Gravity operated locking hinge
AssigneeBandage -en Corsetindustrie Basko B.V.
InventorsGert Nijenbanning, Josephus Anton Goudsmit
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Abstract
A hinge provided with a first part and a second part, which parts are able to turn relative to one another from a first position of the hinge into a second position of the hinge, the hinge being provided with a locking element for locking the hinge in the first position thereof, which locking element can move between a first position for releasing the hinge and a second position for locking the hinge. A locking element is fitted in a movable manner for moving under the influence of gravity, between the first position and the second position when the hinge sways.
Claims15
Orthopaedic hinge suitable for use in a leg orthesis or prothesis, the hinge having a first part provided with means for attaching the hinge to a fist body part or replacement body part and a second part provided with means for attaching the hinge to a second body part or replacement body part, the first and second part being able to turn with respect to one another from a first position wherein the second part is essentially in the extension of the first part and a second position wherein the second part is at an angle with respect to the first part, the hinge being provided with a locking element for locking the hinge in the first position thereof, the long element being movable from a first, release position to a second, locking position, characterized in that the locking element is fitted in the hinge in order to be movable under influence of gravity, when the hinge sways with respect to the vertical, wherein the locking element moves from its locking position to its release position at the start of the swinging stage of the leg during walking and wherein the locking element is moved in the locking position at the end of said swinging stage.
Hinge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second part is provided with a projection, which projection describes a path when the second part pivots relative to the first part, the locking element allowing the projection a free movement path when it is in the first position thereof and being present in the movement path of the projection when it is in the second position thereof.
Hinge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hinge is provided with a first and a second stop in order to limit the movement of the locking element in, respectively, the first and the second position thereof.
Hinge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hinge is provided with a displacement mechanism for forcing the locking element into, respectively, the first or the second position thereof.
Hinge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking element is constructed as a body for transmitting forces from the second part via the locking element to the first part.
Hinge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking element is provided with an adjusting body for adjusting the centre of gravity of the locking element with respect to the axis of rotation thereof.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.