Patent ID: 8517965

Claim:
An orthopedic brace, comprising: a first support; a second support; and a hinge assembly rotatably connecting the first and second supports, wherein at least one of the first and second supports comprises a channel member defining a longitudinal channel defining a longitudinal direction and a telescoping upright movable in the channel in the longitudinal direction to adjust a length of the support, the channel member coupled directly to the hinge assembly such that the channel member is rotatable about the hinge assembly but not translatable in the longitudinal direction with respect thereto, the channel including a first end located proximate the hinge assembly and a second end opposite the first end, the second end being open such that the upright enters and exits the channel through the second end, wherein at least one of the first and second supports comprises a first portion constructed of a thermoplastic composite and a second portion constructed of a metal, wherein the second portion comprises the telescoping upright, wherein the channel member is connected to a metal hinge plate, wherein a portion of the metal hinge plate is a pliable material that is adapted to be adjustably bent to fit a portion of the user's body, and wherein the pliable metal hinge plate connects the channel member to the hinge assembly.