US3786804A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Hinged knee brace having torque pads for producing inward support pressure
Assignee: Surgical Appliance Ind Inc
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Filing: 1972-08-07
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Granted: 1974-01-22
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Expires: 1992-08-07
Abstract
Abstract A knee brace for supporting a weakened knee having a singlepiece cylindrical sleeve of elastic material dimensioned to accommodate the wearer''s knee. A pair of hinges with elongated arms are located on opposite outer sides of the sleeve to laterally support the knee without impairing the normal bending of the knee joint. Pads are provided on both sides of the sleeve between the associated lower arms of each hinge and opposite sides of the knee to provide a torque on the hinge arms which results in the application of an inward supporting pressure on the knee joint. A pair of openings are provided on the front and rear of the sleeve to accommodate the kneecap and to prevent bunching of the sleeve as the knee bends. Additionally, a pair of replaceable strips are provided to alternatively fully encircle or partially encircle the wearer''s leg above and below the knee to insure that the brace will remain properly positioned.
Inventors
- 👤 H Lewis
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 00:25
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F5/00; A61F5/01; A61F5/0102; A61F5/0123; A61F5/0125; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S128/00; Y10S128/15; Y10S2/00; Y10S2/908; Y10S2/911
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
266 words
A knee brace comprising: a generally cylindrical sleeve having a longitudinal axis, saiD sleeve being formed of elastic material and dismensioned to encircle the knee and adjacent leg sections above and below the knee, said sleeve having first and second side sections adapted to be disposed on opposite sides of a wearer''s knee when in use, a first and second hinge, each with first and second elongated arms, said first and second arms of each hinge having pivotally connected mating ends which overlap, said first and second arms of each hinge further having free ends opposite to said mating ends, first and second pads fixed relative to said sleeve inwardly of the mating ends of said first and second hinges, respectively, said pads each having an inner surface, third and fourth pads fixed relative to said sleeve inwardly of the free ends of said first arms of said first and second hinges, respectively, said third and fourth pads each having an inner surface, and said inner surfaces of said first and third pads lying generally in a first plane and said inner surfaces of said second and fourth pads lying generally in a second plane, said hinge arms being configured to locate said free ends of said second arms of said first and second hinges outwardly of said first and second planes, respectively, thereby providing in response to the elastic forces applied thereto by said sleeve, a torque on said hinges which force said pivotally connected mating hinge arm ends inwardly against the opposite sides of a wearer''s knee to enhance the inward lateral support thereof.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
266 words
A knee brace comprising: a generally cylindrical sleeve having a longitudinal axis, saiD sleeve being formed of elastic material and dismensioned to encircle the knee and adjacent leg sections above and below the knee, said sleeve having first and second side sections adapted to be disposed on opposite sides of a wearer''s knee when in use, a first and second hinge, each with first and second elongated arms, said first and second arms of each hinge having pivotally connected mating ends which overlap, said first and second arms of each hinge further having free ends opposite to said mating ends, first and second pads fixed relative to said sleeve inwardly of the mating ends of said first and second hinges, respectively, said pads each having an inner surface, third and fourth pads fixed relative to said sleeve inwardly of the free ends of said first arms of said first and second hinges, respectively, said third and fourth pads each having an inner surface, and said inner surfaces of said first and third pads lying generally in a first plane and said inner surfaces of said second and fourth pads lying generally in a second plane, said hinge arms being configured to locate said free ends of said second arms of said first and second hinges outwardly of said first and second planes, respectively, thereby providing in response to the elastic forces applied thereto by said sleeve, a torque on said hinges which force said pivotally connected mating hinge arm ends inwardly against the opposite sides of a wearer''s knee to enhance the inward lateral support thereof.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
145 words
The knee brace of claim 1 further including first and second loops secured to said sleeve at generally diametrically oppositely disposed points thereof axially spaced from said mating hinge arm ends, an elongated strap having first and second opposite surfaces and a length exceeding the girth of said sleeve, said strap being engaged by said loops and having complimentary inter-engaging hook and loop fastening elements on said first and second surfaces of said strap, respectively, said hooks being at one end of said strap and said loops at the other end thereof to permit said opposite strap end regions to engage with said strap alternatively fully encircling said sleeve and partially encircling said sleeve, said loops being located to permit said strap to overlie the free ends of said second arms of said hinges to increase said torque and further enhance said inward lateral support.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The brace of claim 1 wherein there is an absence of pads interiorly of the free ends of the second arms of said hinges.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-01-21 | 1977-07-23 | 1978-01-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-01-21 | 1981-07-23 | 1982-01-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-01-21 | 1985-07-23 | 1986-01-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |