Abstract: A folding hook structure comprising: a shell, fixed to the first object, and at least partially accommodates other parts of the folding hook structure; a rotating disk, fixed to the second object, and disposed in the shell to be rotatable around a rotation center in respect to the shell, with a folding hook groove disposed on a disk surface of the rotating disk, the folding hook groove including a circumferential section extending in a circumferential direction of the rotating disk with the rotation center as a center, and a radial section extending from the circumferential section along a radial direction of the rotating disk; a folding hook, disposed in the shell, and arranged movable between a locked position and a released position along the radial direction of the rotating disk, the folding hook being inserted in the folding hook groove.

Abstract: This document describes accessory devices for wheelchairs. For example, this document describes wheelchair accessory devices that include a wheel and foot pedals so that a wheelchair user can use his/her legs to propel the wheelchair by pedaling.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a base frame and an upper frame configured to support a mattress. The upper frame has a head portion including a recessed edge. Lift arms are coupled to the upper frame and configured to adjust a position of the upper frame. A first handle is coupled to the head portion on a first side of the recessed edge. A second handle is coupled to the head portion on a second side of the recessed edge. The first and second handles are configured to pivot inboard and toward one another to a lowered position extending over the upper frame adjacent to the recessed edge. An intravenous pole is pivotally coupled to the head portion and is adjustable between a deployed position and a stowed position. The intravenous pole extends along a rear wall of the recessed edge over the upper frame when in the stowed position.

Abstract: A system and method for sharing and absorbing energy between body parts. In one particular aspect, the system facilitates absorbing energy between members forming a joint such as between articulating bones.

Abstract: A lightweight, portable battery-powered overhead fan including secure attachments for a standard outdoor canopy or other like article is provided. Such a fan further includes blades that are configured with resilient connectors that allow for such blades to tilt or fold for stowing purposes while also securely attaching during actual use in a safe and reliable manner. In this way, each blade attaches to a centrally located portion that rotates during fan operation. The canopy attachments are provided in stowable fashion as well to permit compact transport of the overall fan device to and from an event for which a canopy is erected. Such a device further includes the potential for a fluid reservoir and atomizer component to deliver fluid droplets for increased cooling purposes as well as a light integrated therein or attached thereto. A canopy including such a fan device is also encompassed within this invention.

Abstract: An elbow joint device applied in goal includes: a first rotation component, a second rotation component and a junction plate. The first and second rotation components which can be inserted into the inner side of goal bar having a first and a second connection component are assembled in the junction plate. The first and second rotation components have a first and a second groove with a first and a second rotation hole passing through. The first and second rotation components pivot on the junction plate via bolts in the first and second rotation holes so that a goal can be unfold or fold by using the elbow joint device.

Abstract: A leg brace isolates a lower extremity of a leg to which the brace is secured. The leg brace includes an upper leg cuff and a lower leg cuff. Two upper struts are attached to opposite sides of the upper leg cuff and extend along the upper leg cuff. Two lower struts are attached to opposite sides of the lower leg cuff and extend along the lower leg cuff. One hinge pivotally connects one upper strut and one lower strut and a second hinge pivotally connects the other upper strut and the other lower strut. The hinges can be configured to have a limited and/or selectable degree of rotation (e.g., flexion and/or extension). Bottom ends of the lower struts extend beyond a user's foot of the leg to which the leg brace is attached. A foot is attached to each bottom end of the lower struts.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to base components that are usable with implantable mechanical energy absorbing systems. According to one embodiment, the base component includes a low-profile body having a elongate, straight portion at a first end and a curved body portion at a second end. The second end is elevated as compared to the first end. An inner surface of the low-profile body has a raised portion extending along the elongate, straight portion of the low-profile body. The base component also includes a plurality of openings positioned along the low-profile body for alignment and purposes of affixation to body anatomy.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to a link assembly and a leg supporting apparatus using the same. A top end of a frame mounted on a user's thigh can move along a downwardly-concave trajectory. A center of weight of the leg supporting apparatus placed on the top end of the frame converges on a lowest point of the downwardly-concave trajectory so that the user's weight can be stably supported.

Abstract: Adjustable brake apparatus for use with vehicles are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a brake lever to control braking of a vehicle and a handle coupled to the brake lever. The handle rotates relative to the brake lever between a first position and a second position. The handle locks in the first position and the second position to enable actuation of the brake lever by a force applied to the handle in either the first position or the second position.

Abstract: A lightweight flexible patient litter includes, in one example, spaced compression longerons each foldable at spaced legs, a bed between the compression longerons, and a longitudinal truss structure on each side of the litter each including a longeron, its spaced legs, and one or more flexible tension members connected thereto. One or more lateral truss structures may each include opposing legs on each side of the litter and one or more flexible tension members connected thereto. A bed truss structure may include one or more tension members.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for use on a support winch includes a stator unit, a rotor unit and a locking unit, wherein the rotor unit has a shaft element and a crank element, wherein the crank element is pivotably arranged in relation to the shaft element, wherein the shaft element is rotatably mounted about a rotation axis, and secured to prevent displacement transverse to the rotation axis relative to the stator unit, wherein the locking unit secures the crank element in a first axial position when the crank element is in an idle position to prevent displacement along the rotation axis in at least one direction, and wherein the locking unit secures the crank element to prevent swiveling movement relative to the shaft element when the crank element is in an operating position.

Abstract: A connector device includes a male component pivotally coupled with a female component. The male component includes a projection extending from a first pole, with the projection having a first locking member. The female component includes a housing extending from a second pole, with the housing including a spring-biased engaging member and a second locking member at an upper portion of the housing. The male and female components are in a locked state when the engaging member is biased upward and the first and second locking members are engaged such that the first and second poles are fixedly aligned. The male and female components are in an unlocked state when the engaging member is biased downward and the first and second locking members are disengaged such that the first and second poles are pivotally movable with respect to each other.

Abstract: A fold joint for a stroller has a first latch part fixed to a first frame element and a second latch part fixed to a second frame element. The latch parts are pivotable relative to one another about a pivot axis between an in-use orientation and a folded orientation. A latch shuttle is movable between a latched position locking the latch parts in the in-use orientation and an unlatched position unlocking the latch parts. A latch pin is carried by the latch shuttle. A track on the first latch part has a fold portion and a latch portion. A slot on the second latch part aligns with the latch portion in the in-use orientation. The latch pin is captured within the track and slot. When the latch shuttle is moved to the unlatched position, the latch pin is moved along the latch portion to the fold portion of the track. When the latch parts are pivoted toward the folded orientation, the latch pin moves along the fold portion of the track.

Abstract: A folding joint mechanism for stackably collapsing elongated structural sections includes a plurality of substantially identical brackets pivotably interconnected and rotatable between an extended and a stowed configuration. In the extended configuration, the brackets abut each other against stop protrusions on the top outside surface of each bracket forming foldable extensions that are able to support significant weight by distributing the top. side force. In the stowed configuration, the brackets are compacted to a substantially stacked disposition whereby the brackets are aligned and directly adjacent to one another. The joint and bracket assemblies may be employed in elongated sections of various structures in which compactability may be advantageous for shipping, storage, and user transportation.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for dovetail locking mechanisms are described herein. A system for locking the dovetail of a trailer in the travel position includes a sled for locking the dovetail of a trailer in the travel position, a railing on the underside of the trailer to accommodate the sled, wherein the sled is moveably attached to the railing such that the sled can slide into a loading position clear of the dovetail or a travel position at least partially beneath the dovetail, and means for actuating the sled to the loading position and travel position. A method for locking the dovetail of a trailer includes moving the dovetail of a trailer into the travel position and sliding a sled from a loading position underneath the trailer to a travel position at least partially underneath the dovetail of the trailer.

Abstract: A column includes a hinge assembly, the hinge assembly having an upper portion (2) pivotally attached to a lower portion (1) for movement about a first pivot axis (5), the upper portion of the hinge assembly being associated with an upper part (12) of the column and the lower portion of the hinge assembly being associated with a lower part (11) of the column. In use, movement of the upper and lower hinge assembly portions about the first pivot axis from a normal position, in which the upper part of the column is relatively upright, causes the upper part of the column to rotate towards the lower part of the column, thereby allowing the upper part the column to be moved to a maintenance position. An arm links (3), via second (6) and third (7) pivot axes, the upper and lower portions of the hinge assembly, and the arm is associated with a spring (9) that exerts a force via the arm, which urges the upper and lower hinge assembly portions towards the normal position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to outdoor grill accessories, and more particularly, a foldable worktable attachment for an outdoor grill that includes a large table area that is interconnected to a lower shelf by two sets of foldable legs. When in an erect position, the table provides ample space for preparing foods and the like, but when in a collapsed position, the table lies flush against one of the sides of the grill housing, thus, enclosing the lower shelf and supporting legs that are folded and stored between the table and a recessed area included in the grill housing.

Abstract: A linking device is configured at the bottom of a playpen. Two of the bottom pipes at opposite side pivot to a base seat and further pivot to the linking device, which is engaged by a locking device so that the bottom pipes and the linking device are secured at an unfolding position. To fold the hub assembly, using a strap or by pushing the locking device directly pivots the locking device to disengage from the linking device and the bottom pipes may rotate to a folding position. To restore the hub assembly to the unfolding position, the linking device can be pressed to push an inclined surface of the locking device to impart a force to the locking device to pivot the locking device until the linking device snaps to engage the locking device, so the hub assembly is secured at the unfolding position again.

Abstract: A juvenile product includes a frame with a rail, the rail including first and second rail sections, a latch assembly coupling the first and second rail sections and configured to reside in a latched state for an in-use orientation of the rail, and an elastic bias element coupled to the first rail section or the second rail section and configured to be under tension in or near the in-use orientation such that the elastic bias element drives the rail away from the in-use orientation when the rail is near the in-use orientation with the latch assembly not in the latched state.

Abstract: A folding mechanism for a joint includes a first pivot unit, a second pivot unit, a locking unit and an operation unit. The operation unit drives the locking unit to control the first pivot unit and the second pivot unit to be locked together or released to rotate.

Abstract: A playpen hub assembly includes a base, a first support part and a second support part. The first support part and the second support part are pivoted to two sides of a base body of the base respectively. A slider in the base is moved between a lock position and a release position along a first rail in the base body. An end of the slider has a first block structure for constraining rotation of the first support part relative to the base body. Another end of the slider has a second block structure for constraining rotation of the second support part relative to the base body. A driving part in the base is used for moving the slider to the release position. When the slider is located at the lock position, the first rail is substantially parallel to the first support part and the second support part.

Abstract: A foldable handrail structure includes a casing, a first handrail member and a first locking member. The first handrail member is rotatably connected to the casing. The first locking member is rotatably disposed in the casing. The first locking member is capable of rotating between a first locked position and a first unlocked position, so as to selectively restrain the first handrail member from rotating.

Abstract: A linking device is configured at the bottom of a playpen. Two of the bottom pipes at opposite side pivot to a base seat and further pivot to the linking device, which is engaged by a locking device so that the bottom pipes and the linking device are secured at an unfolding position. To fold the hub assembly, using a strap or by pushing the locking device directly pivots the locking device to disengage from the linking device and the bottom pipes may rotate to a folding position. To restore the hub assembly to the unfolding position, the linking device can be pressed to push an inclined surface of the locking device to impart a force to the locking device to pivot the locking device until the linking device snaps to engage the locking device, so the hub assembly is secured at the unfolding position again.

Abstract: A folding mechanism for a joint includes a first pivot unit, a second pivot unit, a locking unit and an operation unit. The operation unit drives the locking unit to control the first pivot unit and the second pivot unit to be locked together or released to rotate.

Abstract: Playard has a frame body that includes a top frame, a plurality of standing posts, and a bottom frame pivoting to one another so that the playard is foldable. A top corner of the standing post, top rails adjacent to the top corner, and the corresponding post body of the standing post form an arc-shaped surface structure. The top corner is mounted above the post body of the standing post by coupling a plug of the top corner to a socket of the post body. The standing post has two first engagements at two sides of its arc shape post body or on the wall of the socket. The enclosure has a second engagement at one end that can engage with the first engagement by sliding up and down relative to the standing post so that the enclosure is easily attached to or detached from the standing post.

Abstract: A connector for a vehicle seat includes a ratchet, a guide, and engagement pieces. The engagement pieces are supported so as to be movable only in the radial direction of the guide, and prevent relative rotation between the ratchet and the guide when engaged with an inner peripheral toothed face of the ratchet. The inner peripheral toothed face is formed in the inner peripheral face of an annular wall that extends from the outer peripheral portion of a disc portion of the ratchet in its axial direction. The inner peripheral face is in contact with and supported by outer peripheral faces of guide walls that project in the axial direction from the inner disc face of the guide. Thus, the ratchet and the guide are coaxially fitted together so as to be rotatable relative to each other.

Abstract: A tube folder includes a top shell, a bottom shell and an instant clasp set; wherein the top shell is provided with two sets of lug holes; the bottom shell is provided with two plug tubes; the instant clasp set covers a dismount handle which has a set of joined segments at its terminal, and an empty space formed in between the two joined segments; and a shaft, fitted in the empty space of the joined segments; each set of the lug holes and corresponding plug tube has been bound by a hinge, so does the joined segments of the dismount handle and the shaft; the surfaces of the top and the bottom shells are shaped into reinforcing ribs, providing handy fitting and enhanced joint when connecting to the tubes.

Abstract: A coupler system which changes the relationship of two or more rotating shade tubes is disclosed. The invention enables the installer to compensate for the height of the hembar by rotating the tube forward or backward any desired number of degrees. The coupler includes a cam which is adjusted by opposing set screws. The cam may be rotated by about 15 degrees in each direction. Adjusting the cam adjusts the second tube without adjusting the first tube (e.g., the drive or motor end tube). The adjustment device is configured to rotate the cam which, in turn, rotates the second tube to align a second hem bar hanging from the second tube with a first hem bar hanging from the first tube. The adjustments may be accomplished with minimal or no removal or adjustment of the other shades, and with minimal friction on the aligned shade.

Abstract: A baby mesh bed includes an upper frame part, which has a foldable mechanism on each side; each foldable mechanism includes a joining component, two connecting rods, and two opposite fixing bars; the connecting rods are pivoted to two ends of the joining component; the fixing bars are pivoted on the joining component to prop inner ends of the connecting rods; each fixing bar has an uppermost recessed propping portion; a first one of the fixing bars has a pulled part protruding therefrom; a spring is interposed between and joined on the fixing bars to bias the fixing bars; a co-moving device is joined on both the fixing bars for the fixing bars to be co-movable; when the pulled part of the first fixing bar is pulled, the fixing bars will pivot to no longer prop the connecting rods, thus allowing the rods to pivot to a vertical not-in-use position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an articulation joint which can move in a controlled manner between two elements that can rotate in relation to one another about an axis ?, comprising: a hub (6) which is equipped with a cylindrical bore (7) having a ? axis and which is intended to be fixed to the first element; and a shaft (10) which is engaged in the bore in the hub (6), such that it can move in relation to the hub in rotation about axis ?, and which is intended to be fixed to the second element. The invention is characterised in that the hub (6) and the shaft (10) are elastic and can deform under a stress (F3, F4) which is perpendicular to the ? axis and which is greater than a given value, in order to lock or brake the ? axis rotation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stretch type fixing mechanism for an electronic device. The stretch type fixing mechanism includes a first component, a second component and a casing having a base plate to carry the first and the second components. The stretch type fixing mechanism includes a first limiting unit having a first wedging section disposed on the casing and a second wedging section disposed on the first component for limiting the first component to move relatively to the base plate in a first direction; a second limiting unit having a third wedging section disposed on the casing and a fourth wedging section disposed on the second component for limiting the second component to move relatively to the base plate in a second direction opposite to the first direction; and a positioning unit disposed on the first component and having a propping portion.

Abstract: A foldable stand tube comprises an upper tube having an upper connecting portion and an upper pivot portion at one end thereof; the upper pivot portion enclosing an outer periphery of the upper tube; the upper connecting portion being hollowed and having a slit; a lower tube having a lower connecting portion and a lower pivot portion at one end thereof; the lower pivot portion enclosing the lower tube; an inner diameter of the upper connecting portion being greater than an outer diameter of the lower connecting portion so that the lower connecting portion being received into the upper connecting portion. The upper pivot portion is engaged to the lower pivot portion so that the upper pivot portion is rotatable with respect to the lower pivot portion and thus the upper tube is foldable with respect to the lower tube.

Abstract: A locking positioning mechanism includes a first element and a second element, the first element and second element rotatable relative to one another about a common rotational axis between a locked orientation and an unlocked orientation and axially translatable relative to one another. The mechanism further includes one or more first locking surfaces of the first element and one or more second locking surfaces of the second element. The second locking surfaces are configured to clear the first locking surfaces in the unlocked orientation. The second locking surface is configured for an interference fit with a first locking surface in the locked orientation.

Abstract: A mechanical joint is formed from a hollow structure of material that can be shaped so that bringing opposite sides of the external walls forming the hollow together forms a socket. For example, by compressing together opposite external sides of a hollow structure, such as a tube, a socket with a continuous double wall is formed. The socket is configured to provide a snap fit with a moveable member. A flexible member is positioned in the socket and attached to the moveable member, so that the moveable member can be controlled for placement in an out of the socket. The flexible member may also twist to permit the moveable member to be located in any position necessary to allow the moveable member to be engaged in the socket or disengaged from the socket, reducing the need for precise component tolerances. The joint is useful in structures that have multiple configurations.

Abstract: A moving joint of a folding baby bed is pivoted to two connecting rods, and includes a support part, a pressing member, and two stopping members; the support part has two lateral plates, and a curved slot on each lateral plate; the pressing member is movable to and fro in and connected to the support part, and has a protrusion on each side; while the connecting rods are being pivoted, the connecting rods will come into contact with the protrusions to cause pivotal motion of the pressing member; the stopping members together are pivoted to a pivotal rod to form a V shape, which pivotal rod is passed through the curved slots of the lateral plates at two ends; the stopping members are subjected to an elastic position-restoring force; the connecting rods can be pivoted to fold the bed without hindrance after the pressing member has been pressed one time.

Abstract: The present invention is an ingenuously designed multiple self locking hinge assembly that is simple to manufacture and can come in a variety of shapes and sizes given the application requirements. It has few parts making it cost effect and simple to use. The hinge assembly can easily be opened and closed with a single hand while at the same time creating a strong hinge connection. The invention can be used in a number of applications, including use with multiple poled devices for many common applications such as crutches, walkers, golf bag and baby carriages to name a few. The invention can also be used in conjunction with devices that require a collapsible frame. The invention also provides lateral strength and stability to a multiple poled device.

Abstract: A coupling device includes a coupling seat unit connected pivotally to pivot portions of two rod members of a foldable frame such that an engaging end portion of each rod member extends into an accommodating space of the coupling seat unit when the rod members are aligned with each other in an extended position. A spring-loaded latch unit is mounted movably in the accommodating space and is operable from an engaging position for retaining the rod members in the extended position to a releasing position for permitting movement of the rod members to a folded position. An actuating member has a connecting portion extending into the accommodating space and mounted movably on the coupling seat unit, and an actuating portion operably externally of the accommodating space for moving the actuating portion so as to drive the latch unit to move from the engaging position to the releasing position.

Abstract: A cart has a folding support for handlebars, which includes a lower rod secured on a front part of a frame, a pivotal rod pivoted to an upper end of the lower rod, and an upper tube positioned in a linearly displaceable manner around the pivotal rod from a lower end; the pivotal rod has a lengthways extending slot; the upper tube has two opposing holes; handlebars of the cart are connected to an upper end of the upper tube; a connecting element is passed through the opposing holes and the slot such that the upper tube will prevent the pivotal rod from moving relative to the lower rod when it is around the pivotal rod and the lower rod, and such that the support can be folded with the pivotal rod pivoting on the lower rod when the upper tube is apart from the lower rod.

Abstract: According to the present disclosure, a playyard top rail includes a left rail and a right rail mounted to pivot about a pivot axis relative to the right rail. The playyard top rail further includes a rail lock associated with the left and right rails. The rail lock is configured to lock the right rail to the left rail upon movement of the left and right rails to an in-line erected position and movement of the rail lock in a first direction along the pivot axis to a rail-locking position. Once the rail lock is moved in an opposite second direction along the pivot axis to a rail-releasing position, the left and right rails are free to pivot relative to one another about the pivot axis to assume a side-by-side collapsed position. An extensible cord is coupled at one end to the left rail and at another end to the right rail and supported in the middle on a lock housing containing the rail lock to define a bowed fabric support overlying a portion of the left and right rails.

Abstract: A quick-release joint for two tubes which includes a first connector having a first inner lip formed on an inner surface of the first connector, a second connector pivotally connected to the first connector and axially offset from the first connector. The second connector has a protrusion formed on an inner surface of the second connector and has an outer groove formed on the protrusion next to a top face of the second connector to correspond to the first flange. A retainer is formed on a side of the first connector and the second connector to move the first connector to axially align with the second connector such that after the first inner lip is received in the outer groove of the protrusion, the first connector and second connector are solidly and rigidly coupled.

Abstract: The present invention is an ingenuously designed self locking hinge that is simple to manufacture and can come in a variety of shapes given the application requirements. It has few parts making it cost effect and simple to use. The hinge can easily be opened and closed with one hand while at the same time creating a strong hinge connection. The invention can be used in a number of applications, including use with poles for many common applications such as walking sticks, canes, ski poles and wading staffs used by fly fishermen who need poles to navigate through a stream to avoid holes or rocks in the stream bed. The invention can also be used in conjunction with devices that require a collapsible frame.

Abstract: A stroller is provided with a handle having a horizontal middle part and two side pipes. The two side pipes are connected to the horizontal middle part by gear trains so as to be turnable about axes perpendicular to an axis of the horizontal middle part, respectively. A folding part operating mechanism is incorporated into the horizontal middle part of the handle. The side pipes can be folded and unfolded relative to the horizontal middle part by turning the horizontal middle part about its axis.

Abstract: The present invention is a disengageable self-locking pivotal bracket device that can be used as a foldable, pivotal connecting element that can connect two members, for example a fish net and handle, or two sections of a cane. The device includes an axial/fastener and disengageable locking element for pivotally and releaseably locking the device into and out of at least one extended, engaged position. The device further includes a stop which contacts one of the members to limit pivoting in a first direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for the design and manufacture of foldable integrated stiffeners. These stiffeners may be used in, for example, thin-film arrays of electrochemical devices.

Abstract: A compact and efficient stop for establishing the position of maximum extension in a mechanical joint, which comprises a free-floating piston, a piston-retaining pin, and a resilient bumper positioned to engage one end of the piston. The piston, retaining pin, and bumper are located on one side of the joint. A cross stop bushing on the opposing side of the mechanical joint is positioned to engage the exposed end of the piston when the joint is in its position of maximum extension. Applications may include, but are not limited to, use in orthotic and prosthetic devices wherein a larger tolerance in the range of motion is provided for a locking mechanism to engage as the joint reaches maximum extension, while any unwanted feeling of free movement in the joint at full extension is concurrently dampened. A secondary advantage is a softer extension stop for a user.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a foldable mechanism for playard, comprising a connection element for connecting a pair of hollow rods, having an U-shaped cross section, two pairs of guiding grooves and a plurality of through holes for rivets being provided at both sides of the connection element; a pair of hollow rods in which a spring and a latching block are accommodated respectively, a through hole for rivet and a groove being provided at both sides of the hollow rods respectively; and a press-down element having two ramps, for pressing the latching block literally to disengage the engaged status between the connection element and the hollow rod, wherein the press-down element, hollow rod and latching block are fixed on the connection element by rivets, when a user presses the press-down element, the ramps of the press-down element would push the latching block to move literally so as to disengage the engaged status between the connection element and the hollow rod to achieve the effect of collapsing the

Abstract: The present invention discloses a foldable mechanism for playyard, comprising: a connection element for connecting a pair of hollow rods, having an U-shaped cross section, two pairs of guiding grooves and a plurality of through holes for rivets being provided at both sides of the connection element; a pair of hollow rods in which a spring and a latching block are accommodated respectively, a through hole for rivet and a groove being provided at both sides of the hollow rods respectively; and a press-down element having two ramps, for pressing the latching block literally to disengage the engaged status between the connection element and the hollow rod, wherein the press-down element, hollow rod and latching block are fixed on the connection element by rivets, when a user presses the press-down element, the ramps of the press-down element would push the latching block to move literally so as to disengage the engaged status between the connection element and the hollow rod to achieve the effect of collapsing th

Abstract: A compact and efficient stop for establishing the position of maximum extension in a mechanical joint, which comprises a free-floating piston, a piston-retaining pin, and a resilient bumper positioned to engage one end of the piston. The piston, retaining pin, and bumper are located on one side of the joint. A cross stop bushing on the opposing side of the mechanical joint is positioned to engage the exposed end of the piston when the joint is in its position of maximum extension. Applications may include, but are not limited to, use in orthotic and prosthetic devices wherein a larger tolerance in the range of motion is provided for a locking mechanism to engage as the joint reaches maximum extension, while any unwanted feeling of free movement in the joint at full extension is concurrently dampened. A secondary advantage is a softer extension stop for a user.

Abstract: An articulating strut capable of assuming an extended in-line and a folded configuration with rigid cylindrical tubing having proximate ends configured to fixably receive an offset hinged insert that provides for folding and unfolding of said strut. When fully unfolded the strut acts as a single rigid structural support member held in the locked position by a bidirectional slidable locking sleeve. The hinged insert has shapes and curved surfaces which together with offset hinge pins tends to expel the sleeve from a pinch possibility at the folding joint. Convex and concave linkage shapes together with rounded surfaces which bear against a rounded sleeve end avoids sleeve pinch.