Prosthetic suspension device

a suspension device and prosthetic technology, applied in the field of prosthetic devices, can solve the problems of difficulty in proper alignment for users and frustration in wearing a prosthesis

Inactive Publication Date: 2010-08-05
WARILA JEFFERY W
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

Enables easier donning and secure attachment of the prosthesis, maintaining suspension during unweighting phases without requiring significant upper body strength, allowing users to align and adjust the sockets while seated, enhancing user comfort and accessibility.

Problems solved by technology

One of the challenges of socket design is to maintain a tight fit between the prosthesis and the residual limb, particularly during unweighting of the limb, such as in the swing phase of gait.
Unfortunately, these devices may be difficult for users to properly align since the user may be unable to see the attachment device while trying to engage the attachment device with the rest of the prosthesis.
Donning a prosthesis may also be frustrating for older adults and people with diabetes because they often lack upper body strength that is needed to align and secure the sockets to one another.

Method used

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Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0012]The present disclosure provides a suspension device for a lower extremity prosthesis. An embodiment of a prosthesis incorporating the disclosed device is shown in FIG. 1, the prosthesis being indicated generally at 10. As indicated, the prosthesis may be considered to include an artificial foot structure 12, an artificial shin structure 14, an artificial knee structure 16, and a socket assembly 18. In some instances, the prosthesis may further include an artificial ankle structure. The suspension device is shown generally at 20. Although the device shown is incorporated into a prosthesis for above-the-knee amputees, the prosthesis could be modified by removing the artificial knee structure and shifting the socket assembly downward to accommodate a below-the-knee amputee. Further, it will be appreciated that the prosthesis may be covered by artificial skin (not shown) made from a material such as rubber so as to simulate skin.

[0013]As shown in FIG. 1, socket assembly 18 may be ...

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Abstract

A prosthetic suspension device having a positioning element, a coupling element, and a friction-reducing element to facilitate movement of the positioning element towards the coupling element. The positioning element is adapted to maneuver an inner socket of a prosthesis into an outer socket of a prosthesis. The coupling element is configured to receive the positioning element and restrict movement thereof.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims priority from copending U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 554,304, which was filed on Mar. 17, 2004 and entitled “Prosthetic Distal Attachment Device,” the completed disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]This disclosure relates generally to prosthetic devices, and more particularly to prosthetic devices for use by lower extremity amputees. The disclosed prosthesis includes a socket assembly having a suspension locking mechanism to assist users in donning the prosthetic device and securing the prosthetic device to a user while the user is physically active.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]A prosthetic device, or prosthesis, is an artificial substitute for a part of the body such as a limb. Most prostheses have sockets to attach the prosthesis to the amputee's residual limb. One of the challenges of socket design is to maintain a tight fit between the prosthesi...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & AuthorityApplications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): A61F2/78A61F2/00A61F2/60A61F2/64A61F2/80
CPCA61F2/642A61F2/78A61F2/7812A61F2/80A61F2220/0075A61F2002/607A61F2002/7862A61F2002/7875A61F2002/7881A61F2002/30464A61F2002/7831A61F2002/30462
InventorWARILA, JEFFERY W.
OwnerWARILA JEFFERY W