Prosthetic partial fingers

US11229533B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Regents of the University of Colorado · US

Inventors

• Jacob Segil · Boulder, US
• Stephen Huddle · Lubbock, US
• Levin Sliker · Colorado Springs, US
• Richard Weir · Longmont, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 1, 2021
• Grant date: Jan 25, 2022
• Expiry date: Feb 1, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61F2002/6621
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Various embodiments of the present invention generally relate to prosthetic partial finger designs that can mimic the last two joints of the finger. Some embodiments include a proximal phalange, a distal phalange coupled to the proximal phalange, and a knuckle track (e.g., formed in an arc). The knuckle track can be moveably coupled to the proximal phalange an may include multiple teeth formed on which the proximal phalange slides along. A ratcheting mechanism can contact the multiple teeth to allow sliding in only a first direction while the ratcheting mechanism is engaged. Some embodiments include a release mechanism (e.g., a button) configured to disengage the ratcheting mechanism from the multiple teeth to allow the distal phalange to slide in a second direction. In some embodiments, the device may include a spring-back capability that automatically extends the finger after reaching full finger flexion, enabling one-handed use.