The improvements represented by the Walkeasy leg are not simply theoretical. We have been quietly experimenting with them for years, not in the shop only, but they have been put into practical use by wearers, of various professions and occupations—the correct way of testing an appliance of this kind; otherwise we would not dare hazard our reputation on their success.
The most approved points of excellence in both the ordinary rubber and wooden feet are combined in the Walkeasy foot. The rubber and wooden feet, as commonly constructed, while possessing desirable features, are objectionable and unsuitable in many cases—the rubber foot on account of its rigid, motionless ankle, and the wooden foot on account of the hard, unyielding, springless material of which it is constructed. In the Walkeasy foot both of these features are entirely done away with and the desirable ones preserved.
The following are the eminently desirable features of the Walkeasy leg, a combination of which is not to be found in any other artificial leg manufactured:
First. The removable sponge-rubber sole of the foot imparts a soft, noiseless tread, does not cut the stockings, gives a natural appearance in the shoe, relieves the wearer of much strain and jar in walking, greatly assists the ankle springs in their action, producing an increased lifelike motion, and greatly reduces the chances of breakage of any part of the leg.
Second. The yielding rubber at bottom of foot provides for a little lateral or side motion, enough for all practical purposes.
Third. The ankle joint is strongly constructed. A substance composed of fibre, in which plumbago (black lead) is incorporated, is used as a bearing on the ankle bolt or cylinder, making a lubricating and most satisfactory joint.
Fourth. The sponge-rubber or felt sole, which can be easily and quickly removed and cheaply renewed or repaired without the necessity of procuring a new foot in case of wear or breakage.
Fifth. No mechanical toe joint, the flexibility of the rubber or felt giving the desired motion.
Sixth. The cords or tendons come in contact with no surfaces to cause friction or wear and are adjustable so as to give any desired mobility to the ankle joint.
Seventh. Knee joints, for amputation below the knee, with four bearings, taper phosphor bronze bushings, and taper bolts, giving the greatest degree of wearing surface and requiring the least possible lubrication.