Abstract: A valve device regulates the air pressure in the space between a residual limb, or liner-covered limb, and a hard socket of an external prosthesis. A manually-controlled air-outlet and -inlet valve may optionally include an automatic one-way valve (or “expulsion” valve). The manually-controlled valve is opened and closed by twisting a handle, to open a two-way air passageway by slightly separating the handle and base portions, or by aligning bores in the handle and base portions. At least one stop surface limits the amount of relative rotation of the handle and base portions of the valve, so that the user need only rotate the handle a small amount, for example, less than 90 degrees, to affect opening or closing the valve.

Abstract: A lever-actuated distal lock connects a limb liner to a prosthetic leg or arm hard socket. In some versions, air-sealing capability may limit/prevent air flow through the distal lock, even with vacuum inside the socket. To unlatch the lock, a lever is swung to pull a sliding shaft outward in the lock housing. Swung in the opposite direction, the lever releases the sliding shaft to be biased to a latched position wherein slanted surfaces of the shaft inner end and a liner pin cooperate to allow the pin to slide down into, but not up out of, the lock. In some versions, the shaft inner end slides relative to, but is biased away from, the shaft opposite end, so that the inner end moves out of the way of the downwardly-sliding pin, without moving the entire lock shaft and without disrupting the optional air seal.

Abstract: An external orthotic device increases comfort, stability, and motion control of the ankle and/or foot. An outer shell comprises separate medial and lateral portions, attached to each other only by a flexible/hinge connector that extends between and is preferably anchored to each of the portions in an under-the-foot region of the shell. This connector retains the bottom end of the shell portions together, but allows the shell portions to pivot or otherwise move relative to each other with the bottom-of-the-foot connector as the pivot axis. This pivoting allows the shell to open wide for donning and doffing of the orthotic device and for adjusting the closeness of the two portions to tighten the two portions on the wearer. Strap(s) or other retainer may tighten the medial and lateral portions together around a liner into which the wearer inserts his/her foot.

Abstract: A lock connects the distal end of a liner to the distal end of the hard socket of a prosthetic leg, and limits or prevents air flow into the hard socket through the distal lock mechanism, even when vacuum is established inside the socket. The distal lock normally is latched, but can be conveniently unlatched by swinging a cammed latch handle. The liner pin may be inserted and locked into the distal lock, without the distal lock being unlatched and without losing the internal air seal preventing air flow through passages of the lock. A slidable, biased lock blade, and interaction between slanted surfaces of the blade and the liner pin, allow the pin to slide down, but not up, past the blade. The latch handle does protrude radially outward a significant distance, when the lock is unlatched, but, as soon as the lock is latched, the handle resides against and/or near the outer surface of the lock housing.

Abstract: A prosthetic hard socket has a modified curvature and/or shape that improves rotational control, comfort, and range of motion including even full extension or hyperextension. The hard socket eliminates or de-emphasizes the patellar bar, to eliminate or reduce pressure on the wearer's patellar tendon, and enhances support of the anterior tibial condyle and/or tibial tubercle. Thus, the patellar tendon preferably is not weight-bearing. A lowered socket edge and/or a gap in the socket wall in the region of the patellar tendon prevents the hard structure of the socket from directly supporting or pressing upon the patellar tendon. Inwardly-protruding regions on each side of the lowered edge/gap help “capture” or otherwise press on a portion of the tibia. A flexible and/or cushioning member may be placed in the gap/trough.

Abstract: A lock connects the distal end of a liner to the distal end of the hard socket of a prosthetic leg, and limits or prevents air flow into the hard socket through the distal lock mechanism, even when vacuum is established inside the socket. The distal lock normally is latched, but can be conveniently unlatched by swinging a cammed latch handle. The liner pin may be inserted and locked into the distal lock, without the distal lock being unlatched and without losing the internal air seal preventing air flow through passages of the lock. A slidable, biased lock blade, and interaction between slanted surfaces of the blade and the liner pin, allow the pin to slide down, but not up, past the blade. The latch handle does protrude radially outward a significant distance, when the lock is unlatched, but, as soon as the lock is latched, the handle resides against and/or near the outer surface of the lock housing.

Abstract: A prosthetic hard socket has a modified curvature and/or shape, which eliminates or de-emphasizes the patellar bar to eliminate or reduce pressure on the wearer's patellar tendon, and, instead, enhances support of the anterior tibial condyle and/or tibial tubercle. Thus, the preferred socket is designed with the patellar tendon preferably not being weight-bearing. The preferred curvature and/or shape comprises a lowered socket edge and/or a gap in the socket wall in the region of the patellar tendon, so that the hard structure of the socket does not directly support or press upon the patellar tendon. The invented socket may include inwardly-protruding regions on each side of the lowered edge/gap, for helping to “capture” or otherwise press on a portion of the tibia for improved rotational control. This combination of shapes and curvatures provides for improved rotational control, comfort, and range of motion including even full extension or hyperextension.

Abstract: A valve system regulates the air pressure in the space(s) between a residual limb, or liner-covered limb, and a hard socket of an external prosthesis, for example, for improving donning and doffing the prosthesis, and/or during walking and other normal use of the prosthesis. The valve system may include a manually-controlled air outlet and inlet valve that may be installed on a distal region of a hard socket, and/or an automatic one-way outlet valve. The manually-controlled valve is preferably opened and closed by twisting of a handle portion of the valve system, wherein partial rotation of the handle portion relative to the base portion of the valve system creates slight separation of the handle and base portions to form a gap through which may pass air from the well of the socket. This simple twisting, or partial rotation, provides a valve that stays open hands-free, so that the wearer may open the valve and then use his/her hands to don or doff the prosthesis.

Abstract: A valve system may attach to the distal area of a prosthetic hard socket without leaks, in spite of the high amount of curvature of the distal area. The valve stem/member of the valve system slides to, or rests in, a closed position that seals against a valve housing surface. The valve is adapted for a low “crack” or “pop” pressure, for example, when the pressure inside the distal region of the socket well is 1-3 psi above the air pressure outside the hard socket. An elastomeric valve member is preferably used that exhibits a very accurate and reproducible response at the low crack pressure, and, in addition, sound dampening and/or filtration pads may be used to further reduce sound and fouling of the preferred elastomeric valve member. The preferred valve gives repeated, consistent, and quiet performance, which helps prevent uncomfortable and/or high-noise-producing swings in the pressure inside the socket well.

Abstract: A valve system regulates the air pressure in the space(s) between a residual limb, or liner-covered limb, and a hard socket of an external prosthesis, for example, for improving donning and doffing the prosthesis, and/or during walking and other normal use of the prosthesis. The valve system may include a manually-controlled air outlet and inlet valve that may be installed on a distal region of a hard socket, and/or an automatic one-way outlet valve. The manually-controlled valve is preferably opened and closed by twisting of a handle portion of the valve system, wherein partial rotation of the handle portion relative to the base portion of the valve system creates slight separation of the handle and base portions to form a gap through which may pass air from the well of the socket. This simple twisting, or partial rotation, provides a valve that stays open hands-free, so that the wearer may open the valve and then use his/her hands to don or doff the prosthesis.