Claims:[0047] CLAIMS:
We claim:
1. An apparatus for orthotic knee joint, the apparatus comprising,
a. a first hinge plate (101) comprising of an upper portion (101b) and a lower portion (101a), wherein the upper portion (101b) includes a closed slot (113) to provide better strength and security for one or more uprights, wherein the lower portion of the first hinge plate (101a) is circular in shape that provides smooth circular movement around its pivot, wherein the lower portion of the first hinge plate (101a) is grooved (110) and includes a stopper (113) therein;
b. a second hinge plate (102) comprising a lower portion and an upper portion, wherein the upper portion of the second hinge portion (102a) includes a protrusion (102c) at top outer edge, wherein the stopper (113) prevents protrusion (102c) of the second hinge plate (102) to move outwards, wherein the lower portion of the second hinge plate (102b) includes a closed slot (114) to provide better strength and security for the uprights, wherein the upper portion of the second hinge plate (102a) and the lower portion of the first hinge plate (101a) are pivotally joined in such a manner that the first hinge plate (101a) rotates inwardly upto 130 degrees,
c. the uprights are slid easily inside the slots (113 and 114) of the first hinge plate (101) and the second hinge plate (102); and
d. a drop lock (108) inserted into the upper portion of the first hinge plate (101), wherein the drop lock (108) is slid down on the protrusion to lock the rotational movement of the first hinge plate (101) and the second hinge plate (102), when the first hinge plate (101) and the second hinge plate (102) are rotated to vertical position.

2. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rotational movement of first hinge plate (101) and the second hinge (102) plate provides 130 degree knee flexion to the apparatus leading to enhance orthotic functional abilities for the user (s).

3. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said hinge plates (101 and 102) are compatible with left orthotic knee joint and right orthotic knee joint.

4. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper portion of the second hinge plate (102a) is circular in shape that provides smooth circular movement to the upper portion around its pivot.

5. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper portion (102a) of the second hinge plate (102) and the lower portion (101a) of the first hinge plate (101) are pivotally joined by inserting the upper portion (102a) of second hinge plate (102) inside the grooved lower portion (101a) of the first hinge plate (101).
, Description:[0001] Preamble to the Description
[0002] The following specification describes the invention:
[0003] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
[0004] The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:
[0005] Technical field of the invention
[0006] The present invention relates to an apparatus for orthotic knee joint with lock mechanism to allow flexibility to the orthotic user (s) while sitting and stability while standing/walking.
[0007] Background of the invention
[0008] An orthotic device provides support to the human body. Orthotic devices are instruments, which are applied to the human body to align, support, or correct deformities, or to improve the movement of joints, or limbs. A knee Orthosis (KO) or knee brace is a brace that extends above and below the knee joint and is generally worn to support or align the knee. The KO prevents the user (s) from flexion or extension instability of the knee, during muscular impairment of muscles surrounding the knee. The knee brace assists the user (s) in providing forward movement to the lower leg and foot, and also exhibits controlled descent once the user's foot is planted on a floor or ground surface through the joints. The knee brace provides restraint against harmful motion and at the same time guides the wearer's knee along the natural range of motion. Accordingly, the knee brace hinges attempt to mimic the natural motion of the knee. Recent developments in the orthotic devices have led to the development of an apparatus for orthotic knee joint which provides flexible movements for the orthotic user (s) by providing sliding and locking options.
[0009] Various types of conventional orthotic devices are known in the prior art. The US Patent No. 7615025 B2 describes knee brace hinges with adaptive motion. The claimed knee brace hinges enable a knee brace including the hinges to track the natural motion of the brace wearer's knee while restraining the knee from harmful motions. In certain embodiments, in a first range of motion the hinges have only one degree of freedom, rotation about a fixed axis. In a second range of motion, the hinges have at least two degrees of freedom, rotation and translation.
[0010] The US Patent No. 6080123 A discloses an orthotic joint with radial hydraulic force transfer. The orthotic joint comprises of combination of hydraulics and ball bearings to convert liner motion into a radial motion and thereby provide both variable extension assist, as well as an infinite number of flexion stops for controlled flexion flow. Applications may include, but are not limited to, orthotic devices which facilitate the extension and flexion of human joint, such as a knee. The compact configuration would provide the cosmetic advantage of allowing such orthotic devices to fit more easily under clothing wherein they would be less noticeable during use.
[0011] The US Patent No. 8043243 B2 describes a knee brace hinges having dual axes of rotation that discloses is a knee brace, which incorporates hinges and allows the brace to pivot simultaneously about a flexion-extension axis and a longitudinal rotation axis as the brace flexes and/or extends. The hinges include a medial hinge and a lateral hinge. The medial hinge defines a medial pivot axis and the lateral hinge defines a lateral pivot axis. The medial pivot axis does not coincide with the lateral pivot axis, and neither axis coincides with the flexion-extension axis. Calf portions of each hinge are pivotable with respect to their respective uprights about an axis that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal rotation axis. The pivot ability of the calf portions with respect to the calf frame eliminates stresses that would otherwise develop in the hinges as the brace flexes and/or extends.
[0012] However, the claimed orthotic devices do not disclose the use of sliding drop lock which provides sliding and locking movements to enable flexible movements for the user (s) and also does not withstand or bear the body weight of the orthotic user (s).
[0013] Hence, there is a need for an orthotic knee joint apparatus which provides sliding and locking movements to the joint to enable flexible movements to the user (s) and is able to bear the body weight of the user.
[0014] Summary of the invention:
[0015] The present invention overcomes the drawbacks in the prior art and provides an apparatus for orthotic knee joint that provides sliding and locking movements to the joint to enable flexible movements to the user and is able to bear the body weight of the user. In most preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises of, a first hinge plate which includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion includes a closed slot to provide better strength and security for one uprights. The lower portion of the first hinge plate is circular in shape that provides smooth circular movement around its pivot. The lower portion of the first hinge plate is grooved and includes a stopper therein. A second hinge plate comprises of a lower portion and an upper portion, wherein the upper portion of the second hinge plate is circular in shape that provides smooth circular movement to the upper portion around its pivot. The upper portion of the second hinge portion includes a protrusion at top outer edge. The upper portion of the second hinge plate and the lower portion of the first hinge plate are pivotally joined in such a manner that the first hinge plate rotates inwardly to enable flexible movements to the orthotic user’s knee joints (s). The lower portion of the second hinge plate includes a closed slot to provide better strength and security for the uprights. The stopper present at the grooved portion of the first hinge plate prevents protrusion of the second hinge plate to move outwards. The uprights are slid easily inside the slots of the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate. A drop lock is inserted into the upper portion of the first hinge plate, wherein the drop lock may slide down on the protrusion to lock the rotational movement of the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate, when the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate are rotated at vertical position.
[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate provide 130 degree knee flexion leading to enhance orthotic functional abilities for the user (s).
[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the hinge plates are compatible with left orthotic knee joint and right orthotic knee joint- universal design.
[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the upper portion of the second hinge plate is positioned within groove present in the bottom portion of the first hinge plate.
[0019] The bending and locking mechanism in the apparatus allows flexibility to the orthotic user (s) while sitting or standing/walking. The apparatus can withstand heavy weights of the orthotic user (s) due to strong locking mechanism. The apparatus is easy to use and simple and is suitable for applications for all degrees of handicapped user (s) needing orthoses.
[0020] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following details description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.
[0021] Brief description of the drawings:
[0022] The foregoing and other features of embodiments will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements.
[0023] Figure 1 illustrates the top view of the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate, according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0024] Figure 2 illustrates the orthogonal top view of the orthotic knee joint with first hinge plate and second hinge plate joined to each other, according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0025] Figure 3 illustrates the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate in bent position, according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0026] Figure 4 illustrates the perspective view of a first hinge plate, according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0027] Figure 5 illustrates the orthogonal side view of the first hinge plate, according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0028] Figure 6 illustrates the perspective view of a second hinge plate, according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0029] Figure 7 illustrates the orthogonal side view of the second hinge plate, according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0030] Figure 8 illustrates the perspective view of a drop lock, according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0031] Detailed description of the invention:
[0032] Reference will now be made in detail to the description of the present subject matter, one or more examples of which are shown in figures. Each embodiment is provided to explain the subject matter and not a limitation. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable a person skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical, physical, and other changes may be made within the scope of the embodiments. The following detailed description is, therefore, not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention, but instead the invention is to be defined by the appended claims.
[0033] The term “uprights” as claimed in the embodiments refers to aluminum bars.
[0034] The bending and locking mechanism in the apparatus allows flexibility to the orthotic user (s) while sitting and stability while standing/walking. The apparatus can withstand heavy weights of the orthotic user (s) due to strong locking mechanism. The apparatus is easy to use and simple and is suitable for applications for all degrees of handicapped user (s).
[0035] Figure 1 illustrates the top view of the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate, according to one embodiment of the invention. In the preferred embodiment, the first hinge plate (101) includes a stopper (113) and three holes, namely, first hole (103), second hole (104) and third hole (109). The upper portion of the first hinge plate (101b) includes a closed slot (113) to provide better strength and security for one or more uprights. The lower portion (101a) of first hinge plate (101) is grooved (110) from inside to receive the upper portion (102a) of the second hinge plate (102). In a preferred embodiment, the second hinge plate (102) may include three holes i.e. the fourth hole (105), fifth hole (106) and the sixth hole (111). The upper portion (102a) of the second hinge plate (102) is circular in shape that allows smooth circular movement around its pivot. The upper portion (102a) of the second hinge plate (102) and the lower portion (101a) of the first hinge plate (101) are pivotally joined by inserting the upper portion (102a) of second hinge plate (102) inside the grooved lower portion (101a) of the first hinge plate (101) and connecting the third hole (109) and the sixth hole (111) with a screw or the like. The second hinge plate (102) includes a protrusion (102c) in top outer edge of the upper portion (102a). The stopper (113) present at the grooved inner portion of the first hinge plate (101a) prevents the outward movement of the second hinge plate (102) because of presence of protrusion (102c) on upper portion (102a) of the second hinge plate (102a). The lower portion of the second hinge plate (102b) includes a closed slot (114) to provide better strength and security for the uprights. In a preferred embodiment, the lower portion (101a) of the first hinge plate (101a) is circular in shape that allows smooth movement to the lower portion (101a) around its pivot.
[0036] Figure 2 illustrates the orthogonal top view of the orthotic knee joint with first hinge plate and second hinge plate joined to each other, according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown in the figure, both the hinge portions are joined together at their pivot to provide circular movement to the joint. The apparatus (100) includes a drop lock (108) which may be inserted into the upper portion of the first hinge plate (101) to lock the rotational movement of the joint. When the first hinge plate (101) and the second hinge plate (102) are rotated to vertical position (as shown in the figure), the drop lock (108) may be slid down to cover the protrusion (102c), which locks rotational movement of the first hinge plate (101) and the second hinge plate (102). The locking mechanism of the drop lock (108) enables a user to lock or unlock the knee joint as per the need and usage. For example, if the user wants to bend the knee joint while sitting, the drop lock (108) may be slid upwards to unlock the rotational movement. In case the user wants to walk or stand, the drop lock may be slid down to lock the first hinge plate (101) and the second hinge plate (102) tightly whereby positioning the knee joint firmly in vertical position.
[0037] Figure 3 illustrates the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate in bent position, according to one embodiment of the invention. In preferred embodiment, the upper portion of the second hinge plate (102) and the lower portion of the first hinge plate (101a) are pivotally joined in such a manner that the first hinge plate rotates inwardly to enable flexible movements to the orthotic user. As shown in the figure, the curvature provided in the lower portion of the first hinge plate (101a) and the upper portion of the second hinge plate (102a) allows both of them to bend at a maximum angle of 130 degree inwardly, hence replicating the natural angular movement of the leg of a human being. The curved surface on the upper portion of the second hinge plate (102) prevents further inward rotation of the first hinge plate (101).
[0038] Figure 4 illustrates the perspective view of a first hinge plate, according to one embodiment of the invention. In most preferred embodiment, as explain above, the first hinge plate (101) includes three holes, i.e. first hole (103), the second hole (104) and the third hole (107). The lower portion of first hinge plate (101) has a groove (110) to receive the upper portion of the second hinge plate (102, figure 1). The lower portion of the first hinge plate (101) and the second hinge plate (102) are pivotally connected to each other through a screw at third hole (109). The attachment of the upper portion of the second hinge plate (102a) to the groove (110) of the first hinge plate (101) provides flexible knee movements for the orthotic user(s).
[0039] Figure 5 illustrates the orthogonal side view of the first hinge plate, according to one embodiment of the invention. The side view shows the groove (110) at the lower portion of the first hinge plate (101a). The grooved space (110) in the first hinge plate (101) receives the upper portion of the second hinge plate (102a).
[0040] Figure 6 illustrates the perspective view of a second hinge plate, according to one embodiment of the invention. The second hinge plate (102) has at-least three holes i.e. fourth hole (105), the fifth hole (106) and the sixth hole (111). The upper portion of second hinge plate (102a) is arranged such that, the upper portion of the second hinge plate (102a) is inserted into the groove (110) of the first hinge plate (101). The attachment of the upper portion of second hinge plate (101a) to the groove (110) of the first hinge plate (101) provides flexible knee movement upto an inward angle of 130 degree to the orthotic user(s).
[0041] Figure 7 illustrates the orthogonal side view of the second hinge plate, according to one embodiment of the invention. The side view shows the upper portion (102a), of second hinge plate (102), which is inserted into the groove (110, figure 5) of the first hinge plate (101) to enable flexible knee movements to the orthotic user (s).
[0042] Figure 8 illustrates the perspective view of a drop lock, according to one embodiment of the invention. The drop lock (108) is slidably positioned on the first hinge plate (101) through the aperture provided in the drop lock.
[0043] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the uprights are slid easily inside the slots (113 and 114) of the first hinge plate (101) and the second hinge plate (102).
[0044] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the hinge plates (101 and 102) are designed such that, the hinge plates (101 and 102) are compatible for both left orthotic knee joint and right orthotic knee joint.
[0045] The bending and locking mechanism in the apparatus allows flexibility to the orthotic user (s) while sitting or standing/walking. The apparatus can withstand heavy weights of the orthotic user (s) due to strong locking mechanism. The apparatus is easy to use and simple and is suitable for applications for all degrees of handicapped user (s).
[0046] It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only. Changes may be made in the details, especially in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.