ATTACHMENT CONSTRUCTION FOR PROSTHESIS

Abstract: A prosthetic pylon attachment construction provides a useful attachment interface between the exterior of a pylon which otherwise has a generally curvilinear exterior and a broad range of other prosthetic devices having relatively flat surfaces, and permits ready manufacture and ready interchangeability of a range of prosthetic devices and pylons.

Description: ATTACHMENT CONSTRUCTION FOR PROSTHESIS Background of the Invention This invention relates to prostheses in general, and specifically to a construction which permit the attachment of a prosthetic device having a relatively flat surface to the exterior of a prosthetic pylo which has a generally curvilinear exterior. It is well known in the prosthetic arts, and particularly in the prosthetic leg art, to provide cylindrical tubular pylon between a wearer's stump and another prosthetic device, such as a prostheti foot. Such pylons provide a strong, lightweight extension structure between the stump and othe prostheses, which structure may typically be cut to a desirable length for a particular wearer. Although other pylon configurations could certainly be utilized for this purpose, the cylindrica tubular pylon has numerous desirable characteristics and has therefore become the configuration o choice among many prosthetists and amputees. For example, although prosthetists could utilize soli pylons or pylons having a square or rectangular cross-section or otherwise provide a relatively fla attachment surface for other prosthetic devices, such other pylons typically are not as strong an lightweight as a cylindrical tubular pylon. Moreover, a cylindrical tubular pylon may be relatively les expensive to manufacture than pylons having more complex cross-sectional configurations or requirin more material. Unfortunately, many of the aforesaid other prosthetic devices which would otherwise be usefu in combination with the above-described cylindrical tubular pylons, are not readily usable therewit because they do not have an attachment surface which conforms to the curved exterior of the pylon Due to considerations of manufacture and/or performance, such other prosthetic devices commonl include relatively flat attachment surfaces for operable attachment to the wearer, whether or not a intermediate pylon is utilized. Thus, in order to be usable with such pylons, these other prostheti devices must be specifically designed to include special attachment structures and/or configuration which permit attachment to the pylons. The special designs and modifications of the prior art are not without drawbacks. For example, any such special attachment structure typically adds to the cost of manufacture of the prosthesis. In certain cases, these attachment structures are fairly bulky, weighty, and complex, because the attachment of the aforesaid other prosthetic devices to the pylon must be reliable and secure to prevent undesirabl movement between the pylon and other prosthetic device. Perhaps more importantly, the structures an configurations necessary to permit attachment to the pylons may detrimentally affect the performance of the prosthesis and/or limit the range of wearers who could otherwise benefit from its use. Exemplary of such design accommodations is the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1 hereto, in which a foot prosthesis A is operatively attached to a tubular cylindrical pylon B through the incorporation of a curvilinear section C and the provision of an attachment mechanism D. As shown in FIG. 1, the combination of the curvilinear section C, its attachment section C- , the attachment mechanism D, and its attachment section D j permits the relatively flat structure C j to be operatively retained adjacent the relatively flat bottom of the tube B. Such a structure involves a complexity and expense, and includes performance limitations, which are less than optimum. Moreover, such a structure requires a substantial clearance between the pylon tube B in order to accommodate the components A, C, C j , D and D^ thereby limiting the range of amputees who may be served by such a construction. Objects and Advantages of the Invention It is, therefore, an object of my invention to provide a prosthetic construction which will overcome the foregoing problems and, among other things, will permit tubular cylindrical pylons to be readily utilized with other prosthetic devices having otherwise relatively non-curved attachment surfaces. Those skilled in the art will understand, however, that various embodiments of my invention may be practiced with other types of pylons; for example, solid pylons, pylons with oval or other curved exterior cross sectional configurations, etc. The prosthesis of my invention is characterized by a first prosthetic member (such as a pylon) having a first end attachable to a wearer and a second end including a curved external surface, and a second prosthetic member having an attachment surface which is of a configuration matingly corresponding to the curved external surface of the first prosthetic member. As indicated above, such a construction permits the above-described popular cylindrical tubular pylon to be readily utilized with any of a broad range of other prosthetic devices having attachment surfaces, and permits ready manufacture and ready interchangeability of a range of prosthetic devices and pylons. Economies of manufacture and standardization of parts, ease of assembly and of replacement of prosthetic components, and adjustability of the entire prosthesis are improved and enhanced. Another object of my invention is the provision of a prosthesis of the aforementioned character which includes attachment means, such as cooperative nut, bolt, and/or clamp members, to retain the various components in the desired assembled configuration. A somewhat related embodiment of my invention includes a mating curvilinear surface formed by material affixed or bonded to the relatively flat attachment surface or portion. Certainly, for prosthetic devices which include attachment sections with surfaces which are neither flat nor of correspondingly mating configuration with respect to the curved exterior of the above- described cylindrical tube, the construction of my invention may be provided in a configuration which will facilitate the desired mating between the pylon and the other prosthetic device. Consequently, prosthetists and wearers can select from a broad range of prosthetic devices and readily attach same to the pylon at their discretion. Through the provision of preferably demountable attachment means such as nut and bolt assemblies or gripping clamps for attaching the prosthetic device to the pylon, the pylon of my invention may be provided in standard lengths but still be readily "custom-fitted" to a wide range of effective lengths. Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specificati and the accompanying drawings, which are for the purpose of illustration only. Brief Description of the Drawings FIG. 1 is a side elevation, partly sectional view of a prosthesis illustrating a known method attaching a prosthetic foot below a tubular cylindrical pylon; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of an attachment construction accordance with the teachings of the invention; FIG. 3 is a partially sectional view, taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a partially sectional plan view, taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3; FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of attachment means for a construction otherwi similar to FIG. 2; FIG. 6 is a perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment of an attachme construction in accordance with the teachings of the invention; FIG. 7 is a partially sectional view, taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6; and FIG. 8 is a partially sectional plan view, taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7. Description of the Preferred Embodiment Referring to the drawings, I show a prosthesis attachment construction assembled in accordan with the teachings of my invention as shown in Figures 2-8. The pylon 72 is illustrated as having cylindrical tubular configuration; those skilled in the art will understand that other pylon configuratio may benefit from the advantages of my invention. For purposes of illustration, the prosthesis 8 is shown as including a prosthetic foot 70 whi incorporates an attachment section 10 having an attachment surface 12 at an upper end thereof f operatively attaching the prosthetic foot to the pylon 72. The upper end of the pylon 72 is intended be operatively secured to the leg of the amputee (not shown). Those skilled in the art will understan however, that other prosthetic feet and even arm and hand prostheses may be utilized with a pylon a may benefit from my invention. In the preferred embodiment, the pylon 72 is provided at its first or upper end (not shown) wi a socket or other expedient for operative attachment to the wearer. Moreover, the pylon 72 and t foot 70 are preferably fabricated from lightweight, strong materials such as graphite, fiberglass, carb fiber or the like, and, preferably provides desirable energy-performance characteristics to enhance t wearer's use of the prosthesis. In the preferred embodiment, the pylon 72 includes a second or lower end 18 to which anoth prosthesis such as the prosthetic foot 70 is to be attached. In order to provide a large contact area f mating engagement between the lower end 18 and the prosthetic foot 70, the foot is curved at the upp attachment area 10. The relatively large contact area enhances the stability of the attachment of the fo 70 to the pylon 72, and does so in a simple and economic manner. In the preferred embodiment, the attachment portion 10 may be conveniently described as having a first surface 12 matingly corresponding to the curved external surface of the second end 18 of the pylon 72. Weight, cost and performance considerations indicate that the attachment construction 10 preferably extend only a minimum distance along the pylon 72. As shown in Fig. 6, alternative embodiments would include provision of an attachment portion 80 of a thickness that would space the prosthetic foot member 82 relatively further from the pylon 84, but such spacing could require additional materials and would additionally offset the prosthetic foot member 82 from the longitudinal axis of the pylon 84, with potentially undesirable performance effects. In addition, the preferred embodiment of my invention includes attachment means such as nut and bolt combinations 76. The attachment means preferably retains the pylon 72, and the lower leg prosthesis 70 in operative relationship with each other. Those skilled in the art will understand that any of a wide range of attachment means may be utilized for this purpose. Examples of alternative attachment means include hose clamps or other frictionally-gripping clamp, such as those shown in Figure 5 in the alternative embodiment herein, which would function by encircling the pylon end 18. The preferred nuts 32 are preferably threaded washers (sometimes called barrel nuts) which are curved, as best illustrated in FIG. 3 and 4, to permit their ready juxtaposition to the interior of the tubular pylon 72. In order to provide ease of assembly, the barrel nuts 32 are preferably affixed or bonded to the interior of the pylon 72. For durability and resistance to rust or other deterioration, the nuts 32 are preferably fabricated from stainless steel, titanium, or similar material. The preferred embodiment of my invention is assembled by inserting bolts 76 through openings in the prosthetic foot member 70 and the pylon 72 and into threaded engagement with the barrel nuts 32. Another alternative embodiment would obviate the need for the barrel nuts 32. One such embodiment would involve providing threaded holes in the pylon 72, and the bolts 76 threadedly engaging only those holes instead of the barrel nuts 32. Additionally, among the alternative embodiments of the pylon tube 72 is that the lower end 18 can be open or closed on the bottom. If barrel nuts 32 are to be installed inside the pylon 72 to provide the aforesaid attachment means, such installation would occur prior to closure of the bottom of the tube. As will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, the attachment construction 10 may be located on either the front (not shown) or back side of the pylon 72. In any of these orientations, the attachment construction 10 provides an interface attachment surface to which a variety of prostheses may be attached. The desired mating interface of the lower prosthesis 70 and the pylon 72 is provided by shaping the upper end 10 of prosthesis 70 into a mating configuration. This is preferably accomplished by forming the desired curvature in the attachment portion 10 of the prosthesis 70. When the prosthesis 70 is fabricated from certain deformable materials (such as aluminum or the like), however, the curvature may be provided during subsequent fabrication steps, such as by stamping the curvature into the prosthesis 70. By limiting the downward extension of the attachment surface 10, such as indicated at 74 FIG. 3, the attachment surface will cause a minimum of interference with the flexural performance the prosthesis 70. Although a nut, bolt and barrel washer combination 76 is illustrated in FIGS. 2-4 attaching the components of this embodiment, many alternative attachment means may be utilized, su as the hose clamp 78 illustrated in FIG. 5. The embodiment of FIGS. 6-8 is similar to that of FIGS. 2-5, but illustrates an alternat method of forming the curvilinear attachment interface 80 on the upper end of the prosthesis 82. this embodiment, an attachment portion 80 is preferably formed during manufacture or fabrication the prosthesis 82, and is shaped to matingly engage the exterior of the pylon 84. Alternative metho of manufacture would include depositing or affixing material (such as graphite or the like) on t prosthesis 82 after the prosthesis has been manufactured. Similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 2-5, the components of FIGS. 6-8 may be operativ retained in their desired assembled form by any expedient means, such as, for example, nut, bolt a barrel washer combinations and/or hose clamps. By the prosthetic construction of my invention I provide a simple construction which perm the ready and economic use of a popular cylindrical tubular pylon with any of a broad range of oth prosthetic devices. The construction permits ready interchangeability and manufacture of the pylon a the other prosthetic devices. Moreover, the various components and portions of the present invention may be provided a variety of sizes, thicknesses, and materials which may be interchangeable with correspondingly-shap components to permit fine-tuning of the prosthesis to the needs of the wearer thereof. The pyl assembly of my invention may also be used in combination with numerous prior art prosthetic devic to improve the performance of such prior art devices. The prosthetic construction of my invention has been described with some particularity but t specific designs and constructions disclosed are not to be taken as delimiting of the invention in th various obvious modifications will at once make themselves apparent to those of ordinary skill in t art, all of which will not depart from the essence of the invention and all such changes and modificatio are intended to be encompassed within the appended claims. IN THE CLAIMS: 1. In a prosthesis, the combination of: a first prosthetic member having a first end attachable to a wearer and a second end including a curved external surface; a second prosthetic member having an attachment surface matingly corresponding to said curved external surface of said first prosthetic member; and a coupling means operatively engaging said first prosthetic member and said second prosthetic member to facilitate cooperative attachment therebetween. 2. The prosthesis of Claim 1 in which said first prosthetic member is a tubular pylon attachable to a wearer's leg stump. 3. The prosthesis of Claim 1 or 2 in which said second prosthetic member is a lower leg prosthesis. 4. The prosthesis of Claim 1 or Claim 2 or Claim 3 in which said attachment surface of said second prosthetic member is curved, and said coupling means includes nut and boll members. 5. The prosthesis of Claim 1 in which said coupling means include a cooperative clamp member. 6. In a leg prosthesis having a pylon with a first end attachable to a wearer and a second end including a curved external surface, and having a lower leg prosthesis including an attachment surface matingly corresponding to said curved external surface of said pylon, an attachment construction therebetween including a curved attachment portion having said surface matingly corresponding to said curved external surface of said pylon, and attachment means to retain said pylon, and said attachment portion of said lower leg prosthesis in operative relationship with each other. 7. The leg prosthesis of Claim 6 in which said attachment portion is affixed to said lower leg prosthesis. 8. The leg prosthesis of Claim 7 in which said attachment portion is integral with said lower prosthetic member. 9. The device of Claim 6, in which said attachment means incorporates a clamp member, including tightening means by which said clamp is tightened to frictionally engage the pylon or similar prosthetic structure.

Claims: AMENDED CLAIMS [received by the International Bureau on 13 August 1993 (13.08.93); original claims 1-9 replaced by amended claims 1-14 (2 pages)] 1. A foot prosthesis, comprising: a substantially vertically oriented leg member having a distal end and a proximal end, said proximal end being adapted to be operatively mounted on the stump of a wearer and said distal end extending relatively downward therefrom, said leg member having a longitudinal axis extending from said proximal end to said distal end; a prosthetic foot member detachably mounted on said distal end of said leg member, said foot member providing energy storage and return capabilities to said wearer, the improvements being characterized in that said foot member has a substantially vertically oriented upper attachment section and extends generally downwardly and forwardly therefrom, said upper attachment section being generally aligned so as to be substantially parallel to said axis of said leg member; and a connecting member for detachably mounting said prosthetic foot member to said leg member, whereby the spring characteristics of said foot member are not inhibited. 2. The foot prosthesis of Claim 1, wherein said foot member is secured to said leg member by at least one nut and bolt member. 3. The foot prosthesis of Claims 1 or 2, wherein said leg member and said foot member are formed from a strong, lightweight material. 4. The foot prosthesis of Claim 3, wherein said material is graphite. 5. The foot prosthesis of Claim 3, wherein said material is fiberglass. 6. The foot prosthesis of Claims 1, 2,3, 4 or 5, wherein said upper attachment section has a large contact surface upon which said distal end of said leg member can be secured to enhance the stability of the attachment between said leg member and said foot member. 7. The foot prosthesis of Claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, wherein said connecting member is a hose clamp. 8. The foot prosthesis of Claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, wherein said upper attachment section is thickened so that said generally downwardly and forwardly extending portion of said foot member is spaced a predetermined distance from said axis of said leg member. 9. The foot prosthesis of Claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8, wherein said leg member is tubular. 10. The foot prosthesis of Claim 9, wherein at least one nut and bolt member with at least one barrel nut having a curved surface is provided which permits securement to the interior of said leg member. 11. The foot prosthesis of Claim 10, wherein said barrel nut is bonded to the interior of said leg member. 12. The foot prosthesis of Claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11, wherein said distal end of said leg member has an opening for easy access into said leg member for adjusting said connecting 13. The foot prosthesis of Claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12, wherein said upper attachment section is secured to the back side of said leg member relative to said wearer. 14. The foot prosthesis of Claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13, wherein said upper attachment section is secured to the front side of said leg member relative to said wearer.

Inventors: PHILLIPS VAN L, PHILLIPS, VAN, L.
Applicants: PHILLIPS L VAN, PHILLIPS, VAN, L.
Application year: 1993
Main classification: A61F2
IPC codes: A61F2