Patent ID: 7935152

Claim:
An apparatus for a lower limb prosthesis, wherein the prosthesis includes a first part providing a thigh function, a second part providing a lower leg function, a third part providing a knee function, and a fourth part providing a foot function engagable with a support, the apparatus being configured for incorporation at least partially in the third part to provide a hinged connection between the first part and the second part such that the first part and the second part may have a first position in which the first part and the second part extend substantially in a prolongation one of the other and forming a first angle, and a second position in which the first part and the second part form a second predetermined angle corresponding to the maximal flexion permitted by the prosthesis, the apparatus comprising: a first device, operatively connected between the third part and the second part, for providing a predetermined resistance at least during flexion of the prosthesis, the resistance being switched by the first device between two values which are: a predetermined maximal value selected by default, and a predetermined minimal value selected after the first part and the second part, being situated in a third position adjacent to the first position, are pulled toward the first position and are moved into this first position; and a second device including at least: a first functional means for detecting the bearing of the fourth part on the support at least by a first zone of this fourth part which corresponds to the front of a foot, and a second functional means for: impeding the movement of the first part and the second part toward the first position when (1) the first part and the second part are situated in a third position adjacent to the first position and the first part and the second part are pulled toward the first position, and (2) the first functional means does not detect the bearing of the fourth part on the support by the first zone, and allowing the movement of the first part and the second part toward the first position when (1) the first part and the second part are situated in a third position adjacent to the first position and the first part and the second part are pulled toward the first position, and (2) the first functional means detects the bearing of the fourth part on the support by the first zone of the fourth part.