Prosthesis (i.e. – artificial body members) – parts thereof – or ai – Leg
Reexamination Certificate
1998-09-09
2001-05-29
Snow, Bruce (Department: 3738)
Prosthesis (i.e., artificial body members), parts thereof, or ai
Leg
C623S912000, C623S053000, C036S081000, C036S136000, C482S075000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06238437
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
The present invention relates to an apparatus for allowing able-bodied individuals of varying sizes to test and appreciate the functions of a prosthetic foot during all walking phases, including the heel strike, mid-stance and toe off phases.
A problem with foot prosthesis is that someone with both feet cannot experience the foot's attributes. This is particularly problematic for prosthetists. A typical prosthetist cannot personally experience the foot functions of a foot prosthesis. The advantages and disadvantages of various foot prosthesis are only learned through communicating with the prosthesis manufacturer and the patient. Actually experiencing the foot's operation is not possible unless the prosthetist is an amputee.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes the above problem by providing footwear to which a foot prosthesis can be attached and worn by an able-bodied individual. A person can then wear the footwear to experience the prosthetic. In the preferred embodiment, the footwear is a boot and more preferably an air cast boot. The boot has a mounting plate which is secured to the inside base of the boot. The mounting plate and the prosthesis have mating connectors for attaching the prosthesis to the boot. In the preferred embodiment, the mating connectors include an adapter that is fastened by screws to the mounting plate. The prosthesis has a mating member that is received by the adapter to fix the prosthesis to the adapter and mounting plate.
It should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the preferred footwear is a boot, such as an air cast because it restrains movement of the wearer's foot and ankle. However, any type of footwear would work, such as for example a shoe, sandal, etc.
The foregoing detailed description shows that the preferred embodiments of the present invention are well suited to fulfill the objects of the invention. It is recognized that those skilled in the art may make various modifications or additions to the preferred embodiments chosen herein to illustrate the present invention, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the subject matter sought to be afforded protection should be deemed to extend to the subject matter defined in the appended claims, including all equivalents thereof.
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patent: 23199 (1901-03-01), None
Johnson Christopher L.
Robinson Eric L.
College Park Industries, Inc.
Howard & Howard
Snow Bruce
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