Quick change mechanism for a limb prosthesis

Claim 1

A coupling system for use in the connection and disconnection of a prosthetic accessory to a socket portion of a lower limb amputation site, such socket portion adapted to extend back over the lower limb to secure the socket portion thereon, the inventive coupling comprising: (a) a hollow, pipe-like female element integrally depending from said prosthetic accessory, said female element having two longitudinal side openings, each within opposite walls of said female element; (b) a pair of cam latches rotatably secured within said longitudinal side openings, such cam latches comprising, in combination, a convex arc and handle element disposed in a plane wherein the selective downward rotation of said latches will bring said convex arc of said cam latches into said side openings and, thereby, within the walls of said female element; and (c) a male element having a first end and a second end, said first end integrally secured to said socket portion and said second end comprising an annular, circumferential shoulder, the exterior dimensions of said male element, being generally complimentary to the interior dimensions of said female element, said second end of said male element being press-fittably insertable into said longitudinal side openings of said female element, said male element being radially rotationally adjustable relative to said female element prior to locking of the cam latches, wherein said male element may then be securably engaged to thereby achieve both radial and longitudinal engagement between said male and female elements by said selective downward rotation of said cam latches. whereby, the lower extremity prosthetic accessory integrally secured to said female element may be readily connected or disconnected by the engagement or disengagement of the male and female elements through the selective locking of said cam latches.