HK1126110B - Knee brace - Google Patents

Description

Knee pad

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to the field of articles worn by persons to reduce the likelihood, severity or worsening of injury to the human body, and more particularly to the field of knee pads worn on the knee.

Background

Flexible knee pads are used by athletes or other persons participating in strenuous athletic activities to protect the knee from injury and to avoid aggravation of old injuries. The knee is one of the most common joints of the body, as the knee is used in any activity, including walking and running.

The knee is also a vulnerable site because the knee must withstand relatively high levels of stress, typically several times the total weight under dynamic loading. For work including manual labor, during normal walking, particularly strenuous exercise, the knee may experience abnormal movements due to rapid changes in direction, fatigue, uneven surfaces, or impact. These abnormal movements may result in sprains or more serious injuries, such as dislocation, strain, or tearing of the tissue that makes up the knee.

For these reasons, devices for protecting the knee from abnormal movements have been in use for many years, and in different specific embodiments of these devices, the ability to protect against different types of abnormal movements varies. One such kneepad of the prior art is known as a PSB kneepad and is commercially available from NEA international corporation of Maastricht BV, the netherlands. The industrial design of a PSB knee pad is disclosed in figures 3.1-3.6 of international design DM/052483.

Many features of PSB kneepads are known in the art of athletic kneepads. The PSB includes an elastic sleeve base with vertical support members formed by elastic strut members placed in pockets on each side of the base. The PSB kneepad further comprises: a hole through which the patella (patella) extends when the knee brace is worn; and a patella support panel mounted to the patellar tendon position and under the patella when the knee pad is worn.

PSB knee wraps comprise an elastic mesh support layer atop an elastic sleeve base. A resilient mesh support layer is located vertically above the patella and patella support panel when the knee brace is worn, and extends approximately to the vertical midpoint of the patella on each side of the patella. The elastic mesh support layer extends only slightly beyond the upper edge of the patella support panel when the knee brace is worn and is attached here to each side by a single sewn seam of approximately 2.5 inches long between the upper edge of the patella support panel and the base of the elastic sleeve. The elastic mesh support layer of the PSB kneepad does not extend under the patella, nor does it completely encircle the patella.

What is needed is a knee brace having an elastic sleeve base, an upright support member, a patella support panel, and an elastic mesh support layer, wherein the structure of the knee brace is adapted to facilitate cooperation between the elastic sleeve base, the patella support panel, and the elastic mesh support layer. What is further needed is a knee brace having an elastic sleeve base, an upright support member, a patella support panel, and an elastic mesh support layer, wherein the structure of the knee brace is adapted to facilitate cooperation between the elastic sleeve base, the patella support panel, and the elastic mesh support layer, and wherein the upright support member includes at least one mechanical hinge. What is further needed is a knee brace having an elastic sleeve base, upright support members, a patella support panel, and an elastic mesh support layer, wherein the elastic mesh support layer includes two juxtaposed portions secured together in at least a partially overlapping manner.

Disclosure of Invention

A preferred embodiment of a knee brace according to the invention comprises: an elastic base covering the knee and adjacent portions of the upper and lower legs of the person, a mesh support layer covering the upper portion of the base and extending below the knee when the knee brace is worn, and an under-knee bolster made of a non-elastic sheet material.

Various embodiments of knee wraps according to the present invention comprise: an elastic base for covering the knee and adjacent portions of the upper and lower legs of the person, a web support layer having a symmetrical upper closure assembly including overlapping ears and extending below the knee when the knee brace is worn, and a below-knee bolster made of a non-elastic sheet material.

An alternative embodiment of a knee brace according to the invention comprises: an elastic base covering the patellar tendon and a portion of the upper and lower legs of the person; a mesh support layer covering an upper portion of the base and comprising a patellar band portion, wherein the patellar band portion extends at least over the patellar tendon when the knee brace is worn; and a below-knee bolster made of a non-elastic sheet material.

Another embodiment of a knee brace according to the invention comprises: an elastic base covering the patella and surrounding areas of a portion of the upper and lower legs of the person; a mesh support layer covering an upper portion of the base and including a patellar support portion, wherein the patellar support portion covers a peripatellar region and encircles the patella when the knee brace is worn; and a below-knee bolster made of a non-elastic sheet material.

The knee wrap according to the invention may comprise: one or more vertical support members located on the side portions of the substrate. The vertical support members may comprise, for example, elastic struts in elongate pockets secured to the sides of the base, or mechanical hinges having end portions that fit into upper and lower pockets secured to the sides of the base.

In a knee brace according to the invention, the mesh support layer may include a lower portion stitched between the below-knee support pad and the base. However, this is not required and the mesh support layer may be sewn atop the below-knee bolster such that the below-knee bolster is sewn between the mesh support layer and the base.

In a knee brace according to the invention, the upper portion of the mesh support layer may comprise a rear lap strap and a front lap strap having a first strap portion and a second strap portion.

In a knee brace according to the invention, the upper portion of the mesh support layer may include at least one suspension tab and the base may include at least one suspension patch, such that the suspension tab of the upper portion of the mesh support layer may be releasably secured to the suspension patch of the base to position the upper portion of the mesh support layer on the base.

The knee wrap according to the invention may comprise: can be releasably fastened, for example using one or more elastic straps and a hook or loop type material of the type sold under the trademark VELCRO,

further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

In the drawings:

figures 1(a) and 1(b) show right and left side views, respectively, of an exemplary base with elastic strut members for use in a preferred embodiment of a knee brace according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows front and side views of an exemplary elastic strut member for use in the base shown in FIGS. 1(a) -1 (b);

FIGS. 3(a) -3(d) show front, rear, right and left side views, respectively, of an exemplary mesh support layer for use in a preferred embodiment of a knee brace according to the invention;

FIGS. 4(a) -4(d) show front, rear, right side and left side views, respectively, of a preferred embodiment of a knee brace according to the invention comprising the mesh support layer of FIGS. 3(a) -3 (d);

FIGS. 5(a) -5(d) show front, rear, right and left side views, respectively, of an alternative mesh support layer for use in an alternative knee brace in accordance with the invention;

FIGS. 6(a) -6(d) show front, rear, right and left side views, respectively, of a knee brace according to the invention comprising an alternative to the mesh support layer shown in FIGS. 5(a) -5 (d);

FIGS. 7(a) -7(b) show front and rear views, respectively, of an exemplary mesh support layer for use in a preferred embodiment of a knee brace according to the invention;

FIGS. 8(a) -8(b) show front and back views, respectively, of the mesh support layer of FIGS. 7(a) -7(b) on the substrate of FIGS. 1(a) -1 (b);

figures 9(a) -9(d) show front, rear, right and left side views, respectively, of a preferred embodiment of a knee brace according to the invention comprising the mesh support layer of figures 7(a) -7(b) and the base of figures 1(a) -1 (b);

figures 10(a) and 10(b) show alternative substrates with mechanical hinges for use in alternative embodiments of knee wraps according to the present invention;

figure 11 shows front and side views of an exemplary mechanical hinge for use in a knee brace according to the invention;

12(a) -12(d) show front, rear, right and left side views, respectively, of an exemplary mesh support layer for use in a knee brace having an alternative version of a mechanical hinge according to the present invention;

figures 13(a) -13(d) show front, back, right and left side views, respectively, of a knee brace according to an alternative of the present invention comprising a mesh support layer as shown in figures 12(a) -12(d) and a base as shown in figures 10(a) -10(b), with the mechanical hinge and hinge cover removed;

figure 14 shows a side view of an exemplary hinged cover for use in the knee wraps shown in figures 13(a) -13 (d);

figure 15 shows a cross-sectional view of the hinged lid of figure 14 taken along line 15-15 of the drawing;

figures 16(a) -16(d) show front, rear, right and left side views, respectively, of a mesh support layer for use in a knee brace according to the invention;

17(a) -17(b) show front and rear views, respectively, of an exemplary mesh support layer for use in a knee brace in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 18(a) -18(b) show front and back views, respectively, of the mesh support layer of FIGS. 17(a) -17(b) on the substrate of FIG. 10; and

figures 19(a) -19(d) show front, rear, right and left side views, respectively, of an alternative knee brace according to the present invention comprising the mesh support layer of figures 17(a) -17(b) and the base of figures 10(a) -10 (b).

Detailed Description

Referring to the drawings:

fig. 1(a) and 1(b) show right and left side views, respectively, of an exemplary base 12 with elastic strut members for use in a preferred embodiment of a knee brace according to the invention. Fig. 1(a) shows a first (right) side 14 of the substrate 12, while fig. 1(b) shows a second (left) side 16 of the substrate 12. The structure of exemplary substrate 12 is for illustration only, and other structures may be used in knee wraps according to the present invention.

The base 12 preferably includes a front pad 18 and is made of, for example, an elastic sheet material such as polyester, spandex or neoprene or other similar material suitable for use in athletic knee wraps. The rear portion of the base 12 is preferably, but not necessarily, formed of three pads, i.e., a rear upper pad 20, a rear middle pad 22, and a rear lower pad 24. The front 18, rear upper 20, rear middle 22 and rear lower 24 pads are preferably, but not necessarily, joined together with a sewn seam 26. The base 12 may include an edge trim 38 to terminate any exposed edges, such as exposed edges of the base 12, although this is not required.

The base 12 preferably includes one or more vertical support members 28 on one or both sides of the base 12. Each vertical support member may be formed, for example, by placing the elastic struts 30 in vertical support pockets 32, wherein the vertical support pockets 32 are formed with side pocket cover strips 34 mounted to the sides of the base 12 by seams 36.

The base 12 also includes an upper mesh support suspended fastening patch 40 mounted to an upper side portion of the base 12. The upper mesh support suspension fastening patch 40 is preferably a loop type material of the type marketed under the trademark VELCRO.

Figure 2 shows front and side views of an exemplary elastic strut member 30 used in a preferred embodiment of a knee brace according to the invention. The elastic strut members 30 can be made, for example, from flattened spiral cores of stainless steel or other bendable material. Other elastic strut structures known in the art may be used, such as bundles or individual elastic rods or fibers, narrow strips of reinforcing sheet material, or combinations of these various alternatives or equivalents thereof. Other materials, such as fiberglass, graphite, plastic, or metal, may also be used.

Figures 3(a) -3(d) show front, rear, right and left side views, respectively, of an exemplary mesh support layer, generally designated 42, for use in a preferred embodiment of a knee brace according to this invention. The mesh support layer 42 is preferably made of a strong yet porous lightweight resilient sheet material such as a polyester or nylon material. The mesh support layer 42 is preferably formed using a first (right) mesh support pad 44 and a second (left) mesh support pad 46 joined together, for example, by a stitched seam 70.

The mesh support layer 42 preferably includes a lap back mesh strip 50 on the back of the thigh. The lap back mesh belt 50 may be formed, for example, by including the lap back mesh belt portion 48 on each of the first and second mesh support pads 44, 46 and joining the two lap back mesh belt portions 48 at the back of the thighs using a stitched seam 70.

The mesh support pad 42 preferably also includes mesh support layer suspension fastening protrusions 52, the mesh support layer suspension fastening protrusions 52 preferably being formed of a type of hook-type material marketed under the trademark VELCRO.

The mesh support layer 42 preferably also includes a front lap band 53 at the front of the thigh. The lap front belt 53 may be formed, for example, using a right front belt portion 54 formed as part of the first mesh support pad 44 and a left front belt portion 56 formed as part of the second mesh support pad 46.

The right front belt portion 54 preferably includes a fastening patch 58 formed of a loop type material of the type commercially available under the trademark VELCRO. The left front belt portion 56 preferably includes a fastening tab 60 preferably formed of a hook-type material of the type commercially available under the trademark VELCRO. The right front strap portion 54 may be detachably attached to the left front strap portion 56 by pressing the fastening tab 60 against the fastening patch 58 to secure the lap front strap 53 around the thighs of the knee wearer.

The mesh support layer 42 preferably includes a lap perforation 62 between the lap front strap 53 and the lower portion of the knee wrap.

Mesh support layer 42 may include a patellar ribbon mesh portion 64, such as shown in fig. 3(a), with patellar ribbon mesh portion 64 extending under a patellar ribbon portion 78 of a below-knee bolster 76, such as shown in fig. 4 (a). Mesh support layer 42 may include a patella support mesh portion 65, such as shown in fig. 3(a), which patella support mesh portion 65 encircles the patella when the knee brace is worn.

The mesh support layer 42 is preferably attached to the sides of the base 12 with a stitched seam 170.

The substrate 12 preferably includes one or more exposed edge reinforcements 72 at the upper and/or lower exposed edges of the substrate. One or more non-slip patches 74 may also be provided on the inside of the upper and/or lower exposed edges of the base to prevent the base from moving on the legs during use.

Figures 4(a) -4(d) show front, rear, right side and left side views, respectively, of a preferred embodiment of a knee brace according to the invention comprising the mesh support layer of figures 3(a) -3 (d). The completed knee brace shown in fig. 4(a) -4(d) incorporates an under-knee support pad, generally designated 76, and an under-knee elastic band, generally designated 90, to the base and mesh support layers shown in fig. 3(a) -3 (d).

Below-knee bolster 76 is preferably formed, for example, from a durable non-elastic sheet material such as leather, sheet vinyl, synthetic leather, or from a material sold under the trademark KEVLAR. The below-knee bolster 76 includes a patellar strap bolster portion 78, the patellar strap bolster portion 78 being generally semi-circular and positioned above the patellar tendon vertically below the patella when the knee bolster is worn on a person's leg. Patellar band pad portion 78 extends from one pad end 80 to the other pad end 80. The patellar band pad portion 78 covers a patellar support member pocket 82 formed, for example, by the sewn seam 70. A patella support member 84 may be placed in patella support member pocket 82.

Below-knee bolster 76 also includes a below-knee bolster portion 86. Support pad 76 may include cutouts 88 on each side of pad 76, for example, so that the support pad may more easily bend under patellar strap pad portion 78 when the knee is flexed.

Knee wrap 10 may also include a below-knee elastic band 90. Below-knee elastic band 90 extends from first end 91 to second end 93. Preferably, first end 91 is permanently secured to substrate 12, support pad 76, and/or the edge of mesh support layer 42, such as by stitching. The second end 93 is preferably not permanently secured to the substrate 12 or the support pad 76. But rather preferably the second end 93 of the below-knee elastic band 90 includes a fastening tab 94 formed of a hook-type material of the type sold under the trademark VELCRO to be releasably attached, such as by a sewn seam 36, to the below-knee band fastening patch 92 fastened to the below-knee bolster 76.

Fig. 5(a) -5(d) show front, rear, right and left side views, respectively, of an alternative mesh support layer 142 for use in an alternative knee brace in accordance with the invention. The mesh support layer 142 is preferably made of a strong yet porous lightweight resilient sheet material such as a polyester or nylon material. The alternative mesh support layer 142 is preferably formed using a first (right) mesh support pad 144 and a second (left) mesh support pad 146 that may be joined together, for example, by stitched seams 170.

Mesh support layer 142 preferably includes a lap back mesh strip 150 on the back of the thigh. The back lap mesh belt 150 may be formed, for example, using the back lap mesh belt portion 148, with the back lap mesh belt portion 148 formed as part of each of the first and second support pads 144, 146 belts.

The mesh support layer 142 preferably also includes suspended fastening protrusions 152, the suspended fastening protrusions 152 being formed from a type of hook-type material sold under the trademark VELCRO.

The mesh support layer 142 preferably also includes a lap front belt 153, the lap front belt 153 being formed, for example, using a right front belt portion 154 and a left front belt portion 156. The right front strap portion 154 may be formed as part of the first support pad 144, while the left front strap portion 156 may be formed as part of the left support pad 146. The right front belt portion 154 preferably includes a fastening patch 158, the fastening patch 158 preferably being formed of a loop type material of the type sold under the trademark VELCRO. The left front belt portion 156 preferably includes a fastening tab 160, the fastening tab 160 preferably being formed of a type of hook-type material sold under the trademark VELCRO.

Mesh support layer 142 preferably includes an above knee aperture 162 between above knee band 153 and the patella.

Mesh support layer 142 may include a patellar mesh portion 164, such as shown in fig. 5(a), with patellar mesh portion 164 extending under a patellar band portion 178 of an infraknee support panel 176, such as shown in fig. 6 (a). Mesh support layer 42 may include a patella support mesh portion 165, such as shown in fig. 5(a), which patella support mesh portion 165 encircles the patella when the knee brace is worn. Mesh support layer 142 may include a below-knee mesh portion 166, such as shown in fig. 5(a), which below-knee mesh portion 166 is positioned vertically below the patella area when the knee brace is worn.

The mesh support layer 142 may include side notches 168 on each side.

The mesh support layer 142 is preferably attached to the sides of the base 12 using stitched seams 170.

The substrate 12 preferably includes one or more exposed edge reinforcements 172 at the upper and/or lower exposed edges of the substrate. One or more non-slip patches 174 may also be provided on the inside of the upper and/or lower exposed edge of the base to prevent the base from moving over the legs during use.

Figures 6(a) -6(d) show front, rear, right and left side views, respectively, of an alternative kneepad (generally indicated at 110) according to the invention comprising the mesh support layer shown in figures 5(a) -5 (d). The completed knee brace shown in fig. 6(a) -6(d) incorporates a below-knee support pad 176 and below-knee elastic band 190 into base 12 and mesh support layer 142 shown in fig. 5(a) -5 (d).

Below-knee support pad 176 is preferably formed, for example, from a durable non-elastic sheet material such as leather, sheet vinyl, synthetic leather, or from a material sold under the trademark KEVLAR. The below-knee bolster 176 includes a patellar strap pad portion 178, the patellar strap pad portion 178 being generally semi-circular and positioned above the patellar tendon vertically below the patella when the knee is worn on a person's leg. Patellar band pad portion 178 extends from one pad end 180 to the other pad end 180. Patellar band pad portion 178 covers a patellar support member pocket 182 formed, for example, by sewn seam 170. A patella support member 184 can be placed in patella support member pocket 182.

The below-knee bolster 176 also includes a below-knee bolster portion 186. Support pad 176 may include cutouts 188 on each side of pad 176, for example, so that the support pad may more easily bend under patellar strap pad portion 178 when the knee is flexed.

Knee wrap 110 may also include a below-knee elastic band 190. Below-knee elastic band 190 extends from first end 191 to second end 193. Preferably, the first end 191 is permanently secured to the edge of the substrate 12, support pad 176, and/or mesh support layer 142, such as by stitching. The second end 193 is preferably not permanently secured to the base 12 or the support pad 176. But rather preferably the second end 193 of the below-knee elastic band 190 includes a fastening tab 194 formed of a hook-type material of the type sold under the trademark VELCRO to be releasably attached, such as by a sewn seam 36, to the below-knee band fastening patch 192 fastened to the below-knee bolster 176.

Figures 7(a) -7(b) show views of the outer face 443 (generally exposed) and inner face 447, respectively, of an exemplary mesh support layer (generally designated 442) for use in a preferred embodiment of a knee brace according to this invention. Fig. 8(a) -8(b) show front and back views, respectively, of the web support layer 442 of fig. 7(a) -7(b) positioned on the substrate 12 of fig. 1(a) -1 (b).

The mesh support layer 442 is preferably made of a strong yet porous lightweight elastomeric sheet material such as a polyester or nylon material. Mesh support layer 442 is preferably formed using a first (right) mesh support pad 444 and a second (left) mesh support pad 446 which may be joined together, for example, by stitched seams 470. The mesh support layer 442 preferably includes a lap back mesh 450 on the back of the thigh. The lap back mesh belt 450 may be formed, for example, by providing a lap back mesh belt portion 448 on each of the first and second mesh support pads 444, 446 and joining the two lap back mesh belt portions 448 at the backs of the thighs using a stitched seam 470.

The inner face 447 of the mesh support layer 442 may include mesh support layer suspended fastening protrusions 452, the fastening protrusions 452 preferably being formed of a type of hook-type material sold under the trademark VELCRO. The fastening protrusions 452 may be fastened to the mesh support layer 442 using stitching 451, although this is not required.

The mesh support layer 442 preferably further includes a lap closure component, generally indicated at 453, which lap closure component 453 is positioned in front of the thigh during use. The lap closure assembly 453 can be formed, for example, using a right overlapping ear 454 formed as part of the right web support pad 444 and a left overlapping ear 456 formed as part of the second web support pad 446.

The outer face 443 of each of the right and left support pads 444, 446 preferably includes an in-the-ear fastening patch 458 formed from a type of loop material sold under the trademark VELCRO. The outer face 443 of the end portion of each of the right and left overlapping ears 454, 456 may include an ear end fastening patch 459 formed of a loop type material of the type sold under the trademark VELCRO. The inner face 447 of the end of each of the right and left overlapping ears 454, 456 may include an ear end fastening projection 460 formed of a type of hook-type material sold under the trademark VELCRO.

The closure assembly 453 can be used to secure the knee brace to the knee after the base has been positioned on the wearer's knee. First, the right mesh overlapping ear 454 is wrapped around the front of the thigh to the desired tension. The suspended fastening projections 452 and the ear end fastening projections 460 on the right ear 454 then press against the corresponding suspended fastening patches 40 on the base 12, thereby detachably attaching the right ear 454 to the base 12. Second, the left web overlapping ear 456 wraps around the front of the thigh on top of the right web overlapping ear 454 to a desired degree of tension. The suspension fastening tab 452 and the ear end fastening tab 460 on the left ear 456 then press against the ear end fastening patch 459 and the in-ear fastening patch 458, respectively, on the right ear 454, thereby detachably attaching the left ear 456 to the right ear 454 and to the base 12.

Advantageously, the structure of the closure assembly 453 is symmetrical with respect to the right and left overlapping ears 454, 456. Thus, while the above discussion of the knee brace fastening process assumes that the right overlapping ear is fastened first, both the left and right overlapping ears can be fastened first. Regardless of which ear is first fastened, anterior mesh cut 468 of mesh support layer 442 forms a patella aperture 463, patella aperture 463 encircling the patella when the knee brace is worn.

Mesh support layer 442 may include a patellar mesh portion 464, such as shown in fig. 8(a), extending below a patellar band portion 478 of a below-knee bolster 476 as shown in fig. 9(a) -9 (d). Mesh support layer 442 may include mesh anchoring portions 466, with mesh anchoring portions 466 extending vertically below the patella region when the knee brace is worn. The mesh support layer 442 may include overlapping ears 454, 456 that form a closure assembly 453 that wraps around the patella. The mesh support layer 442 may have a symmetrical structure to allow either side of the mesh portion to wrap first.

The substrate 12 preferably includes one or more exposed edge reinforcements 472 at the upper and/or lower exposed edge of the substrate. One or more non-slip patches 474 may also be provided on the inside of the upper and/or lower exposed edges of the base to prevent the base from moving over the legs during use.

Figures 9(a) -9(d) show front, rear, right side and left side views, respectively, of a preferred embodiment of a knee brace according to the invention comprising a mesh support layer 442 and a base, generally designated 410. The completed knee brace 410 incorporates an under-knee support pad, generally indicated at 476, and an under-knee posterior band closure assembly, generally indicated at 489, to the base and mesh support layers shown in fig. 8(a) -8 (b).

Below-knee bolster 476 is preferably formed, for example, from a durable non-elastic sheet material such as leather, sheet vinyl, synthetic leather, or from a material sold under the trademark KEVLAR. The below-knee bolster 476 includes a patellar strap pad portion 478 that is generally semicircular and is positioned above the patellar tendon vertically below the patella when the knee is worn on a person's leg. The patellar band pad portion 478 extends from one pad end 480 to the other pad end 480. A patellar band pad portion 478 covers a patellar support member pocket 482 formed, for example, by a sewn seam 470. A patella support member 484, such as a foam or resilient plastic tube, may be placed in patella support member pocket 482.

Below-knee bolster 476 also includes a below-knee bolster portion 486. The back-up pad 476 may also include a below-knee bolster reinforcement pad 488. The knee brace 410 can also include a below-knee posterior band closure component 489. The below-knee posterior band closure assembly 489 preferably includes an outer elastic band having an elastic portion 490 and a fastening tab 492 and an inner elastic band having an elastic portion 494 and a fastening patch 496. The fastening projection 492 is preferably formed of a hook type material and the fastening patch 496 is preferably formed of a loop type material such that the fastening projection 492 and the fastening patch 496 can achieve adhesion when pressed together.

Figures 10(a) and 10(b) show right and left side views of an alternative base 212 with a mechanical hinge for use in an alternative embodiment of a knee brace according to the invention. Fig. 10(a) shows a first (right) side 214 of the substrate 212, while fig. 10(b) shows a second (left) side 216 of the substrate 212. The alternate substrate 212 configuration is for illustration only and other configurations may be used for knee wraps in accordance with the present invention.

The base 212 includes a front pad 218 and is preferably made of, for example, an elastomeric sheet material such as polyester, spandex or neoprene, or other similar materials suitable for use in athletic knee wraps. The rear of the base 212 is preferably, but not necessarily, formed of three pads, i.e., a rear upper pad 220, a rear middle pad 222, and a rear lower pad 224. The front pad 218, the rear upper pad 220, the rear middle pad 222 and the rear lower pad 224 are preferably, but not necessarily, joined together with a sewn seam 226. The base 212 may include an edge trim 238 to terminate any exposed edges, such as exposed edges of the base 212, although this is not required.

The base 212 preferably includes one or more vertical support members 228 on one or both sides of the base 212. Each vertical support member 228 may be formed, for example, by placing a mechanical hinge 230 in a vertical support pocket 232, wherein the vertical support pocket 232 is formed with side pocket cover strips 234 mounted to the sides of the base 212 by seams 236.

The base 212 also includes an upper mesh support suspension fastening patch 240 mounted to each upper side portion of the base 212. The upper mesh support suspension fastening patch 240 is preferably made of a loop type material of the type marketed under the trademark VELCRO.

Figure 11 shows front and side views of an exemplary mechanical hinge 230 for use in an alternative embodiment of a knee brace according to the present invention. The particular hinge shown in fig. 11 is not required and alternative hinges may be used, such as the type shown in U.S. patent 4,726,362 to Nelson et al or in U.S. patent 4,573,455 or 4,844,057 to Hoy.

Figures 12(a) -12(d) show front, rear, right and left side views, respectively, of an exemplary mesh support layer (indicated generally at 242) for use in a knee brace having an alternative to a mechanical hinge according to the present invention. The mesh support layer 242 is preferably made of a strong yet porous lightweight resilient sheet material such as a polyester or nylon material. Mesh support layer 242 is preferably formed using a first (right) mesh support pad 244 and a second (left) mesh support pad 246 that may be joined together, for example, by stitched seams 270.

The mesh support layer 242 preferably includes a lap back mesh strip 250 on the back of the thigh. The lap back mesh belt 250 may be formed, for example, by providing a lap back mesh belt portion 248 on each of the first and second mesh support pads 244, 246 and joining the two lap back mesh belt portions 248 at the backs of the thighs using a sewn seam 270.

The mesh support layer 242 preferably also includes mesh support layer suspended fastening protrusions 252, the fastening protrusions 252 preferably being formed of a type of hook-type material sold under the trademark VELCRO.

The mesh support layer 242 preferably also includes a front lap band 253 on the front of the thigh. The lap front belt 253 may be formed, for example, using a right front belt portion 254 formed as part of the first mesh support pad 244 and a left front belt portion 256 formed as part of the second mesh support pad 246.

The right front belt portion 254 preferably includes a fastening patch 258 formed of a loop type material of the type commercially available under the trademark VELCRO. The left front belt portion 256 preferably includes a fastening tab 260 preferably formed of a hook-type material of the type commercially available under the trademark VELCRO. The right front strap portion 254 may be detachably attached to the left front strap portion 256 by pressing the fastening tab 260 against the fastening patch 258 to secure the lap front strap 253 around the thighs of the knee wearer.

The mesh support layer 242 preferably includes a lap aperture 262 between the lap front strap 253 and the lower portion of the knee wrap.

Mesh support layer 242 may include a patellar mesh portion 264, such as shown in fig. 12(a), patellar mesh portion 264 extending under a patellar band portion 278 of an infraknee support panel 276, such as shown in fig. 13 (a). Mesh support layer 242 may include a patella support mesh portion 265, such as shown in fig. 12(a), which patella support mesh portion 265 encircles the patella when the knee brace is worn. Mesh support layer 242 may include a below-knee mesh portion 266, such as shown in fig. 12(a), which below-knee mesh portion 266 is positioned vertically below the patella region when the knee brace is worn.

The mesh support layer 242 is preferably attached to the side of the base 212 with a stitched seam 270.

The substrate 212 preferably includes one or more exposed edge enhancements 272 at the upper and/or lower exposed edges of the substrate. One or more non-slip patches 274 may also be provided on the inside of the upper and/or lower exposed edges of the base to prevent the base from moving on the legs during use.

Figures 13(a) -13(d) show front, rear, right and left side views, respectively, of an alternative knee brace (indicated generally at 210 with the mechanical hinge and hinge cover removed) according to the present invention incorporating the mesh support layer 242 of figures 9(a) -9 (d). The completed knee brace shown in fig. 13(a) -13(d) incorporates a below-knee support pad 276 and below-knee elastic band 290 into the base 212 and mesh support layer 242 shown in fig. 12(a) -12 (d).

Below-knee support pad 276 is preferably formed, for example, from a durable non-elastic sheet material such as leather, sheet vinyl, synthetic leather, or from a material sold under the trademark KEVLAR. The below-knee support pad 276 includes a patellar band pad portion 278, the patellar band pad portion 278 being generally semi-circular and positioned above the patellar tendon vertically below the patella when the knee pad is worn on a person's leg. Patellar band pad portion 278 extends from one pad end 280 to the other pad end 280. The patellar band pad portion 278 covers a patellar support member pocket 282 formed, for example, by sewn seam 270. A patella support member 284 may be placed in patella support member pocket 282.

Below-knee bolster 276 also includes below-knee bolster portion 286. Support pad 276 may include cutouts 288 on each side of pad 276, for example, so that the support pad may more easily bend under patella pad portion 278 when the knee is flexed.

The knee brace 210 may also include a below-knee elastic band 290. Below-knee elastic band 290 extends from first end 291 to second end 293. Preferably, the first end 291 is permanently secured, such as by stitching, to the edge of the substrate 212, support pad 276, and/or mesh support layer 242. The second end 293 is preferably not permanently secured to the substrate 212 or the support pad 276. But rather, it is preferred that the second end 293 of the infra-knee elastic band 290 include a fastening projection 294 formed of a hook-type material of the type sold under the trademark VELCRO to be releasably attached, such as by a stitched seam 236, to an infra-knee band fastening patch 292 fastened to the infra-knee support pad 276.

Figure 14 shows a side view of an exemplary hinged cover 237 used in the knee wraps shown in figures 13(a) -13 (d). Fig. 15 shows a cross-sectional view of the hinged cover 237 of fig. 14 taken along line 15-15 of the drawings. Hinge cover 237 may be formed, for example, by forming a post of flexible sheet material and sewing adjacent edges together with a sewn seam 236. The hinge cover 237 preferably includes foam padding 239 on the outer layer of the hinge cover 237 for cushioning.

Figures 16(a) -16(d) show front, rear, right and left side views, respectively, of another exemplary mesh support layer (indicated generally at 342) for use in another alternative of a knee brace according to the invention. The mesh support layer 342 is preferably made of a strong yet porous lightweight resilient sheet material such as a polyester or nylon material. The mesh support layer 342 is preferably formed using a first (right) mesh support pad 344 and a second (left) mesh support pad 346 that may be joined together, for example, by a stitched seam 370.

The mesh support layer 342 preferably includes a lap back mesh strip 350 on the back of the thigh. The lap back mesh belt 350 may be formed, for example, by providing a lap back mesh belt portion 348 on each of the first and second mesh support pads 344, 346 and joining the two lap back mesh belt portions 348 at the backs of the thighs using a stitched seam 370.

The mesh support layer 342 preferably also includes mesh support layer suspension fastening protrusions 352, the fastening protrusions 352 preferably being formed of a type of hook-type material sold under the trademark VELCRO.

The mesh support layer 342 preferably also includes a front lap strap 353 at the front of the thigh. The lap front belt 353 may be formed, for example, using a right front belt portion 354 formed as part of the first mesh support pad 344 and a left front belt portion 356 formed as part of the second mesh support pad 346.

The right front belt portion 354 preferably includes a fastening patch 358 formed of a loop type material of the type marketed under the trademark VELCRO. The left front belt portion 356 preferably includes a fastening tab 360 preferably formed of a hook-type material of the type commercially available under the trademark VELCRO. The right front strap portion 354 may be detachably attached to the left front strap portion 356 by pressing the fastening tab 360 against the fastening patch 358 to secure the laptop front strap 353 around the thighs of the knee wearer.

Mesh support layer 342 preferably includes a lap aperture 362 between the lap front strap 353 and the lower portion of the knee brace.

Mesh support layer 342 may include a patellar mesh portion 364, such as shown in fig. 16(a), which mesh portion 364 extends under the patellar tendon region when the knee brace is worn. Mesh support layer 342 may include a patella support mesh portion 365, such as shown in fig. 16(a), which patella support mesh portion 365 wraps around the patella when the knee brace is worn. The mesh support layer 342 may include a below-knee mesh portion 366, such as shown in fig. 16(a), which below-knee mesh portion 366 is positioned vertically below the patella region when the knee brace is worn.

The mesh support layer 342 is preferably attached to the side of the base 312 with a stitched seam 370.

The substrate 312 preferably includes one or more exposed edge reinforcements 372 at the upper and/or lower exposed edges of the substrate. One or more non-slip patches 374 may also be provided on the inside of the upper and/or lower exposed edges of the base to prevent the base from moving over the legs during use.

Figures 17(a) -17(b) show views of the outer face 543 (generally exposed) and inner face 547, respectively, of an exemplary mesh support layer (generally designated 542) for use in a preferred embodiment of a knee brace according to this invention. Fig. 18(a) -18(b) show front and back views, respectively, of the mesh support layer 542 of fig. 17(a) -17(b) positioned on the substrate 212 of fig. 10(a) -10 (b).

The mesh support layer 542 is preferably formed using a first (right) mesh support pad 544 and a second (left) mesh support pad 546 that may be joined together, for example, by stitched seams 570. The mesh support layer 542 preferably includes a lap back mesh strip 550 at the back of the thigh. The lap back mesh belt 550 may be formed, for example, by providing a lap back mesh belt portion 548 on each of the first and second mesh support pads 544, 546 and joining the two lap back mesh belt portions 548 at the backs of the thighs using a stitched seam 570.

The inner face 547 of the mesh support layer 542 may include mesh support layer suspended fastening protrusions 552, the fastening protrusions 552 preferably being formed of a type of hook-type material sold under the trademark VELCRO. The fastening protrusions 552 may be fastened to the mesh support layer 542 using stitching 551, however, this is not required and other fastening structures may be used.

The mesh support layer 542 preferably further includes a lap closure element, generally indicated at 553, the lap closure element 553 being positioned, in use, anterior to the thigh. The lap closure assembly 553 may be formed, for example, using a right overlapping ear 554 formed as part of the right web support pad 544 and a left overlapping ear 556 formed as part of the second web support pad 546.

The outer face 543 of each of the right and left support pads 544, 546 preferably includes an in-the-ear fastening patch 558 formed of a loop type material of the type sold under the trademark VELCRO. The outer face 543 of the end of each of the right and left overlapping ears 554, 556 may include an ear end fastening patch 559 formed of a loop type material of the type sold under the trademark VELCRO. An inner face 547 of the end of each of the right and left overlapping ears 554, 556 may include an ear end fastening projection 560 formed from a type of hook-type material sold under the trademark VELCRO.

The closure assembly 553 may be used to secure the knee pad to the knee after the base has been positioned on the wearer's knee. First, right mesh overlapping ear 554 is wrapped around the front of the thigh to the desired degree of tension. The suspended fastening tab 552 and the ear end fastening tab 560 on the right ear 554 then press against the corresponding suspended fastening patch 240 on the base 212, thereby detachably attaching the right ear 554 to the base 212. Second, left mesh overlapping ear 556 wraps around the front of the thigh to the desired degree of tension on top of right mesh overlapping ear 554. The suspension fastening tab 552 and the ear end fastening tab 560 on the left ear 556 then press against the ear end fastening patch 559 and the in-ear fastening patch 558, respectively, on the right ear 554, thereby detachably attaching the left ear 556 to the right ear 554 and to the base 212.

Advantageously, the closure assembly 553 is symmetrical in construction relative to the right 554 and left 556 overlapping ears. Thus, while the above discussion of the knee brace fastening process assumes that the right overlapping ear is fastened first, both the left and right overlapping ears can be fastened first. Whichever ear is fastened first, anterior mesh cut 568 of mesh support layer 542 forms a patella hole 563, and when the knee brace is worn, patella hole 563 encircles the patella.

Mesh support layer 542 may include, for example, patellar mesh portion 564 as shown in fig. 18(a), patellar mesh portion 564 extending under patellar portion 578 of below-knee support pad 576 as shown in fig. 19 (a). Mesh support layer 542 can include mesh anchoring portion 566, such as shown in fig. 18(a), which mesh anchoring portion 566 extends vertically below the patella region when the knee brace is worn. The mesh support layer 542 can include overlapping ears 554, 556 that form a closure assembly 553 that wraps around the patella as shown in fig. 18 (a). The mesh support layer 542 may include a closure assembly having a symmetrical configuration to allow either side of the mesh portion to wrap first.

The substrate 212 preferably includes one or more exposed edge reinforcements 572 at the upper and/or lower exposed edges of the substrate. One or more non-slip patches 574 may also be provided on the inside of the upper and/or lower exposed edges of the base to prevent the base from moving over the legs during use.

Figures 19(a) -19(d) show front, rear, right side and left side views, respectively, of an alternative knee brace (generally indicated at 510) comprising a mesh support layer 542 and a base 212 in accordance with the present invention. The completed knee brace 510 incorporates a below-knee support pad 576 and a below-knee posterior band closure assembly 489 to the base 212 and the mesh support layer 542.

Below-knee support pad 576 is preferably formed, for example, from a durable non-elastic sheet material such as leather, sheet vinyl, synthetic leather, or from a material sold under the trademark KEVLAR. The below-knee support pad 576 includes a patellar band pad portion 578, the patellar band pad portion 578 being generally semicircular and positioned above the patellar tendon vertically below the patella when the knee pad is worn on a person's leg. The patellar band pad portion 578 extends from one pad end 580 to the other pad end 580. The patellar band pad portion 578 covers the patellar support member pocket 582 formed, for example, by the sewn seam 570. A patella support member 584, such as a foam or resilient plastic tube, may be placed in the patella support member pocket 582.

Below-knee bolster 576 also includes below-knee bolster portion 586. Support pads 576 may also include below-knee bolster reinforcement pads 588.

The knee brace 510 can also include a below-the-knee posterior band closure assembly 589. The below-knee posterior band closure assembly 589 preferably includes an outer elastic band having an elastic portion 590 and a fastening tab 592 and an inner elastic band having an elastic portion 594 and a fastening patch 596. The fastening projection 592 is preferably formed of a hook type material and the fastening patch 596 is preferably formed of a loop type material such that the fastening projection 592 and the fastening patch 596 can achieve adhesion when pressed together.

There are various possibilities for alternative embodiments and methods of incorporating a knee wrap according to the invention.

While the preferred embodiment according to the invention disclosed herein includes a base formed as a tubular sleeve, the base may also be formed as a reclosable sleeve.

The base may substantially match the patellar opening of the patella size such that the patella (patella) of the wearer extends from the patellar opening when the knee brace is worn, although this is not required. In addition to providing direct patella stability, the patella opening can help position the knee brace relative to the patella during use of the knee brace. If a patella opening is used, the patella opening may have a different shape, for example, circular, square, rectangular, oval, diamond, trapezoidal, or any substantially equivalent shape.

The base may have openings, such as circular holes, in the leg curl area (the area behind the knee), although this is not required. Such a popliteal opening may reduce the likelihood of irritation of the skin in this area. If a leg bend opening is used, the leg bend opening may have a different shape, such as, for example, circular, square, rectangular, oval, diamond, trapezoidal, or any substantially equivalent shape.

While it is preferred to use hook and loop type fastening materials to fasten the mesh support portion to the base and to fasten the upper and lower straps, equivalent fastening structures such as zippers, clasps, buckles, pins, ties, or buttons can be used as an alternative to the hook and loop type fastening materials.

While the components in the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are preferably secured together using stitching, this is not required. For example, other means may be used, such as gluing, thermal bonding, or other substantial equivalents.

According to the invention, it is possible to have a single vertical support member on only one side of the kneepad, while according to the invention it is also possible to have multiple vertical support members on one or both sides of the kneepad. The elongated side pockets may be open at one end to allow removal of the vertical support members (elastic struts or hinges) so that the knee wrap may be washed or so that different vertical support members may be inserted to adjust the amount and type of support provided.

Although various embodiments of mesh supports according to the present invention include ears with outer faces to provide separate middle and end fastening patches, a continuous strip of loop material may alternatively be used for the fastening patches. Although various embodiments of the base according to the present invention include separate web-supported fastening patches on each side, as an alternative to separate patches, a continuous strip of loop material may be used for the fastening patches over the entire front of the base. Although various embodiments of web supports according to the present invention include a web support having an inner face to provide discrete suspended fastening tabs and end fastening tabs, a continuous strip of hook material may alternatively be used for the fastening tabs.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein by way of example, but encompasses all such embodiments within the scope of the subjoined claims.

Claims (30)

1. A knee brace, comprising:

a base made of an elastic sheet material and capable of being worn in a manner to snugly cover the knee and adjacent portions of the upper and lower legs of the human body, said base having front, side and rear portions when said knee brace is worn, said base having an upper portion above the knee and a lower portion below the knee;

a mesh support layer made of an elastic mesh sheet material and having an upper portion overlying at least a portion of the upper portion of the base and having a lower portion secured to a lower portion of the base and extending below the knee when the knee brace is worn;

wherein the upper portion of the mesh support layer is substantially detachable from the upper portion of the base; and

a below-knee bolster made of a non-elastic sheet material secured to a lower portion of the base and extending below the knee and covering at least a portion of the lower portion of the base when the knee brace is worn.

2. The knee brace of claim 1 further comprising: one or more vertical support members on side portions of the base.

3. The knee brace of claim 2 wherein the at least one vertical support member comprises at least one elongated pocket and at least one resilient strut located in the elongated pocket.

4. The kneepad of claim 2 wherein the at least one vertical support member comprises: an upper vertical support pocket, a lower vertical support pocket, and a mechanical hinge having a first end fitting in the upper vertical support pocket and a second end fitting in the lower vertical support pocket.

5. The knee brace of claim 1 wherein at least half of the lower portion of the mesh support layer is located between the below-knee support pad and the base.

6. The knee brace of claim 1 wherein the upper portion of the mesh support layer comprises: a lap back strap and a lap front strap.

7. The knee brace of claim 6 wherein the lap front strap includes a first strap portion having a fastening tab and a second strap portion having a fastening patch,

thereby, the fastening tab of the first belt portion can be releasably fastened to the fastening patch of the second belt portion, thereby tightening the lap front belt around the upper leg of the wearer.

8. The knee brace of claim 1 wherein the upper portion of the mesh support layer includes at least one suspension tab, the base includes at least one suspension patch,

whereby the suspended projections of the upper portion of the mesh support layer can be releasably secured to the suspended patches of the base to position the upper portion of the mesh support layer on the base.

9. The knee brace of claim 1 further comprising: a below-knee strap including a first end secured to a portion of the base and a second end having a fastening projection; and is

Further comprising: a below-knee band fastening patch secured to one of a lower portion of the base, a lower portion of the mesh support layer, and the below-knee support pad;

thereby, the fastening projection of the second end of the below-knee strap can be releasably fastened to the below-knee strap fastening patch, thereby tightening the below-knee strap around the lower leg of the wearer.

10. The knee brace of claim 1 wherein the mesh support layer comprises: a closure assembly having a right ear and a left ear adapted to be secured together in at least two locations.

11. The knee brace of claim 1 wherein the upper portion of the mesh support layer comprises: a lap back strap and a lap front closure assembly with overlapping ears.

12. The knee brace of claim 1 wherein the upper portion of the mesh support layer comprises: a lap back strap and a lap front closure assembly having two ears and a symmetrical configuration.

13. The knee brace of claim 1 further comprising: a below-knee posterior band closure assembly.

14. The knee brace of claim 1 wherein the mesh support layer comprises: a closure assembly having a right ear and a left ear, each ear having an inner face with a middle portion carrying a depending fastening projection and an end portion carrying an end fastening projection, and each ear having an outer face with a middle portion carrying a middle fastening patch and an end portion carrying an end fastening patch.

15. A knee brace, comprising:

a base made of an elastic sheet material and capable of being worn in a manner to snugly cover a patellar tendon and portions of upper and lower legs of a human body, the base having front, side and rear portions when the knee brace is worn, the base having an upper portion above the knee and a lower portion below the knee;

a mesh support layer made of an elastic mesh sheet material and having an upper portion overlying at least a portion of the upper portion of the base and having a lower portion secured to the lower portion of the base, wherein the lower portion includes a patellar band portion that extends at least past the patellar tendon when the knee brace is worn;

wherein the upper portion of the mesh support layer is substantially detachable from the upper portion of the base; and

a below-knee bolster made of a non-elastic sheet material secured to a lower portion of the base and extending below the knee and covering at least a portion of the lower portion of the base when the knee brace is worn.

16. The knee brace of claim 15 further comprising: one or more vertical support members on side portions of the base.

17. The knee brace of claim 15 wherein a patellar band portion of a lower portion of the mesh support layer is located between the below-knee support panel and the base.

18. The knee brace of claim 15 wherein the upper portion of the mesh support layer comprises: a back lap strap and a front lap strap, the front lap strap including a first strap portion having a fastening tab and a second strap portion having a fastening patch,

thereby, the fastening tab of the first belt portion can be releasably fastened to the fastening patch of the second belt portion, thereby tightening the lap front belt around the upper leg of the wearer.

19. The knee brace of claim 15 wherein the upper portion of the mesh support layer includes at least one suspension tab, the base includes at least one suspension patch,

whereby the suspended projections of the upper portion of the mesh support layer can be releasably secured to the suspended patches of the base to position the upper portion of the mesh support layer on the base.

20. The knee brace of claim 15 further comprising: a below-knee strap including a first end secured to a portion of the base and a second end having a fastening projection; and is

Further comprising: a below-knee band fastening patch secured to one of a lower portion of the base, a lower portion of the mesh support layer, and the below-knee support pad;

thereby, the fastening projection of the second end of the below-knee strap can be releasably fastened to the below-knee strap fastening patch, thereby tightening the below-knee strap around the lower leg of the wearer.

21. The knee brace of claim 15 wherein the mesh support layer comprises: a closure assembly having a right ear and a left ear adapted to be secured together in at least two locations.

22. The knee brace of claim 15 wherein the upper portion of the mesh support layer comprises: a lap back strap and a lap front closure assembly with overlapping ears.

23. The knee brace of claim 15 wherein the upper portion of the mesh support layer comprises: a lap back strap and a lap front closure assembly having two ears and a symmetrical configuration.

24. The knee brace of claim 15 further comprising: a below-knee posterior band closure assembly.

25. The knee brace of claim 15 wherein the mesh support layer comprises: a closure assembly having a right ear and a left ear, each ear having an inner face with a middle portion carrying a depending fastening projection and an end portion carrying an end fastening projection, and each ear having an outer face with a middle portion carrying a middle fastening patch and an end portion carrying an end fastening patch.

26. A knee brace, comprising:

a base made of an elastic sheet material and capable of being worn in a manner to snugly cover a peripheral area of a portion of the upper and lower legs and the patella of a human body, the base having front, side and rear portions when the knee brace is worn, the base having an upper portion above the knee and a lower portion below the knee;

a mesh support layer made of an elastic mesh sheet material and having an upper portion covering at least a portion of the upper portion of the base and having a lower portion secured to the lower portion of the base, wherein the mesh support layer includes a patella support portion covering the area around the patella such that the patella support portion encircles the patella when the knee brace is worn;

wherein the upper portion of the mesh support layer is substantially detachable from the upper portion of the base; and

a below-knee bolster made of a non-elastic sheet material secured to a lower portion of the base and extending below the knee and covering at least a portion of the lower portion of the base when the knee brace is worn.

27. The knee brace of claim 26 further comprising: one or more vertical support members on side portions of the base.

28. The knee brace of claim 26 wherein the patella support portion of the mesh support layer is located between the below-knee support panel and the base.

29. The knee brace of claim 26 wherein the upper portion of the mesh support layer includes at least one suspension tab, the base includes at least one suspension patch,

whereby the suspended projections of the upper portion of the mesh support layer can be releasably secured to the suspended patches of the base to position the upper portion of the mesh support layer on the base.

30. The knee brace of claim 26 further comprising: a below-knee strap including a first end secured to a portion of the base and a second end having a fastening projection; and is

Further comprising: a below-knee band fastening patch secured to one of a lower portion of the base, a lower portion of the mesh support layer, and the below-knee support pad;

thereby, the fastening projection of the second end of the below-knee strap can be releasably fastened to the below-knee strap fastening patch, thereby tightening the below-knee strap around the lower leg of the wearer.