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Prosthetic socket containing inflatable means

  • US 5,724,714 A
  • Filed: 05/10/1994
  • Issued: 03/10/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/21/1993
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of making a composite socket assembly for a prosthetic appliance for a residual limb, comprising the steps of:

  • (a) forming a first plastic socket by molding a suitable material over a cast of a residual limb;

    (b) reinforcing said first plastic socket at preselected locations, thereby providing at least one preselected weight bearing area for said residual limb in nonreinforced areas of said first socket;

    (c) forming a pattern for an air bladder over an outer surface of said first socket;

    (d) forming a second plastic socket by molding a suitable material over an outer surface of said pattern, thereby forming an assembly including said cast, said first plastic socket, said second plastic socket, and said pattern sandwiched between said first and second sockets;

    (e) breaking the cast out of said assembly, thereby leaving said first socket;

    said air bladder pattern and said second socket in place;

    (f) disassembling said first socket from said second socket, and forming an air bladder from said pattern, and(g) assembling said first socket with said air bladder and said second socket thereby forming a composite socket assembly having a uniform outer socket, an internal socket with at least one selected pressure point in a nonreinforcing area, with an inflatable bladder disposed between side walls of said inner and outer sockets.

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