Prosthesis (i.e. – artificial body members) – parts thereof – or ai – Leg – Socket holder
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-07
2001-04-10
Snow, Bruce (Department: 3738)
Prosthesis (i.e., artificial body members), parts thereof, or ai
Leg
Socket holder
Reexamination Certificate
active
06214056
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a shock absorber apparatus, and, more particularly, to a shock absorber apparatus for a prosthetic leg.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Two problems with prosthetic legs in general are the inability to absorb shocks and to rotate. Shock absorption increases the natural feel and comfort of the leg. Rotation to some degree allows a more ordinary turn while walking or even the pivot action required for golf baseball, etc.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,800,562 (Wilkinson), the inventor of which is the inventor of the present apparatus, discloses shock absorber apparatus for a prosthetic leg which utilizes a pair of cylindrical sleeves and elastomeric elements disposed within the sleeves for absorbing shocks. A spring element within the elastomeric elements allows limited rotational movement.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,888,214 (Ochoa) discloses the use of an elastomeric element as a shock absorber in a prosthetic leg. Tile apparatus is adjustable.
The apparatus of the present invention comprises a shock absorber which is efficient and light weight and provides a degree of rotational flexibility. The apparatus is made to interface with industry standard components and to fit anywhere between the foot and an upper socket or socket connector, as appropriate or as desired. The apparatus utilizes a single elastomeric element which provides tension, and compression absorbing characteristics and rotational resistance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention claimed and described herein comprises a shock absorber apparatus for a prosthetic leg. The apparatus includes a single elastomeric element secured to a pair of retainer elements. The retainer elements are in turn secured to a pair of cylindrical elements for relative movement. The elastomeric element has a square cross sectional configuration for maximum surface area for attachment to the end retainer elements. Threads or cables are secured to the end retainers and are disposed about the elastomeric element for additional torsional resistance.
Among the objects of the present invention are the following:
To provide new and useful prosthetic apparatus;
To provide new and useful prosthetic shock absorber apparatus;
To provide new and useful prosthetic apparatus with rotational capabilities;
To provide new and useful prosthetic shock absorber assembly having an elastomeric element secured to a pair of end retainers and relative rotation between the two; and
To provide new and useful shock absorber elements including an elastomeric element secured to retainer elements and disposed between a pair of cylindrical elements.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4038705 (1977-08-01), Owens et al.
patent: 4134159 (1979-01-01), Wilson
patent: 5800451 (1998-09-01), Wilkinson
patent: 5800563 (1998-09-01), Arbogast et al.
patent: 5888214 (1999-03-01), Ochoa
patent: 5961556 (1999-10-01), Thorn
patent: 5984972 (1999-11-01), Huston et al.
Shields H. Gordon
Snow Bruce
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