Abstract:
A dual tensioning health support includes a support layer adapted to be at least partially wrapped about a body part; first and second elongated securing straps extending from opposite sides of the support layer adjacent a first common side of the support layer such that they can be simultaneously pulled away from each other in opposite directions without substantial twisting of the support layer; a first securing device for securing a distal end of the first elongated securing strap to the support layer after the first elongated securing strap has been wrapped at least partially about the body part; and a second securing device for securing a distal end of the second elongated securing strap to the support layer after the second elongated securing strap has been wrapped at least partially about the body part.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     This application claims benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/505,534 filed Sep. 24, 2003, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     INTRODUCTION TO THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates generally to health supports for knees and ankles, and more particularly, is directed to improved health supports for knees and ankles which provide improved tensioning for more accurate placement and tensioning of the device.  
         [0003]     Certain health supports, such as knee braces and ankle braces, are made in discrete sizes, such as small, medium, and large. For example, such health supports include knee braces which are of a fixed annular shape and dimensions.  
         [0004]     A problem with such known health supports is that each individual is different, so that a health support intended to accurately fit an intended appendage for one individual to provide tension and/or support, may not accurately fit other individuals. As a result, the correct and desired amount of tension and/or support may not be properly provided.  
         [0005]     For this reason, health supports are also known which are adjustable. These adjustable health supports tend to be made in one size to fit most users, and need to be adjusted to the intended appendage to exercise tension and support. With such known adjustable health supports, however, tension is provided by holding one end of a support strap in place and applying tension to the other end of the strap until sufficient tension is applied. The stretched end is then attached to the fixed end by means of any suitable means, such as with hooks, by tying, or with hook and loop securing material such as is sold by Velcro USA Inc. of Manchester, N.H. U.S.A. under the trademark VELCRO. An example of such a device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,080,121 to Madow et al.  
         [0006]     However, this adjusting and securing method is not easy to perform. This is because the hand holding the first end blocks or is in the way of the attachment means located on the stretched end. Further, misalignment occurs because of the tension being applied on only one side of the device, generating a torsional effect. Accordingly, the device generally requires subsequent readjustments.  
         [0007]     Other known health supports, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,221,252 to Caprio, Jr. et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,399,153 to Caprio, Jr. et al. provide a first strap at the upper edge at one side of the main body and a second strap at the lower edge at the opposite side of the main body. The first and second straps cannot be simultaneously pulled, since this would result in an uneven securement and a twisting of the main body. Therefore, each strap must be separately secured in a similar manner to U.S. Pat. No. 6,080,121.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     Accordingly, it is a feature of the present invention to provide a tensioning health support that overcomes the aforementioned problems.  
         [0009]     It is another feature of the present invention to provide a tensioning health support for the knees and ankles that provides improved control of the applied tension.  
         [0010]     It is still another feature of the present invention to provide a tensioning health support that provides a higher degree of tension.  
         [0011]     It is yet another feature of the present invention to provide a tensioning health support that provides more accurate positioning of the device.  
         [0012]     It is a further feature of the present invention to provide a tensioning health support that allows differential tension at several locations across the strap.  
         [0013]     It is a still further feature of the present invention to provide a tensioning health support that requires less material than conventional arrangements.  
         [0014]     It is a yet further feature of the present invention to provide a tensioning health support that is economical to manufacture and easy to use.  
         [0015]     In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a tensioning health support a dual tensioning health support includes: a support layer adapted to be at least partially wrapped about a body part; a first elongated securing strap extending from one side of the support layer; a second elongated securing strap extending from an opposite side of the support layer, the second elongated securing strap being positioned substantially opposite from the first elongated securing strap such that the first and second elongated securing straps are both adjacent a first common side of the support layer and can be simultaneously pulled away from each other in opposite directions without substantial twisting of the support layer; a first securing device for securing a distal end of the first elongated securing strap to the support layer after the first elongated securing strap has been wrapped at least partially about the body part; and a second securing device for securing a distal end of the second elongated securing strap to the support layer after the second elongated securing strap has been wrapped at least partially about the body part.  
         [0016]     The dual tensioning health support further includes: a third elongated securing strap extending from one side of the support layer; a fourth elongated securing strap extending from an opposite side of the support layer, the fourth elongated securing strap being substantially opposite the third elongated securing strap such that the third and fourth elongated securing straps are both adjacent a second common side of the support layer and can be simultaneously pulled away from each other in opposite directions without substantial twisting of the support layer; a third securing device for securing a distal end of the third elongated securing strap to the support layer after the third elongated securing strap has been wrapped at least partially about the body part; and a fourth securing device for securing a distal end of the fourth elongated securing strap to planar support after the fourth elongated securing strap has been wrapped at least partially about the body part.  
         [0017]     In one embodiment, the support layer is formed by an endless loop having an opening therein for receiving a foot of a person such that the endless loop is adapted to wrap about an arch and an instep of the foot. In such case, the first and second elongated securing straps are positioned at an ankle of the person when the support layer is wrapped about the foot of a person and are adapted to wrap around an ankle of the person, and the third and fourth elongated securing straps are positioned at the instep of the foot and are also adapted to wrap around the ankle of the person.  
         [0018]     In a first example of the first embodiment, the first and second elongated securing straps are offset slightly from each other such that the wrapping of the first elongated securing strap around the ankle does not interfere with wrapping of the second elongated securing strap around the ankle and the wrapping of the second elongated securing strap around the ankle does not interfere with wrapping of the first elongated securing strap around the ankle. In a second example of the first embodiment, the first elongated securing strap has an opening therein for receiving the second elongated securing strap therethrough when the first and second elongated securing straps are wrapped about the ankle such that the wrapping of the first elongated securing strap around the ankle does not interfere with wrapping of the second elongated securing strap around the ankle and the wrapping of the second elongated securing strap around the ankle does not interfere with wrapping of the first elongated securing strap around the ankle. In a third example of the first embodiment, there is a fifth elongated securing strap extending from the one side of the support layer in spaced apart, substantially parallel relation to the first elongated securing strap, for wrapping about an ankle of the person.  
         [0019]     In a second embodiment, for use as a knee support, the support layer is adapted to wrap at least partially around a knee of a person, with the first and second elongated securing straps being adapted to wrap around a leg of the person above the knee and the third and fourth elongated securing straps being adapted to wrap around a leg of the person below the knee. The support layer includes an opening centrally therein.  
         [0020]     In a first example of the second embodiment, the first and second elongated securing straps are offset slightly from each other such that the wrapping of the first elongated securing strap around the leg does not interfere with wrapping of the second elongated securing strap around the leg, and the third and fourth elongated securing straps are offset slightly from each other such that the wrapping of the third elongated securing strap around the leg does not interfere with wrapping of the fourth elongated securing strap around the leg. In a second example of the second embodiment, the first elongated securing strap has an opening therein for receiving the second elongated securing strap therethrough when the first and second elongated securing straps are wrapped about the leg, and the fourth elongated securing strap has an opening therein for receiving the third elongated securing strap therethrough when the third and fourth elongated securing straps are wrapped about the leg.  
         [0021]     Preferably, the first through fourth securing devices include hook-like fasteners for engaging loops of fabric on the support layer. Also, the support layer and the first through fourth elongated securing straps are preferably made from a first stretchable material on one side and a second material on an opposite side having a plurality of loops thereon to be engaged by the hook-like fasteners.  
         [0022]     The above and other features of the invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description thereof, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0023]      FIG. 1  is a top plan view of a planar support layer of an ankle support according to a first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0024]      FIG. 2  is a bottom plan view of the planar support layer of the ankle support of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0025]      FIG. 3  is a rear perspective view of the ankle support formed from the planar support layer of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0026]      FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of the ankle support formed from the planar support layer of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0027]      FIGS. 5-8  are perspective views showing the steps for tensioning and positioning of the ankle support of  FIG. 3  around the ankle of a person;  
         [0028]      FIG. 9  is a top plan view of a planar support layer of an ankle support according to a modification of the first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0029]      FIG. 10  is a bottom plan view of the planar support layer of the ankle support of  FIG. 9 ;  
         [0030]      FIGS. 11-16  are perspective views showing the steps for tensioning and positioning of the ankle support of  FIG. 9  around the ankle of a person;  
         [0031]      FIG. 17  is a top plan view of a planar support layer of an ankle support according to another modification of the first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0032]      FIG. 18  is a bottom plan view of the planar support layer of the ankle support of  FIG. 17 ;  
         [0033]      FIGS. 19-22  are perspective views showing the steps for tensioning and positioning of the ankle support of  FIG. 17  around the ankle of a person;  
         [0034]      FIG. 23  is a top plan view of a planar support layer of a knee support according to a second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0035]      FIG. 24  is a bottom plan view of the planar support layer of the knee support of  FIG. 23 ;  
         [0036]      FIGS. 25-31  are perspective views showing the steps for tensioning and positioning of the knee support of  FIG. 23  around the knee of a person;  
         [0037]      FIG. 32  is a top plan view of a planar support layer of a knee support according to a modification of the second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0038]      FIG. 33  is a bottom plan view of the planar support layer of the knee support of  FIG. 32 ; and  
         [0039]      FIGS. 34-38  are perspective views showing the steps for tensioning and positioning of the knee support of  FIG. 32  around the knee of a person. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0040]     Referring to the drawings in detail, and initially to  FIGS. 1-9 , an ankle support  10  according to a first embodiment of the present invention is formed from a planar support layer  12  formed generally in the shape of the Greek letter π.  
         [0041]     Specifically, planar support layer  12  includes an upper roof shaped section  14  formed by a first slightly downturned roof section  16  and a second slightly downturned roof section  18  that meet at a center section  20  having a flat upper edge  22 . A first elongated securing strap  24  extends down from the distal end  16   a  of first slightly downturned roof section  16  and a second elongated securing strap  26  extends down from second slightly downturned roof section  18  at a position spaced inwardly of the distal end  18   a  thereof, the purpose for which will be apparent from the discussion hereafter. First and second elongated securing straps  24  and  26  extend generally perpendicular to first and second slightly downturned roof sections  16  and  18 , and therefore, are angled slightly toward each other.  
         [0042]     First slightly downturned roof section  16  is cut along a separation line  28  that is parallel to the upper edge  16   b  thereof and which extends from distal end  16   a  to center section  20  to define a third elongated securing strap  30  which is separated from a first main body portion  32  of first slightly downturned roof section  16 . First main body portion  32  has an upper edge  34  that extends along separation line  28 . In like manner, second slightly downturned roof section  18  is cut along a separation line  36  that is parallel to the upper edge  18   b  thereof and which extends from distal end  18   a  to center section  20  to define a fourth elongated securing strap  38  which is separated from a second main body portion  40  of second slightly downturned roof section  18 . Second main body portion  40  has an upper edge  42  that extends along separation line  36 .  
         [0043]     Planar support layer  12  can be made from any suitable material, but is preferably made from a 3 mm neoprene nylon jersey material on the rear side  12   a  thereof which renders the material stretchable, and an unbroken loop-like fabric such as is sold under the trademark VELCRO on the front side  12   b  thereof. The continuous peripheral edge  44  of planar support layer  12  has a binding  46  thereon which extends around the edge to both sides of planar support layer  12 , and which can be secured by any suitable means, such as stitching, adhesive, ultrasonic welding, etc. Binding  46  can be made from any suitable material, but is preferably a mesh cloth.  
         [0044]     In addition, four patches  48   a - 48   d  of hook-like elements such as is sold under the trademark VELCRO are secured to the distal ends of securing straps  24 ,  26 ,  30  and  38  on the same side  12   a  of planar support layer  12 . Patches  48   a - 48   d  can be secured by any suitable means, such as stitching, adhesive, ultrasonic welding, etc.  
         [0045]     In the actual construction, upper edges  34  and  42  are secured together by any suitable securing means  49 , such as stitching, adhesive, ultrasonic welding, etc. As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , this creates an endless loop defined by center section  20  and having an elongated opening  50  therein. It is also appreciated, as shown best in  FIG. 3 , that when first and second elongated securing straps  24  and  26  are extended out away from each other, they are offset slightly from each other in a direction transverse to their linear extending directions. This is because first elongated securing strap  24  is connected to distal end  16   a  of first slightly downturned roof section  16 , while second elongated securing strap  26  is connected to second slightly downturned roof section  18  at a position spaced inwardly of distal end  18   a  thereof. However, for purposes of the present application, straps  24  and  26  are still substantially directly opposite each other, and straps  30  and  38  are substantially opposite each other, that is, they are adjacent a common side and can be simultaneously pulled away from each other in opposite directions without substantial twisting or skewing of ankle support  10 , as would occur with the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 5,221,252 to Caprio, Jr. et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,399,153 to Caprio, Jr. et al., in which the securing strap on one side is adjacent the top edge and the securing strap on the opposite side is adjacent the bottom edge.  
         [0046]     The manner of securing ankle support  10  around the ankle  52  of a person will now be described in relation to  FIGS. 5-8 .  
         [0047]     Specifically, from the rear direction of  FIG. 3 , a person inserts a foot  54  through opening  50  such that connected upper edges  34  and  42  are centered over the instep of the foot  54 , and center section  20  is positioned under the arch of foot  54 . Then, first and second elongated securing straps  24  and  26  are grasped by the two hands of the person, as shown in  FIG. 5 , and both stretched simultaneously rearwardly around the rear side of ankle  52 . Because of the aforementioned offset of first and second elongated securing straps  24  and  26 , the wrapping of first elongated securing strap  24  does not interfere with the wrapping of second elongated securing strap  26 . However, because the offset is not great and because both first and second elongated securing straps  24  and  26  are both adjacent a common edge, there is no substantial twisting or skewing of the ankle support  10 . The stretching of first and second elongated securing straps  24  and  26  is continued such that first and second elongated securing straps  24  and  26  are stretched to the front of ankle  52  where they are secured by patches  48   a  and  48   b  of hook-like elements onto the unbroken loop-like fabric on the front side  12   b.  Straps  24  and  26  can be released and repositioned as desired in order to adjust the tension.  
         [0048]     Then, third and fourth elongated securing straps  30  and  38  are grasped by the two hands of the person, and both criss-crossed over the instep of foot  54  and simultaneously stretched rearwardly to the rear side of ankle  52  where they are secured by patches  48   c  and  48   d  of hook-like elements onto the unbroken loop-like fabric thereat. Patches  48   c  and  48   d  are preferably secured to the outer surfaces of straps  24  and  26  at the rear side of ankle  52 . Because both third and fourth elongated securing straps  30  and  38  are both adjacent a common edge, there is no substantial twisting or skewing of the ankle support  10 . Straps  30  and  38  can be released and repositioned as desired in order to adjust the tension.  
         [0049]     Referring now to  FIGS. 9-16 , an ankle support  60  according to a modification of the first embodiment of the present invention is formed from a planar support layer  62  formed generally in the same shape as planar support layer  12  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The same numerals are used to identify the same elements in planar support layers  12  and  62 . However, planar support layer  62  differs from planar support layer  12  by the addition of a fifth elongated securing strap  64  extending down from first slightly downturned roof section  16  at a position spaced inwardly from distal end  16   a  thereof and spaced away from first elongated securing strap  24 . Fifth elongated securing strap  64  is generally parallel to first elongated securing strap  24  and has a similar length.  
         [0050]     In addition, a patch  48   e  of hook-like elements is secured to the distal end of securing strap  64  on the same side of planar support layer  62  as patches  48   a - 48   d.  Patch  48   e  can be secured by any suitable means, such as stitching, adhesive, ultrasonic welding, etc.  
         [0051]     The manner of securing ankle support  60  around the ankle  52  of a person will now be described in relation to  FIGS. 11-16 .  
         [0052]     Specifically, a person inserts a foot  54  through opening  50  such that connected upper edges  34  and  42  are centered over the instep of the foot  54 , and center section  20  is positioned under the arch of foot  54 . Then, first and second elongated securing straps  24  and  26  are grasped by the two hands of the person, as shown in  FIGS. 11-13 , and both stretched simultaneously rearwardly around the rear side of ankle  52 . Because of the aforementioned offset of first and second elongated securing straps  24  and  26 , the wrapping of first elongated securing strap  24  does not interfere with the wrapping of second elongated securing strap  26 . The stretching of first and second elongated securing straps  24  and  26  is continued such that first and second elongated securing straps  24  and  26  are stretched to the front of ankle  52  where they are secured by patches  48   a  and  48   b  of hook-like elements onto the unbroken loop-like fabric on the front side  12   b.  Straps  24  and  26  can be released and repositioned as desired in order to adjust the tension.  
         [0053]     Thereafter, fifth elongated securing strap  64  is grasped by one hand of the person, as shown in  FIG. 14 , and stretched rearwardly around the rear side of ankle  52 . Because of the offset of fifth elongated securing strap  64  from first and second elongated securing straps  24  and  26 , first and second elongated securing straps  24  and  26  do not interfere with the wrapping of fifth elongated securing strap  64 . The stretching of fifth elongated securing strap  64  is continued such that fifth elongated securing strap  64  is stretched to the front of ankle  52  where it is secured by patch  48   e  of hook-like elements onto the unbroken loop-like fabric on the front side  12   b.  Strap  64  can be released and repositioned as desired in order to adjust the tension.  
         [0054]     Then, as shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , third and fourth elongated securing straps  30  and  38  are grasped by the two hands of the person, and both criss-crossed over the instep of foot  54  and simultaneously stretched rearwardly to the rear side of ankle  52  where they are secured by patches  48   c  and  48   d  of hook-like elements onto the unbroken loop-like fabric thereat. Patches  48   c  and  48   d  are preferably secured to the outer surfaces of straps  24  and  26  at the rear side of ankle  52 . Straps  30  and  38  can be released and repositioned as desired in order to adjust the tension.  
         [0055]     Referring now to  FIGS. 17-22 , an ankle support  80  according to another modification of the first embodiment of the present invention is formed from a planar support layer  82  formed generally in the same shape as planar support layer  12  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The same numerals are used to identify the same elements in planar support layers  12  and  82 . However, with planar support layer  82 , first elongated securing strap  24  is made much wider than second elongated securing strap  26 , and second elongated securing strap  26  is centered on second slightly downturned roof section  18  so that first and second elongated securing straps  24  and  26  are in line with each other, rather than being offset from each other. Further, first elongated securing strap  24  is provided with an opening  84  therein. Although opening  84  is shown to be circular, the present invention is not limited to this shape, and any other suitable shape, such as square, rectangular, triangular, etc. can be used.  
         [0056]     The manner of securing ankle support  80  around the ankle  52  of a person will now be described in relation to  FIGS. 19-22 .  
         [0057]     Specifically, from the rear direction of  FIG. 19 , a person inserts his foot  54  through opening  50  such that connected upper edges  34  and  42  are centered over the instep of the foot  54 , and center section  20  is positioned under the arch of foot  54 . Then, first and second elongated securing straps  24  and  26  are grasped by the two hands of the person, as shown in  FIG. 19 , and both stretched simultaneously rearwardly around the rear side of ankle  52 . Second elongated securing strap  26  is then inserted through opening  84 , as shown in  FIG. 20 , and the stretching of first and second elongated securing straps  24  and  26  is continued such that first and second elongated securing straps  24  and  26  are stretched to the front of ankle  52  where they are secured by patches  48   a  and  48   b  of hook-like elements onto the unbroken loop-like fabric on the front side  12   b.  Since second elongated securing strap  26  extends through opening  84  of first elongated securing strap  24 , the wrappings of first and elongated securing straps  24  and  26  do not interfere with each other. Straps  24  and  26  can be released and repositioned as desired in order to adjust the tension.  
         [0058]     Then, as shown in  FIGS. 21 and 22 , third and fourth elongated securing straps  30  and  38  are grasped by the two hands of the person, and both criss-crossed over the instep of foot  54  and simultaneously stretched rearwardly to the rear side of ankle  52  where they are secured by patches  48   c  and  48   d  of hook-like elements onto the unbroken loop-like fabric thereat. Patches  48   c  and  48   d  are preferably secured to the outer surfaces of straps  24  and  26  at the rear side of ankle  52 . Straps  30  and  38  can be released and repositioned as desired in order to adjust the tension.  
         [0059]     It will therefore be appreciated that ankle supports  10 ,  60  and  80  permit tensioning by pulling simultaneously on both first and second elongated securing straps  24  and  26  and on both third and fourth elongated securing straps  30  and  38 . This results in an easy application, better control of the applied tension, a higher degree of tension and more accurate placement of the ankle support. In addition, with this arrangement, differential tension at several locations across the straps is permitted. Furthermore, the construction of each ankle support reduces the amount of material that is required, and consequently the bulk necessary to provide the required tension. These advantages have been confirmed by different studies that have been performed with the ankle supports.  
         [0060]     The same concept as applied to ankle supports  10 ,  60  and  80  can also be applied to knee supports.  
         [0061]     Referring now to  FIGS. 23-31 , a knee support  100  according to a second embodiment of the present invention includes a planar support layer  101  with a rear side  101   a  and a front side  101   b.  Knee support  100  includes a generally  10  rectangular central section  102  having a top edge  102   a  and a bottom edge  102   b,  and with the height of central section  102  being approximately twice the width thereof. A first elongated securing strap  104  extends from a first side  102   c  of central section  102  adjacent top edge  102   a,  such that the top elongated edge  104   a  of first elongated securing strap  104  is formed as a smooth continuation of top edge  102   a.    
         [0062]     A third elongated securing strap  106  also extends from first side  102   c  such that the bottom elongated edge  106   a  of third elongated securing strap  106  is in spaced relation from bottom edge  102   b  and does not form a smooth continuation thereof. The length of third elongated securing strap  106  is substantially the same as first elongated securing strap  104 .  
         [0063]     A fourth elongated securing strap  108  extends from the second opposite side  102   d  of central section  102  adjacent bottom edge  102   b,  such that the bottom elongated edge  108   a  of fourth elongated securing strap  108  is formed as a smooth continuation of bottom edge  102   b.    
         [0064]     A second elongated securing strap  110  also extends from second side  102   d  such that the top elongated edge  110   a  of second elongated securing strap  110  is in spaced relation from top edge  102   a  and does not form a smooth continuation thereof. The length of second elongated securing strap  110  is substantially the same as fourth elongated securing strap  108 .  
         [0065]     It will therefore be appreciated, as shown in  FIGS. 23 and 24 , that elongated securing straps  104 ,  106 ,  108  and  110  are each staggered in the heightwise direction from each other in the order, from top to bottom, of elongated securing straps  104 ,  110 ,  106  and  108 . However, for purposes of the present application, first and second elongated securing straps  104  and  110  are still substantially directly opposite each other and third and fourth elongated securing straps  106  and  108  are still substantially directly opposite each other, that is, they are adjacent a common side and can be simultaneously pulled away from each other in opposite directions without substantial twisting or skewing of ankle support  10 , as would occur with the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 5,221,252 to Caprio, Jr. et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,399,153 to Caprio, Jr. et al. in which the securing strap on one side is adjacent the top edge and the securing strap on the opposite side is adjacent the bottom edge.  
         [0066]     Further, a circular opening  112  is provided centrally of central section  102 . An annular area  114  surrounding circular opening  112  is made from the same materials as the remainder of central section  102  but is thicker in order to provide a larger cushion at the knee cap when worn.  
         [0067]     Knee support  100  can be made of any suitable material, but is preferably made from a 3 mm neoprene nylon jersey material on the rear side  101   a  of planar support layer  101  which renders the material stretchable, and an unbroken loop-like fabric such as is sold under the trademark VELCRO on the front side  101   b  thereof. The continuous peripheral edge  116  of planar support layer  101  has a binding  118  thereon which extends around the edge to both sides of planar support layer  101 , and which can be secured by any suitable means, such as stitching, adhesive, ultrasonic welding, etc. Binding  118  can be made from any suitable material, but is preferably a mesh cloth.  
         [0068]     Further, two triangular cut-out darts  120  can be provided in side edges  102   c  and  102   d  for providing greater ease of wrapping of knee support  100  around the knee of a person, although darts  120  can be eliminated.  
         [0069]     In addition, four patches  122   a - 122   d  of hook-like elements such as is sold under the trademark VELCRO are secured to the distal ends of securing straps  104 , 106 ,  108  and  110  on the same rear side  101   a  of planar support layer  101 . Patches  122   a - 122   d  can be secured by any suitable means, such as stitching, adhesive, ultrasonic welding, etc.  
         [0070]     The manner of securing knee support  100  around the knee of a person will now be described in relation to  FIGS. 25-31 . Knee support  100  is first held by elongated securing straps  104  and  110  such that central section  102  is placed against the knee with opening  112  centered on the kneecap. Then, elongated securing straps  104  and  110  are grasped by the two hands of the person, as shown in  FIG. 25 , and both stretched simultaneously rearwardly around the rear side of the leg just above the knee, as shown in  FIG. 26 . Because of the offset of first and second elongated securing straps  104  and  110 , the wrapping of first elongated securing strap  104  does not interfere with the wrapping of second elongated securing strap  110 , as shown in  FIG. 27 . However, because the offset is not great and because both first and second elongated securing straps  104  and  110  are both adjacent a common edge, there is no substantial twisting or skewing of the knee support  100 . The stretching of first and second elongated securing straps  104  and  110  is continued such that first and second elongated securing straps  104  and  110  are stretched toward the front of the leg just above the knee where they are secured by patches  122   a  and  122   d  of hook-like elements onto the unbroken loop-like fabric on the front side  101   b,  as shown in  FIG. 28 . Straps  104  and  110  can be released and repositioned as desired in order to adjust the tension.  
         [0071]     Then, as shown in  FIG. 29 , third and fourth elongated securing straps  106  and  108  are both stretched simultaneously rearwardly around the rear side of the leg just below the knee. Because of the offset of third and fourth elongated securing straps  106  and  108 , the wrapping of third elongated securing strap  106  does not interfere with the wrapping of fourth elongated securing strap  108 , as shown in  FIG. 30 . However, because the offset is not great and because both third and fourth elongated securing straps  106  and  108  are both adjacent a common edge, there is no substantial twisting or skewing of the knee support  100 . The stretching of third and fourth elongated securing straps  106  and  108  is continued such that third and fourth elongated securing straps  106  and  108  are stretched toward the front of the leg just below the knee where they are secured by patches  122   b  and  122   c  of hook-like elements onto the unbroken loop-like fabric on the front side  101   b,  as shown in  FIG. 31 . Straps  106  and  108  can be released and repositioned as desired in order to adjust the tension.  
         [0072]     Referring now to  FIGS. 32-38 , a knee support  130  according to a modification of the second embodiment of the present invention is formed from a planar support layer  101  formed generally in the same shape as planar support layer  101  of  FIGS. 23 and 24 . The same numerals are used to identify the same elements in planar supports  101  and  131 . However, planar support layer  131  differs from planar support layer  101  in that first and second elongated securing straps  104  and  110  are in line with each other, rather than being offset from each other. In like manner, third and fourth elongated securing straps  106  and  108  are in line with each other, rather than being offset from each other.  
         [0073]     Further, first and third elongated securing straps  104  and  108  are made wider than second and fourth elongated securing straps  106  and  110 . An opening  132  is provided in the proximal end of each elongated securing strap  104  and  108 , with the width of each elongated securing strap  106  and  110  not being generally greater than the diameter of openings  132  so as to fit therethrough.  
         [0074]     In operation, knee support  130  is first held by elongated securing straps  104  and  110  such that central section  102  is placed against the knee with opening  112  centered on the kneecap. Then, elongated securing straps  104  and  110  are grasped by the two hands of the person, as shown in  FIG. 34 , and both stretched simultaneously rearwardly around the rear side of the leg just above the knee. As shown in  FIG. 35 , second elongated securing strap  110  is then inserted through the opening  132  in first elongated securing strap  104 . As a result, the wrapping of first elongated securing strap  104  does not interfere with the wrapping of second elongated securing strap  110 . The stretching of first and second elongated securing straps  104  and  110  is continued such that first and second elongated securing straps  104  and  110  are stretched toward the front of the leg just above the knee where they are secured by patches  122   a  and  122   d  of hook-like elements onto the unbroken loop-like fabric on the front side  101   b,  as shown in  FIG. 36 . Straps  104  and  110  can be released and repositioned as desired in order to adjust the tension.  
         [0075]     Then, third and fourth elongated securing straps  106  and  108  are both stretched simultaneously rearwardly around the rear side of the leg just below the knee. Third elongated securing strap  106  is then inserted through the opening  132  in fourth elongated securing strap  108 . As a result, the wrapping of third elongated securing strap  106  does not interfere with the wrapping of fourth elongated securing strap  108 , as shown in  FIG. 37 . The stretching of third and fourth elongated securing straps  106  and  108  is continued such that third and fourth elongated securing straps  106  and  108  are stretched toward the front of the leg just below the knee where they are secured by patches  122   b  and  122   c  of hook-like elements onto the unbroken loop-like fabric on the front side  101   b,  as shown in  FIG. 38 . Straps  106  and  108  can be released and repositioned as desired in order to adjust the tension.  
         [0076]     As with ankle supports  10 ,  60  and  80 , it will therefore be appreciated that knee supports  100  and  130  permit tensioning by pulling simultaneously on both the first and second elongated securing straps and on both the third and fourth elongated securing straps. This results in an easy application, better control of the applied tension, a higher degree of tension and more accurate placement of the ankle support. In addition, with this arrangement, differential tension at several locations across the straps is permitted. Furthermore, the construction of each ankle support reduces the amount of material that is required, and consequently the bulk necessary to provide the required tension. These advantages have been confirmed by different studies that have been performed with the ankle supports.  
         [0077]     Having described specific preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to those precise embodiments and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.  
       REFERENCE DESIGNATOR  
       [0000]    
       
           10  ankle support  
           12  planar support layer  
           12   a  rear side  
           12   b  front side  
           14  upper roof shaped section  
           16  first slightly downturned roof section  
           16   a  distal end  
           18  second slightly downturned roof section  
           18   a  distal end  
           20  center section  
           22  flat upper edge  
           24  first elongated securing strap  
           26  second elongated securing strap  
           28  separation line  
           30  third elongated securing strap  
           32  first main body portion  
           34  upper edge  
           36  separation line  
           38  fourth elongated securing strap  
           40  second main body portion  
           42  upper edge  
           44  continuous peripheral edge  
           46  binding  
           48   a - d  patches of hook-like elements  
           49  securing means  
           50  opening  
           52  ankle  
           54  foot  
           60  ankle support  
           62  planar support layer  
           64  fifth elongated securing strap  
           80  ankle support  
           82  planar support layer  
           84  opening  
           100  knee support  
           101  planar support layer  
           101   a  rear side  
           101   b  front side  
           102  rectangular central section  
           102   a  top edge  
           102   b  bottom edge  
           102   c  side edge  
           102   d  side edge  
           104  first elongated securing strap  
           104   a  top elongated edge  
           106  third elongated securing strap  
           106   a  bottom elongated edge  
           108  fourth elongated securing strap  
           108   a  bottom elongated edge  
           110  second elongated securing strap  
           110   a  top elongated edge  
           112  circular opening  
           114  annular area  
           116  peripheral edge  
           118  binding  
           120  triangular cut-out darts  
           122   a - d  patches of hook-like elements  
           130  knee support  
           131  planar support layer  
           132  openings