Prosthetic ankle joint mechanism
AssigneeMatthew J. Habecker
InventorMatthew J. Habecker
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A prosthetic ankle joint consisting of an upper housing (1) and a lower housing (2) which are connected to and rotate about a shared axis (3). A plurality of motion members (5) are utilized to control the motion of the ankle joint through weight-bearing and non weight-bearing conditions. The presence or absence of an adjustable anterior element (12) and posterior element (13) will dictate the allowable relative motion of the lower housing to the upper housing. The upper receptacle (4) allows the ankle to be attached to a tube clamp adapter (15) and pylon (8). The lower receptacle (14) allows for the rigid attachment of a prosthetic foot (16).
Claims19
A prosthetic ankle joint which replicates normal walking kinematics comprising:
- a female upper housing for joining to proximal prosthetic components;
- a male lower housing for joining to distal prosthetic components;
- anatomical joint axis replication means for approximating anatomical height and functional performance of a human ankle;
- adjustable heel height means for accommodating the heel heights of multiple shoes;
- eccentric dorsiflexor muscle simulation means for controlling immediate plantarflexion motion during stance phase;
- concentric dorsiflexor muscle simulation means for controlling plantarflexion motion during swing phase;
- individualized eccentric and concentric dorsiflexor muscle intensity simulation means for controlling plantarflexion motion during stance and swing phase;
- concentric plantarflexor muscle simulation and timing means for resisting stance phase dorisflexion;
- eccentric dorsiflexion muscle simulation and timing means for resisting stance phase plantarflexion;
- wherein plantarflexion and dorsiflexion motions of the prosthetic ankle joint replicate the normal kinematic performance of an anatomical ankle joint.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.