Abstract: A prosthetic foot and lower part of leg has a semi-rigid, resilient foot keel extending in a longitudinal direction and a semi-rigid, resilient leg portion attached at a lower end to the foot keel. The leg portion includes a plurality of resilient leaf spring type members which are spaced apart in the sagittal plane intermediate their upper and lower ends and which are coupled together at their upper and lower end portions. The members are anterior facing convexly curved at their lower ends forming an ankle joint area and extend upwardly above in a substantially anterior facing convexly curve to a substantially vertically oriented upper end which is displaced substantially in the longitudinal direction in amputee gait for improved dynamic response.

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: 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: 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 mobility assistance apparatus and a method for improving the mobility of a person using a walking aid, such as a cane, crutch, or walker, involve use of a device for ground engagement with ambulating using the walking aid. In a preferred example the device is a resilient lower extremity prosthesis that is capable of storing and releasing energy to generate propulsive force to aid mobility. The prosthesis has a foot, ankle and shank. The shank has a lower portion that is anterior facing convexly curved for generating forward propulsion with ambulating to aid mobility.

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: A prosthetic foot (124) incorporates a foot keel (165) and a calf shank (126) 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 an anterior facing convexly curved lower portion which is adjustably attached at a portion thereof to the foot keel by way of a releasable fastener arrangement. The upper end of the calf shank is movable longitudinally of the foot keel in response to force loading and unloading the calf shank during use of the prosthetic foot. A device (125) connected between the upper end of the calf shank and the lower portion of the prosthesis can be used to assist posterior movement of the upper end of the calf shank and control anterior movement of the upper end of the calf shank during use of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A system for a lower extremity prosthesis comprising a foot, an ankle and a shank, has a posterior calf device (169) on the prosthesis to store energy during force loading of the prosthesis and return the stored energy during force unloading to increase the kinetic power generated for propulsive force by the prosthesis in gait. The device in several embodiments includes at least one elongated member (171) such as a flexible strap extending between an upper portion of the shank and a lower portion of the prosthesis, and at least one coiled spring (170) which has a free end connected to the elongated member. The coiled spring is expanded by the elongated member in response to anterior movement of the upper end of the shank for storing energy.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot (147) has a longitudinally extending foot keel (149) and a resilient, monolithically formed calf shank (148) extending upwardly from the foot keel to form an ankle joint area of the prosthetic foot and a lower, prosthetic part of a leg above the ankle joint area for connection with a lower extremity prosthetic socket on a person's leg stump. At least the lower portion of the calf shank extending upwardly from the foot keel is anterior facing convexly curved. The shank and at least a portion of the foot keel are monolithically formed.

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: 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: 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: A prosthesis is disclosed for improving the gait and comfort qualities of the amputee that participates in walking, running and jumping activities. A foot and an ankle of the prosthesis are monolithically formed as a resilient member including a strut which forms an ankle joint. A hole extends through the resilient member with the periphery of the hole forming an anterior side surface of the strut. The resilient member anterior to the hole includes a gap to permit motion about the ankle joint axis while providing a stop in dorsiflexion. The hole is elongated upwardly such that the strut is upstanding and anterior convexly curved.

Abstract: A prosthesis is disclosed for improving the gait and comfort qualities of the amputee that participates in walking, running and jumping activities. A foot and an ankle of the prosthesis are monolithically formed as a resilient member including a strut which forms an ankle joint. A hole extends through the resilient member with the periphery of the hole forming an anterior side surface of the strut. The resilient member anterior to the hole includes a gap to permit motion about the ankle joint axis while providing a stop in dorsiflexion. The hole is elongated upwardly such that the strut is upstanding and anterior convexly curved.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot (124) incorporates a foot keel (165) and a calf shank (126) 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 an anterior facing convexly curved lower portion which is adjustably attached at a portion thereof to the foot keel by way of a releasable fastener arrangement. The upper end of the calf shank is movable longitudinally of the foot keel in response to force loading and unloading the calf shank during use of the prosthetic foot. A device (125) connected between the upper end of the calf shank and the lower portion of the prosthesis can be used to assist posterior movement of the upper end of the calf shank and control anterior movement of the upper end of the calf shank during use of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot (147) has a longitudinally extending foot keel (149) and a resilient, monolithically formed calf shank (148) extending upwardly from the foot keel to form an ankle joint area of the prosthetic foot and a lower, prosthetic part of a leg above the ankle joint area for connection with a lower extremity prosthetic socket on a person's leg stump. At least the lower portion of the calf shank extending upwardly from the foot keel is anterior facing convexly curved. The shank and at least a portion of the foot keel are monolithically formed.

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: 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: 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: 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.