High profile multiaxial prosthetic foot

Abstract

The present invention provides a prosthetic foot that provides both energy storage capabilities and stability. The prosthetic foot of the present invention provides medial-lateral rotation as compared to the slight tilting or rocking in the medial-lateral plane of the prior art devices. Furthermore, the prosthetic foot of the present invention provides a true hinge in the ankle joint region that may be adapted so that the degree of rotation is controlled.

1 . A prosthetic foot comprising: 
 a frame including an elongate, generally horizontal lower portion that extends along an axis;    a connector mounted to the lower portion, the connector being axially adjustable along the lower portion to a selected position along the lower portion;    and a footplate mounted to the connector to support the prosthetic on the ground.    
   
   
       2 . The prosthetic foot of  claim 1 , wherein the connector is mounted to the lower portion for rotation about said axis.  
   
   
       3 . The prosthetic foot of  claim 2 , further comprising a fastener to secure the connector at a selected axial position with respect to the lower portion of the frame.  
   
   
       4 . The prosthetic foot of  claim 3 , wherein the fastener is a set screw that extends through the connector and contacts the lower portion of the frame.  
   
   
       5 . The prosthetic foot of  claim 4 , wherein the lower portion is tubular, and wherein the connector includes at least one circular opening through which the lower portion extends.  
   
   
       6 . The prosthetic foot of  claim 2 , wherein the connector includes a spring that biases the connector toward a predetermined rotational position with respect to the lower portion.  
   
   
       7 . The prosthetic foot of  claim 1 , wherein the axis the lower portion and said footplate are generally oriented in a medial-lateral direction of the prosthetic foot.  
   
   
       8 . A prosthetic foot comprising: 
 a frame including an elongate, generally horizontal lower portion that extends along an axis;    a connector mounted to the lower portion;    and a footplate mounted to the connector to support the prosthetic on the ground,    wherein the footplate is adjustable in an anterior-posterior direction relative to the lower portion.    
   
   
       9 . The prosthetic foot of  claim 8 , wherein the footplate is adjustable in an anterior-posterior direction relative to the connector.  
   
   
       10 . The prosthetic foot of  claim 8 , wherein the connector is adjustable in an anterior-posterior direction relative to the lower portion.  
   
   
       11 . The prosthetic foot of  claim 10 , further comprising a fastener to secure the connector at a selected axial position with respect to the lower portion of the frame.  
   
   
       12 . The prosthetic foot of  claim 11 , wherein the fastener is a set screw that extends through the connector and contacts the lower portion of the frame.  
   
   
       13 . The prosthetic foot of  claim 11 , wherein the lower portion is tubular, and wherein the connector includes at least one circular opening through which the lower portion extends.  
   
   
       14 . The prosthetic foot of  claim 8 , wherein the connector is mounted to the lower portion for rotation about said axis.  
   
   
       15 . The prosthetic foot of  claim 14 , wherein the connector includes a spring that biases the connector toward a predetermined rotational position with respect to the lower portion.  
   
   
       16 . A prosthetic foot comprising: 
 a generally L-shaped frame;    a footplate;    a means for connecting the frame to the footplate,    wherein the connecting means keeps the frame at a substantially constant distance from the footplate while permitting the frame to pivot about an axis of rotation that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the footplate; and    a means for varying the position of the frame along the axis of rotation.    
   
   
       17 . The prosthetic foot of  claim 16 , 
 wherein the frame has an upper portion and a lower portion, and    wherein the connecting means has a bore defined therein, the lower portion of the frame being received into the bore.    
   
   
       18 . The prosthetic foot of  claim 16 , wherein the varying means is a set screw that inhibits the movement of the frame along the axis of rotation when tightened and that permits the movement of the frame along the axis of rotation when loosened.  
   
   
       19 . The prosthetic foot of  claim 16 , 
 wherein the frame has an upper portion and a lower portion,    wherein the connecting means has a bore defined therein, the lower portion of the frame being received into the bore, and    wherein the varying means is a set screw that inhibits the movement of the frame along the axis of rotation when tightened and that permits the movement of the frame along the axis of rotation when loosened.    
   
   
       20 . The prosthetic foot of  claim 16 , further comprising a means for limiting the degree to which the frame pivots about the axis of rotation.