Prosthetic ankle joint mechanism

• US 20020045946A1
• Filed: 10/09/2001
• Published: 04/18/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 10/12/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Matthew J. Habecker
• Original Assignee: Matthew J. Habecker
• Inventors: Habecker, Matthew J.
• Granted Patent: US 6,482,236 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 623/18.11
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/6607 Ankle joints
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/68 Operating or control means
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/76 Means for assembling, fitting or testing prostheses, e.g. for measuring or balancing, e.g. alignment means
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30462 retained or tied with a rope, string, thread, wire or cable
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30469 using band clamps
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/503 for adjusting elasticity, flexibility, spring rate or mechanical tension
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/5039 allowing only for single rotation
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/5043 with rotation-limiting stops, e.g. projections or recesses
• 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 2002/6614 Feet
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/0075 sutured, ligatured or stitched, retained or tied with a rope, string, thread, wire or cable
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00023 Titanium or titanium-based alloys, e.g. Ti-Ni alloys

Abstract

A prosthetic ankle joint consisting of an upper housing (1) and a lower housing (2) which are connected to and rotate about a shared axis (3). A plurality of motion means (5) are utilized to control the motion of the ankle joint through weight-bearing and non weight-bearing conditions. The presence or absence of an adjustable anterior element (12) and posterior element (13) will dictate the allowable relative motion of the lower housing to the upper housing. The upper receptacle (4) allows the ankle to be attached to a tube clamp adapter (15) and pylon (8). The lower receptacle (14) allows for the rigid attachment of a prosthetic foot (16).

Claims

1. A prosthetic ankle joint, comprising:

(a) an upper housing possessing an axis.

(b) a lower housing rotatably connected to said upper housing on said axis.

(c) one or more motion means for affecting the motion of said upper housing relative to said lower housing, said motion means being attached to said upper housing and said lower housing.

2. The prosthetic ankle joint of claim 1 wherein said upper housing has one or more chambers.

3. The prosthetic ankle joint of claim 2 wherein said chambers possess a plurality of elements which have the means of affecting the motion of said lower housing.

4. The prosthetic ankle joint of claim 2 wherein said elements may be held in place by a plurality of element retainers which have the means of controlling the position of said elements within said chambers.

5. The prosthetic ankle joint of claim 1 wherein said upper housing possesses an upper receptacle with the means of being attached to industry standard modular prosthetic components.

6. The prosthetic ankle joint of claim 1 wherein said lower housing has an articular surface with the means of being controlled in space by said elements within said chambers.

7. The prosthetic ankle joint of claim 1 wherein said lower housing has a lower receptacle with the means of attaching said lower housing to modular prosthetic componentry including a foot.

8. The prosthetic ankle joint of claim 1 wherein said motion means are comprised of an elastic material which expands and contracts in response to forces imposed on said upper housing and said lower housing during ambulation.