GB2583452A

GB2583452A - Improvements in or relating to limb support apparatuses

Info

Publication number: GB2583452A
Application number: GB1904588.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Johnston Stephen
Original assignee: Promedics Orthopaedics Ltd
Current assignee: Promedics Orthopaedics Ltd
Priority date: 2019-04-02
Filing date: 2019-04-02
Publication date: 2020-11-04
Anticipated expiration: 2039-04-02
Also published as: GB2583452B; GB201904588D0

Abstract

A knee brace comprising: a hinged-apparatus including a pair of first members and a pair of second members, the first and second members being pivotably connected; a pivot restriction 20 to limit rotation between a pair of the first and second members and being moveable between an engaged position, where the pivot-restriction 20 is engaged with a first or second member, and a released position, where the pivot-restriction 20 moves relative to the first or second member; and a locking device 22 comprising a hinged-apparatus engagement portion 22b and a pivot-restriction engagement portion 22a. The hinged-apparatus-engagement-portion 22b engages and locks with a first or second member, and the pivot-restriction engagement-portion 22a engages with the pivot-restriction 20 to prevent it moving from the engaged to the released position. Preferably, the first and second members include a housing 18 that includes teeth 28 to receive and engage with one or more corresponding engagement portions 30 of the pivot-restriction 20.Locking device 22 may have a body portion comprising a frangible portion 22g located between the two hinged-apparatus engagement portions 22b, the frangible portion 22g possibly including two planar layers, one or each layer including perforations.

Description

Improvements in or relating to limb support apparatuses

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a locking device for a hinged apparatus, particularly, but not exclusively, a locking device for a knee brace. The present invention also relates to a limb support apparatus incorporating the locking device.

Background to the invention

Limb support apparatuses for supporting limbs, such as knees, are known. Such apparatuses are commonly referred to as knee braces. It is known for certain knee braces to be hinged about the knee joint of the user to allow the user to bend their leg at the knee.

Under certain circumstances, such as shortly after a knee operation, it is desirable to control the amount of flexion and/or extension that the knee should be subjected to. It is therefore known to provide a mechanism for controlling and adjusting the range-of-motion permitted by the knee brace.

However, while such mechanisms for controlling and adjusting the rangeof-motion permitted by the knee brace work well, it is not uncommon for the user to perform an alteration of the range-of-motion without medical approval or permission. Such alterations are undesirable and often adversely affect the users rehabilitation.

For certain types of knee braces it is possible to lock the mechanism for controlling and adjusting the range-of-motion in place. However, such locking devices are often unlocked and replaced without knowledge of the clinician.

The inventor has appreciated the shortcomings in these known limb support apparatuses.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a locking device for a hinged apparatus, the hinged apparatus comprising: a first member and a second member, the first and second 10 members being pivotably connectable to one another; and a pivot restriction member, the pivot restriction member being operable to limit rotation between the first and second members, and being configured to be moveable between a first engaged position, in which the pivot restriction member is engaged with the first or second member of the hinged apparatus, and a second released position, in which the pivot restriction member is moveable relative to the first or second member, and wherein the locking device comprises: a hinged apparatus engagement portion; and a pivot restriction member engagement portion, wherein the hinged apparatus engagement portion is configured to engage and lock with the first or second member of the hinged apparatus, and wherein the pivot restriction member engagement portion is configured to engage with the pivot restriction member to prevent the pivot restriction member moving from the first engaged position to the second released position.

The hinged apparatus may be a limb support apparatus. The hinged apparatus may be a knee support apparatus. The hinged apparatus may be a knee brace. The hinged apparatus may be a controlled range-ofmotion (ROM) knee support apparatus. The hinged apparatus may be a post-operation limb support apparatus.

The first member and the second member may be pivotably connected together about a pivot point.

The first member and the second member may be elongate members. The first member and the second member may be substantially planar 10 members.

The first and/or second member may include a protruding portion around the pivot point. The protruding portion may be a cylindrical portion. The protruding portion may be configured to support the other of the first 15 and/or second member.

The first member and the second member may be substantially equal in length. The first member and the second member may be substantially identical.

The first member and/or the second member may be configured to receive and engage with the pivot restriction member.

The first member and/or the second member may include pivot restriction member engagement portions to receive and engage with one or more corresponding engagement portions of the pivot restriction member. The one or more engagement portions of the pivot restriction member may be engagement members. The pivot restriction member engagement portions of the first member and/or the second member may be apertures, channel portions, cut-out portions, teeth, or the like. The one or more engagement portions of the pivot restriction member may be engagement members and the pivot restriction member engagement portions of the first member and/or the second member may be a tooth, or teeth. The pivot restriction member engagement portions of the first member and/or the second member may include a plurality of teeth. That is, the first member and/or the second member may allow the pivot restriction member to engage with the first member and/or the second member at a number of locations.

The first member and/or the second member may include a housing portion. The housing portion may be a cover member. The first member and/or the second member may be attachable to the housing portion. The housing portion may comprise a first part and a second part. The first member and/or the second member may be attachable to the first part or the second part of the housing portion. The housing may be configured to surround the pivot point. The housing portion may surround the end portions of the first member and the second member about the pivot point. The first and second parts of the housing may be configured to sandwich an end portion of the first and/or second member about the pivot point.

The housing portion may include the pivot restriction member engagement portions. The first part and the second part of the housing may include the pivot restriction member engagement portions. A first portion of the pivot restriction member engagement portions may be located on the first part of the housing and a second portion of the pivot restriction member engagement portions may be located on the second part of the housing. Together, the first and second parts of the housing may create, or define, the pivot restriction member engagement portions.

The housing portion may be a toothed dial. The pivot restriction member engagement portions may be circumferentially spaced around at least an edge portion of the housing.

The hinged apparatus may include a pair of first and second members. The first and second members of each pair being pivotably connectable to one another. Each pair may include a pivot restriction member.

The pair of first and second members may be attachable to one another. 10 The pair of first and second members may be attachable to one another by one or more releasable fastening devices.

The pair of first and second members, pivot restriction members and releasable fastening devices may together form the limb support 15 apparatus/knee brace.

Each pair of first and second members may be telescopic. That is the length of the first and/or second members may have an adjustable length.

The pivot restriction member may be a check member that is configured to check the movement of the first member and/or second member. The pivot restriction member may be an abutment member. The pivot restriction member may be configured to abut the first member and/or second member to limit the rotation thereof. The pivot restriction member may be locatable between the first member and the second member about the pivot point.

The pivot restriction member may be releasably engageable with the first member and/or second member. The pivot restriction member may be 30 engageable with the first member and/or second member at a plurality of different locations. This allows the hinged apparatus to provide different amounts of relative rotation between the first member and the second member.

The pivot restriction member may be arranged to be operated by hand, or by finger operation. The pivot restriction member may include gripping portions, the gripping portions being configured to allow a user to grip the pivot restriction member to move it from the first engaged position to the second released position, and to move it to an alternate location on the hinged apparatus.

The pivot restriction member may be configured to at least partially surround the edge portion of the housing portion when in the first engaged position. In this arrangement the pivot restriction member may straddle opposing sides of the housing portion. The gripping portions of the pivot restriction member may extend downwards on corresponding side portions of the housing.

The engagement portions of the pivot restriction member may be configured to engage with the housing portion towards an internal portion thereof. The pivot restriction member engagement portions of the housing portion may be located about an internal portion of the edge portion thereof.

The engagement portions of the pivot restriction member may be configured to engage with the teeth of the housing portion towards an internal portion thereof.

The engagement portions of the pivot restriction member may be located adjacent the gripping portions.

The pivot restriction member may include a pair of gripping members. When the pivot restriction member is in the first engaged position, a first gripping portion may extend down the first part of the housing portion and a second gripping portion may extend down the second part of the housing portion.

The pivot restriction member may include a pair of engagement portions. A first engagement portion may be engageable with the first part of the 10 housing portion and the second engagement portion may be engageable with the second part of the housing portion.

The gripping portions and the engagement portions of the pivot restriction member may be joined by a brace member. The brace member, engagement portions and gripping portions may be integrally formed. The pivot restriction member may be made of a plastic material, or the like.

The brace member may include an upper surface. The upper surface may be a top surface. The upper surface may be substantially planar. The direction in which the pivot restriction member is moved from the first engaged position to the second released position may be along an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the top surface.

The hinged apparatus may comprise two pivot restriction members. Each pivot restriction member may be operable to limit rotation between the first and second members. Each pivot restriction member may be configured to be moveable between a first engaged position, in which the pivot restriction member is engaged with the first or second member of the hinged apparatus, and a second released position, in which the pivot restriction member is moveable relative to the first or second member.

The pivot restriction members may be operable to limit rotation between the first and second members within a predetermined range. The pivot restriction members may be operable to limit rotation between the first and second members within a predetermined adjustable range. The pivot restriction members may be operable to limit the flexion and extension of the hinged apparatus when the hinged apparatus forms part of a limb support apparatus/knee brace.

Each pivot restriction member may be located on opposing sides of the housing portion. Each pivot restriction member may be located between the first member and second member on opposing sides of the housing portion. Each pivot restriction member may be located between the first member and second member on opposing sides of the pivot point of the housing portion.

Each pivot restriction member may be associated with its own locking device.

zo The locking device may be arranged to be operated by hand or finger.

The locking device may have a body portion. The body portion may be the pivot restriction member engagement portion. The body portion may include at least one protruding portion. The protruding portion may be a leg, prong, or the like. The at least one protruding portion may be the hinged apparatus engagement portion. The at least one protruding portion may engage with the housing. The body portion may include two protruding portions. The protruding portions may be the hinged apparatus engagement portion.

The body portion may be substantially C-shaped, or U-shaped. The protruding portions may protrude from the rear of the body portion.

The body portion may brace the protruding portions.

The body portion may be a substantially cuboid-shaped member. The body portion may include an upper surface. The upper surface may be a top surface. The upper surface may be substantially planar. The upper surface may be generally planar. The upper surface may include a curved upper surface.

The body portion may include a pivot restriction member engagement surface. The pivot restriction member engagement surface may be a lower surface. The pivot restriction member engagement surface may be substantially planar. The pivot restriction member engagement surface may have a shape that corresponds to, or is complementary in shape to, the upper surface of the pivot restriction member. The pivot restriction member engagement surface may be configured to make a flush contact with the upper surface and/or a side portion of the pivot restriction member when the locking device is engaged with the hinged apparatus. In this arrangement the locking device engages with the pivot restriction member to prevent the pivot restriction member moving from the first engaged position to the second released position.

The body portion may at least partially overlap the upper surface of the pivot restriction member when the locking device is engaged with the hinged apparatus.

The body portion may include an aperture. The aperture may be substantially triangular, circular, or square, or the like.

A side portion of the body portion may be frangible. The body portion may include a frangible portion. A side portion of the body portion adjacent the aperture may be frangible. A side portion of the body portion adjacent an angle of the triangular aperture may be frangible.

The protruding portions may be located on the same side of the body portion as the frangible portion. The frangible portion may be located between the two protruding portions. A first protruding portion may be located on one side of the body portion and a second protruding portion may be located on an opposite side of the body portion, with the frangible portion of the body portion located therebetween.

The frangible portion may include two or more portions. The frangible portion may be a planar member. The frangible portion may include one or more layered portions. The layered portions may be spaced apart from one another.

The frangible portion may be perforated. The frangible portion may include a plurality of apertures.

The locking device may be made from a plastic material. The body portion, the protruding portions and the frangible portion may be made from a plastic material. The frangible portion may be arranged to be broken by cutting, or the like. The frangible portion may be arranged to be broken by cutting with scissors, a knife, or the like.

The locking device may be configured such that, once the frangible portion is broken, the side of the body portion opposite the frangible portion may 30 function as a hinge, such that the protruding portions can be moved closer together. The locking device may be resilient once the frangible portion is broken. At least a side portion of the locking device may be resilient once the frangible portion is broken. The body portion may be rigid before the frangible portion is broken and at least a portion of the body portion may be resilient once the frangible portion is broken. In this arrangement the two protruding portions may be brought towards one another upon the application of force to the side portion of the body portion.

The body portion may include one or more gripping portions. The gripping portions may be located on one or more side portions of the body portion.

The gripping portions may be located on opposing sides of the body portion. The gripping portions may be located on the side of the body portion to which force is applied to move the protruding members towards each other after the frangible portion has been broken.

The pivot restriction member engagement portions of the first and/or second member of the hinged apparatus may be configured to receive and lock with the locking device. The pivot restriction member engagement portions may be configured to prevent the locking device being disengaged from the first or second member once it is in the locked state.

The pivot restriction member engagement portions may include locking device engagement portions. The locking device engagement portions may recesses, or the like. The pivot restriction member engagement portions may include one or more recesses, or the like, configured to receive at least a portion of the locking device therein.

The hinged apparatus engagement portion of the locking device may be resilient. The hinged apparatus engagement portion may be deformable.

The hinged apparatus engagement portion may be a snap-fit member.

The hinged apparatus engagement portion may deform as it engages with the pivot restriction member engagement portions. The hinged apparatus engagement portion may reform as it locks with the pivot restriction member engagement portions. That is the hinged apparatus engagement portions go through resilient deformation as they engage and lock with the pivot restriction member engagement portions.

The locking device may be a one-way locking member. The locking device may be configured to be engageable and lockable with the hinged apparatus, and unremovable once engaged and locked. In this arrangement the locking device may not be removed from the hinged apparatus by reversing the engagement process.

The hinged apparatus engagement portion of the locking device may be engageable with pivot restriction member engagement portions that are adjacent the pivot restriction member engagement portions to which the pivot restriction member is engaged.

The at least one protruding portion may extend from the lower surface of the body portion of the locking device. The at least one protruding portion may extend perpendicularly from the lower surface of the body portion of the locking device.

The protruding portion(s) may be elongate members. The protruding portions may be substantially parallel to one another. The protruding 25 portions may be cuboid members.

The protruding portion(s) may include locking portions. The locking portions may be arranged to engage with the locking device engagement portions of the pivot restriction member engagement portions. The locking 30 portions may have an engagement surface. The locking portions may be abutment members. The engagement surface may be a chamfered corner portion, or a sloping portion. The engagement surface may be configured to aid the engagement between the locking portions and the locking device engagement portions. The locking portions may be prongs, or the like. The locking portions may be snap-fit prongs.

The locking device may include a side portion adjoining the body portion and the protruding portion(s). The side portion may have a profile which substantially matches at least a side portion of the pivot restriction member. In this arrangement the locking device has a close fit to the side portion of the pivot restriction member.

The locking device may be a clip member.

The pivot restriction member may be a clip member.

The pivot restriction member may be a retaining member. The pivot restriction member may be an abutment member.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a hinged apparatus comprising: a first member and a second member, the first and second members being pivotably connectable to one another; a pivot restriction member, the pivot restriction member being operable to limit rotation between the first and second members, and being configured to be moveable between a first engaged position, in which the pivot restriction member is engaged with the first or second member of the hinged apparatus, and a second released position, in which the pivot restriction member is moveable relative to the first or second member; and a locking device, the locking device comprising; a hinged apparatus engagement portion; and a pivot restriction member engagement portion, wherein the hinged apparatus engagement portion is configured to engage and lock with the first or second member of the hinged apparatus, and wherein the pivot restriction member engagement portion is configured to engage with the pivot restriction member to prevent the pivot restriction member moving from the first engaged position to the second released position.

The hinged apparatus may be a limb support apparatus. The hinged apparatus may be a knee support apparatus. The hinged apparatus may be a knee brace. The hinged apparatus may be a controlled range-of-motion (ROM) knee support apparatus. The hinged apparatus may be a post-operation limb support apparatus.

The pair of first and second members may be locatable on opposite sides of a user's leg, and the pivot point may be locatable adjacent the knee of the user.

The pair of first and second members may be attachable to one another. The pair of first and second members may be attachable to one another by one or more releasable fastening devices.

The pair of first and second members, pivot restriction members and releasable fastening devices may together form the limb support apparatus/knee brace.

Embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention may include one or more features of the first aspect of the present invention or its embodiments.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a limb support apparatus comprising: a hinged apparatus, the hinged apparatus comprising: a pair of first members and a pair of second members, the first and second members being pivotably connectable to one another; and a pivot restriction member, the pivot restriction member being operable to limit rotation between at least one pair of first and second members, and being configured to be moveable between a first engaged position, in which the pivot restriction member is engaged with a first or second member of the hinged apparatus, and a second released position, in which the pivot restriction member is moveable relative to the first or second member; and a locking device, the locking device comprising: a hinged apparatus engagement portion; and a pivot restriction member engagement portion, wherein the hinged apparatus engagement portion is configured to engage and lock with a first or second member of the hinged apparatus, and wherein the pivot restriction member engagement portion is configured to engage with the pivot restriction member to prevent the pivot restriction member moving from the first engaged position to the second released position.

The limb support apparatus may be a knee support apparatus. The limb support apparatus may be a knee brace. The limb support apparatus may be a controlled range-of-motion (ROM) knee support apparatus. The limb support apparatus may be a post-operation limb support apparatus.

The first and second members of each pair being pivotably connectable to one another. Each pair may include a pivot restriction member.

The pair of first and second members, pivot restriction members and releasable fastening devices may together form the limb support apparatus.

Embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention may include one or more features of the first or second aspects of the present invention or their embodiments. Similarly, embodiments of the first or second aspects of the present invention may include one or more features of the third aspect of the present invention or its embodiments.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a knee brace comprising: a hinged apparatus, the hinged apparatus comprising: a pair of first members and a pair of second members, the first and second members being pivotably connectable to one another; and a pivot restriction member, the pivot restriction member being operable to limit rotation between at least one pair of first and second members, and being configured to be moveable between a first engaged position, in which the pivot restriction member is engaged with a first or second member of the hinged apparatus, and a second released position, in which the pivot restriction member is moveable relative to the first or second member; and a locking device, the locking device comprising: a hinged apparatus engagement portion; and a pivot restriction member engagement portion, wherein the hinged apparatus engagement portion is configured to engage and lock with a first or second member of the hinged apparatus, and wherein the pivot restriction member engagement portion is configured to engage with the pivot restriction member to prevent the pivot restriction member moving from the first engaged position to the second released position.

The knee brace may be a controlled range-of-motion (ROM) knee support apparatus. The knee brace may be a post-operation knee support apparatus.

Embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present invention may include one or more features of the first, second or third aspects of the present invention or their embodiments. Similarly, embodiments of the first, second or third aspects of the present invention may include one or more features of the fourth aspect of the present invention or its embodiments.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a hinge device comprising: a first portion, the first portion being configured to receive a first member; a second portion, the second portion being configured to receive a 25 second member, wherein the hinge device is configured to allow pivoting of the first and second members; a pivot restriction member, the pivot restriction member being operable to limit rotation between the first and second members, and being configured to be moveable between a first engaged position, in which the pivot restriction member is engageable with the first or second member of the hinge device, and a second released position, in which the pivot restriction member is moveable relative to the first or second member; and a locking device, the locking device comprising; a hinge device engagement portion; and a pivot restriction member engagement portion, wherein the hinge device engagement portion is configured to engage and lock with the first or second member of the hinge device, and wherein the pivot restriction member engagement portion is configured to engage with the pivot restriction member to prevent the pivot restriction member moving from the first engaged position to the second released position.

The hinge device may include the first and second members.

The hinge device may form part of the hinged apparatus. The hinged apparatus may form part of a limb support apparatus. The hinged 20 apparatus may form part of a knee brace.

Embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention may include one or more features of the first, second, third or fourth aspects of the present invention or their embodiments. Similarly, embodiments of the first, second, third or fourth aspects of the present invention may include one or more features of the fifth aspect of the present invention or its embodiments.

Brief description of the drawings

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a side view of a limb support apparatus including the locking device according to the present invention; Fig. 2a is a perspective view of a locking device for a hinged apparatus according to the present invention; Figs. 2b, 2c and 2d are side, end and top views, respectively, of the locking device of Fig. 2a; Figs. 3a to 3f are perspective views of the locking device of Fig. 2a in use with a hinged apparatus; Fig. 4a is an exploded view of the hinged apparatus of Figs. 3a to 3d; and Figs. 4b and 4c are partial side views of the hinged apparatus of Figs. 3a to 3d.

Description of preferred embodiments

With reference to Fig. 1, a post-operation range-of-motion (ROM) knee brace 10 is illustrated (this is an example of a hinged apparatus).

The knee brace 10 includes a pair of first members 12 and a pair of second members 14. Each first member 12 is pivotably connected to the 30 second member 14 at a pivot point 16.

In the embodiment illustrated and described here the knee brace 10 includes housing portions 18 that are attached to the first portions 12. As described further below, the housing portions 18 are two-part members that surround the pivot points 16 and the end portions of the first and second members 12, 14.

Each housing portion 18 includes two pivot restriction members 20. However, it should be appreciated that each housing 18 may include a single pivot restriction member 20.

As described further below, the pivot restriction members 20 are operable to limit rotation between the first and second members 12, 14. Each member 20 is configured to be moveable between a first engaged position (Fig. 1), in which the pivot restriction member 20 is engaged with the housing 18 (and first member 12), and a second released position (Fig. 3a), in which the pivot restriction member 20 is moveable relative to the housing 18. As described further below, each pivot restriction member 20 may move around a portion of the circumference of the housing 18.

Each housing 18 of the knee brace 10 also includes locking devices 22. As will be described further below, each locking device 22 includes a pivot restriction member engagement portion 22a (body portion) and a hinged apparatus engagement portion (protruding portions) 22b. The body portion 22a is configured to engage with the pivot restriction member 20 to prevent the pivot restriction member 20 moving from the first engaged position to the second released position, and the protruding portions 22b are configured to engage and lock with the housing 18 (first member 12).

As best illustrated in Fig. 1, the first and second members 12, 14 are substantially elongate planar members of equal length that are configured to lie against the leg of a user during use. Each pair of first and second members 12, 14 may also be telescopically arranged to adjust their respective lengths. Each pair of first and second members 12, 14 are attachable to one another with straps 24 (an example of a releasable fastening device). The straps 24 are used to secure the knee brace 10 to the user. The straps 24 are also adjustable to suit the leg of the user.

As best illustrated in Fig. 4a, each housing portion 18 includes a first pad 18a and a second part 18b. In the embodiment illustrated and described here the first member 12 is attached to the first and second parts 18a, 18b of the housing 18. The housing 18 includes a cylindrical protruding portion 26 which defines the pivot point 16, and to which the second member 14 is mounted. As illustrated best in Fig. 4a, the second member 14 includes a circular aperture 14a which receives the cylindrical protruding portion 26 of the housing 18 and allows the second member 14 to be mounted thereto.

As best illustrated in Figs. 3a and 4a, the housing 18 includes teeth 28 (an example of pivot restriction member engagement portions). The teeth 28 are configured to receive and engage with engagement members 30 (an example of engagement portions) of the pivot restriction member 20. The first part 18a and second part 18b of the housing 18 together define the teeth 28. That is, a first portion of the teeth 28a are provided by the first part 18a of the housing 18, and a second portion of the teeth 28b are provided by the second part 18b of the housing 18. As illustrated, the housing 18 includes a plurality of teeth 28, which allows the pivot restriction member 20 to be engaged with the housing 18 at a number of different locations. The housing 18 may be referred to as a toothed dial.

With reference to Figs. 1, 3a to 3e and 4a to 4, each pivot restriction member 20 is a check member that is configured to check the relative movement between the first member 12 and the second member 14, and therefore limit the relative rotation thereof. The pivot restriction member 20 checks the relative movement between the first and second members 12, 14 by being locatable therebetween to act as an abutment member.

As best illustrated in Figs. 1 and 4a, each housing 18 includes two pivot restriction members 20. Each pivot restriction member 20 is located at opposite sides of the housing 18 across the pivot point 16. Together, each pivot restriction member 20 controls the amount of flexion and extension of the knee brace 10.

As best illustrated in Figs. 3a, 3b, 4a to 4c, each pivot restriction member 20 is releasably engageable with the housing 18.

When each pivot restriction member 20 is in the second released position it may be moved to another location on the housing 18. Moving the positions of the pivot restriction members 20 relative to the housing 18 allows the allowed range-of-motion of flexion and extension to be adjusted. As illustrated, the pivot restriction member 20 may be moved around the circumference of the housing 18.

As described further below, each pivot restriction member 20 may be operated by hand and includes gripping portions 20a to allow a user to easily grip the pivot restriction member 20 and pull it from the first engaged position to the second released position. As illustrated, the pivot restriction members 20 are arranged to at least partially surround the edge portion 18c of the housing 18. In this arrangement each pivot restriction member 20 may straddle opposing parts 18a, 18b of the housing portion 18. The gripping portions 20a of the pivot restriction member 20 also extend downwards on corresponding parts 18a, 18b of the housing 18.

As best illustrated in Fig. 4a, each pivot restriction member 20 includes a pair of engagement members 30a, 30b. The first engagement member 30a may engage with the first part of the housing 18a and the second engagement member 30b may engage with the second part of the housing 18b.

The gripping portions 20a and the engagement members 30 may be joined by a brace member 20c. The brace member 20c joins the gripping portions 20a and the engagement members 30a, 30b. The brace member 20c, engagement members 30a, 30b and gripping portions 20a may be integrally formed. The pivot restriction members 20 may be made of a plastic material, or the like.

The brace member 20c includes an upper surface/top surface 20d. The upper surface 20d is substantially planar and the direction in which the pivot restriction member 20 is moved from the first engaged position to the second released position may be along an axis 20e that is substantially perpendicular to the upper surface 20d. The upper surface 20d may be curved to follow the circumference of the housing 18.

As best illustrated in Figs. 2a to 2d, the body portion 22a of the locking device 22 includes two protruding portions 22b that protrude from a lower surface 22c thereof. The body portion 22a braces the two protruding portions 22b.

The body portion 22a may be a generally planar member. In the embodiment illustrated here the upper surface 22d of the body portion 22a has a curvature, which may match the circumference of the edge portion 18c of the housing 18.

As stated above, the body portion 22a is configured to engage with the pivot restriction member 20 to prevent the pivot restriction member 20 moving from the first engaged position to the second released position, and the protruding portions 22b are configured to engage and lock with the housing 18 (first member 12).

The body portion 22a includes a pivot restriction member engagement surface 22e (lower surface). The lower surface 22e has a shape that is complimentary in part to at least a portion of the upper surface 20d of the pivot restriction member 20. In this arrangement the lower surface 22e is configured to make a flush contact with the upper surface 20d and/or a side portion 20f of the pivot restriction member 20 when the locking device 22 is engaged therewith. In this arrangement the body portion 22a at least partially overlaps the upper surface 20d of the pivot restriction member 20.

With reference to Fig. 2a and 2d, the body portion 22a includes a triangular aperture 22f. The body portion 22a includes a frangible portion 22g. The frangible portion 22g is located on a side portion 22h of the body portion 22a. The frangible portion 22g is also located at an angle of the triangular aperture 22f.

With reference to Fig. 2d, excluding the frangible portion 22g, the body portion 22a may be generally C-shaped, or U-shaped.

The protruding portions 22b are also located on the side portion 22h of the body portion 22a. The frangible portion 22g separates each protruding portion 22b.

In the embodiment illustrated and described here the frangible portion 22g consists of two layered portions 22g', 22g", each layer being spaced apart from the other and including an aperture 23g. However, it should be appreciated that the frangible portion 22g may have other suitable structures or arrangements.

The body portion 22a is made from a plastic material and the frangible portion 22g may be arranged to be broken by cutting with scissors, a knife, or the like.

As described further below, the locking device 22 is configured such that, once the frangible portion 22g is broken, the side of the body portion 22a opposite the frangible portion 22g generally functions as a hinge, such that the protruding portions 22b can be moved closer together by the application of opposing forces across the broken frangible portion 22g of the body portion 22a, as illustrated in Fig. 3f. In this arrangement, the body portion 22a may be rigid before the frangible portion 22g is broken and at least partially resilient thereafter. The body portion 22a may act as a resilient hinge.

The body portion 22a also includes gripping portions 22i located on opposing sides thereof to facilitate operation by a user's hand/fingers.

As described above, the protruding portions 22b are configured to receive and lock with the teeth 28 of the housing 18. As best illustrated in Figs. 3b, 3c, 3e, 3f and 4b, each part 18a, 18b of the housing 18 includes locking device engagement portions 18d, which are recesses, or the like. The locking device engagement portions 18d are arranged to receive and lock with locking portions 22j on the protruding portions 22b. The locking portions 22j are arranged to be located, and lock into, the locking device engagement portions 18d of the housing 18 when the locking device 22 is attached to the pivot restriction member 20. The locking device engagement portions 18d are arranged to prevent the locking device 22 being disengaged from the housing 18 once it is in the locked state.

In view of the protruding members 22b (and locking device 22) being made of a plastic material, the protruding members 22b are resilient, such that they may be deformable to allow the locking portions 22j to snap-fit into engagement with the locking device engagement portions 18d.

As best illustrated in Figs. 2a and 2c, the locking portions 22j include a sloped portion 22j' (or chamfered portion) (an example of an engagement surface) that allows the locking portions 22j to engage with the teeth 28 of the housing 18 during attachment of the locking device 22. That is, the protruding portions 22b go through resilient deformation as they engage and lock with the teeth 28 of the housing 18.

The rear face 22k of the locking portions 22j is arranged to abut the locking surfaces 18d' of the locking device engagement portions 18d.

The locking device 22 is therefore a one-way, irreversible locking member.

The locking device 22 is configured to be engageable and lockable with the housing 18, and unremovable once engaged and locked. In this arrangement the locking device 22 may not be removed from the housing 18 by reversing the engagement process.

The locking portions 22j of the locking device 22 are arranged to engage with teeth 28 that are adjacent, or close to, the teeth 28 to which the engagement portions 30 of the pivot restriction member 20 are engaged.

The locking device 22 may include side portions 221 adjoining the body portion 22a and the protruding portion 22b. The side portions 221 may have a profile which substantially matches at least a side portion 20f of the pivot restriction member 20. In this arrangement the locking device 22 has a close fit to the side portion 20f of the pivot restriction member 20.

A method of operating the knee brace 10 and locking device 22 will now be described.

The initial step is to insert the user's leg into the knee brace 10. This is done by having the straps 24 in an open position and then placing the user's leg into the knee brace 10 such that the first members 12 are located adjacent the user's thigh, and the second members are located adjacent the user's shin/calf. The housing 18 (pivot point 16) is located adjacent the user's knee.

The next stage is to close the straps 24 to secure the knee brace 10 to the user's leg.

Once this has been done, the pivot restriction members 20 of each housing 18 are moved to the desired location to set the permitted rangeof-motion for flexion and extension of the knee brace 10. As described above, this is carried out by moving the pivot restriction members 20 from the first engaged position to the second released position, and moving them to the desired location on the housing 18. As best illustrated in Figs. 1 and 3a to 3e, the housing 18 includes markings 18' that indicate the range in degrees of flexion and extension between the first and second members 12, 14. The pivot restriction members 20 are attached to the housing 18 at the position that allows the required degree of flexion or extension.

The next stage is to attach the locking devices 22 to the housing 18 and pivot restriction members 20. As best illustrated in Figs. 3a to 3e, the locking device 22 is inserted into the housing 18, and on top of the pivot restriction member 20, by locating the protruding portions 22b in teeth 28 that are adjacent the teeth 28 in which the engagement portions 30 of the pivot restriction member 20 are located and pushing the locking device 22 into the housing 18.

As described above, as the locking devices 22 are pushed into engagement with the housings 18 and pivot restriction members 20, the protruding portions 22b are received by the teeth 28 and the locking portions 22j click into engagement with the locking device engagement portions 18d. In this position the locking devices 22 are prevented from disengaging from the housings 18 by reversing the engagement process, as the rear faces 22k of the locking portions 22j are in abutment with opposing locking surfaces 18d' of the teeth 18. In this arrangement the body portions 22a also abut against the upper surface 20d of the pivot restriction members 20 to prevent movement from the first engaged position to the second released position. The pivot restriction members 20 are therefore locked in place by the locking devices 22.

In this arrangement a user is not able to easily readjust the position of the pivot restriction members 20, as it is not possible to simply unlock the locking devices 22 therefrom.

In order to remove the locking devices 22 from the housings 18, and pivot restriction members 20, it is necessary to break the frangible portion 22g.

As described above, this may be carried out by, for example, cutting the layers 22g', 22g" of the frangible portion 22g. This may be carried out by using scissors, a knife, or the like.

As described above, once the frangible portion 22g has been broken, the body portion 22a acts as a resilient hinge, such that the body portions 22b may be moved towards one another by application of opposing forces across the side portion 22h of the body portion 22, as illustrated in Fig. 3f. As the body portions 22b are moved towards one another the locking portions 22j move out of the locking device engagement portions 18d, such that the rear faces 22k of the locking portions 22j are no longer in abutment with the opposing locking surfaces 18d' of the teeth 18. Once in this position, the locking device 22 may be pulled out of the housing 18, thus unlocking the pivot restriction member 20 and allowing it to be moved from the first engaged position to the second released position.

It should be appreciated that locking devices 22 may not be reused once the frangible portion 22g has been broken.

zo The locking device 22 of the present invention therefore provides an indication that the range-of-motion of the knee brace 10 may have been altered after setting and locking of the pivot restriction members 20 by a clinician. A user of the knee brace 10 may therefore not easily conceal that they have altered the range-of-motion thereof after fitting by the clinician.

Modifications may be made to the foregoing embodiment within the scope of the present invention. For example, although the limb support apparatus has been illustrated and described above as a knee support apparatus, it should be appreciated that it may be used to support other joints of a body, such as an elbow.

Also, although the housing 18 has been described above as being attached to the first member 12, it should be appreciated that it may be attached to the second member 14.

Furthermore, it should also be appreciated that the housing 18 is not essential and that the pivot restriction members 20 may be connected to 10 the first or second members 12, 14, such that the apparatus operates in the same manner.

Claims

Claims 1. A knee brace comprising: a hinged apparatus, the hinged apparatus comprising: a pair of first members and a pair of second members, the first and second members being pivotably connectable to one another; and a pivot restriction member, the pivot restriction member being operable to limit rotation between at least one pair of first and second members, and being configured to be moveable between a first engaged position, in which the pivot restriction member is engaged with a first or second member of the hinged apparatus, and a second released position, in which the pivot restriction member is moveable relative to the first or second member; and a locking device, the locking device comprising: a hinged apparatus engagement portion; and a pivot restriction member engagement portion, wherein the hinged apparatus engagement portion is configured to engage and lock with a first or second member of the hinged apparatus, and wherein the pivot restriction member engagement portion is configured to engage with the pivot restriction member to prevent the pivot restriction member moving from the first engaged position to the second released position.
2. The knee brace of claim 1, wherein the pair of first and second members are locatable on opposite sides of a user's leg, with the pivot point being locatable adjacent the knee of the user, and being releasably attachable to one another.
3. The knee brace of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first member and/or the second member include a housing, the housing including pivot restriction member engagement portions to receive and engage with one or more corresponding engagement portions of the pivot restriction member.
4. The knee brace of claim 3, wherein the engagement portions of the pivot restriction member are engagement members, and the pivot restriction member engagement portions of the housing are tooth or channel portions.
5. The knee brace of claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the locking device has a body portion, the body portion being configured to be engageable with the pivot restriction member, and having protruding portions, the protruding portions being configured to be engageable with the pivot restriction member engagement portions of the housing.
6. The knee brace of claim 5, wherein the protruding portions of the body portion protrude from a lower surface thereof. 20
7. The knee brace of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the body portion of the locking device includes a pivot restriction member engagement surface, the pivot restriction member engagement surface having a shape that corresponds to, or is complementary in shape to, an upper surface of the pivot restriction member.
8. The knee brace of any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the body portion of the locking device is configured to at least partially overlap an upper surface of the pivot restriction member when the locking device is engaged with the housing and the pivot restriction member is in the first engaged position.
9. The knee brace of any of claims 5 to 8, wherein the body portion of the locking device includes an aperture, the aperture being triangular, circular, or square.
10. The knee brace of any of claims 5 to 9, wherein the body portion of the locking device includes a frangible portion.
11. The knee brace of claim 10, when dependent on claim 9, wherein the frangible portion is located adjacent the aperture of the body portion.
12. The knee brace of claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the protruding portions of the body portion are located on the same side of the body portion as the frangible portion.
13. The knee brace of any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the frangible portion is located between the two protruding portions.
14. The knee brace of any of claims 10 to 13, wherein the frangible portion includes two or more substantially planar layers, one or each layer including one or more perforations.
15. The knee brace of any of clams 10 to 14, wherein the body portion of the locking device is substantially rigid before the frangible portion is broken and at least a portion of the body portion is resilient once the frangible portion is broken.
16. The knee brace of any of claims 10 to 15, wherein the body portion of the locking device includes gripping portions, the gripping portions being located on opposite sides of the frangible portion.
17. The knee brace of any of claims 5 to 16, wherein the pivot restriction member engagement portions of the housing include locking device engagement portions, the locking device engagement portions being configured to receive locking portions of the protruding portions of the body portion.
18. The knee brace of claim 17, wherein pivot restriction member engagement portions of the housing are recesses, and the locking portions of the protruding portions are abutment members.
19. The knee brace of claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the housing is rigid and the protruding portions of the body portion are resilient, such that the locking portions thereof provide a snap-fit and locking arrangement with the locking device engagement portions of the pivot restriction member engagement portions.
20. The knee brace of any preceding claim, wherein the locking device is an irreversible locking member, such that the locking device may not be removed from the hinged apparatus by reversing the engagement process.
21. The knee brace of any of claims 3 to 20, wherein the housing comprises a first part and a second part, the first member and/or the second member being attachable to the first part or the second part housing portion, and the housing being configured to surround the pivot point between the first and second members.
22. The knee brace of any preceding claim, wherein each pair of first and second members include one or two pivot restriction members.
23. The knee brace of any preceding claim, wherein each pivot restriction member includes its own locking device.
24. A locking device for a hinged apparatus, the hinged apparatus comprising: a first member and a second member, the first and second members being pivotably connectable to one another; and a pivot restriction member, the pivot restriction member being operable to limit rotation between the first and second members, and being configured to be moveable between a first engaged position, in which the pivot restriction member is engaged with the first or second member of the hinged apparatus, and a second released position, in which the pivot restriction member is moveable relative to the first or second member, and wherein the locking device comprises: a hinged apparatus engagement portion; and a pivot restriction member engagement portion, wherein the hinged apparatus engagement portion is configured to engage and lock with the first or second member of the hinged apparatus, and wherein the pivot restriction member engagement portion is configured to engage with the pivot restriction member to prevent the pivot restriction member moving from the first engaged position to the second released position.
25. A hinged apparatus comprising: a first member and a second member, the first and second members being pivotably connectable to one another; a pivot restriction member, the pivot restriction member being operable to limit rotation between the first and second members, and being configured to be moveable between a first engaged position, in which the pivot restriction member is engaged with the first or second member of the hinged apparatus, and a second released position, in which the pivot restriction member is moveable relative to the first or second member; and a locking device, the locking device comprising; a hinged apparatus engagement portion; and a pivot restriction member engagement portion, wherein the hinged apparatus engagement portion is configured to engage and lock with the first or second member of the hinged apparatus, and wherein the pivot restriction member engagement portion is configured to engage with the pivot restriction member to prevent the pivot restriction member moving from the first engaged position to the second released position.