Prosthetic joint, socket joint, rotating connector core, and matching attachment

Abstract

A rotatable and detachable wrist joint for a prosthetic hand is provided. The prosthetic joint includes a first ball race portion and a second ball race portion, and by moving the first ball race portion and the second ball race portion together or apart, the ball bearing is constrained in the inner zone or the outer zone, and the prosthetic joint can be fixed to or detached from the socket joint. The socket joint includes a socket body that houses the wrist joint. The wrist joint has a rotating connector core extending from the socket body and configured to follow the socket body.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure provides a rotatable and detachable wrist connection for a prosthetic hand, commonly referred to as a Quick Wrist Disconnect (QWD). [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, prosthetic limbs are attached to the base of the user's amputated limb via a socket that matches the shape of the base. A connector may be provided to allow the prosthetic limb to be attached and detached from the base of the amputated limb. In the case of a wrist prosthesis, it is desirable to meet both the conditions of being able to rotatably connect the prosthesis and being easily attached and detached from the base of the body. Furthermore, in the case of a myoelectric prosthesis, a signal must be sent from the connector to the hand.

[0003] In the 1970s, Ottobock developed a rotatable, detachable prosthetic connector, as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,629,493, which has become the standard in the field today and is commonly referred to as a Quick Wrist Disconnect (QWD) connector. A prosthetic joint component is secured to the prosthesis, and a socket joint component is secured to a socket fixed to the patient's base. The prosthetic joint and socket joint can be engaged by pushing them together and locking axially. The user then rotates the prosthesis into position via a detent mechanism within the joint. The prosthesis can be removed after rotating it through approximately 330 degrees.

[0004] Because the user must perform the same action to rotate the prosthesis and to operate the removal mechanism, a standard QWD can accidentally disengage, putting the user at risk of damaging their expensive prosthesis. Also, while the push-to-lock arrangement moves the movable retaining ring on the socket joint to ensure the prosthetic joint and socket joint are securely locked together, if the movement is insufficient, the user still runs the risk of damaging their expensive prosthesis.

[0005] In myoelectric prosthetic hands, the rotating connector core is securely attached to the socket joint, but damage can occur when the rotating connector core is inserted into the rotary connector housing of the prosthetic socket before mechanical connection is made. The connection between the rotating connector core and the socket joint may also not be waterproof, allowing water to enter and interfere with signals or damage electrical and electronic components. Furthermore, rotating connector cores are typically molded, making them complex, expensive, and difficult to modify. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 3,900,900 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In a prosthetic QWD connector, it is desirable for any new QWD design to be backward compatible with standard QWD connectors in the art, but this has been made difficult by characteristics of existing QWD designs, such as the need for rotatable joints and very limited space considerations. The prosthetic QWD connector disclosed herein may have any of the following and / or other advantages: [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present disclosure illustrates a prosthetic QWD connector that is backward compatible with standard QWD connectors in the art, yet is compact, has a low risk of unintentional disengagement, and provides secure locking and easy removal.

[0009] The present disclosure also exemplifies a prosthetic QWD connector that provides a watertight seal between the connector and the socket joint while having a rotating connector core that is attached to follow and allows movement of the rotating connector core relative to the socket joint, such that certain forces during coupling can be absorbed without damaging the rotating connector core.

[0010] In the above examples, a QWD connector can be provided that has one or more of the advantages described above while being backward compatible with standard QWD connectors.

[0011] In some configurations, the prosthetic joint may be configured to rotatably and releasably engage a race of a socket joint and may include a first sleeve having a first annular ball race portion, a second sleeve having a second annular ball race portion, and a bearing disposed within the race formed by the first and second ball race portions, wherein the first and second sleeves are movable relative to each other in a first configuration in which the first and second ball race portions are together to constrain the bearing in the outer annular zone and prevent removal of the prosthetic joint when engaged with the socket joint, and in a second configuration in which the first and second ball race portions are spaced apart to move the bearing to the inner annular zone and allow removal of the connector from the socket.

[0012] In some configurations, the prosthetic joint may include a body configured to rotatably and releasably engage a race of a socket joint and having an annular portion, a first annular ball race portion provided on the annular portion, a second annular ball race portion movable on the annular portion between a first position and a second position, a bearing provided within the race formed by the first and second ball race portions, and a release actuator movable in a first direction relative to the body to move the second annular ball race portion between the first and second configurations. In the first configuration, the first and second ball race portions are brought together to constrain the bearing in the outer annular zone to prevent removal of the connector when engaged with the socket joint. In the second configuration, the first and second ball race portions are moved apart to move the bearing to the inner annular zone, allowing the prosthetic joint to be removed from the socket joint.

[0013] In some configurations, the socket joint may include a socket body that receives the wrist portion joint, the wrist portion joint having a rotating connector core extending from and adapted to follow the socket body.

[0014] In some configurations, the rotating connector core includes a compliant fitting.

[0015] In some configurations, the compliant fitting may be configured to engage the socket fitting and the rotary connector core, thereby allowing movement between the socket fitting and the rotary connector core about the compliant fitting.

[0016] In some configurations, the rotary connector core may include multiple laminations, each consisting of alternating conductive and insulating sections, with tension elements between the upper and lower laminations maintaining the cylindrical shape.

[0017] In some configurations, the socket body includes a compliant fitting.

[0018] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be described with reference to drawings of specific embodiments, which are intended to depict specific embodiments in a schematic manner and are not limiting of the disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a development view showing the components of a prosthetic joint in a first example. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the prosthetic joint after assembly of the components shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the prosthetic joint of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a socket joint that receives the prosthetic joint of FIGS. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrating the locking of the prosthetic joint to the socket joint. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrating the release of the prosthetic joint from the socket joint. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a development view showing the components of the prosthetic joint in the second example. [Figure 8] 8 is a top perspective view of the prosthetic joint of FIG. 7 after assembly of the components shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the prosthetic joint of FIGS. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows the prosthetic joint of FIGS. 7 to 9 in a released configuration. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows the prosthetic joint of FIGS. 7-9 in a locked configuration. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows the release of the prosthetic joint of FIGS. 7 to 11 from a socket joint. [Figure 13a] FIG. 13a is a cross-sectional perspective view of the outer sleeve of the prosthetic joint of FIGS. 7-12. [Figure 13b] FIG. 13b is a perspective view of the inner sleeve of the prosthetic joint of FIGS. 7 to 12. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a locking ring of the prosthetic joint of FIGS. 7-12. [Figure 15a] FIG. 15a shows a variation of the prosthetic joint in the second example, which includes a biasing mechanism between the inner and outer sleeves. [Figure 15b] FIG. 15b shows a variation of the prosthetic joint in the second example, which includes a biasing mechanism between the inner and outer sleeves. [Figure 15c] FIG. 15c shows a variation of the prosthetic joint in the second example, which includes a biasing mechanism between the inner and outer sleeves. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 shows an example of a rotating connector core that is fitted to a socket joint in a compliant manner. [Figure 17] 17 is a perspective view of the rotary connector of FIG. 16 attached to a compliant fixture. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 shows a rotary connector housing. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is an exploded view of the rotary connector core of FIG. [Figure 20a] Figure 20a shows an example of a connection between a rotary connector core and socket joint. [Figure 20b] Figure 20b shows an example of a connection between a rotary connector core and socket joint. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] While specific embodiments and examples are provided below, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present disclosure may be modified beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments and / or may utilize obvious modifications and equivalents. Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of the present disclosure as disclosed herein be limited by any specific embodiments described below. In the examples below, ball bearings are employed, but it will be understood that non-spherical bearings, such as roller bearings, may also be employed.

[0021] Examples of prosthetic joints This disclosure provides examples of prosthetic joints that allow a connection to be rotatably and detachably attached to a socket connector. Figures 1-3 show a first example of a prosthetic joint 1 having an axis 2. An interface plate 3 allows attachment to a prosthetic limb. A button 4 is located within a hole 5 and is movable laterally relative to the axis 2. The button 4 is secured to a ramp plate 6 by a screw 7. When the button 4 is pressed, the ramp plate 6 moves inward, thereby moving a ramp 8 toward a ramp surface 9 of an annular inner sleeve 10.

[0022] A locking grooved ring 11 and wave spring 12 are mounted around a main annular sleeve 13. The annular sleeve 13 provides an annular body for mounting a snap ring and detent, as described below. A retaining ring retainer 15 is attached to the sleeve body 13 to hold a static snap ring 17 in place. A detent ring 18 is attached to the sleeve body 13 to define two annular regions in which a dynamic snap ring 20, as described below, is positioned around the sleeve body 13. The inner sleeve 10 acts on a pin 16 located in a hole 22 in the sleeve body 13 to move the dynamic snap ring 20 from an upper position to a lower position.

[0023] The snap rings 17 and 20 are provided with ball races which define a ball race that limits the longitudinal movement of the bearing 19 in the direction of the axis 2. A bearing cage 21 radially retains the bearing therein.

[0024] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the prosthetic joint 1, as shown in Figures 1 and 2 (engaged with the socket joint), in combination with a standard QWD socket joint, shown alone in Figure 4 below. When the prosthetic joint 1 and socket joint 23 are locked together, the ball bearing 19 runs in tracks 24 of the socket joint 23, and the rotary connector core 25 couples to the rotary connector housing 26. This allows electrical signals to be transmitted from the socket joint 23 to the prosthetic joint 1. As explained below, bosses 27 help lock the dynamic snap ring 20 into the locked position.

[0025] Prior to installation of the prosthetic joint into the socket joint, the dynamic snap ring is in position 20', shown in FIG. 6, below the detent ring 18. This moves the ball bearings inward into the race 24 of the socket joint. When the prosthetic joint 1 is urged toward the socket joint 23, the dynamic snap ring 20 is moved upward by the boss 27 from position 20' within the first annular groove below the detent 18, past the detent ring 18, to position 20 within the second annular groove below the detent 18. As the dynamic snap ring 20 moves to this upper position, the distance between the dynamic snap ring 20 and the static snap ring 17 decreases, moving the ball bearings 19 outward into the race 24 of the socket joint 23. This allows relative rotation while retaining the prosthetic joint in the socket joint with the ball bearings in a constrained position.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 6 , the removal of the prosthetic joint 1 from the socket joint 23 will now be described. The push button 4, ramp plate 6, and inner sleeve 10 form a release actuator. The push button 4 may be retracted into the interface plate 3 to prevent unintentional activation. When the push button 4 is pressed, the ramp plate 6 moves inward, transverse to the axis 2, relative to the ramp surface 9 of the inner sleeve 10. The pin 16 then moves downward, causing the inner sleeve 10 to move downward, thereby lowering the dynamic snap ring 20, passing the detent 18 and reaching position 20′. With the dynamic snap ring 20 in position 20′, the ball bearing can move inward to position 19′. This disengages the ball bearing from the race 24, allowing the prosthetic joint 1 to be removed from the socket joint 23. When the prosthetic joint moves upward and the inner sleeve body 10 moves downward, the boss 27 does not prevent the dynamic slip ring 20 from moving downward.

[0027] It will be appreciated that other actuation mechanisms may be employed, provided that the release element is movable relative to the prosthetic joint to perform the removal function. Instead of being pushed, the ramp plate 6 may be rotated about axis 2 by a lever projecting outward from the ramp plate 6. In such an arrangement, one of the ramps 8 may be tilted in an opposite direction to that shown by the corresponding ramp surface 9. As another example, the lever may rotate a cam in a plane passing through axis 2, which then acts on the inner sleeve 10, moving it downward to perform the removal function.

[0028] A second example of a prosthetic joint will now be described with reference to Figures 7 to 12. The prosthetic joint 100 includes an interface plate 101 having a pair of push buttons 102. Each of the push buttons 102 has a ramp 103 at its tip. The push buttons 102 are slidably attached to the interface plate 101 and are biased outward by a spring 104. The ramp 105 is fixed to a lifter 106. The lifter 106 can lift a locking ring 107 when the push button 102 is pressed. A wave spring 109 and a ring 110 with a groove for preventing loosening are provided below the interface plate 101. A main contraction spring 111 is provided around a cylindrical body 112 to bias an outer sleeve 114 downward. A locking ring contraction spring 113 is positioned to bias the locking ring 107 downward.

[0029] In this example, outer sleeve 114 is rotatably engaged about inner sleeve 115 with ball race portions 116 and 117 of each sleeve forming a ball race. In this example, the spacing between ball race portions 116 and 117 is adjusted by relative axial displacement between the inner and outer sleeves. This axial displacement can be achieved by simple axial displacement or rotation, as explained in the following examples. In this example, multiple ramps 118 are provided on inner sleeve 115 that engage protrusions 119 on outer sleeve 114. It will be understood that, alternatively, internally engaging threads (or partial threads) may be provided on the inner and outer sleeves.

[0030] A bushing 120 and a threaded ring 121 are disposed around the outer sleeve 114. A ball bearing 122 is retained within the area defined by the axial spacing between the races 116 and 117 and the bearing cages 123. When the outer sleeve 114 is rotated counterclockwise, the protrusion 119 may ride up onto the ramp 118, creating an axially larger space 124' (see FIG. 10) between the races 116 and 117, allowing the bearing 122 to move inward into an inner annular zone and connect or disconnect the prosthetic joint to the socket joint. When the outer sleeve 114 is rotated clockwise, the protrusion 119 may descend from the ramp 118, creating an axially smaller space 124' (see FIG. 11) between the races 116 and 117, allowing the ball bearing 122 to move outward into an outer annular zone to retain the prosthetic joint in the socket joint. It will be understood that the direction of relative rotation may be reversed if the ramps are provided oppositely. The relative axial displacement between the races 116 and 117 allows for two configurations, a first configuration and a second configuration, as follows: In the first configuration, with the first and second ball races 116 and 117 together, the bearing is constrained in the outer annular zone to prevent removal of the connector when engaged with the socket fitting; and in the second configuration, with the first and second ball races 116 and 117 spaced apart, the bearing is moved to the inner annular zone to allow removal of the prosthetic fitting from the socket fitting.

[0031] To prevent unintentional disengagement, relative rotation between sleeves 114 and 115 may require the release of a locking mechanism to separate races 116 and 117 (i.e., moving from the configuration shown in FIG. 11 to the configuration shown in FIG. 10). The locking mechanism may consist of one or more pins that pass through holes in the inner and outer sleeves in the configuration shown in FIG. 11 and may be removed to allow rotation when moving to the configuration shown in FIG. 10. Such pins may have any desired cross-section or shape, as long as they engage holes in the sleeves to prevent rotation. Alternatively, the locking mechanism may require rotation of the components relative to interface plate 101 to allow relative rotation between the sleeves (a detent mechanism may also be provided to prevent unintentional rotation of such a locking mechanism). In the following example, a locking mechanism with a locking ring is described.

[0032] When the inner and outer sleeves have the configuration shown in FIG. 11 , the protrusions 108 of the locking ring 107 are engaged with the slots 120 of the outer sleeve 114 and the notches 121 of the inner sleeve 115 (as best illustrated in FIGS. 13a-14 ), which prevent relative rotation between the sleeves when the protrusions 108 are engaged. This prevents the races 116 and 117 from separating, allowing the prosthetic joint to be removed from the socket joint. As shown in FIG. 12 , when the button 102 is pressed inward, the ramps 103 act against the ramps 105, lifting the locking ring 107 via the lifter 106. This removes the protrusions 108 from the slots 120 of the outer sleeve 114 and the notches 121 of the inner sleeve 115, allowing relative rotation between the sleeves. Thus, when the button is pressed, the prosthetic joint can be rotated relative to the socket joint (in this case by approximately 45 degrees) and the prosthetic joint can be removed from the socket joint.

[0033] If the operation of the prosthetic joint in the second example is not performed correctly, there is a risk that when the prosthetic joint is removed from the socket joint, the first ball race portion 116 and the second ball race portion 117 will remain mated, binding the bearing in the outer annular zone and preventing subsequent engagement with the socket joint. Referring to Figures 15a to 15c, a torsion coil spring 125 is provided as a biasing means, which causes relative rotation between the inner sleeve 115 and the outer sleeve 114 and biases both sleeves toward the second configuration (a configuration in which the race portions 116 and 117 are spaced apart) if the locking mechanism does not prevent relative rotation. In this way, when the prosthetic joint is removed from the socket joint, the ball races can easily return to the second configuration and can be installed in the socket joint.

[0034] It will be appreciated that a wide variety of biasing means may be employed, such as expansion, contraction, or torsion biasing elements, and that a torsion coil spring is shown as a non-limiting example only.

[0035] 15a-15c, a torsion spring 125 is mounted inside the inner sleeve 115. A first leg of the torsion spring 125 engages with a hole in the inner sleeve 115. A second leg 127 of the torsion spring 125 passes through a slot 128 in the inner sleeve 115 and engages with a hole in the outer race 114. This configuration causes the torsion spring 125 to rotate the inner sleeve 115 relative to the outer sleeve 114 toward the second configuration unless a locking mechanism prevents relative rotation. In this way, when removed from the socket fitting, the races 116 and 117 can easily return to the second configuration, facilitating subsequent engagement with the socket fitting.

[0036] 16-19 illustrate examples of compliant mountings, rotary connectors, and socket joints. As can be seen from the exploded view of the rotary connector core in FIG. 19, the rotary connector core 200 can be formed by stacking alternating conductive rings 201 and insulating rings 202. An electrical connector 203 passes through the insulating ring 202 and electrically connects to one or more of the conductive rings 201, as needed. A tension screw 204 is fastened to a tension nut 205 to hold the stacked rings together to form the core. A locking ring 206 and a base 207 are locked together to secure the core to a compliant fixture 208. A plug nut 209 is secured to the end of the tension nut 205.

[0037] The rotating connector core 200 in combination with a corresponding fitting 208 is shown in Figure 17. The rotating connector core 200 engages a bore 211 in a rotary connector housing 210 of a prosthetic joint.

[0038] 16, it can be seen that the rotary connector core 200 is attached to the socket coupling 218 by a corresponding fitting 208. A groove 220 formed in the corresponding fitting 208 engages with a flange 219 of the socket coupling 218, thereby achieving a corresponding attachment arrangement of the rotary connector core 200 relative to the socket coupling 218. This prevents damage to the rotary connector core 200 due to movement of the rotary connector core 200 relative to the socket coupling 218 during connection.

[0039] The rotary connector core 200 is preferentially designed to bend and / or deform the compliant fitting 208. The compliant fitting 208 may suitably be made of a material having a DMTA damping factor of 0.05 to 0.8, preferably 0.05 to 0.5, in the temperature range of -20 to 100 degrees Celsius. Such a material preferably has a resilience of 20% to 60% and a Shore A hardness of 10 to 90 (more preferably, 30 to 60) or a Shore D hardness of 40 to 90. The compliant fitting preferably acts as a shock absorber, absorbing forces applied to the connector core in a direction normal to the central axis. This allows the connector core to be displaced by at least 5 degrees (preferably, 10 degrees, more preferably, 15 degrees) relative to the central axis due to elastic deformation of the mounting block. Preferably, a force of 2.5 to 20 Newtons applied laterally or normally to the tip of the connector core causes the mounting block to elastically deform and rotate about its central axis by at least 3 degrees, preferably at least 5 degrees. The mounting block may be made of an elastomer, rubber, silicone, compressible polymer, or thermoplastic material. Preferably, the material may be a thermoset elastomer (hydrocarbon, fluorocarbon, or silica-based), a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermoset rubber, or an inherently soft thermoplastic. It may also be an alloy or a composite made by blending or foaming any of the above polymers.

[0040] The compliant mounting arrangement may allow for non-destructive movement of the rotary connector core 200 relative to the socket joint without damaging the rotary connector core 200. As an example, the compliant fitting 208 may allow the rotary connector core 200 to be non-destructively deflected at an angle greater than 15 degrees relative to the socket joint. Advantageously, the compliant fitting 208 may provide a watertight seal between the rotary connector core and the socket body. This seal may preferably be watertight to any one of IPx5, IPx6, IPx6K, IPx7, and IPx8 standards.

[0041] 20a and 20b, further examples of a compliant mount, a rotary connector core, and a socket joint are described. A first part 230 includes a rotary connector core 231 secured to a compliant mount 232 and a mounting ring 233 secured to the compliant mount 232. The compliant mount has the compliant mount characteristics described above. The mounting ring has a number of protrusions 234 sized to fit into notches 237 in a compliant mounting ring 236 of a socket 235. This allows the first part 230 to be simply inserted tip-first into the socket joint 235, with the protrusions 234 fitting into the notches 237. The first part is then pressed against and rotated against the socket joint 235 in a torsionally locked state, and the mounting rings are secured together, thereby engaging the first part 230 with the socket joint 235.

[0042] It will be appreciated that the compliant mounting may be secured to the socket joint by a mounting ring at the interface between the rotary connector core 231 and the compliant mounting 232. It will also be appreciated that the mounting ring may employ a variety of interengagement techniques, such as threads, a bayonet fit, or a push fit.

[0043] In other instances, the compliant material may be provided within the rotary connector core itself, for example, between the base 207 and the locking ring 206. In other instances, the compliant material may be provided within the socket fitting 218, for example, by providing the compliant material between the socket fitting 218 and the hard surface to which the rotary connector core is attached.

[0044] It should be emphasized that the embodiments described herein are capable of numerous variations and modifications, and that the elements of the embodiments are merely examples of other possible variations. All such variations and modifications are intended to be within the scope of this disclosure and are protected by the following claims. Furthermore, no particular component, feature, or process step is intended to be essential in the above disclosure.

Claims

1. A prosthetic joint (100) configured to rotatably and releasably engage a race of a socket joint, comprising: a. a first sleeve (115) having a first annular ball race portion (117) on its radially outer surface; b. a second sleeve (114) having a second annular ball race portion (116) on its radially outer surface; c. a bearing cage (123) provided radially outward from the first annular ball race portion (117) and the second annular ball race portion (116); d. a bearing (122) provided in an area formed by the first annular ball race portion (117), the second annular ball race portion (116), and the bearing cage (123); Equipped with The first sleeve (115) and the second sleeve (114) i. the first annular ball race portion (117) and the second annular ball race portion (116) together in a first configuration restrains the bearing (122) in an outer annular zone to prevent disengagement of the prosthetic joint (100) when engaged with the socket joint; and ii. in a second configuration in which the first annular ball race portion (117) and the second annular ball race portion (116) are spaced apart, to move the bearing (122) into an inner annular zone and remove the prosthetic joint (100) from the socket joint; A prosthetic joint characterized in that it is capable of relative movement.

2. 2. The prosthetic joint according to claim 1, wherein the first sleeve and the second sleeve are rotatable relative to each other and have ramp portions configured to change the distance between the first annular ball race portion (117) and the second annular ball race portion (116) when the first sleeve and the second sleeve rotate relative to each other.

3. 3. A prosthetic joint according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a locking mechanism prevents relative movement between the first sleeve and the second sleeve unless actuated.

4. 4. The prosthetic joint according to claim 3, wherein the locking mechanism engages with locking structures provided on the first sleeve and the second sleeve in a locked position to prevent relative rotation with respect to the mating sleeve.

5. 5. The prosthetic joint of claim 4, wherein the locking mechanism rotates relative to the socket joint between a locked position and an unlocked position.

6. 5. The prosthetic joint of claim 4, wherein the locking mechanism is provided as a locking ring having a plurality of axial projections that engage a plurality of locking structures provided on the first sleeve and the second sleeve.

7. 7. The prosthetic joint of claim 6, wherein the locking ring moves axially between a locked position and an unlocked position by movement of opposing first and second ramp portions and a connection between the locking ring and the second ramp portion.

8. 8. The prosthetic joint of claim 7, wherein a button is coupled to the first ramp portion, and movement of the button is configured to achieve relative movement between the first ramp portion and the second ramp portion.

9. 9. The prosthetic joint of claim 8, wherein a plurality of buttons are coupled to the first ramp portion and the second ramp portion.

10. 4. The prosthetic joint of claim 3, wherein the locking mechanism engages structure on both the first sleeve and the second sleeve to prevent relative rotation between the first sleeve and the second sleeve.

11. 11. The prosthetic joint of claim 10, wherein the locking mechanism is a pin movable relative to the first and second sleeves between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the pin engages structure on the first and second sleeves to prevent rotation, and in the second position the first and second sleeves are allowed to rotate relative to each other.

12. 12. The prosthetic joint of claim 11, wherein the structures are holes in the first and second sleeves.

13. 2. The prosthetic joint of claim 1, wherein an actuation mechanism relatively moves the first and second sleeves axially between the first and second configurations.

14. 14. A prosthetic joint according to claim 13, characterized in that the actuation mechanism is a lever and cam arrangement.

15. 15. A prosthetic joint according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the bearing is a ball bearing.

16. the first sleeve and the second sleeve are biased into the second configuration; A prosthetic joint according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that it comprises:

17. 17. The prosthetic joint of claim 16, wherein a spring biases the first sleeve and the second sleeve into the second configuration.

18. 18. The prosthetic joint of claim 17, wherein the first sleeve and the second sleeve are biased into the second configuration by a torsion spring.

19. 20. The prosthetic joint of claim 18, wherein the first sleeve and the second sleeve are biased into the second configuration by a torsion coil spring.

20. 20. The prosthetic joint of claim 19, wherein the torsion spring is disposed within the first sleeve and includes legs that extend through slots in the first sleeve and engage the second sleeve.

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