Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for the rolling contact joint that is particularly useful as a prosthetic joint such as a knee joint. The basic joint may take a variety of forms depending upon the particular situation, but in essence, includes at least two bodies that have surface portions in contact, with the bodies being movable relative to one another and constrained in this movement by the nature of the surfaces in contact and flexible straps positioned about and also in contact with the bodies. Since the shape of the bodies and the positioning of the flexible straps determines the particular type motion, various possible combinations have been described. A particular embodiment of a rolling contact joint is described for use as a prosthetic knee joint.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for a rolling contact joint that is particularly useful as a prosthetic joint such as a knee joint, as well as other applications requiring relatively movable sections having mechanical joints. The joint may take a variety of forms depending upon the particular situation, but in essence, includes at least two bodies that have surface portions in contact, with the bodies being movable relative to one another and constrained in this movement by the nature of the surfaces in contact and flexible straps positioned about and also in contact with the bodies. Where a basic configuration including a pair of cylinders is utilized, the flexible straps may be wrapped completely or partially around each of the cylinders to provide a joint having substantially no restraint of motion with very low friction due to the rolling contact between the contacting surfaces of the cylinders.