Patent · US Expired

Knee brace with articulating brace hinge axis

US5078127A · kind A · utility

22Cited by
9References
4Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 6, 1991
Grant dateJan 7, 1992
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 6, 2011

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61F5/0123
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An activity knee brace is disclosed in which the hinge axis of the brace articulates to overlie during knee flexure the moving center of pivot of the condylar of the femur with respect to the plateau of the fibula tibia. The brace consists of a thigh portion, a lower leg portion, and a hinge axis therebetween. The thigh portion supports the brace in the thigh. The lower leg portion supports the brace to the lower leg. The hinge axis is designed to overlie the point of pivot of the knee. Articulating of the activity brace hinge axis occurs from the thigh portion. The thigh portion is braced at the upper end to the thigh. The thigh portion is braced at the lower end at the medial supracondylar area by pad and adjustable strap system contacting and locating on the supracondylar hollow on the inside of the upper leg. The pads at the lower thigh portion of the brace are mounted at a pivotal axis. This pivotal axis is offset with respect to the hinge axis at a distance approximately 11/8 th inches. During movement of the brace knee between extension and flexion, the pivotal movement of the supracondylar pads causes the hinge axis of the brace to articulate. The disclosed articulation imp…

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