Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthetic foot with a base spring (23) with a forefoot area (231) and a heel area (232), a connecting means (9, 10) arranged above the base spring (23) and used to fasten the prosthetic foot to a prosthesis, and a frontal support (25, 26, 27), at the upper end (140) of which the connecting means (9, 10) is arranged and which, at its lower end (250), is secured on a torsion element (28) that can twist about the longitudinal axis (230) of the prosthetic foot, wherein the torsion element (28) is designed as a leaf spring arrangement secured to the base spring (23) at one end in the heel area (232) or in the forefoot area (231).

Abstract: A prosthetic foot device has an elongate forefoot spring carried by a fastener and suspended between upper and lower bumpers. A heel spring is suspended between an end of the fastener and the lower bumper.

Abstract: Prosthetic feet having a split feature are described. The prosthetic feet can include a plate-like upper element and a plate-like lower element connected to the upper element. The plate-like upper element can include a split that separates the upper element into a medial blade and a lateral blade. A portion of the split can curve in a medial or lateral direction. Portions of the split can also be straight, but askew, from a longitudinal axis of the upper element. The plate-like lower element can also include a similar curved split that separates the lower element into a medial blade and a lateral blade. These features, among others, are designed to provide multi-axial movement capabilities of a natural human foot and enhance roll-over properties while in use.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot can include a resilient heel member that can be removably coupled to the bottom of a plate-like foot member of the prosthetic foot. The heel member can be made of a resilient material, such as foam. The heel member can have a shape that corresponds to a foot cover and allows the prosthetic foot to fit within a foot cover. A lip may be provided to engage with a corresponding portion of the foot cover to secure the heel member within the foot cover. A rib can be located on the bottom of the heel member to create horizontal or vertical displacement of the foot at heel strike. A recess can be created in the heel member to removably receive an insert, which can alter the stiffness of the heel member.

Abstract: A prosthetic limb has an outer surface that is a mirror image of an intact limb or a generic limb design. The intact limb is scanned and the surface data is manipulated to create a virtual mirror image. If generic data is used, the intact leg can be measured and the generic surface can be adjusted so the prosthetic limb appears similar to the intact limb. The end of the amputated limb is also measured to obtain socket data. A knee and foot are incorporated to form a virtual prosthetic limb represented by design data. The design data for the virtual prosthetic limb is forwarded to a rapid prototyping machine that fabricates the entire leg simultaneously. Once completed, the prosthetic limb is shipped to the patient.

Abstract: A low profile prosthetic foot comprises a foot member extending at an incline from an anterior portion to a posterior portion thereof and configured to flex during motion, and an adapter mounted solely at a posterior section thereof to the posterior portion of the foot member so that the adapter's anterior section can move relative to the foot member and “roll-up” onto the foot member during motion.

Abstract: The present invention provides divided-end artificial limbs and methods for making divided-end artificial limbs that are inexpensive, simple, and customizable. A limb is formed by dividing an end of an elongated shaft member into extending prongs that are shaped into custom lengths and curvatures. Furthermore, the method of the present invention provides affixing a sole plate to the limb, reinforcement of the prongs by nesting additional prongs within the elongated shaft member, dividing the proximal end of the shaft member into circumferentially spaced-apart fingers, and dividing a midsection of the shaft member into circumferentially spaced-apart flexing vanes. The present invention also provides that the prongs may be further modified by division into toe and heel extensions or by wrapping a prong around another prong to form a sole. Methods of reducing stress concentration using bolts and stress relief holes in these limbs are also presented.

Abstract: A vertical suspension system for a prosthetic foot includes a first member operatively coupleable to an amputee's residual leg. The suspension system can also include a second member coupleable to a prosthetic foot. One or more upper leaf springs and one or more lower leaf springs extend between and are attached to the first and second members such that at least one of the ends of each leaf spring is rotationally fixed to the first or second members, where the upper an lower leaf springs are spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot comprises a ground engaging bottom resilient member, a resilient heel member, and a resilient toe member that collectively circumscribe an open volumetric space. The members resilient compress to absorb compressive force throughout the entire stride of an individual utilizing the foot. The prosthetic foot stores energy during a heel strike phase of a gait cycle, and releases energy during a toe-off phase of the gait cycle in order to assist forward movement of a user. During the gait cycle, a loading response during the heel strike phase compresses the heel member and the toe member, and causes a deflection of the rear portion of the bottom member. Furthermore, an upward deflection of at least one of the bottom member and the toe member stores energy during the transition from the heel strike phase to the toe-off phase of the gait cycle.

Abstract: A prosthetic or orthotic device includes a body configured to support at least a portion of a human limb of a user wearing the prosthetic or orthotic device. The device can also include a shock absorption member coupled to the body. The shock absorption member includes one or more magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) springs disposed between a first portion of the body and a second portion of the body. The one or more MRE springs are selectively actuatable to vary a stiffness of the shock absorption member via the application of a magnetic flux, thereby adjusting a stiffness of the body of the prosthetic or orthotic device to a level corresponding to an activity level of the user.

Abstract: A low profile prosthetic foot comprises a foot member extending at an incline from an anterior portion to a posterior portion thereof and configured to flex during motion, and an adapter mounted solely at a posterior section thereof to the posterior portion of the foot member so that the adapter's anterior section can move relative to the foot member and “roll-up” onto the foot member during motion.

Abstract: A low profile prosthetic foot comprises a foot member extending at an incline from an anterior portion to a posterior portion thereof and configured to flex during motion, and an adapter mounted solely at a posterior section thereof to the posterior portion of the foot member so that the adapter's anterior section can move relative to the foot member and “roll-up” onto the foot member during motion.

Abstract: A keel is provided having a spring portion and a connecting portion. The spring portion can have a channel that is compressible during compression of the keel. A variably adjustable compression member can be provided. The connecting portion is rigidly connected to a rigid center support. A heel is also provided having a spring portion and a connecting portion. The spring portion can have a top open channel formed therein. The channel is compressible during compression of the heel. A variably adjustable compression member can be placed within the channel. Alternatively, heel and keel springs located at least partially external of the heel and keel can be provided. The heel spring can act against either the keel or the center support, and the keel spring can act against either the heel or the center support.

Abstract: A customized shoe for a prosthetic foot includes a polymeric body that is formed to the bottom of the prosthetic foot. The polymeric body may be formed to the bottom of the foot using a molding process or heat and pressure. The polymeric body may provide the function of a sole of the shoe or it may be mediator that is placed between the foot and the shoe sole.

Abstract: A spring orthotic device comprising a cradle for contacting the foot of a user, a spring plate underneath the cradle, a ventral pivot beneath the spring plate, and a dorsal pivot above the spring plate and below the cradle located proximally of the ventral pivot.

Abstract: A stable shock absorbing prosthetic foot that transfers energy between heel strike and toe-off. A toe plate is separated from one or more other plates by a bumper assembly located at each of the toe end and heel end of the foot. Certain embodiments of the shock absorbing foot of the present invention are designed for use with a prosthetic ankle. A torsion adapter may also be used to attach a prosthetic foot of the present invention to the remainder of a prosthesis.

Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial foot with a connecting part for a lower leg part, a forefoot part which is pivotably connected to the connecting part by means of an upper coupling element and a lower coupling element in such a way that an angular position of the connecting part controls an angular position of the forefoot part, one of the coupling elements extending into a heel area of the foot.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot is provided with a forefoot spring, a heel spring and a base spring. The base spring is connected to the heel spring and to the forefoot spring. The base spring has receiving means for the forefoot spring and the heel spring, into which receiving means the heel spring and the forefoot spring can be inserted. The heel spring is connected to the forefoot spring via a coupling element, and the coupling element extends forwards along the forefoot spring at least via one portion thereof.

Abstract: An artificial foot has a connecting part for a lower leg part, and a base foot part rotatably connected to the connecting part via an ankle joint. The base foot part extends rearwards of the ankle joint in a heel section and forwards of the ankle joint in a midfoot section. A forefoot part is rotatably connected to the midfoot section. In order to allow an automatic adaptation of the foot to varying heel heights while ensuring a good stability, an articulated connection transmits the angular position of the connecting part in relation to the base foot part in a proportional manner to the angular position of the forefoot part in relation to the base foot part.

Abstract: A foot plate device is connected to a prosthetic lower leg of an artificial foot, and includes a flexible foot plate. The foot plate has a front plate section, an inclined intermediate plate section extending rearwardly and upwardly from a rear end of the front plate section, and a rear plate section extending rearwardly from a rear end of the intermediate plate section and generally parallel to the front plate section. The front plate section has at least one open-ended slot formed vertically therethrough and extending across the front plate section along a longitudinal direction of the foot plate, so as to divide the front plate section into two force-receiving plate portions. The rear plate section is connected with the prosthetic lower leg.

Abstract: Disclosed are passive lower limb prosthetic devices comprising at least a two degree of freedom mechanism and a network of compression springs.

Abstract: A modular prosthetic foot includes an ankle component; a forefoot component having a circular part with a rounded top surface and at least one flat side surface, the circular part being connected to a rear part of the forefoot component; a forefoot cushion bumper positioned around the circular part; and a heel component.

Abstract: The prosthetic foot (1) consists of three or four laminas, a lower lamina (1a) defining the under-heel and the foot front, a rear lamina (1b) defining the heel and functioning as the Achilles tendon and as the soleus muscle, two upper laminas (1c and 1d) defining the front part of the foot and performing the function of the front tibial muscle, and a connector (2) in proximity to the ankle to serve as a coupling for a tube (3).

Abstract: A prosthetic foot has a plurality of curvilinear leaf springs coupled to an attachment member, including a primary curvilinear leaf spring forming a forefoot arc, an elongated curvilinear leaf spring disposed below the forefoot arc, and a secondary curvilinear leaf spring forming a secondary forefoot member. The forefoot arc is laterally bifurcated while the forefoot reinforcement arc is laterally unitary.

Abstract: An Active Ankle Foot Orthosis (AAFO) is provided where the impedance of an orthotic joint is modulated throughout the walking cycle to treat ankle foot gait pathology, such as drop foot gait. During controlled plantar flexion, a biomimetic torsional spring control is applied where orthotic joint stiffness is actively adjusted to minimize forefoot collisions with the ground. Throughout late stance, joint impedance is minimized so as not to impede powered plantar flexion movements, and during the swing phase, a torsional spring-damper (PD) control lifts the foot to provide toe clearance. To assess the clinical effects of variable-impedance control, kinetic and kinematic gait data were collected on two drop foot participants wearing the AAFO. It has been found that actively adjusting joint impedance reduces the occurrence of slap foot, allows greater powered plantar flexion, and provides for less kinematic difference during swing when compared to normals.

Abstract: Embodiments of low cost prosthetic feet include a footplate with a connection mechanism embedded within a first foam element having a first stiffness. A second foam element is bonded to the footplate and has a recess in a proximal surface and a stiffness greater than the first foam element. The second foam element may have a portion extending past the terminal end of the footplate. A cosmesis encloses the components of the prosthetic foot. A third foam element that extends through the cosmesis into the second foam element may be provided. The third foam element may have a higher stiffness than the first and second foam elements.

Abstract: A modular prosthetic foot characterized by an ankle component; a forefoot component having a circular part with a rounded top surface and at least one flat side surface, said circular part being connected to a rear part of the forefoot component; a forefoot cushion bumper positioned around the circular part; and a heel component.

Abstract: The prosthetic foot (1) is a lamina of composite material with a characteristic J-shape, fixable by a TT bracket (2) directly to a socket (3) containing the stump, i.e. the residual part of the amputated lower limb, in the case of users with transtibial amputations, or to a TF bracket (2a) itself fixable to a mechanical knee (G) fixable to a socket (3a), in the case of users with transfemoral amputations. Said socket (3 or 3a) has a main axis (5) defined by the loading straight line by which the user, after applying the prosthesis, discharges body weight in the static position, and passing through a point (4) identifying the femoral epicondyle.

Abstract: A cover for a foot prosthesis comprises an opening at a top end of the cover, which extends into a cavity formed within the cover, wherein the cavity is configured to receive a prosthesis therein. A wall surrounds the cavity and has the shape of a natural human foot. The wall has an inner surface and an outer surface. The wall also has a top section, a bottom section and a rear section. The bottom section defines a sole area having a toe section, a heel section, and a metatarsal region, wherein the sole area is provided with varying levels of stiffness configured to induce a desired rollover from heel-to-toe in a lateral-to-medial direction.

Abstract: Foot prosthesis, comprising an upper part, and a lower part that is placed on the ground when walking, wherein the upper part and the lower part are connected to each other via an elastic damping element arranged in the heel area, and the upper part and the lower part, forming a spring, extend one above the other and spaced apart from each other into the area of the forefoot, wherein at least one filling piece (15) is inserted between the upper part (3) and the lower part (4) in the area between the damping element (9) and the forefoot (5), which filling piece (15) increases the flexural stiffness of the upper and lower part coupled via the filling piece during walking.

Abstract: A keel for a prosthetic foot comprises a unitary keel body having a longitudinal axis and a length L. The keel body includes a forefoot portion, a heel portion, and an ankle portion extending therebetween. In addition, the keel comprises a first bumper disposed in a first capture cavity in the ankle portion. The first bumper has a central axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the keel body in top view.

Abstract: The present foot prosthesis includes various structural features that provide the foot with advantageous rollover properties. In certain embodiments, the foot guides rollover toward the medial side. For example, an asymmetrical upper element and a correspondingly shaped resilient ankle member support more of the wearer's weight on the lateral side as the foot rolls over. In another embodiment, stiffeners added to the resilient ankle member increase the stiffness on the lateral side relative to the medial side. In certain other embodiments, the foot provides progressively increasing support from mid stance through toe off. For example, a gap between the resilient ankle member and the lower element closes during the later portion of the wearer's gait. The closing gap increases a contact area between the resilient ankle member and the lower element, providing progressively increasing support. In another embodiment, the foot includes a gap between a lower front edge of an attachment adapter and the upper element.

Abstract: A foot prosthesis having improved rollover and stability. The prosthesis includes a first plate and a mounting block having a mounting portion configured to be coupled to a user of the prosthesis, an attachment portion and a gap portion, with the mounting block attached to the first plate at the attachment portion with a gap between the mounting block gap portion and the first plate. Also included is a resilient element positioned at least partially within the gap, the resilient element configured generally to dissipate stress in the first plate and control deflection between the first plate and the mounting block. The mounting block may be substantially rigid with the area of the first plate attached to the mounting block becoming substantially rigid while the remainder of the first plate is at least partially flexible. The resilient element may be interchangeable to adjust performance of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot device has an elongate forefoot spring carried by a fastener and suspended between upper and lower bumpers. A heel spring is suspended between an end of the fastener and the lower bumper.

Abstract: A resilient lower extremity prosthesis comprising a foot, an ankle and a shank above the ankle is provided with an artificial muscle on the shank of the prosthesis for storing energy during force loading of the prosthesis in the active propulsion phase of a person's gait and in the later stages of stance-phase of gait releasing the stored energy to aid propulsion of the person's trailing limb and body.

Abstract: In some embodiments of a prosthetic or orthotic ankle/foot, a prediction is made of what the walking speed will be during an upcoming step. When the predicted walking speed is slow, the characteristics of the apparatus are then modified so that less net-work that is performed during that step (as compared to when the predicted walking speed is fast). This may be implemented using one sensor from which the walking speed can be predicted, and a second sensor from which ankle torque can be determined. A controller receives inputs from those sensors, and controls a motor's torque so that the torque for slow walking speeds is lower than the torque for fast walking speeds. This reduces the work performed by the actuator over a gait cycle and the peak actuator power delivered during the gait cycle.

Abstract: A low profile prosthetic foot comprises a foot member extending at an incline from an anterior portion to a posterior portion thereof and configured to flex during motion, and an adapter mounted solely at a posterior section thereof to the posterior portion of the foot member so that the adapter's anterior section can move relative to the foot member and “roll-up” onto the foot member during motion.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot comprises a ground engaging bottom resilient member, a resilient heel member, and a resilient toe member that collectively circumscribe an open volumetric space. The members resilient compress to absorb compressive force throughout the entire stride of an individual utilizing the foot.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot includes a pair of elongated forefoot leaf springs with proximal ends coupled to an attachment member and extending in an arc to distal ends with the forefoot leaf springs being oriented with one over another. The pair of forefoot leaf springs has different lengths and is coupled to one another at the proximal and distal ends defining an open, uninterrupted gap between the forefoot leaf springs. A pair of hinge connections can be disposed each at a different one of the proximal and distal ends of the pair of elongated forefoot leaf springs. The pair of forefoot leaf springs together has a non-linear force deflection under loading during gait.

Abstract: A low profile prosthetic foot comprises a foot member extending at an incline from an anterior portion to a posterior portion thereof and configured to flex during motion, and an adapter mounted solely at a posterior section thereof to the posterior portion of the foot member so that the adapter's anterior section can move relative to the foot member and “roll-up” onto the foot member during motion.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot can include a plate-like foot member extending along a longitudinal axis between an anterior end generally corresponding to a toe portion of a foot to a posterior end, and a metatarsal hinge comprising an elongate groove extending between medial and lateral edges of the foot member. The elongate groove can intersect the longitudinal axis of the foot member, and can be positioned along the length of the foot member at a location generally corresponding to a metatarsal region of the foot. The metatarsal hinge can also comprise a plurality of elongate apertures that extend completely through the foot member, or a plurality of recessed channels that extend only partially through the foot member, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: An artificial foot device may include a talus body, a core operatively coupled with the talus body by a first joint, and a toe operatively coupled with the core by a second joint. A vertical restraint link between the toe and the core and provides a coupling for the second joint. A toe insert limits motion of the toe relative to the core. A toe bushing receives a tension member for operatively coupling the toe to the talus body. The vertical restraint link, toe insert and bushing constrains relative movement between the core and the toe at the second joint. Relative movement of the core and the talus body at the first joint is guided and constrained by pivot bearings. Constrained relative movement between the talus body and the core corresponds to a coordinated movement of a first joint and a second joint during ambulation of a natural human foot.

Abstract: A prosthetic ankle and foot combination has an ankle joint mechanism constructed to allow damped rotational movement of a foot component relative to a shin component. The mechanism provides a continuous hydraulically damped range of ankle motion during walking with dynamically variable damping resistances, and with independent variation of damping resistances in the plantarflexion and dorsiflexion directions. An electronic control system coupled to the ankle joint mechanism includes at least one sensor for generating signals indicative of a kinetic or kinematic parameter of locomotion and/or walking environment, the mechanism and the control system being arranged such that the damping resistances effective over the range of motion of the ankle are adapted automatically in response to such signals. Single and dual piston hydraulic damping arrangements are disclosed, including arrangements allowing independent heel-height adjustment.

Abstract: An improved mobility assistance apparatus for use by a person as a walking aid, e.g. a cane, crutch, or walker, has a support capable of bearing vertical forces during use of the apparatus as a walking aid and a resilient device connected to a lower portion of the support for ground engagement. The device has a dynamic response characteristic to forces associated with ambulating using the apparatus as a walking aid which generates propulsive force to aid mobility. Two coiled springs are monolithically formed with the device at an upper end thereof. A flexible elongated member is connected to a radially inner, free end of each of the coiled springs and extends about a return at a lower portion of the device for resiliently expanding the coiled springs to store energy with force loading of the apparatus during use and to release stored energy during force unloading to generate propulsive force to aid mobility.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot (100) incorporates a foot keel (101) and a resilient calf shank (105) with its lower end connection to the foot keel to form an ankle joint of the prosthetic foot. The foot keel has forefoot and hindfoot portions and a midfoot portion extending between the forefoot and hindfoot portions. The calf shank extends upward from the foot keel by way of an anterior facing convexly curved portion (106) of the shank, and is secured to the foot keel by way of a coupling element (107) which is monolithically formed with the forefoot portion of the foot. The lower end of the shank is reversely curved (110) and housed by a reversely curved portion (112) of the coupling element.

Abstract: A system and method associated with the movement of a limb. In one example, the system, such as a prosthetic or orthotic system, includes an actuator that actively controls, or adjusts, the angle between a foot unit and a lower limb member. A processing module may control movement of the actuator based on data obtained from a sensor module. For instance, sensing module data may include information relating to the gait of a user and may be used to adjust the foot unit to substantially mimic the movement of a natural, healthy ankle. The system may further accommodate, for example, level ground walking, traveling up/down stairs, traveling up/down sloped surfaces, and various other user movements. In addition, the processing module may receive user input or display output signals through an external interface. For example, the processing module may receive a heel height input from the user.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a prosthetic, orthotic, or robotic foot having at least two joints. One joint is located in a position analogous to the human MTP joint, and the other is located in a position analogous to the human subtalar joint. Motions of these two joints are mechanically couples. Furthermore, these joints are created using “tensegrity” design principals, where connections between the compression members are made by a network of tension members. These tension members create axes of motion, and limitations on those axes of motion. Actuators or linear elastic “springs” are use to alter the torque/angular deflection response curve of these joints, so that the rollover profile of the human foot can be duplicated by this invention.

Abstract: A method of making a resilient prosthetic/orthotic component, particularly a shank for a lower extremity prosthesis in which the shank includes multiple sections which are unbounded in one or more portions of each other, and wherein the shank sections incorporate at least one voids and inserted materials between one or more shank sections to enhance shank flexability while reducing stresses which can cause premature failure.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot comprises a ground engaging bottom resilient member, a resilient heel member, and a resilient toe member that collectively circumscribe an open volumetric space. The members resilient compress to absorb compressive force throughout the entire stride of an individual utilizing the foot.

Abstract: Systems and method for monitoring gait dynamics are disclosed. The performance of an orthotic or prosthetic device or other device associated with a limb may be measured based on the resistance of a bending sensor. Data from the sensors is gathered or processed, particularly for purposes of alignment, safety, failure, usage, selection, and artificial proprioception. Information relating to the device may be outputted visually or auditorily to an individual.