Prosthetic socket sealing system and method

Abstract

Prosthetic socket sealing systems and methods of use. Embodiments of the present invention include various combinations of sealing elements that are associated with a rigid prosthetic socket and act to seal the socket interior against air intrusion or escape via the open proximal end thereof. The socket interior may thus be evacuated for purposes of vacuum suspension or otherwise.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A prosthetic socket sealing system, comprising:
 a rigid prosthetic socket;   a prosthetic liner for donning over a residual limb, the liner having a polymeric material interior and at least a partial fabric exterior;   a soft inner socket adapted to receive a residual limb of an amputee while covered with the prosthetic liner and to be at least substantially inserted into the rigid prosthetic socket; and   a polymeric sealing sleeve adapted to be donned over the soft inner socket prior to insertion of the soft inner socket into the rigid prosthetic socket and to extend beyond an open end of the soft inner socket and rigid prosthetic socket;   wherein the prosthetic liner is also adapted to extend beyond an open end of the soft inner socket and rigid prosthetic socket; and   wherein the exterior of the sealing sleeve is adapted to seal against the interior of the rigid prosthetic socket and the interior of the sealing sleeve is adapted to seal against a portion of the prosthetic liner that resides outside of the rigid prosthetic socket and soft inner socket.   
     
     
         2 . The prosthetic socket sealing system of  claim 1 , wherein the fabric exterior of the prosthetic liner is absent near an open end thereof, such that the polymeric material thereof is exposed for sealing contact with the polymeric material of the sealing sleeve. 
     
     
         3 . The prosthetic socket sealing system of  claim 1 , wherein a section of the fabric exterior of the prosthetic liner is absent near an open end thereof, such that a band polymeric material thereof is exposed for sealing contact with the polymeric material of the sealing sleeve, but fabric remains nearer the open end. 
     
     
         4 . The prosthetic socket sealing system of  claim 1 , wherein the entire exterior of the prosthetic liner is covered with fabric and the open end of the liner is reflected to expose the polymeric material thereof for sealing contact with the polymeric material of the sealing sleeve. 
     
     
         5 . The prosthetic socket sealing system of  claim 1 , wherein the soft inner socket is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene and ethylene-vinyl acetate. 
     
     
         6 . The prosthetic socket sealing system of  claim 1 , wherein the rigid prosthetic socket includes a cavity at a distal end thereof, the cavity adapted to retain a vacuum suspension adapter. 
     
     
         7 . The prosthetic socket sealing system of  claim 7 , wherein the adapter mates with a connecting element and a check valve that form part of an assembly along with the soft inner socket and sealing sleeve. 
     
     
         8 . A prosthetic socket sealing system, comprising:
 a rigid prosthetic socket having an open proximal end and a closed distal end opposite the open end;   a prosthetic liner having a polymeric material interior and at least a partial fabric exterior, the liner including an open proximal end for receiving a residual limb and a closed distal end opposite the open end, the liner adapted to extend beyond the open end of the rigid prosthetic socket when properly located therein;   an exposed area of polymeric material along the exterior of the prosthetic liner at a location that will be proximal to the open end of the rigid prosthetic socket when the prosthetic liner is properly located therein;   a soft inner socket having an open proximal end for receiving a residual limb and a closed distal end opposite the open, the soft inner socket adapted to receive a residual limb of an amputee while covered with the prosthetic liner, the soft inner socket insertable into the rigid prosthetic socket such that the open ends thereof have a similar terminus; and   a polymeric sealing sleeve having an open proximal end for receiving a residual limb and a closed distal end opposite the open end, the sleeve adapted to be donned over the soft inner socket prior to insertion of the soft inner socket into the rigid prosthetic socket, the open end of the sealing sleeve adapted to extend beyond the open end of the rigid prosthetic socket when properly located therein;   wherein the exterior of the sealing sleeve is adapted to seal against the interior of the rigid prosthetic socket and the interior of the sealing sleeve is adapted to seal against the exposed area of polymeric material along the exterior of the prosthetic liner when the soft inner socket, prosthetic liner and sealing sleeve are all properly located in the rigid prosthetic socket.   
     
     
         9 . The prosthetic socket sealing system of  claim 8 , wherein the soft inner socket is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene and ethylene-vinyl acetate. 
     
     
         10 . The prosthetic socket sealing system of  claim 8 , wherein the rigid prosthetic socket includes a cavity at a distal end thereof, the cavity adapted to retain a vacuum suspension adapter. 
     
     
         11 . The prosthetic socket sealing system of  claim 10 , wherein the adapter mates with a connecting element and a check valve that form part of an assembly along with the soft inner socket and sealing sleeve.