Prosthetic foot
US4865612A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 12, 1987 |
| Grant date | Sep 12, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 12, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2002/6657
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An artificial foot includes a hollow, rigid, compression-molded composite keel made from aramid fiber-reinforced plastic for connection to a prothesis and to an improved composite carbon-fiber material acting as a spring for improving the energy absorbing and releasing characteristics of the foot to aid movement of the amputee. The spring includes a pair of thin, forwardly-extending composite spring members capable of lateral movement with respect to each other and connected to the keel. An auxiliary deflection spring or plate is interposed between the primary deflection plate and the keel and includes a forwardly-extending upwardly-oriented portion to aid in energy absorption and release during flexing of the foot. The plates are surrounded by a suitable abrasion resistant material, such as a Kevlar sock, surrounded by a low density flexible foam urethane. A medium density flexible foam urethane wedge is interposed beneath the heel portion of the keel. The composite construction is surrounded by an outer shell formed in the shape cosmetically to resemble a foot. The keel structure and method of making the composite to provide longitudinal and transverse strength are also disclosed…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.