Patent · US Expired

Adjustable bipivotal hinge with interdigitating abutment plates

US5000170A · kind A · utility

21Cited by
24References
8Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Key dates

Filing dateJan 31, 1989
Grant dateMar 19, 1991
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 31, 2009

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61F2005/0167
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An orthopedic and orthotic bipivotal hinge assembly having a hinge body and a pair of coplanar and independently-pivotal hinge arms. The proximal end portions of the hinge arms are disposed within the hinge body and have at least one set of interdigitating end plates defining an arrangement of abutment surfaces that are coplanar with each other, face generally in the same direction, and are disposed in side-by-side relation, when the arms are in first positions of adjustment (e.g., extension). In one embodiment, a single set of interdigitating plates with one such arrangement of abutment surfaces is provided; in a second embodiment two sets of interdigitating plates with two arrangements of abutment surfaces for controlling both extension and flexion are provided. Continuously variable extension and/or flexion control is achieved by an adjusting screw, or a pair of adjusting screws, carried by the hinge body.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.