Abstract: A non-constrictive, resilient strap having flattened elongated links, each pair of links being rigidly joined together by a neck of solid material through which the centerline of the strap passes. The longitudinal axis of each link is disposed perpendicular to the centerline. The strap is formed of a plastic in a single injection molding operation. The chemical composition of the strap determines the rate at which it flexs in response to an applied force. For use in protective devices for athletes such as knee braces, the straps are formed of polyethylene or of polypropylene in order to provide adequate support and at the same time allow freedom of muscle movement.The strap is self-interlocking. Alternately, the strap may be fastened to a buckle formed of plastic having a keeper which engages a pair of slots disposed on either side of one of the necks of the strap.

Abstract: An artificial joint for a knee or elbow brace in which the axis around which motion takes place is not fixed but rather follows the natural joint. An eccentric member extends from one of the joint elements into a guide formed in the other joint element and is threadedly engaged with a retaining screw to hold the joint elements in overlapping relation. Simultaneously, an elongated pin protrudes from the inner face of the joint element having the guide into a tapered groove formed in the joint element from which the eccentric member extends. The depth of the groove is less than the thickness of the joint element in which it is formed within the zone of overlap. The abutments of the eccentric member against the edge surfaces of the guide and of the pin against the edge surfaces of the groove, either simultaneously or at different times, limit the relative movements of the joint elements and provide support for a wearer's joint.

Abstract: A knee guard and brace having bilaterally symmetrical, semi-rigid thigh and calf encasements for the protection of the knee area from the thigh to the calf. The device, other than padding and retaining screws, is made entirely of a thermoplastic material by an injection molding process. Ribs which run parallel to a wearer's leg are pivotally interconnected at the side of the knee joint. Stress on each screw which retains the end portions of a pair of ribs in overlapping engagement at a pivotal joint is reduced by the use of a shoulder and of a groove and ring projection, the groove being concentric with the shoulder in one of the ribs and being slidably engaged with the ring projection which protrudes from the contiguous face of the other rib. Sections of the ribs which are disposed above and below the knee joint area are embedded in the thigh and calf encasements, respectively. On either side of a pivotal joint, the juncture of each rib with an encasement is strengthened by means of a reinforcing abutment.

Abstract: A knee guard and brace having semi-rigid thigh and calf encasements for the protection of the knee area from the thigh to the calf. The device, other than padding, is made entirely of a plastic material. The brace is lightweight and designed for unusual strength by using an arch at the joint, covering the side of the knee, and a recess in each of the longitudinal support ribs which run parallel to the leg, the recessed portions of the ribs being embodied in the calf and thigh encasements. The encasements are secured to a wearer's leg by straps which are also part of the molding. The straps are perforated to seat over studs which are molded in the encasements. The straps and encasements are molded again at a low temperature to the contour of a user's legs.