Patent ID: 6635024
Filing Date: 2003-10-21
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
In an articulating knee brace, opposed lockable medial and lateral joint assemblies disposed between an upper femoral link adapted to embrace the thigh portion of the wearer's leg, and a lower tibial link section adapted to embrace the calf portion of the leg;a locking joint mechanism, joining said femoral link and said tibial link, said mechanism including lockable medial and anterior joint assemblies, said assemblies being mirror images of one another; each said locking mechanism including a ring, a wedge situate in proximity to said ring, and said ring being connected to one of said upper and lower sections, said wedge being connected to the other of said one of said sections; said wedge being movable into frictional contact with said ring when the weight of the wearer is applied to said brace, to thereby inhibit relative movement of said ring; and being moveable out of contact with said ring when said weight is relieved.