Hinge for an orthopedic brace having an adjustable range of rotation

摘要

A hinge is provided for an orthopedic brace having an adjustable range of rotation. The hinge includes an outer member and an inner member that are rotatably connected in parallel alignment to one another. The peripheral edge of the outer member has a plurality of rotation limiting notches formed therein and the peripheral edge of the inner member has a rotation limiting face formed therein that is selectively alignable with one of the rotation limiting notches. Each of the peripheral edges also has a locking notch formed therein that is selectively alignable with the other. A rotation limiting stop is provided at the peripheral edge of the inner and outer members that is selectively positionable in one of the rotation limiting notches to define an adjustable range of rotation during a rotational mode of hinge operation. Rotation of the inner member is limited when the rotation limiting face engages the rotation limiting stop positioned in the selected notch. Alternatively, the rotation limiting stop is selectively positionable in the locking notches to lock the hinge against rotation in a locked mode of hinge operation. The hinge also includes a biasing assembly that biases the rotation limiting stop in a radially inward direction perpendicular to the axis of hinge rotation, thereby retaining the stop in a selected position against the peripheral edge of the outer member during the rotational or locked mode of hinge operation. The biasing assembly, however, enables elastic radial displacement of the rotation limiting stop in a radially outward direction when a radially outward displacement force is externally applied to the stop. The rotation limiting stop returns to a position against the peripheral edge of the outer member when the displacement force is withdrawn.