US 6,296,669 B1Granted

Prosthetic suspension insert

AssigneeLord Corporation

InventorsRichard P. Thorn, Denise M. Braeger

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Abstract

A prosthetic insert unit for cushioning shocks in prosthetics is provided. The unit includes attachment member (150 etc.), a lower sleeve (124′ etc), a slide bearing (152′ etc.) to allow free reciprocal motion therebetween, an elastomeric energy storage member (124′ etc.) received in the interior of the sleeve (124′ etc.), a piston (134′ etc.) cooperative with said elastomer member to compress same, and an anti-rotation mechanism. Preferably, the anti-rotation mechanism is integral with the slide bearing (152′ etc.). The elastomer member provides controlled deflection as well as damping for the insert. Preferably, an anti-click element (269 etc.) is provide to minimize rebound clicking. Acoustical elements (268 etc.) may also be included to minimize noise transmission into other areas of the insert.

Claims19

Dependent claims

A prosthesis insert, characterized by:

a) a lower cylindrical sleeve attachable to a first prosthetic member;
b) an external attachment member attachable to a second prosthetic member and surrounding a portion of said cylindrical sleeve;
c) a slide bearing located between said external attachment member and said cylindrical sleeve such that said attachment member may slide freely relative to said cylindrical sleeve;
d) an elastomeric energy storing element positioned within said cylindrical sleeve, said elastomeric storage device including a central aperture therethrough;
e) a piston cooperative with said external attachment member and positioned within an upper end of said cylindrical sleeve to operatively engage an axial end portion of said elastomeric energy storing element;
and
f) an anti-rotation mechanism engaged between said cylindrical sleeve and said external attachment member to restrain relative rotation therebetween.
whereby said elastomeric energy storage element will provide a cushioning action to a user during walking.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.