Patent ID: 8425439
Filing Date: 2013-04-23
Classification: A61F,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A lockable hinge assembly configured for incorporation within a brace for stabilizing a joint of a human being, the hinge comprising: a locking mechanism having a substantially cylindrical body and a plurality of anchoring segments that extend radially from the body of the locking mechanism; a base having a top surface on which a plurality of guidewalls are formed that extend upward from the top surface of the base and define a substantially cylindrical-shaped interior opening configured to receive the body of the locking mechanism, the plurality of guidewalls defining gaps therebetween, the gaps between the guidewalls being configured to receive the anchoring segments of the locking mechanism, and the gaps also opening into stopping slots that are formed within the guidewalls, the stopping slots formed within the guidewalls being configured to receive the anchoring segments of the locking mechanism such that, when the anchoring segments of the locking mechanism are received within the gaps, the stopping slots are accessible to the anchoring segments of the locking mechanism by rotating the locking mechanism; a static plate within which an interior opening is formed that is configured to receive the guidewalls of the base and the cylindrical body of the locking mechanism, the static plate being configured to be fixed in a constant position relative to the base; a dynamic plate within which an interior opening is formed that is configured to receive the cylindrical body of the locking mechanism, a plurality of locking teeth extending from the dynamic plate into the interior opening formed within the dynamic plate, the plurality of locking teeth defining a plurality of locking teeth gaps therebetween, the locking teeth gaps being configured to receive the anchoring segments of the locking mechanism and defining one or more lockable positions for locking the dynamic plate in a fixed position relative to the static plate and the base; and a spring positioned between the top surface of the base and the locking mechanism and configured to exert a force on the locking mechanism in a direction that is opposite from the top surface of the first base, wherein: when the locking mechanism is rotated to a position such that the anchoring segments of the locking mechanism are received within the stopping slots formed within the guidewalls of the base, the force exerted by the spring on the locking mechanism is prevented from enabling the anchoring segments of the locking mechanism to engage the locking teeth gaps formed in the dynamic plate, allowing the dynamic plate to be rotated, and when the locking mechanism is rotated to a position such that the anchoring segments of the locking mechanism are not received within the stopping slots formed within the guidewalls of the base, the force exerted by the spring on the locking mechanism enables the anchoring segments of the locking mechanism to engage the locking teeth gaps formed in the dynamic plate and lock the dynamic plate in a fixed position relative to the static plate and the base.