Patent · US Expired

Leg prosthesis

US4883493A · kind A · utility

40Cited by
7References
8Claims
0Family size

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 13, 1988
Grant dateNov 28, 1989
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 13, 2008

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61F2002/607
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A leg prosthesis is disclosed which incorporates a novel spring-biased telescopic shank permitting amputees to run and take part in a variety of sports such as volleyball and basketball. The shank includes a spring and damper piston which absorb ground impact forces shortening the shank at heel-strike minimizing the impact on the amputee's stump. At toe-off the spring recoils to restore the original length of the limb and provides impetus to accelerate the prosthetic leg so that full extension of the leg occurs prior to the next heel-strike. The shank can be prestressed for use with amputees of different weight and can be readily fitted to conventional prosthetic feet and knees.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.