Abstract:
An orthopaedic support fastening system which incorporates a “one-size-fits-all” concept for support of various human limbs. The design itself comprises a substantially flat sheet of sheet material having extending straps and slot apertures. The slot apertures, used for receiving straps, provide increased stability and support once the limb is properly positioned. The preferred means of securing the straps to the support is by the use of hook and loop material although other means of attachment can be used such as snaps.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The invention relates to orthopaedic supports and more particularly, to orthopaedic support devices which utilize single-size construction yet can be adjusted to fit a specific user&#39;s anatomy. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Orthopaedic supports are typically used to stabilize and protect various limbs of the human anatomy from sustaining injury or increased injury. Typically, orthopaedic supports have been used on elbows, wrists, knees and ankles. The purpose of an orthopaedic support is to reduce strain on the injured or weakened limb while permitting the limb to continue its function; minimizing the risk of either a more damaging injury or a renewed injury. Some supports have included braces formed of hard plastic or metal to stabilize and restrict the range of motion of the limb. 
     In order for the orthopaedic support to properly function, it has been necessary for the support to be sized for the specific limb. As a result, orthopaedic supports have been manufactured in various sizes such as, small, medium, large, extra large, etc. 
     However, since orthopaedic supports are usually manufactured in pre-determined sizes, some individuals may not be able to enjoy the maximum protection offered by such a support because their personal physical characteristics do not fit one of the manufactured sizes. For example, a small-size support may be too tight, restricting blood flow and causing discomfort while a medium-sized support may be too loose to offer any worthwhile support. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for the manufacture of orthopaedic supports which can be custom fit for any wearer i.e. a self adjusting, one-size-fits-all configuration. 
     Statement of the Invention 
     The present invention provides for a self adjusting, one-size-fits-all orthopaedic support and fastening system. A self adjust sizing or, one-size-fits-all support is desirable in that it can substantially reduce the large inventory of various size product in doctor&#39;s offices and will also provide an effective support for a patient who is in-between sizes. Irregular sized patients will also have a product alternative. 
     The present invention also introduces a new fastening system which provides an easy method for securing the support device to a limb. This new fastening system is of great help to those presently having difficulty; such as the elderly. 
     The new fastening system is defined as being self-adjusting, one-size-fits-all in that any of the orthopaedic support devices according to the invention as described below can be properly secured to patients having different sizes of the same limb. 
     The self-adjusting, one-size-fits-all fastening system according to the invention utilizes, in general, the same technique on each type of support device. In general, a substantially flat pattern is provided. 
     First, a specific pattern is formed or cut is required for each type of orthopaedic support. Straps are used: (1) to establish the inside diameter of the support and (2) once the limb is in position, the straps are used to adjust the support inside diameter for proper fit and comfort, and thereafter the support is temporarily fastened about the specific limb. These straps extend away from the pattern. Also, slot apertures corresponding to specific straps are provided. 
     Each orthopaedic support can be adjusted to a patient&#39;s specific anatomy. This is accomplished by threading each strap through its corresponding slot, and thereafter wrapping each strap around the entire limb. Each strap is then secured to the support device. 
     The minimum number of straps used depends upon the type of orthopaedic support. For example a forearm support can be made utilizing a single strap whereas orthopaedic support for a joint such as a knee or elbow will require at least one strap on either side of the joint. 
     Although adhesive or snaps can be utilized, most preferably, the fastening means is a hook and loop material such as VELCRO®. The patient can determine whether the device is providing the necessary comfort or support and can readjust as necessary. 
     The support system of the invention provides a temporary fastening or securing means rather than a permanent fastening means. “Temporary fastening means” is defined as any fastening means which will stay fastened until released by human hand or instrument. In other words, engagement of the hook material with loop material is a temporary fastening means because it can be disengaged at any time by the wearer or someone assisting the wearer. The fastening means can be re-engaged repeatedly. 
     As required, the patient can adjust the tightness of the support about the limb until the desired comfort and support is attained. 
     Preferably, each slot is reinforced to prevent tearing and wear as the straps can be repeatedly inserted and removed. 
     In addition to customizing the fastening component, this invention allows for the inclusion of adjustable hardware (hinges, stays, etc.) by various temporary securing means of attachment such as snaps, straps, although most preferably, by a hook and loop material. 
     Depending on the specific portion of the anatomy, the fastening system could either be made for open application or closed application. 
     “Open application” is defined as meaning that the device, to be used, is wrapped about the limb and thereafter secured or fastened as described above and, in more detail later. 
     “Closed application” is defined as meaning that the device is partially fastened to itself, so that generally a tubular aperture is formed before positioning about a limb. The device can then be slid past the hand (for wrist, forearm or elbow orthopaedic supports) or the foot (for ankle or knee orthopaedic supports) until the support is in the desired position about the injured limb. Once in position, each strap can be placed in tension, thereby reducing the inner diameter of the tubular aperture about the limb until the desired snugness and support are attained. The straps thereafter can be wrapped about the support and temporarily fastened. 
     A closed application permits the patient an easier procedure for securing the device to the limb. For example, the wrist support can be secured with only one hand for either the closed or open application. However, as will be discussed below, securing the device using the closed application is more desirable than with the open application. 
     With regard to materials, any type of sheet or roll material could be used to make the orthopedic supports of the invention. Leather, pack cloth, suede, and nylon can be used. Preferably, the supports are made from a closed-cell foam rubber such as neoprene which is stretchable; or from open-cell foam laminates such as foam laminated to cordura, medical brush, tricot, and fabrics. As to whether a support must possess an elastic or stretchable quality, it would be dependent on the type of support required for a particular type of limb. For example, a stretchable quality may not be necessary for a forearm or wrist as it would be necessary for an ankle or knee. 
     These and many other features and attendant advantages of the invention will become apparent as the invention becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is an exterior perspective view of an orthopaedic knee support in a flat, unused configuration. 
     FIG. 2 illustrates the orthopaedic knee support of FIG. 1 being secured to a human knee. 
     FIG. 3 illustrates a back view of the orthopaedic knee support of FIG. 1 secured to a human knee. 
     FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of the orthopaedic knee support of FIG. 1 secured to a human knee. 
     FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative to the secured orthopaedic knee support of FIG. 4 which incorporates support moldings. 
     FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the support moldings of the alternative orthopaedic knee support of FIG. 5 taken along the line  6 — 6 . 
     FIG. 7 is an exterior perspective view of an orthopaedic elbow support in a flat, unused configuration. 
     FIG. 8 illustrates the orthopaedic elbow support of FIG. 7 shown in an intermediate stage of being secured to a human elbow. 
     FIG. 9 illustrates the orthopaedic elbow support of FIG. 7 secured to a human elbow. 
     FIG. 10 is an exterior perspective view of an orthopaedic wrist support in a flat, unused configuration. 
     FIG. 11 is a cross-section of FIG. 10 taken along the line  11 — 11 . 
     FIG. 12 is a cross-section of FIG. 10 taken along the line  12 — 12 . 
     FIG. 13 illustrates the orthopaedic wrist support of FIG. 10 being shown being secured to a human wrist. 
     FIG. 14 illustrates the orthopaedic wrist support of FIG. 10 secured to a human wrist. 
     FIG. 15 illustrates an alternative to the orthopaedic wrist support of FIG. 10 where a human thumb is immobilized. 
     FIG. 16 is an exterior perspective view of an orthopaedic ankle support. 
     FIG. 17 is a cross-section of FIG. 16 taken along the line  17 — 17 . 
     FIG. 18 illustrates the orthopaedic ankle support of FIG. 16 being secured to a human ankle. 
     FIG. 19 illustrates the orthopaedic ankle support of FIG. 16 being shown in a second stage being secured to a human ankle. 
     FIG. 20 illustrates the orthopaedic ankle support of FIG. 16 secured to a human ankle. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Each of the orthopaedic support devices can be secured to the desired limb utilizing either the open or closed application. Because the orthopaedic support configurations vary according to the desired limb, preferred embodiments will be discussed for the knee, elbow, wrist and ankle. Although the configurations vary, the fastening system for each of the supports described below incorporate straps and slot apertures for configuring the flat sheet material into a general tubular shape. 
     I. KNEE ORTHOPAEDIC SUPPORT 
     Referring to FIG. 1, an orthopaedic support for the knee is generally shown at  10 . Preferably, the knee support  10  comprises a main section  12 , having a pair of integral straps  14  and  16  which extend away from main section  12 . Main section  12  and straps  14  and  16  are preferably made from an elastic or stretchable material. Located at the distal end of strap  14  and strap  16  are D-rings  18  and  20  respectively. Main section  12  also has a circular aperture  22  which is used for properly positioning support  10  about a user&#39;s knee. 
     Located opposite main section  12  from integral straps  14  and  16  are a pair of straps  24  and  26 . Strap  24  is permanently secured on a first end  28  to main section  12 . Likewise, strap  26  is permanently secured on a first end  30  to main section  12 . Any suitable means of securement can be utilized such as, but not limited to, adhesive or stitching. 
     A substantial portion of the side of first ends  28  and  30  which face away from main section  12  comprise hook material. The portions of straps  24  and  26  which are not attached to main section  12 , each have a respective layer of loop material facing the same direction as the hook material as is illustrated in FIG.  1 . 
     Between ends  28  and  30 , the perimeter of main section  12  decreases to a point identified as  32 . This configuration permits a higher degree of comfort and support when device  10  is wrapped about a knee than if the perimeter was not reduced. 
     A pair of slots  34  and  36  are also formed in or cut from main section  12 . Each slot is located generally near respective attached first ends  28  and  30 . 
     A. OPEN APPLICATION 
     FIG. 2 illustrates the open application of knee support  10  to a patient&#39;s knee. Once aperture  22  is positioned about the knee cap, D-ring  18  is wrapped about the back of the knee and thereafter passed through slot  34 . The same procedure passes D-ring  20  through slot  36 . Once D-rings  18  and  20  are through their respective slots  34  and  36 , as best shown in FIG. 2, strap  26  is wrapped over main section  12 , passed through D-ring  20  and thereafter back across main section  12  until strap  26  can engage the hook material found on attached end  30 . Because loop material is found on a substantial portion of strap  26 , varying degrees of comfort and support can be achieved. 
     The same procedure is also used to secure the loop material on strap  24  to the hook material found on attached end  28 . It should be noted that the positioning of the hook and loop material on straps  24  and  26  can be switched and no significance should be attached to the description presented here for the use of only hook material on first ends  28  and  30 . 
     B. CLOSED APPLICATION 
     The main difference between the previously described open application and the closed application is that knee support  10  is partially assembled, taking on a generally tubular shaped configuration which can thereafter be slid over the foot, ankle and calf until in position about the knee. To obtain the tubular shaped configuration, D-rings  18  and  20  are passed through their respective slots  34  and  36  as described above for the open application. 
     It should be noted that in the preferred embodiment, the opening for slots  34  and  36  are larger than straps  14  and  16  but smaller than the outside configuration of D-rings  18  and  20 . Although larger than slots  34  and  36 , D-rings  18  and  20  can still be inserted through slots  34  and  36  by angling slightly. Also, because of the elastic nature of the main body material, the opening of slots  34  and  36  may be temporarily enlarged slightly while D-rings  18  and  20  are passed through their respective slots  34  and  36 . Once through, the over-sized D-rings, relative to slots  34  and  36 , prevent the inadvertent travel of D-rings back through their respective slots. The over-size D-rings therefore, ensure that the tubular configuration is maintained while the support is slid over foot, ankle and calf. 
     C. ALTERNATIVE DESIGNS 
     FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative design of my knee support where support members  40  are provided for additional stabilization of the knee joint. Support members  40  can be made preferably of either a rigid molded material or metallic material such as steel. The means utilized for attaching support members  40  into position include adhesive or stitching in place. Most preferably, the attaching means utilize hook and loop material to attach support members  40  to main body  12  as is best illustrated in FIG.  6 . 
     II. ELBOW ORTHOPAEDIC SUPPORT 
     Referring to FIG. 7, the orthopaedic support according to the invention for the elbow is generally shown at  110 . Preferably, elbow support  110  comprises a main section  112 , having a pair of integral straps  114  and  116  which extend away from main section  112  on one side, and a tapered strap  118  extending away from main section  112  on the opposite side. At each distal end of straps  114 ,  116 , and  118  is a layer of hook material shown as  120 ,  122 , and  124  respectively. Facing away from the opposite side of main section  112  is a layer of loop material  126 . Preferably, for ease of manufacture, the layer of loop material  126  substantially covers Main section  112  and straps  114  and  116 . Preferably, the elbow support is constructed from an elastic or stretch material. 
     A pair of slots  134  and  136  are also formed in main section  112 . Each slot is located in main section  112  generally near the beginning of tapered strap  118 . 
     A. OPEN APPLICATION 
     The patient&#39;s limb would be placed transversely across the elbow support shown in FIG.  8 . Straps  114  and  116  would be wrapped about the elbow and then inserted through slots  134  and  136  respectively. After these straps pass through their corresponding slot, hook layers  120  and  122  can engage the loop material layer  126 . Thereafter, tapered strap  118  is wrapped around the elbow with hook layer  124  engaging loop material layer  126 . Once hook layers  120 ,  122 , and  124  are secured to loop material layer  126 , each hook layer can be released from engagement with material layer  126  and then re-engaged, to either tighten or loosen the support  110  about the patients elbow. 
     B. CLOSED APPLICATION 
     As discussed for the knee brace above, the main difference between the previously described open application and the closed application is that elbow support  110  is partially assembled, taking on a generally tubular shaped configuration which can thereafter be slid over the hand and wrist until in position about the elbow. To obtain the tubular shaped configuration, the distal ends of straps  114  and  116  are passed through their respective slots  134  and  136  as described above for the open application. 
     III. WRIST ORTHOPAEDIC SUPPORT 
     Referring to FIG. 10, an orthopaedic support according to the invention for the wrist is generally shown at  210 . Preferably, wrist support  210  comprises a main section  212 , having a pair of integral straps  214  and  216  which extend away from main section  212 . Main section  212  is preferably comprised of a durable outer layer  213  and an inner layer  215 . Inner layer  215  is made from non-abrasive material to provide comfort to the wearer&#39;s wrist. In addition, main section  212  is reinforced on its perimeter by a protective perimeter layer  211  which is preferably stitched into position although other means of attachment may be applied. Located at the distal end of strap  214  and strap  216  are D-rings  218  and  220  respectively. 
     Located opposite main section  212  from integral straps  214  and  216  are a pair of straps  224  and  226 . Strap  224  is permanently secured on a first end  228  to main section  212 . Likewise, strap  226  is permanently secured on a first end  230  to main section  212 . Any suitable means of securement can be utilized such as, but not limited to, adhesive or stitching. 
     A substantial portion of the side of first ends  228  and  230  which face away from main section  212  comprise hook material. The portions of straps  224  and  226  which are not attached to main section  212 , each have a respective layer of loop material facing the same direction as the hook material as is illustrated in FIG.  10 . 
     The wrist support  210  incorporates a brace member  240  which limits movement of the wrist in the upward/downward direction. Preferably, brace member  240  is shaped aluminum although any other material may be utilized which would immobilize the wrists upward/downward movement when support  210  is properly attached to a wrist. As best illustrated in FIG. 11, a pocket can be provided where brace member  240  is slid into position between the outside surface of outer layer  213  and the inside surface of pocket layer  217 . Although brace member  240  may be permanently set within the pocket, it is preferred to have it removable so that its shape can be altered as necessary to provide optimum support and comfort for the wearer. 
     Extending away from main section  212  in the same general direction as straps  214  and  216  is an additional strap  242  which is also integral with main section  212 . As shown on FIG. 10, secured to the distal end of strap  242  is an area of loop material  246 . 
     Extending away from main section  212  is strap  244  which is also integral with main section  212 . Secured to the distal end of strap  244  is an area of loop material  248 . The open space between strap  244  and main body  212  defines a thumb channel  254  as shown in FIG.  10 . 
     Located on the surface of main section  212  is a layer of hook material  250 . Hook material  250  serves to temporarily secure straps  242  and  244  into position by engagement of their respective loop material distal ends  246  and  248 . Engagement of straps  242  and  244  to hook material  250  serve to limit the lateral and upward/downward movement of the finger and knuckle area of the hand. 
     To provide additional resistance against the upward movement of the wrist relative to the elbow, support members  252  are provided by stitching into place above outer layer  213 . 
     A. OPEN APPLICATION 
     The support shown in FIG. 10 is inverted so that soft layer  215  is facing the patient&#39;s wrist. The wearer&#39;s palm, wrist and forearm are placed transversely across my wrist support so that the limb is resting on soft layer  215 , directly above brace member  240  and the wearer&#39;s thumb is aligned with thumb channel  254 . Main body  212  would then be wrapped around the wrist to allow D-rings  218  and  220  to be inserted through slots  234  and  236  respectively. At this stage, distal end loop material  246  and  248  can be secured to hook material layer  250 . Next, straps  224  and  226  are wrapped around the underside of the limb and thereafter inserted through D-rings  218  and  220  respectively. After insertion through the D-rings, straps  224  and  226  are wrapped back about the underside of the limb until the loop material of each strap can temporarily engage with hook material  228  or  230 . 
     Once loop material layers  224  and  226  are secured to hook material  228  and  230  and loop material layers  246  and  248  are secured to hook material  250 , each loop layer can be released from engagement with its respective hook material to either tighten or loosen the support  210  about the patients wrist before re-engagement. 
     B. CLOSED APPLICATION 
     As discussed for the knee brace above, the main difference between the previously described open application and the closed application is that wrist support  210  is partially assembled, taking on a generally tubular shaped configuration which can thereafter be slid over the hand and wrist until in position. To obtain the tubular shaped configuration, D-rings  218  and  220  located on the distal ends of straps  214  and  216  are passed through their respective slots  234  and  236  as described above for the open application. 
     The hand and wrist can then be slid through wrist support  210  until the wearer&#39;s thumb is positioned in thumb channel  254  and the palm and wrist are resting directly above brace member  240 . Once in position, the straps are secured about the limb as discussed above for the open position. 
     C. ALTERNATIVE DESIGNS 
     FIG. 15 illustrates an alternative design of a wrist support where a wearer&#39;s thumb can be immobilized in a fixed position by having the wearer&#39;s thumb wrapped as shown. 
     IV. ANKLE ORTHOPAEDIC SUPPORT 
     Referring to FIG. 16, an orthopaedic support for the ankle is generally shown at  310 . Ankle support  310  comprises a shaped main section  312 , and an elastic strip  330  which is secured on either side to facing perimeter portions of main section  312 . Positioning of elastic strip  330  to main section  312  also creates a space or aperture  350  which is used to receive the wearer&#39;s heel. The attachment of elastic strip  330  to main section  312 , provides a configuration whereby: a) elastic strip  330  will be aligned with the wearer&#39;s Achilles tendon; b) one portion of main section  312 , defined as “A”, will be aligned with one side of the wearer&#39;s ankle; c) a second portion of main section  312 , defined as “B” will be aligned with the other side of the wearer&#39;s ankle; and d) a third portion of main section  312 , defined as “C” will be aligned with the wearer&#39;s heel. 
     Extending away from main section  312  is a first pair of straps  314  and  316 . As shown in FIG. 18, straps  314  and  316  each have a layer of loop material,  332  and  334  respectively. Located near strap  316  on main section  312  is a reinforced slot  342 . 
     Main section  312  is preferably comprised of a durable outer layer  313  and an inner layer  315 . Inner layer  315  is made from non-abrasive material to provide comfort to the wearer&#39;s ankle. In addition, main section  312  is reinforced on its perimeter by a protective perimeter layer  311  which is preferably stitched into position although other means of attachment may be alternatively used. 
     As best illustrated in FIG. 16, side “A” has an outer layer area of hook material  352 . Similarly, side “B” also has an outer layer area of hook material  354 . Straps  314  and  316  are respectively secured to hook material  352  and  354  as will be discussed below. 
     As shown by FIG.  16  and FIG. 17, a pair of support members  356  are disposed between hook material  352  and  354  and outer layer  313 . 
     Located near the other end of main section  312  from straps  314  and  316  is a second pair of straps  324  and  326 . Preferably, strap  324  is an integral extension from main section  312  and has a D-ring  318  attached to its distal end. Strap  324  also has an area of hook material  328  and a reinforced slot  333 . Strap  326  is permanently secured to main section  312 . As illustrated in FIG. 16, one side of strap  326  comprises a layer of loop material  336 . As will be described shortly, strap  326  will be secured about the limb slightly above the ankle by engagement of loop material  336  with hook material  328 . 
     As is best shown in FIG. 18, the ankle support  310  uses a third pair of straps indicated as  360  and  362 . Preferably, a single piece of material  364  can be used for both straps and most preferably, the material is a stretchable closed-cell foam rubber such as neoprene. The perimeter portions of single piece  364  which are adjacent to elastic strip  330  and aperture  350  are attached to main section  312  by stitching single piece  364  at protective perimeter layer  311 . 
     Strap  360  has an area of loop material  361  for engagement with the area of hook material  363  located on strap  362 . 
     The ankle brace is temporarily secured to a wearer&#39;s ankle in the following manner: 
     As shown in FIG. 16, the brace  310  is positioned so that elastic strip  330  is aligned with the wearer&#39;s Achilles tendon and aperture  350  is adjacent to the wearer&#39;s heel with the portion of main section  312  defined as “C” positioned below the heel. 
     Next, the end of strap  314  is inserted through slot  342  so that the strap is across the top portion of the foot. Once through slot  342  strap  314  is wrapped around the underside of the foot and engages hook material  352 . Thereafter, strap  316  is wrapped about the foot to engage hook material  354 . The assembly is then complete. 
     Once brace  310  is in position, straps  360  and  362  are pulled across the top surface of the ankle so that loop material  361  engages hook material  363  so that a desired level of fit and comfort is attained. Next, the end of strap  326  is inserted through slot  333  so that the strap is snug across the front of the wearer&#39;s limb. Once through slot  333 , the strap  326  is wrapped around the back side of the limb and thereafter inserted through D-ring  318 . Strap  326  is then wrapped back around the back side of the limb and engages hook material  328  to temporarily secure the top portion of my brace to the wearer&#39;s ankle. 
     It should again be noted that because the preferred choice of temporary attachment is hook and loop material, adjustments for comfort, snuggness and fit can be made with relative ease. 
     It is to be realized that only preferred embodiments of the invention have been described and that numerous substitutions, modifications and alterations are permissible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.