Multifunctional kneecap assembly

Abstract

A knee cap kit comprising a knee cap, the brace having a leg encircling device encircling the thigh and shank of a user, a leg securing device for securing the leg encircling device to the thigh and shank of the user, and a triple securing device pair mounted on the leg encircling device, each triple fixing device comprises a thigh fixing device and a shank fixing device which are opposite to each other, and a supporting rod; each supporting rod comprises a thigh supporting rod component, a shank supporting rod component and a supporting rod fixing device located between the thigh supporting rod component and the shank supporting rod component and used for being arranged on a knee joint flexion / extension shaft. Each supporting rod fixing device comprises an anti-bending component support, and an anti-bending component can be inserted into a pair of thigh fixing device and shank fixing device which are opposite in a longitudinal sliding mode and is installed in the anti-bending component support.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to knee braces. Background Technology

[0002] Knee braces (knee supports) have been disclosed in EP 0 941 722, US 8,343,083, US 11,253,385, US 2009 / 0312683 and US 2020 / 0155405. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to a multi-purpose knee brace assembly for assisting a user in straightening their leg and / or exercising leg muscles. The knee brace assembly includes a knee brace comprising a leg wrap around at least the user's thigh and calf, and leg fixation devices mounted on the leg wrap for securing the leg wrap to the user's thigh and calf. The leg fixation devices typically consist of Velcro, straps, clips, etc. The knee brace assembly includes an outside leg triple anchor arrangement and / or an inside leg triple anchor arrangement for interchangeable installation of one or both opposing flexion / bending components. Each triple anchor includes a pair of opposing thigh and calf fixation devices and a support rod. The thigh fixation device includes a thigh fixation blind hole facing the user's calf, and the calf fixation device includes a calf fixation blind hole facing the user's thigh. The support rod includes a thigh support member, a calf support member, and a support rod fixation device located between the thigh and calf support members for deployment along the knee joint flexion / extension axis. The support rod fixing device includes a bending-resistant component bracket. The bending-resistant component is installed on the triple fixing device by longitudinally sliding into a pair of opposing thigh and calf fixing devices and inserting it into the bending-resistant component bracket. The bending-resistant component can be fixed to the bending-resistant component bracket by sliding through it, snap-on installation, or other methods.

[0004] The triple-locking device is designed to secure the bending member at its free ends and center position on two opposing bending components, effectively ensuring that the bending member remains in the desired position relative to the user's leg during flexion / extension movements. Furthermore, the triple-locking device allows for a wide range of bending member stiffness from 1 kg to 80 kg. This triple-locking device is particularly suitable for bending members with higher stiffness, which otherwise tend to deviate from the user's leg, thus affecting their intended use.

[0005] The knee brace provided by this invention can employ the following different leg wrapping devices (structures): The leg wrapping device is made of a soft wrapping material, which is used to wrap (wrap) around the user's leg before fixation and can be reversibly removed from the user's leg. This soft wrapping material can wrap around the back of the user's leg and be fixed at the front of the leg. Alternatively, the soft wrapping material can wrap around the front of the user's leg and be fixed at the back of the leg. Alternatively, the leg wrapping device is composed of a rigid, elongated C-shaped thigh component and a rigid, elongated C-shaped calf component, the former used to wrap around the back of the user's thigh and the latter used to wrap around the back of the user's calf. Both the rigid, elongated C-shaped thigh component and the rigid, elongated C-shaped knee joint component are used for binding at the front (side) of the user's leg. Furthermore, the leg wrapping device can also include a semi-rigid, semi-cylindrical open frame for wrapping around the front of the user's thigh and calf, which needs to be manually pulled onto the user's leg before binding and can be reversibly removed from the user's leg. The outer leg triple fixation device and / or the inner leg triple fixation device can be appropriately mounted on different leg wrapping devices, or manufactured integrally with them.

[0006] The knee brace provided by this invention can be made of a variety of natural and / or synthetic materials suitable for direct contact with the user's legs. The knee brace provided by this invention can be designed to fit either leg of the user. Alternatively, the knee brace can be designed to fit either the left or right leg of the user. The knee brace is typically available in different sizes, including small, medium, large, and extra-large.

[0007] The knee brace provided by the present invention can be designed to optionally be equipped with an anti-tensile component or an anti-tensile component instead of an anti-bending component or an anti-bending component, so that the user can perform leg flexion / extension movements.

[0008] The knee brace provided by this invention can be worn to assist users in straightening their legs, such as when squatting or climbing stairs, and can also help users perform leg flexion / extension movements. Furthermore, the knee brace can assist users in a controlled manner to sit down from a standing position, preventing sudden falls. Attached Figure Description

[0009] To understand the invention and how to practice it, preferred embodiments will be described below by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar components are also numbered.

[0010] Figure 1A shows a schematic diagram of a knee brace according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of a knee brace according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 1C is a schematic diagram of a knee brace according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 2A is a schematic diagram of the first anti-bending component pair, the anti-bending rod pair, the first anti-tension (stretching) component pair, and the second stretching and extension exercise component pair according to the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2B is a schematic diagram of the second anti-bending component pair according to the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2C is a schematic diagram of the second anti-bending component, which has a detachable proximal anti-bending portion for sliding insertion into the anti-bending bar.

[0016] Figure 3 is a front view of the outer wrapping surface of the knee brace of Figure 1A in the open state.

[0017] Figure 4 is a front view of the inner wrapping surface of the knee brace of Figure 1A in the open state.

[0018] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the lateral thigh fixation device of the knee brace in Figure 1A.

[0019] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the knee brace lateral lower leg fixation device of Figure 1A.

[0020] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the inner thigh fixation device of the knee brace in Figure 1A.

[0021] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the knee brace medial calf fixation device of Figure 1A.

[0022] Figure 9A is a right view of the straight outer leg support bar of the knee brace in Figure 1A.

[0023] Figure 9B is a front view of the straight outer leg support bar of the knee brace in Figure 1A.

[0024] Figure 10A is a right view of the bent outer leg support bar of the knee brace in Figure 1A.

[0025] Figure 10B is a front view of the bent outer leg support bar of the knee brace in Figure 1A.

[0026] Figure 11 is an exploded view of the outer leg support bar of the knee brace in Figure 1A.

[0027] Figure 12A is a left view of the straight inner leg support bar of the knee brace in Figure 1A.

[0028] Figure 12B is a front view of the straight inner leg support bar of the knee brace in Figure 1A.

[0029] Figure 13A is a left view of the bent inner leg support bar of the knee brace in Figure 1A.

[0030] Figure 13B is a front view of the bent inner leg support bar of the knee brace in Figure 1A.

[0031] Figure 14 is an exploded view of the inner leg support bar of the knee brace in Figure 1A.

[0032] Figure 15 is a front view of the knee brace of Figure 1A, including the bending resistance pair of Figure 2A, in a ready-to-use (RTU) state.

[0033] Figure 16A is a front view of the outer wrapping surface of the knee brace of Figure 1A, including the bending member pair of Figure 2B, in a ready-to-use (RTU) state.

[0034] Figure 16B is a schematic diagram of the knee brace strapped to the user's bent leg as shown in Figure 16A.

[0035] Figure 17A is a schematic diagram of the knee brace shown in Figure 15 strapped to the user's straight leg.

[0036] Figure 17B is a schematic diagram of the user's leg after bending it.

[0037] Figure 18A is a schematic diagram of the knee brace shown in Figure 15 strapped to the user's bent leg.

[0038] Figure 18B is a schematic diagram of a user straightening their leg.

[0039] Figure 19A is a schematic diagram of the knee brace shown in Figure 15, which is strapped to the user's bent leg and then applies an extension force to perform an extension movement.

[0040] Figure 19B is a schematic diagram of the user's leg after an extension force has been applied. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Figures 1A to 1C and 2A to 2C show a multi-purpose knee brace assembly (kit) 100, which includes a knee brace that is strapped to a user's leg and accessories for use with it. The knee brace can be in various forms, such as knee brace 200A (see Figure 1A), knee brace 200B (see Figure 1B), knee brace 200C (see Figure 1C), etc. Knee braces 200A-200C have a longitudinal knee brace centerline 201 designed for bending around the flexion / extension axis A of the knee joint. Knee braces 200A-200C are designed to allow the user to bend their leg between straightening and full flexion. The attachments may take the following forms: bending members 300A and 300B that are initially (in the state) in a generally straight shape, bending members 302A and 302B, tensile members 400A and 400B (see Figure 2A), and bending members 305A and 305B that are initially (in the state) in a generally straight shape (see Figure 2B).

[0042] Knee braces 200A-200C include a leg wrapping device 210 for at least partially wrapping around a user's thigh and calf; and a leg securing device 220 mounted on the leg wrapping device 210 for securing the leg wrapping device 210 to the user's leg. Knee braces 200A-200C have different leg wrapping devices 210 and different leg securing devices 220 depending on the specific leg wrapping device 210 used. The leg securing device 220 is typically made of various Velcro straps, ties, clips, etc. Knee braces 200A-200C preferably have a pair of opposing loops 235A and 235B near the user's thigh to help the user secure the knee braces 200A-200C to their leg.

[0043] The knee braces 200A-200C are made of various antibacterial natural and / or synthetic materials and are suitable for direct wear on the user's leg. The terms "proximal" and "distal" refer to the position of each part (component) after the knee brace 200 is strapped to the user's leg, with the proximal end facing the user's torso and the distal end away from the user's torso. The knee braces 200A-200C can be strapped to either the user's left or right leg. For ease of explanation, this application uses the example of strapping to the user's right leg. Therefore, some components are described as lateral leg components, while others are described as medial leg components.

[0044] Knee braces 200A-200C include a lateral leg triple fixation device 230A and a medial leg triple fixation device 230B (not shown) mounted on a leg wrapping device 210. The lateral leg triple fixation device 230A includes a pair of opposing thigh fixation devices 240A and calf fixation devices 240B, and a support rod 250A. The support rod 250A includes a thigh support rod 251A, a calf support rod 252A, and a support rod fixation device 253A located between the thigh support rod 251A and the calf support rod 252A for deployment at the knee flexion / extension axis A. The support rod fixation device 253A includes a bending-resistant component bracket 254A. The medial leg triple fixation device 230B has a similar structure to the lateral leg triple fixation device 230A.

[0045] The knee brace 200A shown in Figure 1A includes a leg wrapping device 210, which consists of a generally rectangular, generally planar knee wrap (layer) 500 made of a commercially available synthetic fabric material (such as neoprene). The knee brace 200A is designed to be placed on the back of the user's leg before being wrapped by the leg fixation device 220, and to wrap the front of the leg.

[0046] Figure 1B shows a knee brace 200B, which includes a leg wrapping device 210 having a rigid, elongated (extended) C-shaped thigh member 600A for wrapping around the back of the user's thigh; and a rigid, elongated (extended) C-shaped calf member 600B for wrapping around the back of the user's calf from the outer to the inner side of the leg. The rigid, elongated C-shaped thigh member 600A and the rigid, elongated C-shaped calf member 600B preferably have suitable padding to improve user comfort. A leg securing device 220 includes a thigh securing strap 600C and a calf securing strap 600D for securing the rigid, elongated C-shaped thigh member 600A and the rigid, elongated C-shaped calf member 600B to the front or side of the user's leg, respectively. The knee brace 200B preferably includes an additional thigh fixation component 600E and an additional calf fixation component 600F for securing the rigid, slender C-shaped thigh component 600A and the rigid, slender C-shaped calf component 600B to the front or side of the user's leg, respectively.

[0047] The outer leg triple fixation device 230A and the inner leg triple fixation device 230B can be suitably mounted on the leg wrapping device 210. Suitable mounting methods include riveting, bonding, ultrasonic welding, etc. Alternatively, the leg wrapping device 210, the outer leg triple fixation device 230A, and the inner leg triple fixation device 230B can be manufactured as a single integral structure.

[0048] Figure 1C shows a knee brace 200C, which includes a leg wrapping device 210 in the form of a semi-rigid, semi-cylindrical open frame 700 for wrapping around the user's thigh and the front of the lower leg. The knee brace 200C can be manually slipped onto and secured to the user's leg, and can also be easily removed. A triple fixation device 230A for the outer leg and a triple fixation device 230B for the inner leg can be mounted on the semi-rigid, semi-cylindrical open frame 700. Suitable mounting methods include riveting, bonding, ultrasonic welding, etc. Alternatively, the semi-rigid, semi-cylindrical open frame 700, the triple fixation device 230A for the outer leg, and the triple fixation device 230B for the inner leg can also be manufactured as a single, integral structure.

[0049] Figure 2A shows the initially generally straight anti-bending component pairs 300A and 300B, which are interchangeably mounted on the lateral leg triple fixation device 230A and the medial leg triple fixation device 230B. The anti-bending component pairs 300A and 300B have an unstretched straight length L1 and terminate at opposing anti-bending component free end pairs 301A and 301B, respectively. The typical bending stiffness of each anti-bending component 300 ranges from 1 kg to 80 kg. The knee brace assembly 100 may include two or more anti-bending component pairs with different bending stiffnesses. Each anti-bending component 300 may be composed of a tension spring, a longitudinal guide leaf spring, a shape memory rod, etc. The multi-functional knee brace assembly 100 may optionally include a pair of anti-bending bars (one pair of anti-bending bars) 302A and 302B for sliding insertion into the anti-bending component pairs 300A and 300B to increase their bending stiffness. The bending stiffeners 302A and 302B can be made of suitable shape memory materials.

[0050] Figure 2A shows tensile members 400A and 400B for interchangeable mounting on the lateral leg triple fixation device 230A and medial leg triple fixation device 230B, typically replacing the bending members 300A and 300B. Each tensile member 400 can be constructed from a tension spring, tensile band, latex-resistant tubing, etc., components commonly used in training centers, rehabilitation centers, etc. When the tensile members 400A and 400B are constructed from tensile bands, latex-resistant tubing, etc., their ends are connected to the opposite resistance member free ends 401A and 401B, which are typically constructed from large-diameter stops. The tensile members 400A and 400B have an unstretched straight length L2. L2 can be the same length as L1, or preferably slightly shorter than L1. The tensile strength of each tensile member 400 is typically in the range of 1 kg to 50 kg.

[0051] Figure 2A shows that the multipurpose knee brace kit 100 optionally includes another anti-tension component 402A and 402B, which have greater tensile strength than anti-tension components 400A and 400B. Therefore, to stretch anti-tension components 402A and 402B to the same length, a greater tensile force is required than that required for anti-tension components 400A and 400B.

[0052] Figure 2B shows a multifunctional knee brace assembly 100, which optionally includes a pair of bending-resistant components 305A and 305B that are initially generally straight (linear) with an unstretched straight length of L1. Each bending-resistant component 305 includes a proximal bending-resistant portion 306, a middle bending-resistant portion 307, and a distal bending-resistant portion 308. The middle bending-resistant portion 307 may be composed of a tension spring, a longitudinal leaf member, a shape memory rod, etc. The proximal bending-resistant portion 306 and the distal bending-resistant portion 308 may optionally be composed of inflexible solid rods.

[0053] The proximal bending support portion 306A preferably includes a fixation strap bracket 309A, and the distal bending support portion 308A preferably includes a fixation strap bracket 311A. The proximal bending support portion 306B preferably includes a fixation strap bracket 309B, and the distal bending support portion 308B preferably includes a fixation strap bracket 311B. The fixation strap bracket 311A ​​preferably includes a fixation strap 312A for securing the bending support member 305B to the bending support member 305A. Similarly, the fixation strap bracket 309B preferably includes a fixation strap 312B for securing the bending support member 305A to the bending support member 305B. Securing the bending support members 305A and 305B to the knee brace 200 helps maintain their correct position during use, especially when using the knee brace 200A. Figures 16A and 16B show the knee brace 200A equipped with the bending support members 305A and 305B.

[0054] Figure 2C shows the bending member 305, preferably having a proximal bending portion 306 for (spiral or spiral) insertion into the central bending portion 307 so that the bending rod 313 is slidably inserted therein, similar to the slidable insertion of the bending rod 302 into the bending member 300.

[0055] Figures 3 and 4 show a wrap (layer) 500, which includes an outer wrap surface 501 facing away from the user's leg and an inner wrap surface 502 facing the user's leg for securing the knee brace 200A. The inner wrap surface 502 preferably has an anti-slip coating. The wrap 500 includes an outer leg wrap portion 503, a central wrap portion 504, and an inner leg wrap portion 506. The wrap 500 may have a central through-hole 507 to expose the back of the user's knee when wearing the knee brace 200A, thereby facilitating knee flexion and promoting airflow around the bound knee. Alternatively, the central through-hole 507 may also be made of breathable mesh. The knee brace 200A may optionally be equipped with a heating and / or cooling device 508 powered by a power source 509 (see Figure 1A). A suitable heating / cooling device 508 may include a Peltier element. The power source 509 may be AC ​​power, a rechargeable battery, a button battery, etc.

[0056] The outer covering surface 501 includes a slender outer thigh sleeve (pocket) 511 and a slender outer calf sleeve (pocket) 512 opposite to the outer thigh sleeve 511. These two sleeves are located at the outer leg covering portion 503, opposite to the outer thigh sleeve 511. The slender outer thigh sleeve 511 opens towards the user's calf. The slender outer calf sleeve 512 opens towards the user's thigh. The outer covering surface 501 also includes a slender inner thigh sleeve 513 and a slender inner calf sleeve 514 opposite to the inner thigh sleeve 513. These two sleeves are located at the inner leg covering portion 506. The slender inner thigh sleeve 513 opens towards the user's calf. The slender inner calf sleeve 514 opens towards the user's thigh.

[0057] The lateral leg triple fixation device 230A includes a thigh fixation device 240A mounted on the lateral leg thigh sleeve 511, a calf fixation device 240B mounted on the lateral leg calf sleeve 512, and a lateral leg support rod 250A. The medial leg triple fixation device 230B includes a thigh fixation device 240C mounted on the medial leg thigh sleeve 513, a calf fixation device 240D mounted on the medial leg calf sleeve 514, and a medial leg support rod 250B.

[0058] Figure 5 shows that the thigh fixation device 240A includes a thigh fixation blind hole 241A facing the user's calf, a thigh fixation transverse groove 242A near the thigh fixation blind hole 241A, and a thigh fixation elongated groove 243A that forms part of the leg fixation device 220.

[0059] Figure 6 shows that the calf fixation device 240B includes a calf fixation blind hole 241B opening toward the user's thigh, a calf fixation transverse groove 242B located at the distal end of the calf fixation blind hole 241B, and a calf fixation elongated groove 243B forming part of the leg fixation device 220.

[0060] Figure 7 shows that the thigh fixation device 240C includes a thigh fixation blind hole 241C facing the user's calf, a thigh fixation transverse groove 242C near the thigh fixation blind hole 241C, and a thigh fixation elongated groove 243C constituting the leg fixation device 220.

[0061] Figure 8 shows that the calf fixation device 240D includes a calf fixation blind hole 241D opening towards the user's thigh, a calf fixation transverse groove 242D located at the distal end of the calf fixation blind hole 241D, and a calf fixation elongated groove 243D constituting the leg fixation device 220.

[0062] The thigh fixation blind hole 241A and the calf fixation blind hole 241B, as well as the thigh fixation blind hole pair 241C and the calf fixation blind hole 241D, each have a defined blind hole length L3, where L3 = L1, for tightly accommodating the initially approximately straight bending member pair 300A and 300B.

[0063] The thigh fixing transverse groove 242A and the calf fixing transverse groove 242B, as well as the thigh fixing transverse groove 242C and the calf fixing transverse groove 242D, each have a defined transverse groove pair length L4, where L4 > L2, thus requiring the tensile-resistant component pair 400A and 400B to be stretched (extended) between them.

[0064] Figures 9A and 9B, 10A and 10B, and 11 show the outer leg support rod 250A including a thigh support rod component 251A, a calf support rod component 252A, and a support rod fixing device 253A with an anti-bending component bracket 254A.

[0065] The thigh support rod component 251A has a longitudinal thigh support rod component centerline 256A and includes the following components: a proximal thigh support rod component 257A, a distal thigh support rod component 258A, and a thigh support rod hinge 259A transverse to the longitudinal thigh support rod component centerline 256A, which allows the proximal thigh support rod component 257A to pivot about the distal thigh support rod component 258A. The distal thigh support rod component 258A terminates at a distal end 261A of the thigh support rod component, which has a thigh support rod component abutment surface 262A and an adjacent thigh support rod component tooth 263A. The distal thigh support rod component 258A includes a thigh support rod component through hole 264A leading to the distal end 261A of the thigh support rod component.

[0066] The calf support rod component 252A has a longitudinal calf support rod component centerline 266A and includes the following components: a proximal calf support rod component 267A, a distal calf support rod component 268A, and a calf support rod hinge 269A transverse to the longitudinal calf support rod component centerline 266A, which allows the distal calf support rod component 268A to pivot about the proximal calf support rod component 267A. The proximal calf support rod component 267A terminates at a proximal end 271A of the calf support rod component, which has a calf support rod component abutment surface 272A and an adjacent calf support rod component tooth 273A. The proximal calf support rod component 267A includes a calf support rod component through hole 274A leading to its proximal end 271A.

[0067] The support rod fixing device 253A includes a support rod fixing base 276A and a support rod fixing cover 277A covering the support rod fixing base 276A. The support rod fixing device 253A includes a proximal rivet 278A for mounting the thigh support rod fixing cover 277A to the support rod fixing base 276A through a thigh support rod component through-hole 264A. The support rod fixing device 253A includes a distal rivet 279A for mounting the calf support rod fixing cover 277A to the support rod fixing base 276A through a calf support rod component through-hole 274A.

[0068] The outer leg support bar 250A is mounted on the knee pad 200A by sliding the thigh support bar component 251A into the outer leg thigh sleeve (pocket) 511 and the calf support bar 252A into the outer leg calf sleeve (pocket) 512.

[0069] With the leg extended, the anti-bending component 300A is securely housed (installed) within the anti-bending component bracket 254A, and the abutment surface 262A of the thigh support component abuts against the abutment surface 272A of the calf support component to prevent overextension (see Figures 9A and 9B). The lateral leg support rod 250A, including the support rod fixing device 253A, is adjacent to the user's lateral leg and is indicated by dashed lines in the figure.

[0070] When the user bends their leg, the teeth (wheels) 263A of the thigh support rod component and 273A of the calf support rod component engage, causing the anti-bending component 300A to tend to move outward, away from the user's outer leg (shown by the dotted line in the figure), to reduce its extension range. Therefore, the anti-bending component 300A pulls the outer leg support rod 250A, which in turn causes the thigh support rod 251 to rotate at its thigh support rod hinge 259A and the calf support rod 252A at its calf support rod hinge 269A, causing the support rod fixing device 253A to arch slightly outward laterally from the user's right leg (as shown by arrow B in the figure), preventing the anti-bending component 300A from detaching from the anti-bending component bracket 254A (see Figures 10A and 10B).

[0071] Figures 12A and 12B, 13A and 13B, and 14 show that the structure of the inner leg support bar 250B is similar to that of the outer leg support bar 250A, and therefore the similar parts are numbered the same. The inner leg support bar 250B operates similarly to the outer leg support bar 250A when the knee brace 200A is bent, except that the inner leg support bar 250B arches slightly inward and laterally from the direction of the user's right leg, as shown by arrow C in the figure.

[0072] The leg restraint device 220 includes the following components: The inner wrapping surface 502 has an upper inner leg corner 502A with Velcro-like hooks for securing to the outer wrapping surface 501 when the knee brace 200A is wrapped around the user's leg.

[0073] The inner wrapping surface 502 has a lower outer leg corner 502B with Velcro-like hooks for securing to the outer wrapping surface 501 when the knee brace 200A is wrapped around the user's leg.

[0074] The outer wrapping surface 501 is provided with four laterally extending securing straps 520A-520D. Securing straps 520A and 520B are used to secure the front of the user's leg. Securing straps 520C and 520D are used to secure the back of the user's leg.

[0075] The first fastening end 521A of the upper fastening strap 520A is securely attached to the outer wrapping surface 501 of the outer thigh sleeve 511, and the second fastening end 522A extends on both sides to wrap (bind) the user's leg. The fastening strap 520A includes a loop-like portion 523A similar to Velcro, the end of which is a hook-like portion 524A similar to Velcro. The hook-like portion 524A passes through the elongated slot 243C of the thigh fastening device and is secured (connected) to the loop-like portion 523A similar to Velcro.

[0076] The first end 521B of the lower fixing strap 520B is securely connected to the inner calf sleeve 514 of the outer wrapping surface 501, and the second end 522B extends laterally to wrap around the user's thigh. The fixing strap 520B includes a loop-like portion 523B similar to Velcro, the end of which is a hook-like portion 524B similar to Velcro. The hook-like portion 524B passes through the elongated slot 243B of the calf fixing device and is secured (connected) to the loop-like portion 523B.

[0077] The first end 521C of the upper securing strap 520C is securely connected to the inner thigh sleeve 513 of the outer wrapping surface 501, and the second end 522C extends laterally. The securing strap 520C includes a loop-like portion 523C resembling Velcro, the end of which is a hook-like portion 524C resembling Velcro. The hook-like portion 524C passes through the elongated slot 243A of the thigh securing device and is securely connected to the loop-like portion 523C.

[0078] The first end 521D of the lower fixing strap 520D is securely connected to the outer leg calf sleeve 512 of the outer wrapping surface 501, and the second end 522B extends laterally. The leg fixing strap 520D includes a loop-like portion 523D similar to Velcro, the end of which is a hook-like portion 524D similar to Velcro. The hook-like portion 524D passes through the elongated slot 243D of the calf fixing device and is securely connected to the loop-like portion 523D similar to Velcro.

[0079] Knee brace components can be used for flexion, extension, and other purposes. Figures 15, 16A and 16B, 17A and 17B, 18A and 18B, and 19A and Figure 19B The following instructions for using the knee brace 200A are shown: Figure 15 illustrates the assembly process of the knee brace 200A to make it a ready-to-use (RTU) knee brace 200A. The specific steps are as follows: The user installs the anti-bending component 300A onto the outer leg triple fixation device 230A by: inserting its free end 301A into the thigh fixation device 240A, its free end 301B into the calf fixation device 240B, and inserting the middle portion into the central anti-bending component bracket 254A. Similarly, the user installs the anti-bending component 300B onto the inner leg triple fixation device 230B by: inserting its free end 301A into the thigh fixation device 240C, its free end 301B into the calf fixation device 240D, and inserting the middle portion into the central anti-bending component bracket 254B (not shown). The ready-to-use (RTU) knee brace 200A is approximately straight because the length L1 of the initially roughly straight anti-bending component pairs 300A and 300B is the same as the length L3 of the blind hole pair. Alternatively, the knee brace 200A can be equipped with anti-bending component pairs 305A and 305B instead of anti-bending component pairs 300A and 300B (see Figures 16A and 16B). The RTU knee brace 200A is placed behind the user's leg and, after wrapping, is secured to the front of the user's leg by the leg fixation device 220.

[0080] The Ready-to-Use (RTU) Knee Brace 200A can be used for flexion (bending) exercises, as follows: After the user straps the RTU Knee Brace 200A to their leg, the Knee Brace 200A will guide the user to straighten their leg (see...). Figure 17A The user needs to apply the flexion force shown by arrow D in the diagram, bending the RTU knee brace 200A by bending the anti-bending components 300A and 300B at the knee joint flexion-extension axis A (see...). Figure 17B Users can use a single anti-bending component 300 to reduce the flexion (bending) force required for the bending knee brace 200A. Alternatively, users can insert anti-bending support bars 302A and 302B into the anti-bending component pairs 300A and 300B to increase the flexion force of the bending knee brace 200A.

[0081] When a user performs actions such as squatting or climbing stairs, their body weight causes the anti-bending components 300A and 300B to bend, thus bending the knee brace 200A (as shown by arrow E in Figure 18A). The anti-bending components 300A and 300B help the user straighten their legs by returning to their initial, roughly straight shape, thus reducing the amount of force required (as shown in Figure 18B). The user can use the anti-bending component 300 alone to reduce assistance. Alternatively, the user can insert the anti-bending support bars 302A and 302B into the anti-bending components 300A and 300B to increase bending stiffness, thereby enhancing assistance.

[0082] Figures 19A and 19B show a user wearing the RTU knee brace 200A for extension exercises. The RTU knee brace 200A is assembled as follows: The user attaches the anti-tension component 400A to the outer leg triple fixation device 230A by engaging the stop 401A into the thigh fixation groove 242A and the stop 401B into the calf fixation groove 242B. Similarly, the user attaches the anti-tension component 400B to the inner leg triple fixation device 230B by engaging the stop 401A into the thigh fixation groove 242C and the stop 401B into the calf fixation groove 242D. Because the unstretched length L2 of the anti-tension components 400A and 400B is shorter than the length L4 of the transverse groove pair, the RTU knee brace 200A has a nominally curved shape (see Figure 19A).

[0083] After the user straps the RTU knee brace 200A onto their leg, the RTU knee brace 200A guides the user to flex their leg along the knee flexion / extension axis A. The user needs to apply the stretching force indicated by arrow F to straighten the leg through the anti-tension components 400A and 400B (see...). Figure 19B Users can use the anti-tensile component 400 alone to reduce resistance. Alternatively, users can replace the anti-tensile components 400A and 400B with anti-tensile components 402A and 402B to increase the extension force required to straighten the RTU knee brace 200A.

[0084] Although the invention has been described by way of a limited number of embodiments, it should be understood that many variations, modifications and other applications can be made to the invention within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A knee brace assembly for use by a user whose leg has a knee joint flexion / extension axis, the knee brace assembly comprising: a) a knee brace having a longitudinal knee brace centerline and comprising: i) a leg encircling means encircling at least the user's thigh and calf; ii) a leg securing means mounted on said leg encircling means for securing said leg encircling means to the user's thigh and calf; and iii) at least one triad of lateral and medial leg triad securing means mounted on said leg encircling means; each said triad comprising a pair of opposing thigh and calf securing means and a strut, said thigh securing means comprising a thigh securing blind hole facing the user's calf, said calf securing means comprising a calf securing blind hole facing the user's thigh, said strut comprising a thigh strut having a thigh strut distal end, a calf strut having a calf strut proximal end and a strut securing means located between said thigh strut distal end and said calf strut proximal end for disposition on the knee joint flexion / extension axis, said thigh strut member distal end having a thigh strut member abutment face and an adjacent thigh strut member part tooth, said calf strut member proximal end having a calf strut abutment face and an adjacent calf strut member part tooth, and said strut securing means comprising a flexion resistant member holder; and b) at least one initially substantially straight flexion resistant member configured to be removably mounted on said triad, each said flexion resistant member having a pair of opposing flexion resistant member free ends configured to be longitudinally slidably inserted into said pair of opposing thigh and calf blind holes and mounted in said flexion resistant member holder, such that in use, when the user's knee is straight, said thigh strut member abutment face abuts said calf strut member abutment face, and when the user's knee is bent, said thigh strut member tooth engages said calf strut member tooth.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said thigh strut member has a longitudinal thigh strut member centerline and comprises a transverse hinge toward said thigh strut member distal end to enable pivotal movement perpendicular to said longitudinal thigh strut member centerline thereof.

3. The assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein said calf strut member has a longitudinal calf strut member centerline and comprises a transverse hinge toward said calf strut member proximal end to enable pivotal movement perpendicular to said longitudinal calf strut member centerline thereof.

4. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said thigh securing means comprises a thigh securing transverse groove located proximal to said thigh securing blind hole and said calf securing means comprises a calf securing transverse groove located distal to said calf securing blind hole, and The assembly further comprises at least one stretch-resistant component, which terminates in a pair of opposite stretch-resistant component free ends, which pair of free ends is constituted by a pair of large diameter stop members for engaging said thigh securing transverse recesses and said calf securing transverse recesses, so that said stretch-resistant component is installed in an extended condition on said triple securing device.

5. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the knee brace comprises a pair of opposing pull tabs located proximate to the thighs of the user for assisting in positioning the knee brace.

6. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the leg encircling device comprises a flexible wrapping material configured to wrap around at least the back of the thighs and calves of the user and secure at the front of the user's legs.

7. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the leg encircling device comprises a rigid elongated C-shaped thigh component configured to encircle the back of the thighs of the user and secure at the front of the user's legs, and a rigid elongated C-shaped calf component configured to encircle the back of the calves of the user and secure at the front of the user's legs.

8. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the leg encircling device comprises a semi-rigid semi-cylindrical open frame for encircling the front of the thighs and calves of the user and securing at the back of the user's legs.

9. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The pair of initially substantially straight anti-bending components comprises a fastening strap for tying said pair of initially substantially straight anti-bending components around the front of the user's legs.

10. The kit of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the anti-bending components are configured to slidably receive replaceable anti-bending support rods to increase the bending stiffness thereof.

11. A knee brace for use in the assembly of any one of claims 1 to 10.

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