Prosthetic foot
First Claim
1. An energy storing prosthetic foot comprising a keel formed of an energy storing material, wherein the keel comprises a heel portion characterized by an elongate member, a forefoot portion characterized by an elongate member and an ankle portion, wherein the inferior aspects of the heel portion, the ankle portion and the forefoot portion define a resilient arch in the keel, wherein the keel is supported in the prosthetic foot so that the apex of the resilient arch is generally under the ankle portion of the prosthetic foot, wherein the keel is supported in the prosthetic foot so that the resilient arch is capable of expanding in response to a load on the prosthetic foot for storing energy and capable of contracting as the load is lifted to release the stored energy, wherein the keel is supported in the prosthetic foot so that in the assembled prosthetic foot the space under the resilient arch is substantially unobstructed, and wherein substantially all the energy storing capacity of the prosthetic foot resides in such expansion and contraction of the resilient arch of the keel.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention provides a prosthetic foot comprising an integrally formed, flexible keel preferably in a cosmetic covering. The keel has a forefoot portion and a heel portion joined by an ankle portion. The inferior aspect of the ankle portion defines an arch which expands in response to a load, and the superior aspect of the ankle portion forms a platform which engages a conventional leg assembly. The forefoot portion is contoured, thicker on the medial side than on the lateral side, which shifts the midline of weight distribution in the forefoot portion medially. This provides a more natural alignment of the foot during the gait cycle. The toe end of the forefoot portion is biased along the natural toe break line. The posterior aspect of the ankle portion defines a concavity under the platform which is continuous with the superior aspect of the heel portion. A horizontal slot continuous with the concavity extends from the posterior aspect of the ankle portion between the platform and the arch. The anterior end of the slot is enlarged and rounded. Thus, the length of the heel is increased. This enhances the flexibility and shock absorbing capacity of the keel. The cosmetic covering is solid except for a cavity under the arch.
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Citations
24 Claims
- 1. An energy storing prosthetic foot comprising a keel formed of an energy storing material, wherein the keel comprises a heel portion characterized by an elongate member, a forefoot portion characterized by an elongate member and an ankle portion, wherein the inferior aspects of the heel portion, the ankle portion and the forefoot portion define a resilient arch in the keel, wherein the keel is supported in the prosthetic foot so that the apex of the resilient arch is generally under the ankle portion of the prosthetic foot, wherein the keel is supported in the prosthetic foot so that the resilient arch is capable of expanding in response to a load on the prosthetic foot for storing energy and capable of contracting as the load is lifted to release the stored energy, wherein the keel is supported in the prosthetic foot so that in the assembled prosthetic foot the space under the resilient arch is substantially unobstructed, and wherein substantially all the energy storing capacity of the prosthetic foot resides in such expansion and contraction of the resilient arch of the keel.
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13. A lower limb prosthesis comprising:
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an energy storing foot comprising a keel formed of an energy storing material, wherein the keel comprises a heel portion characterized by an elongate member, a forefoot portion characterized by an elongate member and an ankle portion, wherein the inferior aspects of the heel portion, the ankle portion and the forefoot portion define a resilient arch in the keel, wherein the keel is supported in the foot so that the apex of the resilient arch is generally under the ankle portion of the foot, wherein the keel is supported in the foot so that the resilient arch is capable of expanding in response to a load on the foot for storing energy and to contract as the load is lifted to release the stored energy, wherein the keel is supported in the foot so that in the assembled foot the space under the resilient arch is substantially unobstructed, and wherein substantially all the energy storing capacity of the foot resides in such expansion and contraction of the resilient arch of the keel;
a leg assembly; andmeans for connecting the leg assembly and the foot. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification