‘Free Lock’ is a gripping system to be fitted
to a prosthesis or orthosis by which users
with limited arm- or hand function can ride
a bike or motorcycle.
The workings of the Free Lock-system
The Free Lock-system is a mechanism which is
designed in such a way that it locks itself to the
handlebar during accelerating and decelerating
a (motor)cycle. In case of a collision, a crash or
unexpected forces higher than pre-set, the
system will unlock.
Attaching to the handlebar
The Free Lock-system was developed to give
you a safe grip to a handlebar while still
providing you with enough range of motion.
Once attached to the handlebar, you can move
freely and safely with a range of 20° in all
directions. You need this range of motion to be
able to ride a (motor)cycle. Outside this range of
20° the system will unlock and disconnect from
the handlebar.
To guarantee the range of motion in all
directions, the neutral position of the Free Lock
relative to the handlebar has to have an angle
of 90°. Please keep in mind that the angle of the
handlebar itself may vary on different
(motor)cycles. In some situations the handlebar
or the orthopedic device itself needs to be
adapted to obtain an optimal neutral setup of
90°. Furthermore, the Free Lock may only be
used with the supplied handle.
Setting the adjustment screw
A Free Lock comes with a preset release power
to unlock the system which is specifically tuned
for your specific use. By the time you get more
experienced in using the Free Lock, it is possible
to adjust the basic setting according to your
personal liking. Depending on the surface,
speed and other personal preferences, you can
vary the release power of the hook.
Attention - Only set the adjustment screw a
quarter at a time and see if the desired effect is
reached.
With the adjustment screw, which is located on
the back side of the Free Lock, you can adjust
the release power of the hook to tighten or
loosen the grip on the handle. By turning the
screw clockwise it will tighten the system and
require more force to release the hook from the
handle. When you turn it counterclockwise it
will release easier.
At all times make sure that the grip on the
handlebar remains safe. A setup that is too
loose might result in unintentional loss of grip
on the handlebar. If the setup is too tight it
might not release when needed.
90°
90°
