IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO JOINT SUPPORT DEVICES

摘要

A support plate unit comprises a pair of extension plates (1) interlinked by a connecting plate (2) by means of pivot pins (3). The extent of rotation of each extension plate (1) with respect to the connecting plate (2) is limited by means of respective pins (4) sliding within slots (5) in the connecting plates (1). Edges of the extension plates abut in the fully extended condition such that the extension plates extend longitudinally away from one another at an angle less than 180 DEG with respect to the inside edge (6) of the unit. This prevents over extension of the joint with which the support unit is associated. However, the joint can be bent as fully as necessary in the other direction. The pin and slot configurations (4 and 5) ensure that, during an intermediate flexing of the unit, neither of the extension plates can rotate so far with respect to the connecting plate (2) as to cause parts of the plates to project in a dangerous manner.