# US 11,304,838 B2 · Support for articles and methods for using the same > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 11,304,838 B2 - Document ID: US11304838B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 16/225,158 - Filed: 2018-12-19 - Published: 2019-04-25 - Granted: 2022-04-19 - Earliest claimed: 2014-10-01 - Assignees: Ossur Hf - Applicants: Ossur Hf - Inventors: Sindri Pall Sigurdsson; Bjorn Omarsson; Stefan Orn Stefansson - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11304838B2 ## CPC - A61F 5/0109: {Sleeve-like structures} - A61F 5/01: Orthopaedic devices, e.g. long-term immobilising or pressure directing devices for treating broken or deformed bones such as splints, casts or braces - A61F 5/0102: {specially adapted for correcting deformities of the limbs or for supporting them; Ortheses, e.g. with articulations} - A61F 5/0106: {for the knees} - A61F 5/0123: {for the knees (A61F5/0106 takes precedence)} - A61F 2005/0176: {supporting the patella} - A61F 2005/0197: {with spring means} - A61F: FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS (dental prosthetics A61C) ## Abstract A support for an article has a body arranged for length adjustment along a length adjustment axis. A tensioning device is connected to the support and adjustment of the tensioning device shortens or lengthens a length of the support along the length adjustment axis. The body defines at least one opening overlapping at least part of the length adjustment axis such that length adjustment is governed by modification of the size of the at least one opening according to adjustment by the tensioning device. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A support, comprising: a body having a first portion, a second portion and a middle portion separating the first and second portions, the body defining a length adjustment axis; a tensioning device connected to the support wherein adjustment of the tensioning device shortens or lengthens a length of the support at least through the middle portion along the length adjustment axis; a first strap extending from a first end at the first portion of the body and generally parallel therewith; and a second strap extending from a second end at the second portion of the body and generally parallel therewith; a third strap having a first end secured to the middle portion of the body and extending outwardly therefrom generally laterally therefrom. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The support of claim 1, wherein the third strap carries a locking member extending from a second end of the third strap. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The support of claim 1, wherein the third strap extends from the body whereat the tensioning device is located. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The support of claim 1, wherein the third strap is inelastic. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The support of claim 1, further comprising at least one cable linked to the tensioning device and extending through a thickness of the body from the first portion to the second portion of the body such that actuation of the tensioning device adjusts a length of the body. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The support of claim 5, wherein the thickness of the body consists between top and bottom surfaces of the body, the body forming a channel within the thickness of the body and being located at a center portion of the body through which the at least one cable extends. ### Claim 7 (depends on 5) The support of claim 5, wherein the body defines at least one opening overlapping at least part of the length adjustment axis such that length adjustment is governed by modification of a size of the at least one opening according to adjustment by the tensioning device. ### Claim 8 (depends on 5) The support of claim 5, wherein the body defines at least one opening formed along the length of the support and extending from a periphery into a width of the support, a channel being defined on opposed sides of the at least one opening and the at least one cable extending between and within the at least one opening. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) The support of claim 8, wherein the at least one opening extends past the length adjustment axis of the support from the periphery, the length adjustment axis being defined along a midline of the body. ### Claim 10 (depends on 8) The support of claim 8, wherein the at least one opening defines first and second ends, the first end extending past the length adjustment axis short of a first periphery and the second end defined by opposed side portions arranged to clamp against one another depending on the length of the support, the length adjustment axis being defined along a midline of the body. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The support of claim 1, wherein the body forms a C-shape generally bending through the middle portion. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The support of claim 1, wherein a thickness of the body varies along the length adjustment axis. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The support of claim 1, wherein a cross-section of a thickness of the body has a first thickness at a center portion, and a second thickness edge portions that is less than the first thickness. ### Claim 14 (depends on 1) The support of claim 1, wherein body has a rounded top surface varying in height from first to second edge portions when the body is viewed in cross section. ### Claim 15 An orthopedic device, comprising: a sleeve; a support having first and second ends removably secured to the sleeve, the support including: a body having a first portion, a second portion and a middle portion separating the first and second portions, the body defining a length adjustment axis; a tensioning device connected to the support wherein adjustment of the tensioning device shortens or lengthens a length of the support at least through the middle portion along the length adjustment axis; at least one cable linked to the tensioning device and extending through a thickness of the body from the first portion to the second portion of the body such that actuation of the tensioning device adjusts a length of the at least one cable, a thickness of the body including between top and bottom surfaces of the body, the body forming a channel within the thickness of the body and being located at a center portion of the body through which the at least one cable extends. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) The orthopedic device of claim 15, wherein the sleeve includes a stay located on at least one of lateral and medial sides, the support having a third strap extending from the body and securing to the sleeve proximate the stay. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) The orthopedic device of claim 16, wherein the third strap carries an anchoring device removably securable to a connection assembly of the sleeve proximate the stay. ### Claim 18 (depends on 17) The orthopedic device of claim 17, wherein the third strap extends from the middle portion of the body and laterally relative to the body whereat the third strap extends. ### Claim 19 A support, comprising: a body having a first portion, a second portion and a middle portion separating the first and second portions, the body defining a length adjustment axis; a tensioning device connected to the support wherein adjustment of the tensioning device shortens or lengthens a length of the support at least through the middle portion along the length adjustment axis; at least one cable linked to the tensioning device and extending through a thickness of the body from the first portion to the second portion of the body such that actuation of the tensioning device adjusts a length of the at least one cable, a thickness of the body consisting between top and bottom surfaces of the body, the body forming a channel within the thickness of the body through which the at least one cable extends; wherein the body defines at least one opening overlapping at least part of the length adjustment axis such that length adjustment is governed by modification of a size of the at least one opening according to adjustment by the tensioning device, the channel defined on opposed sides of the at least one opening and the at least one cable extending through the at least one opening.