Dual tensioning health support

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Accordingly, it is a feature of the present invention to provide a tensioning health support that overcomes the aforementioned problems.

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.

It is still another feature of the present invention to provide a tensioning health support that provides a higher degree of tension.

It is yet another feature of the present invention to provide a tensioning health support that provides more accurate positioning of the device.

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.

It is a still further feature of the present invention to provide a tensioning health support that requires less material than conventional arrangements.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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;

FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the planar support layer of the ankle support of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the ankle support formed from the planar support layer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the ankle support formed from the planar support layer of FIG. 1;

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;

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;

FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of the planar support layer of the ankle support of FIG. 9;

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;

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;

FIG. 18 is a bottom plan view of the planar support layer of the ankle support of FIG. 17;

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;

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;

FIG. 24 is a bottom plan view of the planar support layer of the knee support of FIG. 23;

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;

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;

FIG. 33 is a bottom plan view of the planar support layer of the knee support of FIG. 32; and

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

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.

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 16a 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 18a 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.

First slightly downturned roof section 16 is cut along a separation line 28 that is parallel to the upper edge 16b thereof and which extends from distal end 16a 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 18b thereof and which extends from distal end 18a 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.

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 12a thereof which renders the material stretchable, and an unbroken loop-like fabric such as is sold under the trademark VELCRO on the front side 12b 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.

In addition, four patches 48a-48d 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 12a of planar support layer 12. Patches 48a-48d can be secured by any suitable means, such as stitching, adhesive, ultrasonic welding, etc.

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 16a 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 18a 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.

The manner of securing ankle support 10 around the ankle 52 of a person will now be described in relation to FIGS. 5-8.

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 48a and 48b of hook-like elements onto the unbroken loop-like fabric on the front side 12b. Straps 24 and 26 can be released and repositioned as desired in order to adjust the tension.

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 48c and 48d of hook-like elements onto the unbroken loop-like fabric thereat. Patches 48c and 48d 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.

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 16a 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.

In addition, a patch 48e 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 48a-48d. Patch 48e can be secured by any suitable means, such as stitching, adhesive, ultrasonic welding, etc.

The manner of securing ankle support 60 around the ankle 52 of a person will now be described in relation to FIGS. 11-16.

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 48a and 48b of hook-like elements onto the unbroken loop-like fabric on the front side 12b. Straps 24 and 26 can be released and repositioned as desired in order to adjust the tension.

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 48e of hook-like elements onto the unbroken loop-like fabric on the front side 12b. Strap 64 can be released and repositioned as desired in order to adjust the tension.

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 48c and 48d of hook-like elements onto the unbroken loop-like fabric thereat. Patches 48c and 48d 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.

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.

The manner of securing ankle support 80 around the ankle 52 of a person will now be described in relation to FIGS. 19-22.

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 48a and 48b of hook-like elements onto the unbroken loop-like fabric on the front side 12b. 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.

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 48c and 48d of hook-like elements onto the unbroken loop-like fabric thereat. Patches 48c and 48d 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.

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.

The same concept as applied to ankle supports 10, 60 and 80 can also be applied to knee supports.

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 101a and a front side 101b. Knee support 100 includes a generally 10 rectangular central section 102 having a top edge 102a and a bottom edge 102b, 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 102c of central section 102 adjacent top edge 102a, such that the top elongated edge 104a of first elongated securing strap 104 is formed as a smooth continuation of top edge 102a.

A third elongated securing strap 106 also extends from first side 102c such that the bottom elongated edge 106a of third elongated securing strap 106 is in spaced relation from bottom edge 102b 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.

A fourth elongated securing strap 108 extends from the second opposite side 102d of central section 102 adjacent bottom edge 102b, such that the bottom elongated edge 108a of fourth elongated securing strap 108 is formed as a smooth continuation of bottom edge 102b.

A second elongated securing strap 110 also extends from second side 102d such that the top elongated edge 110a of second elongated securing strap 110 is in spaced relation from top edge 102a 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.

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.

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.

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 101a 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 101b 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.

Further, two triangular cut-out darts 120 can be provided in side edges 102c and 102d for providing greater ease of wrapping of knee support 100 around the knee of a person, although darts 120 can be eliminated.

In addition, four patches 122a-122d 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 101a of planar support layer 101. Patches 122a-122d can be secured by any suitable means, such as stitching, adhesive, ultrasonic welding, etc.

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 122a and 122d of hook-like elements onto the unbroken loop-like fabric on the front side 101b, as shown in FIG. 28. Straps 104 and 110 can be released and repositioned as desired in order to adjust the tension.

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 122b and 122c of hook-like elements onto the unbroken loop-like fabric on the front side 101b, as shown in FIG. 31. Straps 106 and 108 can be released and repositioned as desired in order to adjust the tension.

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.

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.

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 122a and 122d of hook-like elements onto the unbroken loop-like fabric on the front side 101b, as shown in FIG. 36. Straps 104 and 110 can be released and repositioned as desired in order to adjust the tension.

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 122b and 122c of hook-like elements onto the unbroken loop-like fabric on the front side 101b, as shown in FIG. 38. Straps 106 and 108 can be released and repositioned as desired in order to adjust the tension.

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.

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

• 10 ankle support
• 12 planar support layer
• 12a rear side
• 12b front side
• 14 upper roof shaped section
• 16 first slightly downturned roof section
• 16a distal end
• 18 second slightly downturned roof section
• 18a 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
• 48a-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
• 101a rear side
• 101b front side
• 102 rectangular central section
• 102a top edge
• 102b bottom edge
• 102c side edge
• 102d side edge
• 104 first elongated securing strap
• 104a top elongated edge
• 106 third elongated securing strap
• 106a bottom elongated edge
• 108 fourth elongated securing strap
• 108a bottom elongated edge
• 110 second elongated securing strap
• 110a top elongated edge
• 112 circular opening
• 114 annular area
• 116 peripheral edge
• 118 binding
• 120 triangular cut-out darts
• 122a-d patches of hook-like elements
• 130 knee support
• 131 planar support layer
• 132 openings

Claims

1. A dual tensioning health support comprising:

a support layer adapted to be at least partially wrapped about a body part;

a first elongated securing strap extending from one side of said support layer;

a second elongated securing strap extending from an opposite side of said support layer, said second elongated securing strap being positioned substantially opposite from said first elongated securing strap such that said first and second elongated securing straps are both adjacent a first common side of said support layer and can be simultaneously pulled away from each other in opposite directions without substantial twisting of said support layer;

a first securing device for securing a distal end of said first elongated securing strap to said support layer after said 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 said second elongated securing strap to said support layer after said second elongated securing strap has been wrapped at least partially about the body part.

2. The dual tensioning health support according to claim 1, further comprising:

a third elongated securing strap extending from one side of said support layer;

a fourth elongated securing strap extending from an opposite side of said support layer, said fourth elongated securing strap being substantially opposite said third elongated securing strap such that said third and fourth elongated securing straps are both adjacent a second common side of said support layer and can be simultaneously pulled away from each other in opposite directions without substantial twisting of said support layer;

a third securing device for securing a distal end of said third elongated securing strap to said support layer after said 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 said fourth elongated securing strap to said support layer after said fourth elongated securing strap has been wrapped at least partially about the body part.

3. The dual tensioning health support according to claim 2, wherein said 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.

4. The dual tensioning health support according to claim 3, wherein said 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.

5. The dual tensioning health support according to claim 4, wherein said first and second elongated securing straps are offset slightly from each other such that said wrapping of said first elongated securing strap around the ankle does not interfere with wrapping of the second elongated securing strap around the ankle and said wrapping of said second elongated securing strap around the ankle does not interfere with wrapping of the first elongated securing strap around the ankle.

6. The dual tensioning health support according to claim 4, wherein said first elongated securing strap has an opening therein for receiving said second elongated securing strap therethrough when said first and second elongated securing straps are wrapped about the ankle such that said wrapping of said first elongated securing strap around the ankle does not interfere with wrapping of the second elongated securing strap around the ankle and said wrapping of said second elongated securing strap around the ankle does not interfere with wrapping of the first elongated securing strap around the ankle.

7. The dual tensioning health support according to claim 2, further comprising a fifth elongated securing strap extending from said one side of said support layer in spaced apart, substantially parallel relation to said first elongated securing strap, for wrapping about an ankle of the person.

8. The dual tensioning health support according to claim 2, for use as a knee support wherein said support layer is adapted to wrap at least partially around a knee of a person, with said 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.

9. The dual tensioning health support according to claim 8, wherein said support layer includes an opening located centrally therein.

10. The dual tensioning health support according to claim 8, wherein said first and second elongated securing straps are offset slightly from each other such that said wrapping of said first elongated securing strap around the leg does not interfere with wrapping of the second elongated securing strap around the leg, and said third and fourth elongated securing straps are offset slightly from each other such that said wrapping of said third elongated securing strap around the leg does not interfere with wrapping of the fourth elongated securing strap around the leg.

11. The dual tensioning health support according to claim 8, wherein said first elongated securing strap has an opening therein for receiving said second elongated securing strap therethrough when said first and second elongated securing straps are wrapped about the leg, and said fourth elongated securing strap has an opening therein for receiving said third elongated securing strap therethrough when said third and fourth elongated securing straps are wrapped about the leg.

12. The dual tensioning health support according to claim 2, wherein said first through fourth securing devices include hook-like fasteners for engaging loops of fabric on the support layer.

13. The dual tensioning health support according to claim 12, wherein said support layer and said first through fourth elongated securing straps are 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 said hook-like fasteners.

14. A dual tensioning knee support comprising:

a support layer adapted to be at least partially wrapped about a knee;

a first elongated securing strap extending from one side of said support layer;

a second elongated securing strap extending from an opposite side of said support layer, said second elongated securing strap being positioned substantially opposite from said first elongated securing strap such that said first and second elongated securing straps are both adjacent a first common side of said support layer and can be simultaneously pulled away from each other in opposite directions without substantial twisting of said support layer;

a third elongated securing strap extending from one side of said support layer;

a fourth elongated securing strap extending from an opposite side of said support layer, said fourth elongated securing strap being substantially opposite said elongated third securing strap such that said third and fourth elongated securing straps are both adjacent a second common side of said support layer and can be simultaneously pulled away from each other in opposite directions without substantial twisting of said support layer;

a first securing device for securing a distal end of said first elongated securing strap to said support layer after said first elongated securing strap has been wrapped at least partially about a leg above the knee;

a second securing device for securing a distal end of said second elongated securing strap to said support layer after said second elongated securing strap has been wrapped at least partially about a leg above the knee;

a third securing device for securing a distal end of said third elongated securing strap to said support layer after said third elongated securing strap has been wrapped at least partially about a leg below the knee; and

a fourth securing device for securing a distal end of said fourth elongated securing strap to said support layer after said fourth elongated securing strap has been wrapped at least partially about a leg below the knee.

15. The dual tensioning knee support according to claim 14, wherein said support layer includes an opening located centrally therein.

16. The dual tensioning health support according to claim 14, wherein said first through fourth securing devices include hook-like fasteners for engaging loops of fabric on the support layer.

17. The dual tensioning health support according to claim 16, wherein said support layer and said first through fourth elongated securing straps are 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 said hook-like fasteners.

18. A dual tensioning ankle support comprising:

a support layer formed by an endless loop having an opening therein for receiving a foot, so as to wrap about an arch and instep of the foot;

a first elongated securing strap extending from one side of said support layer and positioned at the ankle of said foot;

a second elongated securing strap extending from an opposite side of said support layer and positioned at the ankle of said foot, said second elongated securing strap being positioned substantially opposite from said first elongated securing strap such that said first and second elongated securing straps are both adjacent a first common side of said support layer and can be simultaneously pulled away from each other in opposite directions without substantial twisting of said support layer;

a third elongated securing strap extending from one side of said support layer and positioned at the instep of said foot;

a fourth elongated securing strap extending from an opposite side of said support layer and positioned at the instep of said foot, said fourth elongated securing strap being substantially opposite said elongated third securing strap such that said third and fourth elongated securing straps are both adjacent a second common side of said support layer and can be simultaneously pulled away from each other in opposite directions without substantial twisting of said support layer;

a first securing device for securing a distal end of said first elongated securing strap to said support layer after said first elongated securing strap has been wrapped at least partially about the ankle;

a second securing device for securing a distal end of said second elongated securing strap to said support layer after said second elongated securing strap has been wrapped at least partially about the ankle;

a third securing device for securing a distal end of said third elongated securing strap to said support layer after said third elongated securing strap has been wrapped at least partially about the ankle; and

a fourth securing device for securing a distal end of said fourth elongated securing strap to said support layer after said fourth elongated securing strap has been wrapped at least partially about the ankle.

19. The dual tensioning health support according to claim 18, wherein said first through fourth securing devices include hook-like fasteners for engaging loops of fabric on the support layer.

20. The dual tensioning health support according to claim 19, wherein said support layer and said first through fourth elongated securing straps are 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 said hook-like fasteners.