# US 12,178,723 B2 · Prosthetic coupling interfaces and methods of use

> Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt

- Number: US 12,178,723 B2
- Document ID: US12178723B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 18/143,974
- Filed: 2023-05-05
- Published: 2023-08-31
- Granted: 2024-12-31
- Earliest claimed: 2021-04-30
- Assignees: Arnex Innovations, LLC
- Applicants: Arnex Innovations, LLC
- Inventors: Brandon Arnette; Jeffrey Arnette; Todd Hasenstein
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US12178723B2

## CPC

- A61F 2/78: Means for protecting prostheses or for attaching them to the body, e.g. bandages, harnesses, straps or stockings for the limb stump
- A61F 2/60: Artificial legs or feet or parts thereof
- A61B 17/62: Ring frames, i.e. devices extending around the bones to be positioned ({A61B17/6433} , A61B17/66 take precedence)
- A61F 2002/607: {Lower legs}
- A61F 2002/6614: {Feet}
- A61F 2002/7887: {for connecting limb exoprostheses to the stump bone}
- A61F: FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS (dental prosthetics A61C)
- A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D)

## Abstract

Prosthetic coupling interfaces and methods of use are disclosed herein. An example system can include an external fixator apparatus, a prosthetic appendage assembly, and a prosthetic coupling interface for connecting the external fixator apparatus with the prosthetic appendage assembly.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A prosthetic coupling interface, comprising: a plate having a thickness and a lower surface, the plate comprising a plurality of equally spaced notches creating interface tabs, wherein a prosthetic appendage assembly is configured to couple with the lower surface of the plate, further wherein at least a portion of the interface tabs couple with mounting members of an external fixator apparatus, wherein each of the interface tabs comprises a centrally located coupling aperture and wherein an interface tab of the interface tabs is configured to be received within a receiver slot of a mounting member of the mounting members.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The prosthetic coupling interface according to claim 1, wherein the mounting member is aligned with the centrally located coupling aperture and a fastener extends through the mounting member to secure the mounting member to the interface tab.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The prosthetic coupling interface according to claim 1, wherein the external fixator apparatus and the prosthetic appendage assembly are coupled together using the prosthetic coupling interface in such a way that a patient can walk using the prosthetic appendage assembly.

### Claim 4

A system, comprising:
an external fixator apparatus comprising:
a circular frame configured to encircle a lower leg of a patient; and
a plurality of struts positioned around the circular frame;
a prosthetic coupling interface in the form of a plate having a thickness and a lower surface, the plate comprising a plurality of interface tabs, wherein each of the plurality of struts are mechanically joined to one of the plurality of interface tabs, wherein at least a portion of the interface tabs couple with mounting members of an external fixator apparatus, each of the interface tabs comprises a centrally located coupling aperture and wherein an interface tab of the interface tabs is configured to be received within a receiver slot of a mounting member of the mounting members; and
a prosthetic appendage assembly attached to an underside of the prosthetic coupling interface, the external fixator apparatus and the prosthetic appendage assembly are coupled together using the prosthetic coupling interface in such a way that a patient can walk using the prosthetic appendage assembly.

### Claim 5 (depends on 4)

The system according to claim 4, wherein the plate has a thickness and a lower surface, the plate comprising a plurality of equally spaced notches creating interface tabs.

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

The system according to claim 5, wherein the thickness of the plate is based on a weight of the patient.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The system according to claim 6, wherein the thickness of the plate is tapered such that the plate is thicker at a center and thinner towards an outer edge.

### Claim 8 (depends on 7)

The system according to claim 7, wherein the mounting member is aligned with the centrally located coupling aperture and a fastener extends through the mounting member to secure the mounting member to the interface tab.

### Claim 9 (depends on 4)

The system according to claim 4, wherein the thickness of the plate is tapered such that the plate is thinner at a center and thicker towards an outer edge.