Orthopedic device and method for securing the same
An orthopedic device has various frame elements concealed by a sleeve defining pockets into which such frame elements are located. The orthopedic device includes a strap tightening assembly adapted to secure a plurality of straps simultaneously. The frame may include flexible edge features located along a periphery thereof.
1. An orthopedic device, comprising:
a frame including a first shell;
a first strap having a first end connected to the first shell by a cable;
a tensioning mechanism connected to the cable and arranged to provide incremental adjustment of the cable among a plurality of predetermined settings;
at least one guide secured onto the first shell, the cable extending through the at least one guide between the tensioning mechanism and the first strap;
wherein the tensioning mechanism includes a rotary ratchet and a winding mechanism;
wherein the first strap includes a non-elastic segment and an elastic segment at the first end thereof carrying a bracket coupling to the cable.
2. The orthopedic device of claim 1 , wherein the tensioning mechanism is mounted directly onto the first shell.
3. The orthopedic device of claim 1 , wherein the tensioning mechanism includes a knob operatively connected to the rotary ratchet and the winding mechanism, the orthopedic device further comprising a sleeve extending over the first shell and the knob protruding outwardly from the orthopedic device and outside the sleeve.
4. The orthopedic device of claim 1 , wherein the cable has a first end windable about the tensioning mechanism and a second end anchored to the first shell.
5. The orthopedic device of claim 1 , wherein the cable has segments extending from the tensioning mechanism and routed through the at least one cable guide to a bracket carried by the first strap.
6. The orthopedic device of claim 1 , wherein the bracket defines a channel through which the cable extends transversely relative to a strap length to distribute tension across the width of the first strap when the first strap is tensioned.
7. The orthopedic device of claim 6 , wherein a clamping tab connects the non-elastic segment to the elastic segment and bears a plurality of indicia.
8. The orthopedic device of claim 7 , wherein a sleeve extends over the first shell and defines a slit through which the first strap extends, the clamping tab located proximate the slit and a border of the sleeve about the slit serves as an indicator for the indicia on the clamping tab.
9. The orthopedic device of claim 1 , further comprising a second strap having a first end connected to the first shell by the cable such that the first and second straps are simultaneously adjustable by the tensioning mechanism.
10. The orthopedic device of claim 9 , wherein the frame further comprises a second shell and a hinge connecting the first and second shells, second ends of the first and second straps securing to the second shell.
11. The orthopedic device of claim 10 , wherein the first and second straps spiral between the first and second shells.
12. The orthopedic device of claim 10 , wherein the second end of the first and second straps each include a bracket removably coupling to the second shell by an opening formed thereby.
13. The orthopedic device of claim 10 , further comprising a stability strap circumferentially extending about a lower portion of the device in combination with the second shell, the stability strap has a first end carrying a fastener tab engageable with an opening formed by the second shell.
14. An orthopedic device, comprising:
a frame including a first shell;
a first strap having a first end carrying a bracket and connected to the first shell by a cable;
a tensioning mechanism connected to the cable and arranged to provide incremental adjustment of the cable among a plurality of predetermined settings, the tensioning mechanism being mounted directly onto the first shell;
at least one guide secured onto the first shell, the cable extending through the at least one guide between the tensioning mechanism and the first strap;
wherein the first strap includes a non-elastic segment and an elastic segment at the first end thereof carrying the bracket coupling to the cable.
15. The orthopedic device of claim 14 , wherein the tensioning mechanism includes a knob, the orthopedic device further comprising a sleeve extending over the first shell and the knob protruding outwardly from the orthopedic device and outside the sleeve.
16. The orthopedic device of claim 14 , wherein a clamping tab connects the non-elastic segment to the elastic segment and bears a plurality of indicia.