Patent ID: 8114168
Filing Date: 2012-02-14
Classification: A61F,F16C,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An orthotic or prosthetic joint comprising: a frame having proximal and distal portions; a first proximal mount pivotally engaging the frame; and a linkage having proximal and distal portions, and a first pivotal connection to the first proximal mount at the proximal portion thereof, and the linkage having a second pivotal connection to a distal portion of the frame at the distal portion thereof such that the linkage is free from torsional loading and rotates with three degrees-of-freedom with respect to the frame; wherein the first and second pivotal connections of the linkage each include a bearing assembly having: wherein the engaging ring of the first pivotal connection engages the linkage proximal portion and the engaging ring of the second pivotal connection engages the linkage distal portion; and wherein first and second ends of the cylindrical rod of the first pivotal connection engage the first proximal mount in a fixed manner, and first and second ends of the cylindrical rod of the second pivotal connection engage the distal portion of the frame.