Patent attributes
The present invention concerns a connection device for use in an articulated apparatus comprising two or more tandemly arranged interconnected movable segments, for limiting rotation between two adjoining segments connected by a joint having a single axis of rotation, comprising: a spring assembly comprising one or more helical torsion springs, which assembly has a first end and a second end, configured for placement co-axially along the joint axis of rotation; a stop pin adapted for attachment to one adjoining segment, another stop pin adapted for attachment to the other adjoining segment, each pin moveable around the axis of rotation in fixed relation to the attached segment, wherein the first end of the spring assembly is configured for disengageable connection with the stop pin of one segment, and the second end is configured for disengageable connection with the stop pin of the other segment, such that the degree of rotation by the one segment about the joint axis relative to the other segment is limited as spring assembly engages both pins, and by the torque induced in the spring assembly.
