Patent Publication Number: US-2019192314-A1

Title: Compression heel prosthetic foot

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/726,712, filed Oct. 6, 2017, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/407,954, filed Oct. 13, 2016, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/451,870, filed Jan. 30, 2017, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/539,743, filed Aug. 1, 2017; and is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/976,129, filed Dec. 21, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/731,818, filed Jun. 5, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/568,535, filed on Aug. 7, 2012; and this application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/726,712, filed Oct. 6, 2017, which is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/976,129, filed Dec. 21, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/731,818, filed Jun. 5, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/568,535, filed on Aug. 7, 2012, which is a continuation-in-part of International Application No. PCT/US11/33319, filed on Apr. 20, 2011, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/799,215, filed on Apr. 20, 2010, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/901,845, filed on Sep. 19, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No 8,048,173; and this application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/726,712, filed Oct. 6, 2017, which is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/976,129, filed Dec. 21, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/568,535, filed on Aug. 7, 2012, which is a continuation-in-part of International Application No. PCT/US11/33319, filed on Apr. 20, 2011, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/799,215, filed on Apr. 20, 2010, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/901,845, filed on Sep. 19, 2007, now U.S. Patent No  8 , 048 , 173 ; and this application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/731,771, filed Jun. 5, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/642,501, filed on Nov. 27, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,078,773, which is a 371 national phase application of International Application No. PCT/US11/33319, filed on Apr. 20, 2011, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/799,215, filed on Apr. 20, 2010, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/901,845, filed on Sep. 19, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,048,173 and incorporates the disclosure of all such applications by reference, and this application incorporates the disclosure of all such applications by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention pertains to prosthetic devices. More particularly, the invention pertains to a prosthetic foot and mounting bracket for a prosthetic foot that, when utilized by an amputee, better replicates the action of a real foot and reduces the risk of injury to the amputee. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Prosthetic feet are well known in the art. In use, such prosthetic feet typically do not replicate the action of a real foot and can generate “kickback” or “kickforward” reactions that increase the risk of injury to an amputee utilizing the foot. Kickback is motion created by the prosthetic foot in a backward direction during the walking cycle. Kickforward is motion created by the prosthetic foot in a forward direction during the walking cycle. Either motion may create instability for the user if expanding or restricting the intended motion. Further, many prior art prosthetic feet generate vibrations that can travel through a user&#39;s leg and cause discomfort. 
     For an amputee, losing bipedality may produce an involuntary anterior lean or shift, forcing a constant imbalance or rebalance of posture. The amputee no longer possesses voluntary muscle control on his involved side due to the severance of the primary flexor and extensor muscles. The primary anterior muscle responsible for dorsiflexion (sagittal plane motion) is the anterior tibialis. Dorsiflexion is the voluntary ankle motion that elevates the foot upwards, or towards the midline of the body. The primary posterior muscle responsible for plantarflexion is the gastro-soleus complex. It is a combination of two muscles working in conjunction: the gastrocnemius and the soleus. Plantarflexion is the voluntary ankle motion that depresses the foot downwards, or away from the midline of the body. Therefore, it is desirable to have a prosthetic foot configured to promote increased muscle activity and promote increased stability for amputees, and it is desirable to provide an improved prosthetic foot which would better replicate the action of a true foot. Furthermore, it is desirable to provide an improved prosthetic foot which minimizes or eliminates “kickback” forces when the foot is utilized to walk over a door jamb or other raised profile object on a floor or on the ground, as well as reduce vibrations. 
     In use, such prosthetic feet are typically mounted to either an above knee amputation or a below knee amputation and are designed to mimic the natural gait of a user. Depending on the type of amputation, different types of mounting systems may be utilized. For example, if the amputation is above the knee, various suspension systems may be utilized in conjunction with the prosthetic foot to enhance the feel, fit, and function. An above the knee amputation allows for multiple options as there is significant space between the residual limb and the prosthetic foot. With a below the knee amputation, depending on the location, there may be less space between the user&#39;s residual limb and the prosthetic foot thereby allowing for different attachment configurations for the prosthetic foot. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An exemplary mounting bracket for a prosthetic foot may comprise an upper member, a lower member, and a compression torsion joint connecting the upper member to the lower member. The upper member may be configured for attachment to a user&#39;s residual limb. The lower member may be configured to attach to the prosthetic foot. 
     Furthermore, in another embodiment, a prosthetic foot may comprise a resilient bottom member having a first bottom end and a second bottom end, a resilient top member having a first top end and a second top end, wherein the first top end is connected to the first bottom end of the resilient bottom member, and wherein the resilient top member is connected to a mounting bracket and positioned over the resilient bottom member and directed towards the back of the prosthetic foot, and a toe pad. The toe pad can comprise at least one spacer coupled to, and creating space between, the first bottom end of the bottom member and the first top end of the top member, and an adhesive bonding the first bottom end of the bottom member and the first top end of the top member, wherein the adhesive is commingled with the at least one spacer between the first bottom end and the first top end. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, appending claims, and accompanying drawings where: 
         FIG. 1A and 1B  are perspective views illustrating a prosthetic foot constructed in accordance with various embodiments; 
         FIG. 2  is a rear view further illustrating the prosthetic foot of  FIG. 1A and 1B ; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view further illustrating the prosthetic foot of  FIG. 1A and 1B ; 
         FIG. 4A and 4B  are perspective views illustrating a prosthetic foot comprising a toe wrap; 
         FIG. 5A-5C  are side views illustrating various embodiments of a damper bar configuration; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view illustrating an exemplary prosthetic foot for use by an above-knee amputee; 
         FIG. 7  is a side view illustrating an exemplary prosthetic foot for use by a below-knee amputee; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view representatively illustrating a mounting bracket on a prosthetic foot in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present technology; 
         FIG. 9  is a side view representatively illustrating the mounting bracket on a prosthetic foot in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present technology; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view representatively illustrating the mounting bracket in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present technology; 
         FIG. 11A  is a perspective view representatively illustrating an upper member of the mounting bracket in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present technology; 
         FIG. 11B  is a side view representatively illustrating the upper member of the mounting bracket in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present technology; 
         FIG. 11C  is a bottom view representatively illustrating the upper member of the mounting bracket in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present technology; 
         FIG. 12A  is a side view representatively illustrating a lower member of the mounting bracket in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present technology; 
         FIG. 12B  is a perspective view representatively illustrating the lower member of the mounting bracket in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present technology; 
         FIG. 13  is a top view representatively illustrating the lower member of the mounting bracket in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present technology; 
         FIG. 14A  is a top view representatively illustrating the mounting bracket in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present technology; 
         FIG. 14B  is a partial, side, cross-section view taken along the line A-A in  FIG. 14A  representatively illustrating the mounting bracket in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present technology; 
         FIG. 15  is a partial, side, cross-section view taken along the line B-B in  FIG. 14A  representatively illustrating the mounting bracket in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present technology; 
         FIG. 16  is a partial, exploded, side, cross-section view taken along the line A-A in  FIG. 14A  representatively illustrating the mounting bracket in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present technology; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view representatively illustrating the lower member of the mounting bracket with a compression collar and a compression/torsion bumper in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present technology; 
         FIG. 18  is a top view representatively illustrating lower member of the mounting bracket with a compression collar and a compression/torsion bumper in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present technology; 
         FIG. 19  is an exploded, perspective view representatively illustrating the mounting bracket of  FIG. 10  in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present technology; 
         FIG. 20A  is a top, partially assembled, lower member view representatively illustrating portions of the mounting bracket in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present technology; 
         FIG. 20B  is a partial, side, cross-section view taken along the line A-A in  FIG. 20A  representatively illustrating portions of the mounting bracket in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present technology; 
         FIG. 21  is a partial, exploded side, cross-section view taken along the line A-A in  FIG. 20A  representatively illustrating portions of the mounting bracket in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present technology 
         FIG. 22A  is a perspective view representatively illustrating an elastomeric ring of the mounting bracket in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present technology; 
         FIG. 22B  is a top view representatively illustrating the elastomeric ring of the mounting bracket in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present technology; 
         FIG. 23A  is a perspective view representatively illustrating a bumper of the mounting bracket in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present technology; 
         FIG. 23B  is a top view representatively illustrating the bumper of the mounting bracket in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present technology; 
         FIG. 23C  is a top view representatively illustrating the bumper of the mounting bracket in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present technology; 
         FIG. 24A  is a perspective view representatively illustrating a compression collar of the mounting bracket in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present technology; 
         FIG. 24B  is a top view representatively illustrating the compression collar of the mounting bracket in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present technology; 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view a sleeve of the mounting bracket in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present technology 
         FIG. 26A  is a perspective view representatively illustrating a cap of the mounting bracket in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present technology; 
         FIG. 26B  is a side view representatively illustrating the cap of the mounting bracket in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present technology; 
         FIG. 26C  is a bottom view representatively illustrating the cap of the mounting bracket in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present technology; 
         FIG. 27A  is a perspective view representatively illustrating a mating post of the mounting bracket in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present technology; 
         FIG. 27B  is a side view representatively illustrating the mating post of the mounting bracket in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present technology; 
         FIG. 28A  is a perspective view representatively illustrating a pin of the mounting bracket in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present technology; 
         FIG. 28B  is a side view representatively illustrating the pin of the mounting bracket in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present technology; 
         FIG. 29  is a perspective view representatively illustrating an additional embodiment of a lower member of the mounting bracket in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present technology; 
         FIG. 30  is a bottom view representatively illustrating an additional embodiment of an upper member of the mounting bracket in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present technology; 
         FIG. 31  is a side view representatively illustrating an additional embodiment of the upper member of the mounting bracket in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present technology; 
         FIG. 32  is a perspective view representatively illustrating an additional embodiment of a lower member of the mounting bracket in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present technology; 
         FIG. 33  is an exploded, perspective view representatively illustrating an additional embodiment of the mounting bracket with an additional embodiment of a compression torsion joint in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present technology; 
         FIG. 34  is a perspective view of the lower member of the mounting bracket with new components for the compression torsion joint of  FIG. 33  in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present technology; 
         FIG. 35  is a side view of the mounting bracket of  FIG. 33 ; 
         FIG. 36  is a top, cross-section view taken along the line A-A in  FIG. 35  representatively illustrating portions of the mounting bracket in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present technology; 
         FIG. 37  is a partial, side, cross-section view taken along the line B-B in  FIG. 35  representatively illustrating portions of the mounting bracket in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present technology; 
         FIG. 38  is a top view of the mounting bracket of  FIG. 33  in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present technology; 
         FIG. 39  is a side, cross-section view taken along the line C-C in  FIG. 38  representatively illustrating portions of the mounting bracket in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present technology; 
         FIG. 40A  is a front view of a crescent rotation inhibitor in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present technology; and 
         FIG. 40B  is a side view of the rotation inhibitor in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present technology. 
     
    
    
     Elements and steps in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence. For example, steps that may be performed concurrently or in a different order are illustrated in the figures to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present technology. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     The present technology may be described in terms of functional block components and various processing steps. Such functional blocks may be realized by any number of components configured to perform the specified functions and achieve the various results. For example, the present technology may be used with a prosthetic foot for various amputation types (above knee, below knee, etc.). In addition, the present technology may be practiced in conjunction with any number of materials and methods of manufacture and the system described is merely one exemplary application for the technology. 
     While exemplary embodiments are described herein in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that logical structural, material, and mechanical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the following descriptions are not intended as a limitation on the use or applicability of the invention, but instead, are provided merely to enable a full and complete description of exemplary embodiments. 
     Briefly, in accordance with exemplary embodiments, a prosthetic foot has improvements over a prior art prosthetic foot in that a more natural motion and response of the foot occurs during movement. In particular, the movement of the exemplary prosthetic foot replicates the natural flex of a foot and supplies continuous energy to a person when striding from heel to toe. 
     Briefly, in accordance with exemplary embodiments, a mounting bracket for a prosthetic foot is illustrated, which comprises a more natural motion and response during movement. In particular, the movement of the mounting bracket may replicate the natural movement of a foot, provide vertical shock absorption and allow for torsional rotation. 
     A typical prosthetic foot stores energy during the gait cycle and transfers the return potential energy in order to “put a spring in your step.” The roll through of a prosthetic foot is defined in the gait cycle as the process from the heel-strike phase to the mid-stance phase to the toe-off phase. The heel-strike phase begins when the heel of the foot touches the ground, and includes the loading response on the foot. The mid-stance phase is when the foot is flat on the ground and the body&#39;s center of gravity is over the foot. The toe-off phase is the finish of the stance phase and ends when the tip of the foot is the only portion in contact with the ground, and the load is entirely on the toe. This is just prior to the swing phase, which constitutes the other half of the gait cycle. 
     As the user moves through the stance phase portion of the gait cycle the tibia portion of the leg, or that section of the leg defined below the knee, rotates through in relation to the ground. If the mid-stance phase is defined as the lower leg at 90 degrees to the ground, then looking at the side view of an individual, the angle of the lower leg at the heel-strike phase may occur at approximately 65 degrees and the angle of the lower leg at the toe-off phase may occur at approximately 110 degrees. The rotation of the lower leg on the theoretical ankle is notated as tibial progression or lower leg progression during the stance phase. The mounting bracket provides vertical shock absorption though the gait cycle and while standing and further allows for torsional rotation. 
     In accordance with various embodiments and with reference to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , a prosthetic foot  100  comprises a resilient bottom member  110 , a resilient top member  120 , a connection point  130  attached to the top member  120  and configured for attachment to a user, and a bumper member  140 . The resilient bottom member  110  may have an anterior bottom end  111  and a posterior bottom end  112 . The resilient top member  120  may have an anterior top end  121  and a posterior top end  122 . Further, the anterior top end  121  of the resilient top member  120  can be connected to the anterior bottom end  111  of the resilient bottom member  110 , while the resilient top member  120  can be positioned over the resilient bottom member  120  and directed towards the posterior of the prosthetic foot  100 . 
     Further, in various embodiments, prosthetic foot  100  also comprises an elastomeric bumper member  140  having a tapered surface configured to contact the resilient bottom member  110  and attached to an underside of the posterior top end  122  of the resilient top member  120 . The bumper member  140  can be vertically oriented with respect to the prosthetic foot  100 . The bumper member  140  can act as a heel shock for absorbing force on the downward strike during the user&#39;s stride. 
     In various embodiments, the bumper member  140  can be made from an elastomeric material. In one embodiment, the elastomeric material has about 80% or greater energy return. In another embodiment, the elastomeric material has about 90% or greater energy return. The bumper member  140  can be designed to behave similar to a non-linear spring, thereby allowing larger deflection of the posterior toe and  122  during the heel strike. The progressive “spring rate” may lead to a soft heel strike but does not deflect too far as the bumper member  140  compresses. One benefit of the bumper  140  is being relatively lightweight in comparison to a prosthetic foot with coiled springs. 
     The bumper member  140  can be located posterior to vertical axis of the connection point  130 . The bumper member  140  can be attached to the underside of the top member  120  in various manners. For example and with reference to  FIG. 2 , the bumper member  140  can be fixedly attached using adhesive or fasteners, such as screws. In another example, the bumper member  140  may be detachable using fasteners for replacement purposes. Moreover, in other embodiments, the bumper member  140  can be attached to various locations on the underside of the top member  120  or topside of the bottom member  110 . In various embodiments, the prosthetic foot  100  in a static mode has a gap between the bumper member  140  and the bottom member  110 . For example, a gap of about  1 / 10  inch may be present between the bumper member  140  and the bottom member  110 . In other various methods, the bumper member  140  can be in contact with both the top member  120  and the bottom member  110  when the prosthetic foot  100  is in a static position. The lack of a gap results in the bumper member  140  being continuously compressed during the gait cycle, though the bumper member  140  is a compression member and not a tension member since the bumper member  140  is only attached to either the top member  120  or the bottom member  110 . The bumper member  140  not being attached to the other of the top member  120  or the bottom member  110  provides flexibility during the gait cycle of the prosthetic foot  100  to more closely mimic a natural foot/ankle system. Connecting the bumper member  140  to both the resilient top and bottom members  120 ,  110  creates almost a triangle structure, which is very stiff. 
     The bumper member  140  can be in many shapes. In various embodiments, the detached portion of the bumper member  140  may have a conical, rectangular, or pyramid shape. The tapered surface of the bumper member  140  can terminate in an apex or hemispherical shape, and the apex can be configured to contact the bottom member  110  in response to deflection of the prosthetic foot  100 . Moreover, in various embodiments, the bumper member  140  can terminate in multiple points. The tapered bumper member  140  facilitates a damping of vibration and sound generated during heel strike or release. Furthermore, in various embodiments the extruding portion of the bumper member  140  may be any shape that is non-flat surface. Further, a non-flat surface enhances lateral flexibility if the heel strike is not vertical. 
     The prosthetic foot  100  can be adjusted to accommodate a user in part by adjusting characteristics of the bumper member  140 . For example, in various embodiments, the durometer of the bumper member  140  can be increased for users with more heel strike force, which may be caused by additional weight or dynamic activity. A heavier user may be better-suited using a bumper member with a large cross-sectional area compared to a lighter user using a bumper member with a small cross-sectional area. 
     In accordance with various embodiments and with reference to  FIG. 3 , a prosthetic foot  300  comprises a resilient bottom member  310 , a resilient top member  320 , a connection point  330  attached to the top member and configured for attachment to a user, and a toe pad  350  coupled to the top surface of the bottom member  310  at a first bottom end and coupled to the bottom surface of the top member  320  at a first top end. Also, in various embodiments, prosthetic foot  300  may further comprise a bumper member  340 . In various embodiments, the toe pad  350  comprises at least one spacer and an adhesive bonding the top surface of the bottom member  310  and the bottom surface of the top member  320 . For example, the anterior quarter of the bottom member  310  can be adhesively connected to the top member  320 . In various embodiments, adhesive can be used to connect 23-27% of the top surface area of the bottom member  310  to the top member  320 . Further, in various embodiments, adhesive can be used to connect approximately ⅓ of the top surface area of the bottom member  310  to the top member  320 . 
     In various embodiments, the toe pad  350  has approximately constant thickness. In other various embodiments, the toe pad  350  can have a thickness that tapers towards the front edge of the prosthetic foot  300 . In other words, the toe pad  350  closer to the heel can be thicker than the toe pad  350  closer to the toe. Further, the adhesive bonding of the toe pad  350  can produce distributed stresses. In accordance with various embodiments, the adhesive can have a higher modulus of elasticity in contrast to the elastomer of the toe pad. Though other modulus values are contemplated, and various moduli may be used as well, a stiffer adhesive is preferred compared to a flexible adhesive. 
     The spacer of the toe pad  350  creates a space between the top surface of the bottom member  310  and the bottom surface of the top member  320 . The adhesive can be commingled with the spacer between the top surface of the bottom member  310  and the toe pad  350  and also between the bottom surface of the top member  320  and the toe pad  350 . In various embodiments, the space created by the spacer can be non-compressed space for the placement of the adhesive. In other words, the spacer can create a void between the top member  320  and the bottom member  310  and the void can be filled with the adhesive for bonding. The inclusion of the toe pad  350  may reduce the stress applied to the adhesive bond during the gait cycle. In various embodiments, the spacer can be elastomeric stand-offs, such as dots, ribs, or other patterns to create the desired spacing. Moreover, in various embodiments, the spacer is a single piece of connected stand-offs. The single piece spacer facilitates easier alignment during the manufacturing process and can provide a more uniform stand-off pattern compared to multiple stand-off spacers. 
     The toe pad  350  can also comprise an adhesive composite with spacers. In various embodiments of the prosthetic foot  300 , the spacer is an aggregate material combined with the adhesive to form the adhesive composite. In various embodiments, the adhesive composite includes adhesive and microspheres. The microspheres can create the spacing between the top and bottom members  320 ,  310 . 
     Additionally, in various embodiments and with reference to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , a prosthetic foot  400  can comprise a bottom member  410 , a top member  420 , a toe pad  450 , and a toe wrap  460  bonded around the top and bottom of the bonded bottom and top members  410 ,  420 . The toe wrap  460  can be made out of a fiber material. The toe wrap material can also be a fiber weave with an elastomeric material. For example, the toe wrap can be a Kevlar or nylon material belt that is approximately less than a 1/10 th  of an inch in thickness. The toe wrap  460  can be configured to provide a secondary hold in case the adhesive bond of the toe pad  450  between the top and bottom members breaks. Also, the toe wrap  460  can strengthen the attachment between the bottom and top members  410 ,  420  during tension. 
     Moreover, in various embodiments and with renewed reference to  FIG. 3 , the prosthetic foot  300  can further comprise a damper bar  351  configured to attach to an underside of the resilient top member  320  and contact the resilient bottom member  310 . The damper bar  351  can be configured to arrest the upward motion of bottom member  310  after toe off and also arrest the rotational energy during the gait cycle. The arrested motion creates a slower velocity and less motion at the point of contact of the damper bar  351 . Without the damper bar, the bottom member  310  may slap against the bumper member  340  during the stride, resulting in vibration traveling up the leg of the user. 
     In various embodiments, the damper bar  351  can be located near the posterior edge of the toe pad  350 . As an example, the damper bar  351  can be spaced ½ inch away from the posterior edge of the toe pad  350 . In another example, the damper bar  351  can be located in the anterior portion of the bottom member  310 . Further, the damper bar  351  can be approximately a ½ inch long, with the length measured from anterior to posterior of the bottom member  310 . In various embodiments, the width of the damper bar  351  can be as wide as the attached top member  320 . However, the damper bar  351  may also be less than the full width of the attached top member  320 . Furthermore, in various embodiments, the contacting surface of the damper bar  351  can be flat. In alternative embodiments, the contacting surface of the damper bar  351  can be tapered to an apex. The contacting surface can be configured to reduce vibration and sounds caused from the contact of the non-connected bottom member  310  with the damper bar  351  during the gait cycle. Furthermore, in various embodiments, the contacting surface of the damper bar  351  can be various shapes other than flat, such as a preloaded taper. 
     In various embodiments, the damper bar  351  is connected to the toe pad  350 , or is formed as part of the toe pad  350 . One advantage of having the toe pad  350  and damper bar  351  as a single piece is for easier alignment during manufacturing of the prosthetic foot  300 . 
     The damper bar  351  can be minimally load-bearing, whereas the bumper member  340  can be the primary load-bearing component. In various embodiments, the bumper member  340  can be located about four to five times farther back from the fulcrum point of the toe pad  350  in comparison to the damper bar  351 . Furthermore, in various embodiments and with reference to  FIGS. 5A-5C , a damper bar can be attached to the prosthetic foot in various configurations. For example,  FIG. 5A  illustrates a damper bar  551  attached to a top member  520 , whereas  FIG. 5B  illustrates a damper bar  551  attached to a bottom member  510 . In another example,  FIG. 5C  illustrates a damper bar  551  attached to both the bottom member  510  and the top member  520 , where the damper bar  551  is divided such that the top and bottom member may separate and still arrest motion of the prosthetic foot. 
     Moreover and with renewed reference to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the top member  120 , bottom member  110 , and bumper member  140  transfer energy between themselves in a natural, true foot manner. The loading response during the heel strike phase compresses bumper member  140  and top member  120 , which in turn passes energy into, and causes a deflection of, a rear portion of bottom member  110 . Energy is transferred towards the front of prosthetic foot  100  during the mid-stance phase. Furthermore, an upward deflection of at least one of bottom member  110  and top member  120  stores energy during the transition from the mid-stance phase to the toe-off phase of the gait cycle. In an exemplary embodiment, about 90% or more of the heel strike loading energy is stored and transferred to top member  120  for assisting the toe-off phase. In another exemplary embodiment, about 95% or more of the heel strike loading energy is stored and transferred to top member  120  for assisting the toe-off phase. In yet another exemplary embodiment, about 98% or more of the heel strike loading energy is stored and transferred to top member  120  for assisting the toe-off phase. Prosthetic foot  100  may be designed to release the stored energy during the toe-off phase and assist in propelling the user in a forward direction. 
     In an exemplary embodiment and with renewed reference to  FIG. 3 , resilient bottom member  310  includes a bottom surface  313  and an upper surface  314 . Resilient bumper member  340  includes a contact surface  341 . When prosthetic foot  300  is compressed, resilient top member  320  and bumper member  340  are compressed and displaced downwardly toward resilient bottom member  310 . 
     With respect to the walking motion, the prosthetic foot is configured to increase the surface-to-foot contact through the gait cycle. The increased surface contact allows for a smoother gait cycle, and increases stability in comparison to the typical prior art prosthetics. In exemplary embodiments, the underside of bottom member has different contours that provide increased surface contact for different types of uses. 
     The bottom member of the prosthetic foot can have various shapes depending on desired use. The desired use may include prosthetic feet for above-knee amputees or prosthetic feet for below-knee amputees. In various embodiments and with reference to  FIG. 6 , a prosthetic foot  600  for above-knee amputees comprises a bottom member  610  having a curved bottom with no inflection point. In various embodiments, the bottom member  610  has a constant arc due to single radius forming the partial curve of the bottom member. In other various embodiments, the curve of the bottom member  610  can be designed as a spline of variable radii. The curve of bottom member  610  in above-knee prosthetic foot  600  facilitates keeping an artificial knee stable because the forces substantially restrict the knee from bending. The curved bottom member  610  enables a rocking motion even if the artificial knee is hyper-extended. 
     Similarly, in various embodiments and with reference to  FIG. 7 , a prosthetic foot  700  for below-knee amputees comprises a bottom member  710  having a partially curved portion in the anterior of the bottom member  710  and a substantially linear portion in the posterior portion of the bottom member  710 . Similar to above-knee prosthetic foot  600 , the anterior portion of bottom member  710  can have a constant arc due to single radius forming the partial curve. In various embodiments, the anterior portion of bottom member  710  can have a curve designed as a spline of variable radii. In accordance with various embodiments, the posterior portion of bottom member  710  can be substantially straight and tangent to the anterior portion such that bottom member  710  does not have an inflection point. A straight posterior portion and a curved anterior portion of bottom member  710  in below-knee prosthetic foot  700  facilitates rotation of the tibia progressing the natural rotation of the knee forward and preventing hyper-extension of the knee. 
     In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, resilient members  110 ,  120  are made of glass fiber composite. The glass fiber composite may be a glass reinforced unidirectional fiber composite. In one embodiment, the fiber composite material is made of multiple layers of unidirectional fibers and resin to produce a strong and flexible material. The fibers may be glass fibers or carbon fibers. Specifically, layers of fiber are impregnated with the resin, and a glass reinforcement layer can be positioned between at least two fiber weave layers. Typically, several layers of the unidirectional fibers or tape are layered together to achieve the desired strength and flexibility. Further, in various embodiments the layers of unidirectional fibers or tape can be oriented at various angles. In accordance with various embodiments and with reference to  FIGS. 8-10 , the connection point  130  may comprise a mounting bracket  800 . The mounting bracket  800  may be attached to the top member  120  and configured for attachment to a user. In various embodiments, the mounting bracket  800  may comprise an upper member  802 , a lower member  804 , and a compression torsion joint  806 . The upper member  802  may be configured for attachment to a user&#39;s residual limb. The lower member  804  may be configured to attach to a prosthetic foot. In one embodiment the lower member  804  is coupled to the prosthetic foot  100 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11A-C , in various embodiments, the upper member  802  may comprise mounting portion  808  and an upper flange  810 . The mounting portion  808  may be configured to attach to a user&#39;s residual limb. The mounting portion  808  may comprise a spherical dome  812  and an attachment portion  814 , which is a standard male pyramid adapter used in the prosthetic industry. The pyramid adapter may be coupled with a standard receiver used in the practice of prosthetics, for example, a Staats style attachment, which is commonly known in the prosthetic industry. The attachment portion  814  may use a standard receiver adapter, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. According to various embodiments the attachment portion  814  may facilitate attachment to the residual limb of the user. The attachment portion  814  may comprise a centerline that is aligned with the weight line of the user. 
     The spherical dome  812  may be located on an upper surface  816  of the upper flange  810 . 
     In various embodiments, the upper flange  810  may comprise a downwardly depending lip  818  around its perimeter and a lower surface  820  with a channel  822  contained therein. In various embodiments, the lower surface  820  of the upper flange  810  may comprise a recess  824 . In one embodiment, the recess  824  may comprise a crescent-shaped recess  824 . 
     In various embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 14B, 16, 19, 27A, and 27B  the upper member  802  may also comprise a mating post  826 . The mating post  826  may comprise a cylindrical collar  828  depending downwardly from the lower surface  820  of the upper flange  810 . In various embodiments the mating post  826  may be removable. An upper portion  830  of the mating post  826  may be coupled to the upper member  802  within a recess  832  by any known method, such as screw fit, pressed, and the like. In one embodiment the mating post  826  may be coupled to the upper member  802  by a threaded connection. The mating post  826  may comprise threads (not shown) on the upper portion  830  of the cylindrical collar  828  that are received by threads (not shown) within the recess  832  in the upper member  802 . The mating post  826  may further comprise at least one recess  834  on the perimeter of the cylindrical collar  828  that may receive O-rings (not shown). The O-rings serve to fill the clearance between the outer diameter of mating post  826  and the inner diameter of sleeve  902  to provide smooth, and silent action between relatively moving components. In one embodiment, the mating post  826  comprises at least one recess  836  on the perimeter of the cylindrical collar  828  that may receive grease or another lubricant during assembly. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 12-13 , in various embodiments, the lower member  804  may comprise a mounting portion  840 , a lower flange  842 , and a mating portion  844 . The mounting portion  840  may be located at a rear edge of the lower flange  842 . The mounting portion  840  may comprise at least one threaded aperture  846  used to couple the mounting bracket  800  to the prosthetic foot  100 . (See  FIGS. 8 and 9 ) In one embodiment, the mounting portion  840  comprises  3  threaded apertures  846  which receive bolts  864  to couple the mounting bracket  800  to the prosthetic foot  100 . 
     In various embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 9 , an upper end  862  of the prosthetic foot  100  may be connected to the mounting portion  840  of the lower member  804  via mechanical connection whereby fasteners  864  are received within apertures (not shown) residing in the upper end  862  of the prosthetic foot  100  and the mounting portion  840  of lower member  804 . While a bolted connection is shown any mechanical connection may be contemplated, such as screws, rivets, and the like. The bolted connection materials may comprise Titanium or any other suitable material. Other types of material may comprise mild steel, alloy steel, high strength stainless steel such as 13-8, and alloy aluminum such as the 2000 and 7000 series. 
     The mating portion  844  of the lower member  804  may comprise an upper collar  848  and a lower collar  850 . The upper collar  848  depends upwardly from an upper surface  852  of the lower flange  842  while the lower collar  850  depends downwardly from a lower surface  854  of the lower flange  842 . As shown in  FIGS. 12A-B  and  14 B, the upper and lower collars  848 ,  850  of the mating portion  844  combine to receive the cylindrical collar  828  of the mating post  826  of the upper member  802  when the upper and lower members  802 ,  804  are connected. As shown in  FIGS. 12A, 12B, 13 and 15 , the upper surface  852  of the lower flange  842  may comprise a recessed channel  856  and a lip  858  surrounding a portion of the perimeter. 
     In various embodiments, the lower member  804  may comprise a pair of stops  860 . The stops  860  serve to limit rotation of the upper member  802  with respect to the lower member  804  during use as will be discussed in detail below. 
     In another embodiment, shown in  FIG. 32 , a lower member  934  is provided without any stops. In this embodiment, the bumper  868  may function as a compression bumper and not a torsion bumper. The remainder of the lower member  934  is similar to lower member  804 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 9, 10, 16 and 19  in various embodiments, the compression torsion joint  806  may comprise an elastomeric ring  866 . In various embodiments, the compression torsion joint  806  may comprise a bumper  868 . In various embodiments, the compression torsion joint  806  may comprise a compression collar  870 . In one embodiment, the compression torsion joint  806  may comprise a combination of the elastomeric ring  866 , the bumper  868 , and the compression collar  870 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 19, 22A and 22B , the elastomeric ring  866  may comprise a wall  872  with inner  874 , outer  876 , upper  878 , and lower  880  surfaces. In one embodiment, shown in  FIGS. 22A and 22B , the inner surface  874  of the wall  872  comprises a substantially smooth surface. In one embodiment, the inner surface  874  may comprise a ridged surface, a surface with raised portions, and or a wall with varying thickness. In one embodiment, the inner and outer surfaces  874 ,  876  may be curved from the upper  878  to lower surface  880 , and/or convex with respect to the center of the elastomeric ring  866 . In one embodiment, the outer surface  876  may be curved, and/or convex with respect to the center of the elastomeric ring  866 . Referring now to  FIGS. 11C, 13, 15, and 22A  the upper surface  878  of the elastomeric ring  866  may be received in the channel  822  in the upper flange  810  in the upper member  802 . The outer surface  876  generally abuts the lip  818  of the upper flange  810  of the upper member  802 . The lower surface  880  of the elastomeric ring  866  may be received in the channel  856  in the lower flange  842  in the lower member  804 . The outer surface  876  generally abuts the lip  858  of the lower flange  842  of the lower member  804 . 
     In one embodiment, shown in  FIGS. 17, 19, and 23A -C, the compression torsion joint  806  may comprise a bumper  868 . In one embodiment, the bumper  868  may comprise a compression/torsion bumper. In another embodiment, the bumper  868  may comprise a compression bumper. The bumper  868  may be crescent shaped and received within the crescent-shaped recess  824  of the upper flange  810  of the lower member  804  (See  FIG. 11C ). An upper surface  881  of the bumper  868  may be received in and bonded within the crescent-shaped recess  824  in the manner described below with respect to the elastomeric ring  866 . In use, a lower surface  882  of the bumper  868  will contact the upper surface  852  of the lower flange  842  thereby only allowing a limited amount of vertical movement of the upper member  802  with respect to the lower member  804  (See  FIGS. 12A-B ). The bumper  868  limits the vertical movement while the elastomeric ring  866  provides vertical shock absorption during the gate cycle and while standing. In one embodiment, the  868  may comprise a pair of holes  883  that receive pins  884  (See  FIGS. 28A-B ). The pins  884  may comprise at least partially threaded shafts that are received in a pair of threaded holes  886  within the upper member  802 . In one embodiment, the stops  860  in conjunction with the bumper  868  and the pins  884  serve to limit the torsional rotation of the upper member  802  with respect to the lower member  804  during use. When used in combination with the stops  860 , the bumper  868  is a compression/torsion bumper. In the embodiment discussed above, where the stops are absent from the lower member, the bumper  868  may function as a compression bumper and not a torsion bumper. 
     In various embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 17, 19, and 24  and a compression collar  870  may be received on the cylindrical collar  826  and abut the lower surface  820  of the upper flange  810 . In one embodiment, when assembled, a gap may exist between the lower surface of the compression collar  870  and an upper surface of the upper collar  848 . A gap may also exist between a lower surface of bumper  868  and the upper surface of the lower flange  842 . In another embodiment, when assembled, the lower surface of the compression collar  870  may abut an upper surface of the upper collar  848 . 
     In another embodiment, referring to  FIG. 29 , a lower member  924  is shown having a crescent-shaped recess  926 . The lower surface  882  of the bumper  868  may be received in and bonded within the crescent-shaped recess  926  in the manner described below with respect to the bonding of the elastomeric ring  866 . Referring to  FIGS. 30 and 31 , in one embodiment, an upper member  930  is shown comprising a pair of stops  932  and channel  822 . In this embodiment, the bumper  868  is a compression/torsion bumper. The remainder of upper member  930  is similar to the upper member  802  but without a crescent-shaped recess. This embodiment, shown in  FIGS. 29-31 , operates similarly to the embodiment discussed above of the lower member  804  having the stops  860  and the upper member  802  having the crescent-shaped recess  824 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 9 and 12A -B, in various embodiments, the mounting bracket  800  may comprise a washer plate  888 . The washer plate  888  may be used when coupling the mounting bracket  800  to the upper end  862  of the prosthetic foot  100 . The washer plate  888  may comprise the same number of apertures as the upper end  862  of the prosthetic foot  102  and the mounting portion  840  of the lower member  804 . The washer plate  888  is designed to spread the load and reduce the stress concentration across the surface of the upper end  862  of the prosthetic foot  100 . In another embodiment, the prosthetic foot  100  may also utilize standard washer configurations. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 19-21 and 25 , in various embodiments, the mounting bracket  800  may comprise a retention system  900 . The retention system  900  is utilized as a failsafe to ensure that the upper member  802  does not disconnect from the lower member  804  in the situation where the bond on the elastomeric ring  866  that connects the upper and lower members  802 ,  804  fails. In various embodiments, the retention system  900  may comprise a sleeve  902 , a plug  904 , and a connector  906 . 
     In various embodiments, the sleeve  902  may comprise a cylindrical wall  908  and first and second ends  910 ,  912 . The sleeve  902  fits within the mating portion  844  of the lower member  804 . The sleeve  902  may be inserted at a lower end of the lower member  804  and may extend along the length of the mating portion  844 . The first end  910  of the sleeve  902  may abut a lip formed in the interior of the upper collar  848  of the lower member  804 . The lip is configured to retain the first end  910  within the mating portion  884 . 
     In various embodiments, the plug  904  contains threads which are received within internal threads located in the internal wall  914  in the cylindrical collar  828  of the mating post  826 . The connector  906  may be used in conjunction with the mating post  826 , which is received within the sleeve  902 , to couple the upper member  802  to the lower member  804 . The sleeve  902  may comprise a low-friction material that facilitates smooth movement between the upper and lower members  802 ,  804 . The connector  906  may comprise a retention washer  916  and a retention connector  918 . The retention connector  918  is used in conjunction with the retention washer  916  and is received within a threaded aperture in the plug  904 . When tightened, the retention connector  918  seats the retention washer  916  against an internal shelf  920  in the lower member  804  (See  FIGS. 14B, 20B, and 21 ). In one embodiment, the retention connector  918  is a screw. 
     In various embodiments, referring now to  FIGS. 19, 20B, and 21  the retention system  900  may comprise a cap  922 . The cap  922  retains the second end  912  of the sleeve  902  within the lower collar  850  of the mating portion  844 . The cap  922  may be press fit or may contain threads that mate with internal threads (not shown) in the lower collar  850  of the mating portion  844 . In use, the cylindrical collar  828  of the mating post  826  is received within the sleeve  902 , which is received in the upper and lower collars  848 ,  850  of the mating portion  844  when the upper and lower members  802 ,  804  are connected. 
     The cap  922  may butt up against the retention washer  916  pressing it against the second end  912  of the sleeve  902 . The cap  922  also seats the spacer within the mating portion  844  and keeps dirt, sand, or small objects from entering the mating portion  844  of the lower member  804 . Objects such as small rocks or sand could wear away the moving internal members eventually causing damage or failure. 
     The sleeve  902  may be made from any suitable low-friction material. In one embodiment the low friction sleeve is made from plastic to allow for smooth movement between the components of the prosthetic foot. In one embodiment a low coefficient plastic bushing material may be used. 
     In various embodiments, the mounting bracket  800  may comprise a vent assembly  928 . In one embodiment the vent assembly  928  may comprise a screw, a washer and an aperture in the lower member  804 . The screw is received within the aperture in the lower member  804 . Removal of the screw from the aperture in the vent assembly  928  may be used to equalize pressure (during adhesive bond cure) inside the mounting bracket  800  with the ambient surrounding pressure. Without this vent assembly  928 , pressure builds up inside the cavity in mounting bracket  800  and forces the metal components to partially separate from the elastomeric ring  866 . 
     In use under load, a lower surface of the bumper  868  will contact the upper surface of the lower flange  842  in conjunction with compression collar  870  thereby only allowing a limited amount of vertical movement of the upper member  802  with respect to the lower member  804 . The compression collar  870  limits vertical movement. The bumper  868  limits the vertical and torsional movement when used with an upper or lower member having stops. The bumper  868  limits the vertical movement when used with an upper or lower member without stops. The elastomeric ring  866  provides vertical shock absorption and torsional stability during the gate cycle and while standing. 
     The mounting bracket  800  provides a multi-phase system. When the initial load is applied to the prosthetic foot  100 , the elastomeric ring  866  provides both a soft resistance for vertical compression and torsional rotation. Once a larger load is applied, the lower surface  882  of the bumper  868  will contact an upper surface  852  of the lower flange  842  and the lower surface of the compression collar  870  will contact an upper surface of the upper collar  848 , thereby only allowing a limited amount of vertical movement of the upper member  802  with respect to the lower member  804 . The bumper  868  and compression collar  870  limit the vertical movement while the elastomeric ring  866  provides vertical shock absorption during the gate cycle and while standing. 
     When a greater torsional load is applied, the elastomeric ring  866  gives increasingly stiff torsional stability until the bumper  868  contacts the stops  860  to limit the amount of torsional rotation. In one embodiment, the bumper  868  and the stops  860  serve to restrict the torsional rotation approximately 5-10 degrees. In one embodiment, the bumper  868  and the stops  860  serve to restrict the torsional rotation approximately plus or minus 8 degrees. 
     In various embodiments, the elastomeric ring  866  may comprise a lower durometer than the bumper  868  and compression collar  870  thereby providing an initial soft resistance to vertical load and torsional rotation. The higher durometer compression collar  870  provides a greater resistance during high vertical loads. The compression collar  870  can comprise different heights that affect the sensation of the mounting bracket  800  during vertical compression. If the compression collar  870  is taller, it can make contact before the bumper  868 . The higher durometer bumper  868  provides a greater resistance during high loads both vertically and torsionally. Thus, the system described above may provide multi-phase resistance to vertical loading and torsional rotation based on the user&#39;s needs. 
     According to various embodiments the upper and lower members  802 ,  804  may be made from Titanium (any type) or any other suitable material. In one embodiment the upper member  802  may comprise titanium. In one embodiment the lower member  804  may comprise alloy aluminum. Some other types of material that may be used for the upper and lower members  802 ,  804  comprise mild steel, alloy steel, steel, high strength stainless steel such as 13-8, alloy aluminum such as the 2000 and 7000 series, and any suitable composite material. 
     In various embodiments, the upper and lower members  802 ,  804  described above can be an integral piece or multiple pieces joined together by any suitable method. In some embodiments, depending on the type of material, the upper and lower members  802 ,  804  may be fabricated by milling, casting, forging, powdered metal, and the like. In one embodiment, the upper and lower members  802 ,  804  may be fabricated on a titanium CNC milling machine. More specifically, in one embodiment the upper and lower members  802 ,  804  may be unitary made from alloy aluminum fabricated using a CNC milling machine. In other embodiments, the aluminum, titanium, magnesium or other suitable material for the upper and lower members  802 ,  804  may be fabricated using a CNC milling machine. In other embodiments, the aluminum, titanium, magnesium or other suitable for the upper and lower members  802 ,  804  may be fabricated by casting, forging, powdered metal, and the like. In other embodiments, a chrome moly, steel, or other suitable material for the upper and lower members  802 ,  804  can be made from multiple pieces and coupled together by welding or any other suitable method 
     According to various embodiments and referring to  FIGS. 10-12, and 22  the upper and lower members  802 ,  804  may be coupled by the elastomeric ring  866 . The elastomeric ring  866  may comprise any rubber, polyurethane, and/or elastomeric materials. The elastomeric ring  866  may be bonded to the upper and lower members  802 ,  804  using an adhesive. The upper surface  878  of the elastomeric ring  866  may be received in and bonded within the channel  822  in the upper flange  810  in the upper member  802 . The lower surface  880  of the elastomeric ring  866  may be received in and bonded the channel  856  in the lower flange  842  in the lower member  804 . The elastomeric ring  866  may act as a shock for absorbing force on the downward strike during the user&#39;s stride. 
     In various embodiments, the elastomeric ring  866  may comprise an adhesive bonding and thus coupling the lower member to the upper member. Further, the adhesive bonding of the elastomeric ring  866  may produce distributed stresses. Though other modulus values are contemplated, and various moduli may be used as well, a stiffer adhesive is preferred compared to a flexible adhesive. The elastomeric ring  866  creates a space between the upper flange  810  of the upper member  802  and the lower flange  842  of the lower member  106 . The adhesive may be commingled with the elastomeric ring  866 . 
     The prosthetic foot  100  can be adjusted to accommodate a user in part by adjusting characteristics of the elastomeric ring  866  between the upper member  802  and lower member  804 . For example, in various embodiments, the durometer of the elastomeric ring  866  can be increased for users with more heel strike force, which may be caused by additional weight or dynamic activity. 
     In various embodiments and as shown the elastomeric ring  866  and bumper  868  may comprise an elastomeric material. The elastomeric material may comprise a general elastomeric material, polyurethane, natural rubber, a synthetic rubber, or various combinations of natural and synthetic rubber. The durometer of the elastomeric material of both the elastomeric ring  866  and bumper  868  may be varied to provide additional adjustment of the prosthetic foot. The elastomeric material of the elastomeric ring  866  and bumper  868  supports load. Further, since the elastomeric ring  866  couples the upper and lower members  802 ,  804 , the members are capable of torsional rotation during use of the prosthetic foot  100 . The adjustable durometer of the elastomeric material allows the adjustment of the spring rate of the elastomeric ring based on user needs such as activity level, compliance level, weight changes, and the like. For example, in various embodiments, the durometer of the elastomeric material can be increased for users with more heel strike force, which may be caused by additional weight of the user or dynamic activity of the user. Increased heel strike force also provides greater compression of the heel member. As stated above the elastomeric ring  866  may comprise a lower durometer than the bumper  868  thereby providing an initial soft resistance to vertical load and torsional rotation. The higher durometer bumper  868  provides a greater resistance during high loads both vertically and torsionally. 
     In another embodiment, referring to  FIG. 29 , a lower member  924  is shown having a crescent-shaped recess  926 . The lower surface  882  of the bumper  868  may be received in and bonded within the crescent-shaped recess  926  in the manner described below with respect to the bonding of the elastomeric ring  866 . Referring to  FIGS. 30 and 31 , in one embodiment, an upper member  930  is shown comprising a pair of stops  932  and channel  822 . In this embodiment, the bumper  868  is a compression/torsion bumper. The remainder of upper member  930  is similar to the upper member  802  but without a crescent-shaped recess. This embodiment, shown in  FIGS. 29-31 , operates similarly to the embodiment discussed above of the lower member  804  having the stops  860  and the upper member  802  having the crescent-shaped recess  824 . 
     In accordance with various embodiments and with reference to  FIGS. 8-10 , the connection point  130  may comprise a mounting bracket  800 . The mounting bracket  800  may be attached to the top member  120  and configured for attachment to a user. In various embodiments, the mounting bracket  800  may comprise an upper member  802 , a lower member  804 , and a compression torsion joint  806 . The upper member  802  may be configured for attachment to a user&#39;s residual limb. The lower member  804  may be configured to attach to a prosthetic foot. In one embodiment the lower member  804  is coupled to the prosthetic foot  100 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 33-35 , an additional embodiment of a compression torsion joint  936  for a mounting bracket  938  is shown. The mounting bracket may be attached to the prosthetic foot  100 . Many of the components of the compression torsion joint  936  and the mounting bracket  938  are the same as the embodiment described above in  FIGS. 10 and 19 . The mounting bracket comprises an upper member  940  and a lower member  942 , similar to those described above. The bumper  868 , pins  884  and threaded holes  886  within the upper member  802  shown in the embodiment described in  FIGS. 10 and 19  have been removed from the upper member  940  and compression torsion joint  936  described in  FIGS. 33-35 . The remainder of the configuration of the upper member  940  is similar to the upper member  802  described above. 
     In various embodiments, the compression torsion joint  936  may comprise the elastomeric ring  866 . In various embodiments, the compression torsion joint  936  may comprise a rotation inhibitor  944 . In various embodiments, the compression torsion joint  936  may comprise a compression collar  870 . In one embodiment, the compression torsion joint  936  may comprise a combination of the elastomeric ring  866 , rotation inhibitor  944 , and the compression collar  870 . 
     In various embodiments shown in  FIGS. 33, 34, 40A and 40B , the rotation inhibitor  994  may comprise a crescent-shaped member  946  with a pair of downwardly protruding stops  948 ,  950  and a central stop  952 . The crescent-shaped member  946  is received within a crescent-shaped recess  954  in the upper member  940 , similar to the crescent-shaped recess  824  described above with respect to the upper member  802 . 
     In one embodiment, shown in  FIGS. 33, 37, and 39  the central stop  952  may comprise a fastener  956  that is received within a hole  958  in the lower member  942 . The fastener  956  and hole  958  configuration can both be threaded or the fastener may be threaded, received within the hole  958 , and coupled to the lower member  942  via a nut (not shown). In one embodiment, a rubber bumper  960  may be coupled to the fastener  956 . The hole  958  is located centrally in the lower member  942 . The vent assembly  928  has been moved to the side of the centrally located hole  958 . The remainder of the configuration of the lower member  942  is similar to the lower member  804  described above. 
     The stops  948 ,  950  on the crescent-shaped member  946  and the central stop  952  along with the elastomeric ring  866  are configured to limit torsional rotation of the upper member  940  with respect to the lower member  942  similar to the manner described above. 
     The mounting bracket  938  provides a multi-phase system. When the initial load is applied to the prosthetic foot  100 , the elastomeric ring  866  provides both a soft resistance for vertical compression and torsional rotation. Once a larger load is applied, the lower surface of the compression collar  870  will contact an upper surface of the upper collar  848 , thereby only allowing a limited amount of vertical movement of the upper member  940  with respect to the lower member  942 . The elastomeric ring  866  and compression collar  870  limit the vertical movement while the elastomeric ring  866  provides vertical shock absorption during the gate cycle and while standing. 
     When a greater torsional load is applied, the elastomeric ring  866  gives increasingly stiff torsional stability until the stops  948 ,  950  on the crescent-shaped member  946  contact the central stop  952  to limit the amount of torsional rotation. In one embodiment, stops  948 ,  950  on the crescent-shaped member  946  contact the central stop  952  serve to restrict the torsional rotation approximately 5-10 degrees. In one embodiment, stops  948 ,  950  on the crescent-shaped member  946  contact the central stop  952  serve to restrict the torsional rotation approximately plus or minus 8 degrees. 
     In various embodiments the crescent shaped member may comprise materials similar to those discussed above with respect to the upper and lower members  802 ,  804  on the mounting bracket  800 . 
     The technology has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. Various modifications and changes, however, may be made without departing from the scope of the present technology. The description and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative manner, rather than a restrictive one and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present technology. Accordingly, the scope of the technology should be determined by the generic embodiments described and their legal equivalents rather than by merely the specific examples described above. For example, the steps recited in any method or process embodiment may be executed in any order, unless otherwise expressly specified, and are not limited to the explicit order presented in the specific examples. Additionally, the components and/or elements recited in any apparatus embodiment may be assembled or otherwise operationally configured in a variety of permutations to produce substantially the same result as the present technology and are accordingly not limited to the specific configuration recited in the specific examples. 
     Benefits, other advantages and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to particular embodiments; however, any benefit, advantage, solution to problems or any element that may cause any particular benefit, advantage or solution to occur or to become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required or essential features or components. 
     As used herein, the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any variation thereof, are intended to reference a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, composition or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements recited, but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, composition or apparatus. Other combinations and/or modifications of the above-described structures, arrangements, applications, proportions, elements, materials or components used in the practice of the present technology, in addition to those not specifically recited, may be varied or otherwise particularly adapted to specific environments, manufacturing specifications, design parameters or other operating requirements without departing from the general principles of the same. 
     The present technology has been described above with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, changes and modifications may be made to the preferred embodiment without departing from the scope of the present technology. These and other changes or modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present technology, as expressed in the following claims.