Patent ID: 7794416

Claim:
An orthopedic device for supporting the function of at least one part of a human limb with a pivotable joint, on either side of which joint there extends respective limb parts, comprising: a structure comprising two substantially rigid parts, which parts are coupled to each other by hinge means and each comprise fastening means for temporary fastening to a limb part, wherein the hinge means comprise two hinges and each hinge has a pivot axis and pivots freely about that axis, wherein the respective pivot axes extend in directions which make an angle with each other of 90°±40°, bounding means for limiting at least one of the pivoting movements of at least one of the hinges to unrestrained movement within a chosen range of motion; wherein the fastening means comprise at least two divisible rings with adjustable periphery, one of which is connected to the one side of the joint and the other to the other side of the joint; and wherein the bounding means comprise a flexible, tensively strong element, the ends of which are connected to the divisible rings such that the flexible element can bound the pivoting movement of at least one hinge.