| abstract |
An orthotic brace ( 30 ) for a joint includes a bracing device ( 40 ) having first and second portions ( 42, 44 ) movable relative to one another and a mechanism ( 100 ) for placing the bracing device ( 40 ) in a first condition in which the first portion ( 42 ) has a first resistance to movement relative to the second portion ( 44 ) and a second condition in which the first portion ( 42 ) has a second, different resistance to movement relative to the second portion ( 44 ). The mechanism ( 100 ) is capable of placing the bracing device ( 40 ) in a third condition in which the first portion ( 42 ) has a third resistance to movement relative to the second portion ( 44 ) that is between the first and second resistance. |