Patent ID: 7806842

Claim:
An orthopedic bracing system for providing support to a joint connecting a first part of an individual's body to a second part of the individual's body, the bracing system comprising: a frame configured to conform to the individual's body and configured to contact the individual to provide support to the joint, said frame having at least a first portion configured to connect to the first part of the individual's body, and a second portion configured to connect to the second part of the individual's body; a first strap operatively associated with said frame, said first strap having a first terminal end, a second terminal end, and a length extending therebetween, said length of said first strap being adapted to at least partially surround a portion of the first part of the individual's body to facilitate securement of the first part of the individual's body to said first portion of said frame, and said first terminal end and second terminal end of said first strap being positioned on top of said first portion of said frame; a second strap operatively associated with said frame, said second strap being adapted to circumferentially surround a portion of the first part of the individual's body to facilitate securement of the first part of the individual's body to said first portion of said frame, said second strap being positioned below said first portion of said frame; a first cable linked directly to said first terminal end of said first strap and said second terminal end of said first strap, said first cable being interconnected to said first portion of said frame; a third strap operatively associated with said frame, said third strap adapted to at least partially surround the second part of the individual's body to facilitate securement of the second part of the individual's body to a second portion of said frame; a second cable linked to said third strap, said second cable being interconnected to said second portion of said frame; and an adjustment mechanism adapted to adjust the tightness level of said first cable independent of said second cable, said adjustment mechanism being adapted to draw said first terminal end of said first strap toward said second terminal end of said first strap, and tighten said second strap about the first part of the individual's body, thereby adjusting the fit of said first strap independent of the fit of said third strap.