Patent ID: 7597675

Claim:
A knee brace divided into anterior and posterior sides by a frontal plane, comprising: a frame having first and second frame portions; an elongated tensioning device connected to the frame and extending between the first and second frame portions, the tensioning device arranged obliquely relative to the median plane of the brace, the tensioning device having a first end portion adjustable relative to the frame and a second end portion anchored to the second frame portion; and a tightening mechanism mounted onto the frame and connected to the first end portion of the tensioning device, the tightening mechanism configured to tension the at least one tensioning device at incremental settings and to release tension on the tensioning device; wherein the tightening mechanism includes: a lower support connected to the frame; a latch forming a head with a detent, and a pair of arms having first end portions connecting to opposed sides of the head and to the lower support, the detent and the lower support forming a clearance therebetween; a strap mount having first and second ends, and includes a plurality of teeth located in a linear array, the first end connected to the first end portion of the tensioning device, the strap mount positionable through the clearance; wherein the head is pivotable relative to the plurality of teeth of the strap mount, and the head is resiliently biased by the arms towards the strap mount so that the detent engages one of the plurality of teeth.