Method for the Continuous Implementation of Polymerisation Processes

Abstract

A prosthetic foot (124) incorporates a foot keel (165) and a calf shank (126) connected to the foot keel to form an ankle joint area of the prosthetic foot. A device (125) connected between the upper end of the calf shank and the lower portion of the prosthesis can be used to assist posterior movement of the upper end of a calf shank and control anterior movement of the upper end of the calf shank during use of the prosthesis. The device (125) has springs which store energy during force loading with anterior motion of the upper end of the calf shank in gait and which, during force unloading, return the stored energy as kinetic power for adding to the propulsive force on the user's body generated by the prosthesis in gait.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a high performance prosthetic foot providing improved dynamic response capabilities as these capabilities relate to applied force mechanics.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] A jointless artificial foot for a leg prosthesis is disclosed by Martin et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,897,594. Unlike earlier solutions wherein the artificial foot has a rigid construction provided with a joint in order to imitate the function of the ankle, the jointless artificial foot of Martin et al. employs a resilient foot insert which is arranged inside a foot molding. The insert is of approximately C-shaped design in longitudinal section, with the opening to the rear, and takes up the prosthesis load with its upper C-limb and via its lower C-limb transmits that load to a leaf spring connected thereto. The leaf spring as seen from the underside is of convex design and extends approximately parallel to the sole region, forward beyond the foot insert into the foot-tip regi...

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