Breathable residual-limb socket system
Inventors
Hansen, Andrew H. • Nickel, Eric A. • Slater, Billie Caris Savvas • Fairhurst, Stuart R. • Leestma, Jennifer
Assignees
US Department of Veterans Affairs
Publication Number
US-11324612-B2
Publication Date
2022-05-10
Expiration Date
2040-09-18
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Abstract
A liner defines a pouch, an opening, a cup, and a first ring positioned on the pouch distal to the opening. The pouch is air-permeable and defines an internal volume for receiving a residual limb. The opening defined by the pouch provides access to the internal volume. The cup is air-impermeable and is positioned on the pouch distal to the opening. The liner is combined with an adapter for connecting a residual limb to a prosthetic limb. The adapter has a socket for receiving the cup, at least one hole positioned within the socket for drainage therefrom and sleeve extending from the socket and surrounding a central space. The adapter also has at least one vent positioned in the sleeve and overlies the air permeable material.
Core Innovation
This invention concerns a liner adapted to receive a residual limb and an adapter for connecting the liner to a prosthetic limb. The liner comprises a pouch made of an air-permeable material that defines an internal volume for receiving the limb and includes an opening to provide access to this volume. Positioned distal to the opening on the pouch is a cup that is air-impermeable and surrounded by one or two ring seals attached to the pouch.
The adapter comprises a socket for receiving the cup of the liner, at least one hole positioned within the socket for drainage, and a sleeve extending from the socket surrounding a central space. At least one vent is positioned in the sleeve to overlie the air-permeable material of the pouch. The liner and adapter are combined so that the socket engages one or two ring seals, enabling ventilation and fluid drainage while maintaining secure suspension of the residual limb during use.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes several independent claims covering liners, adapters, and their combination, each presenting inventive features focused on the structural composition and functional interaction of the liner and adapter components.
Liner with air-impermeable cup, air-permeable pouch, and closure
A liner adapted to receive a residual limb comprising a pouch defining an internal volume with an opening, a seam defining a split extending from the opening, a closure positioned on the seam including a zipper, a cup positioned distal to the opening that is air-impermeable, and a first ring seal attached to and surrounding the cup.
Combination of liner and adapter with drainage and ventilation features
A combination comprising the liner with a pouch, opening, air-impermeable cup surrounded by a first ring seal, and an adapter with a socket engaging the ring seal, at least one hole within the socket for drainage, a sleeve extending from the socket surrounding a central space, and at least one vent positioned in the sleeve to overlie the air-permeable pouch material.
Combination with dual ring seals and aligned apertures
A combination wherein the liner includes a second ring seal surrounding the cup spaced apart from the first ring seal, and the adapter socket engages both ring seals; the second ring seal is oriented parallel and positioned farther from the opening than the first ring seal; the cup has apertures surrounded by the second ring seal facing at least one hole in the adapter for fluid drainage.
Combination with prosthetic interface attachments
Combinations where the adapter includes an interface to the prosthetic limb attached either to a posterior surface of the sleeve or to a distal end of the adapter, enabling secure connection between the adapter and the prosthetic limb.
The claims cover innovative aspects of the liner's air-permeable and sealing structure, the adapter's drainage and ventilation system, and the integrated combination which facilitates moisture removal while maintaining suspension between the residual limb and prosthetic limb.
Stated Advantages
Removes excess moisture effectively while maintaining suspension between the prosthetic limb and the liner.
Documented Applications
Use in lower limb prosthetics for active individuals to improve comfort by reducing heat and perspiration accumulation.
Connection of a residual limb to a prosthetic limb using a liner and adapter combination that facilitates ventilation and drainage.
Interested in licensing this patent?