Year: 1894

page_text: Dite claimed for Patent under Sect. 103 of Act,
being date of first Foreign Application (m 35th Jan..
United States of America),
Date of Application (in United Kingdom), 4th Aug., 1894
1001
Complete Specification Left, 4th Aug., 1894-Accepted, 2nd Mar., 1895
ICHIS και
ΠΟΙ
United States of America),
Date of Application (in United Kingdom), 4th Aug., 1894
Complete Specification Left, 4th Aug., 1894-Accepted, 2nd Mar., 1895
, WILLIAM RIDLEY HONSUCLE, of No. 35 Grove Street, in the City of
Boston, County of Suffolk, State of Massachusetts, United States of America,
Gentleman, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner
the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and
by the following statement:-
My invention relates to artificial legs and is illustrated in the accompanying
drawings in which—
Fig. 1 is a side elevation of my improved leg;
Fig. 2 is a vertical transverse section of the same;
Fig. 3 is a transverse section taken through the ankle-joint;
Fig. 4 an elevation of one of the leg connections; and
Fig. 5 a sectional view enlarged taken on line r, æ in Fig. 2.
Like letters and figures of reference indicate corresponding parts in the different
figures of the drawings.
My invention relates especially to means for obviating the objectionable features
attendant the construction of many artificial legs, the object being particularly to
form joints at the ankle and toe which do not need lubricating and appreciably
lightens the general structure.
The nature and operation of the improvement will be readily understood by all
conversant with such matters from the following explanation:
In the drawings, A represents the leg socket which is hollow and its upper
portion fitted to receive the stump. An opening, b, is formed at the rear for
ventilation.
The leg socket is constructed with a solid base, B, its hollow portion being formed
of veneers or strips of willow, d, 2 the grains of which run at right angles; that
is, alternate layers are wound around the leg and alternate layers extend vertically
of the leg.
These veneers are very thin, but when glued together form an extremely rigid
structure. The calf and other projections necessary are formed by cork wood, C,
cemented to the structure described which may be readily carved into the desired
shape.
The whole is then covered with a facing of sheep-skin, f, and eyes, g, are secured
at the top of the socket to receive the supporting harness, or a hip-piece may be
attached thereto.
The base, B, is provided with two vertical sockets, h, in which rubber cushions, i,
are disposed. From the bottom of one socket, 4, a flaring opening, j, is formed in
the heel portion. From the bottom of the companion socket a diagonally arranged
opening. is extended.

page_text: The central portion of the base, B, is projected forming a lip or flange, m.
foot, D, has a wooden body, p, the heel and shank being formed of cork, q, attached
The
to said body and the instep, r, is also formed of cork let into the body. Said foot-
piece is chambered at t, and in said chamber two vertically arranged arcs or
segments, e, are disposed, said segments being faced with leather or chamois skin,,
and the flange or lip, m, of the leg working in an opening between said segments.
Projecting vertically from the segments that are two flat springs, w, which enter
suitable openings in the base of the leg, and hold said leg in position on the
segments. The chamber, 4, is of size suitable to receive the leg base and said leg
at the ankle is protected at 15, to overlap the edge of the foot.
Eye-bolts, 16, pass through the bottom of the foot into the chamber, t, and are
connected by cords, 17, with the cushion, i, said cords running through said cushion
and being held by the cross-piece, 18, of wood.
The tension of the leg connections are adjusted by nuts, 19, turned on to the lower
ends of the eye-bolts. The cords, 17, are non-elastic and the rubber cushions, i,
return the leg to its normal position as it rocks on the segment, v.
The toe, H, is formed of wood, and cork, 20, is let in to lighten it. Said toe is
hinged to the foot, D, at 25, and on its under side is connected therewith by an
elastic tape, 26.
A rubber cushion, 27, is interposed between the toe and foot above the hinge.
The hinge is faced with chamois skin, 28.
In the use of my improvement, the leg is attached by the ordinary means to the
person of the wearer. The leg, A, rocks freely on the segments and is held by
the connections imparting a movement at the ankle closely resembling that of the
human leg.
The toe-joint with its elastic connection gives sufficient spring to return the foot
so that the wearer can walk without any appreciable stiffness and closely imitate
the natural movements of the human leg. Moreover, by constructing the parts in
the manner described, I am enabled to produce a leg far lighter than many of
ordinary construction, and one which does not need oiling at the joints. By facing
the segments with wash leather the creaking which attends the use of metallic joints
is avoided.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, declare that what I
claim is :-
1st. In an artificial leg, a chambered foot portion provided with the two
segments in combination with the hollow leg mounted to rock on said segments;
devices for holding the leg in engagement with the segments and a projection on
the leg entering between said segments.
2nd. In an artificial leg, the leg, A, in combination with the foot, D, having the
segments, v; the flange, m, on said leg projecting between said segments; the
springs, w, connecting the segments and leg and the flexible connections, 17, all
being arranged substantially as specified.
Dated this 9th day of June 1894.
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.