The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 20, 1992
Filed:
Mar. 15, 1990
Mark D Shane, Wyoming, IL (US);
Michelle M Peters, Wheeling, IL (US);
Other;
Abstract
A removeable and adjustable prosthetic insert disposed between the stump of a limb and the socket of a prosthesis is comprised of a high strength, pliable polymeric material within which are formed a plurality of spaced air pockets, or voids, which are coupled together by a series of connecting channels, or passages. Using an air valve extending through the polymeric material and coupled to the closed air pocket/channel system, the air pockets may be inflated to fill the stump/socket interspace and provide a tight-fitting, air cushioned prosthetic socket attachment. The air inflatable prosthetic insert can accommodate changes in the condition of the stump and applies a uniform prosthetic attaching force thereto. Other embodiments also employ an inflatable air cushion and make use of spaced, solid spheres disposed between air passages arranged in a grid-like array; and pinched tubing with interconnecting air passages to form a series of inflatable nodules. An air cushion isolates the limb stump from the hard, rigid prosthesis socket for user comfort and provides a custom fit for improved control and maneuverability of the prosthetic device.