Limb with modular prosthetic components
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. Several modular components are provided, including sleeve and spacer modules. Each sleeve module has a body with a selected length and has two opposed ends that are internally threaded. Each spacer module has a body of a selected length and has two opposed ends that are externally threaded. The modules are usable with existing prosthetic components have respective mating ends. The modules are twistable with respect to each other, which enables the effective length of the prosthetic limb to be adjusted. Further, the modules can be interchanged with modules having a different length, which enables large adjustment capabilities. A fully custom fitted prosthetic limb is therefore achievable without the need to custom make a single component.
1. A prosthetic limb comprising:
A. a first prosthetic component connectable to a socket;
B. a sleeve module with a main body connected to said first prosthetic component, said sleeve module having a length and a first end and a second end, a first slit being along said length at said first end and a second slit along said length at said second end, said sleeve module further having an internal surface with threads and an external surface with a first clamp at said first end and a second clamp at said second end;
C. a spacer module with a main body having an interior surface and an exterior surface with threads for being connected to said threads of said internal surface of said sleeve module; and
D. a second prosthetic component connected to said spacer module and adapted to be connected to a prosthetic foot,
wherein said prosthetic limb has an adjustable effective length and said effective length is adjusted by selectively twisting said spacer module one of towards or away from full engagement with said sleeve module, and
wherein said clamp secures said sleeve module onto said spacer module.
2. The prosthetic limb of claim 1 wherein said effective length of said prosthetic limb is further adjustable by:
A. selectively twisting said sleeve module one of towards or away from full engagement with said first prosthetic component; and
B. selectively twisting said spacer module one of towards or away from full engagement with said second prosthetic component.
3. The prosthetic limb of claim 1 wherein said sleeve module has a first selected length and the effective length of said prosthetic limb can be adjusted by interchanging a second sleeve module having a second length for said sleeve module having a first selected length.
4. The prosthetic limb of claim 1 wherein said spacer module has a first selected length and the effective length of said prosthetic limb can be adjusted by interchanging a second spacer module having a second length for said spacer module having a first length.