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: The present invention relates to a foot prosthesis comprising a front foot portion (1), a rear foot portion (2) and an intermediate foot portion (3) formed by a number of rods (8) of resilient material, which rods extend in the longitudinal direction of the foot prosthesis. According to the invention the rods (8) are rotatably connected with at least one of the front and rear foot portions (1,2).

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 variable resistance cell and method provides a variable resistance response to a load factor, such as a load, a load rate, a strain, a strain rate, a pressure, or a deflection. A variable viscosity fluid is displacable between first and second chambers of an enclosure though an orifice in response to the load factor. The variable viscosity fluid has a viscosity that is variable corresponding to the load factor to vary an ability of the variable viscosity fluid to flow through the orifice. The variable viscosity fluid can be a shear stiffening material that increases in viscosity with an increase in a load factor applied to the shear stiffening material, a magneto rheologic fluid responsive to a magnetic field, or an electro rheologic fluid responsive to an electric field. The enclosure can be compressible between first and second positions.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot is comprised of a springy internal frame embedded in a resilient foot-shaped outer body. The frame is in the shape of a modified trapezoid, wherein the shorter top member and the longer bottom member are connected by a generally vertical back member, and a substantially oblique front member. A toe member extends from the bottom member into a toe portion of the outer body. A solid carbon fiber layer is embedded in the frame for strength and elasticity. A break is provided between the lower end of the front member and the bottom member to enable the toe portion of the foot to flex laterally. A flexible cord is connected across the break to prevent the front and bottom portions of the frame from separating when the foot kicks an obstacle.

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 openings extends through the ankle block with a substantially transverse orientation relative to a forward walking motion. The size and shape of these openings, as well as the insertion of different types of stiffeners therein, provide desired performance characteristics to the ankle block. When the ankle block takes the form of one or more inflatable bladders, the pressure within these bladders is individually controlled by valves to provide desired performance characteristics to different portions of the prosthetic foot. A pump system can also be used to control and generate fluid pressure into these bladders.

Abstract: The invention relates to a resilient foot insert for an artificial foot. According to the invention, this foot insert consists of at least two springs (1, 2) which are connected to one another and which together-in side view, in the unloaded state, enclose an approximately triangular spring deflection space (3), the upper, approximately roof-shaped spring (1) having, in the roof top area, an adapter attachment (4) and, starting from the latter, a heel branch (hereinafter “heel spring 6”) which extends downward in a concave curve into the heel area (5), and a forefoot branch (hereinafter “forefoot spring 8”) which extends downward in a concave curve into the forefoot area (7), the free branch ends (6a, 8a) being connected to a separate base spring (2) which delimits the bottom of the spring deflection space (3).

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 incorporate a foot keel and a calf shank connected to the foot keel to form an ankle joint area of the prosthetic foot. The foot keel has forefoot and hindfoot portions and a relatively long midfoot portion extending between and upwardly arched from the forefoot and midfoot portions. The calf shank includes a downward convexly curved lower end which is attached at a portion thereof to the keel midfoot portion by way of an adjustable fastener arrangement. The foot has biplanar motion capability and, in a preferred form, also has high low dynamic response characteristics. The adjustable fastener arrangement permits adjustment of the alignment of the calf shank and the foot keel with respect to one another in the longitudinal direction of the foot keel for tuning the performance of the prosthetic foot.

Abstract: Disclosed herewith is a prosthetic foot. The prosthetic foot is to be connected to a pylon that is utilized for the substitution of the shinbone of an amputee. The prosthetic foot includes an ankle portion to be secured to the pylon. A plurality of curved portions are extended from one end of the ankle portion. A sole portion is extended from one end of the curved portions. The ankle portion, the curved portions and the sole portion form a single integrated plate spring structure.

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: Described are artificial limbs, and anatomic braces containing superelastic supports capable of restoring motion to replaced or nonfunctional appendages. The artificial limbs are intended to replace or restore motion to the foot, the leg below the knee, the leg extending above the knee, the hand, the arm below the elbow, the arm extending above the elbow, the arm including the shoulder, or other appendage commonly associated with a degree of twisting, rotation, bending, or other desired motion. The artificial limbs and braces also provide motion assistance and/or intensify the force during motion of replaced or nonfunctional appendages. In particular, the artificial limbs and braces aid in standing, walking, running, bending, throwing, kicking, jumping, hitting, or other strenuous activity by inducing a directional force upon deflection. The artificial limbs and braces alternatively apply a specific resistance at the joint to gradually restore motion to the appendage during training or rehabilitation.

Abstract: Prosthetic foot apparatus includes a flexible foot plate, an elastomeric block, and a tubular pylon element. The tubular pylon element includes an upper tubular portion, a partially flattened curved portion, and a generally flattened lower portion secured to the foot plate by an elastomeric block. The elastomeric block is configured to allow, with the pylon and the foot plate, inversion, eversion, dorsi flexion, and planar flexion movements of the apparatus to simulate ankle and toe movements of a normal foot. The foot plate and the tublar pylon allow for dorsi flexion and planar flexion movements, and the elastomeric block is appropriately configured to add inversion and eversion movements as well as dorsi flexion and planar flexion movements of the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a prosthetic foot that provides both energy storage capabilities and stability. The prosthetic foot of the present invention provides medial-lateral rotation as compared to the slight tilting or rocking in the medial-lateral plane of the prior art devices. Furthermore, the prosthetic foot of the present invention provides a true hinge in the ankle joint region that may be adapted so that the degree of rotation is controlled.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot (70) incorporates a foot keel (71) and a calf shank (72) connected to the foot keel to form an ankle joint area of the prosthetic foot. The foot keel has forefoot and hindfoot portions and an upwardly arched midfoot portion extending between the forefoot and midfoot portions. The calf shank includes a downward convexly curved lower end which is secured to the foot keel by way of a coupling element (73). The lower end of the calf shank extends upwardly, and initially anteriorly therefore into a reversely curved portion (75) of the calf shank leading to an upstanding upper end thereof.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot incorporate a foot keel and a calf shank connected to the foot keel to form an ankle joint area of the prosthetic foot. The foot keel has forefoot and hindfoot portions and a relatively long midfoot portion extending between and upwardly arched from the forefoot and midfoot portions. The calf shank includes a downward convexly curved lower end which is attached at a portion thereof to the keel midfoot portion by way of an adjustable fastener arrangement. The foot has biplanar motion capability and, in a preferred form, also has high low dynamic response characteristics. The adjustable fastener arrangement permits adjustment of the alignment of the calf shank and the foot keel with respect to one another in the longitudinal direction of the foot keel for tuning the performance of the prosthetic foot.

Abstract: An improved lower leg prosthesis is disclosed that, during use, provides an improved dynamic feel at heel strike and that provides improved inversion/eversion compliance. The prosthesis includes an elongated pylon having an upper, generally vertical section and a lower, forwardly oriented foot section, and it further includes a generally horizontally oriented foot plate disposed beneath the pylon and including a heel section projecting a substantial distance rearwardly of a vertical pylon axis. An elastomeric layer is interposed between the pylon and the foot plate, extending along substantially the entire length of the heel section of the foot plate, for attaching the pylon and foot plate together. During use of the prosthesis, at heel strike, upward deflection of the foot plate's heel section is limited in substantial part both by the stiffness of the heel section, itself, and by compression of the portion of the elastomeric layer disposed rearwardly of the vertical pylon axis.

Abstract: An ankle joint and a subtalar joint provided in a hindfoot permit closed kinetic chain motion of the foot. The ankle and subtalar joints are preferably formed integrally with the hindfoot by respective struts of resilient material of the hindfoot. An arch in the midfoot creates frontal and sagittal plane motion capabilities. The forefoot includes at least one expansion joint hole extending therethrough between dorsal and plantar surfaces. An expansion joint extends forward from the hole to the anterior edge of the forefoot to form plural expansion struts that create improved biplanar motion capability of the forefoot. Concavities and convexities on the surface of the hindfoot, midfoot and forefoot encourage desired motions and motion directions so that the foot functions and feels like a normal foot to the amputee.

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 prosthetic foot is disclosed for improving the gait and comfort qualities of the amputee that participates in walking, running and jumping activities. The prosthetic foot allows hindfoot triplanar motion and has hindfoot, midfoot and forefoot dynamic response, and midfoot and forefoot biplanar motion capabilities. An ankle joint and a subtalar joint provided in the hindfoot permit closed kinetic chain motion of the foot. The ankle and subtalar joints are preferably formed integrally with the hindfoot by respective struts of resilient material of the hindfoot. An arch in the midfoot creates frontal and sagittal plane motion capabilities. The forefoot includes at least one expansion joint hole extending therethrough between dorsal and plantar surfaces. An expansion joint extends forward from the hole to the anterior edge of the forefoot to form plural expansion struts that create improved biplanar motion capability of the forefoot.

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: A prosthetic foot characterized by an easily exchangeable auxiliary ankle member demountably attached to forefoot and sole portions, which are in turn demountably and interchangeably connected. The forefoot, heel and auxiliary ankle portions are fabricated from polymer impregnated and encapsulated laminates, including such laminates as carbon fibers and/or fiberglass or synthetic fibers such as Kevlar. The easily demountable connection of the auxiliary ankle permits interchangeability thereof to match the activity schedule of the wearer utilizing the prosthetic foot without the necessity of frequent visits to the prosthetist. A compressible member between the forefoot member and the sole member, and function blocks located between the various members provide additional adjustability. The orientation of the auxiliary ankle member and compressible member also allows for increased plantar flexion.

Abstract: A foot prosthesis is provided for attaching to a pylon or other intermediate supporting member fitted to the stump of an amputee. The foot prosthesis includes a forefoot portion constructed of a resilient polymer-encapsulated fiber laminate and having an upper attachment section, a curved intermediate section and a lower forward extending section. The shape of the forefoot is generally parabolic or J-shaped so as to provide smooth 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 smooth rolling contact of the foot prosthesis with a ground surface during toe-off, simulating the stride and feel of a natural human foot. A heel portion, also formed of a resilient polymer encapsulated laminate material, attaches under the forefoot in order to provide enhanced comfort and energy absorption during heel-strike.

Abstract: An improved lower leg prosthesis is disclosed that, during use, provides an improved dynamic feel at heel strike and that provides improved inversion/eversion compliance. The prosthesis includes an elongated pylon having an upper, generally vertical section and a lower, forwardly oriented foot section, and it further includes a generally horizontally oriented foot plate disposed beneath the pylon and including a heel section projecting a substantial distance rearwardly of a vertical pylon axis. An elastomeric layer is interposed between the pylon and the foot plate, extending along substantially the entire length of the heel section of the foot plate, for attaching the pylon and foot plate together. During use of the prosthesis, at heel strike, upward deflection of the foot plate's heel section is limited in substantial part both by the stiffness of the heel section, itself, and by compression of the portion of the elastomeric layer disposed rearwardly of the vertical pylon axis.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot having a spring assembly with an anterior and posterior component, a snubber for limiting the movement of the spring assembly during assembly, and anterior and posterior shock absorbers provided between the components of the spring assembly and snubber. The arrangement of the posterior shock absorber, the spring assembly, and the snubber is such that ambulation results in the generation of a compressive force in the posterior shock absorber during a heel-strike phase and tensile force in the posterior shock absorber during a toe-off phase.

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: A prosthetic foot comprises an elongated, substantially two-dimensional, resilient toe member, an elongated, substantially two-dimensional heel member, and a substantially rigid carrier member. One end of each of the toe and heel members is connected to the carrier member independently of the other of said members. The toe and heel spring members can be selected independently so as to provide the wearer with personalised characteristics and responses at heel-strike, foot-flat, and toe-off.

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: An improved foot prosthesis is disclosed which is durable in performance and inexpensive to manufacture, yet effective in accurately duplicating the feel and dynamic performance characteristics of the natural human foot. The prosthesis incorporates a single composite member having a forefoot portion beneath which is molded a unitary elastomeric sole that projects rearwardly from the composite member to define a heel. The elastomeric sole also projects laterally from the composite member so as to provide a degree of lateral stability that matches the inversion/eversion resistance of the normal human foot. In addition, a separate height adjuster and/or stiffness adjuster can be removably attached to the underside of the elastomeric sole, to enable the user to selectively adjust the prosthesis' heel height and/or stiffness.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prosthesis having a substantially rigid leg member, wherein most of the bending takes place about a confined ankle region relatively low to the ground, and in a flexible toe and ankle section, wherein the bending of the prosthesis more closely resembles the bending of a normal ankle joint. The confined bending helps to reduce the amount of horizontal deflection caused along the ankle section by the upward deflection of the prosthesis. The present invention also comprises a tubular leg member that is detachable from the ankle and foot member, and a heel member extending rearwardly from the foot member which is also detachable therefrom.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot has a forefoot reinforcement member extending from an attachment section, through a curvilinear spring and arch section, to a toe end. A forefoot reinforcement member extends from the arch section above the forefoot member to a free end proximal the attachment section, and within an extreme range of movement of the forefoot member. A heel member may extend from the arch section to a heel end. A heel reinforcement member may extend from the arch section under the forefoot member to a free end proximal the attachment section, and within an extreme range of movement of the forefoot member. A secondary forefoot reinforcement member may extend from the arch section to a free end proximal the toe end.

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, having a forefoot member and a heel member, is comprised of two separate members forming opposite halves of the foot generally about the longitudinal axis of the foot for simulating natural rotation of the toes of a real foot. The forefoot member of the foot forms a resilient arc extending from a fixture member to a toe position and has an attachment portion, a curvilinear spring portion, an arch portion, and a toe portion. The heel member extends between the forefoot member and a heel position and has an attachment portion and a heel portion. The heel member is preferably attached to the forefoot member by wrapping the members with a resin impregnated fiber. The foot preferably has a rib-and-groove type connection between the forefoot and heel members for preventing the forefoot and heel portions from sliding and rotating with respect to each other and thus prevents shear stress form being placed on the fibers holding the members together.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prosthetic foot including an integral spring portion providing motion in the foot, particularly a unitary foot structure providing a selectable degree of plantar flexion and a stiff structure for toe off. The present invention has found that an integrally formed c-shaped spring portion having an anterior gap, joining a connection platform and the heel and forefoot portions can provide a controlled range of natural mobility in a prosthetic foot as an economical design. The c-shaped spring can deflect, angling the connection platform rearwardly to a partially opened position against the bias of the spring, and angling the connection platform forwardly until the stop abuts the top surface of the forefoot in a closed position. The stop is positioned a selected distance above the top surface to obtain the desired angle of dorsiflexion.

Abstract: An adaptable forefoot part for use in a foot prosthesis, wherein the forefoot part is adapted to be used together with a prosthesis socket, and an elongated support part, wherein the forefoot part (13) has a fastening part (20) with at least one fastening element (41,42) adapted to be attached to the support part (11), an adaptable and resilient intermediate part (15) and a front part (19). The invention also relates to a foot unit comprising an adaptable forefoot part, wherein a heel part (12) is attached to the fastening part (20) and the fastening part placed on a support part (11) with a fastening element (41), as well as a system intended for individually adaptable foot prostheses, wherein an adaptable forefoot part according to the invention, a heel part, a support part and an outer casing of predetermined size can be combined in order to provide one adapted for the user.

Abstract: The invention relates to a resilient foot insert for an artificial foot, having at least one leaf spring. In order to increase structural strength, the at least one leaf spring comprises a plurality of leaf spring elements which are coupled in parallel, are arranged next to one another and are connected to one another at their two end regions. Between these two end regions, there is a clearance distance or gap between an adjacent pair of the leaf spring elements. An adjustable pressure buffer in the gap adjusts the deformation characteristics of the at least one leaf spring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a resilient insert for a jointless artificial foot having a base-spring connected to a C-shaped spring. An articulated link between the opening of the C-shaped spring and the base-spring transfers bending moment forces acting on the C-shaped spring as a result of forefoot loading to the base-spring.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot is characterized by an ankle portion and a foot portion. The foot portion extends from heel to toe and is secured to a downwardly extending lower attachment section of the ankle portion. The foot portion and part of the ankle portion are bifurcated into multiple side-by-side foot portions such that they are capable of movement independent from one another. Preferably, the foot is bifurcated by the provision of a slot in said foot and ankle portions. A strap or similar expedient may be provided to limit the movement of the side-by-side foot portions relative to each other, if desired.

Abstract: Prosthetic foot apparatus includes a tubular element appropriately bent and flattened to provide desired flexibility. The extent of flexibility, and accordingly the extent of the bending and flattening of the tubular element provides desired stiffness or flexibility according to the desired characteristic, complementary of the user of the apparatus. Different embodiments are shown, including an embodiment which includes a separate foot plate secured to and extending into the foot portion of the tubular element.

Abstract: A midsole system for a running shoe or foot prosthesis have a sole spring, a heel spring and/or a forefoot spring stores energy of foot impact and releases it during the running cycle. A preferred embodiment provides bending beam sole systems for shoes or foot prostheses comprising a bending beam heel spring, a bending beam forefoot spring, a two coupled spring sole system, and a three coupled spring sole system. The sole systems of this invention maximize stability, cushioning, and walking or running economy.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot characterized by a forefoot portion having a heal portion damountably and interchangeably connected thereto. The forefoot portion and heel 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 heel portion permits interchangeability of heel and forefoot portions to match the weight, stride and activity schedule of the wearer utilizing the prosthetic foot. An auxiliary ankle member and wedge between the forefoot portion and the heel portion provide additional adjustability.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot (10) comprising a movable heel mechanism (12), an energy storing device (14) acted on by to the movable heel mechanism (12) to store energy, and a control device (16) attached to the energy storage device (14) and to a release device which enables the stored energy to be released to provide a lift-off force in push-off.

Abstract: A single-piece fibre-reinforced plastics shin component for a lower limb prosthesis for a below-knee amputee has an elongate resilient energy-storing blade and, integrally formed at a proximal end of the blade, an alignment plate extending generally anteriorly and perpendicularly with respect to the blade to form at least part of an alignment device for adjusting the position of the blade relative to an upper limb component. The blade is straight and of constant cross-section at least over its distal end portion to allow it to be cut to length to suit the amputee.

Abstract: A prosthetic component is described for use in a human lower limb prosthesis. The component can consist of an integrated pylon-keel or foot component. The preferred methods of manufacture are thermoforming or injection molding. The use of a single piece of plastic allows for improved energy storing and release characteristics while heightening the wearer's sense of weight reduction.

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: A foot prosthesis is provided for attaching to a socket or pylon fitted to the stump of an amputee. The foot prosthesis includes a forefoot portion constructed of a resilient polymer-encapsulated fiber laminate and having an upper attachment section, a curved intermediate section and a lower forward extending section. The shape of the forefoot is generally parabolic or J-shaped so as to provide smooth 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 smooth rolling contact of the foot prosthesis with a ground surface during toe-off, simulating the stride and feel of a natural human foot. A heel portion, also formed of a resilient polymer encapsulated laminate material, attaches under the forefoot in order to provide enhanced comfort and energy absorption during heel-strike.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot, having a forefoot member and a heel member, is comprised of two separate members forming opposite halves of the foot generally about the longitudinal axis of the foot for simulating natural rotation of the toes of a real foot. The forefoot member of the foot forms a resilient arc extending from a fixture member to a toe position and has an attachment portion, a curvilinear spring portion, an arch portion, and a toe portion. The heel member extends between the forefoot member and a heel position and has an attachment portion and a heel portion. The heel member is preferably attached to the forefoot member by wrapping the members with a resin impregnated fibre. The foot preferably has a mating member such as a rib-and-groove type connection between the forefoot and heel members for preventing the forefoot and heel portions from sliding and rotating with respect to each other and thus prevents shear stress from being placed on the fibers holding the members together.

Abstract: An improved energy-storing artificial foot, connectable onto a lower end of an artificial leg worn by a leg amputee, includes a ball of foot part, a main foot part, and an ankle part. The artificial foot includes first and second transversely positioned pivotal axes that are spaced longitudinally from one another. The first axis, carried in the ankle part, is positioned in vertical alignment with a longitudinal axis of an artificial leg, is about four times higher from a ground surface than is the second axis, and is positioned 78% of the length of the artificial foot as measured from the forward end of the foot. The second axis is positioned in the ball of the foot region of the artificial foot, which is about a third of the length of the foot as measured from a forward end of the foot. A pair of vertically disposed compression springs flank the first axis to simulate muscles that support an ankle.