Patent ID: 8425440

Claim:
An orthotic hinge for a joint of a human body at which a body part pivots, comprising: first and second members able to extend along respective posterior portions of body parts near the joint, each member able to be fitted with alternate orthotic support portions; an angular adjustment connection joining one of the first member and the second member to a third member to provide an adjustable range of angular motion between the third member and said joined first or second member, the third member having an arcuate shape centered at an adjustment axis, and the joined first or second member having an arcuate shape centered at the same adjustment axis overlapping the arcuate shape of the third member, and an attachment for permitting the arcuate shapes to rotate about the adjustment axis, and for mutually securing the third member and joined first or second member; and a hinge connection joining the first member and the second member, permitting angular motion about a hinge axis, and mutual disconnection and reconnection of the first and second members along the hinge axis, the hinge connection further comprising: a first hinge plate secured to the first member, including a first cylinder with a hinge pin centered at the hinge axis and extending laterally from the first cylinder; a second hinge plate secured to the second member, including a second cylinder having a hole sized and aligned to receive the hinge pin therein; the hinge pin secured to the first member, interconnecting the first member and the second member, permitting the first member to pivot relative to the second member; and a locking mechanism having a locking projection extending from said one of the first member and the second member, the locking projection engageable with the other member of the first member and the second member, wherein the locking projection prevents disconnection of the hinge pin from the other member of the first member and the second member when the hinge connection is pivoted to an extended position, and wherein the locking projection disengages the other member of the first member and the second member when the hinge connection is pivoted to a retracted position.