Abstract: A prosthetic leg and pylon is characterized by upper and lower pylon members having one or more spring elements operatively attached or disposed therebetween. The pylon members are preferably interengaged and reciprocable one on the other, so that forces imposed on the pylon result in such reciprocation and the corresponding storage of energy in the spring element or elements. The spring elements are capable of releasing some of the stored energy upon removal of the force. Constraining bands may be utilized to limit the amount of deflection of the elongated springs, and the effective length of the prosthesis may be readily adjusted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthetic device utilizing multiple bladders to absorb, store and release energy. In particular, the present invention relates to a prosthetic foot and leg device having a foot member extending from the heel end to the toe end and having a sole, wherein two or more bladders are secured to the bottom of said sole, to provide a smooth roll-over transition from heel-strike to toe-off. Generally, the bladders do not extend the length of the sole, so that the migration of air at heel-strike or toe-load is eliminated. Moreover, the bladders are positioned with one or more cavities therein, permitting the bladders to expand laterally inward and outward which advantageously provides stability and balance to the amputee.

Abstract: A fixture permitting adjustment of the position and axial alignment of a prosthesis is characterized by a first attachment member associated with a socket attached to the wearer's stump, and by the fixture's ability to be adjusted without the necessity of removing the socket from the wearer's stump. A second attachment member is operatively attached to the prosthesis, and adjustable attachment means operatively connects the second attachment member to the first attachment member. The adjustable attachment means includes a central bolt member which may be accessed for adjustment without removing the socket from the wearer. The bolt member preferably extends through a rectilinear central opening in the first attachment member, providing a range of selectable lateral positions of the second attachment member with respect to the first attachment member.

Abstract: A prosthetic ski leg designed to be attached to a stump of a wearer which has a pair of conventionally shaped binding mounts for stepping into ski bindings. The prosthetic ski leg includes several structural members having resilient properties for storing and releasing energy. The ankle portion functions as a primary bending load member and may be formed to control the inherent stiffness. A secondary stiffness member may be provided to contribute a level of stiffness or to limit the range of motion. An air bag having a pressure adjustment may be disposed between the secondary stiffness member and the ankle portion to increase or decrease the amount of contribution of the secondary stiffness member. A shock cord may also be provided to adjust the stiffness of the ski leg by varying the elasticity and length of the shock cord.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot is characterized by a low-profile, elongated forefoot portion incorporating an attachment section, an arch section and a toe section, said forefoot portion being configured so that the foot may be worn by Symes-type amputees. The foot further preferably includes a heel portion secured to the forefoot portion. 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. Adjustment means is provided to permit adjustment and alignment of the foot with respect to the wearer's stump.

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 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 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 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 fiberglas 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.

Abstract: A prosthesis fabricated from filamentary laminates including a pylon having an upper extremity, a shin portion, an ankle portion and a forwardly extending foot portion, all integral with one another. A separate heel portion is secured directly to the foot portion and is provided in different modules of stiffness which serve, when secured to the foot portion, to greatly enhance the life-like movement of the foot and the entire prosthesis. The pylon is provided in different modules to match the weight and activity levels of a wide spectrum of individuals.

Abstract: A composite prosthetic foot and leg which allows a high degree of mobility on the part of an amputee is disclosed. The prosthetic foot and leg utilizes a resin impregnated high strength filament structure for the leg portion, the foot portion and heel portion, with all three regions being provided with substantial elastic flexibility, preferably of relatively low energy absorption characteristics so as to give the wearer high mobility with a relatively natural feel. All three portions of the prosthetic foot and leg are rigidly joined, with a flexibility of the leg portion providing flexibility of the leg in response to both torques about the ankle as well as about a vertical axis while simultaneously providing sidewise rigidity of the structure. Various embodiments are disclosed.