Attachment system for prosthesis

US6666894B2 · kind B2 · utility

Inventors

• Dale Perkins · Twin Falls, US
• Matt Perkins · Twin Falls, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 4, 2001
• Grant date: Dec 23, 2003
• Expiry date: Oct 4, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61F2220/0041
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A latch mechanism secures a residual limb to an artificial limb in a comfortable and substantially non-rotational manner. The latch mechanism offers relatively-proximal anchoring of a residual limb in a hard socket, rather than the conventional distal attachment, resulting in ease of donning and doffing of the socket by an amputee. The proximal attachment feature requires no clearance in the bottom of the socket “well” as no part of the latch mechanism is located between the distal end of the residual limb and the bottom inside of the well. The latch mechanism is disposed entirely along the side of the limb and the side of the socket, and extends from the liner on the limb a short distance inside the socket before exiting to the outside of the socket for locking onto the socket side surface. Even though the latch mechanism extends through an aperture in the wall of the socket, a tight gel suction wrap or other seal around the aperture still allows for a reliable suction fit.