PROSTHESIS COUPLING, SOCKET COUPLING, SWIVEL CONNECTOR CORE AND COMPATIBLE MOUNTING ELEMENT

Abstract

A rotating, removable wrist connection for a prosthetic hand. A prosthetic coupling includes first and second ball bearing sections that can be moved together or apart to confine the ball bearings to an inner or outer zone, allowing the prosthetic coupling to be attached to or removed from a socket coupling. A socket coupling includes a socket body for receiving a wrist coupling that has a rotating connector core extending from the socket body and mounted compatibly to the socket body.

Description

PROSTHESIS COUPLING, SOCKET COUPLING, SWIVEL CONNECTOR CORE AND COMPATIBLE MOUNTING ELEMENT FIELD OF INVENTION This description refers to a rotating and removable wrist connection for a prosthetic hand of the type commonly referred to as a Quick Wrist Disconnect (QWD). BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Prosthetic limbs are typically attached to the user's residual limb via a socket that conforms to the limb's shape. A connector may be present to allow the prosthesis to be attached and detached from the residual limb. In the case of a wrist, it is desirable that the prosthetic limb be rotatable and easily connected to and removed from the residual limb. Furthermore, in the case of an automated hand, signals must be transmitted through the connector to the hand. In the 1970s, Otto Bock developed a rotating, removable prosthetic connector, described in U.S. Patent No. 3900900, which has become the industry standard and is commonly known as the Quick Disconnect Wrist (QWD) connector. A prosthesis coupling component attaches to the prosthetic limb, and a socket coupling component attaches to a socket fixed to the patient's residual limb. The prosthesis coupling Qzcn Ln / zznz / E / YiAi Ref. 337004 and the plug coupling can be engaged by pushing them together, so that they lock axially. The prosthesis can then be rotationally positioned by the user via a retention mechanism in the coupling until the prosthesis is rotated approximately 330 degrees to allow its release. Because both the rotational positioning and the release mechanism require the same user action, the standard QWD can be subject to accidental release, potentially exposing the user to the risk of damaging an expensive prosthesis. Furthermore, the push-lock device may not move the movable plug ring of the socket coupling sufficiently to ensure that the prosthesis and socket coupling lock together, again exposing the user to the risk of damaging an expensive prosthetic limb. In the case of an automated hand, the core of the rotating connector is rigidly mounted in the socket coupling, which can be damaged when inserting the core into the rotating connector housing of the prosthesis socket before mechanical engagement occurs. The connection between a core of The Qzcn Ln / zznz / E / YiAi swivel connector and plug coupling may also not be waterproof, which can allow water to enter and interfere with signals or damage electrical or electronic components. Furthermore, the cores of swivel connectors are often molded, which is complex and expensive and does not allow for easy customization. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In a QWD prosthetic connector, it is desirable that any new QWD design be compatible with the industry-standard QWD connector. This creates challenges due to the characteristics of the existing QWD design, the need for a rotating coupling, and the very limited space available. The QWD prosthetic connector described here may have any of the following advantages and / or others. This description provides examples of QWD prosthetic connectors that are compact, have a lower risk of accidental release, provide positive locking, and allow easy release while providing compatibility with the industry-standard QWD connector. The present description also provides examples of QWD prosthetic connectors that include a compatibly mounted rotating connector core, capable of permitting movement of the rotating connector core with respect to the socket coupling, thus allowing certain forces to be absorbed during coupling without damaging the rotating connector core, while providing a watertight seal between a socket coupling. The examples above can provide a QWD connector that is compatible with standard QWD connectors and, at the same time, offers one or more of the advantages mentioned above. In some configurations, a prosthesis coupling may be configured to rotatably and freely engage the rolling of a socket coupling and comprise: a first sleeve including a first annular ball bearing section; a second sleeve having a second annular ball bearing section; and bearings provided within a rolling formed by the first ball bearing section and the second ball bearing section, wherein the first and second sleeves are movable relative to each other such that in a first configuration, in which the first ball bearing section and the second ball bearing section are together, the bearings are confined to an outer annular zone, preventing the removal of the prosthesis coupling when coupled with a socket coupling;and in a second configuration, in which the first ball bearing section and the second ball bearing section are separated, the bearings can be moved to an inner annular zone; Qzcn Ln / zznz / E / YiAi allowing the removal of a plug connector. In some configurations, the prosthesis coupling may be configured to rotatably and release with a ball bearing of a socket coupling and comprise: a body having an annular section; a first annular ball bearing section provided in the annular section; a second annular ball bearing section movable between the first and second positions in the annular section; bearings provided within a bearing formed by the first ball bearing section and the second ball bearing section; and a release actuator movable in a first direction with respect to the body to move the second annular ball bearing section between: a first configuration in which the first ball bearing section and the second ball bearing section are brought together such that the bearings are confined to an outer annular area, preventing removal of the connector when coupled with a socket coupling;and a second configuration in which the first ball bearing section and the second ball bearing section are separated such that the bearings can be moved to an inner annular zone, allowing the removal of the prosthetic coupling from a plug coupling. In some configurations, a plug coupling may include a plug body to receive a Q7Cn iη / 77Π7 / E / YΙΛΙ wrist coupling having a rotating connector core extending from the plug body, wherein the rotating connector core is mounted in a way that is compatible with the plug body. In some configurations, the core of a swivel connector may include a compatible mounting element. In some configurations, a compatible mounting element may be configured to engage with a plug coupling and a rotating connector core to allow movement between the plug coupling and the rotating connector core around the compatible mounting element. In some configurations, the core of a swivel connector may comprise a plurality of stacked sections consisting of alternating conductive and insulating sections tensioned together to maintain a cylindrical shape by means of a tensioning element between the top and bottom of the stack. In some configurations, a plug body may include a compatible mounting element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present description are described with reference to the Figures of certain modalities, which are intended to schematically illustrate certain modalities and not limit the Qzcn ίη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ description . Figure 1 shows an exploded view of the components of a first example of prosthesis coupling. Figure 2 shows a top perspective view of a prosthesis assembled with the components shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the prosthesis coupling of Figure 2. Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a plug coupling for receiving the prosthetic coupling of Figures 1 to 3. Figure 5 shows a partial section of Figures 1 to 4 illustrating the locking of the prosthesis coupling to a plug coupling. Figure 6 shows a partial section of Figures 1 to 4 illustrating the unlocking of the prosthesis coupling from a plug coupling. Figure 7 shows an exploded view of the components of a second example of prosthesis coupling. Figure 8 shows a top perspective view of the prosthesis coupling of Figure 7 assembled from the components shown in Figure 7. Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the prosthesis coupling of Figures 7 and 8. Figure 10 shows the prosthesis coupling of Qzcn Ln / zznz / E / YiAi Figures 7 to 9 in an unlocked configuration. Figure 11 shows the prosthesis coupling of Figures 7 to 9 in a locked configuration. Figure 12 illustrates the unlocking of the prosthesis coupling from Figures 7 to 11 from a plug coupling. Figure 13A shows a cropped perspective view of the outer sleeve of the prosthesis coupling from Figures 7 to 12. Figure 13B shows a perspective view of the inner sleeve of the prosthesis coupling of Figures 7 to 12. Figure 14 shows a perspective view of the prosthesis coupling locking ring from Figures 7 to 12. Figures 15A to 15C show a modified form of the second prosthesis coupling example, which includes a polarization mechanism between the inner and outer sleeves. Figure 16 shows an example of a swivel connector core mounted in a way compatible with a plug coupling. Figure 17 shows a perspective view of the swivel connector of Figure 16 attached to a compatible mounting element. Qzcn ίη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ Figure 18 shows the housing of a swivel connector. Figure 19 shows an exploded view of the core of the rotary connector from Figure 16. Figures 20A and 20B show an example of a connection between a swivel connector core and a plug coupling. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Although certain forms and examples are described below, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the description extends beyond the forms and / or uses specifically described and their obvious modifications and equivalencies. Therefore, the scope of the description herein is not intended to be limited by any of the particular forms described below. The following examples employ ball bearings, but it will be appreciated that non-spherical bearings, such as roller bearings, could also be used. Example of prosthesis coupling The present description provides examples of a prosthetic coupling for a free-spinning connection to a plug connector. Figures 1 to 3 show a first example of a prosthetic coupling 1 having a shaft 2. An interface plate 3 allows attachment to a prosthetic limb. A button 4 is located within openings 5 ​​and is Qzcn ίη / ζζηζ / E / γίΛΐ movable laterally with respect to axis 2. Button 4 is fixed to ramp plate 6 by screws 7. When button 4 is pressed, ramp plate 6 moves inwards, moving ramps 8 towards the ramp surfaces 9 of the inner annular sleeve 10. A castellated ring 11 and a wave spring 12 are provided around the annular sleeve 13 of the main body. The annular sleeve 13 provides an annular body for mounting the retaining rings and the retainer, as described below. The retaining ring 15 is mounted on the main body of the sleeve 13 to retain the static retaining ring 17 in place. The retaining ring 18 is mounted on the main body of the sleeve 13 to define two annular regions in which the dynamic retaining ring 20 can be positioned on the body of the sleeve 13, as described later. The inner sleeve 10 can act on pins 16, located in openings 22 of the main body of the sleeve 13, to move the dynamic retaining ring 20 from a higher to a lower position. Retaining rings 17 and 20 provide rolling sections that define a ball roll limiting the longitudinal movement of bearings 19 in the direction of axis 2. The bearing cage 21 retains the bearings radially within it. Qzcn Ln / zznz / E / YiAi Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a prosthesis coupling 1 assembled as shown in Figures 1 and 2 (coupled with a plug coupling) with a standard QWD plug coupling shown below in Figure 4. When the prosthesis coupling 1 and plug coupling 23 are locked together, the ball bearings 19 run on the race 24 of the plug coupling 23, and the swivel connector core 25 engages with the swivel connector housing 26 to allow electrical signals to pass from the plug coupling 23 to the prosthesis coupling 1. The projections 27 help lock the dynamic locking ring 20 in its locked position, as will be described later. Before a prosthesis coupling is attached to a socket coupling, the dynamic retaining ring is in position 20' shown in Figure 6, below retaining ring 18, allowing the ball bearings to move inward to pass over the race 24 of the socket coupling. As the prosthesis coupling 1 is driven into the socket coupling 23, the lugs 27 force the dynamic retaining ring 20 upward from position 20', within a first annular lug below retainer 18, over retaining ring 18, to position 20' within a second annular lug below retainer 18. As Qzcn ίη / ζζηζ / E / γίΛΐ the dynamic retaining ring 20 moves to this upper position, the distance between the dynamic retaining ring 20 and the static retaining ring 17 decreases and the ball bearings 19 are forced outwards in the rolling 24 of the socket coupling 23 to retain the prosthesis coupling in the socket coupling, due to the restricted positions of the ball bearings, while allowing relative rotation. Referring to Figure 6, the disengagement of the prosthesis coupling 1 from the plug coupling 23 will be described. The button 4, ramp plate 6, and inner sleeve 10 provide a disengagement actuator. The push button 4 can be recessed within the interface plate 3 to prevent accidental activation. When the push button 4 is pressed, the ramp plate 6 moves inward, lateral to axis 2, against the ramp surface 9 of the inner sleeve 10. This forces the inner sleeve 10 downward, forcing the pins 16 downward, which in turn forces the dynamic retaining ring 20 downward over the retainer 18 to position 20'.With the dynamic retaining ring 20 in position 20', the ball bearings can be moved inwards to position 19', allowing the ball bearings to move out of the rolling 24, thus allowing the prosthesis coupling 1 to be removed from the plug coupling 23. The projections 27 do not prevent the dynamic spring ring 20 from moving downwards when the prosthesis coupling moves upwards by forcing the inner sleeve body 10 downwards. It will be noted that other actuation mechanisms can be employed in which a release element moves relative to the prosthesis coupling to effect release. Instead of being pushed, the ramp plate 6 could be rotated about axis 2 by means of a lever projecting outward from the ramp plate 6. In this arrangement, one of the ramps 8 would be inclined in the opposite direction to that shown, as would the corresponding surface of ramp 9. In another example, a cam can be rotated by a lever in a plane through axis 2, with the cam acting on the inner sleeve 10 to move it downward to effect release. Referring now to Figures 7 to 12, a second example of a prosthesis coupling will be described. The prosthesis coupling 100 includes an interface plate 101 having a pair of pushbuttons 102 on each side, each with ramps 103 at its distal end. The pushbuttons 102 are slidably mounted on the interface plate 101 and skewed outward by springs 104. The ramps 105 are attached to elevators 106, which can lift the locking ring 107 when the pushbuttons 102 are pressed. The wave spring 109 Qzcn Ln / zznz / E / YiAi and the castellated ring 110 are located below the interface plate 101. The main compression spring 111 is provided with a barrel 112 to tilt the outer sleeve 114 downwards. The sealing ring compression spring 113 is positioned to deflect the sealing ring 107 downwards. In this example, an outer sleeve 114 is rotatably coupled to an inner sleeve 115, with ball bearing sections 116 and 117 on each sleeve forming a ball bearing. The gap between the ball bearing sections 116 and 117 is adjusted by relative axial displacement between the inner and outer sleeves. This axial displacement can be achieved by pure axial displacement or by rotation, as described in the following example. In this example, the inner sleeve 115 has a series of ramps 118 that connect with projections 119 on the outer sleeve 114. It will be appreciated that, instead of this construction, plug threads (or partial threads) could be provided on the inner and outer sleeves. A bearing 120 and a threaded ring 121 are provided around the outer sleeve 114. The ball bearings 122 are retained within a region defined by the axial separation of the rolling sections 116 and 117 and the bearing cage 123. When the sleeve When the outer sleeve 114 is rotated counterclockwise, the projections 119 can move up the ramp 118 to create a large axial gap 124' between the rolling sections 116 and 117 (see Figure 10), allowing the bearings 122 to move into an inner annular zone and enabling the prosthesis coupling to be engaged or disengaged from a socket coupling. When the outer sleeve 114 is rotated clockwise, the projections 119 can move down the ramp 118 to create a smaller axial gap 124' between the rolling sections 116 and 117 (see Figure 11), forcing the bearings 122 to move outward into an outer annular zone, such as to retain the prosthesis coupling to a socket coupling. It will be noticed that the directions of relative rotation would be opposite if the ramp sections were inclined in opposite directions.The relative axial displacement between the ball bearing sections 116 and 117 thus allows two configurations: a first configuration in which the first ball bearing section 116 and the second ball bearing section 117 come together such that the bearings are confined to an outer annular zone, preventing the removal of the connector when it is coupled to a socket coupling; and a second configuration in which the first ball bearing section 116 and the second ball bearing section 117 separate such that the bearings can move to an inner annular zone, allowing the removal of the prosthetic coupling from a socket coupling. To prevent accidental release, relative rotation between sleeves 114 and 115 to separate rolling sections 116 and 117 (i.e., from the configuration shown in Figure 11 to the configuration shown in Figure 10) may require the release of a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism could consist of one or more pins passing through the openings in the inner and outer sleeves in the configuration shown in Figure 11, which can be removed to allow rotation to the configuration shown in Figure 10. Such pins can be of any desired section or shape and simply need to engage in the sleeve openings to prevent rotation.Alternatively, a locking mechanism may require the rotation of an element relative to the interface plate 101 to allow relative rotation between the sleeves (a retaining mechanism may also be included to prevent unintentional rotation of such a locking mechanism). An example of a locking mechanism employing a locking ring is described below. When the inner and outer sleeves have the configuration shown in Figure 11, the projections 108 of the locking ring 107 engage in the grooves 120 of the Q7Cn ίη / 77Π7 / E / YΙΛΙ outer sleeve 114 and in the notches 121 of the inner sleeve 115 (best shown in Figures 13A to 14), which prevents relative rotation between the sleeves when the projections 108 are coupled, thus preventing separation of the rolling sections 116 and 117 to allow release of the prosthesis coupling from the plug coupling. As illustrated in Figure 12, when buttons 102 are pressed inwards, ramps 103 act against ramps 105 to lift the locking ring 107 via lifters 106 to disengage protrusions 108 from grooves 120 of the outer sleeve 114 and notches 121 of the inner sleeve 115, thus allowing relative rotation of the sleeves. In this way, by pressing the buttons, a prosthesis coupling can rotate relative to a socket coupling (approximately 45 degrees in this case) to allow release of the prosthesis coupling from the socket coupling. If the prosthetic coupling of the second example is not handled correctly, there is a risk that the first rolling section of ball 116 and the second rolling section of ball 117 will remain together when the prosthetic coupling is removed from a socket coupling, such that the bearings are confined to an outer annular area, preventing future coupling with a socket coupling. With reference to Figures 15A to Qzcn Ln / zznz / E / YiAi 15C, a polarizing means, in the form of a helical torsion spring 125, is provided to cause relative rotation between the inner sleeve 115 and the outer sleeve 114 to drive them into the second configuration (rolling sections 116 and 117 separated), when the locking mechanism does not prevent relative rotation. Thus, when the prosthesis coupling is removed from a socket coupling, the ball bearing can easily return to the second configuration, allowing attachment to a socket coupling. It will be appreciated that a range of polarizing means can be employed, including extension, compression, or torsion polarizing elements, and a helical torsion spring is given as a non-limiting example. Referring to the example in Figures 15A to 15C, a helical torsion spring 125 is provided within the inner sleeve 115. A first leg of the helical torsion spring 125 engages in an opening in the inner sleeve 115. A second leg 127 of the helical torsion spring 125 passes through a groove 128 in the inner sleeve 115 and engages with an opening in the outer bearing 114. The configuration is such that the helical torsion spring 125 rotates the inner sleeve 115 relative to the outer sleeve 114 to the second configuration when the locking mechanism does not prevent relative rotation. In this mode, the rolling sections 116 and 117 can easily return to the second configuration when removed from a plug coupling to allow easy future coupling with a plug coupling. With reference to Figures 16 to 19, examples of a compatible assembly, a swivel connector, and a plug coupling are described. As shown in the exploded view of a swivel connector core in Figure 19, the swivel connector core 200 can be formed by alternately stacking conductive rings 201 and insulating rings 202. Electrical connectors 203 pass through the insulating rings 202 and are electrically connected to one or more conductive rings 201 as required. A tension screw 204 is threaded into the tension nut 205 to retain the stack and form a core. The locking ring 206 and base 207 lock together to secure the core to a compatible mounting element 208. The locking nut 209 is attached to the end of the tension nut 205. Figure 17 shows the core of the swivel connector 200 assembled with a compatible mounting element 208. The core of the swivel connector 200 fits into the hole 211 of the swivel connector housing 210 of a prosthetic coupling. Referring to Figure 16, a 200 swivel connector core mounted on a plug coupling is shown. Qzcn Ln / zznz / E / YiAi 218 by means of a compatible mounting element 208. A groove 220 formed in the flexible mounting element 208 engages with the projection 219 of the plug coupling 218 to provide a flexible mounting arrangement of the core of the swivel connector 200 relative to the plug coupling 218. This allows a degree of movement of the core of the swivel connector 200 relative to the plug coupling 218 during mating to prevent damage to the core of the swivel connector 200. The core of the swivel connector 200 is designed to flex and / or deform, preferably within the compatible mounting element 208, which may be conveniently formed from a material having a DMTA damping factor of between 0.05 and 0.8, preferably between 0.05 and 0.5, over a temperature range of -20°C to 100°C. The material preferably has a resilience of between 20% and 60% and a Shore A hardness of between 10 and 90 (more preferably a Shore A hardness of between 30 and 60) or, alternatively, a Shore D hardness of between 40 and 90. The compatible mounting element preferably provides shock absorption for forces applied to the connector core in a direction normal to the central axis, such that the connector core can deflect at least 5 degrees (preferably 10 degrees and more preferably 15 degrees) from the central axis due to elastic deformation. Qzcn ίη / ζζηζ / E / γίΛΐ of the mounting block. A force of between 2.5 and 20 Newtons applied laterally or normal to the tip of the connector core preferably results in an angular rotation about the central axis of at least 3 degrees, preferably at least 5 degrees, due to the elastic deformation of the mounting block. The mounting block may be made of elastomers, rubber, silicone, compressible polymers, or thermoplastic materials. Preferably, the material is a thermoset elastomer (based on hydrocarbons, fluorocarbons, or silica), a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermoset rubber, or an inherently soft thermoplastic. It may also be an alloy, blend, or foamed composition of any of the aforementioned polymers. The compatible mounting arrangement allows non-destructive movement of the swivel core relative to the plug coupling without damaging the core of the swivel connector 200. In one example, the compatible mounting element 208 allows the core of the swivel connector 200 to be deflected non-destructively by more than 15 degrees relative to the plug coupling. Advantageously, in this example, the compatible mounting element 208 also provides a watertight seal between the swivel connector core and the plug body. The seal is preferably watertight to any of the following standards: IPx5, IPx6, IPx6K, IPx7, or IPx8. Referring to Figures 20A and 20B, another example of a compatible mount, a swivel connector core, and a plug coupling will be described. A first part 230 includes a swivel connector core 231 fixed to a compatible mount 232 and a mounting ring 233 fixed to the compatible mount 232. The compatible mount has the properties of the compatible mount described above. The mounting ring has a number of projections 234 sized to engage within notches 237 on the complementary mounting ring 236 of the plug 235. This allows the first part 230 to connect to the plug coupling 235 from its distal end simply by inserting it so that the projections 234 align with the notches 237 and then pushing and twisting the first part with respect to the plug coupling 235 in a twist-lock fashion to secure the mounting rings together. It will be noted that the compatible mount could be secured to the plug coupling using mounting rings provided at the interface between the swivel connector core 231 and the compatible mount 232. It will also be noted that the mounting rings can employ a variety of locking techniques, such as a screw thread, a bayonet fit, a press fit, etc. In other examples, compatibility can be provided within the connector core itself. Qzcn Ln / zznz / E / YiAi swivel. For example, a compatible material could be provided between the base 207 and the locking ring 206. In other examples, compatibility can be provided within the plug coupling 218, for example, by providing a compatible material between the plug coupling 218 and a rigid surface to which a swivel connector core is mounted. It should be noted that many variations and modifications can be made to the methods described herein, the elements of which are to be understood as acceptable examples among others. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this description and are protected by the following claims. Furthermore, nothing in the foregoing description is intended to imply that any particular component, feature, or process step is necessary or essential. It is hereby stated that, as of this date, the best method known to the applicant for putting the aforementioned invention into practice is the one that is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims

1. A prosthesis coupling configured to rotatably and releasably engage with the bearing of a plug coupling, characterized in that it comprises: a. A first sleeve including a first annular ball bearing section; b. a second sleeve with a second annular ball bearing section; and c. bearings provided within a bearing formed by the first ball bearing section and the second ball bearing section; wherein the first and second sleeves are movable relative to each other such that: i. in a first configuration, wherein the first ball bearing section and the second ball bearing section are joined, the bearings are confined to an outer annular zone, preventing the removal of the prosthesis coupling when engaged with a plug coupling; and ii.In a second configuration, in which the first ball bearing section and the second ball bearing section are separated, the bearings can be moved to an inner annular zone, allowing the prosthesis coupling to be removed from a prosthesis socket.

2. A prosthesis coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second sleeves are relatively rotatable and have ramp sections configured such that by rotating the inner and outer sleeves, the distance between the first ball bearing section and the second ball bearing section can be varied.

3. A prosthesis coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that a locking mechanism prevents relative movement between the first and second sleeve, unless actuated.

4. A prosthesis coupling according to claim 3, characterized in that the locking mechanism engages with the locking elements provided in the sleeves in their locked position to prevent relative rotation with respect to the other sleeve.

5. A prosthesis coupling according to claim 4, characterized in that the locking mechanism moves axially between the locking position and an unlocking position.

6. A prosthesis coupling according to claim 4, characterized in that the Qzcn Ln / zznz / E / YiAi locking mechanism moves transversely to the coupling axis between the locking position and an unlocking position.

7. A prosthesis coupling according to claim 4, characterized in that the locking mechanism rotates relative to the plug coupling between the locked and unlocked positions.

8. A prosthesis coupling according to claim 4, characterized in that the locking mechanism is in the form of a locking ring having a plurality of axial projections that engage with a plurality of locking elements provided in the sleeves.

9. A prosthesis coupling according to claim 8, characterized in that the locking ring moves axially between the locking and unlocking positions by means of the movement of the opposing first and second ramps and a linkage between the locking ring and the second ramp.

10. A prosthesis coupling according to claim 9, characterized in that a button is linked to the first ramp and configured so that the movement of the button effects a relative movement between the first and second ramps.

11. A prosthesis coupling according to claim 10, characterized in that a plurality of buttons are connected to the respective ramps. Qzcn ίη / ζζηζ / E / γίΛΐ 12. A prosthesis coupling according to claim 3, characterized in that the locking mechanism is compatible with the features of the first and second sleeve to prevent relative rotation between the sleeves.

13. A prosthesis coupling according to claim 12, characterized in that the locking mechanism is a pin movable relative to the sleeves between a first position in which the pin engages features of the first and second sleeves to prevent rotation and a second position in which it allows relative rotation of the sleeves.

14. A prosthesis coupling according to claim 13, characterized in that the features are openings in the sleeves.

15. A prosthesis coupling according to claim 1, characterized in that a drive mechanism moves the first and second sleeves relative to each other in the axial direction between the first and second configurations.

16. A prosthesis coupling according to claim 15, characterized in that the drive mechanism has the form of a lever and cam.

17. A prosthesis coupling according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bearings are ball bearings.

18. A prosthesis coupling according to any of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the first and second sleeves are biased towards the second configuration.

19. A prosthesis coupling according to claim 18, characterized in that a spring pushes the first and second sleeves towards the second configuration.

20. A prosthesis coupling according to claim 19, characterized in that a torsion spring tilts the first and second sleeves towards the second configuration.

21. A prosthesis coupling according to claim 20, characterized in that a helical torsion spring predisposes the first and second sleeves towards the second configuration.

22. A prosthesis coupling according to claim 21, characterized in that the helical torsion spring is provided within the first sleeve and includes a leg that passes through a groove in the first sleeve to engage with the second sleeve.

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