Patent ID: 7686848
Filing Date: 2010-03-30
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A prosthetic foot device configured to provide a variable resistance in response to a load factor, the device comprising: a) first and second foot members, configured to be coupled to an amputee, the first foot member including: the second foot member including a forefoot reinforcement member, disposed above the upper forefoot member; b) at least one of the first and second foot members being a resilient member capable of storing energy during deflection; c) a chamber, associated with one of the first and second foot members; d) a piston, associated with another of the first and second foot members and movable in the chamber, the piston and chamber defining a volume that changes in response to the load factor; e) at least one passage, formed between a piston head of the piston and a wall of the chamber, and in communication with the chamber; f) a variable viscosity fluid, disposed in the chamber and displaceable through the at least one passage between the piston head and the wall of the chamber in response to the load factor; and g) the variable viscosity fluid having a viscosity that is variable corresponding to the load factor to vary an ability of the variable viscosity fluid to flow through the at least one passage.