26 . Furthermore, as the lateral strap  28  is wrapped and secured, the lateral strap  28  and heel plate  26  are positioned so that the heel plate  26  is located adjacent the heel of foot C, with the foot C extending rearwardly from the posterior open end  78  and forwardly from the anterior open end  76 . The lateral strap  28  is tensioned so that the heel plate  26  (including base plate  60  and/or walls  62 , 64 ) is flexed into conforming engagement with sides and bottom of the foot C. 
     The ankle stabilizer  20  is further anchored to the leg B by wrapping and removably securing the proximal cuff  24  about the sheath  22  and the secured straps  28 , 30  so that the proximal cuff  24  covers and frictionally engages the attached distal strap ends  92 , portions of the straps  28 , 30  adjacent the overlapping strap areas, the tongue  42  and the lace  44 . 
     The ankle stabilizer  20  is removable from the ankle by first removing the proximal cuff  24 . The lateral strap  28  is then removed from its secured position by detaching the respective distal strap end  92  from the lateral loop fastener strip  46  and unwinding the strap  28  from about the foot C. As a result, the heel plate  26  is also removed from the bottom of the foot C. The medial strap  30  can then be removed from its secured position by detaching the respective distal strap end  92  from the medial loop fastener strip  46 . The lace  44  can then be untied to loosen the sheath  22  and allow sheath removal. In this manner, the sheath  22 , heel plate  26 , straps  28 , 30 , and cuff  24  can be selectively removed from the foot C or can be re-secured, e.g., to provide the desired amount of support and comfort to the ankle. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 11-16 , an alternative ankle stabilizer  200  is depicted. For the sake of brevity, the remaining description will focus primarily on the differences of this alternative embodiment from the preferred embodiment described above. The alternative ankle stabilizer  200  is configured to provide support, stabilization, and immobilization of the ankle joint A. The stabilizer  200  is particularly configured to support the ankle joint A following a high-ankle sprain. The stabilizer  200  broadly includes a high-ankle support  202 , a compressive proximal cuff  204 , an alternative heel plate  206 , lateral and medial stabilizing straps  208 , 210 , and a proximal closure strip  212 . 
     The high-ankle support  202  comprises a substantially rigid construction and is configured to be received by the leg B and ankle to stabilize and immobilize the ankle joint A. The support  202  includes a radially outer shell  214  that comprises a molded synthetic resin construction, a radially inner padding layer  216  that comprises a pliable synthetic material, such as neoprene or foam material, and lines the inside of the shell  214 , and loop fastener strips  218  attached to opposite sides of shell  214  (see  FIG. 12 ). The support  202  presents lateral and medial sides  220  that project from a closed posterior portion  221  of the support  202  (see  FIG. 15 ). The support  202  presents proximal and distal open ends  222 , 224 , with the sides  220  and posterior portion  221  cooperatively define an adjustable leg-receiving slot  226  that extends between the ends  222 , 224 . The support  202  also presents opposite anterior edges  228 , 230  that extend between the ends  222 , 224  and define an anterior open face  232 , with the open face  232  presenting the leg-receiving slot  226 . The shell  214  and padding layer  216  are constructed to permit a limited amount of flexure between the sides  220 . Furthermore, the edges  228 , 230  are spaced apart to allow the sides  220  to be flexed toward and away from one another. Thus, the slot  226  can be selectively sized to receive and be compressed about the leg B and ankle. 
     The support  202  also presents integral proximal and distal support segments  234 , 236  that provide strap attachment locations (see  FIGS. 12 and 15 ). The edges  228 , 230  present convex scallops  238  along the support segments  234 , 236  and concave scallops  240  between the support segments  234 , 236  spaced rearwardly from the convex scallops  238 . 
     The medial proximal support segment  236  includes a strap connector  242  adjacent the scallop  238  and presents a slot that receives the closure strip  212 , as will be discussed. The distal support segment  236  includes strap connectors  244  that each comprise an elongated rigid material strip that protrudes slightly outwardly from the corresponding side  220 , are integrally formed with sides  220 , and are defined by a pair of slots on either side of the strip (see  FIGS. 12 ,  14 , and  15 ). Furthermore, the support  202  also includes a cuff connector  246  that comprises an elongated rigid material strip that protrudes rearwardly from a rear margin  248  of the support  202  and is integrally formed with the shell  214  along the rear margin  248  (see  FIGS. 15 and 16 ). 
     The closure strip  212  comprises a fabric strip with a looped end  250  and an attachment end  252  with a hook fastener strip  254 . The closure strip  212  is attached to the support  202  by securing the looped end  250  to the strap connector  242  and by adjustably attaching the attachment end  252  to the lateral loop fastener strip  218 . Thus, the closure strip  212  is adjustable to selectively flex the proximal support segment  234  and is thereby configured to secure the support  202  about the leg B to anchor the ankle stabilizer above the malleoli F, G. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 11 ,  15 , and  16 , the cuff  204  is similar to cuff  24  and is attached to the cuff connector  246  of support  202 . In particular, the cuff  204  is fed through slots that define the connector  246  and positioned so that lateral and medial cuff sections are presented on corresponding sides of the connector  246 . The cuff sections are configured to be wrapped around the support  202 , similar to the cuff  24 . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 13-16 , the straps  208 , 210  are of identical construction compared to straps  28 , 30  and are attached to corresponding strap connectors  244 . Specifically, a proximal end  254  of each strap  208 , 210  is received by and secured to the corresponding connector  244  (see  FIGS. 13-15 ). The straps  208 , 210  are wrapped around the ankle in a configuration similar to the straps  28 , 30  of the previous embodiment. Again, the medial strap  210  is wrapped about the foot C first into the secured strap configuration (see  FIG. 14 ). Then, the lateral strap  208  is wrapped over the medial strap  210  into the secured strap configuration (see  FIGS. 11 and 14 ). However, compared to the attachment locations of straps  28 , 30 , the proximal ends  254  of straps  208 , 210  are positioned more forwardly along the sides  220  and lower compared to the proximal open end  222 . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 13 ,  15 , and  16 , the alternative heel plate  206  comprises a unitary construction and includes an alternative base plate  256  and upright lateral and medial walls  258 , 260 . The alternative base plate  256  includes an anterior portion that projects forwardly of the walls  258 , 260  to engage a large part of the sole of foot C. Consequently, the illustrated heel plate  206  is configured to provide greater support of the foot C compared to the heel plate  26 . 
     The heel plate  206  is slidably attached to the medial strap  210 , as opposed to the lateral strap  28  in the previous embodiment (see  FIG. 13 ). Both of the straps  208 , 210  are wrapped around the heel plate  206  and engage an outer plate surface of the heel plate  206 , particularly along the walls  258 , 260 . In this manner, the tensioned straps  208 , 210  are both configured and positioned to flex the walls  258 , 260  inwardly toward each other so that the heel plate  206  conforms to foot C. 
     The ankle stabilizer  200  is applied by inserting the leg B into the slot  226  until the distal support segments  236  are in covering relationship to the malleoli F, G. Thus, the substantially rigid support  202  compresses against and restricts relative movement between the malleoli F, G. But the ankle stabilizer  200  is also configured to permit some dorsiflexion and plantar flexion of the foot C for rehabilitation purposes. 
     The preferred forms of the invention described above are to be used as illustration only, and should not be utilized in a limiting sense in interpreting the scope of the present invention. Obvious modifications to the exemplary embodiments, as hereinabove set forth, could be readily made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
     The inventor hereby states his intent to rely on the Doctrine of Equivalents to determine and assess the reasonably fair scope of the present invention as pertains to any apparatus not materially departing from but outside the literal scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.