The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 20, 1995
Filed:
Feb. 18, 1994
Gordon V Aaserude, El Sobrante, CA (US);
James D Mercer, Alamo, CA (US);
Omni Scientific, Concord, CA (US);
Abstract
A gravity operated locking device and method of operation are disclosed for use with an orthotic brace of a type having upper and lower members hinged together for articulation of the brace with flexion and extension of a limb joint, the locking device comprising a housing adapted for ready attachment to or ready detachment from a portion of the brace, preferably the upper brace member, and forming a groove extending along the length of the housing for receiving a drop bolt tapered at its lower end for riding over and locking into engagement with a projecting stop surface on the lower brace member. The drop bolt is preferably formed with an elongated slot captured by a portion of an attachment means for the brace. The locking device may include an overriding lock for securing the brace in either a fixed, fully extended condition or free for articulation. With the overriding lock released, the drop bolt may be manually operated for selectively permitting either articulated or locked operation of the brace.