Abstract: A lower leg prosthetic device includes an ankle assembly coupled to a foot assembly via a rigid pin extending through an oversized shaft having a pair of resilient bushings partially seated therein, which resiliently limit the relative pivot of the foot and ankle assemblies about axes orthogonal to that of the pin. A pair of cushions disposed between the assemblies forward and rearward of the pin resiliently limits relative pivot of the assemblies about the pin axis. The foot assembly includes an elongate, planar plantar member mounted to and extending forwardly of a support element having a comparatively lower elastic modulus. The foot assembly cooperates with the coupling assembly to absorb stride-related forces in a graduated manner by relative forward pivoting of the ankle assembly relative in a first phase of striding motion, and by upward flexion of the forward end of the plantar member in a second phase.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for attachment to a residual limb is provided that includes a socket-forming member configured to receive the residual limb, a first portion, and a second portion that is operatively connected to the first portion and rotationally movable relative to the first portion. The prosthetic device also includes a pump attached to the first portion that is adapted to draw a negative pressure within the socket-forming member upon rotational movement of the second portion relative to the first portion.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for attachment to a residual limb is provided that includes a socket-forming member configured to receive the residual limb, a first portion, and a second portion that is operatively connected to the first portion and rotationally movable relative to the first portion. The prosthetic device also includes a pump attached to the first portion that is adapted to draw a negative pressure within the socket-forming member upon rotational movement of the second portion relative to the first portion.

Abstract: The present invention is a lower extremity prosthetic device which includes a modular foot having a heel member and an elongate, dorsal midfoot member configured for detachable combination via a coupling mechanism. The heel member is formed substantially from a first structural material of a first modulus of elasticity. The midfoot member is formed substantially from a second structural material having a second modulus of elasticity less than the first modulus of elasticity. The midfoot member extends arcuately forwardly from the heel member, and is configured with differentially flexible lateral and medial elements which provide the device with flexion characteristics similar to those of a natural foot. An elongate plantar member extends between the heel member and a forward end of the midfoot member, the plantar member being formed substantially from a third material having a third modulus of elasticity which is lower than the second modulus of elasticity.

Abstract: A lower extremity prosthetic device is provided which includes a modular foot with a heel section and an elongate midfoot section, the heel and midfoot sections being configured for detachable combination via a coupling joint. The heel section is formed from a material of a first predetermined stiffness characteristic and the midfoot section is formed from a material of a second predetermined stiffness characteristic, providing a foot of a differential stiffness characteristic akin to that of a natural foot.

Abstract: The invented artificial limb includes a shin, ankle and foot. The shin includes a first mount, a second mount positioned below the first mount, and a plurality of rods extending between the first and second mounts, where at least one rod is a load bearing rod. The foot includes an elongate member having a toe section and a heel section. In many applications, the elongate member is arched. The shin is coupled to the foot by an ankle. The ankle allows the shin to rotate around an axis substantially perpendicular to a line between the toe and heel sections of the foot. A rotation controlling element such as an elastic band or a compression spring is connected to both the ankle and to the elongate member to restrict rotation of the shin toward the heel section of the foot. The ankle may also allow the shin to move around a second axis to simulate lateral rotation of the ankle.