초록 ▼

A knee brace divided into anterior and posterior sides by a frontal plane, and having first and second sides divided by a median plane. The knee brace having a frame, and at least one cross strap that is connected to the frame and extends across over at least a portion of the first and second brace

A knee brace divided into anterior and posterior sides by a frontal plane, and having first and second sides divided by a median plane. The knee brace having a frame, and at least one cross strap that is connected to the frame and extends across over at least a portion of the first and second brace sides. The at least one cross strap is arranged obliquely relative to the median plane. The brace also includes a tightening mechanism that is connected to the frame and is configured to incrementally tension the at least one cross strap at predefined settings and to release tension on the at least one cross strap. A first end of the at least one cross strap engages the tightening mechanism. A dosage meter is connected to the frame, and includes an indication feature representing tension settings of the at least one cross strap.

대표청구항 ▼

We claim: 1. 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 oblique

We claim: 1. 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. 2. The knee brace according to claim 1, wherein the strap mount includes a grasping element formed on the second end thereof. 3. The knee brace according to claim 1, wherein the strap mount includes indicia corresponding to the plurality of teeth, the indicia generally indicating a degree of tension of the tensioning device. 4. The knee brace according to claim 1, wherein the lower support includes an elongate section defining a second end portion and having a length substantially greater than the length of the strap mount, the elongate section defining a slot formed along the longitudinal length of the lower support, the strap mount slidably mounted along the slot thereby only moving in a linear direction relative to the lower support. 5. The knee brace according to claim 1, wherein the first end of the strap mount has a flared portion having a width greater than a width defined by the lower mount, the flared portion sized greater than the clearance and thereby preventing further movement of the strap mount relative to the lower support. 6. The knee brace according to claim 1, wherein the tensioning device is a textile-based and substantially inelastic strap. 7. A knee brace divided into anterior and posterior sides by a frontal plane, and having first and second sides divided by a median plane, comprising: a frame having first and second frame portions; a first tensioning device having a first end anchored to a first side of the second frame portion and a second end adjustably connected to a first side of the first frame portion, the first tensioning device spiraling obliquely relative to the median plane from the first side of the second frame portion about the posterior and anterior sides to the first side of the first frame portion; a first tightening mechanism secured to the second end of the first tensioning device and engaging the first frame portion, the first tightening mechanism configured to incrementally increase and decrease tension of the first tensioning device at predetermined settings; a dosage meter cooperating with the first tensioning device and having an indication feature representing a location of the first end portion relative to the first tightening mechanism; and wherein the predetermined settings of the first tightening mechanism are associated with indicia on the dosage meter indicating the degree of tension of the first tensioning device. 8. The knee brace according to claim 7, further comprising: an elongate second tensioning device having a first end secured to a first side of the first frame portion and a second end connected to a first side of the second frame portion, the second tensioning device spiraling obliquely relative to the median plane about the anterior and posterior sides to the first side of the second frame portion and intersecting the first tensioning device; wherein the second tensioning device is adjustable in length at the second end thereof. 9. The knee brace according to claim 8, wherein the first 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 including a plurality of teeth located in a linear array, the first end connected to the first end portion of the first 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. 10. The knee brace according to claim 7, wherein the first tensioning device is a textile-based and substantially inelastic strap. 11. A knee brace divided into anterior and posterior sides by a frontal plane, and divided into lateral and medial sides by a median plane, comprising: a frame; a tensioning device connected to the frame and extending across over at least a portion of the anterior and posterior sides of the orthotic device, the tensioning device arranged obliquely relative to the median plane of the orthotic device, the tensioning device having a first end portion adjustable relative to the frame and a second end portion anchored to the frame; a tightening mechanism connected to the frame and configured to incrementally tension the tensioning device and to release tension on the tensioning device, the first end of the tensioning device engaging the tightening mechanism; and a dosage meter connected to the frame, the dosage meter connected to the tightening mechanism and having an indication feature representing tension settings of the tensioning device. 12. The knee brace according to claim 11, wherein the tightening mechanism includes a rotary ratchet device providing incremental adjustment of the length of the tensioning device. 13. The knee brace according to claim 11, wherein the tightening mechanism includes a linear ratchet device providing incremental adjustment of the length of the tensioning device. 14. The knee brace according to claim 11, wherein the indication feature of the dosage meter is arranged as indicia located on the tightening mechanism. 15. The knee brace according to claim 11, wherein the tensioning device is a textile-based and substantially inelastic strap. 16. The knee brace according to claim 11, wherein the tightening mechanism includes a cable coupled to the tensioning device and a rotary ratchet arranged to wind the cable thereabout. 17. The knee brace according to claim 11, wherein the tightening mechanism is removably attachable to the frame. 18. A knee brace divided into anterior and posterior sides by a frontal plane, and having first and second sides divided by a median plane, comprising: a frame; a tensioning device formed from a textile-based and substantially inelastic strap and connected to the frame, the tensioning device having a first end portion adjustable relative to the frame and a second end portion anchored to the frame, the tensioning device arranged to extend over the frame; and a tightening mechanism mounted on the frame and configured to incrementally tension the tensioning device and to release tension on the tensioning device, the first end of the tensioning device engaging the tightening mechanism, the tightening mechanism including a cable coupled to the tensioning device and a rotary ratchet arranged to wind the cable.