Foot prosthetic and methods of use

• US 20070061016A1
• Filed: 08/03/2006
• Published: 03/15/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 08/03/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Board of Regents of the University of Michigan (University of Michigan)
• Original Assignee: Board of Regents of the University of Michigan (University of Michigan)
• Inventors: Collins, Steven, Kuo, Arthur
• Application Number:
  US11/498,669
• Publication Number:
  US 20070061016A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 623/24
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/66 Feet; Ankle joints
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/70 electrical
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/5055 Reinforcing prostheses by embedding particles or fibres during moulding or dipping, e.g. carbon fibre composites
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/5072 having spring elements spring-biased locking means A61F2002/30505; for implantable joints A61F2002/30565; other elastic means A61F2002/5007
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/5073 Helical springs, e.g. having at least one helical spring
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/6621 Toes
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/6642 Heels
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/665 Soles
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/6671 C-shaped
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/704 computer-controlled, e.g. robotic control
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/705 Electromagnetic data transfer for implantable prostheses A61F2250/0002
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/7635 for measuring force, pressure or mechanical tension

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to prosthetic devices. In particular, the present invention describes intelligent (e.g., microprocessor controlled) foot prostheses configured to actively store and release energy associated with walking. The foot prostheses of the present invention reduce the energy required during ambulation for amputees requiring foot prostheses.

Claims

1. A prosthetic device comprising

a toe plate and a heel plate, said toe plate and heel plate pivotably attached to one-another;

a spring disposed between said toe plate and said heel plate, wherein exertion of force on said toe or heel plate compresses said spring; and

at least one latch attached to said toe plate or said heel plate such that when said spring is compressed, said at least one latch engages said toe plate and/or said heel plate to maintain compression of said spring thereby storing energy that can be released upon disengagement of said latch.

2. The prosthetic device of claim 1, further comprising a microprocessor, said microprocessor configured to control said disengagement of said latch.

3. The prosthetic device of claim 1, wherein said prosthetic device is configured for attachment onto a leg.

4. The prosthetic device of claim 3, wherein said leg is an amputated leg.

5. The prosthetic device of claim 1, wherein said exertion of force onto said toe plate or said heel plate corresponds to a stepping down movement.

6. The prosthetic device of claim 1, wherein said microprocessor controlled latch disengagement is timed to match a lifting off motion during walking.

7. The prosthetic device of claim 1, wherein said microprocessor is a micro-electrical mechanical system.

8. The prosthetic device of claim 1, wherein said microprocessor is battery powered.

9. The prosthetic device of claim 1, wherein said microprocessor controlled latch disengagement pushes said toe plate in a plantarflexion direction.

10. The prosthetic device of claim 1, wherein said toe plate and heel plate is constructed of a carbon fiber and resin composite.

11. The prosthetic device of claim 1, wherein said prosthetic device is designed for placement within a shoe.

12. The prosthetic device of claim 1, wherein said microprocessor controlled latch disengagement permits the release of energy collected at said heel plate upon said toe plate.

13. A method of facilitating walking with a prosthetic foot comprising:

a) providing a prosthetic foot comprising a toe plate and a heel plate, a spring disposed between said toe plate and said heel plate, the compression and release of said spring controlled by a microprocessor;

b) allowing a force to be exerted on said heel plate such that said spring is compressed; and

c) via said microprocessor, releasing said spring such that said energy captured upon compression of said spring is released via said toe plate.