Abstract: A prosthetic foot characterized by a forefoot portion having a heal portion damountably and interchangeably connected thereto. The forefoot portion and heel portion are fabricated from polymer impregnated and encapsulated laminates, including such laminates as carbon fibers and/or fiberglass or synthetic fibers such as Kevlar. The demountable connection of the heel portion permits interchangeability of heel and forefoot portions to match the weight, stride and activity schedule of the wearer utilizing the prosthetic foot. An auxiliary ankle member and wedge between the forefoot portion and the heel portion provide additional adjustability.

Abstract: An ankle block prosthesis is provided having a lower foot plate and an upper ankle plate connected by a monolithic ankle block. The foot plate, ankle plate and ankle block are generally sized to fit within a surrounding cosmesis. The foot is configured such that during a walking or running stride the wearer experiences a smooth rollover or transition of compressive forces from a heel-strike position to a toe-off position so as to provide a natural feeling foot during walking or running activities.

Abstract: A foot prosthesis is provided for attaching to a socket or pylon fitted to the stump of an amputee. The foot prosthesis includes a forefoot portion constructed of a resilient polymer-encapsulated fiber laminate and having an upper attachment section, a curved intermediate section and a lower forward extending section. The shape of the forefoot is generally parabolic or J-shaped so as to provide smooth resilient support to the amputee during normal walking and running activities without producing undue stress concentration in the prosthetic foot, which could otherwise degrade the integrity of the foot. An arcuate toe section provides smooth rolling contact of the foot prosthesis with a ground surface during toe-off, simulating the stride and feel of a natural human foot. A heel portion, also formed of a resilient polymer encapsulated laminate material, attaches under the forefoot in order to provide enhanced comfort and energy absorption during heel-strike.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot is provided having at least two support members operatively secured to an upper attachment member and extending relatively downward and forward therefrom. Each of the support members has an unsecured end, wherein an unsecured end of one of the support members flexibly bends and moves relative to the unsecured end of the other support member. A compressible member, such as a resilient foam member or inflatable bladder, is disposed between the unsecured ends of the support members to determine the prosthetic foot's energy storage and release characteristics.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot adapted to be attached to a standard sized pylon defining a lower surface and an interior surface which defines a cavity. The foot includes a horizontal foot portion, an upstanding ankle portion connected to the foot portion and a plug formed around the upper end of the ankle portion. The plug defines a radially extending flange spaced downward from the top of the plug and a mating portion above the flange. A mating portion of the plug fits within a cavity defined by the interior surface of the pylon. A layer of adhesive is provided between the interior surface of the pylon and the mating portion of the plug so that the interior surface and mating portion form a tight fit and the layer of adhesive forms an adhesive bond. The adhesive bond resists torsional load and the mating portion of the plug and the pylon cooperate to resist sheer forces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prosthesis having a substantially rigid leg member, wherein most of the bending takes place about a confined ankle region relatively low to the ground, and in a flexible toe and ankle section, wherein the bending of the prosthesis more closely resembles the bending of a normal ankle joint. The confined bending helps to reduce the amount of horizontal deflection caused along the ankle section by the upward deflection of the prosthesis. The present invention also comprises a tubular leg member that is detachable from the ankle and foot member, and a heel member extending rearwardly from the foot member which is also detachable therefrom.

Abstract: An ankle block prosthesis is provided having a lower foot plate and an upper ankle plate connected by a monolithic ankle block. The foot plate, ankle plate and ankle block are generally sized to fit within a surrounding cosmesis. The foot is configured such that during a walking or running stride the wearer experiences a smooth rollover or transition of compressive forces from a heel-strike position to a toe-off position so as to provide a natural feeling foot during walking or running activities.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot is characterized by an attachment section and plurality of curvilinear foot portions extending downwardly from the attachment section to contact a supporting surface. The portions are capable of movement independent from one another. Preferably, the plurality of foot portions is fabricated by dividing a forefoot portion and a heel portion demountably attached thereto. Such division may be achieved by the provision of a slot in said forefoot and heel portions. A strap or similar expedient is provided to limit the movement of the foot portions relative to each other.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot characterized by a forefoot portion having a heel portion demountably and interchangeably connected thereto. The forefoot portion and heel portion are fabricated from polymer impregnated and encapsulated laminates, including such laminates as carbon fibers and/or fiberglass or synthetic fibers such as Kevlar. The demountable connection of the heel portion permits interchangeability of heel and forefoot portions to match the weight, stride and activity schedule of the wearer utilizing the prosthetic foot. Auxiliary ankle members and wedge between the forefoot portion and the heel portion provides additional adjustability.

Abstract: A foam block ankle prosthesis for Symes amputees that has a lower foot plate and an upper ankle plate connected by a monolithic foam block. The foot plate is generally sized the same as a surrounding cosmesis, while the ankle plate is substantially shorter, with the foam block forming a resilient ankle region underneath the ankle plate. The plates are bonded to the foam block with suitable adhesive. An attachment member is fastened to an upper surface of the ankle member slightly rearward from its centerline and approximately located where a centerline of the wearer's ankle would be. During a walking stride the wearer experiences a smooth rollover or transition of compressive forces from a heel-strike position to a toe-off position.

Abstract: A prosthetic pylon attachment construction provides a useful attachment interface between the exterior of a pylon which otherwise has a generally curvilinear exterior and a broad range of other prosthetic devices having relatively flat attachment surfaces, and permits ready manufacture and ready interchangeability of a range of prosthetic devices and pylons.

Abstract: A prosthetic leg is characterized by an elongated, flat pylon operatively secured at its upper end to the wearer's leg and at its lower end to a prosthetic foot. The pylon is constituted by one or more leg elements which are fabricated from polymer impregnated and encapsulated laminates, including such laminates as carbon fibers and/or fiberglass or synthetic fibers such as Kevlar. The demountable connection of the leg elements permits interchangeability of leg elements to match the weight, stride and activity schedule of the wearer utilizing the prosthetic leg. Deformable adjustment means is provided in juxtaposition to said leg elements whereby the flexibility of said pylon may be adjusted. To achieve or improve the desired flexure and energy-storage characteristics, the leg elements may be formed in a concavo-convex configuration.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot adapted to be attached to a standard sized pylon defining a lower surface and an interior surface which defines a cavity. The foot includes a horizontal foot portion, an upstanding ankle portion connected to the foot portion and a plug formed around the upper end of the ankle portion. The plug defines a radially extending flange spaced downward from the top of the plug and a mating portion above the flange.A mating portion of the plug fits within a cavity defined by the interior surface of the pylon. A layer of adhesive is provided between the interior surface of the pylon and the mating portion of the plug so that the interior surface and mating portion form a tight fit and the layer of adhesive forms an adhesive bond. The adhesive bond resists torsional load and the mating portion of the plug and the pylon cooperate to resist sheer forces.

Abstract: A foot prosthesis is provided for attaching to a socket or pylon fitted to the stump of an amputee. The foot prosthesis includes a monolithic forefoot portion constructed of a resilient polymer-encapsulated fiber laminate and having an upper attachment section, a curved intermediate ankle section and a forward extending toe section. The shape of the forefoot is generally parabolic or J-shaped so as to provide resilient support to the amputee during normal walking and running activities without producing undue stress concentration in the prosthetic foot, which could otherwise degrade the integrity of the foot. An arcuate toe section provides rolling contact of the foot prosthesis with a ground surface during toe-off, simulating the stride and feel of a natural human foot. A monolithic heel portion, also formed of a resilient polymer encapsulated laminate material, attaches under the forefoot in a cantilevered fashion in order to provide enhanced comfort and energy absorption during heel-strike.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot is characterized by a forefoot portion incorporating an attachment section, a curvilinear ankle section, an arch section and a toe section, said ankle section being configured so that the foot may be worn by persons whose legs have been amputated at or near the wearer's ankle region. The foot further includes a heel portion secured to the forefoot portion. The foot is fabricated from polymer impregnated and encapsulated laminates, including such laminates as carbon fibers and/or fiberglass or synthetic fibers such as Kevlar. A preferably demountable connection of the heel portion to the forefoot portion permits interchangeability of those components to match the weight, stride and activity schedule of the wearer utilizing the prosthetic foot.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot is characterized by an attachment section and plurality of curvilinear foot portions extending downwardly from the attachment section to contact a supporting surface. The portions are capable of movement independent from one another. Preferably, the plurality of foot portions is fabricated by dividing a forefoot portion and a heel portion demountably attached thereto. Such division may be achieved by the provision of a slot in said forefoot and heel portions. A strap or similar expedient is provided to limit the movement of the foot portions relative to each other.

Abstract: A prosthetic pylon attachment construction provides a useful attachment interface between the exterior of a pylon which otherwise has a generally curvilinear exterior and a broad range of other prosthetic devices having relatively flat attachment surfaces, and permits ready manufacture and ready interchangeability of a range of prosthetic devices and pylons.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot is characterized by the provision of one or more bladders to vary the performance characteristics of the prosthesis. The bladders preferably include multiple chambers formed by full or partial bifurcation of the bladder, and may be tapered to permit operative alignment of the bladder with certain structural members of the foot. The pressure in the bladder is preferably alterable through the provision of valve means communicating with the bladder. A retaining strap is preferably provided to limit the movement of certain structural members of the foot with respect to other such structural members.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot characterized by a foot portion having an ankle portion demountably and interchangeably connected thereto. The foot portion and ankle portion are fabricated from polymer impregnated and encapsulated laminates, including such laminates as carbon fibers and/or fiberglass or synthetic fibers such as Kevlar. The demountable connection of the ankle portion permits interchangeability of ankle and foot portions to match the weight, stride and activity schedule of the wearer utilizing the prosthetic foot. Auxiliary ankle members and wedge blocks between the foot portion and the ankle portion provide additional adjustability. A split sleeve is provided for assembling the various components.

Abstract: A prosthetic leg is characterized by an elongated, flat pylon operatively secured at its upper end to the wearer's leg and at its lower end to a prosthetic foot. The pylon is constituted by one or more leg elements which are fabricated from polymer impregnated and encapsulated laminates, including such laminates as carbon fibers and/or fiberglass or synthetic fibers such as Kevlar. The demountable connection of the leg elements permits interchangeability of leg elements to match the weight, stride and activity schedule of the wearer utilizing the prosthetic leg. Deformable adjustment is provided in juxtaposition to said leg elements whereby the flexibility of said pylon may be adjusted. To achieve or improve the desired flexure and energy-storage characteristics, the leg elements may be formed in a concavo-convex configuration.