Strap tension indicator for orthopedic brace
AssigneeDjo, LLC
InventorJeremy J. Nathanson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A strap tension indicator for orthopedic brace is provided. Certain embodiments include a strap tab cap that is slidable relative to a rigid brace frame member. As tension in the strap increases or decreases, the strap tab cap slides with respect to the frame member, covering and uncovering various indicator portions on the frame member. Certain other embodiments include a strap tab that is slidable relative to a strap tab cap. As tension in the strap increases or decreases, the strap tab slides relative to the strap tab cap, covering and uncovering various indicator portions on the strap tab and/or the frame member. The strap tension indicator provides positive indication of optimal strap tension. Certain embodiments also provide positive indication of inadequate or excessive strap tension.
Claims47
A strap tension indicator for an orthopedic brace, comprising:
- a rigid brace frame member including an aperture;
- a resilient member located within the aperture;
- a strap tab;
- and
- a fastening member partially within the aperture to secure the strap tab to the rigid brace member;
- wherein
- in a first position, the fastening member abuts the resilient member, and the strap tab and the fastening member are movable together toward a second position in which the resilient member tends to push the strap tab and the fastening member back toward the first position.
A method of indicating the tension in a strap for an orthopedic brace, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing an orthopedic brace having at least a first strap and a rigid brace member, the first strap including a strap tab that is secured to the rigid brace member and capable of moving with respect to the rigid brace member between a first position and a second position;
- providing on the rigid brace member an indicator;
- and
- applying tension to the strap, which tension causes the strap tab to move from the first position towards the second position, thereby altering an appearance of the indicator.
A strap tension indicator for orthopedic brace, comprising:
- a rigid brace frame member;
- a strap tab slidably secured to the frame member, the strap tab being movable relative to the frame member between a first position and a second position;
- and
- a resilient member;
- wherein
- the resilient member biases the strap tab towards the first position.
A strap tension indicator for orthopedic brace, comprising:
- a rigid brace frame member;
- a strap tab slidably secured to the frame member, the strap tab being movable relative to the frame member between a first position and a second position;
- means for indicating when the strap tab occupies the first position and when the strap tab occupies the second position;
- and
- a resilient member;
- wherein
- the resilient member biases the strap tab towards the first position.
A strap tension indicator for orthopedic brace, comprising:
- a rigid brace frame member including an aperture;
- a resilient member located within the aperture;
- a strap;
- and
- a fastening member partially within the aperture to secure the strap to the rigid brace member;
- wherein
- in a first position, the fastening member abuts the resilient member, and the strap and the fastening member are movable together toward a second position in which the resilient member tends to push the strap and the fastening member back toward the first position.
A strap tension indicator for orthopedic brace, comprising:
- a rigid brace frame member;
- a strap secured to the frame member, the strap being movable relative to the frame member between a first position and a second position;
- and
- a resilient member;
- wherein the resilient member biases the strap towards the first position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.