A prosthetic liner having a lower longitudinal stretch in the distal region than in either the proximal or optional intermediate region. The distal region may stretch anywhere from 0-30% vertically and 10-200% horizontally as compared to the proximal region's vertical stretch of 55-125% and 100-175% horizontally. The stretch of the liner at various pressure sensitive regions of a residual limb can also be lowered or heightened depending on the area. A variety of stitches may be used at the distal end to implement this lowered longitudinal stretch. Preferably, the liner is made of a stretchable material. The liner also has an interior layer of elastomer gel. The design of this prosthetic liner is primarily to prevent the “pistoning” of the amputee's residual limb within the liner and for comfort over pressure-sensitive areas of the residual limb. The liner also includes the use of a low extensibility material which is adhered to the fabric portion of a prosthetic liner or orthotic liner either internally or externally and limits the longitudinal movement while allowing for transversal movement. The customizable nature of the invention allows for shaping and personalization depending on the needs of the user.

The present invention relates to a prosthesis covering with a closed cross-section which comprises a first section, a second section and a third section. The second section is arranged in longitudinal direction between the first section and the third section and comprises other material, other diameter and/or other circumference than one or both of the other two sections.

A prosthetic liner for use with a prosthetic socket that has a thermoplastic elastomeric (TPE) layer that is in contact with the amputee's residual limb. The TPE layer is not uniform in thickness but has ridges to extend circumferentially around the TPE layer. A fabric exterior layer covers the outer surface of the TPE layer conforming to the ridges and is used as a substrate to form a mechanical bond to an elastomeric material. Impregnating the elastomeric material within the fabric exterior occurs by applying an uncured material to the fabric exterior layer and onto at least the apex surfaces located within the sealing regions thereby creating an air tight boundary layer when inserted into a socket. When a vacuum is applied the air is evacuated from the volume below the seal layer. An alternative embodiment comprises a silicone or elastomeric liner with at least one non-unitary sealing element made of silicone or other thermoplastic elastomer further comprising a single radially extending, straight or arcuate silicone or a elastomeric engaging member.

An adjustable seal system includes a seal component having a body having an outer surface defining a socket sealing portion arranged to engage and form an airtight seal with an interior surface of a prosthetic socket. The inner surface of the body defines a liner sealing portion arranged to frictionally engage and seal with an outer surface of a prosthetic liner. The liner sealing portion defines a sealing length extending in a proximal direction from an end of the socket sealing portion and terminating at a proximal edge on the body. The length of the liner sealing portion is between about 25 mm and about 35 mm and is selected in relation to the socket sealing portion to vary tractions at the inner and outer surfaces of the seal component.

A prosthetic socket includes a conical cup, an outer layer on the outer surface of the conical cup, and a reinforcement layer on the inner surface of the conical cup. The prosthetic socket is shapeable after being heated to a shaping temperature. The outer layer is less malleable than the conical cup at the shaping temperature but has a higher rigidity than the conical cup at the shaping temperature and has smoother outer surface than an outer surface of the conical cup. The reinforcement layer has a higher resistance against circumferential stress than the conical cup. A residual limb or a model of a residual limb can be inserted into the preformed prosthetic socket. The prosthetic socket is then heated to the shaping temperature and molded to conform to the contour of the residual limb or the model to form a prosthetic socket.

An adjustable seal system includes a seal component having a body having an outer surface defining a socket sealing portion arranged to engage and form an airtight seal with an interior surface of a prosthetic socket. The inner surface of the body defines a liner sealing portion arranged to frictionally engage and seal with an outer surface of a prosthetic liner. The liner sealing portion defines a sealing length extending in a proximal direction from an end of the socket sealing portion and terminating at a proximal edge on the body. The length of the liner sealing portion is between about 25 mm and about 35 mm and is selected in relation to the socket sealing portion to vary tractions at the inner and outer surfaces of the seal component.

A prosthetic limb is made from a portable kit that is of relatively low cost and easy to assemble and custom fit to a person in need so that the person can wear the prosthetic immediately, without having to wait for the prosthetic to be manufactured off-site. The embodiments include a below the knee device and an above the knee device that includes an artificial knee. The improved prosthetic is suited for replacing a missing leg but can also be adapted to replace another body part such as an arm, hand or foot.

A prosthetic attachment system includes an insert arranged for connection to a prosthetic liner, and an attachment unit arranged for connection to a distal end of a prosthetic socket. The attachment unit comprises a body defining an axis and a central opening for selectively receiving the insert. The body carries a plurality of locking elements that are distributed circumferentially about the axis and radially repositionable relative to the axis. A release mechanism is slidably positioned on an outer surface of the body to move the prosthetic attachment system between a locked configuration in which the locking elements are radially repositioned to lock the insert in the central opening of the body and an unlocked configuration in which the insert is released from the central opening.

A prosthetic attachment system includes an insert arranged for connection to a prosthetic liner, and an attachment unit arranged for connection to a distal end of a prosthetic socket. The attachment unit comprises a body defining an axis and a central opening for selectively receiving the insert. The body carries a plurality of locking elements that are distributed circumferentially about the axis and radially repositionable relative to the axis. A release mechanism is slidably positioned on an outer surface of the body to move the prosthetic attachment system between a locked configuration in which the locking elements are radially repositioned to lock the insert in the central opening of the body and an unlocked configuration in which the insert is released from the central opening.

The invention relates to an elastic sheet material having a front side, a rear side opposite the front side and at least one functional element, which is arranged on the front side and is connected to the sheet material. A limiting element for limiting the elasticity of the sheet material is arranged on the rear side of the sheet material opposite the functional element and/or on the front side underneath the functional element or within the sheet material underneath the functional element.