Load bearing assistance apparatus for lower extremity orthotic or prosthetic devices

A load bearing assistance apparatus for transferring load from a lower extremity orthotic or prosthetic device to the ground, comprising:

• a lateral and a medial spring-loaded members each having a top portion and a bottom portion linked by a curved portion, the top portion, the bottom portion and the curved portion forming an open shape with a cavity therein opened in a direction forward of the foot of the user, wherein each of the lateral and medial spring-loaded members is configured as a one-piece plate spring structure, wherein each of the lateral and medial spring-loaded members is configured to extend from a heel of the user and pass at least a middle portion of the foot of the user along a length of the foot of the user, the lateral and the medial spring-loaded members being configured to be positioned adjacent a lateral and a medial portions, respectively, of a foot of a user, wherein the lower extremity orthotic or prosthetic device is configured to be positioned above the foot of the user when in use, the top portions for securing to the lower extremity orthotic or prosthetic device and such that a convex surface of the bottom portion of each of the lateral and medial spring-loaded members enters in contact with the ground during locomotion;
• wherein in use the top portion, the bottom portion and the curved portion provide a spring-loaded effect transferring the load from the lower extremity orthotic or prosthetic device to the ground.