Abstract:
Improvements to a prosthetic knee-joint assembly include: a proximal segment having lower-profile design with a surface adapted for mounting to an above-knee prosthetic limb socket; a releasable lock featuring at least one of two complementary surfaces with radial grooves, which increase friction between the two surfaces to prevent rotation or sliding of a coupler component with respect to the knee-joint assembly; and visual indicia markings for determining the position of a distal coupling relative to the distal segment of the knee-joint.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/251,142, filed Sep. 20, 2002, which is published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0059433, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. This application also claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/648,586, filed Jan. 31, 2005, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates generally to prosthetic devices, and more particularly, to a prosthetic knee chassis featuring adjustable couplings provided on or with the proximal and/or distal segments thereof.  
         [0003]     As shown in  FIG. 1 , a conventional prosthetic limb  10  for a transfemoral amputee will include a prosthetic limb socket  12  for receiving the wearer&#39;s residual limb, a knee-joint assembly  14 , a first pylon component  16  between the prosthetic limb socket  12  and the knee-joint assembly  14 , interconnection components  18  for coupling the first pylon  18  to the prosthetic limb socket  12 , interconnection components  20  for coupling the first pylon  16  to the knee-joint assembly  14 , a prosthetic ankle/foot assembly  22 , a second pylon  24  between the knee-joint assembly  14  and the ankle/foot assembly  22 , interconnection components  26  for coupling the second pylon  24  to the knee-joint assembly  14  and interconnection components  28  for coupling the second pylon  24  to the ankle-foot assembly  22 . The interconnection components  20  may include a conventional pyramid connector  30  mounted to a proximal end  32  of a proximal segment  34  of the knee-joint assembly  14  and a conventional pyramid receiver  36  mounted to a distal end of the first pylon  16 . Interconnection components  26  may include a conventional pyramid coupling  30  mounted to a distal end surface  38  of a distal segment  40  of the knee-joint assembly  14  and a conventional pyramid receiver  36  mounted to a proximal end of the second pylon  24 . If the prosthetist wishes to provide rotational and/or lateral adjustability with respect to the first pylon  16  and the proximal segment  34  of the knee-joint assembly or wishes to provide rotational and/or lateral adjustability between the distal segment  40  of the knee-joint assembly and the second pylon  24 , the prosthetist may wish to replace one or both of the conventional pyramid plates  30  with the adjustable pyramidal link plate assemblies as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,033,440 and 6,231,618. Such adjustable pyramidal link plate assemblies are commercially available from Prosthetic Design, Inc. as component nos. PYR-SL, PYR-SL-R, PYR-TL-SL, PYR-TL-SL-R, Stealth360, and PYR-TL-R.  
         [0004]     If a patient has an amputation that occurs at the femoral epicondyles (hereinafter referred to as “knee disarticulation”) or has a very long residual limb, then difficulties may arise fitting the aforementioned components of the upright assembly between the distal end of the socket  12  and the floor. Furthermore, the knee center K on the prosthesis  10  may move distally with the addition of components between the distal end of the socket  12  and the knee-joint assembly  14 . These components may be of paramount importance when it comes to the static and dynamic alignment of the prosthesis. The above-mentioned adjustable pyramidal link plate components, in some cases, may add length of the prosthesis so as to offset the knee center of the prosthesis K from the sound side knee center, which may adversely affect the patient&#39;s gait pattern. Accordingly, it is desired to provide the adjustability that the prior art adjustable pyramidal link plate assemblies provide (rotational and/or lateral adjustment capabilities) while maintaining a proper knee center with respect to knee disarticulations and long AK amputations.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0005]     The present invention provides a prosthetic knee-joint assembly having adjustable pyramid couplers provided on or with the proximal and/or distal segments of the knee-joint assembly to provide rotational and/or lateral adjustability of the knee-joint assembly with respect to above-knee (“AK”) and/or below-knee (“BK”) prosthetic limb components without significantly increasing the profile (length) of the knee-joint assembly. Such an invention provides the knee-joint assembly with desired rotational and/or lateral adjustability with respect to AK and/or BK prosthetic limb components while better maintaining a proper knee center with respect to knee disarticulations and long AK amputations.  
         [0006]     Accordingly, it is a first aspect of the present invention to provide a prosthetic knee-joint assembly that includes: (a) a proximal segment; (b) a distal segment pivotally disposed with respect to the proximal segment and pivotable with respect to the proximal segment and at least an anterior-posterior direction to provide a knee-joint pivot point; (c) a first coupling provided with the proximal segment, including a first adjustable member having a frustopyramidal boss extending proximally with respect to the proximal segment, where the frustopyramidal boss is adapted to mount the proximal segment to above-knee prosthetic knee components, and where the frustopyramidal boss is slidably adjustable with respect to the proximal segment and rotatably adjustable with respect to the proximal segment; and (d) a second coupling provided with the distal segment, including a second adjustable member having a second frustopyramidal boss extending distally with respect to the distal segment, where the second frustopyramidal boss is adapted to mount the distal segment to below-knee prosthetic limb components, and where the second frustopyramidal boss is slidably adjustable with respect to the distal segment so as to be slidable in at least one of the anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions, and rotatably adjustable with respect to the distal segment. In a further detailed embodiment, the prosthetic knee-joint assembly further includes: (e) a first releasable lock adapted to selectively prohibit rotation of the first frustopyramidal boss with respect to the proximal segment; (f) a second releaseable lock adapted to selectively prohibit sliding of the first frustopyramidal boss with respect to the proximal segment; (g) a third releaseable lock adapted to selectively prohibit rotation of the second frustopyramidal boss with respect to the distal segment; and (h) a fourth releaseable lock adapted to selectively prohibit sliding of the second frustopyramidal boss with respect to the distal segment.  
         [0007]     In a further detailed embodiment, the first and/or second adjustable member is an assembly that includes a sliding member and a rotating member, where the sliding member has a cavity occupied by a lower portion (distal portion for the first adjustable member and proximal portion for the second adjustable member) of the rotating member, where the first cavity includes an annular surface that faces, at least partially, in the downward direction (distal direction for the first adjustable member and proximal direction for the second adjustable member); the rotating member includes a frustopyramidal boss that extends upwardly (proximally in the first adjustable member and distally in the second adjustable member) from the cavity in the sliding member; the lower portion of the rotating member includes an annular surface complimentary to, substantially coaxial with, and facing the annular surface of the cavity; the slidable member includes a pair of opposed surfaces, where each is parallel to the respective direction of slideability, and the opposed surfaces face at least partially in the upper direction (proximal direction with the first adjustable member and distal direction in the second adjustable member); the respective knee segment includes a pair of opposed surfaces complimentary to, substantially parallel to, and facing the opposed surfaces of the adjustable member; and the coupling includes a mechanical press operative to pull the rotating member upwardly (proximal direction with the first adjustable member in distal direction with the second adjustable member) such that the annular surface of the lower portion of the rotating member engages the annular surface of the first cavity in the sliding member, thereby providing the first releaseable lock for the first adjustable member or the third releaseable lock for the second adjustable member; and, thereafter, upon further application of the mechanical press, the combination of the rotating member and the sliding member are pulled in the upward direction (proximal direction with the first adjustable member and distal direction with the second adjustable member) such that the pair of opposed surfaces on the sliding member presses against the complimentary pair of opposed surfaces of the respective knee-joint segment, thereby providing the second releaseable lock with the first adjustable member or the fourth releaseable lock for the second adjustable member.  
         [0008]     In yet a further detailed embodiment, the coupling includes a domed member seated on a proximal end of the first segment for the first adjustable member or the distal end of the second segment for the second adjustable member, where the domed member includes a channel extending axially therethrough; the rotating member extends upwardly through the axial channel in the domed member such that the frustopyramidal boss extends above an apex of the domed member and such that the lower portion of the rotating member extends beneath the base of the domed member; and the mechanical press is an annular coupling adapter (also known in the art as a “pyramid receiver”) adapted to extend from the above-knee prosthetic limb component or below-knee prosthetic limb component, where the mechanical press includes at least two of the diametrically opposed set screws extending radially into the central channel of the pyramid receiver.  
         [0009]     It is a second aspect of the present invention to provide a prosthetic knee-joint assembly for a prosthetic limb that includes: (a) a proximal segment; (b) a distal segment pivotally disposed with respect to the proximal segment and pivotable with respect to the proximal segment in at least an anterior-posterior direction to provide a knee-joint pivot point; and (c) a male coupling provided with at least one of the proximal segment and the distal segment, where the male coupling includes a frustopyramidal boss extending outwardly from the one segment substantially approximate the TKA line, the frustopyramidal boss being adapted to mount the one segment to a female coupling carried on another prosthetic limb component, and the frustopyramidal boss being slidably adjustable with respect to the one segment so as to be slidable in at least one direction substantially perpendicular to the TKA line, and the frustopyramidal boss being rotationally adjustable with respect to the one segment so as to be rotatable with respect to the one segment on a rotational axis substantially parallel to the TKA line. In a more detailed embodiment, the male coupling is an assembly that includes a sliding member slidably carried by the one segment and a rotating member rotatably carried by the sliding member, and the rotating member has a first end carried by the sliding member and an opposite end that includes the frustopyramidal boss. In yet a further detailed embodiment, the one segment includes a dove-tail shaped channel in an end surface thereof, the sliding member includes at least a portion that has a dog-tail shaped cross-section complimentary to the dove-tail shaped channel in the one segment, where the portion is slidably carrier in the dove-tail shaped channel; and the sliding member includes an annular cavity extending into an end surface thereof, where the annular cavity retains the first end of the rotating member therein.  
         [0010]     It is a third aspect of the present invention to provide a prosthetic knee-joint assembly for a prosthetic limb that comprises: (a) a proximal segment including a planar proximal surface and a first groove extending into and along the proximal surface; (b) a distal segment pivotally disposed with respect to the proximal segment, and pivotable with respect to the proximal segment in at least the anterior-posterior direction to provide a knee-joint pivot point, the distal segment including a planar distal surface and a second groove extending into and along the distal surface; (c) a first coupling including a first bearing portion slidably received within the first groove and further including a first frustopyramidal boss extending in a proximal direction from the first bearing portion, where the first frustopyramidal boss is rotatable with respect to the first bearing portion and adapted to mount the proximal segment to AK prosthetic limb components; (d) a second coupling including a second bearing portion slidably received within the second groove and further including a second frustopyramidal boss extending in a distal direction from the second bearing portion, where the second frustopyramidal boss is rotatable with respect to the second bearing portion and adapted to mount the distal segment to BK prosthetic limb components; (e) a first releaseable lock adapted to selectively prohibit rotation of the first frustopyramidal boss with respect to the first bearing portion; (f) a second releaseable lock adapted to selectively prohibit sliding of the first bearing portion in the first groove; (g) a third releaseable lock adapted to selectively prohibit rotation of the second frustopyramidal boss with respect to the second bearing portion; and (h) a fourth releaseable lock adapted to selectively prohibit sliding of the second bearing portion in the second groove. In a more detailed embodiment, the first coupling includes a first domed portion positioned proximally to the proximal surface of the proximal segment and proximally to the first bearing portion; the first frustopyramidal boss extends from the first bearing portion, axially through the first domed portion, and out from a proximal apex of the first domed portion; the second coupling includes a second domed portion positioned distally to the distal surface of the distal segment and to the second bearing portion; and the second frustopyramidal boss extends from the second bearing portion, axially through the second domed portion, and out from a distal apex of the second domed portion.  
         [0011]     It is a fourth aspect of the present invention to provide a prosthetic knee-joint for a prosthetic limb that includes: (a) a proximal segment; (b) a distal segment pivotally disposed with respect to the proximal segment and pivotable with respect to the proximal segment in at least an anterior-posterior direction to provide a knee-joint pivot point; (c) a first coupling at least partially received within a first groove, depression or cavity extending into a proximal end of the proximal segment, where the first coupling is adapted to mate with and couple to an above-knee prosthetic limb component, and where the first coupling includes a first frustopyramidal boss that is slidably adjustable with respect to the proximal segment and rotationally adjustable with respect to the proximal segment; and (d) a second coupling at least partially received within a second groove, depression or cavity extending into a proximal end of the distal segment, where the second coupling is adapted to mate with and couple to a below-knee prosthetic knee component, and where the second coupling includes a second frustopyramidal boss, that is slidably adjustable with respect to the distal segment and rotationally adjustable with respect to the distal segment.  
         [0012]     It is a fifth aspect of the present invention to provide a prosthetic knee-joint assembly for a prosthetic limb that includes: (a) a proximal segment; (b) a distal segment pivotably disposed with respect to the proximal segment and pivotable with respect to the proximal segment in at least an anterior-posterior direction to provide a knee-joint pivot point; (c) a first coupling at least partially received with a first groove extending into a proximal end of the proximal segment, including a first adjustable member having a frustopyramidal boss extending proximally with respect to the proximal segment, where the first frustopyramidal boss is adapted to mount the proximal segment to above-knee prosthetic limb components, and where the first adjustable member is slidably mounted to the proximal segment so as to be slidable in either the anterior-posterior or medial-lateral directions; and (d) a second coupling at least partially received within a second groove extending into the distal segment, including a second adjustable member having a second frustopyramidal boss extending distally with respect to the distal segment, where the second frustopyramidal boss is adapted to mount the distal segment to below-knee prosthetic limb components, and where the second adjustable member is slidably mounted to the distal segment so as to be slidable in the opposite direction as compared to the first coupling.  
         [0013]     In a detailed embodiment of this fifth aspect of the present invention, the prosthetic knee-joint assembly further includes: (e) a first releaseable lock adapted to selectively prohibit sliding of the first adjustable member with respect to the proximal segment; and (f) a second releaseable lock adapted to selectively prohibit sliding of the second adjustable member with respect to the distal segment. In yet a further detailed embodiment, the first adjustable member includes a pair of opposed surfaces, each being parallel to the respective direction of slidability and facing at least partially in a proximal direction; the first groove includes a pair of opposed surfaces complimentary to, and substantially parallel to, and facing the pair of opposed surfaces of the first adjustable member; and the first coupling includes a mechanical press operative to pull to first adjustable member in the proximal direction such that the pair of opposed surfaces of the first adjustable member presses against the complimentary pair of opposed surfaces of the proximal segment, thereby providing the first releaseable lock. In yet a further detailed embodiment, the first coupling includes a domed member seated on a proximal end of the first segment and having a channel extending axially therethrough; the first adjustable member extends through the axial channel in the domed member such that the first frustopyramidal boss extends out from an apex of the domed member in such that the pair of opposed surfaces of the first adjustable member extend out from the base of the domed member; and the mechanical press is an annular coupling adapter (pyramid receiver) extending from the above-knee prosthetic limb component whereupon tightening of the set screws in the annular coupling adapter causes the set screws to contact and press against opposed surfaces of the first frustopyramidal boss such that the first adjustable member is pushed by the set screws in the proximal direction. In yet a further detailed embodiment, the frustopyramidal boss is also rotatably adjustable with respect to the proximal segment so as to be rotatable with respect to the proximal segment.  
         [0014]     It is a sixth aspect of the present invention to provide a knee-joint assembly for a prosthetic limb that includes: (a) a proximal segment; (b) a distal segment pivotably disposed with respect to the proximal segment and pivotal with respect to the proximal segment in at least an anterior-posterior direction to provide a knee-joint pivot point; and (c) a coupling provided on one or both of the proximal segment and the distal segment, where the coupling includes an adjustable member having a frustopyramidal boss extending outwardly from the respective segment substantially along the TKA line, where the frustopyramidal boss is adapted to mount the respective segment to another prosthetic limb component, and where the adjustable member is slidably mounted to the respective segment so as to be slidable in a direction perpendicular to the TKA line. In a more detailed embodiment, the respective segment includes a channel extending in the respective direction of slidability, where the channel includes a pair of opposed surfaces parallel to the respective direction of slidability; the adjustable member includes a portion carried in the channel of the respective segment, where the carried portion of the adjustable member includes a pair of opposed surfaces complimentary to, substantially parallel to, and facing the pair of opposed surfaces of the channel in the respective segment; and the coupling includes a mechanical press operative to press the pair of opposed surfaces of the carried portion against the complimentary pair of opposed surfaces in the channel of the respective segment, thereby selectively inhibiting sliding of the adjustable member with respect to the respective segment.  
         [0015]     It is a seventh aspect of the present invention to provide a prosthetic knee-joint assembly that includes: (a) a proximal segment; (b) a distal segment pivotally disposed with respect to the proximal segment and pivotable with respect to the proximal segment in at least an anterior-posterior direction to provide a knee-joint pivot point; (c) a first coupling at least partially received within a proximal end of the proximal segment, adapted to mate with and couple to an above-knee prosthetic limb component, where the first coupling is selectively slidable with respect to the proximal segment in at least a first direction substantially perpendicular to the TKA line; and, optionally, (d) a second coupling at least partially received within a distal end of the distal segment, adapted to mate with and couple to a below-knee prosthetic limb component, where the second coupling is selectively slidable with respect to the distal segment in at least a second direction substantially perpendicular to the TKA line. In a more detailed embodiment, the knee-joint assembly further includes: (e) a first releaseable lock for selectively prohibiting sliding of the first coupling with respect to the proximal segment; and (f) a second releaseable lock for selectively prohibiting sliding of the second coupling with respect to the distal segment. In yet a further detailed embodiment, the first and second releaseable locks are adapted to be accessible, lockable and un-lockable without having to completely de-couple their respective first and second couplings from the corresponding above-knee and below-knee prosthetic limb components.  
         [0016]     It is an eighth aspect of the present invention to provide a prosthetic knee-joint assembly for a prosthetic limb that includes: (a) a proximal segment; (b) a distal segment pivotally disposed with respect to the proximal segment, and pivotable with respect to the proximal segment in at least an anterior-posterior direction to provide a knee-joint pivot point; (c) a first coupling at least partially received within a proximal end of the proximal segment, adapted to mate with and couple to an above-knee prosthetic limb component, where the first coupling is selectively rotatable with respect to the proximal segment; and, optionally, (d) a second coupling at least partially received within a distal end of the distal segment, adapted to mate with and couple to a below-knee prosthetic limb component, where the second coupling is selectively rotatable with respect to the distal segment. In a more detailed embodiment, the knee-joint assembly further includes: (e) a first releaseable lock for selectively prohibiting rotation of the first coupling with respect to the proximal segment; and (f) a second releaseable lock for selectively prohibiting rotation of the second coupling with respect to the distal segment. In yet a further detailed embodiment, the first and second releaseable locks are adapted to be accessible, lockable and un-lockable without having to completely de-couple the respective first and second couplings from the corresponding above-knee and below-knee prosthetic limb components.  
         [0017]     It is a ninth aspect of the present invention to provide a prosthetic knee-joint assembly for a prosthetic limb that includes: (a) a proximal segment; (b) a distal segment pivotally disposed with respect to the proximal segment, and pivotable with respect to the proximal segment in at least an anterior-posterior direction to provide a knee-joint pivot point; and (c) an adjustable coupling at least partially received within and/or integrated within an end of either the proximal segment or the distal segment, where the coupling is adapted to mate with and couple to a respective above-knee or below-knee prosthetic limb component, and where the coupling is selectively rotatable and/or slidable with respect to the respective knee-joint segment.  
         [0018]     It is a tenth aspect of the present invention to provide a prosthetic knee-joint assembly for a prosthetic limb that features: a proximal segment having lower-profile design with a surface adapted for mounting to an above-knee prosthetic limb socket; a releasable lock featuring at least one of two complementary surfaces with radial grooves, which increase friction between the two surfaces to prevent rotation or sliding of a coupler component with respect to the knee-joint assembly; and visual indicia markings for determining the position of a distal coupling relative to the distal segment of the knee-joint, in addition to the features and embodiments described above with respect to the first through ninth aspects.  
         [0019]     These and other aspects and embodiments will be apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0020]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an above-knee, prior art prosthetic limb assembly;  
         [0021]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a knee joint assembly for a prosthetic limb according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0022]      FIG. 3  is a perspective, exploded view of the knee-joint assembly of  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0023]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional, side elevational view of the knee-joint assembly of  FIGS. 2 and 3 ;  
         [0024]      FIG. 5  is a magnified view of the portion of  FIG. 4  within the circle  5 ;  
         [0025]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of a coupling assembly for an alternate embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0026]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of a coupling assembly for yet another alternate embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0027]      FIGS. 8 through 11  show an alternative embodiment of the prosthetic knee-joint of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0028]     As shown in  FIGS. 2-4 , a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is a prosthetic knee-joint assembly or knee-chassis  42 , having adjustable coupling components provided with its proximal and distal segments  44 ,  46 . In the present exemplary embodiment, the adjustable coupling on the proximal segment  44  is a male pyramid component assembly  48  that is slidably adjustable in the anterior-posterior direction and that is also rotationally adjustable. The coupling component provided on the distal segment  46  is an adjustable pyramid assembly  50  that is slidingly adjustable in the medial-lateral directions and is also rotationally adjustable. The proximal segment  44  is pivotally coupled to the distal segment  46  by a nylon hinge assembly  50  such that the proximal segment  44  will be pivotable with respect to the distal segment  46  in the anterior-posterior direction. Generally the proximal segment  44  includes a substantially planar base  52  at a proximal end thereof and includes a pair of axially extending arms  54 ,  56  extending from the medial and lateral sides of the planar base, where each of the arms  54 ,  56  include holes extending therethrough for receiving the hinge assembly  50 . The proximal segment  44  also includes a posterior projection  60  extending distally therefrom which includes a hole  62  extending therethrough to which is adapted to be coupled to a hydraulic or pneumatic piston assembly for the prosthetic knee (not shown). The distal segment  46  generally includes a substantially planar base  64  at a distal end thereof and a pair of proximally extending legs  66 ,  68  extending from the medial and lateral sides of the base  64  to a proximal end where the legs  66 ,  68  meet at a hollow cylinder extending perpendicularly therefrom in the medial-lateral direction, into which is received the hinge assembly  50 . Each of the legs  66 ,  68  include a hole  72  extending therethrough approximate a distal end of the respective leg, where each hole receives a nylon bushing  74 . As will be apparent to those of ordinary skill such holes  72  provide a distal coupling for the hydraulic or pneumatic piston assembly of the prosthetic knee.  
         [0029]     In the exemplary embodiment, each of the adjustable coupling assemblies  48 ,  50  are constructed in substantially similar fashions using substantially similar components. The primary difference between the two couplings, in the exemplary embodiment, is that the proximal coupling  48  is slidably adjustable in the anterior-posterior directions while the distal coupling is slidably adjustable in the medial-lateral directions. For the sake of clarity, the construction of the coupling assemblies will be discussed using identical numerals and orientational reference directions. For example, with the following disclosure, the “up” direction is the proximal direction for the proximal coupling assembly  48  and is the distal direction for the distal coupling assembly  50 . Likewise, the “down” direction is the distal direction for the proximal coupling assembly  48  and the proximal direction for the distal coupling assembly  50 . Any other substantial differences between the proximal and distal coupling assemblies  48 ,  50  will be noted when necessary.  
         [0030]     As shown specifically in  FIGS. 3 through 5 , the planar base portion  52  of the proximal segment and the planar base portion  64  of the distal segment  46  each include a dovetail shaped (in cross-section) channel or groove  74  extending axially therethrough. The dove-tail shaped groove  74  in the proximal member  44  extends along the planar base  56  in the anterior-posterior directions while the dove-tail shaped groove in the distal member  46  extends along the planar base  64  in the medial-lateral directions. Each of the adjustable coupling assemblies  48 ,  50  include a dove-tail shaped (in cross-section) base component  76  carried within the dove-tail shaped groove  74 . The dove-tail shaped base component  76  is oriented within the dove-tail shaped groove  74  such that the upwardly and outwardly facing angled surfaces  73  of the dovetail shaped base component  76  face the downwardly and inwardly facing angled surfaces  75  of the dove-tail shaped groove  74 .  
         [0031]     A flat-topped dome member  78  resides on each of the flat proximal surface  80  of the planar base  44  and the flat distal surface  82  of the distal base  64 . Each dome  78  includes an axial channel  84  extending therethrough for receiving a pyramidal boss component  86  therein. The dome also includes an annular projection  99  extending radially into the axial channel  84 . The upper end of the pyramidal boss component  76  includes a frustopyramidal boss  87  of conventional design and the lower end of the pyramidal boss  86  includes three cylindrical, coaxial segments  88 ,  90 ,  92 , the diameters of which decrease towards the lower end of the pyramidal boss component  86  to provide two, downwardly facing, annular shoulders: a first annular shoulder  94  on the first cylindrical segment  88  and a second annular shoulder  96  on the second cylindrical segment  90 . The portion of the cavity  84  above the annular projection  99  has a diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the cylindrical segment  88  of the pyramidal boss  86  component and the inner diameter of the radial projection  99  is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical segment  90  of the pyramidal boss competent such that when the pyramidal boss component is received within the axial channel  84  of the dome member  78  the frustopyramidal boss  87  will extend from the apex of the dome and the shoulder  100  of the dome member  78  will abut the shoulder  94  of the pyramidal boss  86 , thereby preventing the boss  87  from falling below the dome member.  
         [0032]     The lower-most cylindrical segment  92  of the pyramidal boss  86  extends into the axial channel  98  of the dove-tail shaped member  76  where the outer diameter of the lower most segment  92  is slightly less than the inner diameter of the axial channel  98 . A threaded bolt  102  extends upwardly into the bottom of the axial channel  98  and mates with a threaded bore  104  extending into the bottom of the pyramidal boss component  86 . The lower end of the bolt  102  includes a flange  105  that is seated within a counter-bore  106  of the dove-tail shaped member  76 . Therefore, when the bolt  102  is threaded into the threaded bore  104  of the pyramidal boss component  86  (preferably using a LOCTITE.R™. thread-locking solution) the bolt  102  and pyramidal boss component  86  assembly essentially become a unitary component that freely carries the dome  78 , respective knee-chassis segment ( 44  or  46 ) and dove-tail shaped boss component  76  there-between such that the couplings ( 48  and  50 ) are essentially integrated with their respective knee-chassis segments ( 44  or  46 ).  
         [0033]     The various components of the couplings ( 48  and  50 ) have a certain amount of axial play built in such that the pyramidal boss component  86  is able to be rotated with respect to the dove-tail shaped base component  76  and, in turn, the respective knee-chassis segment ( 44  or  46 ). Likewise, the built in axial play between the components allows the dove-tail shaped base component  76  to be slid within the dove-tail shaped groove  74  and, in turn, the entire coupling ( 48  and  50 ) is slidable with respect to the respective knee-chassis segment ( 44  or  46 ). Referring to  FIG. 2 , the proximal coupling  48  is slidable in the anterior-posterior directions as shown by arrows A-P and the frustopyramidal boss  87  is rotatable with respect to the coupling  48  in the direction as shown by arrow R. Likewise, the coupling  50  on the distal knee-chassis segment  46  is slidable in the medial-lateral directions as shown by arrows M-L and the frustopyramidal boss  87  is rotatable with respect to the rest of the coupling  50  in the direction shown by arrow R.  
         [0034]     Referring specifically to  FIG. 5 , in the exemplary embodiment, when the couplings  48 ,  50  are mated with their respective pyramid receiving components  36  the tightening of the set screws  107  of the pyramid receiver components against the inwardly angled side faces  108  of the frustopyramidal boss  87  essentially provides a mechanical press that locks the component, restricting any further rotational and/or sliding adjustments of the component with respect to the respective knee-chassis segment. This threaded mechanical press operates as follows: initially, when the set screws  107  are threaded through the correspondingly threaded holes  110  in the pyramid receiver  36  (which are angled radially inwardly and upwardly) against the angled surfaces  108  of the frustopyramidal boss  87 , causing the pyramidal boss component  86  to be pushed in the upward direction, while simultaneously causing the domed member  78  to be pushed by the lower end  112  of the pyramid receiver  36  in the downward direction such that the domed member  78  abuts the upper surface of the respective planar base  52 ,  64 ; as the pyramidal boss component  86  is pulled in the upper direction with respect to the respective planar segment  52 ,  64 , the flange  105  of the attached bolt  102  contacts the upper shoulder  116  of the counter-bore  106  in the dove-tail shaped base component  76 , which, in turn, pulls the dovetail shaped base component upwardly such that the upwardly and outwardly facing angled surfaces  73  of the dove-tail shaped base component  76  press against the downwardly and inwardly facing angled surfaces  75  of the dove-tail shaped groove  74  (effectively locking the dove-tail shaped base component  76  from sliding within the dove-tail shaped groove  74 , and, in turn, locking the respective coupling component  48 ,  50  from sliding with respect to the respective knee-chassis segment  44 ,  46 ); and, further, such tightening of the set screws  107  and subsequent pushing of the pyramidal boss component  86  causes the upper surface  118  of the radial flange  105  of the bolt component  102  to press against the downward facing annular shoulder surface  116  in the counter-bore  106  of the dove-tail shaped base component  76  effectively prohibiting the pyramidal boss component  86  from rotating with respect to the dovetail shaped base component  86 , and, in turn, with respect to the respective knee-chassis segment  44 ,  46 . Upon loosening of the set screws  107 , it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill that the respective couplings  48 ,  50  will be rotatably and/or slidably adjustable again.  
         [0035]     Therefore, in operation, if the prosthetist wishes to make a rotational and/or translational adjustment of an above-knee or below-knee prosthetic limb component with respect to the knee-chassis component  42  the prosthetist merely needs to loosen the set screws  107  on the pyramid receiver  36  mating with the coupling  48 ,  50 , make the desired rotational and/or translational adjustments, and then merely tighten the set screws  107  again, thereby locking the components from further rotational and/or translational movement. As will be apparent to those of ordinary skill, the exemplary embodiment allows the rotational and/or translational adjustments to be made without requiring the prosthetist to completely de-couple the respective coupling from the above-knee or below-knee prosthetic limb components.  
         [0036]     Thus, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the above exemplary embodiment provides a prosthetic knee-joint assembly that has adjustable pyramid couplings  48 ,  50  integrated into or with the proximal and distal segments  44 ,  46  of the knee-chassis  42  to provide rotational and/or lateral adjustability of the knee-joint assembly with respect to above-knee (“AK”) and/or below-knee (“BK”) prosthetic limb components without significantly increasing the profile (length) of the knee-chassis  42 . Such an invention provides the knee-joint assembly with desired rotational and/or lateral adjustability with respect to AK and/or BK prosthetic limb components while better maintaining a proper knee center with respect to knee disarticulations and long AK amputations. As will also be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the design of the adjustable pyramid couplings  48 ,  50  utilizing the domed members  78  in conjunction with the convex-shaped lower end  112  of the pyramid receiver  36  provides a certain amount of angular adjustability, which is present in the prior art pyramids  30  and receivers  36  discussed above.  
         [0037]     While the couplings  48 ,  50  of the first exemplary embodiment (as well as the remaining exemplary embodiments described below) are described as adjustable pyramids, it will be appreciated by those ordinary skill that it is within the scope of the invention to utilize other types of adjustable couplings (male, female or otherwise) in place of the adjustable pyramid assemblies. For example, it is within the scope of the invention to integrate adjustable pyramid receivers similar to those described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/613,977, filed Jul. 11, 2000, into the knee-chassis segments in place of one or both of the adjustable pyramid assemblies in the exemplary embodiment. Likewise, while the mechanical presses described above in the first exemplary embodiment (as well as the remaining exemplary embodiments described below) work in conjunction with the pyramid receivers  36  to lock the couplings from rotational and slidable adjustment, it is within the scope of the invention to utilize alternate mechanical presses and alternate locking mechanisms to lock the adjustable couplings after they have been adjusted as desired. It is also, within the scope of the invention that the releasable lock for locking the rotational adjustment be separate from the releasable lock for locking slidable adjustment. For example, it is within the scope of the invention to utilize mechanical presses or alternate locking mechanisms similar to those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,033,440 or in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/613,977, filed Jul. 11, 2000. The disclosure of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/613,977, filed Jul. 11, 2000 is incorporated herein by reference.  
         [0038]     Additionally, while the couplings  48 ,  50  of the first exemplary embodiment allow for both rotational and translational adjustments, it is within the scope of the invention to provide couplings that allow fewer degrees of adjustment on either or both of the knee chassis segments  44 ,  46 . For example, the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 6  allows translational and angular adjustments and the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 7  allows rotational and angular adjustments.  
         [0039]     As shown in  FIG. 6 , this alternate exemplary embodiment of a coupling  120  that allows translational and angular adjustments includes a pyramidal boss component  122  slidably seated within a stepped groove  124  extending through the respective knee chassis segment&#39;s planar base  126  such that the pyramidal boss component  122  is slidable with respect to the planar base  126  in a direction moving into and out of the page as illustrated. The pyramidal boss component  122  is maintained on the planar base  126  by a t-shaped fastener  128  having a pair of wings  130  adapted to extend beyond the stepped groove  124  and slide along the bottom surface  132  of the planar base  126  of the respective knee chassis segment. The fastener  128  essentially retains, or integrates the coupling  120  with the respective knee chassis segment. An optional dome component  134  may also be provided on an upper surface  136  of the planar base  126  of the knee chassis segment having an axial channel  138  that allows the pyramidal boss component  122  to extend therethrough. To lock the coupling  120 , thereby restricting it from translational adjustment, the set screws  107  are tightened against the angled surfaces  108  of the frustopyramidal boss  123  of the pyramidal boss component  122  pushing the pyramidal boss component  122  upwardly such that the upper surfaces  140  of the t-shaped fastener  128  press against the lower planar surface  132  of the base  126  of the respective knee chassis segment, thereby frictionally restricting translational sliding of the coupling  120  with respect to the respective knee chassis segment.  
         [0040]     As shown in  FIG. 7 , this alternate exemplary embodiment of a coupling  142  that allows rotational and angular adjustments includes a pyramidal boss component  144  having an annular flange  146  approximate its lower end seated on an annular shoulder  153  provided by an annular projection  148  extending into an axial channel  149 , which extends through the planar base  150 . The lower cylindrical portion  152  of the pyramid boss component  144  extends below the annular shoulder  153  and includes a threaded bore  154  extending into the bottom end of the pyramidal boss component  144  that receives a correspondingly threaded axial projection  156  extending upwardly from a frustoconical bearing component  158  that is positioned within a correspondingly-shaped frustoconical portion  160  of the axial channel  149  extending through the planar base  150 . An optional dome  162  extends from the upper surface of the planar base  150  (the dome can be a separate component or integrated into the planar base as shown in  FIG. 7 ), where the dome  162  includes the axial channel  149  that allows the pyramidal boss component  144  to extend therethrough. To lock the coupling  142 , thereby restricting the pyramidal boss and attached frustoconical component  158  from rotational adjustment, the set screws  107  of the pyramid receiver  36  are tightened against the angled surfaces  108  of the frustopyramidal boss component  144  pushing the pyramidal boss component  144  upwardly such that the outer conical surface  164  of the frustoconical fastener component  158  contacts and presses against the complimentary conical surfaces  160  of the frustoconical portion of the channel  149 , thereby frictionally restricting rotation of the frustopyramidal boss component  144  with respect to the knee-chassis segment  150 .  
         [0041]      FIGS. 8 through 11  show an alternative embodiment of the prosthetic knee-joint assembly that provides a knee disarticulation/low-profile version of the knee-joint assembly described above. This embodiment provides a prosthetic knee-joint assembly having an adjustable pyramid coupler integrated into the distal segment of the knee-joint assembly to provide rotational and/or lateral adjustability of the knee-joint assembly with respect to the above-knee (“AK”) and/or below-knee (“BK”) prosthetic limb components without significantly increasing the profile (length) of the knee-joint assembly. The invention provides the knee-joint assembly with the desired rotational and/or lateral adjustability with respect to BK prosthetic limb components while better maintaining a proper knee center with respect to knee disarticulations and long AK amputations.  
         [0042]      FIG. 8  shows an exploded view of this alternative embodiment of the knee joint. The knee joint chassis  200  shares many general features and attributes with the embodiments described above, and so the differences therefrom will be described here. The top plate or yoke member  202  is specifically designed to be lower in profile than the other embodiments described above, and to provide an optimum bolt connection with the patient&#39;s residual limb socket.  FIG. 9  shows a closer view of the top plate  202 , which includes holes  204  into which bolts can be inserted to join the top plate  202  to a residual limb socket. This design allows the top plate  202  to be bolted directly to the residual limb socket&#39;s attachment plate, without the need for a pyramid-type assembly and other prosthetic components between the top plate  202  and the residual limb socket. The top plate  202  depicted in  FIGS. 8 and 9  reduces the profile of the knee joint chassis and is adapted to be used in conjunction with a low profile residual limb socket attachment plate, providing further potential reductions in total height. The decreased distance between the top plate  202  of the knee joint chassis  200  and the patient&#39;s prosthetic limb socket allows the knee joint to be used with a wider variety of patients, including patients of relatively shorter height and patients with relatively longer residual limbs.  
         [0043]     As shown in  FIG. 8 , the lower, upright component  206  (that is pivotally joined to the top plate/yoke component  202 ) includes indicia  208  for marking the extent and/or direction of lateral adjustments for the distal pyramid coupling component  210 , which includes a pyramidal boss component  212  and a dome component  214 . The dome component  214  also includes indicia  216  for indicating the extent and/or direction of rotational adjustments of the pyramid coupler  210  with respect to the indicia  208  on the lower chassis component  206 .  
         [0044]     As depicted in  FIG. 8 , the pyramid coupler  210  is joined to the lower chassis component  206  by a bolt  218 , which fits through an opening in a wedge component  222  and secures the pyramidal boss component  212 .  FIG. 11  shows a close-up, transparent view of the wedge component  222 . The inner surface  224  of the wedge component  222 , which is adapted to receive the head  220  of the bolt  218 , is textured with plurality of radial grooves. This textured surface  224  provides added friction to grip the head  220  of the attachment bolt  218  when rotational adjustments are locked by attachment of a pyramid receiver component to the pyramid coupling  210 .  
         [0045]     Following from the above detailed description, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that, while the apparatuses and processes herein described constitute exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it is understood that the invention is not limited to these precise apparatuses and processes and that changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed or as illustrated by the various aspects of the present invention set forth in the summary. Additionally, it is to be understood that the invention is defined by the claims and it is not intended that any limitations or elements describing the exemplary embodiments set forth herein are to be incorporated into the meanings of the claims unless such limitations or elements are explicitly listed in the claims. Likewise, it is to be understood that it is not necessary to meet any or all of the identified advantages or objects of the invention disclosed herein in order to fall within the scope of any claims, since the invention is defined by the claims and since inherent and/or unforeseen advantages of the present invention may exist even though they may not have been explicitly discussed herein.