Prosthetic socket containing inflatable means

US5405405A · kind A · utility

Inventor

• Michael Love · San Francisco, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 21, 1993
• Grant date: Apr 11, 1995
• Expiry date: May 21, 2013

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S623/901
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A composite socket member for use with a prosthetic appliance for a residual limb which comprises an outer socket which defines an inner cavity generally conforming to the outer surface of a residual limb, an inner socket which defines an inner cavity and being adapted to receive the residual limb, with the inner socket conforming to the shape of the outer socket and when nested within the cavity of the outer socket defines an air space between the inner surface of the outer socket and the outer surface of the inner socket and an inflatable bladder being disposed between the inner surface of the outer socket and the outer surface of the inner socket. The inner socket contains at least one opening through its side wall at a preselected weight-bearing location whereby upon inflation of the bladder, pressure is applied by the bladder through the side wall opening against the preselected weight-bearing location of the residual limb to control the movement and rotation stability of the prosthetic appliance. A method for making the composite socket member is also disclosed.