Patent ID: 8603190

Claim:
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: an engaging ring; a swivel portion defining a bore and received within the engaging ring so as to freely rotate in at least three directions; and a cylindrical rod engaging the bore within the swivel portion; 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; wherein the bearing assembly of the first pivotal connection further has a second mount at the linkage proximal end defining a bore and receiving the engaging ring therein.