Modular prosthesis cover

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular prosthesis cover (1) for covering and / or protecting a prosthesis (10), comprising a knee portion (3) which covers a prosthetic knee joint (30) when the prosthesis cover (1) is applied. The knee portion (3) can be provided on a proximal cover portion (2) and / or a distal cover portion (4) and has proximal and distal end regions (32, 34) for coupling to at least one other cover portion (2, 4). The knee portion (3) also has a lattice structure (30) with polygonal openings (30) between the proximal and distal end regions (32, 34).

Description

[0001] Modular prosthetic cover

[0002] The invention relates to a modular prosthetic cover for covering and / or protecting a prosthesis, comprising a knee section which, in an applied state of the prosthetic cover, covers a prosthetic knee joint, the knee section being arrangable on a proximal cover section and / or a distal cover section and having proximal and distal end regions for coupling with at least one further cover section.

[0003] Prostheses serve as replacements for missing or lost natural limbs and are primarily intended to at least partially restore lost or absent functionality. In addition, there are purely cosmetic prostheses that conceal the absence of a natural limb. Prostheses with a prosthetic joint have mechanisms for attaching the joint to the residual limb. These mechanisms secure the upper part of the prosthetic joint to the residual limb via a prosthetic socket. Various methods exist for this attachment. A lower part is pivotally mounted on the upper part, to which further prosthetic components can be attached. For example, shock absorbers, actuators, or other prosthetic components such as lower leg tubes, prosthetic hands, or prosthetic feet can be attached.The design of these prosthetic components is primarily based on functional aspects; the materials should be as durable, resilient, and lightweight as possible. This generally results in a rather technical appearance for the prosthesis.

[0004] To make the external appearance of a prosthesis more closely resemble that of the missing limb, so-called prosthetic cosmetics are attached to the prosthesis, shaping its overall appearance. These cosmetics can be made of various materials and can also perform technical functions, such as protection against mechanical impacts and environmental influences, and, to a limited extent, providing restoring forces if the cosmetics are deformed during movement of the prosthesis. Foam is frequently used as the material for prosthetic cosmetics, and it must be shaped to match the outer contour of the limb being replaced. An elastomeric covering can then be applied over the foam to create a skin-like appearance.The foams are therefore coated with so-called cosmetic skins, which, after warming, must be applied to the foam base shape by shrinking or gluing.

[0005] From WO 2010 / 054341 A1, a method for manufacturing individually designed devices or prosthetic coverings is known, in which reference points are marked on the body. A multitude of images are taken from a multitude of angles and used to capture the contour of the body. The other markings are applied and used to manufacture the cosmetic. The cosmetic can be designed as a one-piece construction or as a multi-part product that must be assembled.

[0006] US Patent 5,880,964 A relates to a system and method for manufacturing a prosthetic cosmetic, in which the prosthesis is fitted to the user. Data for both the prosthetic socket and the prosthetic components are stored in a database. This data is used to calculate the dimensions of the cosmetic's inner surface. Using CAD systems, an outer contour is created via an automated grinding process, corresponding to the contour of the limb on the unprosthetic side.

[0007] US Patent 6,597,965 A relates to a process for manufacturing a foam cosmetic for a prosthetic component. Based on the data of the prosthetic component, two halves of an internal cavity are calculated. A computer-controlled milling machine cuts part of one half of the cavity into one side of the block and part of the other half into the opposite side of the block. The block is cut in half, and the opposing halves are joined together so that the block encloses the prosthetic component, which is then received in the joined cavity.

[0008] US Patent 6,740,124A describes an endoprosthesis for above-knee amputees consisting of a socket, a foam-covered pylon, and a prosthetic foot. A plastic sleeve is molded, heated, and stretched until it has a shape that allows the sleeve to surround the foam. In areas of poor fit, the sleeve is heated with hot air.

[0009] US Patent 8,366,789 B1 relates to a prosthetic device with an outer surface that is a mirror image of the surface of the healthy leg. The healthy limb is scanned, and the resulting data is processed to create a corresponding contour. The design data for the prosthetic device is processed using rapid prototyping, and a cosmetic component is manufactured. This cosmetic component covers the socket and the prosthetic joint.

[0010] DE 20 309 318 U1 relates to a knee-section adapter for the detachable connection of a first cosmetic foam component, which can be slid over the knee joint of a leg prosthesis and slipped over a femoral shaft. A second cosmetic foam component is arranged around a lower leg component of the leg prosthesis. Two plate-shaped adapter components, which can be detachably connected to each other, are provided, with a first adapter component being detachably connected to the first cosmetic foam component and a second adapter component being detachably connected to the second cosmetic foam component. The foam component completely surrounds the prosthetic joint.

[0011] US Patent 5,376,127 A relates to a lightweight prosthetic cosmetic with the contour and appearance of a human limb. The cosmetic is arranged around a prosthetic component and is manufactured by heating and reshaping a prefabricated closed-cell polyethylene sheet material.

[0012] US Patent 2007 / 0150069 A1 concerns a modular prosthetic leg cosmetic device comprising a thigh module attachable to a thigh socket, a lower leg module attachable to a lower leg tube, and a patella module pivotally connected to the lower leg module. The cosmetic appearance achieved by attaching the modules to one another is covered by a stretchable skin module.

[0013] US Patent 2007 / 0162154 A1 relates to an orthopedic cover for a prosthetic component with a hollow, essentially cylindrical base body for receiving the prosthetic component, with an opening sufficiently large to allow flexion of a prosthetic knee joint. The width is sufficient to provide protection for the mechanical components of the prosthetic knee joint.

[0014] German patent DE 102012 009 757 A1 relates to a prosthetic device and a covering for a prosthetic device, in which the outer contour of the prosthetic device is individually adjustable. A rotating module is used to rotate a lower part relative to an upper part of a first part of a prosthetic device about its longitudinal axis. This is intended to create an aesthetically pleasing covering in the rotated state. A problem with prior art prosthetic cosmetics is that pure foam coverings are susceptible to contamination, can tear, and offer resistance during flexion or extension of the joints due to the material's rigidity and elastic properties. Furthermore, it is difficult to quickly remove, put on, or replace the foam coverings.

[0015] US 2022 / 0387195 A1 describes a covering shell for a lower leg prosthesis with a tubular lower leg part that has openings in a rhombus shape, a circular shape or a rectangle in an ankle joint zone or a knee joint zone.

[0016] From DE 10 2011 120661 A1, a prosthetic cosmetic covering for cladding a prosthesis with a distal section and an articulating section is known. When the prosthetic cosmetic covering is applied, the articulating section covers an articulating element. The articulating element is arranged between a distal prosthetic component and a proximal prosthetic component. The articulating section is made of a 3D spacer fabric.

[0017] US patent 2009 / 0093891 A1 discloses a prosthetic limb with an interchangeable covering. The covering can have a three-dimensional structure and be manufactured using an additive manufacturing process.

[0018] The object of the present invention is to provide a washable, removable, individual and modular prosthetic cover that covers and protects a prosthetic knee joint area in an aesthetically pleasing form and can be easily adapted to the respective purpose.

[0019] This problem is solved by a modular prosthetic cover with the features of the main claim. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are disclosed in the claims, the description, and the figures.

[0020] The modular prosthetic cover for cladding and / or protecting a prosthesis, comprising a knee section that, when the prosthetic cover is in place, covers a prosthetic knee joint, wherein the knee section can be arranged on a proximal cover section and / or a distal cover section and has proximal and distal end regions for coupling with at least one further cover section, is characterized by the fact that the joint section between the proximal and distal end regions has a grid structure, in particular a circumferential, especially periodic, grid structure with polygonal openings. With the modular prosthetic cover, it is possible to bridge a knee gap between a femoral stem and a tibial tube without having to completely encase the entire prosthesis section by section using a foam material.The modular design allows for both high mobility and sufficient protection from external influences via the grid structure. The prosthetic cover in the knee area, with its grid structure—particularly a circumferential, periodic grid with polygonal openings—ensures adequate ventilation and heat exchange, as well as access to the prosthetic knee joint, enabling maintenance and adjustments through the grid. Thanks to the grid structure, no gaps form within the knee section or between the knee section and other cover sections when the prosthetic knee joint moves.Within the range of motion, no relative movements occur between overlapping cover components or hinge covers, thus preventing the risk of clothing or other objects becoming trapped. The knee section is also a cover section within the meaning of this application.

[0021] In one embodiment, the openings in the knee section are shaped like a trapezoid, rhombus, or parallelogram, which offers little or no resistance to deformation during flexion or extension of the prosthetic knee joint. Loads in the proximal-distal direction and vice versa are easily converted into deformations of the lattice structure; movements in the lateral-medial direction and, to a certain extent, rotational movements are also permitted. In another embodiment, the rhombus-shaped openings have a circumferentially oriented diagonal that is more than twice as long as the proximal-distal oriented diagonal.In particular, the longer diagonal is 4 to 6 times longer than the shorter diagonal, with the thickness of the struts surrounding the rhombuses or grids ranging from 5% to 20% of the grid structure's side length, especially the longest side. The strut thickness varies between 0.5 and 1.5 mm in one embodiment. By designing the grid structure as a rhombus or trapezoid, it is possible to provide a structurally stable 3D space structure in the joint area. This 3D structure exhibits sufficient stability while ensuring mobility, allowing, for example, full flexion and kneeling without the structure collapsing under load. Due to the grid structure, the knee section is lightweight, and the grid structure walls can extend to the inner prosthetic component.The fact that the walls of the grid structure are at least partially in contact with the prosthetic component allows for further stabilization of the prosthetic cover and at the same time improved protection of the prosthetic components from external influences.

[0022] The modular prosthetic cover has at least one additional cover section attached alongside the knee section. This additional cover section is, for example, a bridging section to a femoral shaft, serving as the proximal cover section. The distal cover section can be a lower leg component or a lower leg cover that also extends over mechanical and / or electronic components within the prosthetic knee joint, reaching to a prosthetic foot. Multiple distal cover sections can be arranged between the knee section and a prosthetic foot, so that the entire modular prosthetic cover can consist of at least three, and optionally four or more, sections. In one configuration, all sections have proximal and distal end regions, and a grid structure with polygonal openings between these end regions.The lattice structure, particularly the circumferential one, is preferably periodic; the end sections can also have a periodic lattice structure, particularly a circumferential one. The lattice structure can extend radially inwards to the respective prosthetic component, thus forming a three-dimensional lattice structure that creates and surrounds a cavity for receiving the prosthetic components.

[0023] In one embodiment, the lattice structure exhibits lower deformation resistance in the proximal-distal direction than in the radial or circumferential direction. This preserves the mobility of the prosthetic knee joint, particularly when the lattice structure is made of an elastic polyurethane or another material that is stable in both the circumferential and radial directions.

[0024] At the ends of the knee section, and correspondingly at the ends of the other cover sections, connecting elements are arranged for securing the other cover sections. This makes it possible to connect the different sections so that they are secured to one another, either positively or by friction. Positive locking, in particular, secures the individual sections against separation and rotation relative to each other. The connecting elements can be designed, for example, as snap fasteners, hooks, pins, or other projections and corresponding counterparts on the other cover section. Hook-and-loop fasteners, adhesive surfaces, suction cups, and interlocking conical or cylindrical end sections ensure a secure connection between the individual cover sections.

[0025] In one embodiment, at least one of the end sections and the adjoining, further cover section has a contact surface on its end face, which, for example, forms a plane. With a flat contact surface, it is possible for the two cover sections to be rotated relative to each other in this plane. For example, if a proximal thigh section is equipped with a flat, ring-shaped contact surface at its distal end, and the proximal end of the knee section has a corresponding plane perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of an extended prosthetic leg, the two sections can be rotated relative to each other on this ring surface. The axis of rotation is then the center around which the ring surfaces are arranged concentrically.Alternatively, the contact surface may have sections that do not lie in a common plane, thus preventing rotation of the two cover sections relative to each other. For example, if the distal contact surface of the proximal cover section has a wavy or jagged surface that extends around the entire circumference of the distal end face, and the proximal contact surface of the joint section has a corresponding shape, the three-dimensional structure of the contact surface prevents rotation relative to each other when the two contact surfaces are in contact. Rotation of the cover sections relative to each other is only possible when the two cover sections are separated axially.

[0026] In one embodiment, at least the knee section, and advantageously both the knee section and at least one other cover section, and in particular all other cover sections, are manufactured using an additive manufacturing process. Additive manufacturing makes it possible to produce individual shapes for each section without compromising quality and without requiring increased effort in mold production. The basic structure is defined, for example, based on the shape data of the prosthesis or prosthetic components, around which the lattice structure of the cover sections is built. The outer contour is taken, for example, from the remaining contralateral side of the patient and then forms the outer edge of the respective sections. This allows for a high degree of individualization with regard to the aesthetic and functional requirements of the patients.Additive manufacturing processes facilitate a form-fitting connection between the femoral shaft and the knee joint, enabling the cover sections to fit snugly against the prosthetic component and eliminating voids. These processes also make the finished cover sections easier to clean compared to foams. Furthermore, the transitions at the interfaces between the individual cover sections can be designed to eliminate protrusions, gaps, or offsets. By selecting appropriate materials, the lattice structure can be made to feel flexible, providing flexion, particularly in the patellar region, without any folding or material reduction when the knee is bent. No dents occur when sitting.Depending on the chosen additive manufacturing process, the prosthesis cover can be designed to be lighter or more durable, depending on the purpose and / or user.

[0027] In this advanced design, the proximal cover section features a grid structure extending to the proximal prosthetic component. This ensures a continuous connection from the walls of the grid structure, from the prosthesis to its outer circumference, and a smooth transition between the proximal cover section and the proximal prosthetic component. The distal cover section can also feature a grid structure extending to the distal prosthetic component, mirroring the grid structure of the proximal cover section. The distal cover section can extend to another cover section or to the end cap of another prosthetic component, such as a prosthetic foot. The openings and the grid structure do not create enclosed cavities, thus preventing the formation of chambers that could cause or amplify unpleasant noises.In one design, the knee section also features a grid structure extending to the respective prosthetic component, i.e., to the prosthetic knee.

[0028] In one embodiment, the cover sections have an open cross-section, allowing each section to be bent open along the open section and removed from the respective prosthetic component. The opening, particularly in the posterior, dorsal area of ​​the sections, ensures the individual modules can be removed. Due to the elastic design of the cover sections, especially through the use of an elastic material, individual modules can be replaced separately if necessary. The cover sections can also be removed individually, for example, to adapt the prosthesis's covering to the specific surrounding situation. A grid structure extending to the prosthetic component keeps the individual sections in their assigned position without requiring them to be secured to other sections.The removable cover sections make cleaning easier. Thanks to the grid structure and the absence of foam, the individual sections can be easily cleaned, for example, in a dishwasher. Because the perimeter of the cover sections is interrupted by a gap, creating an open cross-section that allows the cover sections to be bent open, the grid structure is not necessarily completely circumferential. If the grid structure extends to the opposite ends of the open cross-section, it achieves almost the same technical effect as a fully circumferential grid structure with a closed cross-section. The grid structure is then quasi-circular and allows for repositioning in the desired orientation.

[0029] In this advanced design, each cover section is equipped with a closure device that bridges or closes the open cross-section. This closure can be, for example, a positive-locking or force-locking connection between the opposing areas of the cover section. The cover sections completely surround the respective prosthetic component or section of a prosthetic component and feature a slot that extends along the entire proximal-distal dimension from the outer circumference to the inner circumference of the cavity that receives the prosthetic component. The sides of the cover section opposite the slot are secured relative to each other, for example, by printed snap fasteners, magnetic closures, hooks, eyelets, lacing, straps, or similar devices, so that complete expansion is impossible without opening the closure device.

[0030] In a further development, the end sections of at least the knee section, and especially the other cover sections, exhibit a higher resistance to deformation than the intervening grid structure. This ensures structural stability and the safe application of the individual cover sections to one another.

[0031] The cover sections feature an outer contour that approximates the natural shape of the leg.

[0032] In a further development, the prosthetic cover features a connecting cap with a proximally tapered roof section with an opening and a contoured distal foot shell recess. This connecting cap, with its proximally tapered roof section, opening, and contoured distal foot shell recess for proximal coverage of a prosthetic foot insert, can also be used independently of the other cover sections. The connecting cap thus forms a proximal closure for a prosthetic foot with a foot shell and can be used together with or without the other cover sections.

[0033] The connecting cap is placed onto a foot shell and, due to the proximal tapering shape of its roof section, creates a transition to a lower leg cover or tube cover. This tapered contour allows for a ball-and-socket connection or interface between the connecting cap and a proximal lower leg covering or lower leg cover. In the case of a prosthetic cover with a knee section and a distal cover section that encompasses the lower leg tube of a prosthetic leg, the connecting cap forms the interface to the foot cosmetic or foot shell that is arranged around a prosthetic foot insert to achieve a visually appealing and functional enclosure of the prosthetic foot insert.Due to the proximal tapering design of the roof section, various foot positions relative to a lower leg tube can be assumed; similarly, with an articulated design of the transition from the lower leg tube to the prosthetic foot insert, for example by means of a prosthetic ankle joint, relative mobility in several orientations can be allowed without large gaps at the interface.

[0034] The roof section allows for the use of various solutions for a lower leg cover, such as foam prosthetic covers or cosmetic prostheses, protectors extending to the foot shell, or mesh structures. The opening in the roof section facilitates connection to a lower leg tube. In one design, the roof section has a round or oval cross-section, oriented horizontally or nearly horizontally. Particularly with a dome-shaped or cap-shaped roof section, free movement in all directions is possible, creating a ball-and-socket connection in the ankle area between the lower leg cover and the connecting cap.

[0035] In one embodiment, a seal is arranged or formed in the passage opening, which is oriented radially inwards or has radially inwards directed sections in order to prevent or reduce the ingress of dirt and moisture from above into the foot shell.

[0036] The foot sleeve receptacle, formed in the distal region of the connecting cap, creates a gap in one embodiment. In the assembled state, the outer wall of this gap covers a portion of the foot sleeve, forming a shoulder and an edge that rests on the outer surface of the foot sleeve. The portion of the foot sleeve receptacle located within the foot sleeve forms the second wall of the gap, with the two walls of the connecting cap being connected to each other. In one embodiment, the gap features a proximal cross-sectional enlargement for the foot sleeve, resulting in a clamping or positive-locking connection between the foot sleeve receptacle and the foot sleeve. This ensures that the connecting cap is securely seated on the foot sleeve and that the foot sleeve is held securely in place.Even without the increased cross-sectional area, the foot sleeve receptacle forms one or more slots into which the foot sleeve is inserted. The closed, circumferential outer wall, with several tongues arranged and attached to it, forms the foot sleeve receptacle into which the foot sleeve is inserted. The internal tongues, distributed around the circumference, facilitate easy insertion of the tongues into the opening of the foot sleeve and allow for relative displacement of the tongues. This enables the connecting cap to extend into the foot sleeve and widen distally to form or support a shape of the foot sleeve that approximates the natural shape of the foot. To achieve this, the tongues or inner walls of the foot sleeve receptacle continue the orientation of the roof section, at least in some areas, thus ensuring a stable foot sleeve shape.In particular, the foot sleeve recess is designed around the circumference of the foot sleeve and the recess within the foot sleeve, so that, similar to a shoe stretcher, the foot sleeve also assumes a shape in the instep area that approximates the natural shape of the foot.

[0037] In a further development, at least one fastening device for the distal cover section is arranged on the upper surface of the roof section to ensure a permanent attachment, in particular a permanent axial attachment. If rotation of the prosthetic foot relative to the lower leg tube is desired, and the cover section adjoining the connecting cap is rotationally fixed to the lower leg tube or the prosthetic lower leg, rotation of the roof section relative to the other cover section is required. If a fixed attachment is desired to ensure a permanent orientation of the two components relative to each other, the fastening device is, in particular, a positive-locking type. Force-locking fastening devices such as magnets allow, on the one hand, displacement and, on the other hand, a comparatively secure attachment both axially and rotationally.The fastening device can also be designed as an adhesive element, hook-and-loop fastener, or other form-fitting element. With a non-circular cross-sectional shape of the roof section, rotation in one degree of freedom is not possible; in particular, rotation about an axis along the longitudinal extent of the lower leg section, especially in the proximal-distal direction, is prevented with an oval cross-sectional shape.

[0038] Advantageously, the roof section has a closed outer perimeter to prevent or reduce the ingress of moisture and dirt.

[0039] In one embodiment, internal reinforcing elements are incorporated into the foot shell attachment, particularly in the heel and instep areas, to ensure the volume stability of the foot shell. These reinforcing elements can be designed as inwardly projecting lamellae that stabilize a dome-shaped area in the anterior section of the foot shell attachment. The reinforcements can rest on a prosthetic foot insert and maintain the volume of the foot shell. The connecting cap can also be used without a distal cover, allowing the foot to be encased independently of the other cover sections. The connecting cap is part of the modular prosthetic cover and is also a separate development and improvement.

[0040] Advantageously, the outer wall of the foot shell receptacle is softer or more compliant than a comparatively rigid inner wall, such as that formed by the tongues. The rigid foot shell receptacle prevents the foot shell from collapsing under lateral forces. The soft outer wall ensures a secure fit of the foot shell receptacle against the outside of the foot shell without compromising the stability of the foot shell's shape. In one embodiment, the tongues of the foot shell receptacle extend distally beyond the roof section, thus lengthening the support by extending the gap inwards. The connecting cap is also manufactured using an additive manufacturing process in one embodiment, allowing for easy production of small quantities and individual adaptation to other cover sections or different prosthetic feet or foot shells.The stabilizing foot sleeve insert fills and stabilizes cavities in the foot sleeve, especially in the instep area, thus preventing the foot sleeve from being compressed when a shoe is worn.

[0041] The connecting cap prevents a gap between the foot shell and the lower leg cover, which is particularly advantageous for prosthetic feet with an adjustable heel height. Thanks to the reinforcements and the stabilizing foot shell attachment, shoes can be laced more tightly to the prosthetic foot, resulting in increased stability and greater safety for the user. In one design, all cover sections, including the connecting cap, feature fastening devices for securing the respective cover section or connecting cap to a prosthesis.

[0042] In one embodiment, at least one of the end regions is designed so that a rotary adapter on the prosthetic knee can be activated even with the prosthetic cover in place. For this purpose, an access opening is provided, which is either permanently open or closable, and allows access to a release mechanism on the rotary adapter. This mechanism can be located, for example, on the at least one end region or attached or positioned laterally. Even without a separate opening, the flexible structure allows the rotary adapter to be actuated from any point on the prosthetic cover. The most common actuation point for a rotary adapter is lateral or medial; the prosthetic cover is advantageously designed so that actuation is possible in and from all directions. Alternatively, an actuation area is provided on the end region(s), e.g.,The adapter is designed to be particularly flexible and coupled with a release mechanism, allowing it to be released and relocked by pressing or similar action on the actuation area. Advantageously, at least one of the end regions is designed to allow rotation with a rotary adapter on the prosthetic knee even when a prosthetic cover is in place. This is achieved through a suitable design of the contact plane or interfaces between the end regions. The contact surfaces allow rotation relative to each other over at least a certain area, for example, via a sleeve-like or sleeve-like design and correspondingly designed end-face contact surfaces.

[0043] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. The figures show:

[0044] Figure 1 - a side view of a prosthetic cover;

[0045] Figure 2 - a cross-sectional view through a prosthetic cover in its applied state;

[0046] Figure 3 - different views of a modular prosthetic cover; Figure 4 - a first design of a knee section in side view;

[0047] Figure 5 - a variant of a knee section in a rear view;

[0048] Figure 6 - a section of the knee in perspective view;

[0049] Figure 7 - a proximal cover section;

[0050] Figure 8 - a schematic side view of a prosthetic foot with a connecting cap and a distal cover part;

[0051] Figure 9 - a sectional view of Figure 8;

[0052] Figure 10 - a perspective view of a knee section;

[0053] Figure 11 - a knee section with a proximal cover section;

[0054] Figure 12 - a knee section with a distal cover section;

[0055] Figure 13 - a terminal cap in side view;

[0056] Figure 14 - a perspective view of a terminal cap;

[0057] Figure 15 - a perspective frontal view of a terminal cap;

[0058] Figure 16 - a detailed view of a cover section with closure;

[0059] Figure 17 - a representation of a prosthetic cover in knee disarticulation;

[0060] Figure 18 - a close-up view of the prosthetic cover according to Figure 17; as well as

[0061] Figure 19 – an alternative representation of Figure 18. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a modular prosthetic cover 1 with a proximal cover section 2, a knee section 3, a lower leg tube section 4, and a prosthetic foot with a prosthetic foot shell 55. A connecting cap, which will be explained later, can be arranged between the distal cover section 4 and the foot shell 55 of the prosthetic foot. The modular prosthetic cover 1 surrounds a prosthetic leg 10 with a femoral shaft, a prosthetic knee joint, and a lower leg tube, at the distal end of which the prosthetic foot insert is arranged, around which the foot shell 55 is positioned.The prosthetic knee joint has a rotating adapter 11 that can be actuated through the prosthetic cover or has an access opening, so that rotation of the prosthetic knee joint relative to the femoral shaft is also possible. It is covered by the knee section 3, which is formed with a continuous, in particular periodic, grid structure with diamond-shaped openings 30. The shape of the knee section 3 corresponds to that of a natural knee joint and, in particular, forms a substantially volume-stable cover that completely surrounds the prosthetic knee joint. The knee section 3 with the grid structure and openings 30, which extends to the prosthetic knee joint, is closed at the distal end by a distal end region 34 and at the proximal end by a proximal end region 32. The two end regions 32 and 34 form the interfaces with the adjacent cover sections 2 and 4.The distal end region 34 has a different lattice structure than the proximal section of the knee segment 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the distal cover section 2 lies on the outside over the proximal end region 32 of the knee segment 3. The distal end region 34 has a contact surface or contact area that forms a spatial curve that does not lie in a plane, so that rotation of the distal cover section 4 relative to the knee segment 3 is not possible. The distal cover section 4 extends with its anterior side into an area corresponding to the tibial head and then forms a distally oriented recess medially and laterally into which the corresponding projections of the distal end region 34 engage in a form-fitting manner.On the reverse side of both the proximal and distal cover sections 2, 4, closure devices 25, 45 are arranged, which close an open cross-section of the respective cover section 2, 4. The closure devices 25, 45 are designed, for example, as lacing, clips, hook-and-loop fasteners, magnets, or other form-fitting or force-fit closure devices. The knee section 3 can also have an open cross-section on its reverse side and be closed by corresponding closure devices. The open cross-section makes it possible to separate the individual sections 2, 3, 4 from the prosthetic device 10 and to remove either the entire modular prosthetic cover 1 or only individual sections thereof.

[0062] Figure 2 shows a schematic sectional view of a variant of the modular prosthetic cover 1. The prosthetic device 10, serving as the prosthetic leg, comprises a femoral shaft 12, a prosthetic knee joint 30 with a lower leg tube, and a prosthetic foot insert 15 with a foot shell 55 attached to it. In addition to the proximal cover section 2 and the knee section 3 with the distally connected distal cover section 4, the modular prosthetic cover 1 includes a further lower leg section 6. This lower leg section is positioned between the distal cover section 4 and a connecting cap 5, which is mounted on the foot shell 55, and forms the transition between the distal cover section 6 and the prosthetic foot 15. The cross-sectional view shows that all sections 2, 3, 4, and 6 have a lattice structure that extends to the respective prosthetic component.Within each of sections 2, 3, 4, and 6, corresponding cavities are formed to accommodate the prosthetic components, such as the femoral stem 12 and the prosthetic knee joint 10 with the lower leg tube. The transitions between the individual sections 2, 3, 4, and 6 are designed so that no or only minimal gaps are present. In an alternative embodiment, no further distal prosthetic cover 6 is arranged distal to the distal cover section 4; instead, the knee section 3 forms a single piece extending to the end cap 5. Overall, this results in a modular prosthetic cover 1 with a virtually continuous outer surface without gaps, and a flexible knee section 3 with a continuous, repeating grid structure featuring openings 30, which will be described in more detail later.The openings 30 in knee section 3 are specifically trapezoidal, rhomboid, or parallelogram-shaped, with one longer diagonal oriented circumferentially and the shorter diagonal oriented proximal-distal. This achieves high elasticity under axial load (i.e., flexion of the knee joint) while simultaneously providing high stability in both the circumferential and radial directions. This protects the structure of the prosthesis 10 and, due to the grid structure, provides a lightweight covering in an approximately natural leg shape with high thermal permeability. The modular design allows for individual adaptation of the prosthesis cover 1 to the specific application of the prosthesis.

[0063] Figure 3 shows several views of an embodiment of the modular prosthetic cover with three cover sections 2, 3, 4 in different spatial orientations. The knee section 3 has a proximal and a distal end region 32, 34, which are formed with end-face contact surfaces 320, 340. The contact surfaces 320, 340 correspond to contact surfaces 200, 400 on the distal and proximal cover sections 2, 4, so that when placed on top of each other, they form a closed outer surface. Due to the 3D spatial shape of the contact surfaces 320, 340, 200, 400, the individual cover sections 2, 3, 4 cannot be rotated relative to each other. Fastening devices or connecting elements may be provided in the area of ​​contact surfaces 200, 320, 340, 400 to fix the cover sections 2, 3, 4 to each other.The connecting elements can, for example, also be designed as inclined surfaces in the area of ​​the contact surfaces, so that the cover sections 2, 3, 4 are inserted into one another, similar to a tongue-and-groove connection or via shoulders. The proximal cover section 2 has a cavity for receiving a femoral tube, and the distal cover section 4 has a cavity for receiving a prosthetic knee joint, for example with a resistance device or an actuator. In the knee section 3, a flexible grid structure with diamond-shaped openings 30 is arranged between the distal end region 34 and the proximal end region 32 to allow the prosthetic knee joint to easily assume different positions. In one embodiment, the grid structure extends to the mechanical components of the prosthetic knee joint, i.e.,The walls of the grid structure extend from the outer circumference to the prosthetic knee joint; at least partially, the walls of the grid structure extend to the prosthetic component. The same applies to any existing grid or honeycomb structure inside the proximal and distal cover sections 2, 3. Figure 4 shows a side view of a variant of the knee section 3. The prosthetic knee joint, comprising the upper and lower parts, is arranged within the knee section 3. In the region of the pivot axis of the prosthetic knee joint, the grid structure with openings 30 is visible, extending to the femoral tube and the lower part of the prosthetic knee joint. The proximal and distal end regions 32, 34 have closed walls and stabilize the knee section 3 both circumferentially and radially.In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the proximal and distal contact surfaces are arranged in a common plane, allowing for a corresponding design of the contact surface of the adjoining cover sections 2 and 4, and enabling the individual sections to rotate relative to one another. An axial displacement along the longitudinal extent perpendicular to the plane of rotation can be achieved, for example, by means of a corresponding design of positive locking elements within a circular guide with an undercut or by means of magnets.

[0064] Figure 5 shows a rear view of a variant of the knee section 3. The proximal and distal contact surfaces are not formed in a plane, but rather guided in a three-dimensional spatial curve, so that rotation along the longitudinal extension of the respective axis of the upper and lower parts is not possible when the respective contact surfaces are in contact. The grid structure with the diamond-shaped openings 30 is also visible in Figure 5. The grid structure extends around the entire circumference, frontally, medially, laterally, and dorsally, so that the joint can be flexed in all directions. This is of great importance, for example, in a rotating adapter, when a prosthetic leg is not only to be shifted around the pivot axis of the prosthetic knee joint.

[0065] Figure 6 shows a variant of the knee section 3. The proximal and distal end regions 32, 34 are formed with a honeycomb-like, hexagonal lattice structure, which provides increased stiffness against deformation in both the circumferential and radial directions compared to the lattice structure area in the region with the diamond-shaped openings 30 between the distal and proximal end regions 32, 34. The proximal and distal end-face contact surfaces 320, 340 form a three-dimensional space curve with projections in the proximal and distal directions, so that rotation is prevented when the correspondingly shaped proximal and distal cover sections 2, 4 are formed.

[0066] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a proximal cover section 2 with an internal cavity 23 for receiving a femoral tube. A slit or slot 20 is formed on the rear side, extending over the entire length of the cover section 2 and reaching from the cavity 23 to the outer circumference. This allows the cover section 2 to be opened at the rear and placed around or removed from the prosthetic component, in this case the femoral tube. A solid, uninterrupted layer of material 21 is applied to the distal end of the proximal cover section 2, tapering conically distally so that the cover section 2 can be placed, for example, onto a correspondingly shaped opening on the knee section 3 that widens from the inside out in a proximal direction.Fastening devices or connecting elements can also be arranged or formed in this area to achieve a frictional or positive locking connection with the knee section 3. Figure 7 shows that the grid structure with its hexagonal, honeycomb-like configurations extends to the prosthetic component, with the cavity 23 in the illustrated embodiment being enclosed by a closed wall. In an alternative configuration, the grid structure can also extend to the femoral tube to facilitate heat dissipation. A closed wall configuration offers increased strength. Even with an open cross-section, the grid structure extends almost continuously around the entire or nearly the entire circumference and reaches to the butt joints of the cover sections.

[0067] The cover sections are manufactured using an additive manufacturing process, particularly a 3D printing process, and are made of a material that is easy to clean, specifically not an open-pore foam, and allows elastic deformability only in the areas where this is desired. In the area of ​​a knee joint with the diamond-shaped openings 30, good, functionally desired deformability is achieved while maintaining volume stability. Figure 8 shows the distal end of a prosthetic leg with the distal cover section 4, which extends around a lower leg tube along its longitudinal extent. The distal cover section 4 can, as described in Figure 7 for the proximal cover section 2, have a lattice structure that fills the entire volume of the distal cover section 4, except for the cavity for the lower leg tube and the lower part of a prosthetic knee joint.The grid structure can extend radially inwards to the lower leg tube. At the distal end of the distal cover section 4, a conical area tapering proximally is formed, which serves as a receiving area for a connecting cap 5. The distal cover section 4 is placed onto the connecting cap 5, advantageously forming a transition to the connecting cap 5 that is as smooth as possible.

[0068] The connecting cap 5 has a roof section 50 that tapers proximally and a central through-opening 52 at the proximal end to allow the proximal component of a prosthetic foot insert 15 to pass through. A foot sleeve receptacle 54, which will be explained in more detail later, adjoins the roof section 50, which in the illustrated embodiment is designed as a cone, in a distal direction. A fastening device 51 is arranged or formed on the upper surface of the roof section 50 for securely aligning the distal cover section 4 with the connecting cap 5. The fastening device 51 can be an adhesive layer, a magnetic layer, a ferromagnetic layer, or a positive-locking element, for example, a hook-and-loop fastener or another positive-locking device.

[0069] As an alternative to the conical shape of the roof section 50 shown, which in the illustrated embodiment has an oval cross-section, the roof section 50 can also have a circular cross-section to allow rotation of the distal cover section 4 around the longitudinal extent of the lower leg tube. The proximally tapered roof section 50 can also have a domed or partially domed shape, so that rotation of the prosthetic foot 15 relative to the lower leg tube, and thus also relative to the distal cover section 4, is possible in all directions and around all degrees of rotational freedom. The connecting cap 5 forms the proximal end of a foot shell 5 and ensures that no or only a minimal amount of moisture or dirt can penetrate the interior of the foot shell 55.

[0070] Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the distal cover section 4 and the foot shell 55 with the connecting cap 5. The prosthetic foot insert 15 is received within a foot shell 55, which is modeled on the external shape of a natural foot. A cavity for receiving the prosthetic foot insert 15 is located within the foot shell 55. The foot shell 55 is positively locked to the prosthetic foot insert 15; alternatively, the foot shell 55 can also be glued or attached to the prosthetic foot insert 15 in other ways. The foot shell 55 forms an upper edge that has a thickening, creating a continuous, inwardly directed ridge or projection. The upper edge of the foot shell 55 is inserted into a foot shell receptacle 54, which is designed as a slot or a circumferential series of slots.In the illustrated embodiment, the foot sleeve receptacle 54 is formed by two walls. The outer wall is closed and continuous, extending distally downwards over the upper edge of the foot sleeve 55. The outer wall fits snugly against the upper surface of the foot sleeve 55 to form the smoothest possible finish. The inner wall runs essentially parallel to the outer wall and curves radially inwards at the distal end of the foot sleeve receptacle 54, creating a cross-sectional enlargement in the proximal region of the foot sleeve receptacle 54. The heel or upper edge of the foot sleeve 55 is inserted into this enlargement, allowing for secure attachment of the connecting cap 5 to the foot sleeve 55. The foot sleeve receptacle 54 has several tongues 58 arranged circumferentially around the circumference of the connecting cap 5.Spaces are provided between the individual tongues 58 to allow the tongues 58 to shift inwards and be inserted into the upper opening of the foot sleeve 55. The material of the tongues 58 can differ from the material of the outer wall and the material of the roof section. In particular, the material of the tongues 58, as well as the material up to the outer wall, is more stable than the outer wall to ensure the volumetric stability of the connecting cap 5 and thus also of the foot sleeve 55. In the instep area, which projects forward, a channel-like section is arranged or formed as an instep area 59, which also serves as part of the foot sleeve receptacle 54. This instep area 59 replicates the midfoot area of ​​a natural foot and has reinforcements 53 on the inner side, which are designed as downward-pointing ribs.The reinforcements 53 increase the dimensional stability in the instep area 59 and ensure that, when the shoe is fitted and laced tightly, there is no or only minimal deformation of the foot shell 55. This makes it possible to attach a shoe more firmly and securely to the prosthetic foot, thus providing improved stability.

[0071] The connecting cap 5, particularly with the inner areas of the tongues 58 and the instep section 59, exhibits greater stability than the foot shell 55 and, if applicable, also greater stability than the roof section 50 and, in particular, the outer wall of the foot shell receptacle 54. A seal 54 can be arranged at the area of ​​the proximal penetration opening 52, extending radially inwards and enabling a connection to the prosthetic foot insert 15. This also provides improved sealing against contamination.

[0072] In the illustrated embodiment, the terminal cap 5 is formed in one piece, for example as an injection-molded part or as a component manufactured using an additive manufacturing process. The injection-molded part can also be made of different materials, with the outer wall in particular having a higher degree of compliance than the rest of the terminal cap 5. The foot sleeve receptacle 54 is thus formed circumferentially within the terminal cap 5 and may have interruptions without compromising the complete reception and secure retention of the foot sleeve 55 in the foot sleeve receptacle 54.

[0073] Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a knee section 3 with diamond-shaped openings 30, which are formed periodically and continuously around the entire circumference and along the entire length between the distal end 34 and the proximal end 32. The proximal, end-face contact surface 320 is designed as a plane from which a connecting element 35 projects perpendicularly or conically. This connecting element can be inserted into a correspondingly shaped recess within the proximal cover section 2 (not shown). The connecting element 35 is arranged concentrically around a central opening to allow relative rotation in the plane of the contact surface 320 around the longitudinal extension of the upper part of the prosthetic knee joint, which essentially corresponds to the orientation of a femur.Figure 10 also shows a gap 300, which is incorporated on the rear side along the entire length of the knee section 3 and allows the knee section to be bent open and applied separately around a prosthetic knee joint. In one embodiment, locking devices are arranged on the rear side of the knee section 3 to prevent the gap 300 from being unintentionally enlarged. As an alternative to separate locking devices on the knee section 3, locking can also be achieved via the attached proximal cover section 2, provided that this is secured against circumferential widening or opening.

[0074] Within knee section 3, a cavity is arranged to accommodate the prosthetic knee joint. The grid structure of the end regions 32, 34 can extend to the respective section of the prosthetic knee joint located there, and the intervening, highly deformable area with the grid structure can extend via the diamond-shaped openings 30 to the prosthetic component in order to provide both a volumetric approximation to a natural joint and protection for the prosthetic component.

[0075] Figure 11 shows the knee section 3 of Figure 10 in combination with the distal cover section 4 in an unmounted state. The diamond-shaped grid structures distal to the proximal end region 32 are oriented with the longer diagonals in the circumferential direction essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of an extended prosthetic leg. The diamond structure of the openings 30 allows for high deformability in all bending directions as well as possible compression in the longitudinal extension of an extended leg. Due to the wall thickness of the grid structure, also in the radial direction, increased resistance to deformation in the circumferential or radial direction is provided. The end regions 32, 34 may additionally exhibit increased stiffness. On the outside of the proximal end region 32, a recess 310 in the form of a groove is formed, which leads to an opening 210 in the proximal cover section 2.This provides access to the proximal connection devices of the prosthetic knee joint (not shown). In particular, this makes it possible to detach a prosthetic knee joint from a femoral stem or a tibial tube, or to operate a rotary adapter. The proximal upper surface of the knee section 3 features a conically tapered locking element 35, which can be inserted into the opening within the distal contact surface of the proximal cover section 2. The proximal cover section 2, with its hexagonal grid structure extending inwards, has an open cross-section with a gap 20, allowing it to be opened and thus separately applied and removed.

[0076] Figure 12 shows the distal region of the knee section 3 according to Figure 10. The knee section 3 is depicted with the circumferential, periodically repeating, diamond-shaped grid structure proximal to the distal end section 34. The distal end section 34 has a grid structure with hexagonal openings and, in the assembled state, is placed over the proximal contact surface 400 of the distal cover section 4. The distal end section 34 has a contour that does not lie in a plane, and its horizontal cross-section is also not round, so that rotation of the two sections 3 and 4 relative to each other about a perpendicular axis of rotation of an extended leg is not possible. Axial displacement and slight displacement relative to each other are possible due to the inclined design of the contact surfaces and the conical shape of the distal end section 34.

[0077] Figure 13 shows the connecting cap 5 in a side view. The proximal passage opening 52 at the proximal end of the roof section 50 is visible, as is the foot sleeve receptacle 54, which extends parallel to the outer surface of the proximally tapered roof section 50. Distal to the lower edge of the foot sleeve receptacle 54, the tongues 58 extend substantially vertically downwards from the ankle area and fill or stabilize the foot sleeve (not shown). The instep section 59 is channel-shaped towards the front and features the transverse, downward-directed reinforcing elements 53, which stiffen the instep area 59.

[0078] Figure 14 shows the connecting cap 5 in an oblique view with the proximal through-opening 52, the conically tapered roof section 50, and the foot shell receptacle 54. It can be seen that the reinforcing elements 53 run transversely to the annular, forward-facing instep section 59, so that deformation of the instep area 59 is prevented or only occurs with considerable resistance. This ensures the dimensional and volume stability of the entire connecting cap 5 and the prosthetic foot shell.

[0079] Figure 15 shows a top view of the connecting cap 5 with the passage opening 52 for a prosthetic foot insert, with the conically upwardly tapering, oval-shaped roof section in top view, the downwardly extending tongues 58 and the forwardly extending instep area 59.

[0080] Figure 16 shows an exemplary perspective detail view of a cover section 2. As an alternative to the proximal cover section 2, the cover section can also be configured as a knee section or a distal cover section. The cover section 2 has a grid structure with polygonal openings 30 on its outer circumference, to which further grid structures extend radially inward, so that the prosthetic component enclosed or covered by the cover section 2 is filled from its outer circumference up to contact with the grid structure. Alternatively, the cover section 2 has an internal cavity in which the respective prosthetic component is located. The cover section 2 is provided with a gap 300 that extends along its entire longitudinal dimension, i.e., from distal to proximal, and reaches into the internal cavity in which the prosthetic component is accommodated.The gap 300 allows the cover section 2 to be bent open and placed around the prosthetic component. To ensure secure fixation, a locking device 25 in the form of a tab is attached to the cover section 2. The locking device 25 is, for example, permanently connected to the grid structure on one side of the gap 300 and has an annular receptacle at the other end that receives a pin 26, which is part of the cover section 2, as a positive locking element. The pin 26 is arranged within a recess 27 formed in the cover section 2. The recess 27 has a closed bottom from which the pin 26 extends upwards or outwards, preferably not beyond the circumference formed by the grid structure.The recess 27 has a shape that corresponds to the shape of the locking device 25, so that the end part of the locking device 25 can be received in the recess 27 when the tab is locked. This results in the smoothest possible outer surface, apart from the openings 30, of the cover section 2. The tab, which may be made of an elastic material, is placed over the gap 300 and pulled with its opening over the pin 26, where it is positively locked. This ensures, on the one hand, secure fixation to the prosthetic component and, on the other hand, reduces the gap 300 until the opposing walls of the mesh structure are in contact.

[0081] Regardless of the configurations of the cover sections 2, 3, 4 shown in the figures, these can have a radially inwardly extending grid structure that extends from a receiving space for the prosthetic component to the outer circumference, so that openings 30 are also present there. The grid structure completely or partially fills the space up to the prosthetic component. The grid structure can also be used with a closed outer surface of the cover sections 2, 3, 4.

[0082] Figure 17 shows two illustrations of a prosthetic fitting for a knee disarticulation. The left illustration in Figure 17 shows a fitting with a prosthetic knee joint without a prosthetic cover, with the fitting performed on the patient's right leg. The right illustration in Figure 17 shows the fitted leg with a prosthetic cover consisting of a proximal cover section 2, a knee section 3, and a distal cover section 4. The proximal cover section 2 partially encloses the distal end of the residual limb and has a recess in its anterior region. In the illustrated embodiment, the knee section 3 has a thin, horizontally oriented, lamellar wall in which the polygonal openings 30 are formed. Further lattice structures can extend radially inward until they reach the prosthetic knee joint and the lower leg component.

[0083] Figure 18 shows the prosthetic cover 1 according to Figure 17 in a single view. The knee section 3 is arranged between the two other sections 2 and 4 and is connected to the other sections 2 and 4 at its end regions. The proximal section 2 can be formed integrally with the knee section 3, for example, by means of an additive manufacturing process or 3D printing, so that the two sections 2 and 3 are cross-linked and coupled to each other via the material used, e.g., a thermoplastic resin. A lateral recess is formed in the proximal cover section 2 through which a projection or a prosthetic component can be passed in order to fix the prosthetic cover 1 proximally to the residual limb or a residual limb covering. In the illustrated embodiment, the distal cover section is closed-walled and extends to a prosthetic foot shell.In an alternative embodiment, the distal cover section 4 is provided with polygonal openings 30, as shown in Figure 16.

[0084] Figure 19 shows the prosthetic cover 1 according to Figure 18 in a rotated view. The knee section 3 with the grid structure and the polygonal openings 30 extends around the entire circumference of the prosthetic cover 1 in the knee area, just as the proximal and distal cover sections 2, 4 extend around the entire stump and lower leg portion, respectively.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Modular prosthetic cover (1) for covering and / or protecting a prosthesis (10), comprising a knee section (3) which, in a fitted state of the prosthetic cover (1), covers a prosthetic knee joint (30), the knee section (3) being arrangable on a proximal cover section (2) and / or a distal cover section (4) and having proximal and distal end regions (32, 34) for coupling with at least one further cover section (2, 4), characterized in that the knee section (3) has a grid structure with polygonal openings (30) between the proximal and distal end regions (32, 34).

2. Prosthetic cover according to claim 1, characterized in that the openings (30) are designed as a trapezoid, rhombus or parallelogram.

3. Prosthetic cover according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has at least one further cover section (2, 4) which is fixed to the knee section (3).

4. Prosthetic cover according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the grid structure has a lower resistance to deformation in the proximal-distal direction than in the radial direction or in the circumferential direction.

5. Prosthetic cover according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that connecting elements (35) for fixing the further cover sections (2, 4) are arranged at the end regions (32, 34).

6. Prosthetic cover according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least between one of the end regions (32, 34) and the adjoining, further cover section (2, 4) a frontal The contact surface (320, 340) is formed, which forms a 3D curve or lies in a plane.

7. Prosthetic cover according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the knee section (3) or the knee section (3) and at least one further cover section (2, 4) is / are manufactured in an additive manufacturing process.

8. Prosthetic cover according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the proximal cover section (2) has a grid structure extending to the proximal prosthetic component (12) and / or the distal cover section (4) has a grid structure extending to a distal prosthetic component (15) or a connecting cap (5).

9. Prosthetic cover according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover sections (2, 3, 4) have an open cross-section.

10. Prosthetic cover according to claim 9, characterized in that a closure device (25, 45) bridging or closing the open cross-section is arranged on each of the cover sections (2, 3, 4).

11. Prosthetic cover according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the end regions (32, 34) have a higher resistance to deformation in the proximal-distal direction and / or radial direction than the lattice structure.

12. Prosthetic cover according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover sections (2, 3, 4) have an outer contour that approximates the natural shape of the leg.

13. Prosthetic cover according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a connecting cap (5) with a proximally tapered roof section (50) with a passage opening (52) and a contour-forming distal foot shell receptacle (54).

14. Prosthetic cover according to claim 13, characterized in that the roof section (50) has a round or oval cross-sectional shape.

15. Prosthetic cover according to one of claims 13 or 14, characterized in that a seal (56) is arranged in the passage opening (52).

16. Prosthetic cover according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the foot shell receptacle (54) forms a gap with a proximal cross-sectional enlargement for a foot shell (55).

17. Prosthetic cover according to one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that the foot cover receptacle (54) has several internal tongues (58) distributed over the circumference.

18. Prosthetic cover according to one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that at least one fastening device (51) for the distal cover section (4) is arranged on the upper side of the roof section (50).

19. Prosthetic cover according to one of claims 13 to 18, characterized in that the roof section (50) has a closed perimeter.

20. Prosthetic cover according to one of claims 13 to 19, characterized in that internal reinforcement elements (53) are formed on the foot cover receptacle (54).

21. Prosthetic cover according to claim 17, characterized in that the tongues (58) extend distally beyond the roof section (50).

22. Prosthetic cover according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover sections (2, 3, 4) have fastening devices (35) for fixing the respective cover section (2, 3, 4) to a prosthesis.

23. Prosthetic cover according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the end areas (32, 34) is designed in such a way that a rotary adapter (11) present on the prosthetic knee can be triggered even with the prosthetic cover in place.

24. Prosthetic cover according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the end regions (32, 34) is designed in such a way that rotation with a rotary adapter (11) provided on the prosthetic knee is possible even with the prosthetic cover in place.

25. Prosthetic cover according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the grid structure is formed around the perimeter.

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