US5156629A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Pneumatic prosthetic insert
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1990-03-15
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Granted: 1992-10-20
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Expires: 2010-03-15
Abstract
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.
Inventors
- 👤 Mark D. Shane
- 👤 Michelle M. Peters
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 03:30
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/50; A61F2/78; A61F2/7812; A61F2/7843; A61F2/80; B; B29; B29C; B29C51/00; B29C51/10; B29L; B29L2022/00; B29L2022/02; B29L2031/00; B29L2031/753; B29L2031/7532; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S128/00; Y10S128/20; Y10S623/00; Y10S623/901
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
189 words
An inflatable insert for positioning between a stump of a limb and a socket of a prosthetic device, said insert comprising: first and second sheet-like, pliable structures joined in mutual adherence over a portion of the respective surfaces thereof and forming a generally flat structure adapted for wrapping around the stump of a limb, wherein said first sheet-like, pliable structure is generally planar and said second sheet-like, pliable structure includes a plurality of projections extending outward therefrom; means for defining a plurality of hemispherically shaped voids disposed in a spaced manner intermediate said first and second sheet-like structures, wherein each of said projections on said second sheet-like, pliable structure corresponds to a respective one of the voids disposed intermediate the first and second sheet-like structures; a plurality of elongated, tube-like air passages disposed intermediate said first and second sheet-like structures and connecting adjacent voids in the insert so as to form a closed network of said air passages and voids; and valve means extending through at least one of said sheet-like structures and into said closed network of air passages and voids to permit the insert to be inflated.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
189 words
An inflatable insert for positioning between a stump of a limb and a socket of a prosthetic device, said insert comprising: first and second sheet-like, pliable structures joined in mutual adherence over a portion of the respective surfaces thereof and forming a generally flat structure adapted for wrapping around the stump of a limb, wherein said first sheet-like, pliable structure is generally planar and said second sheet-like, pliable structure includes a plurality of projections extending outward therefrom; means for defining a plurality of hemispherically shaped voids disposed in a spaced manner intermediate said first and second sheet-like structures, wherein each of said projections on said second sheet-like, pliable structure corresponds to a respective one of the voids disposed intermediate the first and second sheet-like structures; a plurality of elongated, tube-like air passages disposed intermediate said first and second sheet-like structures and connecting adjacent voids in the insert so as to form a closed network of said air passages and voids; and valve means extending through at least one of said sheet-like structures and into said closed network of air passages and voids to permit the insert to be inflated.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The inflatable insert of claim 1 wherein each of said first and second sheet-like pliable structures is comprised of a polymeric material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The inflatable insert of claim 1 wherein the insert is in the form of a receptacle open at the top for receiving the stump of a limb.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
57 words
The inflatable insert of claim 1 wherein said plurality of air passages and said means for defining the plurality of voids comprises shrink tubing to which pressure and heat are simultaneously applied in a spaced manner along the length thereof to form a series of nodules coupled by air passages along the length of said shrink tubing.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
170 words
An inflatable insert for use with a prosthetic device, said insert comprising: receptacle means open at the top and closed at the bottom and having inner and outer sheet-like, pliable structures joined in mutual adherence over facing adjacent portions thereof for receiving a stump of a limb, wherein said outer sheet-like, pliable structure is generally smooth and said inner sheet-like, pliable structure includes a plurality of hemispherically shaped projections extending outward therefrom; first means defining a plurality of spaced voids intermediate the inner and outer sheet-like, pliable structures of said receptacle means, wherein aid voids are formed by the plurality of hemispherically shaped projections on said inner sheet-like, pliable structure; second means disposed intermediate said inner and outer sheet-like, pliable structures for forming elongated, tube-like air passages between adjacent hemispherically shaped voids in said receptacle means in forming a closed network of air passages and voids; and valve means coupled to said closed network to permit the inflation of the insert when positioned within a socket of a prosthetic device.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
170 words
An inflatable insert for use with a prosthetic device, said insert comprising: receptacle means open at the top and closed at the bottom and having inner and outer sheet-like, pliable structures joined in mutual adherence over facing adjacent portions thereof for receiving a stump of a limb, wherein said outer sheet-like, pliable structure is generally smooth and said inner sheet-like, pliable structure includes a plurality of hemispherically shaped projections extending outward therefrom; first means defining a plurality of spaced voids intermediate the inner and outer sheet-like, pliable structures of said receptacle means, wherein aid voids are formed by the plurality of hemispherically shaped projections on said inner sheet-like, pliable structure; second means disposed intermediate said inner and outer sheet-like, pliable structures for forming elongated, tube-like air passages between adjacent hemispherically shaped voids in said receptacle means in forming a closed network of air passages and voids; and valve means coupled to said closed network to permit the inflation of the insert when positioned within a socket of a prosthetic device.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-10-20 | 1996-04-20 | 1996-10-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-10-20 | 2000-04-20 | 2000-10-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-10-20 | 2004-04-20 | 2004-10-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |