High-Performance Multi-Component Prosthetic Foot

• US 20100023135A1
• Filed: 07/25/2008
• Published: 01/28/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 07/25/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Fillauer Composites LLC (Fillauer Cos, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Fillauer Composites LLC (Fillauer Cos, Inc.)
• Inventors: Buck, Daniel, Rubie, Eric W.
• Granted Patent: US 9,011,554 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 623/55
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/66 Feet; Ankle joints
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/6607 Ankle joints
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30332 Conically- or frustoconically-shaped protrusion and recess
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/5007 having elastic means different from springs, e.g. including an elastomeric insert elastic coating A61F2002/3007; springs A61F2002/5072; plate-like springs for feet A61F2002/6657
• 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 2002/5056 Laminates, i.e. layered products
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/5086 Lubricating means
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/665 Soles
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/6664 Dual structures made of two connected cantilevered leaf springs
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/6671 C-shaped
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/0033 made by longitudinally pushing a protrusion into a complementary-shaped recess, e.g. held by friction fit

Abstract

Prosthetic feet are described comprising a curvilinear spring element, including a rounded portion transitioning between upper and lower extensions, the upper extension including a mounting section/region between the curved portion and a distal end of the upper extension. At least one leaf spring element spans a gap between the upper and lower extension sections, and a resilient footbed is attached to the lower extension. Such feet are typically set within a cosmetic cover for and fit within a shoe for use.

Claims

1. A prosthetic foot assembly comprising:

a curvilinear spring element including a rounded portion transitioning between upper and lower spring extensions, the upper spring extension including a mounting region between the rounded portion and a distal end of the upper spring extension;

at least one leaf spring spanning a gap between the upper and lower spring extensions; and

a resilient footbed, the lower spring extension attached to the footbed.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the leaf spring has an elongate form.

3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein a proximal end of the leaf spring is attached to the upper spring extension.

4. The assembly of claim 2, wherein a distal end of the leaf spring is attached to at least one of the lower spring extension and the footbed.

5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein a proximal end of the leaf spring is attached to the upper spring extension.

6. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the leaf spring contacts, but is not attached to the upper spring extension.

7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the leaf spring is U-shaped.

8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein an open section defined by the U shape is directed proximally.

9. The assembly of claim 7, wherein an open section defined by the U shape is directed distally.

10. The assembly of claim 9, further comprising a hook mounted to the upper spring extension to capture the leaf spring.

11. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the leaf spring is bow-shaped.

12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein a distal portion of the leaf spring is attached to at least one of the lower spring extension and the footbed.

13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein a proximal portion of the leaf spring is spaced apart from a proximal portion of the lower spring extension.

14. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the footbed is attached to a distal end of the extension.

15. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the footbed is attached to the spring extension about at a center of the footbed.

16. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the leaf spring fully spans the gap.

17. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the leaf spring only partially spans the gap.

18. The assembly of claim 1, wherein a socket mounting bracket is connected at the mounting region.

19. A method of walking with a prosthetic foot comprising:

loading a substantially U or J-shaped spring element including upper and lower spring extension sections;

transitioning across a footbed attached to the spring element; and

progressively compressing a leaf spring element between the spring extension sections.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising opening a gap between the footbed and the lower extension section during the transitioning.