SOCKET SYSTEM INCLUDING A VACUUM LINER FOR PROSTHETIC OR ORTHOTIC DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED METHODS

摘要

The socket system includes a socket and a vacuum liner. A one-way valve is positioned within the closed distal end of the socket and provides controlled fluid communication between the interior socket space and an external environment. The closed distal end of the vacuum liner includes a distal portion formed of a higher durometer elastomeric material than the surrounding portions of the liner, and including a concave section extending from an external surface thereof towards the interior liner space. The socket, on the interior of the closed distal end thereof, includes a receiving portion that corresponds to and receives the distal portion of the vacuum liner (e.g. matching the perimeter and depth of the distal portion). The receiving portion includes a bottom surface (e.g. a flat surface) opposite to the concave section of the vacuum liner when received therein, and defining an exterior liner space therewith.

主权项

1. A vacuum liner for use with a prosthetic device to be secured to a residual limb, the vacuum liner comprising:
an elongated tube having a closed distal end and an open proximal end, and defining an interior liner space configured to receive the residual limb; a distal portion located at the distal end and including an exterior liner space defined by a recessed surface formed by a depth into the distal end portion extending from an external end-surface of the distal portion adjacent to the perimeter and towards the interior liner space; wherein the distal portion is sized and configured for mating against a surrounding socket so that as weight is applied to the socket, the exterior liner space collapses due to applied weight and forces air contained out of the socket, when weight is relieved from the socket, the distal portion is urged to return to its original shape, pulling air into the exterior liner space from the surrounding socket.