WO2015013560A1

WO2015013560A1 - Prosthetic limb having an adjustable socket

Info

Publication number: WO2015013560A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/048102
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brian Daryl KALUF; Joshua Cory WILLIAMS; Samuel Lloyd KARNS; Ryan David FREED; Molly Ann RUSSELL
Original assignee: Clemson University
Current assignee: Clemson University
Priority date: 2013-07-26
Filing date: 2014-07-25
Publication date: 2015-01-29
Anticipated expiration: 2016-01-26

Abstract

A socket for a prosthetic limb is provided including a body extending along an axial direction and defining a cavity configured to receive a residual limb of a user. The socket further comprises an adjustment mechanism attached to the body configured to adjust a volume of the cavity to accommodate an increase or decrease in a volume of the user's residual limb.

Description

PROSTHETIC LIMB HAVING AN ADJUSTABLE SOCKET

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001 ] This application claims filing benefit of previously filed U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 61/858,681 having a filing date of July 26, 2013,

incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

[0002] The present subject matter relates generally to a prosthetic limb, or more particularly to a prosthetic limb having an adjustable socket.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Prosthetic limbs have long been used by persons with one or more amputated limbs to assist in every day activities. Generally, prosthetic limbs include a socket, a shaft extending from the socket, and a prosthetic hand or foot as appropriate. The socket is configured to receive a user's residual limb and typically defines a fixed internal volume.

[0004] During use of a prosthetic limb, a volume of the user's residual limb may fluctuate. The volume fluctuations of the user's residual limb (i.e., swelling and contracting) may result from diet, medication, and/or varying activity levels. In order to accommodate these residual limb volume changes, the user must generally add or remove an amount or thickness of prosthetic socks on the user's residual limb. For example, to accommodate an increase in a residual limb's volume with a traditional socket, the user is required to doff the prosthetic (i.e., remove the prosthetic), remove one or more prosthetic socks, and don the prosthetic again (i.e., put the prosthetic back on). The same adjustment process is used with traditional sockets to accommodate a decrease in the residual limb's volume (except the prosthetic socks are added instead of removed). This process may be time consuming, inconvenient, and/or embarrassing for the user.

Additionally, this adjustment process can be limited to uniform adjustment along the entire length of the socket, which may not produce an ideal fit. [0005] Accordingly, a socket for a prosthetic limb that is capable of

accommodating fluctuations in the volume of a residual limb without requiring the user to doff the prosthetic, add or remove prosthetic socks, and don the prosthetic again would be beneficial. Moreover, a socket for a prosthetic limb that is capable of adjustment along a length of the socket would be particularly useful.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006] Aspects and advantages of the invention are set forth below in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

[0007] In one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a socket for a prosthetic limb is provided. The socket includes a body extending along the axial direction. The body includes a rigid portion defining a first end and a second end and extending around a first side of the body in the circumferential direction between the first end and the second end. The body also includes a flexible portion extending around a second side of the body in the circumferential direction. The flexible portion is attached to the rigid portion proximate to the first end of the rigid portion and proximate to the second end of the rigid portion. The socket also includes a cavity defined by the flexible portion and the rigid portion, the cavity defining a volume and being configured to receive a residual limb of a user. The socket also includes a first adjustment mechanism attached to one or both of the rigid portion and the flexible portion. The first adjustment mechanism defines an effective length, wherein adjustment of the effective length by the user increases or decreases the volume of the cavity by interacting with the flexible portion of the body.

[0008] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a socket is provided, the socket defining an axial direction and a circumferential direction. The socket includes a body extending along the axial direction. The body includes a rigid portion extending along the circumferential direction between a first end and a second end, and a flexible portion attached to the rigid portion proximate to the first end of the rigid portion and proximate to the second end of the rigid portion. The socket also includes a cavity defined by the flexible portion and the rigid portion, the cavity defining a volume and being configured to receive a residual limb of a user. The socket also includes a first adjustment mechanism defining an effective length between a first end and a second end, the first and second ends being attached the flexible portion of the body. Adjustment of the effective length of the first adjustment mechanism by the user increases or decreases the volume of the cavity by interacting with the flexible portion of the body.

[0009] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following

description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof to one skilled in the art, is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, including reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[001 1 ] Fig. 1 provides a front perspective view of a prosthetic limb 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] Fig. 2 provides a rear perspective view of the exemplary prosthetic limb 100 of Fig. 1 ;

[0013] Fig. 3 provides a rear view of the exemplary prosthetic limb 100 of Fig. 1 ;

[0014] Fig. 4 provides a side view of the exemplary prosthetic limb 100 of Fig. 1 ; and

[0015] Fig. 5 provides a top view of the exemplary prosthetic limb 100 of Fig. 1 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such

modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0017] Referring now to the drawings, Fig. 1 provides a front perspective view of a prosthetic limb 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As depicted in Fig. 1 , the prosthetic limb 100 is configured to receive or fit over a residual limb 12 of a user 10. For the embodiment depicted, the prosthetic limb 100 is configured for a user 10 having a leg 14 amputation below a knee 16 of the user's leg 14, i.e., a transtibial amputation. However, in other exemplary embodiments, the prosthetic limb 100 may instead be configured for a user 10 having, for example, a leg 14 amputation above the knee 16, i.e., a transfemoral amputation, or alternatively for a user having an arm 18 amputation, either above or below an elbow 20 of the user's arm 18, i.e., a transhumeral or a transradial amputation, respectively. Further, in still other exemplary

embodiments, the prosthetic limb may be configured for a user having an amputation through an ankle (i.e., a symes amputation), an amputation through the knee 16 (i.e., a knee disarticulation amputation), an amputation through the hip (i.e., a hip disarticulation amputation), an amputation through the wrist (i.e., a wrist disarticulation amputation), or an amputation through the elbow (i.e., an elbow disarticulation amputation).

[0018] Referring now particularly to Figs. 2-3, Fig. 2 provides a rear perspective view of the exemplary prosthetic limb 100 of Fig. 1 , and Fig. 3 provides a rear view of the exemplary prosthetic limb 100 of Fig. 1 . As shown in Figs. 2-3, the prosthetic limb 100 defines an axial direction A, a radial direction R, and a circumferential direction C. Additionally, the prosthetic limb 100 includes a socket 102, an extension 104, and a prosthetic extremity 106, which for the exemplary embodiment depicted is a prosthetic foot. The socket 102 includes a body 108 extending generally along the axial direction A, the body 108 including a rigid portion 120 and a flexible portion 122. The rigid portion 120 defines a first end 130 and a second end 132 and extends around a first side 1 16 (Fig. 1 ) of the body 108 in the circumferential direction C between the first and second ends 130, 132. Similarly, the flexible portion 122 extends around a second side 1 18 of the body in the circumferential direction C. The rigid portion 120 and flexible portion 122 together define a cavity 1 10 configured to receive and fit over the residual limb 12 of the user 10 (Fig. 1 ). Moreover, as will be explained in greater detail below, the socket 102, or more particularly, the cavity 1 10 defined by the body 108 of the socket 102, defines a volume V (see Fig. 5) that is adjustable so as to

accommodate fluctuations in a volume of the residual limb 12 of the user 10.

[0019] The extension 104 is attached to a bottom end 1 12 of the body 108 and extends generally along the axial direction A towards the prosthetic extremity 106. The prosthetic extremity 106 is bolted on to an axial end 1 14 of the extension 104, although in other exemplary embodiments, the prosthetic extremity 106 may be attached in any other suitable manner, or alternatively may be made integrally with the extension 104.

[0020] It should be appreciated that the extension 104 and prosthetic extremity 106 of the exemplary prosthetic limb 100 depicted in the Figs, are by way of example only. In other exemplary embodiments, the prosthetic limb 100 may have any other suitable extension 104 and/or prosthetic extremity 106. For example, in certain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the extension 104 may have a shape configured to emulate the look of a leg or an arm of the user 10 and, if configured for an above the knee/ elbow amputee, may also include a joint configured to emulate a knee or elbow of the user.

[0021 ] Referring still to the embodiment depicted in Figs. 2-3, the first side 1 16 corresponds to an anterior portion of the body 108 (see Fig. 1 ) and the second side 1 18 corresponds to a posterior portion of the body 108. Moreover, as stated for the exemplary embodiment depicted, the first side 1 16 of the body 108 is at least partially comprised of the rigid portion 120 and the second side 1 18 of the body 108 is at least partially comprised of the flexible portion 122.

[0022] The rigid portion 120 may be comprised of one or more generally rigid materials, such as a carbon fiber reinforced polymer material, that provides rigid support for the socket 102. By contrast, the flexible portion 122 may be comprised of one or more generally flexible materials, such as a modified low-density polyethylene, that allows for the socket 102 to better conform to the residual limb 12 of the user 10.

[0023] It should be appreciated, however, that in other exemplary

embodiments, the rigid portion 120 may additionally, or alternatively, be comprised of any other suitable rigid material, such as, for example, steel, aluminum, or other fiber reinforced polymer. Similarly, it should be appreciated that in other

exemplary embodiments, the flexible portion 122 may additionally, or alternatively, be comprised of any other suitable flexible material, such as, for example, any other ductile polymer material or a fabric material. As used herein, "rigid" may refer to a material configured to deform no more than 10% under normal operating stresses, while "flexible" may refer to a material configured to deform more than 10% under normal operating stresses. Moreover, although the first side 1 16 of the socket 102 is depicted as the anterior portion and the second side 1 18 of the socket 102 is depicted as the posterior portion, in other exemplary embodiments, the first and second sides 1 16, 1 18 may be reversed, or alternatively, may be rotated such that, for example, the first side 1 16 corresponds to a right side of socket 102 and the second side 1 18 corresponds to a left side of the socket 102.

[0024] Referring still to the exemplary prosthetic limb 100 depicted in Figs. 2-3, the rigid portion 120 extends along an entire length of the body 108 in the axial direction A, and also extends along the circumferential C direction between the first end 130 and the second end 132. For the exemplary embodiment depicted, the first and second ends 130, 132 extend generally along the axial direction A, and as may be better seen in Fig. 5, the rigid portion 120 extends at least about 180 degrees around a circumference of the body 108 in the circumferential direction C. Additionally, the flexible portion 122 includes a first fin 124, a second fin 126, and a liner 128. The first fin 124 is attached to the rigid portion 120 proximate to the first end 130 of the rigid portion 120. Similarly, the second fin 126 is attached to the rigid portion 120 proximate to the second end 132 of the rigid portion 120. The first and second fins 124, 126 extend generally along the circumferential direction C around the second side 1 18 of the body 108 from the first and second ends 130, 132, respectively. [0025] The first and second fins 124, 126 are sized such that an axially extending gap 134 is defined between the first and second fins 124, 126. The liner 128 is positioned in the cavity 1 10 adjacent to the first fin 124 and the second fin 126 to bridge the gap 134 extending therebetween. More particularly, the first and second fins 124, 126 are slidably positioned adjacent to the liner 128. As will be discussed below, the liner 128 may therefore allow for a more even distribution of pressure on the residual limb 12 of the user 10 when the prosthetic limb 100 is being worn.

[0026] It should be appreciated, however, that the rigid portion 120 and flexible portion 122 depicted in Figs. 2-3 are by way of example only, and that in other exemplary embodiments, the prosthetic limb 100 may have any other suitable configuration of rigid portion 120 and/or flexible portion 122. For example, in other exemplary embodiments, the first and second fins 124, 126 may not define the gap 134, and instead the fins 124, 126 may be configured to overlap one another. In such an embodiment, the flexible portion 122 may not include the liner 128.

Additionally, in other embodiments, the fins 124, 126 may be attached at any suitable location to the rigid portion 120, and may not necessarily be attached proximate to the ends 130, 132. Further, in still other exemplary embodiments, the rigid portion 120 and flexible portion 122 may have any other suitable size relative to one another. For example, in certain exemplary embodiments, the rigid portion 120 extend about 160 degrees around a circumference of the body 108, about 170 degrees around a circumference of the body 108, about 190 degrees around a circumference of the body 108, or about 200 degrees around a circumference of the body 108. Alternatively, however, in still other exemplary embodiments, the rigid portion 122 may extend less than about 160 degrees around a circumference of the body 108, or more than about 200 degrees around a circumference of the body 108.

[0027] Referring now to Figs. 4 and 5, Fig. 4 provides a side view of the exemplary prosthetic limb 100 of Fig. 1 , and Fig. 5 provides a top view of the exemplary prosthetic limb 100 of Fig. 1 . As is depicted, the body 108 defines an inner surface 136 comprising a first band 160 of contiguous materials extending generally along the circumferential direction C of the socket 102. The first band 160 defines an effective length Bi along the inner surface 136.

[0028] As used herein, "generally along the circumferential direction C" refers to a direction configured to correspond in shape to a circumference of the user's residual limb, and may not necessarily be a circular direction. For example, a portion of the body 108 of the socket 102 may be molded after the residual limb 12 of the user 10 and therefore the body 108 may define a non-circular inner surface 136. Also, as used herein, "contiguous materials" refers to a plurality of materials, wherein the plurality of materials either overlap or are positioned adjacent to one another, such that there is no gap, slot, or cavity defined between adjacent materials. For example, in the embodiment of Figs. 4 and 5, the first band 160 of contiguous materials refers to the following contiguous sequence of materials along the inner surface 136: the rigid portion 120, which overlaps with the first fin 124, which in turn is overlapped by the liner 128, which in turn overlaps the second fin 126, which then overlaps the rigid portion 120 once again (Fig. 5).

[0029] Referring still to the exemplary embodiment of Figs. 4-5, the inner surface 136 is configured to directly contact the residual limb 12 of the user 10 (or one or more socks or other liners being worn by the user 10) when in use.

However, it should be appreciated that in other exemplary embodiments, the socket 102 of the prosthetic limb 100 may further include an additional liner or other padding or cushioning (not shown) along the inner surface 136 configured to contact the residual limb 12 of the user 10 to increase an amount of comfort for the user 10.

[0030] Referring now, generally, to Figs. 2-5, or more specifically to Figs. 3-4, the exemplary socket 102 further includes a first adjustment mechanism 138 attached to the body 108, i.e., one or both of the rigid portion 120 and the flexible portion 122. The first adjustment mechanism 138 defines a first end 140 and a second end 142, each attached to the body 108 and spaced from one another along the circumferential direction C. The first adjustment mechanism 138 further defines an effective length l_i (Fig. 3) between the first end 140 and the second end 142 of the first adjustment mechanism 138. The first adjustment mechanism 138 is adjustable by the user 10 such that the user 10 may increase or decrease the effective length l_i . Adjustment of the effective length l_i of the first adjustment mechanism 138 by the user increases or decreases the volume V of the cavity 1 10 (Fig. 5) by interacting with the flexible portion 122 of the body 108.

[0031 ] More particularly, for the exemplary prosthetic limb 100 depicted in the Figs., the first adjustment mechanism 138 is attached to the flexible portion 122. As depicted, the first adjustment mechanism 138 includes a ratcheting buckle 146 positioned at the first end 140 and attached to the first fin 124, and includes a strap 144 positioned at the second end 142 and attached to the second fin 126.

Additionally, the strap 144 extends from the second end 142 through the buckle 146 and is releasable attached to the buckle 146.

[0032] In certain exemplary embodiments, the strap 144 may include a plurality of ridges (not shown) configured to interact with the ratcheting buckle 146. During operation, the ratcheting buckle 146 may pivot about a base end such that an opposite end moves radially outward from the body 108 of the socket 102 and tightens the strap 144, i.e., reduces the effective length Li of the adjustment mechanism 138. The strap 144 may be loosened by pressing a release button or lever (not shown), or by moving the ratcheting buckle 146 to a certain release position.

[0033] It should be appreciated, however, that the first adjustment mechanism 138 is provided by way of example only and that in other exemplary embodiments, any other suitable first adjustment mechanism 138 may be provided. For example, in other exemplary embodiments, the first adjustment mechanism 138 may comprise a length of hook and loop fasteners, such as those marketed under the VELCRO brand, a snap-type adjustment mechanism, one or more of strings configured to be tied between the first and second ends 140, 142, or any other suitable adjustment mechanism. Moreover, although the first and second ends 140, 142 of the first adjustment mechanism 138 are depicted positioned

approximately at the same position along the axial direction A, in other

embodiments of the present disclosure, the first and second ends 140, 142 may be spaced from one another along the circumferential direction C and positioned at different positions along the axial direction A. As used herein, the term "spaced," when used in conjunction with the first and second ends 140, 142 of the first adjustment mechanism 138 means that the first and second ends 140, 142 are positioned far enough away from one another to allow for a suitable amount of adjustment of the first adjustment mechanism 138.

[0034] Referring still to the Figs., the first adjustment mechanism 138 and the first band 160 of contiguous materials are each positioned at a first position Ai along the axial direction A. Accordingly, increasing or decreasing the effective length Li of the first adjustment mechanism 138 correspondingly increases or decreases the effective length Bi of the first band 160 of contiguous materials. The user 10 may therefore adjust the effective length Bi of the first band 160 of contiguous materials by adjusting the first adjustment mechanism 138. Further, adjusting the effective length Bi of the first band 160 correspondingly adjusts the volume V defined by the cavity 1 10 in the body 108 of the socket 102 (Fig. 5).

[0035] For example, in the exemplary embodiment depicted, tightening of the first adjustment mechanism 138 (i.e., reducing the effective length l_i) brings the first and second ends 140, 142 closer together, and in turn, bring the first fin 124 and second fin 126 closer together— lessening a width of the gap 134 as well. By bringing the fins 124, 126 closer together, the effective length Bi of the band 160 is decreased, decreasing the volume V of the cavity 1 10. By contrast loosening the first adjustment mechanism 138 (i.e., increasing the effective length l_i) allows the first and second ends 140, 142 to spread apart, and in turn allows the first and second fins 124, 126 to spread apart— increasing the width of the gap 134. By allowing the fins 124, 126 to spread apart, the effective length Bi of the first band 160 is also increased, increasing the volume V of the cavity 1 10. Notably, the first and second fins 124, 126 are slidably positioned adjacent to the liner 128, such that the flexible portion 122 does not fold over or crease when the first adjustment mechanism 138 is tightened, increasing comfort for the user.

[0036] The exemplary prosthetic limb 100 of the present disclosure may therefore allow for the socket 102 to accommodate an increase or decrease in a volume of the residual limb 12 of the user 10 without requiring the user 10 to completely remove the prosthetic limb 100 and, e.g., add or remove layers of prosthetic socks to their residual limb. An adjustment to the first adjustment mechanism 138 may be made relatively quickly while the prosthetic limb 100 is being worn by the user 10, allowing the user 10 to, e.g., continue an activity with minimal interruption. Moreover, the adjustment mechanism 138 may also allow the user 10 to easily loosen the socket 102 in certain situations without removing the prosthetic limb 100. For example, the user 10 may easily loosen the socket 102 when the user 10 is sitting. Such a configuration may promote fluid volume restoration in the residual limb 12 of the user and may promote increased airflow and breathability for comfort for the user 10.

[0037] Further, the first band 160 may provide a substantially consistent pressure along a circumference of the residual limb 12 of the user 12 adjacent to the first band 160. Such a consistent pressure may be applied regardless of the effective length Li of the first adjustment mechanism 138 and the effective length Bi of the first band 160. Such a configuration may further reduce an amount of discomfort on the user 10. As used herein, "substantially" refers to being within a 10% margin of error.

[0038] Referring still to Figs. 3-4, the exemplary prosthetic limb 100 may further allow for a plurality of independent adjustment zones spaced along the axial direction A of the socket 102. Such a configuration may provide an increased amount of adjustability in the volume V of the cavity 1 10 (Fig. 5), and an increased amount of adaptability to particular areas of fluctuations in the volume of the residual limb 12 of the user 10.

[0039] More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment depicted, the inner surface 136 of the body 108 additionally includes a second band 162 of contiguous materials extending generally along the circumferential direction C, and a third band 164 of contiguous materials also extending generally along the

circumferential direction C (Fig. 4). The second band 162 defines an effective length B₂ and is positioned at a second axial position A₂ along the axial direction A. Similarly, the third band 164 defines an effective length B₃ and is positioned at a third axial position A₃ along the axial direction A. (The second and third bands 162, 164 are depicted in phantom in Fig. 4 and the labeling of the second and third bands 162, 164 is omitted from Fig. 5 for clarity.)

[0040] Moreover, the socket 102 of the exemplary prosthetic limb 100 depicted in the Figs, further includes a second adjustment mechanism 148 and a third adjustment mechanism 150. The second adjustment mechanism 148 defines an effective length L₂ between a first end 152 and second end 154, the first and second ends 152, 154 each attached to the body 108. Similarly, the third

adjustment mechanism 150 defines an effective length L₃ between a first end 156 and second end 158, the first and second ends 156, 158 each also attached to the body 108. More particularly, for the exemplary embodiment depicted, the second and third adjustment mechanisms 148, 150 are each attached to the flexible portion 122.

[0041 ] Referring still to Figs. 3-4, the second adjustment mechanism 148 is positioned at the second position A₂ along the axial direction A and the third adjustment mechanism 150 is positioned at the third axial position A₃ along the axial direction A. For the exemplary prosthetic limb 100 depicted in the Figs., the second and third adjustment mechanisms 148, 150 are each configured in the same manner as the first adjustment mechanism 138 to allow the user 10 to adjust the effective lengths L₂, L₃. Nevertheless, the second adjustment mechanism 148 is controlled, e.g., adjusted, independently from the first and third adjustment mechanisms 138, 150, and the third adjustment mechanism 150 is controlled, e.g., adjusted, independently from the first and second adjustment mechanisms 138, 148.

[0042] Given the position of the second adjustment mechanism 148 and of the second band 162 of contiguous materials along the axial direction A (i.e., at the second position A₂), the second adjustment mechanism 148 is configured to increase or decrease the effective length B₂ of the second band 162 of contiguous materials. Similarly, given the position of the third adjustment mechanism 150 and of the third band 164 of contiguous materials along the axial direction A (i.e., at the third position A₃), the third adjustment mechanism 150 is configured to increase or decrease the effective length B₃ of the third band 164 of contiguous materials.

[0043] Moreover, for the embodiment depicted in the Figs., the three axial positions Ai, A₂, A₃ are each spaced apart from one another along the axial direction A. For example, the various axial positions Ai , A₂, A₃ may be spaced approximately two (2) inches or less apart from one another, approximately four (4) inches or less apart from one another, or approximately six (6) inches or less apart from one another. Such a configuration may allow for three (3) distinct regions of adjustability along the axial direction A. Accordingly, such a configuration may provide the user 10 greater adjustability of the circumferential size of the cavity 1 10 along the axial direction A of the socket 102.

[0044] It should be appreciated, however, that although the exemplary prosthetic limb 100 depicted in the Figs, includes three adjustment mechanisms 138, 148, 150 and three respective bands B₂, B₃, in other exemplary

embodiments, the prosthetic limb may have any other suitable number of adjustment mechanisms and respective bands. For example, in other exemplary embodiments, the socket 102 may include a single adjustment mechanism and the inner surface 136 of the body 108 of the socket 102 may define a single band of contiguous materials. Alternatively, however, in still other exemplary

embodiments, the socket 102 may include two (2) adjustment mechanisms, four (4) adjustment mechanisms, or any other suitable number of adjustment mechanisms spaced along the axial direction A from one another. Similarly, the inner surface 136 of the body 108 of the socket 102 may include a corresponding number of bands of contiguous materials spaced in a similar manner as the adjustment mechanisms along the axial direction A. In still other exemplary embodiments, the adjustment mechanisms 138, 148, 150 may each have the same configuration, or one or more of the adjustment mechanisms 138, 148, 150 may have any other suitable configuration and/or position. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more of the adjustment mechanisms 138, 148, 150 may be controlled along with one or more of the other adjustment mechanisms 138, 148, 150.

[0045] In certain exemplary embodiments, the socket 102 depicted in the Figs, may allow for changes in the volume V in the cavity 1 10 of up to 12%, such as up to 10%, or up to 8%. Such a change in volume V may correspond to a change in circumferential adjustment, such as a change in the effective length Bi of the first band 160, equivalent to a diameter change of up to about 20 mm, such as up to about 18 mm, such as up to about 15 mm. However, in still other exemplary embodiments, the socket 102 may allow for a change in volume V greater than 12% and may allow for a circumferential adjustment equivalent to a diameter change greater than about 20 mm.

[0046] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other and examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED:

1 . A socket for a prosthetic limb defining an axial direction and a circumferential direction, the socket comprising:

a body extending along the axial direction, the body comprising

a rigid portion defining a first end and a second end and extending around a first side of the body in the circumferential direction between the first end and the second end; and

a flexible portion extending around a second side of the body in the circumferential direction, the flexible portion attached to the rigid portion proximate to the first end of the rigid portion and proximate to the second end of the rigid portion;

a cavity defined by the flexible portion and the rigid portion, the cavity defining a volume and being configured to receive a residual limb of a user; and a first adjustment mechanism attached to one or both of the rigid portion and the flexible portion, the first adjustment mechanism defining an effective length, wherein adjustment of the effective length by the user increases or decreases the volume of the cavity by interacting with the flexible portion of the body.

2. The socket of claim 1 , wherein the flexible portion comprises a first fin and a second fin, wherein the first adjustment mechanism comprises a first end and a second end, and wherein the first end of the first adjustment mechanism is attached to the first fin and the second end of the first adjustment mechanism is attached to the second fin.

3. The socket of claim 2, wherein the first fin and the second fin define a gap extending along the axial direction of the socket.

4. The socket of claim 2, wherein the body further comprises a liner positioned adjacent to the first fin and the second fin.

5. The socket of claim 1 , wherein the rigid portion extends along an entire length of the body of the socket in the axial direction.

6. The socket of claim 1 , wherein the first side of the body corresponds to anterior portion and the second side of the body corresponds to a posterior portion.

7. The socket of claim 1 , further comprising a second adjustment mechanism spaced from the first adjustment mechanism along the axial direction, the second adjustment mechanism controlled independently from the first adjustment mechanism.

8. The socket of claim 7, further comprising

a third adjustment mechanism spaced from the first adjustment mechanism and the second adjustment mechanism along the axial direction, the third adjustment mechanism controlled independently from the first and second adjustment mechanisms.

9. The socket of claim 1 , wherein the first adjustment mechanism comprises a strap attached to the flexible portion of the body and a ratcheting buckle attached to the flexible portion of the body, the strap extending through and releasably attached to the ratcheting buckle.

10. The socket of claim 1 , wherein the rigid portion is comprised of a carbon composite and the flexible portion is comprised of a low-density

polyethylene.

1 1 . The socket of claim 1 , wherein the first and second ends of the rigid portion extend generally along the axial direction.

12. The socket of claim 1 , wherein the body defines an inner surface comprising a first band of contiguous materials, the first band of contiguous material extending generally along the circumferential direction and defining an effective length, wherein adjustment of the first adjustment mechanism is configured to increase or decrease the effective length of the first band to accommodate an increase or decrease in a volume of the residual limb of the user.

13. A socket defining an axial direction and a circumferential direction, the socket comprising

a body extending along the axial direction and comprising

a rigid portion extending along the circumferential direction between a first end and a second end; and

a flexible portion attached to the rigid portion proximate to the first end of the rigid portion and proximate to the second end of the rigid portion; a cavity defined by the flexible portion and the rigid portion, the cavity defining a volume and being configured to receive a residual limb of a user; and a first adjustment mechanism defining an effective length between a first end and a second end, the first and second ends attached the flexible portion of the body, wherein adjustment of the effective length of the first adjustment mechanism by the user increases or decreases the volume of the cavity by interacting with the flexible portion of the body.

14. The socket of claim 13, wherein the body defines an inner surface comprising a first band of contiguous materials, the first band of contiguous material extending generally along the circumferential direction and defining an effective length, and wherein adjustment of the effective length of the first adjustment mechanism increases or decreases the effective length of the first band of contiguous materials.

15. The socket of claim 14, wherein at least one of the materials in the first band of contiguous materials is slidably positioned adjacent to another material in the first band of contiguous materials.

16. The socket of claim 14, wherein the inner surface of the body further comprises a second band of contiguous materials extending generally along the circumferential direction, the second band defining an effective length, and wherein the socket further comprises

a second adjustment mechanism attached to the body and

configured to increase or decrease the effective length of the second band of contiguous materials.

17. The socket of claim 16, wherein the first band of contiguous materials is spaced along the axial direction from the second band of contiguous materials.

18. The socket of claim 13, wherein the first and second ends of the rigid portion extend generally along the axial direction.

19. The socket of claim 13, wherein the rigid portion extends along an entire length of the body of the socket in the axial direction.

20. The socket of claim 13, wherein flexible portion comprises a first fin and a second fin, wherein the first end of the first adjustment mechanism is attached to the first fin and the second end of the first adjustment mechanism is attached to the second fin.