Divided-end artificial limb
US8413313B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 5, 2010 |
| Grant date | Apr 9, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 30, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/4998
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention provides divided-end artificial limbs and methods for making divided-end artificial limbs that are inexpensive, simple, and customizable. A limb is formed by dividing an end of an elongated shaft member into extending prongs that are shaped into custom lengths and curvatures. Furthermore, the method of the present invention provides affixing a sole plate to the limb, reinforcement of the prongs by nesting additional prongs within the elongated shaft member, dividing the proximal end of the shaft member into circumferentially spaced-apart fingers, and dividing a midsection of the shaft member into circumferentially spaced-apart flexing vanes. The present invention also provides that the prongs may be further modified by division into toe and heel extensions or by wrapping a prong around another prong to form a sole. Methods of reducing stress concentration using bolts and stress relief holes in these limbs are also presented.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.