One piece brace liner having multiple adjustment zones

Abstract

A joint protecting brace includes a cuff member. The cuff member includes a pair of upper lateral and lower lateral tightening portions positioned on opposed sides of a cuff longitudinal axis. The cuff member further includes a liner disposed between and coupled to the upper lateral tightening portions and lower lateral tightening portions and extending along the cuff longitudinal axis. The cuff member further includes a connector coupled to a latitudinal strap. The cuff member further includes a first adjuster coupled to the upper lateral tightening portions and the connector. The cuff member further includes a second adjuster coupled to the lower lateral tightening portions and the connector. The first and second adjusters are disposed in tension for adjusting a distance between the upper and lower lateral tightening portions respectively. The first and second adjusters are communicable via the connector.

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       10 . An exteriorly positional anatomical brace for stabilizing a pivoting joint, the joint having a concave surface and being disposed between a first limb structure and a second limb structure of a living being, wherein the joint pivots about a pivot axis, the brace comprising:
 an upper frame member positionable adjacent the first limb structure;   a lower frame member positionable adjacent the second limb structure;   a joint member pivotally connecting the upper frame member and the lower frame member; and   a cuff member including:
 a first adjustment zone; 
 a second adjustment zone; 
 a first adjuster capable of being disposed in tension to securely position the first adjustment zone adjacent to the first limb structure, wherein the tension of the first adjuster increases when the first limb structure separates from its natural position; 
 a second adjuster capable of being disposed in tension to securely position the second adjustment zone adjacent to the second limb structure, wherein the tension of the second adjuster increases when the second limb structure separates from its natural position; and 
 a connector coupled to the first and second adjusters, wherein the first and second adjusters are in communication with each other via the connector, such that a change in tension in one of the first and second adjusters is communicated to the other one of the first and second adjusters. 
   
   
   
       11 . The brace of  claim 10 , wherein the cuff member further includes a third adjustment zone and a third adjuster capable of being disposed in tension to securely position the third adjustment zone adjacent to the first limb structure, wherein the first adjustment zone is positioned between the third adjustment zone and the pivot axis. 
   
   
       12 . The brace of  claim 10 , wherein the cuff member further includes a fourth adjustment zone and a fourth adjuster capable of being disposed in tension to securely position the fourth adjustment zone adjacent to the second limb structure, wherein the second adjustment zone is position between the fourth adjustment zone and the pivot axis. 
   
   
       13 . The brace of  claim 10 , wherein the cuff member further includes a liner disposed between and extending along the length of the first and second adjustment zones, wherein the liner includes a bend region positionable adjacent the concave surface of the joint, the bend region being located between the first and second adjustment zones. 
   
   
       14 . The brace of  claim 13 , wherein the liner is comprised of an elastic material. 
   
   
       15 . The brace of  claim 13 , wherein cuff member further includes a longitudinal strap coupled to the liner, the longitudinal strap being positioned along a brace longitudinal axis. 
   
   
       16 . The brace of  claim 15 , wherein the connector is coupled to the longitudinal strap. 
   
   
       17 . The brace of  claim 10 , wherein the cuff member further includes a latitudinal strap positioned between the first and second adjustment zones. 
   
   
       18 . The brace of  claim 17 , wherein the connector is coupled to the latitudinal strap. 
   
   
       19 . The brace of  claim 10 , wherein the first adjuster is comprised of non-elastomeric lace. 
   
   
       20 . The brace of  claim 10 , wherein the second adjuster is comprised of non-elastomeric lace. 
   
   
       21 . The brace of  claim 11 , wherein the third adjuster is comprised of non-elastomeric lace. 
   
   
       22 . The brace of  claim 12 , wherein the fourth adjuster is comprised of non-elastomeric lace.