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US 8,955,200 B2Granted
Secure adjustable orthotic device
AssigneeBio Cybernetics International, Inc.
InventorKwok Tim Ng
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A secure adjustable orthotic device having multiple brace portions and one or more locking mechanisms. One locking mechanism is a level moving buckle including a top member, a locking member and a base member. The locking member is adapted to engage and disengage an inserted strap in response to the longitudinal movement of the top member relative to the base member. The level moving buckle inhibits accidental longitudinal movement of the inserted strap when the top member is in a locked position.
Claims17
A locking mechanism comprising:
- a base member having a longitudinal channel for receiving a free end of a strap, the base member comprising
- a base portion,
- a first side portion connected to the base portion, and
- a second side portion connected to the base portion,
- wherein the base portion, first side portion and second side portion form the longitudinal channel;
- a locking member pivotally attached to the base member and pivotable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the locking member comprises
- a first projection extending in a first direction, and having a first surface and a second opposite surface, and
- a second projection connected to the first projection and extending in a second direction,
- wherein the second projection has a first surface configured to engage the free end of the strap when the locking member is in the locked position;
- and
- a top member slidably attached to the base member, the top member comprising:
- a top portion, and
- one or more protrusions formed in the top portion and extending toward the locking member;
- wherein longitudinal movement of the top member relative to the base member in a first direction causes the one or more protrusions of the top member to apply a force to the first surface of the first projection of the locking member, pivoting the locking member to the locked position;
- wherein, in the locked position, the first surface of the second projection of the locking member is configured to engage the free end of the strap, thereby impeding the withdrawal of the strap;
- wherein longitudinal movement of the top member in a second opposite direction relative to the base member causes the one or more protrusions of the top member to apply a force to the second opposite surface of the first projection of the locking member, pivoting the locking member to the unlocked position;
- and
- wherein, in the unlocked position, the first surface of the second projection of the locking member is configured to disengage the free end of the strap, thereby allowing the withdrawal of the strap.
15 more elements
A locking mechanism comprising:
- a base member having a longitudinal channel for receiving a free end of a strap, the base member comprising
- a base portion,
- a first side portion connected to the base portion, and
- a second side portion connected to the base portion,
- wherein the base portion, first side portion and second side portion form the longitudinal channel;
- a locking member comprising
- a first projection extending in a first direction, wherein the first projection has a first surface and a second opposite surface, and
- a second projection connected to the first projection and extending in a second direction;
- a top member comprising
- a top portion, and
- one or more protrusions formed in the top portion and extending toward the locking member;
- means for pivotally attaching the locking member to the base member so that the locking member is pivotable between a locked position and an unlocked position;
- means for slidably attaching the top member to the base member so that the top member is slidable between a locked position and an unlocked position;
- means for inhibiting the withdrawal of the strap;
- and
- means for allowing the withdrawal of the strap.
13 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.