Patents by Inventor Christophe Lecomte
Christophe Lecomte has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 9351854Abstract: 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. The actuator preferably selectively locks during a desired phase in a gait cycle of the limb and minimizes friction against a rotor of the actuator. 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2014Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: Össur hfInventors: Helgi Jónsson, Arinbjörn Viggo Clausen, Gudni Ingimarsson, Christophe Lecomte, Larus Sigfusson, Heidrún Gígja Ragnarsdöttir
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Publication number: 20160106556Abstract: An alignment adapter for prosthetic sport feet, such as running feet, includes a male pyramid plate having a male pyramid, a female connector plate having a female connector, and a back plate. For use during alignment of a prosthetic running foot, the male pyramid plate is coupled to the back of a user's socket and the female connector plate and back plate are clamped about the foot. The male pyramid and female connector are coupled and adjusted relative to one another to achieve a desired alignment. The socket and foot are locked in an alignment fixture to maintain the alignment and the male pyramid, female connector, and back plates are removed. A laminated plate is coupled to the socket to maintain alignment during normal use.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2015Publication date: April 21, 2016Inventors: Francois Van der Watt, Christophe Lecomte
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Patent number: 9265626Abstract: Systems and apparatuses are provided comprising a prosthetic foot, a shock absorbing module and a coupling member for operably connecting the prosthetic foot to the shock absorbing module. The prosthetic foot can include an upper member connected to a lower member, wherein the upper member includes an upper attachment portion for attaching to the coupling member. The coupling member can include one or more holes for receiving an epoxy filling to secure the coupling member to the upper attachment portion of the prosthetic foot. The shock absorbing member can include a threaded portion that is mateable with an inner threaded section of the coupling member, thereby allowing height adjustability of the shock absorbing member.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2011Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: Össur hfInventors: Christophe Lecomte, Vilhjalmur Freyr Jónsson
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Patent number: 9168158Abstract: A prosthetic foot includes a foot member, a heel member operatively coupled to the foot member. At least one of the heel member and foot member define an arch portion that faces a support surface that the prosthetic foot contacts during use. An insole member contacts said arch portion, the insole member configured to facilitate a rollover of the prosthetic foot in at least one of a lateral-medial and a medial-lateral direction during ambulation.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2014Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Assignee: Össur hfInventors: Arinbjorn Viggo Clausen, Grimur Jonsson, Christophe Lecomte
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Publication number: 20150250623Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2015Publication date: September 10, 2015Inventors: Christophe Lecomte, Benedikt Skulason, Jeroen Nijman
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Publication number: 20150245927Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2015Publication date: September 3, 2015Inventors: Freygardur Thorsteinsson, Ivar Gudmundsson, Christophe Lecomte
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Publication number: 20150209160Abstract: Various features for improving the performance of prosthetic sport feet are provided. A fairing for a prosthetic sport foot can include foam components that are coupled to the foot and an elastane cover. The fairing is configured to alter the cross-sectional profile of the foot to produce a more aerodynamic shape. A prosthetic sport foot can include a hollow foot member that can be lighter weight and provide improved performance. A prosthetic sport foot can include an adjustable tension strap extending between and coupled to two portions of the foot member. A prosthetic sport foot, such as a prosthetic running foot or prosthetic cycling foot, can include an aerodynamic fairing and a cover. A prosthetic sport foot can have a varying-width profile such that a mid-section of the foot is narrower and a toe portion flares outward.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2015Publication date: July 30, 2015Inventors: Arinbjörn Viggo Clausen, Christophe Lecomte, Dana Stewart Marlin, Lárus Gunnsteinsson
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Patent number: 9078734Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2012Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Assignee: ÖSSUR HFInventors: Freygardur Thorsteinsson, Ivar Gudmundsson, Christophe Lecomte
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Patent number: 9028559Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2012Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Össur hfInventors: Christophe Lecomte, Benedikt Skulason, Jeroen Nijman
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Patent number: 9017421Abstract: Prosthetic feet having improved vertical suspension are provided. A prosthetic foot can include a foot member having a change in curvature near a toe section so that the toe section is downwardly vertically offset from the remainder of the foot member. A prosthetic foot can have upper and lower foot members that extend parallel to each other and are separated by a gap. The lower foot member can extend beyond a distal end of the upper foot member to form a toe section. An adapter for coupling a prosthetic foot to another prosthetic component is also provided. The adapter includes a cavity for receiving the proximal end of a prosthetic foot. The prosthetic foot is secured to the adapter with a curable material such as epoxy to provide a more lightweight system.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2011Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Össur hfInventors: Christophe Lecomte, Vilhjalmur Freyr Jónsson, Maria Gudrun Sveinbjornsdottir, Benedikt Skulason
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Patent number: 8961618Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2012Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Össur hfInventors: Christophe Lecomte, Marta Bjornsdottir, Larus Gunnsteinsson
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Publication number: 20140324190Abstract: 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. The actuator preferably selectively locks during a desired phase in a gait cycle of the limb and minimizes friction against a rotor of the actuator. 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2014Publication date: October 30, 2014Applicant: Össur hfInventors: Helgi Jónsson, Arinbjörn Viggo Clausen, Gudni Ingimarsson, Christophe Lecomte, Larus Sigfusson, Heidrún Gígja Ragnarsdóttir
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Publication number: 20140257523Abstract: A prosthetic foot includes a foot member, a heel member operatively coupled to the foot member. At least one of the heel member and foot member define an arch portion that faces a support surface that the prosthetic foot contacts during use. An insole member contacts said arch portion, the insole member configured to facilitate a rollover of the prosthetic foot in at least one of a lateral-medial and a medial-lateral direction during ambulation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2014Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: Ossur hfInventors: Arinbjorn Viggo Clausen, Grimur Jonsson, Christophe Lecomte
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Publication number: 20140243997Abstract: A prosthetic foot comprises an attachment member and two or more flexible members. The attachment member can include a connector configured to connect the attachment member to a user or another prosthetic device. The two or more flexible members can be rotatably attached to the attachment member by rotatable joints such that the flexible members can both rotate and flex relative to the attachment member when the prosthetic foot contacts the ground.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2014Publication date: August 28, 2014Applicant: Ossur hfInventors: Arinbjorn Viggo Clausen, Bjarni Andresson, Vilhjalmur Freyr Jonsson, Christophe Lecomte
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Patent number: 8709097Abstract: 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. The actuator preferably selectively locks during a desired phase in a gait cycle and minimizes friction against a rotor of the actuator. A processing module may control movement of the actuator based on data obtained from a sensor module. For instance, data may include information relating to a user's gait and may be used to adjust the foot unit to substantially mimic the movement of a natural ankle. The system may accommodate level ground walking, traveling up/down stairs or sloped surfaces, and various other user movements. In addition, the processing module may receive user input, such as a heel height, or display output signals through an external interface.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2011Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Össur hfInventors: Helgi Jónsson, Arinbjörn Viggo Clausen, Gudni Ingimarsson, Christophe Lecomte, Larus Sigfusson, Heiörún Gígja Ragnarsdóttir
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Patent number: 8685109Abstract: A prosthetic foot includes a foot member, a heel member operatively coupled to the foot member. At least one of the heel member and foot member define an arch portion that faces a support surface that the prosthetic foot contacts during use. An insole member contacts said arch portion, the insole member configured to facilitate a rollover of the prosthetic foot in at least one of a lateral-medial and a medial-lateral direction during ambulation.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2009Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Össur hfInventors: Arinbjörn Viggo Clausen, Grimur Jonsson, Christophe Lecomte
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Publication number: 20140039642Abstract: A prosthetic ankle module allows for translational and/or rotational movement of a prosthetic foot relative to an adapter. The ankle module can include a four-bar linkage assembly. Links of the linkage assembly can be arranged in various configurations, e.g., parallel or non-parallel and having equal or non-equal lengths, to provide different functions and benefits, e.g., dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, vertical shock absorption, inversion, eversion, and/or rotation about the sagittal axis. Other types of linkage assemblies are also possible. A prosthetic foot can further include a support spring to limit the range of motion of the adapter in use.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: Ossur hfInventors: Jeroen Nijiman, Christophe Lecomte, Grimur Jonsson
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Publication number: 20140005801Abstract: An alignment adapter for prosthetic sport feet, such as running feet, includes a male pyramid plate having a male pyramid, a female connector plate having a female connector, and a back plate. For use during alignment of a prosthetic running foot, the male pyramid plate is coupled to the back of a user's socket and the female connector plate and back plate are clamped about the foot. The male pyramid and female connector are coupled and adjusted relative to one another to achieve a desired alignment. The socket and foot are locked in an alignment fixture to maintain the alignment and the male pyramid, female connector, and back plates are removed. A laminated plate is coupled to the socket to maintain alignment during normal use.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2013Publication date: January 2, 2014Inventors: Francois Van der Watt, Christophe Lecomte
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Patent number: 8535390Abstract: A traction device for a prosthetic running foot having a curved profile and mechanisms for attaching the traction device to the prosthetic running foot are provided. The traction device includes a sole portion for traction and a midsole for improved rollover. The traction device has fasteners (e.g., clamps) that attach to the top of the prosthetic running foot or a cavity that removably receives the toe of the prosthetic running foot. The traction device also has a strap that removably couples to a clip permanently or removably attached to the top surface of the prosthetic running foot.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2011Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Össur hfInventors: Christophe Lecomte, Sindri P. Sigurdsson, Larus Gunnsteinsson, Michael R. Friton, Tobie D. Hatfield
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Publication number: 20130144403Abstract: Prosthetic feet having improved vertical suspension are provided. A prosthetic foot can include a foot member having a change in curvature near a toe section so that the toe section is downwardly vertically offset from the remainder of the foot member. A prosthetic foot can have upper and lower foot members that extend parallel to each other and are separated by a gap. The lower foot member can extend beyond a distal end of the upper foot member to form a toe section. An adapter for coupling a prosthetic foot to another prosthetic component is also provided. The adapter includes a cavity for receiving the proximal end of a prosthetic foot. The prosthetic foot is secured to the adapter with a curable material such as epoxy to provide a more lightweight system.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2011Publication date: June 6, 2013Applicant: Ossur hfInventors: Christophe Lecomte, Vilhjalmur Freyr Jónsson, Maria Gudrun Sveinbjornsdottir