Patent ID: 7871443

Claim:
A keel for a prosthetic foot, comprising: a forefoot portion having a toe end; a mid-foot portion contiguous with the forefoot portion; a heel portion contiguous with the mid-foot portion; wherein the forefoot portion, the mid-foot portion, and the heel portion are monolithically formed; wherein the forefoot portion comprises a first material, the mid-foot portion comprises a second material, and the heel portion comprises a third material; wherein the first material comprises a first composite material including a substrate and a matrix, the second material comprises a second composite material including a substrate and a matrix, and the third material comprises a third composite material including a substrate and a matrix; wherein the substrate of the first material, the substrate of the second material, and the substrate of the third material share a plurality of common fibers that extend from the toe end to the heel end through the forefoot portion, the mid-foot portion, and the heel portion; wherein the second material and third material comprise different materials, and wherein the third material is more flexible than the second material; wherein the first material includes an upper layer, a lower layer, and an intermediate layer disposed between the upper layer and the lower layer; wherein the upper layer and the lower layer each extend from the mid-foot portion to the toe end, and the intermediate layer extends from proximal the mid-foot portion to the toe end; wherein the intermediate layer is more flexible than the upper layer and the lower layer; a semi-spherical dome extending from the mid-foot portion, wherein the semi-spherical dome and the mid-foot portion are monolithic; and a spindle coupled to the mid-foot portion and adapted to couple the keel to an amputee, wherein the spindle engages the semi-spherical dome.