Patents Assigned to CRP, Inc.
  • Patent number: 6398818
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: CRP, Inc.
    Inventors: John B. Merlette, Eric W. Rubie, David J. Wall, James R. Brueggemann
  • Patent number: 6261324
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: CRP, Inc.
    Inventor: John B. Merlette
  • Patent number: 5593456
    Abstract: A foot prosthesis comprised of a single monolithic elongated composite member having a semi-flexible shank strut section, an ankle section, a forefoot section, and a toe section. One end of the shank strut section is connected to a socket which is adapted to receive an amputated leg stump. The other end smoothly curves downwardly, or downwardly and rearwardly, before curving forwardly of the shank strut section to the toe section. The invention is specially designed to accommodate lower limb amputee athletes participating in field and track events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: CRP, Inc.
    Inventor: John Merlette