Patent ID: 6045520
Filing Date: 2000-04-04
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
An apparatus for providing support to various limb joints; said apparatus comprising:a) first, second and third elongate substantially rigid members; each of said members having first and second opposed ends;b) a hinge swingably joining the first end of said first member to the second end of said second member; said hinge allowing said first and second members to assume a plurality of angular configurations relative to each other about said hinge; said hinge having an axis of rotation parallel to a width of said members;c) a hinge lock allowing selective locking of said hinge in a selected angular configuration thereof;d) a pivot swingably joining the first end of said second member with the first end of said third member; said pivot allowing said second and third members to assume a plurality of pivotal configurations relative to each other about said pivot; said pivot having an axis of rotation aligned from front to back of said second and third members and perpendicular to said hinge axis;e) a pivot lock allowing selective locking of said pivot in a selected pivotal configuration thereof;f) said hinge lock and said pivot lock each comprise a pair of mating surfaces that are slideable axially relative to each other and have a series of matable serrations thereon; when said serrations are mated, said members are fixed angularly relative to each other and when said serrations are not mated, said members are swingable about said hinge and said pivot;g) at least a first of said hinge and pivot locks includes a pin having a locking position to hold said serrations in a locked position;h) said pin includes at least one distal hook that is biased radially outward;i) said first hinge and pivot lock includes a ledge to receive said hook to hold said pin in a locking configuration; andj) said hook being urged inwardly by pulling on said pin to disengage said hook and allow said pin to move to a nonlocking configuration.