Joint brace hinges
US5921946A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 22, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jul 13, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 22, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2005/0174
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Hinges for orthopedic and rehabilitation braces allow intuitive, convenient and positive control and adjustment of the limits to which the braces may extend or flex. Such hinges also allow convenient locking of such braces. A flexion switch and an extension switch allow convenient repositioning of stops or limits which limit flexion and extension of the brace. Such switches may be repositioned, however, only with repositioning pressure for moving the switch to a new position combined with safety pressure for unlocking the switch. A brace locking switch may also be included. Such hinges promote more effective post-operative and rehabilitation results because they among other things allow users easily to change the flexion, extension and fixation limitations of their braces conveniently and in real time such as during post-operative and physical therapy sessions and workouts.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.