Patents Assigned to Thusane
  • Patent number: 7488300
    Abstract: Bicentric hinges for use in braces and methods for operating knee braces and other types of braces are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a hinge includes a plate, first and second members pivotally coupled to the plate, and a rocker coupled to the plate. The first member is pivotable about a first axis of rotation, and the second member is pivotable about a second axis of rotation spaced apart from the first axis of rotation. The second member is not directly engaged with the first member, and the first member may not be connected to a return mechanism that urges the first member to pivot about the first axis of rotation. The first member has a first recess, and the second member has a second recess. The rocker includes a head at least partially receivable in the first recess and/or the second recess to restrict rotation of one of the first and second members until the other has rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Thusane
    Inventor: Guy M. Houser