FIELD

This invention relates to an adjustable knee support.

BACKGROUND

Knee braces or supports can be used to alleviate knee pain by providing compression and support to an affected knee and the surrounding area. Many commercially available knee supports, however, are bulky, uncomfortable, and/or difficult to put on and adjust.

SUMMARY

In view of the foregoing, we recognize that there is a need in the art for a simple adjustable knee support that is thin, comfortable, and easy to apply and adjust. The present invention provides an adjustable knee support comprising (a) a main compression body, (b) an upper adjustment strap, (c) a lower adjustment strap, and (d) a sleeve attached to the backside of the knee support. The upper and lower adjustment straps are positioned on opposing sides of the main compression body and are adapted to engage with the main compression body. The knee support of the present invention meets the needs in the art. It has a simple design that is easy to apply and adjust. The adjustment straps can be used to provide a variable amount of compression and support to an affected knee and the surrounding area, which can help alleviate knee pain. The unique opposing adjustment straps, with one strap on each side of the knee, provide for optimum compression and adjustment. The attached sleeve facilitates application of the support on the knee while the adjustment straps are being adjusted. The sleeve also helps protect the skin and fat behind the knee from pinching, poking out from the support, and general discomfort while the support is applied and worn.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of an I-shaped main compression body. Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of an I-shaped main compression body.

Figs. 3 A and 3B are schematic representations of a front view and a back view of an embodiment of the knee support of the invention. Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a knee support of the invention.

Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a back view of an embodiment of a knee support of the invention.

Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of an inside view of an embodiment of a knee support of the invention.

Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of a front view of a knee support of the invention as it being applied to a knee.

Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of a side view of a knee support of the invention as it is being applied to a knee. Fig. 9 is a schematic representation of a front view of a knee support of the invention fully applied on a knee.

Fig. 10 is a schematic representation of a side view of a knee support of the invention fully applied on a knee.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The knee support of the present invention includes a main compression body, opposing upper and lower adjustment straps, and a sleeve attached to the backside of the knee support. The knee support can be worn on either the left knee or the right knee.

The main compression body is placed on the front side of the knee when the knee support is worn. Preferably, the main compression body is generally "I-shaped". In some embodiments, the main compression body comprises a patella hole. The patella hole can be any shape (for example, circular, oval, triangular, or the like). Preferably, the patella hole is generally triangular in shape. A triangular patella hole can be positioned such that when the knee support is worn the base of the triangle of located above the knee and a point or vertice of the triangle is located below the knee so as to provide a guide for optimal placement of the knee support. The patella hole can be padded for comfort. Fig. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an I-shaped main compression body. Main compression body 10 comprises oval-shaped patella hole 12. Fig. 2 illustrates another embodiment of an I-shaped main compression body. Main compression body 20 has a more rounded I-shape than main compression body 10. Main compression body 20 comprises triangular patella hole 22 with padding 24.

The main compression body typically comprises one or more thin, stretchy, and conformable materials such as a layer of foam (for example, an open-cell foam or Neoprene). The backside of the main compression body (that is, the side that is in contact with the skin when the knee support is worn) preferably comprises a material that is comfortable against the skin such as, for example, nylon or Lycra™. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the main compression body comprises a three layer construction comprising foam sandwiched between unbroken loop and nylon. Preferably, the main compression body is breathable (for example, has a moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) greater than about 3000 grams per square meter per 24 hours). Typically, the main compression body is less than about 4 mm thick.

Upper and lower adjustment straps are positioned on opposing sides of the main compression body. As used herein, with respect to the adjustment straps, the term "opposing" means that one adjustment strap will be located on the left side of the knee when the knee support is worn and the other adjustment strap will be located on the right side of the knee when the knee support is worn; the term "upper" refers to an adjustment strap that will be positioned above the knee when the knee support is worn; and the term "lower" refers to an adjustment strap that will be positioned below the knee when the knee support is worn. Preferably, the adjustment straps are built in along the entire right and left sides of the knee support. The adjustment straps are typically more elastic than the main compression body.

Preferably, the adjustment straps comprise a material that is breathable and comfortable against the skin. In some embodiments, the adjustment straps comprise a three layer construction comprising foam sandwiched between two layers of Lycra™. The adjustment straps can taper down for comfort and to minimize bulk behind the knee when the knee support is worn. Preferably, the adjustment straps are thinner than the thickest portion of the main compression body. Typically, the adjustment straps are less than about 3 mm (preferably, less than 2.7 mm) thick. The adjustment straps are adapted to engage with the main compression body. For example, the adjustment straps can comprise hook tabs that can reversibly adhere to unbroken loop on the main compression body. The adjustment straps can be adjusted to provide varying amounts of compression and support and to accommodate a number of different knee sizes.

In some embodiments, the knee supports of the invention comprise two stays positioned such that, when the knee support is worn, a first stay is located on a first side of the knee (for example, the right side of the knee) and a second stay is located on a second side of the knee (for example, the left side of the knee). The stays assist with support of the knee and can help to keep the knee support properly positioned on the knee. The stays can comprise any material that is rigid enough to provide support to the knee but that is flexible enough to allow for bending of the knee. Suitable materials include metals and plastics. Preferably, the stays comprise coiled metal. The stays can be positioned with a slight taper so that, when the knee support is worn, they are farther apart above the knee than below the knee. In one embodiment, for example, the distance between the centers of the stays at the top of the stays is approximately 6 inches (15.2 cm) and the distance between the centers of the stays at the bottom of the stays is approximately 5 7/8 inches (14.9 cm).

The knee support of the present invention includes a sleeve attached to the backside of the knee support. The sleeve eases application of the support on the knee by holding the knee support in place while the adjustment straps are being adjusted to a desired compression and position. The sleeve also helps protect the skin and fat behind the knee from pinching, poking out, and general discomfort while the knee support is being tightened and worn. The sleeve can be made from a thin stretchy material such as, for example, Lycra™ so that it is somewhat snug on a variety of knee shapes and stays in place while the user adjusts the straps. If the knee support has stays, the sleeve can be attached (for example, sewn) along the stays. Preferably, the sleeve is attached along the outer sides of the stays (that is, the sides of the stays not next to the patella) to help wrap the stays around the sides of the knee, but it may be attached along the inner sides of the stays.

Fig. 3 A shows the front side of an embodiment of the knee support of the invention. Knee support 300 includes upper adjustment strap 36 and lower adjustment strap 38 positioned on opposing sides of main compression body 30. Main compression body 30 has a rounded I-shape and comprises triangular patella hole 32 with padding 34. The outer face of main compression body 30 can comprise unbroken loop for Velcro™ attachment. Adjustment straps 36 and 38 are built in along the entire right and left sides of knee support 300 and can be described as generally "S-shaped". Adjustment straps 36 and 38 are made of a stretchy material and comprise hook tab areas 31 and 33 that can reversibly adhere to the unbroken loop on the outer face of main compression body 30. Knee support 300 also includes stays 35 and 37, which are imbedded within the multilayer construction of the support. Stays 35 and 37 are positioned such that stay 35 will be located on one side of the knee and stay 37 will be located on the opposite side of the knee when the support is worn. Stays 35 and 37 are also positioned with a slight taper so that the stays are farther apart above patella hole 32 than below patella hole 32.

Fig. 3B shows the backside of knee support 300. Sleeve 39 is sewn to the backside of knee support 300 along the outer edges of stays 35 and 37. Fig. 4 shows a front view of another embodiment of a knee support of the invention, knee support 400. The main compression body 40 has a rounded I-shape and is constructed of foam sandwiched between unbroken loop and nylon. The unbroken loop can mate with Velcro™ fasteners on adjustment straps 41 and 43. Adjustment straps 46 and 48 have an S-shape design and are made of a thinner and stretchier construction comprising foam sandwiched between two layers of Lycra™. Adjustment straps 46 and 48 have Velcro™ fasteners at their ends. Stays 45 and 47 are located running along both sides of the triangular shaped patella hole 42.

Fig. 5 shows a back view of the knee support of the invention shown in Fig. 4. A built-in sleeve 49 is sewn into the back of the knee support along the inner edges of the two stays 45 and 47.

Fig. 6 shows an inside view of knee support 400. Again, the sleeve 49 sewn into the knee support is visible.

Fig. 7 shows the front of knee support 400 as the knee support is being applied to a knee. The sleeve 49 (not visible) is holding knee support 400 in place while the user applies knee support 400.

Fig. 8 shows a side view of knee support 400 as it is being applied to the knee. Sleeve 49 is holding knee support 400 in place while the user tightens the upper and lower adjustment straps 46 and 48 to a desired compression and fit. Sleeve 49 is protecting the skin and fat behind the knee while knee support 400 is applied and worn.

Fig. 9 shows a front view of knee support 400 fully applied on the knee. Knee support 400 has a tight yet comfortable fit around the knee. The Velcro™ tabs 41 and 43 are adhered to the unbroken loop on the main compression body 40 to provide a secure fit.

Fig. 10 shows a side view of knee support 400 fully applied on the knee. Adjustment straps 46 and 48 are positioned to be minimally obstructive behind the knee for comfortable support. Upper adjustment strap 46 is positioned above the bend of the knee and lower adjustment strap 48 is positioned below the bend of the knee. Various modifications and alterations to this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention. It should be understood that this invention is not intended to be unduly limited by the illustrative embodiments set forth herein and that such embodiments are presented by way of example only with the scope of the invention intended to be limited only by the claims set forth herein as follows.