Device permitting the control of the flexion of a defective limb of a handicapped person which is fitted with an orthopaedic appliance for its support and articulation

Claim 1

An orthopedic appliance for fitting a defective limb of a handicapped person which limb comprises two limb members connected by a substantially arthrodial joint comprising: a first rigid member attachable to a first of the two limb members; a second rigid member attachable to a second of the two limb members; said first and second rigid members pivotally connected together by a pin with means for flexion about the axis of said arthodial joint; a self-locking freewheel system mounted on a shaft extension of said pivot pin with said self-locking freewheel system having means for self-locking in flexion to prevent the collapse of the limb and means for allowing free extension and movement of said limb through inertia to resume a position wherein said appliance supports said limb; said self-locking freewheel system comprising a freewheel and a hub which is force fit over said freewheel a braking mechanism with means for acting on said hub of said self-locking freewheel system thereby preventing abrupt collapse of the limb; means for adjusting the amount of braking performed by said braking mechanism.