Ankle system for prosthetic foot structure

Abstract

An ankle system for a prosthetic foot structure includes an outer shell having at least one through hole, the outer shell configured to receive an inner shell; an inner housing includes an adapter, at least one pin slot, and a base. In one embodiment, the system also includes at least one link pin configured to fit through the at least one pin slot; wherein the inner housing is configured to move within the outer housing along an arcuate path from a first position to a second position. The system also includes a spring body having a length including a first end and a second end, where the first end is disposed within the housing and the second end is configured to attach to a prosthetic foot structure.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of provisional U.S. patent application 63 / 410,406, filed on September 27, 2022, entitled “ANKLE SYSTEM FOR USE WITH PROSTEHIC FOOT STRUCTURE,” which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a prosthetic device, and more particularly, the present disclosure relates to an ankle system that interconnects a prosthetic foot with a prosthetic limb. Summary of the invention

[0004] An ankle system for a prosthetic foot structure is described herein. The ankle system includes an outer shell having at least one through hole, the outer shell configured to receive an inner shell including an adapter, at least one pin slot, and a base. The system also includes: at least one link pin configured to fit through the at least one pin slot; wherein the inner shell is configured to move from a first position to a second position along an arc path within the outer shell; and a spring body having a certain length, the certain length including a first end and a second end; wherein the first end is disposed within the outer shell and the second end is configured to be attached to the prosthetic foot structure.

[0005] In one embodiment, the system may further include a spring protector; wherein the spring protector is disposed between an upper surface of the first end of the spring body and a lower surface of the base of the inner shell; and wherein a rear portion of the base of the inner shell is configured to pivot against the rear portion of the spring protector as the inner shell moves from a first position to a second position within the outer shell. In one embodiment, a bumper is attached to the spring body, wherein the bumper is capable of preventing the spring body from compressing beyond a desired point.

[0006] In one embodiment, the system further comprises a movable element disposed between a lower surface of the inner housing and an upper surface of the spring protector; wherein the movable element is movable along a horizontal axis along the length of the adjustable screw from a position at a rear portion of the inner housing to a position at a front portion of the inner housing. In one embodiment, movement of the movable element along the length of the adjustable screw is limited by at least a first retaining ring and a second retaining ring disposed at a first end and a second end of the adjustable screw.

[0007] In another embodiment, the system does not include a spring protector, but instead includes a pivot joint connecting the base of the inner shell to the first end of the spring body, the pivot joint including at least one locating pin configured to friction fit within an opening in the base of the inner shell, an opening in the first end of the spring body, or a combination of both.

[0008] In another embodiment, the movable element can be at least partially disposed in a slot formed in a lower surface of the inner shell and can be moved along a horizontal axis from a position toward a rear portion of the inner shell to a position toward a front portion of the inner shell. The system can also include a first locking screw and a second locking screw configured to engage the movable element in the slot. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an ankle system shown attached to a prosthetic foot;

[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Side view of the ankle system;

[0011] Figure 3 The prosthetic foot is not shown. Figure 1 Front view of the ankle system;

[0012] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Front view of the ankle system;

[0013] Figure 5 The prosthetic foot is not shown. Figure 1 Rear view of the ankle system;

[0014] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 Rear view of the ankle system;

[0015] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 a side cross-sectional view of the ankle system taken along line 7-7, wherein the ankle system is positioned in a maximum plantar flexion position;

[0016] Figure 8 yes Figure 4 A side cross-sectional view of the ankle system taken along line 7-7, wherein the ankle system is positioned in a maximum dorsiflexion position;

[0017] Fig. 9 yes Figure 3 A side cross-sectional view of the ankle system taken along line 9-9;

[0018] Fig.10 yes Figure 1 a side cross-sectional view of an inner shell of an ankle system showing the ankle system at maximum stiffness;

[0019] Fig.11 yes Figure 1 a side cross-sectional view of an inner shell of an ankle system showing the ankle system at a minimum stiffness;

[0020] Fig.12 yes Figure 2A front cross-sectional view of the ankle system taken along line 12-12;

[0021] Fig.13 yes Figure 2 A front cross-sectional view of the ankle system taken along line 13-13;

[0022] Fig.14 is a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an ankle system, showing the ankle system at maximum stiffness;

[0023] Fig.15 yes Fig.14 A side cross-sectional view of an ankle system showing the ankle system at minimum stiffness;

[0024] Fig.16 yes Fig.14 A partial cross-sectional view of an ankle system;

[0025] Fig.17 is a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an ankle system, showing the ankle system at a minimum stiffness;

[0026] Fig.18 yes Fig.17 A side cross-sectional view of an ankle system showing the ankle system at maximum stiffness;

[0027] Fig.19 yes Fig.17 A partial cross-sectional view of an ankle system;

[0028] Fig. 20 is a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an ankle system;

[0029] Fig.21 yes Fig. 20 A side cross-sectional view of an ankle system showing the ankle system in a reduced stiffness position;

[0030] Fig. 22 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a movable element;

[0031] Fig.23 It is set in the inner shell Fig. 22 a bottom perspective view of a movable element of;

[0032] Fig.24 is a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an ankle system showing the ankle system attached to a prosthetic foot;

[0033] Fig.25 yes Fig. 20 A perspective view of an inner shell of an ankle system; and

[0034] Fig.26 is a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an ankle system showing the ankle system attached to a prosthetic foot;

[0035] Fig. 27 is a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an ankle system shown attached to a prosthetic foot. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, an embodiment of an ankle system 10 for use with a prosthesis is shown attached to a prosthetic foot 12. The prosthetic foot 12 in the embodiment may have a split toe and heel plate and may be made of a material such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) or glass fiber reinforced plastic. The ankle system includes an outer shell 14 and an inner shell 16, wherein the outer shell may be made of steel, titanium, aluminum, or alloys of these materials, and the inner shell may also be made of steel, aluminum, or titanium, or alloys of these materials and is received within the outer shell 14 and is capable of polycentric movement relative to the outer shell 14 along an arc path α from a first position A to a second position B (e.g., Figure 7 and Figure 8 shown).

[0037] The ankle system 10 may further include at least one spring body 18 and a spring protector 20 (eg, Figure 7 and Figure 8 The spring body 18 may be received at a first end 24 within an opening 22 at a front portion of the housing 14 (eg, Figure 7 14 and is attached to the heel portion 26 of the prosthetic foot 12 at the second end 28. The spring body 18 may be connected to the spring protector 20, the housing 14 and / or the prosthetic foot 12 at various points along the length of the spring body 18. Figure 7 As shown, the spring body 18 is connected using a set of screws, but it should be understood that any suitable method (e.g., adhesive) can also be used to attach the spring body 18. In this embodiment, the first end 24 is received in the opening 22 of the front portion of the outer shell 14 and is attached to the spring protector 20 using a first set of metal or plastic screws 32, 34 disposed through holes (not shown) in the spring protector 20, which is disposed between the base 30 of the inner shell 16 and the spring body 18. The spring body 18 is configured to extend from the opening 22 of the front portion of the outer shell 14 in a generally C-shape and is attached to the base 38 of the outer shell 14 at a second point along its length using a second set of screws 36 (the second set of screws 36 may include one or more screws), and at a third point (disposed at or toward the second end 28 of the spring body 18) using a third set of screws 40, 42 (see also) disposed through holes 44, 46 at the heel portion 26 of the prosthetic foot 12 and optionally holes (not shown) in the base 38 of the outer shell 14. Figure 6 ) to attach.

[0038] In one embodiment, the inner shell 16 includes a first fitting 48 that is attached to a prosthetic leg (not shown). In one embodiment, the first fitting 48 takes the form of a male pyramid connector or adapter. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the inner shell 16 also includes a plurality of curved pin slots 50, 52, which are arranged through the main body of the inner shell (see also Fig.15 When the inner shell 16 is disposed in the outer shell 14, at least a portion of the pin slots 50, 52 will engage with the through holes 54, 56 ( Figure 1 ) alignment (see also Fig.12 ). Pins 58, 60 may then be inserted through both the plurality of pin slots 50, 52 and through holes 54, 56 to couple the outer shell 14 and the inner shell 16 while allowing the inner shell to move from the first position A to the second position B along an arcuate path α as pressure is applied in a downward direction toward the spring body 18.

[0039] In an embodiment, the ankle system 10 also includes a stopper or bumper, generally designated 62, which separates the upper portion of the C-shaped spring body 18 from the base 38 of the outer shell 14. In some embodiments, the bumper 62 is made of rubber, polyurethane, plastic, or other compliant material, and the bumper limits the spring body 18 from compressing in response to the compressive force F that forces the inner shell 16 into the outer shell 14 along the arc path α. In an embodiment, the upper portion of the spring body 18 includes a recessed portion (not shown) that receives and retains the top of the bumper 62. The bottom of the bumper 62 engages the base 38 of the outer shell 14.

[0040] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, when the male pyramid connector 48 of the inner shell 16 is attached to the prosthetic leg (e.g., by engaging the female pyramid connector (not shown)) and the ankle system 10 is attached to the prosthetic foot 12, the weight of the user placed on the residual limb inserted into the prosthetic socket is transferred through the prosthetic socket and the prosthetic leg via the ankle system 10 and to the prosthetic foot 22 located on the support surface (not shown). This weight transfer applies a compressive force F to the spring body 18, thereby causing the inner shell 16 to move within the outer shell 14. The inner shell 16 is configured to move from a first position A ( Figure 7 ) moves to the second position B ( Figure 8 ). The rear corner of the base 30 of the inner shell 16 is configured to pivot against the rear edge of the spring protector 20 as this movement occurs, so that the bottom surface of the base 30 of the inner shell 16 will reach a generally parallel position against the upper surface of the spring protector 20. At the same time, the pins 58 and 60 move along the arcuate path α within the pin slots 50, 52. This movement allows the ankle system 10 to pivot from front to back in a manner very similar to the way a natural ankle joint flexes during walking.

[0041] Reference now Figures 10 to 19 , the ankle system may further include an optional movable element 64 and a stiffness adjustment screw 66 disposed in the base 30 of the inner shell 16. In this embodiment, the ankle system 10 is configured to allow a user to adjust the stiffness of the ankle system by changing the position of the inner shell 16 pivoting against the spring body 18 (not shown) by the spring protector 20.

[0042] In this embodiment, the motion of the pyramid adapter 48 is transferred to the spring body 18 and the buffer 62 using the movable element 64. Figures 10 to 13 As shown, the movable element 64 is configured to be screwed around the stiffness adjustment screw 66, so that when the adjustment screw 66 is rotated, the movable element 64 moves from a first position (ie, toward the rear of the inner housing base 30) to a second position (ie, toward the rear of the inner housing base 30). Fig.10 ) moves to a position close to the front of the inner shell base 30 ( Fig.11 ). Other methods can be used to adjust the position of the movable element 64, such as an adjustable pin or a slot in which the movable element can be placed. In this embodiment, the further back the movable element is placed, the more rigid the ankle joint will be.

[0043] Furthermore, the movement of the movable element 64, and thus the adjustability of the movable element, can be limited by placing retaining rings 70, 72 at the distal and proximal ends of the stiffness adjustable screw 66. Also, a set screw 68 or other suitable mechanism can be used to limit the position of the adjustable screw 66.

[0044] like Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown, the movable element 64 may be rectangular, or as shown in FIG. Figures 14 to 19 As shown, the movable element may be annular or circular. Figures 14 to 16 In one embodiment, the bottom surface 84 of the inner housing 16 and the upper surface 82 of the spring protector 20 may also include a groove designed to correspond to the outer shape of the annular movable element 64, such as Fig.16 The slots match the shape of the movable element to provide stiffness and adjustability in discrete increments.

[0045] And now refer to Figures 17 to 19 In another embodiment, the circular movable element 64 can be attached to a linkage member 86 that is configured to move from a first position to a second position relative to the inner housing 16 along an arcuate smooth or grooved path 88 disposed along the bottom surface of the inner housing 16. In this embodiment, the linkage member 86 can be attached to the movable element 64 at one end and attached at a second end using a pin joint 90. In another embodiment, the adjustable screw 66 can be attached to the inner housing 16 using another pivot joint 92.

[0046] Reference now Fig. 20 In another embodiment, the movable element 64 is configured to move from the first position to the second position along a straight path. In this embodiment, the movable element 64 ( Fig. 22 ) includes a substantially flat upper surface 64a disposed on the inner shell 16 ( Fig.23 ) in a slot 94 in the bottom surface of the inner housing. In this embodiment, the inner housing can include a substantially flat lower surface 94a configured to conform to the shape of the upper surface 64a of the movable member 64, thereby allowing the movable member 64 to move forward and backward within the slot 94.

[0047] Additionally, the movable element 64 can be configured to be moved within the slot 94 and locked in place using a pair of stiffness adjustable screws and / or locking screws 96, 98. Fig. 20 and Fig.21 As shown, screw 98 is moved toward the rear of inner housing 16 and screw 96 is tightened toward the front of inner housing 16, which moves movable element 64 rearward within slot 94 and increases rigidity ( Fig. 20 ). Similarly, loosening screw 96 and tightening screw 98 will cause movable element 64 to move to the right and reduce stiffness ( Fig.21 ).

[0048] Reference now Fig.24 and Fig.25 In one embodiment, the spring body 18 is directly connected to the inner shell 16 using a pivot joint that includes at least one locating pin 74 inserted through a through hole 76 in the base 30 of the inner shell 16. As the ankle rotates, the movement of the inner shell 16 will be transmitted to the spring body 18 via the locating pin joint. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. Fig.26 As shown, a rigid link member 78 connects the spring body 18 to the base 30 of the inner housing 16. The pivot joint of the rigid link member 78 allows the link to align itself between the spring body 18 and the inner housing 16. The pivot joint may include bearings press-fit into each element and / or a dowel pin riding inside a bushing.

[0049] Reference now Fig. 27 In another embodiment, the spring body 18 is connected to the inner shell 16 using a fastening mechanism (e.g., bolts 80(s) or some other fasteners). As the ankle joint rotates, the spring body 18 is configured to flex and move with the inner shell 16, rather than deviating from the inner shell in response to contact with the spring protector. In one embodiment, the inner shell 16 and the spring body 18 can be made of separate pieces. In another embodiment, these components can all be made as a single component.

[0050] The use of "suitable for" or "configured to" herein is intended to be open and inclusive terms that do not exclude devices that are suitable for or configured to perform additional tasks or steps. In addition, the use of "based on" is intended to be open and inclusive, because a process, step, calculation or other action "based on" one or more of the stated conditions or values ​​may in practice be based on additional conditions or values ​​other than the stated conditions or values. The headings, lists and numbers included herein are for ease of explanation only and are not intended to be limiting.

[0051] It should also be understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element, as long as all occurrences of "first element" are consistently renamed and all occurrences of "second element" are consistently renamed, the meaning of the description will be changed. The first element and the second element are both elements, but they are not the same element.

[0052] The terms used herein are only used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the claims. As used in the description of the embodiments and the appended claims, the singular forms "one", "an" and "said" are intended to also include plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term "and / or" used herein refers to and covers any and all possible combinations of one or more of the related listed items. It should also be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, these terms specify the presence of the features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or groups thereof.

[0053] As used herein, the term "if" may be interpreted as "when" or "when..." or "in response to determining" or "upon determining" or "in response to detecting" that the antecedent condition is true, depending on the context. Likewise, the phrase "if it is determined that [the antecedent condition is true]" or "if [the antecedent condition is true]" or "when [the antecedent condition is true]" may be interpreted as "upon determining" or "in response to determining" or "upon determining" or "upon detecting" or "in response to detecting" that the antecedent condition is true, depending on the context.

[0054] The above description and summary of the present invention should be understood to be illustrative and exemplary in all aspects, rather than restrictive, and the scope of the present invention disclosed herein should not be determined only according to the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments, but should be determined according to the full scope allowed by the patent law. It should be understood that the embodiments shown and described herein are only used to illustrate the principles of the present invention, and those skilled in the art can make various modifications without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ankle system for a prosthetic foot structure, the ankle system include: an outer shell, the outer shell comprising at least one through hole, the outer shell being configured to receive the inner shell; The inner housing includes: an adapter, at least one pin slot and a base; at least one connecting rod pin configured to fit through the at least one pin slot; wherein the inner shell is configured to move from a first position to a second position along an arcuate path within the outer shell; and A spring body having a length including a first end and a second end; wherein the first end is configured to engage with the inner shell and the second end is configured to engage with the prosthetic foot structure.

2. The ankle system according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The ankle system also includes a spring protector; wherein the spring protector is disposed between an upper surface of the first end of the spring body and a lower surface of the base of the inner shell; and wherein a rear portion of the base of the inner shell is configured to pivot against a rear portion of the spring protector as the inner shell moves from the first position to the second position within the outer shell.

3. The ankle system according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The inner shell includes at least a second pin slot, and the ankle system further includes a second link pin; wherein the pin slot is disposed within the inner shell along the arcuate path.

4. The ankle system according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The inner shell includes a plurality of pin slots, and the ankle system further includes a corresponding number of link pins; wherein the plurality of pin slots are arranged in the inner shell along the arc path.

5. The ankle system according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The ankle system also includes a movable element disposed between the lower surface of the inner shell and the upper surface of the spring body; and wherein the movable element is movable along a horizontal axis from a position at a rear portion of the inner shell to a position at a front portion of the inner shell.

6. The ankle system according to claim 5, It is characterized in that The movable element is configured to move along an adjustable screw.

7. The ankle system according to claim 6, It is characterized in that Movement of the movable element along the adjustable screw is limited by at least first and second retaining rings disposed at first and second ends of the adjustable screw.

8. The ankle system according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The ankle system also includes a movable element, wherein the movable element is at least partially disposed in a narrow groove formed in the lower surface of the inner shell; and wherein the movable element is capable of moving along a horizontal axis from a position toward a rear portion of the inner shell to a position toward a front portion of the inner shell.

9. The ankle system according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The ankle system also includes a first locking screw and a second locking screw configured to engage the movable element within the slot.

10. The ankle system according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The ankle system also includes a pivot joint connecting the base of the inner shell to the first end of the spring body, the pivot joint including at least one locating pin configured to fit within the opening of the base of the inner shell, the opening of the first end of the spring body, or a combination of the two.

11. The ankle system according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The base of the inner housing is directly attached to the first end of the spring body.

12. The ankle system according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The ankle system also includes a bumper attached to the spring body.

Images