Importance

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Abstract

An ankle joint, and a prosthetic device incorporating such ankle joint, pivots to imitate the action of a normal ankle and foot. The ankle joint includes a socket secured to an artificial foot and a shank portion that connects at a distal end of a residual lower leg extremity. The shank has a head that is rotatably mounted in the socket so that it pivots between first and second positions about a neutral position. Springs bias the shank into the first position corresponding to plantarflexion orientation of the foot. A first cushion attenuates pivoting action and force of impact at the first position, and an optional second cushion attenuates pivoting action and force of impact at the second position. The socket is connected to the foot by a mounting plate assembly, and side bumpers are provided to resist lateral torque forces. The pitch of the socket, and thus the shank portion, is selectively adjustable. A locking mechanism acts to releasably lock the ankle joint in the neutral position when under a compressive load from the weight of the amputee. The ankle is constructed with elements that reduce mechanical noise during use.

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First Claim