CPC A61F 2/5044 (2013.01) [A61H 3/0288 (2013.01); A61F 2002/5053 (2013.01); A61F 2002/5055 (2013.01); A61F 2002/6614 (2013.01); A61F 2210/0076 (2013.01); B29C 70/46 (2013.01); B29L 2031/7532 (2013.01)] | 13 Claims |
1. A composite article manufactured from layers of composite material, the composite article comprising:
a first portion having a first width;
a second portion distally positioned from the first portion and having a second width different than the first width;
a transition portion located between the first portion and the second portion, the transition portion having at least a first contour transitioning between the first width and the second width;
a plurality of layers of fibrous material extending and continuous between the first portion and the second portion;
and a first polymer impregnated with the plurality of layers of fibrous material and polymerized during a curing process, the first polymer causing the plurality of layers of fibrous material to realign to a shape substantially similar to the first contour during the curing process;
and a fin formed on a posterior surface of the first portion of the composite article, wherein the fin is configured to increase or maintain stiffness of the composite article with less material than would be required without the fin;
wherein the composite article is one of a prosthetic foot or a crutch blade.
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