Flexible inner socket for providing inner circumference reduction to rigid prosthetic socket

US11890209B2 · kind B2 · utility

Inventors

• Mark Joseph · Chicago, US
• Sean D. Smith · Lexington, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 10, 2020
• Grant date: Feb 6, 2024
• Expiry date: Oct 14, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B29L2031/7532
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A flexible inner socket is fabricated by forming a pre-socket. The pre-socket includes a body formed with an opening and an enclosed end. The enclosed end is opposite to the opening. The body of the pre-socket has an outer circumference that is smaller than the inner circumference of the rigid prosthetic socket. Different portions of the body may have different thicknesses. The preform socket is heated. After the heating, the flexible inner socket is formed by molding the pre-socket onto the inner surface of the rigid prosthetic socket to form the flexible inner socket. The inner circumference of the rigid prosthetic socket is reduced by a thickness of the flexible inner socket when the flexible inner socket is attached to the inner surface of the rigid prosthetic socket. An opening of the flexible inner socket may be trimmed after the formation to fit contours of an opening of the rigid prosthetic socket.