Prosthetic socket containing inflatable means

US5724714A · kind A · utility

Inventor

• Michael Love · San Francisco, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 10, 1994
• Grant date: Mar 10, 1998
• Expiry date: May 10, 2014

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T29/49984
• 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 said residual limb, with said inner socket conforming to the shape of said outer socket and when nested within the cavity of said outer socket defines an air space between the inner surface of said outer socket and the outer surface of said inner socket and an inflatable bladder being disposed between the inner surface of said outer socket and the outer surface of said inner socket. The inner socket contains at least one flex area in its side wall at a preselected weight-bearing location whereby upon inflation of said bladder, pressure is applied by said bladder against said side wall at said preselected weight-bearing location of the residual limb to control the movement and rotation stability of said prosthetic appliance. A method for making the composite socket member is also disclosed.