Articulating joint
First Claim
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1. An articulating joint moveable between an extended condition and a flexed condition, said joint comprising:
- (a) a disc plate rotatable about an axis pin between a first extended position and a second flexed position;
(b) a clamping means comprising a first clamping element moveable between a first unclamping position to a second clamping position and a second clamping element;
(c) a flexible member having a first end attached to said disc plate, a middle section extending between said first clamping element and said second clamping element and an anchored second end; and
(d) an unlocking means for selectively impeding movement of said first clamping element in response to an unlocking signal,whereby during flexion of said joint, said disc plate is rotated toward said flexed position causing an increase in tension on said flexible member, which causes said first clamping element to move from said first unclamping position to said second clamping position at which said flexible member is clamped between said first clamping element and said second clamping element to prevent further flexion of said joint while permitting said joint to return to said extended condition, and whereby receipt of said unlocking signal by said unlocking means causes said unlocking means to impede movement of said first clamping element toward said second clamping position, thereby allowing free movement of said joint between said extended condition and said flexed condition.
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Abstract
The present invention pertains to an articulating joint that is disengageable between two modes of operation: unidirectional movement of the joint or bi-directional movement of the joint, with features that allow the mode to be automatically switched as required. When fully locked, the joint inhibits joint flexion while allowing joint extension. When actuated, a locking mechanism is disengaged to allow both uninhibited flexion and extension of the joint.
50 Citations
36 Claims
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1. An articulating joint moveable between an extended condition and a flexed condition, said joint comprising:
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(a) a disc plate rotatable about an axis pin between a first extended position and a second flexed position; (b) a clamping means comprising a first clamping element moveable between a first unclamping position to a second clamping position and a second clamping element; (c) a flexible member having a first end attached to said disc plate, a middle section extending between said first clamping element and said second clamping element and an anchored second end; and (d) an unlocking means for selectively impeding movement of said first clamping element in response to an unlocking signal, whereby during flexion of said joint, said disc plate is rotated toward said flexed position causing an increase in tension on said flexible member, which causes said first clamping element to move from said first unclamping position to said second clamping position at which said flexible member is clamped between said first clamping element and said second clamping element to prevent further flexion of said joint while permitting said joint to return to said extended condition, and whereby receipt of said unlocking signal by said unlocking means causes said unlocking means to impede movement of said first clamping element toward said second clamping position, thereby allowing free movement of said joint between said extended condition and said flexed condition. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36)
wherein the high friction segment increases friction when the first clamping element is in the clamping position thereby increasing the resistance of joint flexion.
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29. The articulating joint according to claim 1 wherein the flexible member comprises:
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a) a low friction segment extending between the first clamping element and the second clamping element; and b) a high friction segment, wherein the low friction segment decreases friction when the first clamping element is in the clamping position thereby decreasing the resistance of joint flexion.
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30. The articulating joint according to claim 1 wherein the flexible member comprises a low friction segment and a high friction segment and the first clamping element and/or the second clamping element comprises a clamping surface having a high friction material.
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31. The articulating joint according to claim 1 wherein the unlocking means is selected from electrical means, mechanical means, hydraulic means, pneumatic means or a combination of any of these means.
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32. The articulating joint according to claim 29 wherein the electrical unlocking means is a solenoid or a motor.
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33. The articulating joint according to claim 29 wherein the mechanical unlocking means is a push rod or a cable mechanism.
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34. The articulating joint according to claim 1 wherein the flexible member is composed of materials of different dimensions connected in parallel.
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35. The articulating joint according to claim 1 wherein the flexible member is composed of materials of different dimensions connected in series.
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36. The articulating joint according to claim 1 wherein the first clamping element and/or the second clamping element comprises a clamping surface having a low compression modulus.
Specification