Abstract: A device in a leg prosthesis which via a pivot axle is connected to the leg prosthesis, wherein first means are arranged to permit a limited rotation of the foot with respect to the leg prosthesis from an initial position, in which the leg prosthesis and the foot have a certain angle with respect to each other and second means are arranged to permit a stepless adjustment of the angle between the prosthesis and the foot in the initial position.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot includes a foot body having heel and toe parts, an ankle member mounted pivotally on the heel part and having two opposite ends and an intermediate part between the opposite ends, an ankle shaft extending through the intermediate part of the ankle member, and two biasing members mounted within the heel part below the ankle member and respectively adjacent to the opposite ends so as to support the ankle member. A hydraulic bumper unit may be provided to support the biasing members.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot includes a foot body having heel and toe parts, an ankle member disposed above a joint hole in the heel part and having two opposite ends and an intermediate part, an ankle shaft having a bottom end formed with a ball below the intermediate part, a socket receiving the ball to form a ball-and-socket joint, two spring members mounted within the heel part below the ankle member and respectively adjacent to the opposite ends so as to support the ankle member, and a retaining unit fixed to the heel part within the joint hole for retaining the socket within the joint hole.

Abstract: A prosthetic ankle joint consists of a base which includes an upper base portion and a lower base portion. The lower base portion is formed with a substantially hollow receiving cavity extending inwardly from an end thereof remote from the upper base portion. A base member is movably positioned within the receiving cavity and is connected to a prosthetic foot. The base member is movable in side-to-side direction independently of the base, so as to enable the prosthetic foot to closely follow a walking surface. The motion of the base member is controlled by resilient biasing members positioned between the inner cavity and the base member.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot is disclosed for improving the gait and comfort qualities of the amputee that participates in walking, running and jumping activities. An ankle pylon component attached to a foot keel of the foot allows hindfoot triplanar motion. An ankle joint and a subtalar joint provided in the hindfoot ankle pylon component permit closed kinetic chain motion of the foot. The ankle and subtalar joints are formed by respective struts of resilient material of a single piece of material of the ankle pylon component. The ankle pylon component can be used as a functional upgrade component to an existing low profile prosthetic foot, for example.

Abstract: An improved lower leg prosthesis is disclosed for providing an improved performance, including improved stability and improved multi-axial compliance. The prosthesis includes a two-part lower foot plate, incorporating a forefoot plate and a heel plate, and an upper foot plate that is attached to the forefoot and heel plates by a two-part intermediate elastomeric layer. Forming the lower foot plate and the elastomeric layer each in two parts ensures that the forefoot plate and heel plate function substantially independently of each other, which leads to substantially improved cushioning at heel strike and to improved stability throughout the gait cycle.

Abstract: A multi-axis prosthetic ankle includes a bottom component connected to a prosthetic foot, a lower leg connection component connected to a prosthetic lower leg, an elastomeric material securely connecting the bottom component with the lower leg connection component, and a mechanical device suspended in the elastomeric material. The mechanical device is formed of a first bracket connected to the bottom component and a second bracket connected to the lower leg connection component. The first and second brackets interlockingly float in the elastomeric material, and are not in direct contact with one another, thereby permitting relative movement of the bottom component and the lower leg connection component by deformation of the elastomeric material. At least one mechanical stop is positioned to prevent the relative angular movement of the ankle from deforming the elastomeric material beyond the elastic limit thereof.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot includes an adapter element securable to a residual limb, a foot plate having a heel portion and a toe portion along the length thereof, at least one toe spring connected between the adapter element and the toe portion of the foot plate, and a heel spring connected between the adapter element and the heel portion. The heel spring may be a leaf spring or a tube type shock absorber. The concave side of the leaf spring exhibits a plurality of transverse ribs. Alternatively, a tubular pylon may have a collar mounted thereon for movement along the length of the pylon. A toe spring and a heel spring extend from the collar to form toe and heel portions of the prosthetic foot. A further heel spring is connected between the heel portion and another end of the pylon, and a non-extensible band extends between the heel portion and the collar. As another alternative, a tubular pylon has one end securable to a residual limb, and a collar is mounted to the pylon for movement along the length of the pylon.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot characterized by a foot portion and an ankle portion. The foot portion and ankle portion may be fabricated from polymer impregnated and encapsulated laminates, including such laminates as carbon fibers and/or fiberglass or synthetic fibers such as Kevlar. The ankle portion may include an upper end positioned near or below about the location of a natural human ankle joint, a lower end, and an elongated intermediate section at least a portion of which curves downward and forward between the upper end and the lower end. The foot portion may be curved and have a heel section, an arch section and a toe section. The foot portion may be connected to a lower attachment section of the ankle portion, with at least the heel section of the foot portion extending rearwardly from the lower attachment section and below the upper end of the ankle portion.

Abstract: A lightweight foot prosthesis is claimed, having a heel, a toe, and a raised instep, an ankle joint incorporated in the foot and capable of motion around each of three perpendicular axes. The foot includes a dorsal member and a plantar member. The prosthesis includes a device for limiting rotation of the ankle joint about at least one of the axes.

Abstract: A multi-axis prosthetic ankle includes a bottom component connected to a prosthetic foot, a lower leg connection component connected to a prosthetic lower leg, an elastomeric material securely connecting the bottom component with the lower leg connection component, and a mechanical device suspended in the elastomeric material. The mechanical device is formed of a first bracket connected to the bottom component and a second bracket connected to the lower leg connection component. The first and second brackets interlockingly float in the elastomeric material, and are not in direct contact with one another, thereby permitting relative movement of the bottom component and the lower leg connection component by deformation of the elastomeric material. At least one mechanical stop is positioned to prevent the relative angular movement of the ankle from deforming the elastomeric material beyond the elastic limit thereof.

Abstract: An artificial foot and ankle is provided having a keel component, an ankle component, and a central bumper component interposed between the keel component and the ankle component. The ankle component has a lower surface with a radius of curvature greater than the radius of curvature of an upper surface of the keel component in both a sagittal plane and a frontal plane. The curvature of the central bumper component corresponds to the curvature of the keel component. A holding assembly holds the keel component, the ankle component, and the central bumper component together, with the ankle component capable of rolling motion relative to the keel component in both the sagittal plane and the frontal plane. A dorsiflexion stop assembly may also be provided to control the amount of dorsiflexion.

Abstract: A simple, inexpensive prosthetic foot is provided incorporating a cushioned ankle including an ankle block formed of a resilient material or bladder having desired compliance and energy return characteristics. The ankle block is sandwiched between a foot element and an ankle element. One or more optional spring inserts may be embedded inside the ankle block to increase the rigidity of the prosthetic foot and to improve the degree of energy storage and return. The shape of the spring inserts is preferably one that supports compression during relative angular rotation of the ankle plate and foot plate elements, such as during toe and heel roll, and also vertical compression, such as in response to vertical shock loads.

Abstract: Provided herein is a simple, inexpensive prosthetic foot incorporating an ankle block with spring inserts. The ankle block is formed of compressible material having desired compliance and energy return characteristics. The ankle block is sandwiched between a foot element and an ankle element. One or more spring inserts are embedded inside the ankle block to increase the rigidity of the prosthetic foot and to improve the degree of energy storage and return. The shape of the spring inserts is preferably one that supports compression during relative angular rotation of the ankle plate and foot plate elements, such as during toe and heel roll, and also vertical compression, such as in response to vertical shock loads.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot assembly, said assembly includes an ankle member, a heel member pivotally connected to the ankle member, an elongate metatarsal-toe member having a rear portion underlying a forward portion of the heel member and projecting forwardly from the heel member. The metatarsal-toe member being pivotally connected to the heel member. A first compressible element is engaged between a portion of the ankle member and a portion of the heel member and a second compressible element having first and second substantially circular bearing surfaces engaged between a portion of the heel member and a portion of the metatarsal-toe member to resist upward pivotal movement of a forward end of the metatarsal-toe member relative to the heel member. A portion of the compressible element spaced apart from one of the bearing surfaces has a smaller diameter than the diameter of at least one of the first and second bearing surfaces.

Abstract: An ankle block prosthesis is provided having a lower foot plate and an upper ankle plate connected by a monolithic ankle block. The foot plate, ankle plate and ankle block are generally sized to fit within a surrounding cosmesis. The foot is configured such that during a walking or running stride the wearer experiences a smooth rollover or transition of compressive forces from a heel-strike position to a toe-off position so as to provide a natural feeling foot during walking or running activities.

Abstract: An ankle block prosthesis is provided having a lower foot plate and an upper ankle plate connected by a monolithic ankle block. The foot plate, ankle plate and ankle block are generally sized to fit within a surrounding cosmesis. The foot is configured such that during a walking or running stride the wearer experiences a smooth rollover or transition of compressive forces from a heel-strike position to a toe-off position so as to provide a natural feeling foot during walking or running activities.

Abstract: An improved prosthetic foot comprising an energy storage keel and a modified ball and socket ankle joint. The foot and ankle are casted as a single unit, from a urethane copolymer. The movement of the ankle joint is controlled by the use of elastic inserts. These inserts are of various durometers and are interchangeable. Modifying the gait characteristics of this invention can be easily accomplished by simply removing and replacing the elastic inserts. These inserts can be installed without any tools or disassembly of the ankle joint. The attachment to a prosthetic limb is accomplished through the use of an attachment bolt; this bolt also serves as a strengthening and stiffening element for the ankle joint. The energy storage keel of this present invention is comprised of a forefoot having an arch and a resilient toe, which absorbs loads as the user walks and returns the absorbed energy consistent with an energy storage and return foot.

Abstract: An ankle joint, and a prosthetic device incorporating such ankle joint, pivots to imitate the action of a normal ankle and foot. The ankle joint includes a socket secured to an artificial foot and a shank portion that connects at a distal end of a residual lower leg extremity. The shank has a head that is rotatably mounted in the socket so that it pivots between first and second positions about a neutral position. Springs bias the shank into the first position corresponding to plantarflexion orientation of the foot. A first cushion attenuates pivoting action and force of impact at the first position, and an optional second cushion attenuates pivoting action and force of impact at the second position. The socket is connected to the foot by a mounting plate assembly, and side bumpers are provided to resist lateral torque forces. The pitch of the socket, and thus the shank portion, is selectively adjustable.

Abstract: A foam block ankle prosthesis for Symes amputees that has a lower foot plate and an upper ankle plate connected by a monolithic foam block. The foot plate is generally sized the same as a surrounding cosmesis, while the ankle plate is substantially shorter, with the foam block forming a resilient ankle region underneath the ankle plate. The plates are bonded to the foam block with suitable adhesive. An attachment member is fastened to an upper surface of the ankle member slightly rearward from its centerline and approximately located where a centerline of the wearer's ankle would be. During a walking stride the wearer experiences a smooth rollover or transition of compressive forces from a heel-strike position to a toe-off position.

Abstract: A lightweight foot prosthesis is claimed, being formed from a single piece of material and having a heel, a raised instep having a groove adjacent its lower surface and forward and rear contact surfaces, the contact surfaces defining a saddle-shaped surface therebetween, and a substantially flat toe.

Abstract: A dual cantilevered leaf spring structure may provide a prosthesis for an amputee or supplement the feel and action of a human foot and lower leg. The structure is provided with separate limb members each attachable at its top shank to a mounting platform. The shanks are preferably rigid, but the limbs become resilient and spring-like as they extend away from their mounting. One limb terminates in a toe piece and the other a heel piece. A stump socket interface provides a mounting platform having a slot receptacle and set screw holders for each shank of a limb permits the point of support to be located high off the ground and permits height and, in some cases, cant adjustment. The use of composite or stranded graphite construction flat oval tubes allows minimal width combined with considerable shaping ability which is particularly desirable for constructing braces or structures providing non-prosthetic augmentation of natural walking, running and jumping movements in shoes or boots.

Abstract: A foot prosthesis comprised of a single monolithic elongated composite member having a semi-flexible shank strut section, an ankle section, a forefoot section, and a toe section. One end of the shank strut section is connected to a socket which is adapted to receive an amputated leg stump. The other end smoothly curves downwardly, or downwardly and rearwardly, before curving forwardly of the shank strut section to the toe section. The invention is specially designed to accommodate lower limb amputee athletes participating in field and track events.

Abstract: A prosthetic ankle joint includes a first joint structure having a foot attachment plate connecting a pair of spaced apart parallel fins lying in a sagital plane. A second joint structure having a pylon attachment plate is connected to a support block positioned between the fins of the first joint structure. The first and second joint structures are connected to each other by a spherical bearing that allows the joint structures to pivot with respect to each other about three orthogonal axes. The spherical bearing is connected to the first joint structure through an axle that extends through an aperture in the bearing. A rod extending from the bearing is threaded into a bore formed in the support block of the second joint structure. Dorsiflexion and plantar flexion cushions are positioned between the support block and respective surfaces of the first joint structure to resist pivotal dorsiflexal and plantar flexal pivotal movement of the ankle joint.

Abstract: A lower extremity prosthetic device is provided which includes a modular foot with a heel section and an elongate midfoot section, the heel and midfoot sections being configured for detachable combination via a coupling joint. The heel section is formed from a material of a first predetermined stiffness characteristic and the midfoot section is formed from a material of a second predetermined stiffness characteristic, providing a foot of a differential stiffness characteristic akin to that of a natural foot.

Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial foot which is essentially composed of an incompressible core, a heel wedge, an inner foot and an outer foot surrounding everything.

Abstract: A lightweight foot prosthesis is claimed, having a heel, a toe, and a raised instep, the instep including an upper surface and a lower surface, an ankle joint connected to the foot and capable of motion around each of three perpendicular axes, a pair of compression mounts for limiting rotation of the ankle joint, and a connector for connecting the ankle joint to a leg.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for simulating the movements of a natural human ankle and foot throughout all the phases of the gait cycle and which is adapted for the removable attachment to the stump of a lower extremity amputee includes an ankle block member having an aperture in which a universal joint is disposed for allowing the ankle block member to simulate the movements to the anatomical limits of the natural human ankle. Attached to the universal joint and extending upwardly therefrom is an elongated tibial component having an upper tibial end to which is attached a tibial shock member for shock absorption of the prosthetic device during phases of the gait cycle when the prosthetic device strikes any walking surface.

Abstract: An artifical ankle joint for use as an ankle between a foot prosthesis and leg prosthesis in an artificial limb. The artificial ankle joint includes a foot plate attached to a foot prosthesis, a leg plate attached to a leg prosthesis, a stem assembly and bearing assembly connected between the plates in which the bearing is a spherical bearing oriented vertically and including an inner race connected to the leg plate about an axis generally horizontal when the ankle joint is in use and an outer race connected with the stem assembly. Resilient structure extends between the plates for providing a degree of resistance to relative movement of the plates and includes a heel spring enclosing the stem assembly and a toe spring spaced from the heel spring with both the toe and heel springs extending between the plates.

Abstract: An artificial ankle and foot is disclosed. The ankle and foot comprise a tibia, a rear-midfoot, and a forefoot (toes), which contact each other at cam surfaces. Extensible elastic ties interconnect the tibia and rear-midfoot and the rear-midfoot and the forefoot. The ties are attached to the respective components at points or zones of attachment which are movable with respect to each other in accordance with the forces acting on the foot and ankle and the rolling motion of the cam surfaces. The relative movement of the zones of attachment alters the tension in the elastic ties, thereby limiting or increasing mobility in the joints between the tibia and rear-midfoot and between the rear-midfoot and the forefoot.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot includes an ankle member, a heel member and a toe member coupled to each other for relative pivotable movement with the pivotable movement resisted by elastomeric pads. The heel and ankle member are connected through a joint allowing for translational and pivotable torsional motion of the ankle with respect to the heel and provided with limit stops in the axle and the side walls of the heel member to limit the torsional and translation motion of the ankle joint. The toe member is formed symmetrically to be used for left and right feet with symmetrically positioned and mirror imaged fore sections.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot includes an ankle member, a heel member and a toe member coupled to each other for relative pivotable movement with the pivotable movement resisted by elastomeric pads. The heel and ankle member are connected through a joint allowing for translational and pivotable torsional motion of the ankle with respect to the heel and provided with limit stops in the axle and the side walls of the heel member to limit the torsional and translation motion of the ankle joint. The toe member is formed symmetrically to be used for left and right feet with symmetrically positioned and mirror imaged for sections.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot includes a prosthesis body having a toe region disposed in a front part of the prosthetic foot, and a one-piece insert which is provided in the prosthesis body and which absorbs and transmits stresses imposed on the prosthesis body. The insert enables at least a plantar and dorsal deflection as well as axial compression of the prosthesis body, and has an approximately S-shaped design in the longitudinal section of the prosthetic foot. The insert includes a top horizontal section which forms a top edge of the prosthetic foot, and a bottom horizontal section which is of an extended construction compared with the top section and which has a free end which extends into the toe region of the prosthesis body, so that a high elasticity and a high energy storage capacity of the front part of the prosthetic foot are achieved. A front inclined section extends at an obtuse angle from the top section to form a rigid angular element.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot comprises a flexible planter member, a flexible dorsal member, and a posterior pylon member connected by ball and socket joints. Elastic snubbers and torsion resistors aid in controlling the movement of the three structural members relative to each other. During ambulation, the foot deforms elastically to generate approximately the same forces and feel to the user as would be generated by the skeleton, muscles, tendons, and ligaments of a natural foot.

Abstract: In a lower limb prothesis an energy storing foot (10) is combined with a resilient ankle joint (13) which is arranged to allow plantar flexion but substantially to prevent dorsi-flexion. The ankle joint (13) comprises a ball and socket joint (42), the socket (44) of which is extended downwardly on the anterior, medial and lateral sides to form a skirt (44A) positioned so as to compress a resilient ring (54) encircling a ball member (46) of the ball and socket joint (42). Metal plates (56) are embedded in the anterior part of the ring to prevent significant dorsi-flexion. The foot (10) has a single-piece carbon fiber reinforced plastics keel (12) having a lower spring portion (12B) connected at its posterior end as a cantilever to an upper ankle mounting portion (12). The resilient of the foot (10) is adjustable by means of a transversely extending support bar (28) which can be moved longitudinally by rotating an adjusting screw (30).

Abstract: In a lower limb prosthesis an energy storing foot is combined with a resilient ankle joint which is arranged to allow planatar flexion but substantially to prevent dorsiflexion. The ankle joint comprises a ball and socket joint, the socket of which is extended downwardly on the anterior, medial and lateral sides to for a skirt positioned so as to compress a resilient ring encircling a ball member of the ball and socket joint. Metal plates are embedded in the anterior part of the ring to prevent significant dorsiflexion. The foot has a keel having a lower spring portion connected at its posterior end as a cantilever to an upper ankle mounting portion. These two portions may be formed as a single carbon fibre reinforced plastics moulding or individually as part of a two-piece keel with the ankle mounting portion rigid and the spring portion as simple fibre-reinforced strip.

Abstract: An artificial ankle system which is mounted within an artificial foot, such as a S.A.C.H. foot, with the ankle system comprising upper and lower plates, having a pair of spaced apart solid compressible members known as bonded rubber springs, which are attached to the upper and lower plates via gluing or the like, the rubber spring and plate system boltingly attached to the lower portion of the foot, and attached to a prosthesis to the upper prosthetic portion of the leg. This system further provides at least a posterior strap member secured around the upper and lower plate, the strap member serving as a means for compressing the posterior rubber spring to a certain degree, so that it is pre-compressed while being utilized in static or standing position, but allowing the rubber spring to also function in tension or elongation to a predetermined point. There may be further included an anterior strap, which likewise would compress the anterior spring as a strap that is fitted around the upper and lower plates.

Abstract: An improved artificial leg comprising a socket fitted to mate comfortably to an amputee's stump and having a vise-like attaching member mounted thereon, a stem portion having an attaching portion adapted for releasable mating with the attaching member of the socket and having a foot member comprising a semi-spherical ring secured to the lower end of the stem, a generally semi-spherical base member rotatably secured to the ring, a resilient sole covering the bottom of the base member and a boot formed of resilient material secured to the stem and serving to mormally urge the base member to a predetermined position with respect to the stem.

Abstract: Integrated prosthetic ankle and foot structure comprising an ankle portion of larger longitudinal dimension and smaller lateral dimension with a flexible and resilient ankle portion capable of both compression and expansion and a foot structure including a foot plate with a relatively thicker heel portion and a thinner grooved or kerfed toe part.

Abstract: A prosthetic ankle having an elongated tubular shank, which provides bending. The shank is part of a monolithic ankle with the lower portion being a flexure joint. The flexure joint has a flexing post defined by an entrapment kerf. The entrapment kerf allows relatively free movement of flexure within defined limits in axial rotation, dorsi and plantar flexion, inversion and eversion. The kerf surfaces provide resistance to axial rotation during dorsiflexion.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is an articulated ankle joint for use in an artificial limb to connect a foot prosthesis to a leg prosthesis. The joint has foot and leg plates for attachment to the respective prostheses, a stem assembly which includes a coil spring and spherical bearing attached between the plates over a heel portion of the foot prosthesis, and a resistance assembly including a coil spring connected between the plates forwardly of the stem assembly. The joint can be used for performing a variety of physical activities in a natural and comfortable manner and has a natural appearance when clothed.

Abstract: A dual ankle spring foot ankle system comprising generally of a first and second die helical springs attached proximally to a top ankle plate and distally to a plantar base plate. The anterior and posterior springs are attachably engaged to the lower face of the lower portion of the upper ankle plate and upper face of the base plate through a helical nut for helically engaging the spring around its body portion for rigid attachment of the spring to the plate themselves, yet maintaining maximum flexion. The system further includes a rear positioned flexible member extending from the upper plate to the bottom plate for serving as a "achilles tendon" and minimizing elongation of the posterior spring beyond a certain point. There is further provided a downwardly depending forward portion of the base plate for insertion into a soft foot member so that the ankle system is substantially incorporated into the foot system as the ankle is utilized.

Abstract: A prosthetic ankle which can be easily and inexpensively manufactured and installed in conventional rigid prosthetic legs comprises opposing oblong plates having peripheries which are shaped to match the ankle portion of the leg in which the prosthetic ankle will be installed. Hinge structure bisects the inner surfaces of the plates and rotatably connects the plates, one of which is secured to a lower leg surface and the other to an upper foot surface. The plates may be sloped fore and aft to allow vertical rotation of the foot relative to the leg about the hinge axis. Biasing structure acts to return the foot to a position perpendicular to the leg and provide increased biasing with increased bending. The ankle allows small lateral rotations of the foot. The invention also provides for an auxiliary attachment, such that if an element of the ankle should fail the foot will remain secured to the leg.