Abstract: A prosthetic foot can include a plate-like foot member extending along a longitudinal axis between an anterior end generally corresponding to a toe portion of a foot to a posterior end, and a metatarsal hinge comprising an elongate groove extending between medial and lateral edges of the foot member. The elongate groove can intersect the longitudinal axis of the foot member, and can be positioned along the length of the foot member at a location generally corresponding to a metatarsal region of the foot. The metatarsal hinge can also comprise a plurality of elongate apertures that extend completely through the foot member, or a plurality of recessed channels that extend only partially through the foot member, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot device with variable stiffness response includes a variable energy transfer mechanism disposed between first and second foot members to transfer a variable amount of energy between the members during use. A chamber is associated with one of the first and second foot members, and a piston is associated with another of the first and second foot members and is movable in the chamber. At least one aperture is formed between the piston and the chamber. A variable viscosity fluid is disposed in the chamber and displaceable through the at least one aperture between the piston and the chamber to allow fluid to flow within the chamber between opposite sides of the piston. The variable viscosity fluid has a viscosity that is variable to vary an ability of the variable viscosity fluid to flow through the at least one aperture.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot device with variable stiffness response includes a variable energy transfer mechanism disposed between first and second foot members to transfer a variable amount of energy between the members during use. A chamber is associated with one of the first and second foot members, and a piston is associated with another of the first and second foot members and is movable in the chamber. At least one aperture is formed through the piston and in communication with the chamber. A variable viscosity fluid is disposed in the enclosure and displacable through the at least one aperture in the piston. The variable viscosity fluid has a viscosity that is variable to vary an ability of the variable viscosity fluid to flow through the at least one aperture.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot device with variable stiffness response includes a variable energy transfer mechanism or variable resistance cell disposed between first and second foot members to transfer a variable amount of energy from the second member to the first member during use. The energy transfer mechanism or variable resistance cell includes a variable orifice with variable size to variably resist flow of fluid therethrough, and thus variably transfers energy between the first and second members to vary stiffness of the prosthetic foot device.

Abstract: A device prosthetic foot device with variable stiffness response includes a variable energy transfer medium disposed between first and second foot members to transfer at least some energy from the second member to the first member during use. The energy transfer medium includes a variable viscosity fluid such that the variable viscosity fluid, and thus the energy transfer medium, variably transfers energy between the first and second members to vary stiffness of the prosthetic foot device. The variable viscosity fluid can include a shear stiffening material that increases in viscosity as a load or strain, or rate of loading or rate of strain, applied, or a magneto or electro rheologic fluid responsive to a magnetic or electric field.

Abstract: A variable resistance cell and method provides a variable resistance response to a load factor, such as a load, a load rate, a strain, a strain rate, a pressure, or a deflection. A variable viscosity fluid is displacable between first and second chambers of an enclosure though an orifice in response to the load factor. The variable viscosity fluid has a viscosity that is variable corresponding to the load factor to vary an ability of the variable viscosity fluid to flow through the orifice. The variable viscosity fluid can be a shear stiffening material that increases in viscosity with an increase in a load factor applied to the shear stiffening material, a magneto rheologic fluid responsive to a magnetic field, or an electro rheologic fluid responsive to an electric field. The enclosure can be compressible between first and second positions.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot includes a foot body having heel and toe parts, an ankle member mounted pivotally on the heel part and having two opposite ends and an intermediate part between the opposite ends, an ankle shaft extending through the intermediate part of the ankle member, and two biasing members mounted within the heel part below the ankle member and respectively adjacent to the opposite ends so as to support the ankle member. A hydraulic bumper unit may be provided to support the biasing members.

Abstract: A simple, inexpensive prosthetic foot is provided incorporating a cushioned ankle including an ankle block formed of a resilient material or bladder having desired compliance and energy return characteristics. The ankle block is sandwiched between a foot element and an ankle element. One or more openings extends through the ankle block with a substantially transverse orientation relative to a forward walking motion. The size and shape of these openings, as well as the insertion of different types of stiffeners therein, provide desired performance characteristics to the ankle block. When the ankle block takes the form of one or more inflatable bladders, the pressure within these bladders is individually controlled by valves to provide desired performance characteristics to different portions of the prosthetic foot. A pump system can also be used to control and generate fluid pressure into these bladders.

Abstract: A device prosthetic foot device with variable stiffness response includes a variable energy transfer medium disposed between first and second foot members to transfer at least some energy from the second member to the first member during use. The energy transfer medium includes a variable viscosity fluid such that the variable viscosity fluid, and thus the energy transfer medium, variably transfers energy between the first and second members to vary stiffness of the prosthetic foot device. The variable viscosity fluid can include a shear stiffening material that increases in viscosity as a load or strain, or rate of loading or rate of strain, applied, or a magneto or electro rheologic fluid responsive to a magnetic or electric field.

Abstract: A device prosthetic foot device with variable stiffness response includes a variable energy transfer medium disposed between first and second foot members to transfer at least some energy from the second member to the first member during use. The energy transfer medium includes a variable viscosity fluid such that the variable viscosity fluid, and thus the energy transfer medium, variably transfers energy between the first and second members to vary stiffness of the prosthetic foot device. The variable viscosity fluid can include a shear stiffening material that increases in viscosity as a load or strain, or rate of loading or rate of strain, applied, or a magneto or electro rheologic fluid responsive to a magnetic or electric field.

Abstract: A variable resistance cell and method provides a variable resistance response to a load factor, such as a load, a load rate, a strain, a strain rate, a pressure, or a deflection. A variable viscosity fluid is displacable between first and second chambers of an enclosure though an orifice in response to the load factor. The variable viscosity fluid has a viscosity that is variable corresponding to the load factor to vary an ability of the variable viscosity fluid to flow through the orifice. The variable viscosity fluid can be a shear stiffening material that increases in viscosity with an increase in a load factor applied to the shear stiffening material, a magneto rheologic fluid responsive to a magnetic field, or an electro rheologic fluid responsive to an electric field. The enclosure can be compressible between first and second positions.

Abstract: A simple, inexpensive prosthetic foot is provided incorporating a cushioned ankle including an ankle block formed of a resilient material or bladder having desired compliance and energy return characteristics. The ankle block is sandwiched between a foot element and an ankle element. One or more openings extends through the ankle block with a substantially transverse orientation relative to a forward walking motion. The size and shape of these openings, as well as the insertion of different types of stiffeners therein, provide desired performance characteristics to the ankle block. When the ankle block takes the form of one or more inflatable bladders, the pressure within these bladders is individually controlled by valves to provide desired performance characteristics to different portions of the prosthetic foot. A pump system can also be used to control and generate fluid pressure into these bladders.

Abstract: A prosthetic device having a socket with an insert having a bladder system for monitoring and compensating for volume fluctuations in a residual limb is provided. A plurality of bladders are preferably provided, in one embodiment, substantially only on a posterior portion of the socket. The bladders may be organized into zones, with the zones being inflatable to differing pressures depending on volume fluctuations in a residual limb. Pressure sensors may be provided for each bladder or for each zone, and flow regulators may be provided to control fluid flow into or out of the bladders or zones of bladders based on readings from the pressure sensors to control volume within the insert. Alternatively, bladders can be manually inflated depending on an amputee's needs.

Abstract: A device prosthetic foot device with variable stiffness response includes a variable energy transfer medium disposed between first and second foot members to transfer at least some energy from the second member to the first member during use. The energy transfer medium includes a variable viscosity fluid such that the variable viscosity fluid, and thus the energy transfer medium, variably transfers energy between the first and second members to vary stiffness of the prosthetic foot device. The variable viscosity fluid can include a shear stiffening material that increases in viscosity as a load or strain, or rate of loading or rate of strain, applied, or a magneto or electro rheologic fluid responsive to a magnetic or electric field.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot has a forefoot reinforcement member extending from an attachment section, through a curvilinear spring and arch section, to a toe end. A forefoot reinforcement member extends from the arch section above the forefoot member to a free end proximal the attachment section, and within an extreme range of movement of the forefoot member. A heel member may extend from the arch section to a heel end. A heel reinforcement member may extend from the arch section under the forefoot member to a free end proximal the attachment section, and within an extreme range of movement of the forefoot member. A secondary forefoot reinforcement member may extend from the arch section to a free end proximal the toe end.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot (10) comprising a movable heel mechanism (12), an energy storing device (14) acted on by to the movable heel mechanism (12) to store energy, and a control device (16) attached to the energy storage device (14) and to a release device which enables the stored energy to be released to provide a lift-off force in push-off.

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 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: 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 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 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 component substantially encompasses the tibia or shin portion of the leg and is removably attached to any one of several available prefabricated prosthetic foot devices. Included is a substantially L-shaped member providing for efficient kinetic recoil energy about the ankle upon application of a given load on the device which allows for torsional replication about the tibia while simultaneously providing medial-lateral stability for the user.