Lowelimb prothesis
US5116383A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 3, 1989 |
| Grant date | May 26, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 3, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2220/0041
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
In a lower limb prothesis an energy storing foot (10) is combined with a resilient ankle joint (13) which is arranged to allow plantar flexion but substantially to prevent dorsi-flexion. The ankle joint (13) comprises a ball and socket joint (42), the socket (44) of which is extended downwardly on the anterior, medial and lateral sides to form a skirt (44A) positioned so as to compress a resilient ring (54) encircling a ball member (46) of the ball and socket joint (42). Metal plates (56) are embedded in the anterior part of the ring to prevent significant dorsi-flexion. The foot (10) has a single-piece carbon fiber reinforced plastics keel (12) having a lower spring portion (12B) connected at its posterior end as a cantilever to an upper ankle mounting portion (12). The resilient of the foot (10) is adjustable by means of a transversely extending support bar (28) which can be moved longitudinally by rotating an adjusting screw (30). The screw (30) passes through an aperture in the keel (12) and is accessible at the rear of the heel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.