Prosthetic foot
US5376140A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 21, 1992 |
| Grant date | Dec 27, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 21, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2230/0026
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An improved prosthetic foot construction providing resilient lateral flexion as well as excellent longitudinal flexion and energy recovery includes a core frame embedded in an expanded polymer body that mimics the shape of a natural foot. The core frame extends in a generally vertical plane, and comprises a modified trapezoidal shape having an open medial region. The frame includes an upper side having a mounting bolt extending therethrough to a lower leg prosthesis, and a lower side generally parallel to the sole of the prosthesis. The rear side of the trapezoid extends generally parallel to the rear heel surface of the prosthesis, and the front side extends obliquely from the upper side toward the lower side. A ball and socket connection joins the front side and the lower side of the frame, so that the oblique front side of the frame may undergo rotational motion with respect to the remainder of the frame. As a result, the top side may be driven into lateral flexion with respect to the frame and the foot to provide resilient lateral flexion of the foot and duplicate the flexibility of a natural ankle. The core frame is formed of a high density polymer material reinforced with car…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.