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.

1 .- 11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . A prosthetic socket sealing system, comprising:
 a rigid prosthetic socket having an open proximal end configured for insertion of a residual limb, and having a distal end configured to reach across a distal end of the residual limb;   a flexible prosthetic socket received within the rigid prosthetic socket, the flexible prosthetic socket having an open proximal end configured for insertion of the residual limb, and having a distal end configured to reach across the distal end of the residual limb;   a liner received within the flexible prosthetic socket, the liner having an open proximal nd configured for insertion of the residual al limb, and having a proximal portion extending outward from the open proximal ends of the sockets; and   a tubular sealing member having an open proximal end configured for insertion of the residual limb;
 wherein the sealing member is interposed between the rigid prosthetic socket and the flexible prosthetic socket, and has a proximal portion extending outward from the open proximal ends of the sockets; and 
 wherein the proximal portion of the sealing member has a polymeric interior adjoining the proximal portion of the liner. 
   
     
     
         13 . The prosthetic socket sealing system of  claim 12 , wherein the liner has a fabric covering that terminates to expose a polymeric exterior at the proximal portion of the liner, and the polymeric interior of the sealing member adjoins the polymeric exterior of the liner. 
     
     
         14 . The prosthetic socket sealing system of  claim 12 , wherein the sealing member has a distal end reaching across the distal end of the flexible prosthetic socket. 
     
     
         15 . The prosthetic socket sealing system of  claim 12 , wherein the sealing member further has a polymeric exterior with protuberances adjoining the rigid prosthetic socket. 
     
     
         16 . The prosthetic socket sealing system of  claim 15 , wherein the protuberances extend circumferentially around the exterior of the sealing member. 
     
     
         17 . The prosthetic socket sealing system of  claim 15 , wherein the protuberances are vane shaped. 
     
     
         18 . The prosthetic socket sealing system of  claim 12 , wherein the proximal portion of the liner is longer than the proximal portion of the sealing member and has a polymeric interior, whereby the proximal portion of the liner can reach downward through the open proximal end of the sealing member in a reflected condition with the polymeric interior of the liner in sealing contact with the polymeric interior of the sealing member.