TIGHTENING SYSTEM FOR AN ORTHOPEDIC ARTICLE

摘要

A tightening system and method for operating the same in an article for a wearer includes first and second members arranged for being connected at first ends, and separated by a distance at second ends. A tension element connects the first and second members. A tensioning mechanism is mounted on the first member and coupled to the tension element. The tensioning mechanism includes a housing and a retractable and extendable line arranged to be extended from the housing and automatically retract to the housing upon release of the line to permit one-way incremental winding of the tension element to thereby draw the first and second members closer to one another by reducing the distance therebetween.

主权项

1. A method for tightening an article about a wearer, the article having a first member arranged as a flexible and elongate belt segment and defining first and second ends, a second member arranged as a flexible and elongate belt segment and defining first and second ends such that the first ends of the first and second members are spaced apart by a variable distance, a closure device spanning the variable distance and connected to the first ends of the first and second members, at least one tension element connecting to the closure device, and a tensioning mechanism having a housing and mounted on the first member and coupled to the at least one tension element, the tensioning mechanism including a retractable and extendable line, the method comprising the steps of:
securing the first and second members at their second ends; pulling the line away from the housing to incrementally tighten the at least one tension element and draw the first ends of the first and second members closer to one another by reducing said variable distance; and releasing the line so as to retract to the housing without adjusting tension in the at least one tension element.