| abstract |
A simple, inexpensive prosthetic foot (10) is provided incorporating a cushioned ankle including an ankle block (16) formed of a resilient material or a bladder (19) having desired compliance and energy return characteristics. The ankle block (16) or bladder (19) is sandwiched between a foot plate element (12) and an ankle plate element (14). One or more optional spring elements (18) may be embedded inside the ankle block (16) or bladder (19) to increase the rigidity of the prosthetic foot (10) and to improve the degree of energy storage and return. The shape of the spring inserts (18) is preferably one that supports compression during relative angular rotation of the ankle plate element (14) and foot plate element (12), such as during toe and heel roll, and also vertical compression, such as in response to vertical shock loads. |