Overmould attachments for prosthetic foot

Abstract

An attachment for a prosthetic foot comprising an attachment surface that couples to the edges of a foot plate of a prosthetic foot and an outer surface that functionally or cosmetically alters the foot plate of the prosthetic foot in order to adapt the prosthetic foot to the needs of the user. In another embodiment, a toe attachment for a prosthetic foot comprising a cavity that can receive the toe end of an elongate foot element of a prosthetic foot, the toe attachment that can functionally or cosmetically alter the elongate foot element in order to adapt the prosthetic foot to the needs of the user. In yet another embodiment, a seal cover that can removably engage a prosthetic foot and a cosmetic cover for a prosthetic foot, resulting in a substantially watertight connection between the seal cover and the prosthesis and the seal cover and the cosmesis.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 764,424 filed Feb. 13, 2013, which is hereby expressly incorporated in its entirety by reference herein and should be considered a part of this specification.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field[0003]Embodiments of the present invention relate to prosthetic feet and overmould attachments and cosmetic covers for prosthetic feet.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Prosthetic feet of different designs are well known in the art. The various conventional designs have sought to solve various limitations associated with prosthetic feet. One limitation associated with prosthetic feet known in the art has to do with manufacturing prosthetic feet having foot plates with varying characteristics. Some of the possible variations of a foot plate include width, length, thickness, shape, and stiffness. Incorporating one or more of these variations into the design of a prosthesis can res...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent is about a seal cover that can be used for a prosthetic foot. The seal cover has a frame made of plastic or plastic-like material and an inner portion made of elastic or flexible material. The seal cover can be attached to a cosmetic cover for the prosthetic foot using hooks and cavities in the rim of the cover or by using glue or epoxy. The technical effect of this invention is that it provides a better fit and comfort for the prosthetic foot in the shoe or cover, as well as improved durability and stability.

Problems solved by technology

One limitation associated with prosthetic feet known in the art has to do with manufacturing prosthetic feet having foot plates with varying characteristics.

However, incorporating these variations directly into the foot plate during the manufacturing process can be expensive, time consuming and result in waste of the production materials.

Another limitation associated with prosthetic feet known in the art has to do with wear and tear on the prosthesis.

Materials typically used in the art to produce prosthetic feet, such as carbon fiber, can be expensive and difficult to repair or replace.

During the course of use of a prosthetic foot, normal wear and tear can result in undesirable cosmetic or structural damage to the foot plate or any other element of the prosthesis.

Such damage can be very difficult or expensive to repair and can require that the entire foot plate of the prosthesis be replaced.

Yet another limitation associated with prosthetic feet known in the art has to do with water and / or debris, such as dirt, entering the cosmetic foot cover.

This water and / or debris can be difficult to clean out from the cosmetic cover and can cause problems with the function of the cosmetic cover or prosthesis therein.

On the other hand, sealing the opening of a cosmetic cover can limit the function of the ankle joint and make access for manipulation or adjustment of the ankle very difficult.

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