Method for connecting at least two structural parts of an orthopedic component and orthopedic component having at least two structural parts

Abstract

A method for connecting at least two structural parts of an orthopedic component, wherein the structural parts are retained in an orienting device while oriented in relation to each other, and an intermediate space thus being formed between the structural parts. The orienting device and the structural parts together form a cavity, which has a flow connection to at least one feed connection, via which an adhesive for adhesively bonding the structural parts is introduced into the cavity.

1 - 18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . An orthopedic component, comprising:
 first and second structural parts; and   an orienting device configured to orient the structural parts relative to each other, the orienting device comprising:   an opening along a top surface of the orienting device, the opening being covered by the first structural part; and   an opening along a bottom surface of the orienting device, the opening being covered by the second structural part.   
     
     
         20 . The orthopedic component of  claim 19 , wherein the structural parts comprise leaf springs. 
     
     
         21 . The orthopedic component of  claim 19 , further comprising a hollow space defined by interior surfaces of the orienting device, the first structural part, and the second structural part. 
     
     
         22 . The orthopedic component of  claim 21 , wherein the orienting device is adhesively bonded to the first and second structural parts with an adhesive received in the hollow space. 
     
     
         23 . The orthopedic component of  claim 22 , wherein the interior surfaces of the orienting device have a shape that corresponds to contoured surfaces of the first and second structural parts. 
     
     
         24 . The orthopedic component claim of  22 , wherein at least one of the first and second structural parts is attached to the orienting device on one side by the adhesive. 
     
     
         25 . The orthopedic component claim of  22 , wherein the adhesive comprises a resilient material. 
     
     
         26 . The orthopedic component claim of  22 , wherein the adhesive substantially completely fills the hollow space. 
     
     
         27 . The orthopedic component claim of  19 , wherein at least one feed connection is formed in the orienting device, the at least one at least one feed connection being fluidically connected to the hollow space. 
     
     
         28 . The orthopedic component claim of  19 , wherein the orthopedic component is a prosthetic foot or an orthotic component. 
     
     
         29 . The orthopedic component claim of  19 , wherein the structural parts comprise fiber-reinforced plastic components. 
     
     
         30 . The orthopedic component claim of  19 , wherein the orienting device comprises a functional component. 
     
     
         31 . The orthopedic component claim of  19 , wherein the orienting device includes spacers to space apart the first and second structural parts from each other. 
     
     
         32 . An orthopedic component, comprising:
 first and second structural parts; and   an orienting device orienting the structural parts relative to each other and comprising:   a hollow space defined by interior surfaces of the orienting device;   an opening along a top surface of the orienting device, the opening being covered by the first structural part;   an opening along a bottom surface of the orienting device, the opening being covered by the second structural part.   
     
     
         33 . The orthopedic component claim of  32 , wherein the orienting device includes spacers to separate the first and second structural parts from each other. 
     
     
         34 . The orthopedic component of  claim 33 , wherein the first and second structural parts comprise leaf springs. 
     
     
         35 . The orthopedic component of  claim 34 , wherein the orienting device is adhesively bonded to the first and second structural parts with adhesive received in the hollow space. 
     
     
         36 . The orthopedic component of  claim 35 , wherein the interior surfaces of the orienting device have a shape that corresponds to contoured surfaces of the first and second structural parts. 
     
     
         37 . The orthopedic component claim of  36 , wherein at least one of the first and second structural parts is attached to the orienting device on one side by the adhesive. 
     
     
         38 . The orthopedic component claim of  37 , wherein the adhesive comprises a resilient material. 
     
     
         39 . The orthopedic component claim of  38 , wherein the adhesive substantially completely fills the hollow space.