Ankle Brace With Adjustable Hook and Loop Straps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ankle braces, such as disposable adhesive materials like athletic tape, are not reusable, lack adjustability, and cause discomfort during removal, failing to provide optimal joint restriction and quick access to the ankle or foot.

Innovation Solution

A reusable ankle brace with a holding pocket made of flexible material, featuring adjustable support straps and cuffs with hook and loop closure, allowing for rapid application and removal, and independent adjustment of support straps and cuffs for optimal joint restriction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If disposable adhesive materials like athletic tape are used, then the ankle joint can be restricted, but the material cannot be reused and causes discomfort during removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint restrictionVSAvoidremoval comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces disposable adhesive tape with a reusable ankle brace that can be applied and removed multiple times without degradation of performance or comfort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the adhesive mechanical system with a strap-and-cuff mechanical fastening system using hook-and-loop closures, eliminating the need for adhesives that cause skin irritation during removal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If athletic tape is used, then joint restriction is provided, but adjustability is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint restrictionVSAvoidadjustability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates adjustable straps with hook-and-loop closures that allow the user to dynamically adjust the tightness and fit of the brace to different ankle sizes and support requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent allows adjustment of multiple parameters including strap tension, cuff tightness, and overall brace fit to optimize joint restriction for different users and conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If athletic tape is used, then the ankle can be supported, but rapid access to the ankle or foot is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveankle supportVSAvoidaccess time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The brace is pre-configured with straps and cuffs in open positions, allowing for rapid application and removal without the need to unwind or cut adhesive tape

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The brace is divided into separable components including removable straps and cuffs that can be quickly adjusted or removed for rapid access to the ankle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The ankle brace provides repeated use, rapid access, and optimal adjustability and restriction of the joint, reducing discomfort during removal and enhancing protection or therapy for the ankle and foot.

Implementation Method 1

Some examples of the means to releasably affix the right and left sides of the holding pocket are structured so as to also encompass the front panel and secure it against the front of the ankle. Some examples of the means to releasably affix the right side of the holding pocket to the left side of the holding pocket include, but are not limited to, hook and loop, buttons, snaps, zippers, rivets, screws, grommets, eyelets and laces and the like

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHook and loop closure: Velcro

Implementation Method 2

In some embodiments, the support cuff material is elasticized

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11344442B1Ankle brace

Publication Date: 2022.05.31 MCVEIGH JASON

AI summary

The present general inventive concept, in various embodiments, includes a brace for protective or therapeutic restraint of the ankle and/or foot. In some embodiments, the brace comprises a holding pocket of flexible material for stabilizing the ankle or foot, a means for releasably and adjustably attaching the holding pocket around the foot and ankle, a first support strap including a means for releasably and adjustably binding the first support strap to itself, a first support cuff including a means for releasably and adjustably tightening the first support cuff upon itself, a second support strap including a means for releasably and adjustably binding the second support strap to itself, and a second support cuff including a means for releasably and adjustably tightening the second support cuff upon itself.