Artificial foot sleeve assembly

Abstract

A waterproof foot cover assembly is described. In one example, a waterproof foot cover includes a foot cover and a seal. The foot cover may have a pattern on the bottom surface to increase friction between the waterproof foot cover and the walking surface. The seal may include one or more one-way valves and provide a waterproof seal such that water, dirt, or other debris cannot enter the interior cavity of the foot cover. The waterproof foot cover assembly may include an inner shell that provides structural support for the foot cover. The foot cover can be pressurized or vacuumized to change the structural characteristics of the foot cover.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 365,894, filed on June 6, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference. Any and all applications indicating foreign or domestic priority claims in the Application Data Sheet filed with this application are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates generally to a toe cover, and more particularly, aspects of the present application relate to a waterproof toe cover and toe cover assembly configured to provide greater friction between the toe cover and a walking surface. Background Art

[0004] Traditional prosthetic foot covers are designed to cover the prosthetic foot and are usually made of a piece of material and include an opening for inserting the prosthetic foot. However, during use, water, dirt or other debris may enter the interior of the foot cover through the opening. Water, dirt or other debris may cause some parts of the prosthetic foot to wear faster. For example, dirt may get stuck between two parts of the prosthetic foot, and dirt may cause additional friction. In addition, traditional foot covers do not provide grip or may provide limited grip when walking on uneven or wet surfaces such as dirt or mud, and are designed to be worn with shoes that protect the foot covers. Therefore, when the foot covers are used on rough, uneven or wet surfaces without shoes, the materials used to make the foot covers may wear or break. However, in rural areas, shoes may not always be available.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for an improved foot cover and / or foot cover assembly that can provide a waterproof seal to prevent liquid, dirt or other debris from entering the foot cover, and can provide additional friction between the foot cover and the walking surface to facilitate walking. Summary of the invention

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a waterproof and debris resistant foot cover and / or foot cover assembly made of an elastic material is provided, which has less wear or is more durable when used on rough, uneven or wet surfaces compared to existing foot cover products.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a foot cover and / or foot cover assembly that is made of a resilient material that is waterproof and debris resistant and can be used for walking on rough, uneven or wet surfaces without shoes or sandals, the foot cover inhibiting wear and tear when used on such surfaces and having sole features that promote friction during walking on such surfaces.

[0008] In some constructions, a prosthetic foot sleeve assembly may include: a foot sleeve comprising a bottom surface, a top opening, and an inner cavity, wherein the inner cavity is configured to accommodate a prosthetic foot through the top opening; and a seal removably coupled to the foot sleeve near the top opening, wherein the bottom surface comprises a recessed pattern and the top opening comprises at least one protrusion, and wherein the seal has substantially the same shape as the top opening, such that the seal and the at least one protrusion prevent liquids, solids, and / or gases from entering the inner cavity.

[0009] In some configurations, the recessed pattern can extend along the entire bottom surface.

[0010] In some configurations, the recessed pattern can be configured to increase friction between the bottom surface and the walking surface.

[0011] In some configurations, the at least one protrusion can be located on an inner surface of the bootie, and the at least one protrusion can define a channel coupled to at least a portion of the seal.

[0012] In some configurations, the leg appearance can be coupled to the bootie.

[0013] In some configurations, the leg appearance member may be press-fit to the foot shell.

[0014] In some configurations, the shell can include a recess in an outer surface of the shell at the top opening, and the recess can be configured to receive a protrusion on an inner surface of the leg look to couple the leg look to the shell.

[0015] In some configurations, adhesive may be applied to the shell and / or the leg appearance to secure the protrusions of the leg appearance to the recesses of the shell.

[0016] In some configurations, the channel can be a first channel and the at least one projection can define a second channel coupled to at least a portion of the retainer.

[0017] In some configurations, the second channel can be coupled to the first portion of the retainer, and the retainer can be positioned such that the second portion of the retainer extends above the top opening of the bootie.

[0018] In some configurations, the second portion of the retainer can be configured to removably couple the leg appearance to the shell.

[0019] In some configurations, the leg appearance may be shaped to resemble a human leg.

[0020] In some configurations, the leg appearance can extend the top opening of the bootie to above the knee of the human leg.

[0021] In some configurations, the leg appearance member can extend from the top opening of the bootie to below the knee of the human leg.

[0022] In some configurations, the foot cover can include one or more of rubber, silicone, acrylic, polyvinyl chloride, or neoprene.

[0023] In some configurations, the prosthetic foot sleeve assembly can include an inner shell configured to receive the prosthetic foot, wherein the inner shell is disposed within the inner cavity.

[0024] In some configurations, the inner shell can include one or more of a foam and a plastic material.

[0025] In some configurations, the inner shell can include a recess at a heel end of the inner shell, and the recess can be configured to receive the insert.

[0026] In some configurations, the inner shell can include a first material and the insert can include a second material.

[0027] In some configurations, the second material can be more rigid than the first material.

[0028] In some configurations, the inner shell can include an open cell structure.

[0029] In some configurations, the inner housing may include a plurality of interconnected cells.

[0030] In some configurations, the seal can include a sealing opening configured to surround an adapter of the prosthetic foot.

[0031] In some configurations, an adapter for a prosthetic foot may be configured to couple a prosthetic leg to a prosthetic foot.

[0032] In some configurations, the sealing opening can be configured to provide an airtight seal with the adapter.

[0033] In some configurations, the adapter can include a recess configured to receive the gasket.

[0034] In some configurations, the seal can include a first one-way valve configured to allow air to enter the interior cavity.

[0035] In some configurations, the prosthetic foot sleeve assembly can include a tube that can be coupled to the first one-way valve and configured to extend from the first one-way valve into the inner cavity.

[0036] In some configurations, the seal can include a second one-way valve configured to allow air to vent from the interior cavity.

[0037] In some configurations, the first one-way valve and the second one-way valve can be configured to pressurize the inner cavity.

[0038] In some configurations, the prosthetic foot sleeve can include one or more portions of inelastic material coupled to one or more portions of the interior surface of the lumen.

[0039] In some configurations, the first one-way valve and the second one-way valve can be configured to maintain the inner cavity under a vacuum.

[0040] In some configurations, the prosthetic foot assembly can include a vacuum bag coupled to one or both of the first one-way valve and the second one-way valve.

[0041] In some configurations, the toe end of the bootie can include a toe piece shaped to resemble a human toe.

[0042] In some configurations, the toe pieces can each include a nail piece having a polished surface.

[0043] In some configurations, the nail piece can be configured to couple with an artificial nail.

[0044] In some configurations, the toe member may be configured to engage a raised surface of footwear.

[0045] In some configurations, the toe end of the bootie may include a first toe piece located inboard of the toe end and a second toe piece located lateral to the first toe piece, and the bootie may include a gap between the first toe piece and the second toe piece.

[0046] In some configurations, the gap can be configured to receive a toe post of the footwear when the prosthetic footwear assembly is inserted into the footwear.

[0047] In some configurations, the bootie can include a top surface, and the top surface can include a texture.

[0048] In some configurations, the texture can be configured to bind ink or dye to the top surface.

[0049] In some configurations, the foot cover can include a color, and the color can be the color of the user's skin.

[0050] In some configurations, the color of the foot cover may be boiled into the foot cover.

[0051] In some constructions, an inner shell of a prosthetic foot sleeve assembly may include: a body including a plurality of interconnected cells; and a foot cavity in the body, the foot cavity being constructed to accommodate a prosthetic foot, wherein the inner shell is constructed to be inserted into an inner cavity of the prosthetic foot sleeve, and wherein a cell density of the plurality of interconnected cells varies throughout the body such that a stiffness of the body varies throughout the body.

[0052] In some configurations, each cell in the plurality of interconnected cells may include a support post, and the support post may define an opening of each cell.

[0053] In some configurations, the stiffness of the body can vary throughout the body to approximate the stiffness of the human foot.

[0054] In some configurations, the body can include a bottom surface including a width and a length, and when a force is applied to the bottom surface, each of the plurality of interconnected cells can bend, expand, and / or compress such that the width and / or length can increase.

[0055] In some configurations, the heel portion of the body can include a solid structure.

[0056] In some configurations, the heel portion of the body can include a plurality of protrusions.

[0057] In some configurations, when the prosthetic foot shell and inner shell are inserted into footwear, each of the plurality of interconnected cells can flex, expand, and / or compress based on the geometry of the footwear.

[0058] In some configurations, the cell density of the plurality of interconnected cells may be determined based on the stiffness and / or anatomy of the user's foot.

[0059] In some configurations, the toe end of the inner shell can be shaped similar to a human toe. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0060] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure are described with reference to the accompanying drawings of certain aspects, which are intended to illustrate certain aspects and not to limit the present disclosure.

[0061] Figure 1A A perspective view of an example of a waterproof foot shell in which an example prosthetic foot is housed is shown.

[0062] Figure 1B Show Figure 1A A bottom view of an example foot cover showing an example bottom surface.

[0063] Figure 1C Show Figure 1B A cross-section of a foot sleeve showing the inner cavity of the foot sleeve.

[0064] Figure 2A A perspective view showing an example of a waterproof seal for a waterproof foot cover assembly.

[0065] Figure 2B A perspective view showing an example of a waterproof seal for a waterproof foot cover assembly with a tube.

[0066] Figure 2CA cross section of a waterproof seal of a waterproof foot cover assembly with a tube is shown.

[0067] Figure 3 A cross-section of an exemplary waterproof foot cover assembly coupled to a prosthetic foot is shown.

[0068] Figure 4A A perspective view of an example of an inner shell of an example waterproof foot cover assembly is shown.

[0069] Figure 4B A bottom view of an inner shell of an example waterproof foot cover assembly is shown.

[0070] Figure 4C A cross-section of an example waterproof foot cover assembly having an inner shell is shown.

[0071] Figure 5A A perspective view of an example waterproof foot cover assembly is shown.

[0072] Figure 5B Show Figure 5A A bottom view of an example waterproof foot cover assembly.

[0073] Figure 5C Show Figure 5A A side view of an example waterproof foot cover assembly.

[0074] Figure 5D Shown in detail view Figure 5A Example of a waterproof foot cover with a textured surface of the foot cover.

[0075] Figure 5E Show Figure 5A A cross-section of a foot cover of a waterproof foot cover assembly showing the inner cavity of the foot cover.

[0076] Fig. 6A Show Figure 5A A perspective view of an example of a retainer of a boot assembly.

[0077] Figure 6B Show Fig. 6A Side view of the retainer.

[0078] Fig. 7A A cross-section of an example waterproof foot cover assembly, including an inner shell, and a prosthetic foot coupled with the example waterproof foot cover assembly is shown.

[0079] Figure 7B Show Fig. 7A A perspective view of an example top portion of an adapter of a waterproof foot cover assembly.

[0080] Fig. 8A A perspective view showing an example of a leg appearance.

[0081] Figure 8B Show Fig. 8AA cross section of an example leg look piece.

[0082] 9A to 9C Various example leg appearances are shown coupled with an example waterproof foot cover.

[0083] Fig. 10A A perspective view showing an example of an inner shell of a waterproof foot cover assembly.

[0084] Fig. 10B Show Fig. 10A Cross section of the inner shell.

[0085] Fig.11A A perspective view showing an example of an inner shell.

[0086] Fig. 11B Show Fig.11A A partial bottom view of the inner shell.

[0087] Fig. 11C A partial perspective view of an example inner shell is shown.

[0088] Fig.11D A partial perspective view of an example inner shell is shown.

[0089] Fig.12 A partial cross-sectional view of an example leg aesthetic coupled to an example waterproof foot cover is shown.

[0090] Fig.13 Show Fig.11A Schematic diagram of the wedge-shaped body of the inner shell. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0091] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure are described with reference to the accompanying drawings of certain aspects, which are intended to illustrate certain aspects and not to limit the present disclosure.

[0092] Figures 1A to 1C An example of a foot cover assembly 100 is shown. As will be described in more detail below, in addition to the foot cover, the foot cover assembly may also include other components, such as a seal, an inner shell, etc. The foot cover assembly 100 may include a foot cover 102. Figure 1AAs shown, the foot sleeve 102 extends from a toe end 112 to a heel end 114. When the artificial foot 106 is inserted into the foot sleeve 102, the foot sleeve 102 may include an opening 104 located at or near the ankle position of the artificial foot 106. The artificial foot 106 can be inserted into the inner cavity of the foot sleeve 102 through the opening 104. The foot sleeve 102 can be made of rubber, silicone, acrylic, polyvinyl chloride, neoprene or any other waterproof rubber substitute material. In some aspects, the foot sleeve 102 can have a hardness. The hardness of the foot sleeve 102 and / or other components of the foot sleeve assembly disclosed herein can be determined using a durometer. The durometer of the bootie 102 may be about 10A (i.e., 4000), about 20A (i.e., 5000), about 30A (i.e., 6000), about 40A (i.e., 7000), about 50A (i.e., 8000, 10D), about 60A (i.e., 9000, 20D), about 70A (i.e., 10000, 30D), about 80A (i.e., 40D), about 90A (i.e., 50D), about 100A (i.e., 60D), and / or any value in between. The bootie 102 may have a top surface 110 that is shaped so that the bootie 102 resembles the shape of a human foot and ankle.

[0093] like Figure 1B As shown, the bootie 102 may include a bottom surface 108 (e.g., a shoe sole). The bottom surface 108 may include one or more depressions 116 (e.g., grooves, notches, creases). In some aspects, the one or more depressions 116 may form a pattern of depressions 116. The one or more depressions 116 may extend from a toe end 112 of the bottom surface to a heel end 114 of the bottom surface 108. In some aspects, the one or more depressions 116 may extend substantially (e.g., at least more than 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, etc.) or completely along the bottom surface 108 (e.g., may extend substantially across the entire length and width of the bottom surface 108, the entire bottom surface 108). The one or more depressions 116 may resemble wrinkled skin or any other pattern and may provide increased friction between the bottom surface 108 and a wet or unstable surface such as dirt or mud. In some aspects, one or more depressions 116 can also include one or more cutouts or micro-cutouts (eg, grooves) and air bubbles that can be used to provide suction between bottom surface 108 and a walking surface to facilitate foot cover 102 gripping a support surface.

[0094] In some aspects, the foot cover 102 may include Figure 1CThe channel 122 shown. The channel 122 can be located on the inner surface 119 substantially proximate to the opening 104. In some aspects, the channel 122 can be adjacent to the opening 104 at a distance 121 near the opening 104 (e.g., within a few millimeters to a few centimeters from the edge defining the opening 104). The channel 122 can include a lower lip 118 (e.g., a protrusion protruding from the inner surface 119) and / or an upper lip 120 (e.g., a protrusion protruding from the inner surface 119). The lower lip 118 and the upper lip 120 can form the channel 122 and can each form a recess 123 of the channel 122. In some aspects, the lower lip 118 and / or the upper lip 120 can have rigidity. The lower lip 118 and / or the upper lip 120 can have a stiffness greater than the stiffness of the rest of the sleeve 102, such that if the sleeve 102 (e.g., the opening 104 of the sleeve 102) is stretched, the recess 123 maintains substantially the same size and shape. In some aspects, the channel 122 can be, for example, as described below with reference to Figures 2A to 3 The seal 200 described further above is fixed in place.

[0095] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C 200 of the foot cover assembly disclosed herein. The seal 200 may include a cover portion 202 and a lip portion 212. In some aspects, the seal 200 may have substantially the same size and shape as the opening 104, such that when the seal 200 is Figure 1C When received in the passage 122 as shown, the seal 200 forms a debris, gas, and / or water-tight seal with the foot cover 102. The cover portion 202 may include a hole or aperture 204. The hole or aperture 204 may form a debris, gas, and / or water-tight seal with a portion of the prosthetic foot 106 that extends through the hole or aperture 204 (see, e.g., Figure 3 In some aspects, the holes or apertures 204 can include a membrane having a waterproof, breathable material, such as GORE-TEX (formerly known as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)).

[0096] The lip portion 212 can be coupled to the outer edge of the sleeve portion 202 (e.g., integral or monolithic with the sleeve portion 202). The lip portion 212 can include a thickness 216. The thickness 216 can be greater than the thickness 214 of the sleeve portion 202. In some aspects, the lip portion 212 can have substantially the same size and shape as the recess 123. In this manner, as described below with reference to Figure 3 As further described, the seal 200 can be inserted into the opening 104, with the lip portion 212 coupled to (e.g., disposed in) the passage 122 to form a debris-proof, gas-proof, and / or water-proof seal with the passage 122. In this manner, the seal 200 inhibits (e.g., prevents) liquids, solids, and / or gases from entering the interior cavity 105 of the bootie 102.

[0097] In some aspects, the sleeve portion 202 of the seal 200 may include holes 203, 205 that are smaller than the hole or orifice 204 to accommodate the first one-way valve 206 and the second one-way valve 208. In one embodiment, the first one-way valve 206 may only allow air to flow in from above the top side 207 of the seal 200 in a first direction (see, Figure 2C ) flows through the first non-return valve 206 to below the bottom side 209 of the seal 200 (see, Figure 2C ). In one embodiment, the second one-way valve 208 only allows air to flow from below the bottom side 209 of the seal 200 through the second one-way valve 208 to above the top side 207 of the seal 200 in the second direction. In some aspects, the first one-way valve 206 and / or the second one-way valve 208 are operable (e.g., selectively operable) such that when the first one-way valve 206 and / or the second one-way valve 208 are closed, air may not pass through the first one-way valve 206 and / or the second one-way valve 208. In some aspects, the first one-way valve 206 and / or the second one-way valve 208 may include one or more electronic switches configured to control or open the valves 206, 208 when air may flow through the first one-way valve 206 and / or the second one-way valve 208. In some aspects, air flowing through the first one-way valve 206 and / or the second one-way valve 208 can cool electronic components of the prosthetic foot and / or leg located within the interior cavity 105 of the sleeve 102 and / or outside the interior cavity of the sleeve 102 .

[0098] In some aspects, the first one-way valve 206 and / or the second one-way valve 208 can be configured to open when the pressure applied to the first one-way valve 206 and / or the second one-way valve 208 is equal to or greater than a pressure threshold. Therefore, the first one-way valve 206 and / or the second one-way valve 208 can maintain the pressure within the inner cavity 105. In some aspects, the pressure threshold can be greater than the atmospheric pressure, so the pressure within the inner cavity 105 is greater than the atmospheric pressure. In some aspects, the pressure threshold can include a pressure of about 0 kPa, about 1 kPa, about 2 kPa, about 3 kPa, about 4 kPa, about 5 kPa, about 6 kPa, about 7 kPa, about 8 kPa, about 9 kPa, about 10 kPa, about 11 kPa, about 12 kPa, about 13 kPa, about 14 kPa, about 15 kPa, about 20 kPa, about 25 kPa, about 30 kPa, about 35 kPa, about 40 kPa, about 45 kPa, about 50 kPa, about 60 kPa, about 70 kPa, about 80 kPa, about 90 kPa, about 100 kPa, and / or any value in between the above values.

[0099] In some aspects, the first one-way valve 206 and / or the second one-way valve 208 can include a membrane having a waterproof, breathable material, such as GORE-TEX (formerly known as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)). In this way, air can pass through the first one-way valve 206 and / or the second one-way valve 208, but the first one-way valve 206 and / or the second one-way valve 208 can prevent water, dirt, and debris from passing through the first one-way valve 206 and / or the second one-way valve 208 (e.g., when the foot cover 102 is splashed or immersed in water, such as when used at the beach).

[0100] In some aspects, such as Figure 2B and 2C As shown, the seal 200 can include a tube 210. The tube 210 can be coupled to the first one-way valve 206 or the second one-way valve 208 at a first end 218. In some aspects, when the seal 200 is inserted into the opening 104, the tube 210 can be positioned in the lumen 105 of the foot sleeve 102, with the free end 220 of the tube 210 terminating within the lumen 105. If the tube 210 is coupled to the first one-way valve 206, the tube can direct air flowing from outside the lumen 105 to flow through the first one-way valve 206 to the second end 220 of the tube 210 and into the lumen 105. If the tube 210 is coupled to the second one-way valve 208, the tube 210 can direct air from the lumen 105 to flow out of the lumen 105 via the second end 220 through the second one-way valve 208.

[0101] Figure 3 The foot sleeve assembly 100 is shown with a prosthetic foot 106 and a seal 200 inserted through the opening 104 of the foot sleeve 102. The prosthetic foot 106 can include at least one foot plate. The foot plate of the prosthetic foot 106 can be inserted through the opening 104 such that a toe end 312 of the foot plate of the prosthetic foot 106 is located within the inner cavity 105, substantially proximate to (e.g., within 15 mm, within 10 mm, within 5 mm, etc.) the toe end 112 of the foot sleeve 102, and an ankle end 302 of the foot plate of the prosthetic foot 106 is located at substantially the same height as or proximate to (e.g., within 10 mm, within 8 mm, within 5 mm, within 3 mm, etc.) the channel 122 and / or the seal 200. In some aspects, the seal 200 can be coupled to the prosthetic foot 106 prior to inserting the foot plate of the prosthetic foot 106 into the sleeve portion 202. In other aspects, the seal 200 can be coupled to the prosthetic foot 106 after the foot plate of the prosthetic foot 106 is inserted into the sleeve portion 202. In some aspects, the seal 200 can be coupled to the ankle end 302 of the foot plate of the prosthetic foot 106 such that the hole or aperture 204 of the seal 200 forms a debris-proof, gas-proof, and / or water-proof seal with the bottom adapter 306 of the prosthetic foot 106. In some aspects, the top adapter 304 of the prosthetic foot 106 can be coupled to the bottom adapter 306 such that the seal 200 is secured to the prosthetic foot 106. As described above with reference to FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C As described, when the prosthetic foot 106 and the seal 200 are inserted into the sleeve 102, the lip portion 212 of the seal 200 can be coupled to (e.g., disposed or positioned in) the channel 122 (e.g., held between the upper lip 120 and the lower lip 118). The seal 200 can secure the prosthetic foot 106 in place so that the foot plate of the prosthetic foot 106 remains in position within the inner cavity 105. In some aspects, a calf or leg aesthetic or any other aesthetic piece can be coupled to the seal 200 and / or the sleeve 102.

[0102] In some aspects, when the seal 200 is coupled to the channel 122, the free end 220 of the tube 210 can be substantially proximate to the heel end 114 of the bottom of the inner surface 119 (e.g., within a few millimeters). In some aspects, if the tube 210 is coupled to the first one-way valve 206, the air flowing into the inner cavity 105 through the first one-way valve 206 can be used to pressurize the inner cavity 105. In this way, the pressurized air can stretch the foot sleeve 102, thereby inhibiting (e.g., reducing, preventing) wrinkles that may occur in the foot sleeve 102, which may cause the foot sleeve 102 to rupture. The pressurized air and the stretched foot sleeve 102 can also assist or resist bending of the foot sleeve 102, or the pressurized air and the stretched foot sleeve 102 can provide a damping effect to protect the prosthetic foot 106.

[0103] In some aspects, if the tube 210 is coupled to the second one-way valve 208, the tube 210 can draw air out of the inner cavity 105, thereby creating a partial vacuum effect or a vacuum effect in the inner cavity 105. The partial vacuum effect or the vacuum effect can cause the sleeve 102 to shrink and create a tighter fit between the inner cavity 105 and the sleeve 102, thereby reducing the amount of movement of the prosthetic foot 106 within the sleeve 102.

[0104] In some aspects, the foot cover 102 can include one or more portions having a support. The support can be a fabric or other material coupled to the inner surface 119. The support can reduce the amount of stretch or contraction of one or more portions of the inner surface 119 so as to maintain the shape of the foot cover 102 while changing (e.g., increasing or decreasing) the pressure within the inner cavity 105. In some aspects, the support can be stretched in one direction. For example, the support can be stretched in a first direction (e.g., in an up-and-down direction along the height direction of the foot cover 102), but cannot be stretched in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. In some aspects, the support can bend or bend, but cannot stretch. In this way, the support can allow the foot cover 102 to flex, but the support can prevent the foot cover 102 from stretching.

[0105] In some aspects, air can pass through the first one-way valve 206 and / or the second one-way valve 208 due to pressure changes within the inner cavity 105. For example, when a user takes a step and the bottom surface 108 of the foot cover 102 contacts the walking surface, stress can be applied to the bottom surface 108, thereby increasing the pressure in the inner cavity 105 and forcing air through the second one-way valve 208. In some aspects, the air flowing through the first one-way valve 206 and / or the second one-way valve 208 can selectively cool the connection between the prosthetic foot and the user's limb. In some aspects, the air flowing through the first one-way valve 206 and / or the second one-way valve 208 can selectively cool the electronic equipment or other components of the prosthetic foot 106 or the prosthetic leg coupled to the prosthetic foot.

[0106] In some aspects, a vacuum bag and / or a filter can be connected to the free end 220 of the tube 210. The prosthetic foot 106 can include multiple components. Friction between the multiple components can cause debris to accumulate in the inner cavity 105. Air flowing through the second one-way valve 208 can create suction at the free end 220 of the tube 210, thereby forcing debris into the vacuum bag. The filter can be coupled to the free end 220 so that debris does not enter the tube 210 and damage the second one-way valve 208.

[0107] In some aspects, air passing through the first one-way valve 206 and / or the second one-way valve 208 can provide power (e.g., mechanical power) to move one or more rods of the prosthetic foot 106. One or more electronic switches of the first one-way valve 206 and / or the second one-way valve 208 can control the flow of air into and out of the inner cavity 105, and the tube 210 can direct the air to the desired components of the prosthetic foot 106. The air flow from the free end 220 of the tube 210 can move one or more rods and / or change other mechanical components of the prosthetic foot 106 to change the geometry of the prosthetic foot 106 and / or change the stiffness of a portion of the prosthetic foot 106.

[0108] In some aspects, the airflow through the first one-way valve 206 and / or the second one-way valve 208 can be converted into electrical energy. The airflow can exert pressure on the piezoelectric material, causing the piezoelectric material to deform and generate electrical energy, which can be used to power components of the prosthetic foot 106 and / or any other prosthesis attached to the prosthetic foot 106. In some aspects, the piezoelectric material can be coupled to a portion of the prosthetic foot 106. When the user walks, at least one footplate of the prosthetic foot 106 can flex within the inner cavity 105, thereby deforming the piezoelectric material.

[0109] like FIG. 4A to FIG. 4CAs shown, the foot cover assembly 100 may include an inner shell 400 (e.g., a substructure). The inner shell 400 may be configured to be inserted into the inner cavity 105. The substructure may have substantially the same size and shape as the inner cavity 105, so that when the inner shell 400 is inserted into the inner cavity 105, the inner shell 400 does not move relative to the inner cavity 105. In some aspects, the inner shell 400 and the inner cavity 105 may be similar to the shape of a human foot. The inner shell 400 may be made of at least one of foam, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, ethylene-vinyl acetate, thermoplastic polyurethane, expanded thermoplastic polyurethane, injection molded rubber, compressed rubber, or any other rigid material. In some aspects, the inner shell 400 may be 3D printed (e.g., via an additive manufacturing process). In some aspects, if the foot cover 102 is a flexible material, the inner shell 400 may provide support for the foot cover 102 so that the foot cover 102 does not deform during use.

[0110] In some aspects, the inner shell 400 can include a foot chamber 406. The foot chamber 406 can have substantially the same shape as the prosthetic foot 106, and the foot chamber 406 can be configured to accommodate at least a portion of the prosthetic foot 106. In some aspects, the prosthetic foot 106 can be inserted into the foot chamber 406 before the prosthetic foot 106 and the inner shell 400 are inserted into the foot sleeve 102. In other aspects, at least one foot plate of the prosthetic foot 106 can be inserted into the inner shell 400 after the inner shell 400 is inserted into the inner cavity 105. The inner shell 400 can be configured to secure the prosthetic foot 106 in place when both the inner shell 400 and the prosthetic foot 106 are inserted into the inner cavity 105 of the foot sleeve 102, thereby inhibiting (e.g., preventing) the prosthetic foot 106 from moving in the inner cavity 105. In some aspects, the inner shell 400 can protect the prosthetic foot 106, thereby reducing the force applied to the prosthetic foot 106 during walking or running.

[0111] The prosthetic foot 106 can be secured in the foot chamber 406 by an adhesive. The adhesive can be applied to the prosthetic foot 106 and / or the foot chamber 406. The adhesive can cure while the prosthetic foot 106 is in the foot chamber 406. While the adhesive cures, pressure or force can be applied to the prosthetic foot 106 and / or the inner shell 400. In some aspects, heat can be applied to the prosthetic foot 106, the inner shell 400, and / or the adhesive to reduce or minimize the time required for the adhesive to cure.

[0112] In some aspects, the inner shell 400 can include a lumen 410. The lumen 410 can have substantially the same size and shape as the tube 210, so that the tube 210 can be inserted into the lumen 410. In this way, the inner shell 400 can provide support for the tube 210 so that the tube 210 does not bend or break when the foot sleeve assembly 100 is in use. The inner shell 400 can also hold the tube 210 in place when the foot sleeve assembly 100 is in use. In some aspects, the inner shell 400 can include a bottom channel 412 that connects to the lumen 410 on the bottom surface 411 of the inner shell 400. The bottom channel 412 can extend from the toe end 414 of the inner shell 400 to the heel end 416. The bottom channel 412 can provide a gap between the inner shell 400 and the bottom of the inner surface 119 of the foot sleeve 102, so that air in the bottom channel 412 can be drawn out of the inner cavity 105 through the tube 210, or air entering the inner cavity 105 through the tube 210 can flow into the bottom channel 412. In this way, if the inner shell 400 is located in the inner cavity 105 of the foot sleeve 102, the first one-way valve 206 and the second one-way valve 208 can still be used to pressurize the inner cavity 105 or exhaust air from the inner cavity 105 through the tube 210. In some aspects, the inner shell 400 can include more than one bottom channel 412. In some aspects, the bottom channel 412 can be an open cell structure of the 3D printed inner shell 400.

[0113] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5E An example foot cover assembly 500 is shown. Figures 1A to 4C The foot cover assembly 100 in the embodiment of the present invention can have any features of the foot cover assembly 500, and the foot cover assembly 500 can have any features of the foot cover assembly 100 except for the differences described below. Figure 5A As shown, the bootie assembly 500 can extend from a toe end 512 to a heel end 514. The bootie assembly 500 includes a bootie 502 that can extend between a toe end 512 and a heel end 514.

[0114] The foot sleeve 502 may include an outer surface 509. The outer surface 509 may include a toe 530 located at a toe end 512 of the foot sleeve 502. The outer surface 509 may be shaped such that the toe end 512 includes a toe 530 that is similar in shape to a human toe. The toe 530 may extend between the toe end 512 of the foot sleeve 502 to a second end 531. The second end 531 may include an end of the toe 530 opposite the toe end 512 of the foot sleeve 502 that is connected to the rest of the foot sleeve 502.

[0115] Each toe-shaped member 530 can include a nail piece 532. The nail piece 532 can be shaped so that the nail piece 532 is similar to a human toenail. The part of the outer surface 509 that includes the nail piece 532 can be polished or otherwise changed so that the nail piece 532 has a glossy, shiny or other similar toenail outward appearance. In some respects, the part of the outer surface 509 that includes the nail piece 532 can be polished or otherwise changed using a polishing tool. In some respects, a part of a molding tool (e.g., an injection mold) at the position of the nail piece 532 can include a polishing surface. The nail piece 532 can be configured to accommodate and / or be coupled to an artificial toenail. The nail piece 532 can be shaped to allow an artificial nail to be coupled or bonded to the part of the outer surface 509 that includes the nail piece 532.

[0116] like Figure 5B As shown, the foot cover 502 may include a first toe piece 530A, a second toe piece 530B, a third toe piece 530C, a fourth toe piece 530D, and / or a fifth toe piece 530E. The first toe piece 530A may be located on the inner side 500A of the foot cover assembly 500, and the fifth toe piece 530E may be located on the outer side 500B of the foot cover assembly 500. The second toe piece 530B may be located on the outer side of the first toe piece 530A, the third toe piece 530C may be located on the outer side of the second toe piece 530B, the fourth toe piece 530D may be located on the outer side of the third toe piece 530C, and / or the fifth toe piece 530E may be located on the outer side of the fourth toe piece 530D. The foot cover 502 may include a gap 534 between the first toe piece 530A and the second toe piece 530B. Gap 534 may be configured to receive a portion of a strap (ie, a toe post) of footwear (eg, a sandal, flip-flop, etc.).

[0117] like Figure 5C As shown, the bottom side 536 of the toe piece 530 at the second end 531 of the toe piece 530 can form a recess 538. The shape of the toe piece 530 can be such that the bottom side 536 of the toe piece 530 at the second end 531 of the toe piece 530 is raised from the rest of the toe piece 530 and / or the bottom surface 508 of the bootie 502 between the second end 531 and the heel end 514. The recess 538 can be configured to engage or contact a raised surface or ridge of footwear, and / or a raised surface / ridge coupled to the footwear, such that the recess 538 and / or the bootie 502 can clamp, lock, or otherwise secure the bootie 502 to the footwear.

[0118] like Figure 5DAs shown, the outer surface 509 of the foot cover 502 may include a pattern or texture 503. Illustration 503D shows the details of the pattern or texture 503 of the outer surface 509. In addition, the bottom surface 508 of the foot cover 502 and / or the top surface 510 of the foot cover 502 may include a texture 503. The texture 503 may be constructed to resemble skin (e.g., human skin, pig skin, etc.) or any other pattern or texture. The texture 503 can increase the grip or friction between the outer surface 509 of the foot cover 502 and the user and / or the outer surface 509 and the walking surface, and / or reduce or minimize the visibility of the parting line, scratches, surface defects or other wear on the outer surface 509. The texture 503 can reduce or minimize the surface tension of the outer surface 509, and / or reduce the wear of a portion of the outer surface 509. Therefore, the bending life of the foot cover 502 at the bend during use can be increased. In some aspects, the texture 503 can allow ink or dye to be bonded or adhered to the outer surface 509. Thus, a permanent and / or semi-permanent image or pattern 509A may be applied to the outer surface 509 , such as a hand-painted flower, a tattoo, etc. The image or pattern 509A may be used to reduce or minimize the visibility of parting lines, scratches, surface imperfections, or other wear on the outer surface 509 .

[0119] In some aspects, the foot cover 502 (e.g., at least the outer surface 509 of the foot cover 502) can be colored to resemble the user's skin color. The user's skin color can be determined using a skin color chart or matching system (e.g., a cosmetic skin color chart, a Pantone color system, etc.), an image or the user's skin, and / or one or more computer applications configured to determine color data of an image. To color the foot cover 502 (e.g., the outer surface 509), a dye or ink can be applied to the foot cover 502 (e.g., the outer surface 509), and / or a dye or ink can be heat-dyed onto the foot cover 502 (e.g., the outer surface 509), in the foot cover 502, or within the foot cover 502.

[0120] like Figure 5EAs shown, the foot sleeve 502 may include a first channel 522 and a second channel 524. The first channel 522 and the second channel 524 may be located on the inner surface 519 of the foot sleeve 502, substantially close to the opening 504 of the inner cavity 505 of the foot sleeve 502 (e.g., within a few millimeters or within a few centimeters). The second channel 524 may be adjacent to the opening 504, and the second channel 524 may be located at a distance 521 (e.g., about 10 mm, or about 5 mm, or about 3 mm, etc.) from the opening 504. The foot sleeve 502 may include a lower lip 518 (e.g., a protrusion protruding from the inner surface 519), an upper lip 520 (e.g., a protrusion protruding from the inner surface 119), and / or a middle lip 526 (e.g., a protrusion protruding from the inner surface 119). The middle lip 526 may be located between the lower lip 518 and the upper lip 520. The lower lip 518 and the middle lip 526 may form a first channel 522. The upper lip 520 and the middle lip 526 may form a second channel 524. The lower lip 518 may form a recess 523 of the first channel 522, and the upper lip 520 may form a recess 525 of the second channel 524. The middle lip 526 may form a recess 523 of the first channel 522 and a recess 525 of the second channel 524.

[0121] In some aspects, the lower lip 518, the upper lip 520, and / or the middle lip 526 can have a stiffness. The stiffness of the lower lip 518, the upper lip 520, and / or the middle lip 526 can be greater than the stiffness of the rest of the upper wall of the foot cover 502, so that if the foot cover 502 (e.g., the opening 504) is stretched, the recesses 523, 525 remain substantially the same size and shape. In some aspects, as shown in FIG. 7, the first channel 522 can fix the seal 200 disclosed herein in place, and the second channel 524 can fix the retainer 600 in place.

[0122] Fig. 6A and Figure 6BAn example retainer 600 is shown. The retainer 600 may include an annular sidewall 602 that is substantially the same size and shape as the opening 504. The sidewall 602 may form a hole 604. When the retainer 600 is coupled to the foot sleeve 502, the hole 604 may allow a user to access the prosthetic foot 506 and / or the seal 200, as shown in FIG7. The retainer 600 may include a first lip 612 and / or a second lip 613. The first lip 612 and / or the second lip 614 may extend from the outer surface 603 of the sidewall 602. The size and shape of the first lip 612 may be substantially the same as the recess 525 of the second channel 522. Thus, as shown in FIG7, the retainer 600 may be inserted into the opening 504, wherein the first lip 612 is coupled to (e.g., disposed in) the second channel 524. The first lip 612 may form a debris-proof, gas-proof, and / or waterproof seal with the second channel 524.

[0123] Fig. 7A The sleeve assembly 500 is shown with the prosthetic foot 506, the seal 200, and the retainer 600 inserted through the opening 504 of the sleeve 502. The adapter 703 can be coupled to the ankle end portion 702 of the foot plate of the prosthetic foot 506. The top portion 704 of the adapter 703 can be located above the ankle end portion 702 of the foot plate of the prosthetic foot 506, and the bottom portion 706 of the adapter 703 can be located below the ankle end portion 702. The top portion 704 of the adapter 703 can be coupled to the bottom portion 706 via fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.). When the prosthetic foot 506 is located in the inner cavity 505 of the sleeve 502, the top portion 704 of the adapter 703 can extend through the hole or aperture 204 of the seal 200.

[0124] Figure 7B A top portion 704 of an adapter 703 is shown. In some aspects, the top portion 704 of the adapter 703 can include a male pyramid adapter. The top portion 704 of the adapter 703 can include a groove 705. In some aspects, the groove 705 can be located below the dome portion 704C of the top portion 704. The groove 705 can be configured to accommodate a gasket (e.g., an X-ring, an O-ring, etc.). The gasket can form a debris-proof, gas-proof, and / or waterproof seal between the top portion 704 of the adapter 703 and the seal 200. The top portion 704 of the adapter 703 can be configured to couple the prosthetic foot 506 to the prosthetic leg. The top portion 704 can include a recess 708 and an opening 707 leading to the recess 708 at a top end 704A of the top portion 704. The recess 708 can be configured to accommodate a portion of the prosthetic leg (e.g., an adapter) through the opening 707. In some aspects, the recess 708 can be generally spherical or include a curved inner surface.

[0125] The top portion 704 of the adapter 703 may include a hole 710 extending from the outer surface 704B of the top portion 704 to the recess 708. The hole 710 may be configured to accommodate a fastener (e.g., a screw, a bolt, etc.). The hole 710 may include threads configured to interact with threads of the fastener. In some aspects, the threads of the hole 710 may include fine threads or coarse threads. The threads of the hole 710 may include an outer diameter of about 1 mm (M1), about 2 mm (M2), about 3 mm (M3), about 4 mm (M4), about 5 mm (M5), about 6 mm (M6), about 7 mm (M7), about 8 mm (M8), about 9 mm (M9), about 10 mm (M10), about 12 mm (M12), about 14 mm (M14), about 16 mm (M16), and / or any value between the above values. The fastener can be configured to secure a portion of the prosthetic leg in the recess 708 (i.e., prevent or inhibit the portion of the prosthetic leg from moving out of the recess 708). In some aspects, when the fastener is located in the hole 710, the fastener can be rotated in a first direction to move the fastener toward the recess 708 (i.e., into the hole 710), and the fastener can be rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction to move away from the recess 708 (i.e., out of the hole 710).

[0126] In some aspects, the top portion 704 can include a plurality of holes 710. The top portion 704 can include two holes 710, three holes 710, four holes 710, five holes 710, and / or six holes 710. The plurality of holes 710 can be spaced circumferentially around the top portion 704 of the adapter 703.

[0127] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B An example of a leg appearance 550 is shown. The leg appearance 550 can be configured to cover a prosthetic leg or a portion of a prosthetic leg coupled to the prosthetic foot 506. The leg appearance 550 can extend from an ankle end 552 to a top end 554 opposite the ankle end 552. The leg appearance 550 can include a sleeve 551. The sleeve 551 can be formed so that the sleeve 551 resembles the shape of a human leg or a portion of a human leg. The sleeve 551 can include a first opening 556 at the ankle end 552 and / or a second opening 558 at the top end 554. The sleeve 551 can include an inner cavity 553 extending from the first opening 556 to the second opening 558. The prosthetic leg can be inserted into the inner cavity 553 via the first opening 556 and / or the second opening 558, as shown in FIG. Figure 8B The sleeve 551 can be made of rubber, silicone, acrylic, polyvinyl chloride, neoprene or any other waterproof rubber substitute material.

[0128] The sleeve 551 may include Figure 8BThe channel 560 shown. The channel 560 can be located on the inner surface 559 of the sleeve 551 at or substantially near the first opening 556. In some aspects, the channel 560 can be adjacent to the first opening 556, close to the first opening 556 by a distance 562 (e.g., about 10 mm, or about 5 mm, or about 3 mm, etc.). The channel 560 can include a lip 564 (e.g., a protrusion protruding from the inner surface 559). The lip 564 can form the channel 560 and the recess 566 of the channel 560. In some aspects, the lip 564 can have a stiffness. The stiffness of the lip 564 can be greater than the stiffness of the rest of the sleeve 551, so that if the sleeve 551 (e.g., the first opening 556) is stretched, the recess 566 remains substantially the same size and shape.

[0129] The retainer 600 can be configured to be at least partially inserted into the leg aesthetic 550 to couple the leg aesthetic 550 to the foot cover assembly 500. The second lip 613 of the retainer 600 can have substantially the same size and shape as the recess 566 of the channel 560. Thus, the retainer 600 can be inserted into the first opening 556 and / or the sleeve 551 can be placed over the retainer 600, wherein the second lip 613 is connected to (e.g., disposed on) the channel 560. The second lip 613 can form a debris-proof, gas-proof, and / or waterproof seal with the channel 560. Thus, the retainer 600 can form a debris-proof, gas-proof, and / or waterproof seal between the sleeve 551 of the leg aesthetic 550 and the foot cover 502 of the foot cover assembly 500.

[0130] 9A to 9C Examples of a foot cover assembly 500 and leg aesthetics 550 of various sizes and shapes coupled to the foot cover assembly 500 are shown. Fig.9A As shown, in some aspects, the sleeve 551 can be shaped so that the sleeve 551 resembles the shape of a portion of a human leg extending from the ankle of the human leg (i.e., the ankle end 552 of the sleeve 551) to a position above the knee of the human leg (i.e., the top end 554 of the sleeve 551). Therefore, the leg aesthetic 550 can be configured to cover a portion of the prosthetic leg between the foot sleeve 502 and the position above the knee of the prosthetic leg. Fig. 9B and Fig. 9C As shown, in some aspects, the sleeve 551 can be shaped so that the sleeve 551 resembles the shin / calf of a human leg extending from the ankle of the human leg (i.e., the ankle end 552 of the sleeve 551) to a position below the knee of the human leg (i.e., the top end 554 of the sleeve 551). Fig. 9B ) or a part thereof ( Fig. 9CThus, the leg aesthetic 550 may be configured to cover a portion of the prosthetic leg between the foot cover 502 and a location below the knee of the prosthetic leg.

[0131] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B An inner shell 1000 (eg, a substructure) is shown. FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C The inner shell 400 in the embodiment may have any of the features of the inner shell 1000, and except for the reference Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B Inner shell 1000 can have any of the features of inner shell 400 except for the differences described. As shown in FIG. 7 , inner shell 1000 can be configured to be inserted into inner cavity 505 of bootie 502. In some aspects, inner shell 1000 and inner cavity 505 can include the same shape as outer surface 509 of bootie 502 (i.e., a human foot), and thus inner shell 1000 and inner cavity 505 include toe pieces 1002 and 507, as shown in FIG. Figure 5E 7. The toe piece 1002 of the inner shell 1000 can allow the inner shell 1000 to bend like a human foot during the human gait cycle, such as transitioning from the stance phase to the push-off phase, so that the inner shell 1000 and the foot cover assembly 500 can better approximate the function of the human foot.

[0132] like Fig. 10B As shown, the inner shell 1000 may include a recess 1004 extending from the bottom surface 1011 of the inner shell 1000. The recess 1004 may be located at the heel end 1016 of the inner shell 1000. The recess 1004 may be configured to accommodate an insert of the same size and shape as the recess 1004. The insert may include a different material from the inner shell 1000, so that the inner shell 1000 and the insert have different stiffness and / or density. For example, the inner shell 1000 may include foam, and the insert may include compressed rubber. In some aspects, the insert and / or the material of the insert may be stiffer (i.e., more rigid) than the material of the inner shell 1000 and / or the inner shell 1000. In some aspects, the stiffness and / or density of the insert may vary throughout the insert. For example, the medial portion of the insert may include a different stiffness and / or density from the lateral portion of the insert, and / or the front portion of the insert may include a different stiffness and / or density from the rear portion of the insert. The material, stiffness and / or density of the insert can be selected based on the weight or mass of the user. Thus, the inner shell 1000 can be produced or manufactured using one material for users of different weights to simplify manufacturing and / or reduce manufacturing costs. If the user's weight or mass changes, the insert can be removed from the recess and a second insert having a different material, stiffness and / or density than the insert can be inserted into the recess 1004 to accommodate the change in weight or mass.

[0133] FIG. 11A to FIG. 11CAn example inner shell 1100 is shown. FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C and FIG. 10A to FIG. 10B The inner shell 400, 1000 in the embodiment may have any features of the inner shell 1100, and except for the reference FIG. 11A to FIG. 11D The shell 1100 may have any of the features of the socks 400, 1000 except for the differences described. The inner shell 1100 may be 3D printed (e.g., via an additive manufacturing process). Fig.11A As shown, the inner shell 1100 can include a body 1101 and a foot cavity 1105 in the body 1101. The foot cavity 1105 can be configured to accommodate a prosthetic foot, such as the prosthetic foot examples disclosed herein or a different prosthetic foot. The body 1101 can include a plurality of interconnected cells 1102 (i.e., an open cell structure). Each cell 1102 can include a strut 1104 defining an opening 1106.

[0134] like Fig. 11B As shown, the cell density (i.e., the number of cells 1102 per unit volume) can vary throughout the body 1101 of the inner shell 1100. In addition, the size and shape of the struts 1104 and / or openings 1106 of each cell 1102 can vary depending on the location of each cell 1102 on the body 1101. Therefore, the stiffness of the body 1101 can vary throughout the body 1101. For example, a portion 1101A of the body 1101 having a high cell density (i.e., a large number of cells 1102 or cells 1102 with small openings) can be stiffer (i.e., more rigid) than a portion 1101B of the body 1101 having a low cell density (i.e., a small number of cells 1102 or cells 1102 with large openings).

[0135] The main body 1101 can approach various stiffnesses of bones, tendons and / or soft tissues of the entire human foot. Therefore, the main body 1101 can bend like a human foot in the human gait cycle, such as transitioning from the stand-up phase to the ground-pushing phase, so the main body 1101 can better approach the anatomical structure, stiffness and / or function of the human foot. For example, the main body 1101 can approach the flipping of the human foot in the human gait cycle. In some aspects, the unit density of each part of the main body 1101 can be selected based on the foot anatomical structure and / or gait cycle of a specific user, so the main body 1101 can approach the anatomical structure, stiffness and / or function of a specific user's foot. One or more tests can be performed to determine the stiffness of the user's foot at various positions, and the stiffness of the determined user's foot can be used to select the unit density and / or stiffness of each part of the main body 1101.

[0136] In some aspects, the plurality of interconnected units 1102 can be bent, expanded and / or compressed, so that the body 1101 can be bent, expanded and / or compressed like a human foot. When the user steps and the bottom surface 1108 contacts the walking surface, a force (i.e., pressure) can be applied to the bottom surface 1108, and each unit 1102 of the plurality of interconnected units 1102 can be bent, expanded and / or compressed, so that the width 1108A and / or the length 1108B of the bottom surface 1108 increase. Therefore, compared with an inner shell without a plurality of interconnected units 1102, the body 1101 can have increased lateral and / or longitudinal stability and increased in-shoe stability. In addition, the body 1101 can be bent, expanded and / or compressed to accommodate the geometry and / or lacing of various footwear types. In addition, when putting on and / or taking off footwear, the body 1101 can be compressed like a human foot, so that the user can put on and / or take off the shoe like putting on and / or taking off the shoe with a human foot.

[0137] In some aspects, such as Fig.13 As shown, the inner shell 1100 may include a wedge 1302 or other raised portion. The wedge 1302 may be positioned in the foot cavity 1105. The wedge 1302 may be positioned such that the wedge 1302 extends into a crack or slit 1304 in the prosthetic foot 1306 inserted into the foot cavity 1105. In some aspects, when the user steps and the bottom surface 1108 contacts the walking surface, the wedge 1302 may extend further through the crack or slit 1304 and the wedge 1302 may increase the width 1308 of the crack or slit 1304 and the width 1310 of the prosthetic foot 1306. Thus, when the user steps, the width 1310 of the prosthetic foot 1306 may increase as the width 1108A of the bottom surface 1108 increases.

[0138] like Fig. 11C As shown, the heel portion 1110 (or at least a portion thereof) of the body 1101 of the example 3D printed inner shell 1100 may include a solid structure (i.e., a non-open cell structure), so the heel portion 1110 is stiffer (i.e., more rigid) than the rest of the body 1101 having a plurality of interconnected cells 1102 (i.e., an open cell structure). When the heel portion 1109 of the bottom surface 1108 of the body 1101 contacts a walking surface, a force may be applied to the heel portion 1109. The higher stiffness of the heel portion 1110 may provide support for the body 1101 to prevent or inhibit the body 1101 and / or the heel portion 1110 from collapsing.

[0139] During use, the inner shell 1100 can be inserted or positioned in the foot cover 102, 502. When the body 1101 is bent, expanded and / or compressed, the foot cover 102, 502 can move or translate relative to the inner shell 1100. Fig.11DAs shown, the body 1101D of the inner shell 1100D having a heel portion 1109D including a plurality of interconnected cells 1102D (ie, an open cell structure) can bend, expand, and / or compress, which may cause the bootie 102, 502 to wear. Fig. 11C As shown, the solid structure of the heel portion 1109 can reduce or minimize the wear of the foot cover 102, 502. Fig. 11C , the heel portion 1109 may include a plurality of protrusions 1112. The plurality of protrusions 1112 may include a round or spherical shape, so that the plurality of protrusions 1112 can reduce or minimize the friction and / or resistance between the body 1101 and the bootie 102, 502.

[0140] Fig.12 An example shell assembly 1200 and an example leg appearance 1250 are shown. Figures 1A to 4C and Figure 5A 7 can have any of the features of the sock assembly 1200, and the sock assembly 1200 can have any of the features of the sock assemblies 100, 500 except for the differences described below. Fig. 8A 9 can have any of the features of leg appearance 1250, and leg appearance 1250 can have any of the features of leg appearance 550, except for the differences described below. Fig.12As shown, the foot sleeve assembly 1200 may include a foot sleeve 1202. The foot sleeve 1202 may include a channel 1222 and a recess 1224. The channel 1222 may be located on the inner surface 1219 of the foot sleeve 1202, and is separated from the opening 1204 of the inner cavity 1205 of the foot sleeve 1202 by a distance 1221 (e.g., within 10 mm, 8 mm, 5 mm, 3 mm, etc.). The foot sleeve 1202 may include a lip 1218 (e.g., a protrusion protruding from the inner surface 1219). The lip 1218 may form the channel 1222. The recess 1224 may be located on the outer surface 1209 of the foot sleeve 1202. The recess 1224 may be adjacent to the opening 1204. The recess 1224 may extend into the opening 1204. Therefore, the inner surface 1219 of the foot sleeve 1202 may extend radially into the opening 1204. The channel 1222 can secure the seal 200 in place, and the recess 1224 can secure the leg aesthetic 1250 to the foot sleeve 1202. In some aspects, the channel 1222 can include one or more side splits or slits, and the channel 1222 can prevent or inhibit the lip 1218 from moving relative to the seal, which can be the seal 200 disclosed herein. For example, the foot sleeve 1202 may move relative to the seal throughout the user's gait cycle, because the movement of the foot sleeve 1202 associated with walking may cause the foot sleeve 1202 to be pulled away from the seal. For example, the foot sleeve 1202 can be pulled outward when pulled downward during walking. Through one or more side splits or slits, the channel 1222 can allow the lip 1218 to flex when the foot sleeve 1202 moves relative to the seal 200 during the user's gait cycle, so that the lip 1218 and the seal 200 maintain a pressure seal.

[0141] The leg aesthetic 1250 may include a sleeve 1251. The sleeve 1251 may include a lip 1264 (e.g., a protrusion protruding from the inner surface 1259) located on the inner surface 1259 at or substantially adjacent to the first opening 1256 of the sleeve 1251. The lip 1264 may have substantially the same size and shape as the recess 1224. Thus, the lip 1264 may be inserted over the opening 1204 of the sleeve 1202, and the lip 1264 may be inserted into the recess 1224 to couple or secure the sleeve 1251 (i.e., the leg aesthetic 1250) to the sleeve 1202 (i.e., the sleeve assembly 1200). The sleeve 1251 may be press-fit onto the sleeve 1202. In some aspects, a portion of the foot cover 1202 located at the recess 1224 may have rigidity, and the lip 1264 may have rigidity. The rigidity of the portion of the foot cover 1202 located at the recess 1224 may be greater than the rigidity of the rest of the foot cover 1202. The rigidity of the lip 1264 may be greater than the rigidity of the rest of the sleeve 1251. In some aspects, the portion of the foot cover 1202 located at the recess 1224 may be rigid, and the lip 1264 may be rigid. Therefore, if the foot cover 1202 and / or the sleeve 1251 are stretched or compressed, the recess 1224, the lip 1264, the opening 1204, and / or the first opening 1256 may maintain substantially the same size and shape. The foot cover 1202 and the sleeve 1251 may form a seal 1270. The seal 1270 may include an anti-debris, anti-gas, and / or waterproof seal. In some aspects, adhesive can be applied to the foot cover 1202 and / or the sleeve 1251 so that the seal 1270 comprises a debris-proof, gas-proof and / or waterproof seal. The adhesive can be applied to the recess 1224, the lip 1264 and / or the seal 1270.

[0142] Although the present disclosure has been described in the context of certain embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and / or uses and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, although several variations of the embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described in detail, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that other modifications within the scope of the present disclosure are possible. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the features described above in conjunction with one embodiment may be used with different embodiments described herein, and the combination still falls within the scope of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments may be combined or substituted with each other to form different modes of embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope disclosed herein should not be limited by the specific embodiments described above. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, or unless clearly incompatible, in addition to the basic features described herein, each embodiment of the present invention may also include one or more features described herein from each other embodiment of the present invention disclosed herein.

[0143] Unless incompatible therewith, features, materials, characteristics or combinations described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described in this section or elsewhere in this specification. All features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) and / or all steps of any method or process disclosed may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of the features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. Protection is not limited to the details of any preceding embodiments. Protection extends to any novel feature or any novel combination of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or any novel feature or any novel combination of any method or process disclosed.

[0144] In addition, certain features described in the present disclosure in the context of independent implementations may also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, individual features described in the context of a single implementation may also be implemented in multiple implementations individually or in any suitable sub-combination. In addition, although the above features may be described as working in a specific combination, in some cases, one or more features in a claimed combination may be deleted from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as a sub-combination or a variation of a sub-combination.

[0145] In addition, although the operations may be shown in the drawings or described in the specification in a particular order, these operations do not have to be performed in the particular order shown or in order, nor do they have to perform all operations to achieve the desired result. Other operations not shown or described may be incorporated into the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations may be performed before, after, at the same time, or between any of the operations described. In addition, in other implementations, the operations may be rearranged or reordered. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that, in some embodiments, the actual steps taken in the process shown and / or disclosed may be different from the steps shown in the figure. According to the embodiment, some of the above steps may be deleted, and other steps may be added. In addition, the features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form other embodiments, all of which are within the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the above embodiments should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can usually be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products.

[0146] For the purposes of the present disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein. Not all of these advantages may be achieved according to any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present disclosure may be embodied or performed in a manner that achieves one advantage or a group of advantages taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages taught or suggested herein.

[0147] Unless expressly stated otherwise or otherwise understood in the context in which it is used, conditional language such as "may," "might," "might," or "could" is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include certain features, elements, and / or steps, while other embodiments do not. Thus, such conditional language is generally not intended to imply that features, elements, and / or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments, or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for determining, with or without user input or prompting, whether such features, elements, and / or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

[0148] Unless expressly stated otherwise, linking language such as the phrase "at least one of X, Y, and Z" should be understood in context as generally used to convey that an item, term, etc. can be X, Y, or Z. Thus, such linking language is generally not intended to imply that a particular embodiment requires the presence of at least one X, at least one Y, and at least one Z.

[0149] The degree language used herein, such as the terms "roughly", "approximately", "generally" and "substantially" used herein, indicates that the value, amount or feature is close to the value, amount or feature that still performs the desired function or achieves the desired result. For example, the terms "roughly", "approximately", "generally" and "substantially" can refer to an amount below 10%, below 5%, below 1%, below 0.1% and below 0.01% of the amount. As another example, in a specific embodiment, the terms "generally parallel" and "substantially parallel" refer to a value, amount or feature that deviates from completely parallel by less than or equal to 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, 0.1 degrees, etc. In addition, as used herein, "gradually" has its usual meaning (e.g., different from a discontinuous change, such as a step-like change).

[0150] The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the specific disclosure of the preferred embodiments in this section or elsewhere in this specification, but may be defined by the claims in this section or elsewhere in this specification or later referenced. The language of the claims should be interpreted broadly based on the language used in the claims and not limited to the examples described in this specification or during the prosecution of the application, which examples should be interpreted as non-exclusive.

Claims

1. A prosthetic foot cover assembly, comprising: A foot cover comprising a bottom surface, a top opening, and an interior cavity, wherein the interior cavity is configured to receive a prosthetic foot through the top opening; and a seal removably connectable to the foot cover adjacent the top opening, wherein the bottom surface comprises a recessed pattern and the top opening comprises at least one protrusion, and wherein the seal has substantially the same shape as the top opening, such that the seal and the at least one protrusion prevent liquids, solids and / or gases from entering the inner cavity.

2. The prosthetic foot cover assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The recessed pattern extends along the entire bottom surface.

3. A prosthetic foot assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein: The recessed pattern is configured to increase friction between the bottom surface and a walking surface.

4. A prosthetic foot assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein: The at least one projection is located on an inner surface of the foot shell, and the at least one projection defines a channel coupled to at least a portion of the seal.

5. A prosthetic foot assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein: A leg appearance is coupled to the foot shell.

6. The prosthetic foot cover assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The leg appearance piece is press-fitted to the foot cover.

7. The prosthetic foot cover assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The shell includes a recess in an outer surface of the shell at the top opening, wherein the recess is configured to receive a protrusion on an inner surface of the leg appearance to couple the leg appearance to the shell.

8. The prosthetic foot cover assembly according to claim 7, wherein: Adhesive is applied to the foot cover and / or the leg look to secure the protrusions of the leg look to the recesses of the foot cover.

9. The prosthetic foot cover assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The channel is a first channel and the at least one projection defines a second channel coupled to at least a portion of the retainer.

10. The prosthetic foot cover assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The second channel is coupled to the first portion of the retainer, and the retainer is positioned such that the second portion of the retainer extends above the top opening of the bootie.

11. The prosthetic foot cover assembly according to claim 10, wherein: The second portion of the retainer is configured to removably couple a leg appearance to the bootie.

12. The prosthetic foot cover assembly according to claim 11, wherein: The leg appearance is shaped to resemble a human leg.

13. The prosthetic foot cover assembly according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: The leg appearance member extends from the top opening of the foot cover to a position above the knee of the human leg.

14. The prosthetic foot cover assembly according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: The leg appearance member extends from the top opening of the bootie to a position below the knee of the human leg.

15. A prosthetic foot assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein: The foot cover comprises one or more of rubber, silicone, acrylic, polyvinyl chloride or chloroprene rubber.

16. The prosthetic foot sleeve assembly of any preceding claim, further comprising an inner shell configured to house the prosthetic foot, wherein the inner shell is disposed in the inner cavity.

17. The prosthetic foot assembly according to claim 16, wherein: The inner shell includes one or more of foam and plastic materials.

18. The prosthetic foot cover assembly according to claim 16 or 17, wherein: The inner shell includes a recess at a heel end of the inner shell, the recess being configured to receive an insert.

19. The prosthetic foot assembly according to claim 18, wherein: The inner shell comprises a first material and the insert comprises a second material.

20. The prosthetic foot assembly of claim 19, wherein: The second material is more rigid than the first material.

21. The prosthetic foot assembly of claim 16, wherein: The inner shell includes an open cell structure.

22. The prosthetic foot cover assembly according to claim 16 or 17, wherein: The inner housing includes a plurality of interconnected cells.

23. A prosthetic foot assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein: The seal includes an opening configured to surround an adapter of the prosthetic foot.

24. The prosthetic foot assembly of claim 23, wherein: The adapter of the prosthetic foot is configured to couple a prosthetic leg to the prosthetic foot.

25. The prosthetic foot assembly of claim 23, wherein: The opening is configured to provide an airtight seal with the adapter.

26. The prosthetic foot assembly according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein: The adapter includes a recess configured to receive a gasket.

27. A prosthetic foot assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein: The seal includes a first one-way valve configured to allow air to enter the interior cavity.

28. The prosthetic foot sleeve assembly of claim 27, further comprising a tube coupleable to the first one-way valve and configured to extend from the first one-way valve into the inner cavity.

29. The prosthetic foot assembly according to claim 27 or 28, wherein: The seal includes a second one-way valve configured to allow air to escape from the interior cavity.

30. The prosthetic foot assembly of claim 29, wherein: The first one-way valve and the second one-way valve are configured to pressurize the inner cavity.

31. The prosthetic foot sleeve assembly of any preceding claim, further comprising one or more portions of inelastic material coupled to one or more portions of the interior surface of the lumen.

32. The prosthetic foot assembly of claim 29, wherein: The first one-way valve and the second one-way valve are configured to maintain the inner cavity under a vacuum.

33. The prosthetic foot assembly of claim 32, further comprising a vacuum bag coupled to one or both of the first one-way valve and the second one-way valve.

34. A prosthetic foot assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein: The toe end of the bootie includes a toe piece shaped to resemble a human toe.

35. The prosthetic foot assembly of claim 34, wherein: The toe members each include a nail member having a polished surface.

36. The prosthetic foot assembly of claim 35, wherein: The nail piece is configured to be coupled to an artificial nail.

37. A prosthetic foot sleeve assembly according to any one of claims 34 to 36, wherein: The toe member is configured to engage a raised surface of footwear.

38. A prosthetic foot assembly according to any one of claims 34 to 37, wherein: The toe end of the bootie includes a first toe piece located inside the toe end and a second toe piece located to the side of the first toe piece, wherein the bootie includes a gap between the first toe piece and the second toe piece.

39. The prosthetic foot assembly of claim 38, wherein: The gap is configured to receive a toe post of the footwear when the prosthetic footwear assembly is inserted into the footwear.

40. A prosthetic foot assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein: The bootie further includes a top surface, and wherein the top surface includes a texture.

41. The prosthetic foot assembly of claim 40, wherein: The texture is configured to adhere ink or dye to the top surface.

42. A prosthetic foot assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein: The foot cover includes a color, wherein the color is the color of the user's skin.

43. The prosthetic foot sleeve assembly of claim 42, wherein: The color of the foot cover is heat-dyed into the foot cover.

44. An inner shell of a prosthetic foot assembly, the inner shell comprising: a main body, comprising a plurality of interconnected units; as well as a foot cavity in the body, the foot cavity being configured to receive a prosthetic foot, Wherein the inner shell is configured to be inserted into an inner cavity of a prosthetic foot sleeve, and wherein a cell density of the plurality of interconnected cells varies throughout the body such that a stiffness of the body varies throughout the body.

45. The inner shell of claim 44, wherein: Each cell of the plurality of interconnected cells includes a strut, wherein the strut defines an opening of each cell.

46. ​​An inner shell according to claim 44 or 45, wherein The stiffness of the body varies throughout the body to approximate the stiffness of the human foot.

47. An inner shell according to any one of claims 44 to 46, wherein The body comprises a bottom surface comprising a width and a length, and wherein when a force is applied to the bottom surface, each cell of the plurality of interconnected cells bends, expands and / or compresses such that the width and / or the length increases.

48. An inner shell according to any one of claims 44 to 47, wherein The heel portion of the body includes a solid structure.

49. The inner shell of claim 48, wherein: The heel portion of the body includes a plurality of protrusions.

50. An inner shell according to any one of claims 44 to 49, wherein When the prosthetic foot shell and the inner shell are inserted into footwear, each cell of the plurality of interconnected cells flexes, expands, and / or compresses based on the geometry of the footwear.

51. An inner shell according to any one of claims 44 to 50, wherein A cell density of the plurality of interconnected cells is determined based on the stiffness and / or anatomical structure of the user's foot.

52. An inner shell according to any one of claims 44 to 51, wherein The toe end of the inner shell is shaped similar to a human toe.

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