HK1237239A1 - Tightening system for orthotics - Google Patents

Abstract

Tightening systems for braces and other objects are provided. One or more housings can be provided, each of which includes a top surface, a set of lobes positioned on and along the top surface, and a set of sheaves that are sized and dimensioned to be rotatably secured between the top surface and the set of lobe.

Description

Fastening system for orthoses

This priority was applied to us provisional patent application serial No. 62/182337 on 19/6/2015. All other extraneous references identified herein and herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual reference or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

Technical Field

The field of the invention is fastening systems for orthoses.

Background

The following description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the present invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

Various stents are known that use one or more cords to secure the lumbar region of the stent. See, for example, U.S. patent nos. 8,372,023 and 7,001,348. These brackets include a fastening system using pulleys and ropes with pull rings to adjust the proper tension of the lumbar region of the bracket. However, such systems may be overly complex for the manufacturer, add to the cost of the system, and often do not allow for comfortable use of the fastening system according to the flexibility required for different body types.

U.S. patent publication No. 2013/0237891, by inventor Fryman, discloses a stacked pulley housed in a pulley housing by a pin; however, the stacked pulley is completely enclosed in the housing. Furthermore, the housing and connection of the fastening system of Fryman show problems of insufficient flexibility, etc.

Accordingly, there remains a need for a fastening system that has lower manufacturing costs and increased comfort for the wearer.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a fastening system for a bracket that includes a set of blades positioned along a surface of a housing sized and dimensioned to securely and rotatably receive a set of cable guide pulleys. The blade and the surface may define a plurality of openings through which the pulley may be received. Where the pulley includes one or more pins or protrusions, the opening may include one or more notches sized and dimensioned to receive the pins. From a different perspective, the blade and the top surface may include one or more recessed paths configured to guide the pin to a position between the blade and the top surface.

In some aspects, the blade may be a single continuous piece that includes (a) one open side or opening sized and dimensioned to receive the thickness and center length of the pulley, and (b) a closed side that serves as a blocking member to prevent movement of the pulley in at least one direction. In such an embodiment, preferably, the blade comprises at least one through hole for passing the rope when engaging with the pulley.

In some other aspects, the sheet can include two or more components. The first member may be sized and dimensioned such that a thickness and a center length of the pulley may be positioned between the top surface of the housing and the first member. The second component may include a blocking member and be positioned adjacent to the first component to form one or more gaps. The gap is preferably sized and dimensioned to receive and secure the pin of the pulley and allow the rope to pass through the cam when engaging the pulley. In some preferred embodiments, the pulley is free to rotate at its position within the blade when the cord engaged with the pulley is pulled or retracted.

The housing surface may include thinner and thicker regions that provide varying flexibility along the length or width. The thinner regions may be recessed relative to the thicker regions and may be used to suture the housing to a stent or other object. Additionally or alternatively, the thinner region may comprise a recessed path through which a pin of the pulley may pass. The inner surface of the blade may include a convex path opposite the concave path, and the two paths may be sized and dimensioned to allow a pin of the pulley to pass between the top surface and the blade. The pulleys can be forcibly removed from a position between the top surface and the respective blade. Alternatively, once inserted and secured, the pulleys may not be removable (without damage or breakage) from their respective blades.

The present invention also provides lower back and other braces that are adjustable by the fastening system. In some aspects, the lower back brace includes a strap configured to at least partially encircle a central portion of the wearer. The strap may be made from one or more pieces of material and the two housings may be secured to the same or separate pieces of the strap. Each housing will preferably include a top surface and a bottom surface and have a varying thickness. A set of blades may be positioned along a top surface of the housing and form a plurality of openings sized and dimensioned to receive a plurality of rope guide pulleys. Where the pulley includes one or more pin portions, the opening may include one or more notches sized and dimensioned to receive the pin portions. From a different perspective, the blade and the top surface can include one or more recessed paths configured to guide the pin portion to a position between the blade and the top surface.

One or more cords may be arcuately engaged with the pulleys of both housings to pass over the lower back of the wearer. The tether may be individually coupled with one or more pull tabs, each of which may include a fastener (e.g., hook fastener) configured to releasably couple with a different portion of the strap. When the brace is worn, the wearer may pull on the pull tab to adjust the tightness of the strap by adjusting the distance between the first and second shells. When the desired tightness is achieved, the pull tab may be attached to the strap via the fastener.

Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like parts throughout.

Drawings

Fig. 1A is a top view of the fastening system of the present invention with the pulley removed from the housing.

Fig. 1B is a side perspective view of the pulley.

Fig. 2A-2B are top views of a portion of the fastening system of fig. 1A with a pulley inserted into a housing.

Fig. 3A-3D are various side views of the fastening system of fig. 1A without the pulley.

Fig. 3E is a side view of a portion of the fastening system of fig. 1A.

Fig. 4 shows a top view of the fastening system including two housings and a cord.

Detailed Description

The following discussion provides a number of example embodiments of the invention. While each embodiment represents a single combination of elements of the invention, the invention is to be construed as embracing all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus, if one embodiment includes the requirements a, B, and C, and a second embodiment includes the requirements B and D, then the invention is also considered to include other remaining combinations of a, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

Fig. 1A-3E show various views of a fastening system for orthoses and other devices. The fastening system includes a housing 100A having two ends 106A and 106B. A plurality of blades 112A, 112B, 112C including blocks 116A, 116B, 116C are positioned on the top surface of the housing 100A between the ends 106A and 106B and are configured to securely receive the rope guide pulleys 110A, 110B, 110C.

Fig. 1A shows a top view of the top surface of the fastening system. The housing 100A can receive a set of pulleys 110A, 110B, 110C, the pulleys 110A, 110B, 110C being rotatable relative to the housing 100A when at least partially disposed between the sheet (e.g., 112A) and the top surface of the housing 100A.

The housing 100A is preferably constructed of plastic, but any commercially suitable material may be used, including metals and metal composites, and the like. The particular material is preferably selected to allow the shell 100A to have sufficient flexible curvature to accommodate lordosis of the back of a wearer of an appliance including the shell 100A. The top surface of the housing 100A may advantageously include areas of increased thickness disposed between the blades (e.g., 112A). As used herein, the term "thickness" refers to the distance between the top and bottom surfaces of the housing 100A.

Each pulley 110A, 110B, 110C is sized and dimensioned to be received between the sheet (e.g., 112A) and the top surface of the housing through the opening. In some preferred embodiments, the tabs are integral with the top surface of the housing 100A, and the bottom surface is substantially planar (e.g., at least 50% planar, at least 70% planar, at least 80% planar, at least 90% planar) and lacks a projection. The smooth bottom surface advantageously allows the fastening system to be used on brackets and other worn objects without discomfort.

Pins 114A on the top and bottom of the pulley 110A lock the pulley in the housing 100A between the blade 112A and the top surface. From another perspective, the pulley 110A can include a first pin or pin portion extending from a first wall (top wall) of the pulley and a second pin or pin portion extending from a second wall (bottom wall) of the pulley. The first wall and the second wall may define a cord receiving portion 111A.

In a preferred embodiment, the pins 114A or pin portions extending from the top and bottom (or first and second walls) of the pulley have a height measured from their maximum perpendicular distance from the top and bottom that is less than the length of the pulley itself. As some non-limiting examples, the distance from the outer surface of the first wall and the outer surface of the second wall may be less than 15mm, less than 10mm, less than 5mm, between 5-10mm, or even less than 5mm, and the pin 114A may extend from the first wall a distance or height of less than 10mm, less than 5mm, less than 3mm, 3-10mm, 3-8mm, or 3-5 mm.

Each of the pulleys 110A, 110B, 110C can be forcibly removed from the respective blade (e.g., 112A), although in a preferred embodiment, each pulley cannot be removed from its respective boss (without tools, damage or breakage) after insertion and securing.

In the illustrated fastening system, the housing 100A includes three tabs, each of which can receive a pulley. Of course, the number of tablets may vary depending on the application. The three blades/pulleys shown provide a 4:1 mechanical advantage when two opposing shells are connected by a pull cord as shown in fig. 4. However, a suitable range of configurations may have a 1: 1 and greater mechanical advantage.

The housing 100A has a number of innovative features that make it different from fastening systems known in the art. For example, a surface of the housing 100A (described herein as the top or top surface) includes a thinned area 102A or recessed portion along its length having an overall height that is less than the normal height of the housing 100A. This advantageously allows the housing 100A to be attached to a fabric support or other brace, such as by stitching or using other fasteners. The thinned area may additionally or alternatively be on the bottom surface of the housing.

From another perspective, the thinned portion can comprise any portion of the housing and can extend along at least 50% of the length of the housing, the length extending from ends 106A to 106B. Additionally or alternatively, the thinned region can extend along an outer edge portion of the housing (e.g., at least 25% of an outer edge of the housing, at least 30% of an outer edge of the housing, at least 50% of an outer edge of the housing). Additionally or alternatively, the thinned portion may have a width of between 5-20% of the width of the housing, between 10-20% of the width of the housing, at least 10% of the width of the housing, at least 15% of the width of the housing, or any other suitable width.

Thinned area 102A or other portion of the housing preferably can include a recessed path 104A (see fig. 2B) leading to an opening of a corresponding blade 112A along which blade 112A pulley 110A can be inserted into blade 112A. In some embodiments, the path may extend from an outer edge of the housing to a location below the blade. In other embodiments, the path may extend from a non-edge portion of the housing to a location below the sheet, or between any other portion of the housing.

The configuration of the housing 100A, including the arrangement and structure of the blades (e.g., 112A), utilizes the assembly process and pulling direction of the cord 128 passing along the pulleys 110A, 110B, 110C to ensure that the pulleys are securely restrained to the housing 100A. Each blade (e.g., 112A) preferably includes a piece of plastic or other element (e.g., block element 116A) disposed on one side of the pulley 110A (i.e., the pulling direction), which ensures that the pulley 110A is not inadvertently removed from the assembly and also serves to handle the cable to reduce the likelihood of cable tangling when there is slack in the assembly.

The blade may be a single continuous piece that includes an open end sized and dimensioned to receive the diameter of the pulley and a closed end that serves as a blocking member. In such embodiments, it is generally preferred that the blade includes one or more through holes, such as two spaced apart holes, for the cord to pass through. The two through holes may be spaced more than 1cm apart and are preferably aligned with opposite sides of the cord receiving portion (see fig. 1B). From another perspective, the length of the wire extending between the two holes may be within 70%, 80%, and most preferably within 90% of the diameter of the rope receiving portion.

As shown in fig. 1B, the pulley 110A includes a rope receiving portion 111A that is sized and dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the rope. The assembly of the cable to pulley 110A, pin 114A, serves to secure pulley 110A within blade 112A (fig. 1A) with a snap-in groove, and also serves to reduce or eliminate bending of that portion of housing 100A (fig. 1A). If the housing 100A is allowed to flex too much in this area, the pulley 110A may bind to elements of the housing 100A, causing the pulley 110A to stop rotating and possibly fail.

In the illustrated embodiment, the lobes (e.g., 112A) each include two parts, wherein a first part is sized and dimensioned to allow a diameter of the pulley to be located between the top surface and the first part, and wherein a second part includes the blocking member. The blocking member is adjacent the first component to form a gap sized and dimensioned to receive the pin 114A and allow passage of the cable 128 (as better shown in fig. 4). The blocking member advantageously prevents movement of the pulley in at least one direction, preferably including the direction in which the rope is drawn over the pulley. The length of the blocking member may be within 70%, within 80%, most preferably within 90% of the diameter of the rope receiving portion.

Fig. 2B provides an enlarged view of a portion of the fastening system of fig. 1A, as shown in block 2B in fig. 2A. Rather than only including end 106B, which provides a single through-hole for flexibility of housing 100A, end 106A also includes a cable securing device (or track) 120A for securing a cable 128. The cord fixation device 120A is configured to prevent the cord 128 from retracting beyond a certain point (where a block or rope on the cord 128 engages the cord fixation device 120A).

The cord securing device 120A includes an aperture having a first end 122A and a second end 124A. First end 122A includes a first width and is sized and dimensioned to readily receive cord 128 and a cord block (not shown). The second end 124A includes a second width that is less than the first width and may be sized and dimensioned to receive the cord 128 rather than a cord block having a greater width or diameter than the cord 128. The second end 124A may advantageously include a catch 126A that keeps the cord 128 from moving toward the first end, and the first and second ends may be connected via a U-shaped or other bend that further prevents the cord from inadvertently passing from the second end to the first end.

It is contemplated that the first width of the first end 122A may be greater than, equal to, or even less than the diameter or width of the rope block. In the case where the first width is less than the diameter or width of the rope block, the rope block can still be easily received by the compressible first end of the rope block. Similarly, the second width of the second end 124A may be less than the diameter or width of the rope block (even when compressed), but greater than, equal to, or even less than the diameter or width of the rope 128. Where the second width is less than the diameter or width of the cord 128, the cord 128 may still be easily received by the compressible second end of the cord 128. It is contemplated that the first width may be determined based on the activity of the diameter or width of the cord block and the second width may be determined based on the activity of the diameter or width of the cord.

The fastening system presented by the present invention may advantageously have a thickness variation which may provide a flexibility variation over the entire length or width of the housing. For example, the housing 100A includes thickened regions 108A and 108B that are thicker than the thinned regions (e.g., 102A). Thickened region 108A is located between retention device 120A and blade 112A, and thickened region 108B is located between blade 112A and blade 112B. Housing 100A also includes a thinned region 102A or recess along its length having an overall height less than the normal height of housing 100A, or thickened regions 108A and 108B. This advantageously allows the housing 100A to be attached to a fabric support or other brace, such as by stitching or using other fasteners.

Similar to the holes at ends 106A and 106B, thinned region 102A may also provide regions of greater flexibility relative to other portions of housing 100A, such as thickened regions 108A and 108B. Thinned region 102A preferably includes a recessed path (e.g., 104A) leading to an opening in a corresponding blade (e.g., 112A) along which pulley 110A (including pin 114A) may be inserted into the blade. Once the pulley slides through the recessed path into or under the blade, the pin of the pulley can be snap-fit or otherwise positioned between the blade and the top surface of the housing and rotatably secured between the blade and the top surface of the housing such that accidental removal of the pulley is prevented. For example, the pulley can be fixed in position such that the position of the pin does not move relative to the top surface of the blade and housing, but rotation of the pulley (including the pin) in one or more directions can occur.

As best shown in fig. 3A and 3B, the first portion of the blade may include a raised path sized and dimensioned to guide a pin extending from a first wall (top surface) of the pulley. As shown in fig. 1A, the top surface of the housing 100A may include a through hole positioned between the first and second parts or portions of the blade (or recess), wherein a pin extending from the second wall (bottom surface) of one pulley is rotatably fixed. As shown in fig. 2B, a pin extending from the first wall is at least partially positioned and rotatably secured in a gap between the first and second components or portions of the blade, and a pin extending from the second wall of the pulley is at least partially positioned and rotatably secured in a through hole of the top surface aligned with a central portion of the gap.

Fig. 3A-3E are various side views of the fastening system of fig. 1A with the pulleys 110A, 110B, and 110C removed.

Fig. 3A shows a view of the thicker side edge of the housing 100A that does not include the thinned region 102A. Occlusion elements 116A, 116B, and 116C are located near the thicker side edges, and blades 112A, 112B, and 112C are located between occlusion elements 116A, 116B, and 116C and thinned area 102A. Fig. 3B shows a view of the side edge of the housing 100A, including a low profile region from which the pulleys 110A, 110B, and 110C may be inserted through the openings defined by the sheet and the top surface. The thinned area 102A includes a path (e.g., 104C) for a pulley pin, as shown more clearly in fig. 3D. Blades 112A, 112B, and 112C each include a raised path that is vertically aligned with a recessed path to receive a pin of a pulley.

When the pulley is inserted through an opening between the blade (e.g., blade 112C) and the top surface, the pin or pin portion of the pulley can cause blade 112C to bend slightly upward. When the pulley is secured in place between the blade and the top surface, the blade can return to its original shape. Additionally or alternatively, the convex path (or concave path of the top surface) may be tapered such that the pulley is easily inserted through the opening such that the sheet or other portion of the housing is bent but not easily removed (without tools, damage or breakage).

Fig. 3C shows a side view from end 106A and shows that end 106A may be slightly raised or bent upward relative to the central portion of housing 100A (between ends 106A and 106B). Fig. 3C also shows that the rope securing device 120A can be raised or convex relative to the central portion of the housing 100A, which can help align the distance between the rope 128 and the housing 100A with the distance between the rope 128 and the housing 100A at the rope retention device 120A when positioned in the rope receiving portion (e.g., 111A) of the pulley (e.g., 110A). The raised configuration of the cord retention device 120A also provides an area for positioning a cord block (e.g., a knot) under the housing without creating a bulge. Fig. 3D is a side view of the end portion 106B, and similarly illustrates that the end portion 106B may be raised or bent upward relative to the central portion of the housing 100A. The raised end may advantageously reduce the likelihood of the sharp end causing discomfort to a wearer of a cradle or other object comprising housing 100A. Fig. 3E is an enlarged partial view of a thicker long edge from the housing 100A as in fig. 3A, more clearly showing the raised end 106B.

Fig. 4 shows a fastening system comprising two housings between which one or more cords and optionally a connecting material may extend. Housing 100A includes a first end 106A, a second end 106B, a cord holder 120A, a thinned area 102A, blades 112A, 112B, and 112C, blocking elements 116A, 116B, and 116C, and pulleys 110A, 110B, and 110C having pins 114A, 114B, and 114C, respectively. Housing 100B includes first end 106C, second end 106D, cord holder 120B, thinned area 102B, blades 112E, 112F, and 112G, blocking elements 116E, 116F, and 116G, and pulleys 110E, 110F, and 110G having pins 114E, 114F, and 114G, respectively.

It should be appreciated that in FIG. 4, the housing 100B is the same as the housing 100A, but rotated 180 degrees such that the blocking elements 116A-C face the blocking elements 116E-F. However, it is contemplated that the two housings used on the stand or other object need not be identical, and may include, for example, a different number of blades and pulleys, or longer and shorter ends.

The cord 128 is connected to the cord fixture 120B and includes a knot or other block that prevents a first end of the cord 128 from passing through the narrower end or hook of the cord fixture (or track) 128B. The free portion of the cord 128 may then pass through the opening of the blade 112C on the gap or first side of the obstructing member 116C and be positioned at least partially within the cord receiving portion of the pulley 110C. Cord 128 can pass through a gap or opening of blade 112C on a second and opposite side of obstruction member 116C and enter blade 112E through an opening on a first side of obstruction member 116E. The rope 128 may then be positioned at least partially within the rope receiving portion of the pulley 110E and pass through the gap or opening of the blade 112E on a second, opposite side of the blocking element 116E. The rope 128 may then pass through the gap or opening of the blade 112B on the first side of the blocking element 116B, be positioned at least partially within the rope receiving portion of the pulley 110B, and pass through the gap or opening of the blade 112B on the second side of the blocking element 116B.

When the fastening system of fig. 4 is used with, for example, a lower back brace, a user may pull the cord 128 in a first direction to shorten the distance between the ends 106B and 106C of the housings 100A and 100B. In some embodiments, cords 110C, 110E, and 110B can be configured to rotate within their respective blade when cord 128 is pulled or released. In some embodiments, pulleys 110C, 110E, and 110B may be configured as non-rotating pulleys.

It should be understood that the cable 128 may be coupled with one or more other pulleys of the housing 100A or 100B. For example, the rope 128 may be coupled with each of the pulleys of the housings 100A and 100B. It should also be appreciated that the second rope may be coupled with the fixture 120A and positioned at least partially within the pulleys 110G, 110A, 110F. The second cord may be pulled by a user of the lower back support in a second direction, which may be the opposite direction of cord 128, and the distance between ends 106A and 106D may be shortened.

Unless the context indicates to the contrary, all ranges set forth herein are to be construed as including the endpoints thereof, and open-ended ranges are to be construed as including only commercially practical values. Similarly, all lists of values should be considered as including intermediate values unless the context indicates otherwise.

The meaning of "a", "an" and "the" as used in the description herein and in the claims that follow, includes plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Furthermore, as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in.

The grouping of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting. Each member of the group may be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. For reasons of convenience and/or patentability, one or more members of a group may be included in the group or deleted from the group. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the description herein is considered to encompass the modified group, thereby enabling the written description of all markush groups used in the appended claims.

As used herein, unless the context dictates otherwise, the term "coupled to" is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other are in contact with each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Thus, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled junction" are used synonymously.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the claims refer to at least one selected from the group consisting of a, B, c.

Claims (25)

1. A fastening system, comprising:

a housing having a top surface;

a set of lobes on the top surface and including a first lobe;

wherein a first portion of the top surface comprises a recessed path, and wherein the first lobe and the first portion form an opening sized and dimensioned to receive a first pulley; and is

Wherein the first pulley is configured to be at least partially rotatably secured between the first lobe and the first portion.

2. The fastening system of claim 1, wherein said top surface of said housing includes a low profile region extending along at least 50% of the length of said housing.

3. The fastening system of claim 2, wherein the thinned area extends along at least 25% of an outer edge of the housing.

4. The fastening system of claim 3, wherein the thinned region comprises the recessed path.

5. The fastening system of claim 1, wherein the first pulley comprises a first pin sized and dimensioned to be at least partially positioned within the recessed path.

6. The fastening system of claim 5, wherein the first sheet comprises a first component and a second component separated by a gap, and wherein the gap is sized and dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the first pin.

7. The fastening system of claim 1, wherein said first sheet includes a blocking member.

8. The fastening system of claim 7, wherein the first lobe and the first blocking member comprise a single piece.

9. The fastening system of claim 8, wherein the single piece includes an aperture sized and dimensioned to receive the first cord.

10. The fastening system of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a first end and a second end connected by a left side and a right side, and wherein the first end and the second end are bent upward relative to a middle portion of the housing.

11. The fastening system of claim 1, further comprising a cord configured to wrap at least partially around one or more of the pulleys.

12. The fastening system of claim 1, further comprising:

a second housing having a second top surface;

a second set of lobes on the second top surface, including a second lobe;

wherein a first portion of the second top surface comprises a second recessed path, and wherein the second lobe and the first portion of the second top surface form an opening sized and dimensioned to receive a second pulley; and is

Wherein the second pulley is configured to be at least partially rotatably secured between the second lobe and the first portion of the second top surface.

13. The fastening system of claim 12, further comprising a cable configured to wrap at least partially around the first pulley and the second pulley.

14. The fastening system of claim 1, wherein the second lobe comprises a second block configured to block movement of the second pulley in a first direction.

15. The fastening system of claim 14, wherein the second pulley includes a second pin extending from a first wall of the second pulley, and wherein the second lobe includes a first receiver sized and dimensioned to receive and lock the second pin.

16. The fastening system of claim 15, wherein the first receiver is at least one of a raised pathway and a through hole.

17. The fastening system of claim 15, wherein the second pulley comprises a second pin extending from a second wall of the second pulley, and wherein the second top surface comprises a through hole directly below the first receiver and sized and dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the second pin.

18. The fastening system of claim 15, wherein the second pin comprises a first pin portion extending from a first wall of the second pulley and a second pin portion extending from a second wall of the second pulley, and wherein the second top surface comprises at least one of a through hole and a recess directly below the first receiver and is sized and dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the second pin portion.

19. The fastening system of claim 1, wherein the first pulley comprises a pin, and wherein the first sheet comprises a recessed path sized and dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the pin.

20. The fastening system of claim 19, wherein the projection path is tapered.

21. A housing for a pulley system comprising:

a top surface and a bottom surface;

a set of fins located on the top surface;

a set of pulleys; and is

Wherein each sheave of the set of sheaves is configured to be inserted into and rotatably mounted within at least one blade of the set of blades.

22. The housing of claim 21, wherein at least one of the top surface and the bottom surface includes a thinned area along one side.

23. The housing of claim 21, wherein the housing comprises a first end and a second end connected by a left side and a right side, and wherein the first and second ends are bent upward relative to a central portion of the housing.

24. A lower back support, comprising:

a strap configured to wrap around a central portion of a wearer;

a fastening system is coupled to the strap and includes:

a first housing having a first top surface;

a second housing having a second top surface;

a cord extending between the first and second housings; and

a set of lobes on the first top surface, including a first lobe; and is

Wherein a first portion of the first top surface includes a recessed path, and wherein the first lobe and the first portion form an opening sized and dimensioned to receive a first pulley; and is

Wherein the first pulley is configured to be at least partially rotatably secured between the first lobe and the first portion; and is

Wherein pulling the cord in a first direction shortens a distance between at least a portion of the first housing and at least a portion of the second housing.

25. The lower back support of claim 24, wherein the strap comprises a connecting material, and wherein the first and second housings are coupled to first and second sides of the connecting material.