US4844057A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Knee orthotic hinge joint
Assignee: Mueller Sports Medicine Inc
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Filing: 1987-11-16
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Granted: 1989-07-04
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Expires: 2007-11-16
Abstract
Abstract An orthopedic hinge joint mechanism for proteciton of unstable or injured knees. Four coacting members are rotably fastened each to the next in a series. The first and third members lie in one plane and the second and fourth lie in an adjacent parallel plane. The members in the same plane abut in gears. As a result of this construction the hinge moves symmetrically about its center and effectivley simulates the complex action of the human knee joint.
Inventors
- 👤 David Hoy
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 18:42
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F5/00; A61F5/01; A61F5/0102; A61F5/0123; A61F2005/0132; A61F2005/0137; A61F2005/0139; A61F2005/0141; A61F2005/0165; A61F2005/0167
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
97 words
A hinge mechanism for following the motion of the human knee, said hinge mechanism comprising a first member; a second member rotably connected to said first member at a first axis of rotation; a third member rotably connected to said second member at a second axis of rotation distinct from said first axis; and a fourth member rotably connected to said third member at a third axis of rotation distinct from said first and second axes; said first and third members being in toothed rolling abutment and said second and fourth members being in toothed rolling abutment.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
97 words
A hinge mechanism for following the motion of the human knee, said hinge mechanism comprising a first member; a second member rotably connected to said first member at a first axis of rotation; a third member rotably connected to said second member at a second axis of rotation distinct from said first axis; and a fourth member rotably connected to said third member at a third axis of rotation distinct from said first and second axes; said first and third members being in toothed rolling abutment and said second and fourth members being in toothed rolling abutment.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The hinge mechanism of claim 1 and further comprising stop means restricting the rotational angle between said first and fourth members to lie above a desired angle.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The hinge mechanism of claim 1 and further comprising stop means restricting the rotational angle between first and fourth members to lie below a desired angle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
The hinge mechanism of claim 1 and further comprising a length of flexible tubing extending over and encasing the rotable connections of said hinge mechanism in the regions of said rotable connections.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
38 words
The hinge mechanism of claim 1 and further comprising a fifth member covering said toothed rolling abutment of said first and third members and a sixth member covering said toothed rolling abutment of said second and fourth members.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
45 words
The hinge mechanism of claim 5 and in which said toothed rolling abutment of said first and third members occurs in a first plane and said toothed rolling abutment of said second and fourth members occurs in a second plane parallel to said first plane.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
45 words
The hinge mechanism of claim 1 and in which said toothed rolling abutment of said first and third members occurs in a first plane and said toothed rolling abutment of said second and fourth members occurs in a second plane parallel to said first plane.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
32 words
The hinge mechanism of claim 7 and further comprising a length of flexible tubing extending over and encasing the rotable connections of said hinge mechanism in the regions of said rotable connections.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-07-03 | 1993-01-02 | 1993-07-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-07-03 | 1997-01-02 | 1997-07-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-07-03 | 2001-01-02 | 2001-07-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |