Bicentric hinge for use in a brace
US7488300B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 3, 2005 |
| Grant date | Feb 10, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 20, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2005/0179
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Bicentric hinges for use in braces and methods for operating knee braces and other types of braces are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a hinge includes a plate, first and second members pivotally coupled to the plate, and a rocker coupled to the plate. The first member is pivotable about a first axis of rotation, and the second member is pivotable about a second axis of rotation spaced apart from the first axis of rotation. The second member is not directly engaged with the first member, and the first member may not be connected to a return mechanism that urges the first member to pivot about the first axis of rotation. The first member has a first recess, and the second member has a second recess. The rocker includes a head at least partially receivable in the first recess and/or the second recess to restrict rotation of one of the first and second members until the other has rotated.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.