Patent Document

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention relates to components for use in a modular prosthetic limb wherein the effective length of the limb is adjustable to suit the particular needs of a person as the person grows and/or shrinks due to age or any other reason.  
         [0003]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0004]     Sometimes, due to accidents, health problems, birth defects, etc., people  5  need to have a limb  6  amputated. The amputated limb  6  terminates in a stump  7 . In general, a socket  10  can be formed for any particular stump  7 . Those sockets  10  are well known in the art, and each socket  10  has a central axis  11  and an end  12 .  
         [0005]     Fortunately for people requiring a prosthetic limb, much advancement has been made in the field of prosthetic limbs. People now have many choices, including endoskeletal and exoskeletal prosthetic limbs. The present invention relates generally to endoskeletal prosthetic limbs. That is, limbs comprised of structural components and that may have an optional aesthetic outer shell.  
         [0006]     One conventional and exemplary prosthetic limb setup is shown in  FIG. 1 . As shown, a conventional socket  10  is shown connected to a stump  7 . The socket  10  has a socket central axis  11  and has an end  12 . A three prong adapter  30  has a central axis and is shown to be connected to the socket  10 . The three prong adapter  30  is capable of being connected to the socket  10  at a rotational angle relative to the three prong adapter central axis. Hence, the three prong adapter  30  can be positioned in any rotational orientation relative to the socket  10  in the lateral direction  15 , the medial direction  16 , the anterior direction  17  and the posterior direction  18 . A pyramidal adapter  130  is shown connected to the three prong adapter  30 . A pylon  40  with a fixed receiver  41  is shown connected to the pyramidal adapter  130 . A tube clamp  43  is shown connected to the pylon  40 . The pylon  40  must be fully received within the tube clamp  43  in order to be properly connected thereto. The tube clamp  43  has a pyramidal receiver  44  that connects to a foot adapter  46 . The foot adapter  46 , in turn, connects to a prosthetic foot  49 .  
         [0007]     This and other existing prosthetic limbs generally work quite well for their intended purposes. Yet, certain drawbacks and disadvantages can be associated with existing prosthetic limbs.  
         [0008]     As a general matter, great skill is required to construct and assemble a prosthetic limb. As shown in  FIG. 1 , a prosthetic limb may involve several components. Yet, the components shown only comprise one set up. Many other components exist. The practitioner first has to select desired components from a multitude of component options. Next, the practitioner needs to determine the overall length and orientation of the prosthetic limb. This step involves selecting and sizing the components so that the prosthetic limb will have a length that is identical to that of the natural limb. Additionally, the practitioner will need to account for any angular and rotational adjustments that may be necessary to properly fit the prosthetic limb to the person.  
         [0009]     Frequently, the practitioner decides to incorporate a pylon into the prosthetic limb. The practitioner can easily cut the pylon to a predetermined length using conventional methods. The cut end of the pylon can be connected to and secured in place with the clamp of an adjacent component. To accomplish this, the pylon must be fully received within the tube clamp and there is no ability to longitudinally adjust the pylon with respect to the tube clamp. One apparent drawback is that the pylon must be cut to an exact length in order for the overall length of the prosthetic limb to be correct. Yet, sometimes the practitioner miscalculates the amount of the pylon that needs to be cut off. In this case, the overall length of the prosthetic limb would be too long or too short. In the event that the overall prosthetic limb is too long, more of the pylon can be cut off to remedy the problem. Yet, if the pylon is cut too short, a new pylon will need to be cut in order to remedy the situation. Hence, the process of properly sizing the pylon can be both time consuming and wasteful.  
         [0010]     A further drawback, given that the pylon is not longitudinally adjustable with respect to the tube clamp, is that there exists an inability to finely tune a conventional prosthetic limb. That is, if the practitioner miscalculates or misconstructs the prosthetic limb even by a fraction of an inch, there is no way to overcome the shortcomings in the prosthetic limb simply by making an adjustment between the pylon and the tube clamp. In this event, absent construction of new components, the person may be forced to live with an improperly fitting prosthetic limb.  
         [0011]     A further drawback is evident upon comparison of  FIGS. 2 and 3 . In  FIG. 2 , the person  5  is properly fitted with a prosthetic limb. Yet, the duration of time during which the prosthetic limb will properly fit is necessarily limited. Existing prosthetic limbs may initially fit well but may not fit well after the person grows or shrinks.  FIG. 3  shows such a situation. In  FIG. 3 , the person has grown and the prosthetic limb has become too short. Specifically, the prosthetic limb is shorter than the natural limb by an offset length OL. While not specifically shown, it is noted that the opposite is true when a person shrinks. In such a case, the initially properly sized prosthetic limb will become too long. These problems are most prevalent in the young and the elderly, respectively. Given the inability to adjust the effective length of the prosthetic limb, the practitioner will need to replace major components of the limb or even construct an entirely new prosthetic limb as the size of the person changes. Replacing major prosthetic componentry is expensive, both in materials and in the practitioner&#39;s time, and is also inconvenient.  
         [0012]     The time, cost and inconvenience associated with replacements and adjustments of conventional prosthetic limbs may have the effect of encouraging infrequent visits to the practitioner. As the duration of time between visits increases, the prosthetic limb continues to fit worse and worse. In turn, the person may become dissatisfied with their prosthetic limb.  
         [0013]     Thus there exists a need for modular prosthetic limb components that solve these and other problems.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0014]     The present invention relates to a system with modular components for forming a prosthetic limb, wherein the effective length of the limb is adjustable to accommodate changing needs of a particular person. The present invention is intended for use with conventional prosthetic components.  
         [0015]     According to the present invention, several modular components are provided. One set of modular components comprise sleeve modules, or sleeves. Each sleeve has a body and two opposed ends. The ends each contain an internally threaded clamp. The sleeves can be constructed to any overall length. Spacer modules, or spacers, of several different overall lengths are also provided. Each spacer has a body and two opposed ends. Each end is externally threaded. The sleeve modules and spacer modules can be used with several additional components, such as a receiver with a clamped end or externally threaded end, and also with a pyramidal adapter with either a clamped end or externally threaded end. A practitioner can construct a custom fit prosthetic limb by selected from the several of the above-noted modular components.  
         [0016]     One advantage of the present invention is that the modules are twistable with respect to each other. Twisting the modules with respect to each other allows for the overall length of the prosthetic limb to be longitudinally adjusted and finely tuned to meet the needs of the person. The overall length of the prosthetic limb can be adjusted by amounts as small as a fraction of an inch.  
         [0017]     Another advantage of the present invention is that the modules can be selectably interchanged with modules of a different size. Hence, when the need for adjustment is greater than the adjustment capabilities provided by twisting the components with respect to each other, a module of a more proper size can be quickly and easily interchanged for the less properly sized component. Then, the overall length can again be fine tuned by twisting the components with respect to each other to achieve the desired prosthetic limb length. Multiple sleeve modules and spacer modules are provided according to the present invention.  
         [0018]     According to the present invention, even if a new component is required to make a longitudinal adjustment, the remainder of the components can remain in use. This is accomplished by swapping the module having a first length with a second module having a second length. This flexibility greatly reduces the hassle and cost associated with seeking adjustments to the length of prosthetic limbs. A person is therefore more likely to seek professional assistance at the first signs that their prosthetic limb may need readjustment. The person will have a more positive overall experience with their prosthetic limb when it remains at a proper length.  
         [0019]     The benefits of the present invention are not conferred only upon the particular person with the prosthetic limb of the present invention. Rather, the practitioner and other people in need of prosthetic care will benefit as well. By allowing adjustments to be made quicker and easier, the practitioner will have more time to see and help even more people.  
         [0020]     Other advantages, benefits, and features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the invention and studying the drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0021]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a conventional leg prosthesis setup.  
         [0022]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a person with the conventional leg prosthesis setup of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0023]      FIG. 3  is similar to  FIG. 2 , but shows the same conventional leg prosthesis setup after the person has grown.  
         [0024]      FIG. 4  is a side view of a sleeve module of the present invention.  
         [0025]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  5 - 5  in  FIG. 4 .  
         [0026]      FIG. 4A  is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the sleeve module of the present invention.  
         [0027]      FIG. 5A  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  5 A- 5 A in  FIG. 4A .  
         [0028]      FIG. 4B  is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the sleeve module of the present invention.  
         [0029]      FIG. 5B  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  5 B- 5 B in  FIG. 4B .  
         [0030]      FIG. 4C  is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the sleeve module of the present invention.  
         [0031]      FIG. 5C  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  5 C- 5 C in  FIG. 4C .  
         [0032]      FIG. 6  is a side view of a spacer module of the present invention.  
         [0033]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  7 - 7  in  FIG. 6 .  
         [0034]      FIG. 6A  is a side view of a spacer module of the present invention.  
         [0035]      FIG. 7A  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  7 A- 7 A in  FIG. 6A .  
         [0036]      FIG. 6B  is a side view of a spacer module of the present invention.  
         [0037]      FIG. 7B  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  7 B- 7 B in  FIG. 6B .  
         [0038]      FIG. 6C  is a side view of a spacer module of the present invention.  
         [0039]      FIG. 7C  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  7 C- 7 C in  FIG. 6C .  
         [0040]      FIG. 8  is a side view of a receiver adapter with an externally threaded end.  
         [0041]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  9 - 9  in  FIG. 8   
         [0042]      FIG. 10  is a side view of a receiver adapter with a clamped end.  
         [0043]      FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  11 - 11  in  FIG. 10 .  
         [0044]      FIG. 12  is a side view of a pyramidal adapter with an externally threaded end.  
         [0045]      FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  13 - 13  in  FIG. 12 .  
         [0046]      FIG. 14  is a side view of a pyramidal adapter with a clamped end.  
         [0047]      FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  15 - 15  in  FIG. 14 .  
         [0048]      FIG. 16  is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0049]      FIG. 17  is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 16 , but showing the prosthetic components assembled.  
         [0050]      FIG. 18  is similar to  FIG. 17 , but shows some of the components partially unthreaded from each other in order to change the effective length of the prosthetic limb.  
         [0051]      FIG. 19  is similar to  FIG. 17 , but shows a spacer module of a second size interchanged with the spacer module of a first size.  
         [0052]      FIG. 20  is similar to  FIG. 19 , but shows a sleeve module of a second size interchanged with a sleeve module of a first size.  
         [0053]      FIG. 21  shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention comprising an internally threaded three prong adapter, a receiver adapter with externally threaded end, a pyramidal adapter with externally threaded end, a sleeve module, a spacer module and a receiver adapter with clamped end.  
         [0054]      
         [0055]      FIG. 22  shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention comprising an internally threaded three prong adapter, a receiver adapter with externally threaded end, a pyramidal adapter with clamped end, a spacer module, a sleeve module and a receiver adapter with an externally threaded end.  
         [0056]      FIG. 23  shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention comprising an externally threaded three prong adapter, a sleeve module and a receiver adapter with externally threaded end.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0057]     While the invention will be described in connection with several preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.  
         [0058]     Turning now to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , a first module  50  is provided. According to one aspect of the present invention, the module  50  can be a sleeve  60  or sleeve module. The sleeve  60  is preferably made of Titanium allow. However, other materials can be used without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. The sleeve  60  has a first end  65 . The sleeve  60  has a clamp  66  on the exterior surface of the first end  65  and is threaded with threads  67  on the interior surface of the first end. Opposed to the first end  65  is a second end  70 . The second end  70  is similar to the first end  65 , and comprises a clamp  71  in its exterior surface and is threaded with threads  72  on its interior surface. A body  75  exists between the first end  65  and the second end  70 . The sleeve  60  has an overall length Gamma.  
         [0059]     An alternative embodiment of the first module is shown in  FIGS. 4A and 5A , and the alternative is shown with reference number  60 A. Sleeve  60 A has a first end  65 A. The sleeve  60 A has a clamp  66 A on the exterior surface of the first end  65 A and is threaded with threads  67 A on the interior surface of the first end. Opposed to the first end  65 A is a second end  70 A. The second end  70 A is similar to the first end  65 A, and comprises a clamp  71 A in its exterior surface and is threaded with threads  72 A on its interior surface. A body  75 A exists between the first end  65 A and the second end  70 A. The sleeve  60 A has an overall length GammaA.  
         [0060]     A further alternative embodiment of the first module is shown in  FIGS. 4B and 5B , and the alternative embodiment is shown with reference numeral  60 B. Sleeve  60 B has a first end  65 B. The sleeve  60 B has a clamp  66 B on the exterior surface of the first end  65 B and is threaded with threads  67 B on the interior surface of the first end. Opposed to the first end  65 B is a second end  70 B. The second end  70 B is similar to the first end  65 B, and comprises a clamp  71 B in its exterior surface and is threaded with threads  72 B on its interior surface. A body  75 B exists between the first end  65 B and the second end  70 B. The sleeve  60 B has an overall length GammaB.  
         [0061]     A still further alternative embodiment of the first module is shown in  FIGS. 4C and 5C , and the alternative embodiment is shown with reference numeral  60 C. Sleeve  60 C has a first end  65 C. The sleeve  60 C has a clamp  66 C on the exterior surface of the first end  65 C and is threaded with threads  67 C on the interior surface of the first end. Opposed to the first end  65 C is a second end  70 C. The second end  70 C is similar to the first end  65 C, and comprises a clamp  71 C in its exterior surface and is threaded with threads  72 C on its interior surface. A body  75 C exists between the first end  65 C and the second end  70 C. The sleeve  60 C has an overall length GammaC.  
         [0062]     Even though four embodiments of the sleeve module  60  are described and shown, it is apparent that the present invention is not limited to those embodiments. Rather, sleeve modules of other lengths are also considered to be within the scope of the present invention.  
         [0063]     Turning now to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , a second module  50  is provided. The second module is a spacer  80  or spacer module. The spacer is preferably made of Titanium allow. However, it may be made from other materials without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. The spacer  80  has a first end  85 . The first end  85  has an external surface  86  that is threaded with threads  87 . Opposed to the first end  85  is a second end  90 . The second end  90  has an external surface  91  that is threaded with threads  92 . A body  95  is provided and is located between the first and second ends  85  and  90 , respectively. The body  95  has a length. The spacer  80  has an overall length Epsilon.  
         [0064]     An alternative embodiment of the second module is shown in  FIGS. 6A and 7A , and the alternative embodiment is shown with reference numeral  80 A. Spacer  80 A has a first end  85 A. The first end  85 A has an external surface  86 A that is threaded with threads  87 A. Opposed to the first end  85 A is a second end  90 A. The second end  90 A has an external surface  91 A that is threaded with threads  92 A. A body  95 A is provided and is located between the first and second ends  85 A and  90 A, respectively. The body  95 A has a length. The spacer  80 A has an overall length EpsilonA.  
         [0065]     A further alternative embodiment of the second module is shown in  FIGS. 6B and 7B , and the alternative embodiment is shown with reference numeral  80 B. Spacer  80 B has a first end  85 B. The first end  85 B has an external surface  86 B that is threaded with threads  87 B. Opposed to the first end  85 B is a second end  90 B. The second end  90 B has an external surface  91 B that is threaded with threads  92 B. A body  95 B is provided and is located between the first and second ends  85 B and  90 B, respectively. The body  95 B has a length. The spacer  80 B has an overall length EpsilonB.  
         [0066]     A still further alternative embodiment of the second module is shown in  FIGS. 6C and 7C , and the alternative embodiment is shown with reference numeral  80 C. Spacer  80 C has a first end  85 C. The first end  85 C has an external surface  86 C that is threaded with threads  87 C. Opposed to the first end  85 C is a second end  90 C. The second end  90 C has an external surface  91 C that is threaded with threads  92 C. A body  95 C is provided and is located between the first and second ends  85 C and  90 C, respectively. The body  95 C has a length. The spacer  80 C has an overall length EpsilonC.  
         [0067]     A receiver adapter with externally threaded end  100  is provided, and is shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . The receiver adapter  100  is preferably made of Titanium allow. However, other materials can alternatively be used. The receiver adapter  100  has a receiver  101  at a first end. At the opposed end  103  is an external surface that is threaded with threads  104 . The receiver  101  is adapted to receive a conventional pyramidal object. The receiver  101  has four sides. Each side has a threaded hole therethrough for receiving a screw. The screws can be selectively twisted into the respective holes to clamp onto a pyramidal object received within the receiver  101 .  
         [0068]     A receiver adapter with clamped end  110  is provided and is shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . The receiver adapter  110  is preferably made of Titanium allow. However, other material may alternatively be used. The receiver adapter  110  has a receiver  111  at a first end. At the opposed end  113  is a clamp  114 , which is located on the external surface of end  113 . The interior surface of the clamped end  113  is threaded with threads. The receiver  111  is adapted to receive a conventional pyramidal object. The receiver  111  has four sides. Each side has a threaded hole therethrough for receiving a screw. The screws can be selectively twisted into the respective holes to clamp onto a pyramidal object that is received within the receiver  111 .  
         [0069]     Turning now to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , a pyramidal adapter with externally threaded end  120  is provided. The pyramidal adapter  120  is preferably made of Titanium allow. However, other materials may alternatively be used. The pyramidal adapter  120  has a first end comprising a pyramid  121 . The pyramid  121  is preferably positioned centrally upon a dome  122 . Opposed to the pyramid  121  is an externally threaded end  123  having threads  124  on the external surface.  
         [0070]     A further prosthetic component is shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 . In this regard, a pyramidal adapter with clamped end  130  is provided. The pyramidal adapter  130  is preferably made of Titanium allow. However, other materials may alternatively be used. The pyramidal adapter  130  has a first end comprising a pyramid  131 . The pyramid  131  is preferably positioned centrally upon a dome  132 . Opposed to the pyramid  131  is a clamped end  133 . The clamped end  133  comprises a clamp  134  on the external surface, and has an internal surface that is threaded with threads  135 .  
         [0071]     Applicant notes that components  100 ,  110 ,  120  and  130  are provided for illustrative purposes, and the principles of the present invention may extend beyond these preferred embodiments.  
         [0072]     The components shown and described herein can be interchangeably and adjustably connected together to create a prosthetic limb having the desired length and orientation. Several examples of how the components may be interchanged are provided. Yet, it is understood that the present invention is not limited to those embodiments.  
         [0073]     One preferred set up comprising components of the present invention is shown in an exploded view in  FIG. 16 . As shown, a stump  7  with a conventional socket  10  is provided. A three prong adapter  30  having prongs  31  and an internally threaded end  32  and is adapted to be connected to the socket  10  in a conventional manner. A spacer module  80  is provided, and the first end  85  is positioned for being screwed into the internally threaded end  32  of the three prong adapter. Further, a sleeve module  60  is provided such that the first end  65  can be screwed onto the second end  90  of the spacer module  80 . A receiver adapter with externally threaded end  100  is shown next, and is positioned such that the externally threaded end  103  can be threadably received within the second end  70  of the sleeve module  60 . The receiver  101  is then able to clamp onto a foot adapter  46  with a pyramidal end  47 . The foot adapter  46 , in turn is then connected to the foot  49 . It is shown that the bodies  75  and  90  of the sleeve module  60  and the spacer module  80 , respectively, are alignable upon a single axis that is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the prosthetic limb. These components, due to being threadably connected, are capable of being longitudinally adjusted relative to each other by twisting them in opposite directions about the single axis.  
         [0074]      FIG. 17  shows a prosthetic limb comprising the components shown in  FIG. 16 . The components  30 ,  80 ,  60  and  100  are threadably connected to their respective adjacent components. Upon a closer look, it is seen that spacer  80  is threaded all the way into the internally threaded end  32  of the three prong adapter  30 , such that the spacer and three prong adapter are fully engaged. Likewise, the sleeve module  60  fully receives the opposite end of the spacer  80 . However, the threaded end of the receiver adapter  100  is not threaded completely into the sleeve. Rather, the receiver adapter  100  is unthreaded approximately one revolution from the sleeve  60 . Selectably threading and unthreading a component changes the overall length of the prosthetic component. In this preferred embodiment, the prosthetic limb has a selected effective length L 1 .  
         [0075]     Turning now to one intended use of the preferred invention, it is noted that in  FIG. 17 , the effective length L 1  is the necessary length of the prosthetic limb such that the prosthetic limb will have a length equal to the natural limb. In this example, this fine tune adjustment was accomplished when the practitioner twisted the receiver adapter  100  one revolution out of full reception within the sleeve  60 . It is noted that one full revolution is provided for illustrative purposes only. In practice, the components can be twisted with respect to each other by any fraction or multiple of one revolution.  
         [0076]     Principles of the present invention are further illustrated by way of comparison between  FIGS. 17 and 18 . The prosthetic limbs shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18  both comprise identical components. However, the effective length L 2  of the prosthetic limb shown in  FIG. 18  is longer than the effective length L 1  of the prosthetic limb shown in  FIG. 17 . This change if effective length is caused by selectably twisting the components out of full engagement with selected adjactent components. In particular, the first end of the spacer  80  is unthreaded approximately two revolutions out of full engagement with the three prong adapter  30 . Further, the second end of the spacer  60  is unthreaded approximately one revolution out of the sleeve  80 . This method of adjustment of the effective length of the prosthetic limb is useful when the overall required adjustment is relatively small.  
         [0077]     Further, in accordance with the principles of the present invention, is the ability to swap modules  50  of one size with modules of a different size. Such principles are apparent upon comparison of  FIGS. 18 and 19 . One structural difference between the prosthetic limbs shown in the two figures is that the spacer  80  shown in  FIG. 18  is replaced with spacer  80 A in  FIG. 19 . Given that spacer  80 A has a longer length Epsilon A than spacer  80  having length Epsilon, it is shown that the effective length L 3  of the prosthetic limb shown in  FIG. 19  is greater than the effective length L 2  of the prosthetic limb shown in  FIG. 18 . Yet, no customizing of individual components is necessary to accomplish this change. Further, this change is accomplished merely by swapping a single component with another component. The effective length L 3  of the prosthetic limb shown in  FIG. 19  can be fine tuned be twisting some components as necessary either further into or out of their respective adjacent components.  
         [0078]      FIG. 20  further demonstrates the flexibility of the present invention.  FIG. 20  is similar to  FIG. 19 , but the sleeve module  60  has been replaced with larger sleeve module  60 A. The effective length L 4  of the prosthetic limb is increased replacing the first sleeve module  60  with the larger sleeve module  60 A. Hence, it is apparent that the prosthetic limb can interchangeably be made longer as a person grows. Applicant notes that the overall effective length of the prosthetic limb can continue to increase if sleeves  60 B or  60 C and spacers  80 B and  80 C are interchanged for sleeve  60  or  60 A and spacer  80  or  80 A, respectively. It is noted that the practitioner can achieve the opposite effect by replacing a longer component with a relatively smaller like kind component.  
         [0079]      FIGS. 21-23  further exemplify the principles of the present invention. In  FIG. 20 , a three prong adapter  30  is shown for connecting to the socket  10 . A receiver adapter with an externally threaded end  100  is provided for connecting to the three prong adapter  30 . Next, a pyramidal adapter with an externally threaded end  120  is provided for being angularly adjustably connected to the receiver adapter  120 . A sleeve module  60  is provided for connecting to the pyramidal adapter  120 . A spacer module  80  is provided for being connected to the sleeve module  60 . A receiver adapter with externally threaded end  110  is also provided. The receiver adapter  110  can be connected to a foot adapter  46 , which in turn is connectable to a prosthetic foot  49 . The receiver adapter  100  and the pyramidal adapter  120  can be angularly adjustably connected to each other. Further, given that these components are threadably connected to their adjacent components, the receiver adapter  100  and the pyramidal adapter  120  can be connected into any rotational alignment with respect to those adjacent components.  
         [0080]      FIG. 22  shows yet another prosthetic limb configuration employing the principles of the present invention. In this preferred embodiment, the components are in the following configuration: a three prong adapter  30  connectable to a receiver adapter with an externally threaded end  100 , which is connectable to a pyramidal adapter with clamped end  130 , which is connectable to a spacer module  80 , which is connectable to a spacer module  60 , which is connectable to a receiver adapter with an externally threaded end  100 , which is connectable to a foot adapter  46  that is connected to a prosthetic foot  49 .  
         [0081]     Still another preferred embodiment is shown in  FIG. 23 . In this figure, the prosthetic limb has the following configuration: a three prong adapter  35  with external threads  37 , the three prong adapter  35  being connectable to a relatively large sleeve module  60 C, which is connectable to a receiver adapter with externally threaded end  100 , which is connectable to a foot adapter  46  that is connected to a foot.  FIG. 23  illustrates the ability to construct a fully adjustable and fine tunable prosthetic limb with only a limited number of components.  
         [0082]     It is apparent that the number of possible configurations embodying the principles of the present invention is numerous, and that it is impractical to show in detail all of the numerous possible configurations. Rather, several preferred embodiments have been provided and serve as to demonstrate the principles of the present invention.  
         [0083]     Turning now to the setup and use of the present invention, it is noted that the modules  50  of the present invention are capable of being used with other prosthetic components not shown herein. For example, angular and offset alignment devices presently exist, and can readily be incorporated into a system comprising the principles of the present invention.  
         [0084]     In order to construct a prosthetic limb, the practitioner will first need to observe the socket  10  in order to determine the shape and orientation of the end  12  of the socket. In some cases, the prosthetic limb will need to incorporate angular and/or offset alignment devices. If so, the proper devices will be selected first. Next, a means for connecting the prosthetic limb to the socket  10  will be selected and the prosthetic foot  49  will be selected. Given that the practitioner knows the overall effective length required, and given that the practitioner knows the length of the selected components, the practitioner will be able to estimate the necessary length of the remaining components yet to be selected. The practitioner then can select modules  50  as necessary to interconnect with the previously selected components.  
         [0085]     Next, the practitioner assembles the selected components. If the effective length of the assembled prosthetic limb is not close to the length of the natural limb, the modules  50  can be swapped with modules of a more appropriate length. After the practitioner determines and incorporates the properly sized components, the practitioner then fine tunes the effective length of the prosthetic limb by selectably twisting the components towards or away from full engagement with the respective adjacent components. The clamps can then be tightened to lock the prosthetic components in place.  
         [0086]     It is noted that offset alignment devices and angled alignment devices may need to be in a particular rotational orientation relative to a longitudinal axis of the prosthetic limb. Due to the rotational and threaded connectivity of the components provided, such a situation is not an obstacle. Rather, any offset alignment devices and angled alignment devices that are incorporated into the prosthetic limb are simply rotated or twisted with respect to their adjacent components until the desired rotational orientation is achieved.  
         [0087]     The effective length of the prosthetic limb can be easily modified by simply loosening a clamp, and then either threading a first component either further towards or away from full engagement with its adjacent component, as appropriate. Yet, at some point, the required adjustment will exceed the adjustment capabilities provided by twisting the components relative to each other. In this case, a module  50  of a first size can be easily swapped with a module of a second size to obtain the proper effective length of the prosthetic limb.  
         [0088]     It is noted that the modular aspects of the present invention allows the practitioner to make a custom fit prosthetic limb without the need for individually made custom components.  
         [0089]     Thus it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the invention, modular prosthetic limb components that fully satisfy the objects, aims and advantages as set forth above. While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

Technology Category: 1