Prosthetic suspension device

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.

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       18 . A suspension device for use with a prosthesis having an outer socket and an inner socket, the suspension device comprising:
 a positioning element that provides for user alignment of the inner socket with the outer socket   a friction-reducing element configured to direct the positioning element toward the user, the friction-reducing element being adapted to reduce frictional resistance against movement of the positioning element.   
   
   
       19 . The suspension device of  claim 18 , wherein the friction-reducing element is positioned adjacent an exterior surface of the outer socket. 
   
   
       20 . The suspension device of  claim 19 , wherein the friction-reducing element is configured to rotate. 
   
   
       21 . The suspension device of  claim 19 , wherein the friction-reducing element has a lower coefficient of friction than the outer socket. 
   
   
       22 . The suspension device of  claim 19 , wherein the friction-reducing element is substantially cylindrical. 
   
   
       23 . The suspension device of  claim 19 , wherein the friction-reducing element includes one or more pulleys. 
   
   
       24 . A suspension device for use with a prosthesis having an outer socket and an inner socket, the suspension device comprising:
 a positioning element coupled to the inner socket and adapted to align the inner socket with the outer socket;   a coupling element mounted to the outer socket and adapted to selectively secure a portion of the positioning element at a user-defined tension; and   a friction-reducing element configured to reduce friction between the positioning element and the outer socket when selectively securing the positioning element to the coupling element.   
   
   
       25 . The suspension device of  claim 24 , wherein the positioning element includes a gripping portion having a substantially rectangular cross-section. 
   
   
       26 . The suspension device of  claim 24 , wherein the positioning element is coupled with the inner socket at more than one location. 
   
   
       27 . The suspension device of  claim 24 , wherein the positioning element is removably coupled with the inner socket via a hook and loop fastener. 
   
   
       28 . The suspension device of  claim 24 , wherein the positioning element is coupled with the inner socket at a location spaced from a distal end of the inner socket. 
   
   
       29 . The suspension device of  claim 24 , wherein the positioning element includes an elongate strap and a gripping portion, the gripping portion being selectively positionable along the elongate strap. 
   
   
       30 . The suspension device of  claim 24 , wherein the coupling element includes a ratchet mechanism adapted to maneuver the positioning element to a user-defined tension. 
   
   
       31 . The suspension device of  claim 30 , wherein the coupling element includes teeth configured to engage the positioning element, thereby restricting movement of the positioning element relative to the coupling element. 
   
   
       32 . The suspension device of  claim 24 , wherein the coupling element is mounted to a proximal exterior surface of the outer socket. 
   
   
       33 . The suspension device of  claim 24 , wherein the friction reducing element is positioned adjacent to a distal end of the outer socket and is spaced from the coupling element is spaced from the friction reducing element. 
   
   
       34 . The suspension device of  claim 24 , wherein the friction-reducing element is configured to rotate. 
   
   
       35 . The suspension device of  claim 24 , wherein the friction-reducing element is coated with polytetrafluoroethylene. 
   
   
       36 . A method of combining an inner socket of a prosthesis to an outer socket of a prosthesis, comprising:
 providing a suspension device including a positioning element coupled to the inner socket, a coupling element mounted to the outer socket, and a friction-reducing element configured to reduce friction between the positioning element and the outer socket when the positioning element is selectively secured to the coupling element;   passing a portion of the positioning element through the outer socket and into the coupling element so that the positioning element is adjacent the friction-reducing element;   tightening the positioning element until the inner socket is aligned within the outer socket; and   securing the positioning element relative to the coupling element.   
   
   
       37 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein a portion of the coupling element is rotated to tighten the positioning element.