Abstract: A cane includes an integral light in the handle, a leg attachment strap, and a foot attaching stirrup. The cane includes a rod assembly and a stirrup assembly. In one embodiment, the rod assembly includes a rod being a uniform cylindrical structure that is adapted to extend the length of a user's leg. The handle is disposed at a top most end of the rod and includes the light being embedded therein to provide illumination to the front and rear of a user. The stirrup provides a means for a user to nestle their foot to provide proper support.

Abstract: Provided are apparatuses for augmenting human speed, human-driven compliant mechanisms, artificial limbs to augment human movement, and the like. The apparatuses can include variable stiffness mechanisms including springs that can be configured to selectively store and subsequently release energy generated by human movement. The apparatuses can selectively release the captured energy supplied by the human to provide force and power output beyond the physical capability of the human.

Abstract: A leg stretching and raising workout apparatus include: a load bearing unit having a base for underpinning a shoe/foot and cord-penetrating openings disposed at the base; at least one fastening unit having a cord connected to the cord-penetrating openings to fasten the shoe or foot, and two anchoring portions disposed bilaterally; and two pulling cord members each having a pulling cord, and a cord connecting portion connected to a corresponding one of the anchoring portions. Another leg stretching and raising workout apparatus includes: a load bearing unit having a base for underpinning a shoe/foot, cord-penetrating openings disposed at the base, and two anchoring portions disposed bilaterally; at least one fastening unit having a cord connected to the cord-penetrating openings to fasten the shoe or foot; and two pulling cord members each having a pulling cord and a cord connecting portion connected to a corresponding one of the anchoring portions.

Abstract: A pre-prosthetic training device is provided. The device provides an interim prosthetic device that aids in the standing, weight bearing, and balancing exercises during post-surgery rehabilitation therapy that are required before a prosthesis fitting. The device includes a residual limb support for receiving the residual limb of an amputee, an adjustable pylon for adjusting the height of the residual limb support, and a support base including a plurality of support legs for providing support to the pylon and residual limb support. The residual limb support includes a cushion having a recessed portion sized to receive the distal end of the residual limb of an amputee and for providing comfort and stability thereto. The residual limb support further includes an upper open end and a sidewall including a tapering portion that provides vertical and lateral access, respectively, of a residual limb into the residual limb support.

Abstract: An implant system for securing a prosthesis to a selected bone of a subject including a stem and an abutment. The stem includes a porous region that promotes osseointegration of the selected bone following implantation of the stem. The abutment is secured to the stem and is configured for secure attachment to the prosthesis. The stem and the abutment include ultra-low friction and/or highly polished surfaces at select locations that inhibit bio-adhesion.

Abstract: A transdermal intraosseous device for coupling a bone stump to an external prosthetic device includes a bone fixator, an external connector and a plurality of modular interface components. The bone fixator includes a proximal portion configured for anchoring into the bone stump of the patient and a distal portion including a base collar configured for subcutaneous implantation. The external connector has a distal portion for coupling to the external prosthetic device and a proximal portion for coupling to the distal portion of the bone fixator. Each interface component can be removably coupled to the base collar and has different size and shape to provide a surgeon-selected transition between the prosthetic device and the patient's skin.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include an implantable force distribution boot with hydraulic features that mimic the natural hydraulics of a joint. Further embodiments include an exterior prosthetic leg device having intermittent and/or variable electromagnetic features that can engage with magnetic blades on the implantable force distribution boot. In use, the exterior prosthetic leg can be maintained on a residual limb by magnetic force between the implanted blades and the exterior electromagnets. Also disclosed are surgical techniques for preparing a residual limb to better receive and adapt to a prosthetic device. The techniques include an improved surgical method for harvesting a vascularized glabrous skin free flap.

Abstract: A combined active and passive leg prosthesis system is disclosed, and a method of performing a gait cycle by a leg prosthesis system is disclosed, for replacing a missing lower extremity of an individual to perform a gait cycle by the leg prosthesis system and/or the method. In at least one embodiment, the leg prosthesis system includes at least one movable joint, and a disconnectable active drive unit to drive the movable joint and a passive brake unit to brake the movable joint when the drive unit is disconnected.

Abstract: A computerized prosthesis alignment system includes a transducer that can measure socket reactions in the anterior/posterior plane and the right/left planes, while canceling or reducing the transverse forces on the measurements of these socket reactions. In addition, the transducer is also capable of determining the axial load or weight experienced by the prosthesis. The computerized prosthesis alignment system is in communication with a host computer. The moment data from the transducer is interpreted by the user via a computer interface. The host computer includes memory for storing one or more applications. These applications receive data from the transducer, interpret the data with discrete algebraic or fuzzy logic algorithms, and display the output numerically and graphically. Applications may also interpret the data to provide analysis to the user for aligning the prosthesis.

Abstract: A walking assist device which allays uneasiness felt by a user when a wearable device actively applies torque to a leg. A walking assist device comprises a controller, a headphone and a wearable device attached to left and right legs. The wearable device has a sensor that detects motion of the user's leg and a motor that applies torque to a joint of the user's leg. The controller controls the wearable device such that the joint angle of the user follows a target pattern which represents time-dependent changes of a target joint angle. The controller specifies a change timing at which a time-dependent change of the target joint angle in the target pattern meets a predetermined condition, and informs the user, before the specified change timing, that the change timing is arriving. The uneasiness felt by the user when an actuator actively applies torque to the leg joint is allayed by informing the user of the motion before the actuator performs that motion.

Abstract: A crutch (10) for orthopaedic or similar purposes which can be used with the arms to support the body and/or the legs, the crutch (10) being equipped with a semicircular element (13) which in turn presents two wings (14, 15) facing the front part of the crutch according to the usual forms currently in use, the crutch being fitted, at the ends of the two wings (14, 15) of the semicircular element (13), with a strap (16) of appropriate length and shape to allow the forearm to be restrained in the semicircular support element (13).

Abstract: An adaptable mounting plate is secured to and thereby combined with a stilt boot plate. The mounting plate pivotally couples a quick-release ratcheting strap and an adjustable arched heel backer to the stilt boot plate. The mounting plate and backer keep a user's feet in correct position, thereby providing both lateral and forward stability needed during movement. The pivotal quick release ratcheting strap simultaneously drives the user's heel into the arched heel backer, ensuring a secure coupling therebetween, and draws the user's shoe or boot tightly down against the stilt boot plate. The toe strap is also preferably a quick-release ratcheting strap, and is preferably attached in existing toe strap mounting holes. Likewise, the upper calf support utilizes the same type of quick-release ratcheting strap as the ankle, and is preferably mounted with nylon lock nuts through mounting holes on the calf support.

Abstract: A residual limb model may be a model of a residual limb. A residual limb model may include a residual limb portion and a bladder complementary in shape to the residual limb portion. A prosthesis donning and doffing training system may include a check socket and a residual limb model complementary in shape to the check socket. A method of training in the care of a residual limb may include providing a residual limb model and training in the care of a residual limb using the residual limb model. A method of training in the donning and doffing of a prosthesis may include providing a prosthesis training system and training in the donning and doffing of a prosthesis using the prosthesis training system.

Abstract: The present invention combines an articulated stilt with a rear-mounted leg support or brace behind the leg of the user. The articulating stilt has a foot operative to contact a surface to be traversed, a boot rest operative to support a human foot thereon extending in a longitudinal direction between a heel region and toe region and thereby defining a longitudinal axis, and at least two risers extending between the foot and boot rest coupled thereto through pivotal joints. The rear leg brace has an upper leg binding, and an extension coupling the upper leg binding to articulating stilt. According to further manifestations, the rear leg brace may be fixed or pivotal relative to the risers, and when pivotal, may be adjusted to user preferred angular orientations. The use of a rear-mounted brace eliminates undesirable torque during movement, enabling a more anatomically and bio-mechanically correct movement.

Abstract: An industrial stilt generally includes a floor-engaging member having a heel portion and a toe portion, a load-bearing riser pivotally coupled with the heel portion of the floor-engaging member, a biasing assembly pivotally coupled with and between the toe portion of the floor-engaging member and the load-bearing riser, a foot-engaging member, a leg support assembly, and a leg cuff assembly. The biasing assembly assists in preventing excessive forward or backward leans and maintains the load-bearing riser and the user in a substantially vertical, upright position. The position of the leg cuff assembly on the user's leg and the user's elevation may be easily and safely adjusted using bracket and load-bearing riser adjustment and locking assemblies.

Abstract: This invention provides a device for increasing the apparent height of persons, such as may be called for in theatrical and cinematographic applications. The device enables active normal-appearing walking and other motion, and is sufficiently compact to be used under costumes, and sufficiently light to enable extended use.

Abstract: Two blocks of structural foam are fitted with shoe retaining straps with buckles. The blocks have ground contacting areas larger than the user's shoes for stability and to reduce the toss-over effects of stepping on construction junk on the floor. Small objects embed in the resilient surface of the foot so their effect on walking and stability are nullified.

Abstract: A mono-crutch for assisting the ambulation of individuals having injured or otherwise debilitated lower extremities. The mono-crutch having upper leg support with inner and outer support pads, a lower leg support for cradling a wearer's lower leg, and a ground contact member. The inner and outer support pads are configured so as to be able to be swapped or raised/lowered relative to one another, thereby allowing both right legged and left legged configurations to be created using the same mono-crutch.

Abstract: There is provided a walking assistance device equipped with an assisting force generator disposed on a side of each of a hip joint and a knee joint, comprising: a hip support member (1) having an attachment means (hip drive source mount 9) capable of repeatedly attaching and detaching a hip joint assisting force generator (hip joint actuator 10); a lower leg support member (2) having an attachment means (knee drive source mount 27) capable of repeatedly attaching and detaching a knee joint assisting force generator (knee joint actuator 26); and a drive unit (3) formed by integrally joining the hip joint assisting force generator and the knee joint assisting force generator via a link bar (25), wherein after the hip support member and the lower leg support member are fitted on a user's body, the assisting force generators of the drive unit are connected to the corresponding attachment means.

Abstract: A percutaneous implant device is biologically attached to bone and soft tissue of a broken limb or amputated limb without longitudinal or lateral movement. Bone and soft tissue in-growth are promoted. The percutaneous implant device has a bio-compatible metal alloy stem member, having an integral tapered fluted section designed to fit into a taper reamed bone canal. A precisely dimensioned cylindrical central core cooperates with a suture ring and an external extension member, facilitating attachment of the percutaneous implant device to a hand or foot prosthesis. A porous metal outer body having a female taper at one end and the capacity to promote growth of bone and soft tissue, is press fitted on the central core contacting suture ring. The assembled implant is inserted into a taper reamed bone cavity until the male taper-reamed bone free end contacts the female taper. Soft skin is extended over the outer surface of the porous metal outer body and the surrounding suture ring.

Abstract: A safety stilt for users requiring extended access to overhead or elevated surfaces has two slidably mated shells able to be adjusted to a variety of heights. Foot attachment means are attached to a top surface on the upper shell and a base defines a greater surface area than the surface area defined by the top surface.

Abstract: Two blocks of structural foam are fitted with shoe buckles. The blocks have ground contacting areas larger than the user's shoes for stability, and to reduce the toss-over effects of stepping on construction junk on the floor. Small objects embed in the resilient surface of the foot so their effect on walking and stability are nullified.

Abstract: An industrial stilt generally includes a floor-engaging member having a heel portion and a toe portion, a load-bearing riser pivotally coupled with the heel portion of the floor-engaging member, a biasing assembly pivotally coupled with and between the toe portion of the floor-engaging member and the load-bearing riser, a foot-engaging member, a leg support assembly, and a leg cuff assembly. The biasing assembly assists in preventing excessive forward or backward leans and maintains the load-bearing riser and the user in a substantially vertical, upright position. The position of the leg cuff assembly on the user's leg and the user's elevation may be easily and safely adjusted using bracket and load-bearing riser adjustment and locking assemblies.

Abstract: This invention relates to enable a person to walk smoothly even if a length of a remained thigh of the lost leg is short or even if the leg is cut at the hip joint and has no thigh. The hucklebone supporting type artificial leg comprising the crotch support (1), the shaft part (21) arranged vertically at the lower surface of the crotch support (1) and having substantially the same length as that of the lower leg and a foot (22) fixed to the lower end of the shaft part (21), wherein the crotch support (1) is formed into a substantial L-shape as seen in its top plan view, one front end (2) is arranged at a front part so as to be applied to a substantial front half part of the crotch part when installed and at the same time, the other side end part (3) is arranged at the rear surface of the lost lower leg and applied to both the hucklebone and the hip part corresponding to the lost leg when installed.

Abstract: A stilt device for supporting a user above a base support surface. The stilt device includes a shoe plate, a base member and at least one intermediary strut. A leg attachment assembly comprises an elongated support pole which extends upwardly from the strut. In some embodiments, a clam-shell assembly is attached to a distal end of the support pole and comprises opposing, curved inner and outer plates configured to surround and support the user's leg. A hinge assembly facilitates rotation of the inner plate with respect to the outer plate between open and closed positions. In other embodiments, a support attachment assembly utilizes a u-shaped bracket and a nested, h-shaped clamp to attach the medial portion of the support pole to the shoe plate. The support attachment assembly establishes and secures both the angular extent and length of the support pole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ordinary crutch modified with a straight support which may be formed from a solid, lightweight tubular member, said support connected at one end to near the bottom portion of the crutch and with a bicycle pedal-like cushion on the other end for which the calf, shin or cast of the injured leg or leg of the injured foot rests. Since the pedal can freely revolve from its attachment to the solid support member, the angle at which the leg rests on the pedal relative to the crutch may be readily optimized for the patient's comfort in order to relieve pain and discomfort. Also, fatigue from the body when supporting the dangling leg may be avoided as the leg no longer dangles with its concomitant “dead weight”, because the entire weight of the leg is resting on the cushion of the leg support, the knee is flexed or extended while standing, or while sifting.

Abstract: A stilt having a multiple-articulating, three segment base provides enhanced stability and a better translation of walking forces. The intermediate base segment is attached to both toe and heel base segments in a manner that permits relative rotational movement between each segment. Providing an intermediate base segment having a length that is equal to or greater than the toe and heel base segments enables a more natural forward translation of walking forces, instead of requiring the heel to absorb most of the energy as in previous stilt designs.

Abstract: A support structure having a shoe platform and a floor platform, with the said shoe platform and floor platform movably conjoined, and retained by a sprung component, to a set of supports. Moreover, there are a plurality of leg section supports that are coupled to one of the supports by means of a pivot sleeve having an axial hole and a locating mount. Movably conjoined between the leg section supports is an adjustable calf harness consisting of two adjoined fittings. The shoe platform includes heel rest consisting of a stop mount and a slide mount having selectable position mounting holes. Disposed on the shoe platform are clasp mounts for the positioning of toe straps and strap fastener as well as ankle straps and strap fasteners into shoe platform clasp slots.

Abstract: An impact-absorbing shock module comprises two pylons telescopingly engaged to permit axial and rotational motion therebetween. A resilient element, such as a spring-fluid combination, a plurality of interconnected disks, or a Belleville spring, provides axial shock absorption. A tubular torque-resisting cuff provides rotational resistance, or torsion-resistance. A fluid valve is optionally provided so that the fluid pressure may be varied to adjust the torsion resistance.

Abstract: A support structure having a shoe platform and a floor platform, with the said shoe platform and floor platform movably conjoined, and retained by a sprung component, to a set of supports. Moreover, there are a plurality of leg section supports that are coupled to one of the supports by means of a pivot sleeve having an axial hole and a locating mount. Movably conjoined between the leg section supports is an adjustable calf harness consisting of two adjoined fittings. The shoe platform includes heel rest consisting of a stop mount and a slide mount having selectable position mounting holes. Disposed on the shoe platform are clasp mounts for the positioning of toe straps and strap fastener as well as ankle straps and strap fasteners into shoe platform clasp slots.

Abstract: The invention relates to an orthopaedic clamped connection as a functional element for force transmission in a prosthesis, comprising a tube socket and a tube made of light metal. To increase the dynamic stressability, the contact area between tube socket and tube made of light metal is provided with an intermediate layer which is composed of a low molecular weight carrier material in which at least one lubricant and/or auxiliary is embedded.

Abstract: A single leg support crutch provides improved stability and balance to a user, who suffers from foot, ankle or lower leg injury, in order to enhance ambulatory movement of the user during recuperation. The leg support crutch comprises a unitary leg cradle that conforms generally to a user's thigh, knee and lower leg, and a plurality of fasteners that comfortably secure the leg support crutch to the user's leg while in a bended position. A support strut is releasably attached to the cradle and is positioned to support the weight of the user when standing or walking. A releasable coupling attaches the strut to the cradle at one of a plurality of locations. The multiple locations of the strut on the cradle allow the position of the strut to be adjusted in order to properly align the axis of the strut with the location of the user's femur in the cradle. As a result, the weight of the user is transferred more efficiently to the strut to improve the user's comfort when standing or walking.

Abstract: A prosthetic joint connector assembly includes a pylon having a first end and an outwardly flared portion adjacent to a second end thereof. The second end of the pylon is closed by a convexly domed surface which forms a concave interior surface and has a generally axial opening formed therein. The prosthetic joint connector further includes a securing nut carried internally of the pylon and an abutment also carried internally of the pylon. The securing nut is defined by a cylindrical member having a first end and an outwardly flared portion adjacent to a second end which terminates in a convexly domed surface. The securing nut also has an internally threaded axial bore extending at least partially therethrough. The first end of the securing nut has a bearing surface for engaging the abutment such that the securing nut is interposed between the abutment and the concave interior surface of the second end of the pylon.

Abstract: An economical foot connected stilt assembly comprising a pair of foot support base assemblies which are readily and releasably attached to a support structure being an elevating object such as an empty bucket, paint container, and other numerous types of material conveyance containers normally 5-gallon containers. Each foot support base assembly includes a support base member of a generally circular shape having an outer base inner ridge adapted to fit within a cooperating ridge or rim adjacent a bottom wall of the elevating object which will preferably be an inverted bucket member. The foot support base assembly is further provided with cooperating base attachment strap slots; toe strap slots; and heel strap slots, each operable to receive an attachment strap connected thereto, such as respectively attachment straps, a toe strap, and a heel strap. The attachment straps are for connection to the elevating object.

Abstract: An improved toe-articulated stilt is described wherein there are at least three vertically oriented parallel support columns and a plurality of journaling components to allow at least a two piece foot support to control at least a two piece base which contacts the ground responive to the positioning of the foot support components. Calf leg embracing upright columns are articulately journalled to bracket connecting the two rearmost vertical support columns and terminate at substantially the top of the calf of a leg an is connected by a calf engaging cushioned strap.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for use as a temporary substitute for a leg that is injured below the knee includes a shelf for supporting the lower leg in a nonweight-bearing position and for supporting the knee in a weight-bearing position. A foldable strut extends below the shelf for supporting a person's weight while standing or walking, and it can be folded to a position adjacent the shelf and lower leg when the person is sitting. A pivotal hinge for connecting the strut to the shelf is skewed in relation to the shelf to position the strut inside the person's lower leg and foot when folded, so it can be used to bear weight as the person rises from a sitting position to a standing position. A stabilizing frame extends upwardly form the shelf for anchoring the prosthetic device to the person's thigh and hip region. Another pivotal hinge connects the stabilizing frame to the shelf.

Abstract: Unlike the prior art crutch that in essence extends the shoulder to the ground to bear the weight of the injured person when walking, the novel walking device of the invention includes an upright staff that extends the pelvis to the ground on the side of an injury. Upper and lower receiving members for receiving and securing to the thigh and calf of an injured leg are attached to the staff and securing means secure the thigh and calf to said receiving means. The injured limb bears the load in compression rather than in shear.

Abstract: This invention relates to improvements in a resilient leg brace which acts in parallel with a runner's legs to support his or her weight during foot impact, to store the kinetic energy of vertical motion, and to release said energy thrusting the runner back into the air during take-off. The running brace is energy efficient in that it stores and releases the maximum amount of vertical kinetic energy so that the leg muscles do not need to supply as much energy to lift the runner's weight during each step. The running brace also protects the legs and other parts of the body from impact damage. The leg brace is attached to a pelvic harness, and optional back and neck braces are attached to the shoulders and the chin to protect the back and neck from impact shock. The first improvement relates to an asymmetric travel structure which enables the running brace to deliver an upward thrust over a greater distance than that required to absorb the runner's downward impact.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of fabricating a prosthetic member (112) having personalized features of the patient, and being formed to provide an individualized fit to the patient's extremity (18). A rigid jacket (30, 32) is first formed around the uninsured foot (10) and the amputated extremity (18). The limb characteristics are impressed into an alginate (44) lining within the jackets (30, 32). A stone material poured into the alginate lining (44) forms stone models (48, 50) of the patient's limbs. A wax preliminary model (64) is scuplted in the likeness of the stone foot model (48) and used to form final stone mold halves (100, 102). The contour of the stone extremity model (50) is adjusted according to the tissue texture of the patient to provide an individualized fit. A gelatinous silicone is injected inside the final mold (100, 102) and allowed to form around the extremity model (50) to thereby provide the body of the prosthetic member (112) and the conformal sleeve (132 ).

Abstract: An adjustable connection for adjoining parts of an artificial limb comprises a first and a second coupling element, each of which forms part of or is intended to be fixed to a respective one of the aforementioned artificial-limb parts to be connected together. The adjustable connection includes set screws which are intended to hold the coupling elements, and therewith the artificial-limb parts releasably in desired positions relative to one another. The coupling elements have centrally located, mutually coacting support surfaces, and the set screws are arranged in an outer annular flange which depends from one coupling element and encircles the other coupling element with a clearance between the elements, and which has an unloaded annular edge.