Abstract: A prosthetic foot formed by one continuous coil spring which has a foot center coil section, a heel extension section, and a forefoot extension section. Lateral and medial and torsional movement are accommodated. Energy is absorbed and stored by the prosthetic foot during heel strike in the gait cycle, energy is transferred to the forefoot extension section during foot roll-forward to toe-off in the gait cycle, and energy is released to provide a propelling force on the prosthetic foot at toe-off in the gait cycle. An apparatus allowing the wearer of the prosthetic foot to feel by physical sensation forces being applied to the prosthetic foot is included in one embodiment.

Abstract: The prosthetic foot includes an extending forefoot and an extending heel which curve into arcing sections to be positioned in an overlapping and opposite fashion. A fastener securely fastens the forefoot and the heel to one another at a convergence of the arcing sections. The arcing sections define a receptacle for elements which limit the deflection of the forefoot and the heel. The preferred embodiment has a plurality of individual forefoot and heel members which readily accommodate uneven or angled terrain by individually flexing to conform to the terrain.

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 is provided for attaching to a socket or pylon fitted to the stump of an amputee. The foot prosthesis includes a monolithic forefoot portion constructed of a resilient polymer-encapsulated fiber laminate and having an upper attachment section, a curved intermediate ankle section and a forward extending toe section. The shape of the forefoot is generally parabolic or J-shaped so as to provide resilient support to the amputee during normal walking and running activities without producing undue stress concentration in the prosthetic foot, which could otherwise degrade the integrity of the foot. An arcuate toe section provides rolling contact of the foot prosthesis with a ground surface during toe-off, simulating the stride and feel of a natural human foot. A monolithic heel portion, also formed of a resilient polymer encapsulated laminate material, attaches under the forefoot in a cantilevered fashion in order to provide enhanced comfort and energy absorption during heel-strike.

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 prosthetic foot formed by one continuous coil spring which has a foot center coil section, a heel extension section, and a forefoot extension section. Lateral and medial and torsional movement are accommodated. Energy is absorbed and stored by the prosthetic foot during heel strike in the gait cycle, energy is transferred to the forefoot extension section during foot roll-forward to toe-off in the gait cycle, and energy is released to provide a propelling force on the prosthetic foot at toe-off in the gait cycle. An apparatus allowing the wearer of the prosthetic foot to feel by physical sensation forces being applied to the prosthetic foot is included in one embodiment.

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: A prosthetic pylon attachment construction provides a useful attachment interface between the exterior of a pylon which otherwise has a generally curvilinear exterior and a broad range of other prosthetic devices having relatively flat attachment surfaces, and permits ready manufacture and ready interchangeability of a range of prosthetic devices and pylons.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot is characterized by an attachment section and plurality of curvilinear foot portions extending downwardly from the attachment section to contact a supporting surface. The portions are capable of movement independent from one another. Preferably, the plurality of foot portions is fabricated by dividing a forefoot portion and a heel portion demountably attached thereto. Such division may be achieved by the provision of a slot in said forefoot and heel portions. A strap or similar expedient is provided to limit the movement of the foot portions relative to each other.

Abstract: A lower leg prosthetic assembly having an anterior and posterior components, comprising curved linear leaf springs extending along substantially the length of the assembly, each spring bowed away from one another along substantially their mid-length. There is further provided a wedge member for engaging the lower end of each spring while in position in a prosthetic foot, and wedgingly securing the anterior and posterior springs to a prosthetic foot member, for allowing increased rotation at the ankle joint. Further the upper ends of the leaf springs may be secured to the upper portion of the assembly with a wedge member, wedgingly securing the springs to the upper member, or attached to a socket member, both types of attachments for decreasing rotation at the knee joint. There may be further provided an achilles strap extending along the posterior spring for offering additional vertical loading without increased elongation of the rear spring.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot characterized by a foot portion having an ankle portion demountably and interchangeably connected thereto. The foot portion and ankle portion are fabricated from polymer impregnated and encapsulated laminates, including such laminates as carbon fibers and/or fiberglass or synthetic fibers such as Kevlar. The demountable connection of the ankle portion permits interchangeability of ankle and foot portions to match the weight, stride and activity schedule of the wearer utilizing the prosthetic foot. Auxiliary ankle members and wedge blocks between the foot portion and the ankle portion provide additional adjustability. A split sleeve is provided for assembling the various components.

Abstract: A lightweight foot prosthesis is claimed, having a foot, an ankle joint connected to the foot and capable of motion about a transverse axis, forward and rear snubbers for limiting rotation of the ankle joint, and a connector for connecting the ankle joint to a leg. The ankle joint preferably comprises a body having a bore, and a shell having an integral axle, with the axle extending pivotally through the bore.

Abstract: A prosthetic leg is characterized by an elongated, flat pylon operatively secured at its upper end to the wearer's leg and at its lower end to a prosthetic foot. The pylon is constituted by one or more leg elements which are fabricated from polymer impregnated and encapsulated laminates, including such laminates as carbon fibers and/or fiberglass or synthetic fibers such as Kevlar. The demountable connection of the leg elements permits interchangeability of leg elements to match the weight, stride and activity schedule of the wearer utilizing the prosthetic leg. Deformable adjustment is provided in juxtaposition to said leg elements whereby the flexibility of said pylon may be adjusted. To achieve or improve the desired flexure and energy-storage characteristics, the leg elements may be formed in a concavo-convex configuration.

Abstract: A prosthetic leg and pylon is characterized by upper and lower pylon members having one or more spring elements operatively attached or disposed therebetween. The pylon members are preferably interengaged and reciprocable one on the other, so that forces imposed on the pylon result in such reciprocation and the corresponding storage of energy in the spring element or elements. The spring elements are capable of releasing some of the stored energy upon removal of the force. Constraining bands may be utilized to limit the amount of deflection of the elongated springs, and the effective length of the prosthesis may be readily adjusted.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot formed by one continuous coil spring which has a foot center coil section, a heel extension section, and a forefoot extension section. Lateral and medial and torsional movement are accommodated. Energy is absorbed and stored by the prosthetic foot during heel strike in the gait cycle, energy is transferred to the forefoot extension section during foot roll-forward to toe-off in the gait cycle, and energy is released to provide a propelling force on the prosthetic foot at toe-off in the gait cycle. An apparatus allowing the wearer of the prosthetic foot to feel by physical sensation forces being applied to the prosthetic foot is included in one embodiment.

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: An exoskeletal (or endoskeletal) ankle connector for use in fixedly securing a prosthetic foot to a prosthetic leg. The foot has an elongated cantilever spring type keel. The keel defines an elongated forefoot part, an ankle part and a heel part merging the ankle part with the forefoot part. The keel ankle part is provided with a cavity. The leg has a bottom end with an integral bolt with the bolt having a free projecting threaded stem.

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: A prosthetic foot is characterized by a low-profile, elongated forefoot portion incorporating an attachment section, an arch section and a toe section, said forefoot portion being configured so that the foot may be worn by Symes-type amputees. The foot further preferably includes a heel portion secured to the forefoot portion. A preferably demountable connection of the heel portion to the forefoot portion permits interchangeability of those components to match the weight, stride and activity schedule of the wearer utilizing the prosthetic foot. Adjustment means is provided to permit adjustment and alignment of the foot with respect to the wearer's stump.

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: An energy storing composite prosthetic foot (and its modification) which allows an amputee to walk and run smoothly with less effort than when using a traditional prosthetic foot is disclosed. It is fabricated from a resin impregnated, high strength carbon woven fabric which offers high energy return characteristics to give the wearer high mobility with a more natural feel. The invention also incorporates a mechanism to provide flexibility in inversion/eversion, a feature which traditional feet fail to achieve.

Abstract: A prosthetic leg is characterized by an elongated, flat pylon operatively secured at its upper end to the wearer's leg and at its lower end to a prosthetic foot. The pylon is constituted by one or more leg elements which are fabricated from polymer impregnated and encapsulated laminates, including such laminates as carbon fibers and/or fiberglass or synthetic fibers such as Kevlar. The demountable connection of the leg elements permits interchangeability of leg elements to match the weight, stride and activity schedule of the wearer utilizing the prosthetic leg. Deformable adjustment means is provided in juxtaposition to said leg elements whereby the flexibility of said pylon may be adjusted. To achieve or improve the desired flexure and energy-storage characteristics, the leg elements may be formed in a concavo-convex configuration.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot is characterized by an attachment section and plurality of curvilinear foot portions extending downwardly from the attachment section to contact a supporting surface. The portions are capable of movement independent from one another. Preferably, the plurality of foot portions is fabricated by dividing a forefoot portion and a heel portion demountably attached thereto. Such division may be achieved by the provision of a slot in said forefoot and heel portions. A strap or similar expedient is provided to limit the movement of the foot portions relative to each other.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot characterized by a foot portion having an ankle portion demountably and interchangeably connected thereto. The foot portion and ankle portion are fabricated from polymer impregnated and encapsulated laminates, including such laminates as carbon fibers and/or fiberglass or synthetic fibers such as Kevlar. The demountable connection of the ankle portion permits interchangeability of ankle and foot portions to match the weight, stride and activity schedule of the wearer utilizing the prosthetic foot. Auxiliary ankle members and wedge blocks between the foot portion and the ankle portion provide additional adjustability. A split sleeve is provided for assembling the various components.

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 foot prosthesis and multi-step process for making same, has an upper main member and a sole member as dual segments of the prosthesis and arrangements for removably securing the prosthesis to a stump socket. The upper member has a U-shaped shank strut and flat ankle transition zone and an anterior toe section. The sole member has a plantar toe section and heel section. The invention is specially design to accommodate construction from fiberglass composite materials although the design will accommodate construction from other composite materials or even other materials that are not of the composite type.The process for making the foot prosthesis comprises the steps of forming the two segments. Then the formed segments are bonded together using a compatible resilient elastomer material, such as a high elongation, polyurethane elastomer, a silicone adhesive, or fiber reinforced versions of such elastomers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthetic foot, including a hollow cosmesis (7) with a spring (1) fixed therein, and extending in the longitudinal direction of the foot for operative connection to an adapter (4) for connection to a leg prosthesis (5). The spring (1) is adapted to absorb energy on heel strike and to release this energy on toe-off. In accordance with the invention the spring (1) includes at least one spring element (8) which in the rear portion of the foot has a curved portion in a vertical direction, and a snubbing element in association with the curved spring portion or portions (15).

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 improved biomechanical ankle is provided which imitates the three primary categories of movement in a human foot. Parallel sole and limb supporting plates are held in spaced relationship by an upright post. The limb supporting plate is connected to the post with a ball and socket joint. A helical spring is fixed between the plates to provide resilient support to the anterior portion of the foot in imitation of normal muscular control. The ball and socket joint, in cooperation with the spring, permits the biomechanical ankle to imitate the inversion-eversion, plantar flexion-dorsiflexion, and lateral rotation found in a normal human foot.

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: A universal modular frame for use as a component in an above-knee endoskeletal prosthesis comprises a one-piece rigid outer frame of closed configuration having an upper sleeve extending between lateral and medial sides of the frame and adapted for connection to a linkage and socket for an above knee amputation, rigid lateral and medial side arms rigidly affixed to and extending downwardly from the sleeve, the lateral and medial side arms having recessed lightening recesses therein for reducing the weight of the frame, and a lower base extending between and rigidly affixed to bottom portions of the lateral and medial side arms. The outer frame forms the perimeter of an open central region for mounting a knee motion and gait control unit. The lower base has a flat bottom face and a pattern of spaced apart holes extending through the lower base for use in receiving corresponding fastening means for rigidly but releasably affixing an upper connecting portion of a lower leg pylon to the bottom of the outer frame.

Abstract: An ankle orthosis device is described which comprises a foot receiving cup or shoe which is integrated with or to which is rigidly attached a force transmitting rib which has an inverted Y-shape. At the proximal end of the Y is slidably attached to the rib for securing the device to the lower leg near the distal end of the tibia. Inversion or eversion torque producing forces applied to the device are transmitted through the cup or shoe and rib to the tibia so that there is no tendency to produce injury causing inversion or eversion of the ankle as a result of the torque. Generally free movement in dorsiflexion and plantar flexion is permitted by the device, which allows it to be used for walking, running, sports events and the like, as well as being useful in a postoperative or other therapeutic ankle treatment program. The device can be in the form of shoe inserts, attached to the heel of a shoe or incorporated into the body of a shoe.

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.