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An ankle brace which is positioned on an ankle of a person which
incorporates a tensioning structure which permits full range of motion to
the ankle joint but which prevents the ankle joint from moving past its
normal range of motion to protect the ankle joint.
1. An ankle brace for use with an athletic shoe having a sole with a
lower cleated surface, a lateral side and a medial side, an upper part
with an upper end, a lacing closure, with upper and lower ends, including
a plurality of spaced-apart pairs of eyelets adapted to have a shoe lace
threaded therein, comprising: a flexible lateral portion having an upper
end, a lower end, a forward end, a rearward end, an outer side and an
inner side; said upper end of said lateral portion having a plurality of
spaced-apart first eyelets formed therein at said forward end thereof; a
first loop secured to said outer side of said lateral portion adjacent
said eyelets at said forward end thereof; a second loop secured to said
outer side of said lateral portion rearwardly of said first loop; a third
loop secured to said outer side of said lateral portion below said
eyelets at said forward end of said lateral portion and below said first
loop; said lateral portion having a strip of hook fasteners secured to
the outer side thereof at said rearward end thereof; said lateral portion
being removably positioned adjacent the lateral side of the upper part of
the shoe; said lower end of said lateral portion extending beneath the
sole of the shoe; a flexible medial portion having an upper end, a lower
end, a forward end, a rearward end, an outer side and an inner side; said
upper end of said medial portion having a plurality of spaced-apart first
eyelets formed therein at said forward end thereof; a first loop secured
to said outer side of said medial portion adjacent said eyelets at said
forward end thereof; a second loop secured to said outer side of said
medial portion rearwardly of said first loop thereof; a third loop
secured to said outer side of said medial portion below said eyelets at
said forward end of said medial portion and below said first loop
thereof; an elongated first strap having first and second ends and inner
and outer surfaces; said first end of said first strap being secured to
said medial portion at said rearward end thereof; said inner surface of
said first strap having loop fasteners thereon; said first strap being
selectively adjustably secured to said strip of hook fasteners secured to
the outer side of said lateral portion; said lower end of said medial
portion extending beneath the sole of the shoe; said lower ends of said
lateral and medial portions being joined together beneath the sole of the
shoe; said rearward ends of said lateral and medial portions being
spaced-apart; a flexible and stretchable body member having upper and
lower ends, a lateral side portion, a medial side portion, and a heel
portion; said lower end of said lateral side portion of said body member
being secured to said lateral portion; said lower end of said medial side
portion of said body member being secured to said medial portion; said
heel portion of said body member being secured to said rearward ends of
said lateral and medial portions and extending therebetween; a second
flexible and stretchable strap having a first end, a second end, an upper
end, a lower end, and inner and outer sides; said lower end of said
second strap being secured to said upper end of said body member so that
said first and second ends of said second strap extend forwardly from
said first body member; said outer side of said second strap having loop
fasteners thereon at said second end thereof; a third strap having a
first end, a second end, an outer side and an inner side; said first end
of said third strap being secured to said first end of said second strap;
said inner side of said third strap having hook fasteners thereon for
adjustable attachment to said loop fasteners on said second strap at said
second end of said second strap; a fourth non-stretchable strap having
first and second ends; said fourth strap being secured to said outer side
of said second strap; said first end of said fourth strap having at least
one eyelet formed therein; said second end of said fourth strap having at
least one eyelet formed therein; a loop secured to said fourth strap at
said first end thereof; a loop secured to said fourth strap at said
second end thereof; a first lace member adjustably extending through said
eyelets on said first and second ends of said fourth strap; a flexible
lateral tensioning cord having first and second ends; said first end of
said lateral tensioning cord being secured to said fourth strap at said
first end thereof; said lateral tensioning cord extending from its fixed
first end downwardly and forwardly through said second loop on said
lateral portion, thence forwardly through said first loop on said lateral
portion, thence downwardly and rearwardly through said third loop on said
lateral portion, thence upwardly and rearwardly through said second loop
on said lateral portion, thence rearwardly through said loop at said
first end of said fourth strap, thence downwardly therefrom; said second
end of said lateral tensioning cord being secured to said lateral
portion; a flexible medial tensioning cord having first and second ends;
said first end of said medial tensioning cord being secured to said
fourth strap at said second end thereof; said medial tensioning cord
extending from its fixed first end downwardly and forwardly through said
second loop on said medial portion, thence forwardly through said first
loop on said medial portion, thence downwardly and rearwardly through
said third loop on said medial portion, thence upwardly and rearwardly
through said second loop on said medial portion, thence rearwardly
through said loops at said second end of said fourth strap, thence
through said eyelet which is positioned rearwardly of said plurality of
eyelets on said medial portion; said second end of said medial tensioning
cord being secured to said medial portion; the shoe lace of the shoe also
being threaded through some of said first eyelets formed in said lateral
portion and through some of said first eyelets in said medial portion.
2. The ankle brace of claim 1 further including elongated fifth and sixth
straps having first and second ends; said first end of said fifth strap
being secured to said lateral tensioning cord; said second end of said
fifth strap being selectively adjustably secured to the outer side of
said medial portion; said first end of said sixth strap being secured to
said medial tensioning cord; said second end of said sixth strap being
selectively adjustably secured to said outer side of said lateral
portion.
3. The ankle brace of claim 2 wherein said first end of said fifth strap
is secured to said lateral tensioning cord between said first and third
loops of said lateral portion and wherein said first end of said sixth
strap is secured to said medial tensioning cord between said first and
second loops of said medial portion.
4. The ankle brace of claim 3 wherein said first end of said fifth strap
is slidably secured to said lateral tensioning cord and wherein said
first end of said sixth strap is slidably secured to said medial
tensioning cord.
5. The ankle brace of claim 1 wherein said lateral portion has an eyelet
formed thereon rearwardly of said first eyelets thereof and wherein said
medial portion has an eyelet formed therein rearwardly of said first
eyelets thereof; said second end of said lateral tensioning cord
extending through said eyelet which is positioned rearwardly of said
first eyelets of said lateral portion for connection to said lateral
portion; said second end of said medial tensioning cord extending through
said eyelet which is positioned rearwardly of said first eyelets of said
medial portion for connection to said medial portion.
6. The ankle brace of claim 1 wherein a reinforcing member is positioned
at the inner side of said lateral portion and is secured thereto and
wherein a reinforcing member is positioned at the inner side of said
medial portion and is secured thereto.
7. The ankle brace of claim 1 wherein said lateral and medial tensioning
cords are stretchable.
8. The ankle brace of claim 1 wherein a reinforcing member is positioned
between said fourth strap and said third strap.
9. The ankle brace of claim 1 wherein said lower ends of said lateral and
medial portions have openings formed therein which receive some of the
cleats of the sole extending downwardly therethrough.
10. An ankle brace for use with an athletic shoe having a sole with a
lower surface, a lateral side and a medial side, an upper part with an
upper end, a lacing closure, with upper and lower ends, including a
plurality of spaced-apart pairs of eyelets adapted to have a shoe lace
threaded therein, comprising: a flexible lateral portion having an upper
end, a lower end, a forward end, a rearward end, an outer side and an
inner side; said upper end of said lateral portion having a plurality of
spaced-apart first eyelets formed therein at said forward end thereof; a
first loop secured to said outer side of said lateral portion adjacent
said eyelets at said forward end thereof; a second loop secured to said
outer side of said lateral portion rearwardly of said first loop; a third
loop secured to said outer side of said lateral portion below said
eyelets at said forward end of said lateral portion and below said first
loop; said lateral portion having a strip of hook fasteners secured to
the outer side thereof at said rearward end thereof; said lateral portion
being removably positioned adjacent the lateral side of the upper part of
the shoe; said lower end of said lateral portion extending beneath the
sole of the shoe; a flexible medial portion having an upper end, a lower
end, a forward end, a rearward end, an outer side and an inner side; said
upper end of said medial portion having a plurality of spaced-apart first
eyelets formed therein at said forward end thereof; a first loop secured
to said outer side of said medial portion adjacent said eyelets at said
forward end thereof; a second loop secured to said outer side of said
medial portion rearwardly of said first loop thereof; a third loop
secured to said outer side of said medial portion below said eyelets at
said forward end of said medial portion and below said first loop
thereof; an elongated first strap having first and second ends and inner
and outer surfaces; said first end of said first strap being secured to
said medial portion at said rearward end thereof; said inner surface of
said first strap having loop fasteners thereon; said first strap being
selectively adjustably secured to said strip of hook fasteners secured to
the outer side of said lateral portion; said lower end of said medial
portion extending beneath the sole of the shoe; said lower ends of said
lateral and medial portions being joined together beneath the sole of the
shoe; said rearward ends of said lateral and medial portions being
spaced-apart; a flexible body member having upper and lower ends, a
lateral side portion, a medial side portion, and a heel portion; said
lower end of said lateral side portion of said body member being secured
to said lateral portion; said lower end of said medial side portion of
said body member being secured to said medial portion; said heel portion
of said body member being secured to said rearward ends of said lateral
and medial portions and extending therebetween; a second flexible strap
having a first end, a second end, an upper end, a lower end, and inner
and outer sides; said lower end of said second strap being secured to
said upper end of said body member so that said first and second ends of
said second strap extend forwardly from said first body member; said
outer side of said second strap having loop fasteners thereon at said
second end thereof; a third strap having a first end, a second end, an
outer side and an inner side; said first end of said third strap being
secured to said first end of said second strap; said inner side of said
third strap having hook fasteners thereon for adjustable attachment to
said loop fasteners on said second strap at said second end of said
second strap; a fourth non-stretchable strap having first and second
ends; said fourth strap being secured to said outer side of said second
strap; said first end of said fourth strap having at least one eyelet
formed therein; said second end of said fourth strap having at least one
eyelet formed therein; a loop secured to said fourth strap at said first
end thereof; a loop secured to said fourth strap at said second end
thereof; a first lace member adjustably extending through said eyelets on
said first and second ends of said fourth strap; a flexible lateral
tensioning cord having first and second ends; said first end of said
lateral tensioning cord being secured to said fourth strap at said first
end thereof; said lateral tensioning cord extending from its fixed first
end downwardly and forwardly through said second loop on said lateral
portion, thence forwardly through said first loop on said lateral
portion, thence downwardly and rearwardly through said third loop on said
lateral portion, thence upwardly and rearwardly through said second loop
on said lateral portion, thence rearwardly through said loop at said
first end of said fourth strap, thence downwardly therefrom; said second
end of said lateral tensioning cord being secured to said lateral
portion; a flexible medial tensioning cord having first and second ends;
said first end of said medial tensioning cord being secured to said
fourth strap at said second end thereof; said medial tensioning cord
extending from its fixed first end downwardly and forwardly through said
second loop on said medial portion, thence forwardly through said first
loop on said medial portion, thence downwardly and rearwardly through
said third loop on said medial portion, thence upwardly and rearwardly
through said second loop on said medial portion, thence rearwardly
through said loops at said second end of said fourth strap, thence
through said eyelet which is positioned rearwardly of said plurality of
eyelets on said medial portion; said second end of said medial tensioning
cord being secured to said medial portion; the shoe lace of the shoe also
being threaded through some of said first eyelets formed in said lateral
portion and through some of said first eyelets in said medial portion.
11. The ankle brace of claim 10 further including elongated fifth and
sixth straps having first and second ends; said first end of said fifth
strap being secured to said lateral tensioning cord; said second end of
said fifth strap being selectively adjustably secured to the outer side
of said medial portion; said first end of said sixth strap being secured
to said medial tensioning cord; said second end of said sixth strap being
selectively adjustably secured to said outer side of said lateral
portion.
12. The ankle brace of claim 11 wherein said first end of said fifth
strap is secured to said lateral tensioning cord between said first and
third loops of said lateral portion and wherein said first end of said
sixth strap is secured to said medial tensioning cord between said first
and second loops of said medial portion.
13. The ankle brace of claim 12 wherein said first end of said fifth
strap is slidably secured to said lateral tensioning cord and wherein
said first end of said sixth strap is slidably secured to said medial
tensioning cord.
14. The ankle brace of claim 10 wherein said lateral portion has an
eyelet formed thereon rearwardly of said first eyelets thereof and
wherein said medial portion has an eyelet formed therein rearwardly of
said first eyelets thereof; said second end of said lateral tensioning
cord extending through said eyelet which is positioned rearwardly of said
first eyelets of said lateral portion for connection to said lateral
portion; said second end of said medial tensioning cord extending through
said eyelet which is positioned rearwardly of said first eyelets of said
medial portion for connection to said medial portion.
15. The ankle brace of claim 10 wherein a reinforcing member is
positioned at the inner side of said lateral portion and is secured
thereto and wherein a reinforcing member is positioned at the inner side
of said medial portion and is secured thereto.
16. The ankle brace of claim 10 wherein said lateral and medial
tensioning cords are stretchable.
17. The ankle brace of claim 10 wherein a reinforcing member is
positioned between said fourth strap and said third strap.
18. An ankle brace for use with an athletic shoe having a sole with a
lower surface, a lateral side and a medial side, an upper part with an
upper end, a lacing closure, with upper and lower ends, including a
plurality of spaced-apart pairs of eyelets adapted to have a shoe lace
threaded therein, comprising: a flexible lateral portion having an upper
end, a lower end, a forward end, a rearward end, an outer side and an
inner side; said upper end of said lateral portion having a plurality of
spaced-apart first eyelets formed therein at said forward end thereof; a
first loop secured to said outer side of said lateral portion adjacent
said eyelets at said forward end thereof; a second loop secured to said
outer side of said lateral portion rearwardly of said first loop; said
lateral portion having a strip of hook fasteners secured to the outer
side thereof; said lateral portion being removably positioned adjacent
the lateral side of the upper part of the shoe; said lower end of said
lateral portion extending beneath the sole of the shoe; a flexible medial
portion having an upper end, a lower end, a forward end, a rearward end,
an outer side and an inner side; said upper end of said medial portion
having a plurality of spaced-apart first eyelets formed therein at said
forward end thereof; a first loop secured to said outer side of said
medial portion adjacent said eyelets at said forward end thereof; a
second loop secured to said outer side of said medial portion rearwardly
of said first loop thereof; an elongated first strap having first and
second ends and inner and outer surfaces; said first end of said first
strap being secured to said medial portion; said inner surface of said
first strap having loop fasteners thereon; said second end of said first
strap being selectively adjustably secured to said strip of hook
fasteners secured to the outer side of said lateral portion; said lower
end of said medial portion extending beneath the sole of the shoe; said
lower ends of said lateral and medial portions being joined together
beneath the sole of the shoe; said rearward ends of said lateral and
medial portions being spaced-apart; a flexible body member having upper
and lower ends, a lateral side portion, a medial side portion, and a heel
portion; said lower end of said lateral side portion of said body member
being secured to said lateral portion; said lower end of said medial side
portion of said body member being secured to said medial portion; said
heel portion of said body member being secured to said rearward ends of
said lateral and medial portions and extending therebetween; a second
flexible strap having a first end, a second end, an upper end, a lower
end, and inner and outer sides; said lower end of said second strap being
secured to said upper end of said body member so that said first and
second ends of said second strap extend forwardly from said first body
member; means for securing said first and second ends of said second
strap together; a first loop secured to said second strap rearwardly of
said first end thereof; a second loop secured to said second strap
rearwardly of said second end thereof; a first lace member adjustably
extending through said eyelets on said lateral and medial portions and
the eyelets of the shoe; a flexible lateral tensioning cord operatively
interconnecting said first loop on said second strap and said first and
second loops on said lateral portion; a flexible medial tensioning cord
operatively interconnecting said second loop on said second strap and
said first and second loops on said medial portion; an elongated third
strap having first and second ends; said first end of said third strap
being secured to said lateral tensioning cord; said second end of said
third strap being selectively adjustably secured to said medial portion;
an elongated fourth strap having first and second ends; said first end of
said fourth strap being secured to said medial tensioning cord; said
second end of said fourth strap being selectively adjustably secured to
said lateral portion; the shoe lace of the shoe also being threaded
through some of said first eyelets formed in said lateral portion and
through some of said first eyelets in said medial portion; and a third
strap adjustably secured to the rearward ends of said lateral and medial
portions which extends therebetween.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This is a Divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 13/871,094 filed Apr. 26, 2013 entitled ANKLE BRACE which is a
Continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/134,087,
filed May 27, 2011 entitled ANKLE BRACE.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to an ankle brace and more particularly to
an ankle brace including a tensioning system which functionally
stabilizes the ankle as it reaches extreme ranges of motion.
[0004] Description of the Related Art
[0005] Conventional braces for protecting joints of the body do so by
restricting or limiting motion of the joint to which it is applied to
prevent a new injury or to protect a pre-existing injury. An ankle joint,
just like all the joints in the human body, has a natural range of motion
that it can move through without causing damage to itself. As it reaches
the end of these ranges, the body has structure such as ligaments and
tendons to create tension to end range of motion and protect the joint.
Many of the prior art ankle braces do prevent the ankle from exceeding
its extreme ranges of motion but do not provide the necessary flexibility
to permit the athlete to function normally.
[0006] Applicant's ankle brace described and shown in the co-pending
application represents an improvement in the ankle brace art. The instant
invention represents a further improvement in the ankle brace art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a
simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed
Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key aspects or
essential aspects of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, this Summary
is not intended for use as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed
subject matter.
[0008] An ankle brace is disclosed for use with a cleated athletic shoe
having a sole with a lower surface, with cleats extending downwardly
therefrom, a lateral side and a medial side, an upper part with an upper
end, a lacing closure, with upper and lower ends, including a plurality
of spaced-apart pairs of eyelets adapted to have a shoe lace threaded
therein. The brace of this invention includes a flexible lateral portion
having an upper end, a lower end, a forward end, a rearward end, an outer
side and an inner side. The upper end of the lateral portion has a
plurality of spaced-apart first eyelets formed therein at the forward end
thereof. A first loop is secured to the outer side of the lateral portion
adjacent the eyelets at the forward end thereof. A second loop is secured
to the outer side of the lateral portion rearwardly of the first loop. A
third loop is secured to the outer side of the lateral portion below the
eyelets at the forward end of the lateral portion and below the first
loop thereof. The lateral portion also has an eyelet formed therein
rearwardly of the first eyelets. A patch or strip of hook fasteners
secured to the outer surface of the lateral portion at the rearward end
thereof. The lateral portion is removably positioned adjacent the lateral
side of the upper part of the shoe with the lower end of the lateral
portion extending beneath the sole of the shoe.
[0009] The ankle brace also includes a flexible medial portion having an
upper end, a lower end, a forward end, a rearward end, an outer side and
an inner side. The upper end of the medial portion has a plurality of
spaced-apart first eyelets formed therein at the forward end thereof. A
first loop is secured to the outer side of the medial portion adjacent
the eyelets at the forward end thereof. A second loop is secured to the
outer side of the medial portion rearwardly of the first loop. A third
loop is secured to the outer side of the medial portion below the eyelets
at the forward end of the medial portion and below the first loop
thereof. The medial portion has an eyelet formed therein rearwardly of
the first eyelets thereof.
[0010] The lower end of the medial portion extends beneath the sole of the
shoe with the lower ends of the lateral and medial portions being joined
together beneath the sole of the shoe. The rearward ends of the lateral
and medial portions are spaced apart.
[0011] An elongated first strap having first and second ends and inner and
outer surfaces is also provided. The first end of the first strap is
secured to the medial portion at the rearward end thereof. The inner
surface of the first strap has loop fasteners thereon. The rearward ends
of the lateral and medial portions are spaced apart. The first strap is
selectively adjustably secured to the patch of hook fasteners at the
outer rearward side of the medial portion.
[0012] The ankle brace of this invention also includes a flexible and
stretchable body member having upper and lower ends, a lateral side
portion, a medial side portion, and a heel portion. The lower end of the
lateral side portion of the body member is secured to the lateral
portion. The lower end of the medial side portion of the body member is
secured to the medial portion. The heel portion of the body member is
secured to the spaced-apart rearward ends of the lateral and medial
portions and extends therebetween. A second flexible and stretchable
strap is provided having a first end, a second end, an upper end, a lower
end, and inner and outer sides. The lower end of the second strap is
secured to the upper end of the body member so that the first and second
ends of the second strap extend forwardly from the body member. The outer
side of the second strap has loop fasteners thereon at the first end
thereof. The brace also includes a third flexible strap having a first
end, a second end, an outer side and an inner side. The first end of the
third strap is secured to the second end of the second strap. The inner
side of the third strap has hook fasteners thereon for adjustable
attachment to the loop fasteners on the second strap at the first end of
the second strap. A fourth flexible non-stretchable strap is provided
having first and second ends with the fourth strap being secured to the
outer side of the second strap. The first end of the fourth strap has a
pair of eyelets formed therein. The second end of the fourth strap has a
pair of eyelets formed therein. A loop is secured to the fourth strap at
the first end thereof and a loop is secured to the fourth strap at the
second end thereof. A lace member adjustably extends through the eyelets
on the first and second ends of the fourth strap.
[0013] The ankle brace of this invention includes a flexible and
stretchable lateral tensioning cord having first and second ends. The
first end of the lateral tensioning cord is secured to the fourth strap
at the first end thereof. The lateral tensioning cord extends from its
fixed first end downwardly and forwardly through the second loop on the
lateral portion, thence forwardly through the first loop on the lateral
portion, thence downwardly and rearwardly through the third loop on the
lateral portion, thence upwardly and rearwardly through the second loop
on the lateral portion, thence rearwardly through the loop at the first
end of the fourth strap, thence downwardly therefrom. The second end of
the lateral tensioning cord is secured to the lateral portion. A flexible
and stretchable medial tensioning cord is also provided having first and
second ends with the first end of the medial tensioning cord being
secured to the fourth strap at the second end thereof. The medial
tensioning cord extends from its fixed first end downwardly and forwardly
through the second loop on the medial portion, thence forwardly through
the first loop on the medial portion, thence downwardly and rearwardly
through the third loop on the medial portion, thence upwardly and
rearwardly through the second loop on the medial portion, thence
rearwardly through the loop at the second end of the fourth strap, thence
downwardly therefrom. The second end of the medial tensioning cord is
secured to the medial portion.
[0014] The ankle brace also includes fifth and sixth straps having first
and second ends. The first end of the fifth strap is secured to the
lateral portion with the second end of the fifth strap being adjustably
secured to the medial portion 92. The sixth strap has its first end
secured to the medial portion 92 and has its second end selectively
adjustably secured to the lateral portion 36. The ankle brace of this
invention permits the wearers ankle to move through its normal range of
motion and yieldably prevents the ankle from moving beyond its normal
range motion thereby protecting the ankle.
[0015] It is therefore a principal object of the invention to provide an
improved ankle brace.
[0016] A further object of the invention is to provide an ankle brace for
use with a cleated athletic shoe which permits the wearer's ankle to move
through its normal range of motion but which yieldably prevents the ankle
from moving beyond its normal range of motion thereby protecting the
ankle.
[0017] A further object of the invention is to provide an ankle brace of
the type described which does not interfere with the normal movement of
the person's ankle.
[0018] These and other objects will be apparent to those skilled in the
art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present
invention are described with reference to the following figures, wherein
like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views
unless otherwise specified.
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the ankle brace of this invention
mounted on an athletic shoe;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a side view of the ankle brace of FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a side view of the ankle brace as seen from the medial
side thereof;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a side view of the ankle brace as seen from the lateral
side thereof;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the ankle brace of this invention;
and
[0025] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the athletic shoe having the ankle brace
of this invention mounted thereon.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0026] Embodiments are described more fully below with reference to the
accompanying figures, which form a part hereof and show, by way of
illustration, specific exemplary embodiments. These embodiments are
disclosed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to
practice the invention. However, embodiments may be implemented in many
different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the
embodiments set forth herein. The following detailed description is,
therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense in that the scope of the
present invention is defined only by the appended claims.
[0027] The ankle brace of this invention is referred to generally by the
reference numeral 10. Ankle brace 10 is designed to be attached to an
athletic shoe 12 having a sole 14 with an underside 16, and an upper part
18. A plurality of cleats 19 extend downwardly from the underside 16 of
sole 14. Upper part 18 has a lacing closure structure 20 having a lower
end 22 and an upper end 24. Lacing closure has a plurality of eyelets,
grommets or lace openings 26 designed to receive a shoelace 28 in
conventional fashion. Shoe 14 will be described as having a lateral side
30, a medial side 32 and a heel counter 34.
[0028] Ankle brace 10 includes a lateral portion 36 having a forward end
38, a rearward end 40, an upper end 42 and a lower end 44. Lower end 44
of lateral portion 36 extends partially below sole 14 as will be
described in more detail hereinafter. Lateral portion 36 is comprised of
a flexible, non-stretchable material such as polyester. The inner side of
lateral portion 36 has a flexible, non-stretchable reinforcing or
stiffening member 46 secured to the upper portion thereof by stitching or
the like. Member 46 is preferably comprised of a plastic material. The
upper forward end of lateral portion 36 has a plurality of spaced-apart
grommets or eyelets 48 formed therein. Preferably, four eyelets 48 are
formed in lateral portion 36. A grommet 50 is formed in lateral portion
36 rearwardly of the rearward-most grommet 48. A loop 52 is secured to
the outer surface of lateral portion 36 between a pair of grommets 48. A
loop 54 is secured to the outer surface of lateral portion 30 adjacent
the rearward-most grommet 48. A loop 56 is secured to the outer surface
of lateral portion 36 below loop 52. The lower rearward end 44 of lateral
portion 36 has a notch 58 formed therein. A notch 60 is also formed in
the lower end 44 of lateral portion 36 forwardly of notch 58.
[0029] Ankle brace 10 also includes a medial portion 62 having a forward
end 64, a rearward end 66, an upper end 68 and a lower end 70. Medial
portion 62 is comprised of a flexible, non-stretchable material such as
polyester. Lower end 70 of medial portion 62 extends partially below sole
14 and is secured to lower end 44 of lateral portion 36. The inner side
of medial portion 62 has a flexible, non-stretchable reinforcing or
stiffening member 72 secured to the upper portion thereof by stitching or
the like. Member 72 is preferably comprised of a plastic material. The
upper forward end of medial portion 62 has a plurality of spaced-apart
grommets or eyelets 74 formed therein, the number of which is equal to
the number of grommets or eyelets 48 formed in lateral portion 36. A
grommet 76 is formed in medial portion 62 rearwardly of the rearward-most
grommet 74. A loop 78 is secured to the outer surface of medial portion
62 between a pair of the grommets 74. A loop 80 is secured to the outer
surface of medial portion 62 adjacent the rearward-most grommet 74. A
loop 82 is secured to the outer surface of medial portion 62 below loop
78.
[0030] The lower end 70 of medial portion 62 has a notch 84 formed therein
which registers with notch 58 in lateral portion 36. The lower end 70 of
medial portion 62 also has a notch 86 formed therein which registers with
notch 60 of lateral portion 36. The lower ends 44 and 70 of medial
portion 62 and lateral portion 36 respectively are secured together by
stitching 87 or the like.
[0031] As seen in the drawings, the rearward ends of lateral portion 36
and medial portion 62 are spaced-apart. The rearward end of medial
portion 62 has a first strap 88 secured thereto which extends therefrom.
The inner surface of strap 88 has loop fasteners thereon. The rearward
end of lateral portion 36 has a patch 90 of hook fasteners to enable the
strap 88 to be adjustably secured thereto.
[0032] The numeral 92 refers to a flexible and stretchable body member
preferably comprised of neoprene or the like which is secured to lateral
portion 36 and medial portion 62 as will now be described. Body member 92
includes a lateral side portion 94, a medial side portion 96 and a heel
portion 98. The lower end of lateral side portion 94 of body member 92 is
secured to the upper end of lateral portion 36 by stitching or the like.
The lower end of medial side portion 96 is secured to the upper end of
medial portion 62 by stitching or the like. Heel portion 98 is positioned
between the rearward ends of lateral portion 36 and medial portion 62 and
is secured thereto by stitching or the like.
[0033] The numeral 100 refers to an elongated second strap having ends 102
and 104, an upper end 106 and a lower end 108. The lower end 108 of strap
100 is secured to the upper end of flexible and stretchable body member
92 so that the ends 102 and 104 extend forwardly from the forward ends of
flexible and stretchable body member 92. The outer surface of strap 100
has loop fastener material thereon.
[0034] A short third strap 110 has one end secured to end 102 of strap 100
and extends therefrom. The inner side of strap 110 has hook fasteners
thereon for adjustable connection to the loop fasteners on the outer side
of end 104 of strap 100.
[0035] A flexible and non-stretchable fourth strap 112, having ends 114
and 116, is secured to strap 100 at the outer side thereof by stitching
or the like. A plastic reinforcing member 118 is secured to the inner
side of strap 112 at end 114. An elongated, flexible reinforcing or
stiffening member 119 is positioned at the inner side of strap 112.
Grommets 120 and 122 are formed in the end 114 of strap 112 and
reinforcing member 118. At least one loop 124 is secured to and extends
downwardly from end 114 of strap 112 and reinforcing member 118.
[0036] End 126 of lateral tensioning cord 128 is secured to strap 112 and
reinforcing member 118 adjacent end 114 of strap 112. Tensioning cord 128
extends downwardly and forwardly from strap 112 and reinforcing member
118, through loop 54, thence through loop 52, thence downwardly
therefrom, thence rearwardly through loop 56, thence upwardly and
rearwardly through loop 54, thence upwardly and rearwardly through loop
124, and thence downwardly and rearwardly through grommet 50 for
attachment to reinforcing member 46 at 129.
[0037] One end of an elongated fifth strap 130 is slidably mounted on cord
128 between loops 54 and 56. The inner surface of strap 130 is provided
with loop fasteners thereon for adjustable attachment to a patch or strap
of hook fasteners 131 secured to the outer side of medial portion 62. A
plastic reinforcing member 132 is secured to the inner side of strap 112
at end 116. Grommets 134 and 136 are formed in end 116 of strap 112 and
reinforcing member 132. At least one loop 138 is secured to and extends
downwardly from end 116 and reinforcing member 132.
[0038] End 140 of tensioning cord 142 is secured to strap 112 and
reinforcing member 132 adjacent end 116 of strap 112. Tensioning cord 142
extends downwardly and forwardly from strap 112 and reinforcing member
132, through loop 80, thence through loop 78, thence downwardly
therefrom, thence rearwardly through loop 82, thence upwardly and
rearwardly through loop 80, thence upwardly and rearwardly through loop
138, and thence downwardly and rearwardly through grommet 76 for
attachment to reinforcing member 72.
[0039] One end of an elongated sixth strap 144 is slidably mounted on cord
142 between loops 78 and 80. The inner surface of strap 144 is provided
with loop fasteners thereon for adjustable attachment to a patch or strap
of hook fasteners 146 secured to the outer side of lateral portion 36.
[0040] In use, the brace 10 is positioned on the shoe 12 as generally seen
in FIGS. 1-3 but the lace member 148 is not tied, the strap 88 is not
secured to patch or strip 90 and the straps 130 and 144 are not secured
to strips or patches 131 and 146 respectively. The shoe lace 28 is
threaded through some of the lower lace openings or eyelets 26 and
through at least some of the eyelets 48 of lateral portion 36 and through
some of the eyelets 74 of medial portion 62. The shoe lace 28 will then
be threaded through the remaining eyelets 26 and tied at the upper end of
the shoe 12.
[0041] The lace member 148 is threaded through the eyelets 120, 122 on end
114 of strap 112 and through eyelets 134 and 136 at end 116 of strap 112.
The lace member 148 is then tightened and tied. The strap 88 is then
secured to patch 90. Straps 130 and 144 are then adjustably tightened and
secured as described hereinabove. As seen in FIG. 6, some of the cleats
19 extend downwardly through the registering notches 58 and 84 and some
of the cleats 19 extend downwardly through the registering notches 60 and
86.
[0042] The ankle brace 10 permits the ankle of the person to move through
its natural range of motion either laterally, medially, fore and aft.
When the ankle moves towards the end of its normal range of motion, the
tensioning cords 128 and 142 resist further motion to protect the ankle.
Ankle support is also provided by the lateral and medial portions 36 and
62 and the reinforcing members associated therewith. Ankle support is
also provided by the flexible and stretchable member 92 which enables the
person's ankle to move through its normal range of motion.
[0043] Thus it can be seen that the invention accomplishes at least all of
its stated objectives.
[0044] Although the invention has been described in language that is
specific to certain structures and methodological steps, it is to be
understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not
necessarily limited to the specific structures and/or steps described.
Rather, the specific aspects and steps are described as forms of
implementing the claimed invention. Since many embodiments of the
invention can be practiced without departing from the spirit and scope of
the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.