Patent ID: 6500139
Filing Date: 2002-12-31
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
A joint assembly for an orthopedic knee brace for controlling the rotational movement of the femur relative to the tibia during extension and flexion of a wearer's leg, said joint assembly comprising:a femoral bar; a tibial bar; a pair of upper side plates including an upper lateral side plate and an upper medial side plate, said pair of upper side plates being fixedly attached to said femoral bar; a pair of lower side plates including a lower lateral side plate and a lower medial side plate, said pair of lower side plates being fixedly attached to said tibial bar; a linkage mechanism pivotally connecting said upper side plates with said lower side plates for enabling flexion and extension of a wearer's leg; and a lock mechanism for releasably locking said joint assembly for fixing said joint in an extended position, said lock mechanism including: a catch arrangement provided in one of said pairs of side plates; a trigger pivotally mounted to the other of said pairs of side plates, said trigger being movable between a locking position engaging said catch arrangement and locking said joint assembly, and a release position out of engagement with said catch arrangement allowing movement of said joint assembly; and a release lever mounted for movement between a disengaged position permitting locking engagement of said trigger with said catch arrangement and a blocking position preventing locking engagement of said trigger with said catch arrangement.