Lockable hinge
US7235058B2 · kind B2 · utility
32Cited by
50References
59Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 11, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jun 26, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 12, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2005/0158
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A lockable hinge for use in orthopedic braces is provided. When used in a knee brace, the present hinge provides a knee-immobilizing brace that assists persons with standing and/or walking. The hinge is easily converted from a locked mode to a free range of motion mode and vice versa. When the hinge is in the locked mode, patients are better able to stand and walk. With the push of a button, the patient can bend his or her knee to sit or lie down more comfortably. When the hinge is in the free range of motion mode, patients are better able to participate in physical therapy activities without the hinge locking.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.