Patent ID: 9622899
Date: 2017-04-18
CPC Classifications: A61F

Claim:
1. An orthotic device having a first and second cuffs connected to one another by an articulating hinge between first and second positions, the orthotic device defining a proximal-distal plane, and an anterior-posterior plane intersecting one another to form an intersection axis, the hinge comprising: a first linkage system having a first end connecting to the first cuff and a second end; a second linkage system having a first end connecting to the second cuff and a second end pivotally connecting to the second end of the first linkage, the pivotal connection of the first and second linkage systems forming an instant center of rotation (ICoR) located at an anterior or posterior side relative to the anterior-posterior plane, and urging a force directed through the second cuff due to a relative displacement of the first cuff relative to the second cuff which increases as the orthotic device approaches full flexion; wherein the ICoR of the hinge shifts to a position relative to the anatomical knee joint axis to create a misalignment of the ICoR depending on the angle of flexion.