PROSTHETIC LIMB SOCKETS AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed to prosthetic limb sockets that couple prosthetic limbs to residual limbs. The sockets include a conical cup sized to engage and couple to the residual limb, and a base to secure the socket to the prosthetic limb. The sockets are direct heat-formable onto the residual limb, such that they can be heated and formed as they are secured to the residual limb.

Claims

1. A prosthetic limb socket comprising; a conical cup comprising a material having a first pliability at between about 70 C. and 150 C. to be stretched circumferentially over a residual limb; and a lower portion coupled to a lower surface of the conical cup creating an enclosed form having a second pliability which is less than the first pliability; wherein the conical cup and the lower portion are injection molded of a thermoplastic polymer, and wherein the conical cup and the lower portion, when heated to between about 70 C. and 150 C. have a working time of between about five minutes and about 15 minutes before hardening as room temperature is approached.

2. The prosthetic limb socket of claim 1, wherein the conical cup and the lower portion each comprise a hardness exceeding ASTM D2240 of 50D shore hardness, a tensile strength exceeding ASTM D638 of 5,000 psi, and a flexural modulus exceeding ASTM D5023 of 150,000 PSI.

3. The prosthetic limb socket of claim 1, wherein the conical cup and the lower portion are unitary.

4. The prosthetic limb socket of claim 1, wherein the lower portion is over-molded to the conical cup.

5. The prosthetic limb socket of claim 1, wherein the thermoplastic polymer of the conical cup comprises at least one additive from the group of fiberglass, carbon fiber, aramid fiber, glass beads, and carbon nanotubes.

6. The prosthetic limb socket of claim 1, further comprising an insert layer comprising one of a rubber, a polyurethane, an estane, spandex, a long chain polymer.

7. The prosthetic limb socket of claim 6, wherein the insert layer is insert molded into the conical cup, and wherein the insert layer causes the conical cup to draw tight circumferentially over the residual limb as it is applied and formed.

8. The prosthetic limb socket of claim 1, further comprising an outer layer surrounding at least a portion of the conical cup.

9. The prosthetic limb socket of claim 8, wherein the outer layer is co-molded or adhered to an external surface of the socket.

10. The prosthetic limb socket of claim 1, further comprising an insulating layer attached to the residual limb and secured within the conical cup.

11. The prosthetic limb socket of claim 1, wherein the lower portion comprises a base, and wherein an attachment member having a receptacle is coupled to the base.

12. A method for securing a prosthetic limb socket to a residual limb comprising: heating a socket comprising a conical cup having a first pliability between about 70 C. and 150 C. and a lower portion coupled to the conical cup which connects to a prosthetic limb, wherein the lower portion has a second pliability; and stretching the conical cup of the socket over the residual limb.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the lower portion comprises a base.

14. The method of claim 13, positioning an insulating cover over a portion of the base, wherein the insulating cover prevents heating of the base during the heating of the socket.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein, before heating the socket, the conical cup comprises a circumference that is smaller than a circumference of the residual limb.

16. The method of claim 12, further comprising sizing the conical cup of the socket by identifying a circumference of the residual limb using a sizing aid, and calculating a circumference of the conical cup using a reduction factor associated with the sizing aid.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein at least one of a foam, gel, or fabric is placed into a position within a liner of the residual limb, creating a corresponding void during the stretching of the conical cup over the residual limb.

18. The method of claim 12, further comprising applying an outer sleeve around a portion of the conical cup, wherein the outer sleeve reduces a circumference of the conical cup as the sleeve is stretched vertically.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising, after heating the conical cup, inserting the residual limb into the socket and applying downward weight, thereby extending the outer sleeve and causing it to circumferentially compress a portion of the socket onto the residual limb.

20. A pre-made thermoplastic prosthetic socket comprising; a conical cup comprising a circumference less than a circumference of a residual limb; and a lower portion positioned below and coupled to the conical cup, wherein the lower portion comprises a base positioned at an opposite end of the lower portion from the conical cup; wherein the conical cup and the lower portion are unitarily formed via injection molding, wherein the conical cup and the lower portion comprise a thermoplastic polymer that is stretchable at between 70 C. and 150 C., wherein the base comprises an attachment mechanism to couple the base to a prosthetic limb, wherein at least one of the conical cup and the lower portion, when heated to between 70 C. and 150 C., have a working time of between 5 minutes and 15 minutes before hardening, and wherein at least one of the conical cup and the lower portion comprise a hardness exceeding ASTM D2240 of 50D shore hardness, a tensile strength exceeding ASTM D638 5,000 psi, and a flexural modulus exceeding ASTM D5023 of 150,000 psi.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:

[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a prosthetic limb socket in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the prosthetic limb socket of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the prosthetic limb socket of FIGS. 1 and 2 in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates another perspective view of the prosthetic limb socket of FIGS. 1-3 in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the prosthetic limb socket of FIGS. 1-4 in an offset configuration in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG. 6 illustrates a cut-away side view of the prosthetic limb socket of FIGS. 1-5 in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG. 7 illustrates a side cut-away view of another prosthetic limb socket in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0037] FIG. 8 illustrates a side cut-away view of yet another prosthetic limb socket in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0038] FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of a prosthetic limb socket in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0039] FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded view of the prosthetic limb socket of FIG. 9, in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0040] FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of the prosthetic limb socket of FIGS. 9 and 10 in an offset configuration in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0041] FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of the prosthetic limb socket of FIGS. 9 and 10 in an offset configuration in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0042] FIG. 13 illustrates a side cut-away view of the prosthetic limb socket of FIGS. 9 and 10 in an offset configuration in accordance with the present disclosure; and

[0043] FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of a prosthetic limb socket and an insulating cover in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

[0044] Persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various aspects of the present disclosure can be realized by any number of methods and articles configured to perform the intended functions. Stated differently, other methods and articles can be incorporated herein to perform the intended functions. It should also be noted that the accompanying drawing figures referred to herein are not all drawn to scale, but may be exaggerated to illustrate various aspects of the present disclosure, and in that regard, the drawing figures should not be construed as limiting. Finally, although the present disclosure may be described in connection with various principles and beliefs, the present disclosure should not be bound by theory.

[0045] Prosthetic limb sockets in accordance with the present disclosure are used to secure prosthetic limbs to the residual limb of a patient. In many cases, the prosthetist and patient selects an appropriate liner to apply to the residual limb. The liner reduces discomfort (such as chafing or rubbing) between the skin of the residual limb and a socket. The liner also has a very high friction interior that adheres to the skin to hold it in place during movement and has a connection means to the socket that can vary. The socket is applied over the liner, and acts to support and suspend a prosthetic limb to the residual limb of the patient. Stated another way, the liner is positioned between a residual limb and a socket, and the actual prosthetic limb is coupled to the socket.

[0046] In various embodiments, sockets comprise an upper portion and a lower portion. In certain embodiments, the upper portion has a first pliability in a given temperature range which is greater than the pliability of the lower portion in the same temperature range. The lower portion serves to support the socket during heat forming yet is still conformable when heated. The lower portion also has means to attach the prosthetic limb in an adjustable fashion and has attachment member for various mechanisms to lock the gel liner to the socket. In this case, the lowest portion that performs this function is not heated so it retains its shape and mechanical properties.

[0047] In yet other embodiments, the lower portion comprises a middle portion and a base, the base comprising a polymer that does not become malleable at all in the same temperature range that the upper portion and the middle potion become malleable. The upper portion interacts with and surrounds the residual limb (including, in most cases, a liner). The middle portion is co-molded to the upper portion and serves to support the socket during heat forming, yet is still conformable when heated, and is attached mechanically to the base. The base is adjustable in alignment and acts as an attachment portion for the prosthetic limb, coupling it to the socket (and in turn, to the residual limb of the patient). Sockets in accordance with the present disclosure comprise upper portions (referred to as conical cups) having improved flexibility, comfort, and/or engagement with the residual limb. In yet other embodiments, the socket is made of a single material that is pliable when heated, similar to the upper portion previously described. It is heated in a fashion so that the upper portion is heated more than the lower portion. In this manner, the upper portion will be more pliable, the middle portion will be moderately pliable and the base will remain rigid during the forming process so as to retain its mechanical shape and properties.

[0048] With initial reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a prosthetic limb socket 100 in accordance with the present disclosure is illustrated. In various embodiments, the upper portion of socket 100 comprises a conical cup 102. Conical cup 102 is coupled to a lower portion 105.

[0049] Conical cup 102 is sized and configured to engage with a residual limb, securing socket 100 to the limb. Frequently, a liner is positioned around the outside of the residual limb. In such embodiments, conical cup 102 of socket 100 surrounds the liner. As noted, the liner may help reduce chafing and discomfort between the residual limb and conical cup 102, and secure them together. After conical cup 102 is positioned around and secured to the residual limb, a prosthetic limb can be attached to socket 100.

[0050] In various embodiments, conical cup 102 comprises a polymeric material. For example, conical cup 102 can be injection molded from a polymeric material. Conical cup 102 can, for example, comprise a polymeric material having a hardness exceeding ASTM D2240 of 70D shore hardness, a tensile strength exceeding ASTM D638 of 7,000 psi, and/or a flexural modulus exceeding ASTM D5023 of 250,000 PSI. Although described with reference to specific materials and methods of forming materials, any type of polymeric material and manner of making a suitable conical cup is within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0051] Conical cup 102 can further comprise, for example, a polymeric material having a pliability between about 160 F. and about 302 F. (between about 70 C. and about 150 C.), and further, between about 225 F. and about 275 F. (between about 107 C. and about 135 C.). In various embodiments, when heated to between about 160 F. and about 302 F. (between about 70 C. and 150 C.), the pliability of conical cup 102 provides a working time of between about five minutes and about 15 minutes before hardening. The pliability and working time allow conical cup 102 to be stretched circumferentially over the residual limb before conical cup 102 cools and re-hardens.

[0052] In various embodiments, conical cup 102 can comprise one or more additives which are added to the polymeric material to impart one or more desired physical and/or chemical properties to the polymeric material. For example, the polymeric material of conical cup 102 may comprise one or more of fiberglass, carbon fiber, aramid fiber, glass beads, carbon nanotubes, or other additives. Any additive that imparts or improves a desired physical or chemical property of the polymeric material of conical cup 102 is within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0053] Lower portion 105 comprises a middle portion 104 and a base 106 positioned at the opposite end of socket 100 from conical cup 102. In various embodiments, lower portion 105 is unitary and made from a single material, such that middle portion 104 and base 106 are unitary and integral. In other embodiments, the components of lower portion 105, namely middle portion 104 and base 106, are separate and distinct from each other.

[0054] In various embodiments, middle portion 104 of lower portion 105 is coupled to conical cup 102 and base 106. Further, a prosthetic device, such as a prosthetic arm or leg, is attached and secured to base 106.

[0055] In various embodiments, lower portion 105 (which is coupled to conical cup 102) can comprise, for example, a polymeric material. In various embodiments, lower portion 105 comprises the same polymeric material as conical cup 102. In other embodiments, lower portion 105 comprises a different polymeric material than conical cup 102. For example, lower portion 105 can comprise a polymeric material having a second pliability that is less than the pliability of the polymeric material of conical cup 102. However, lower portion 105 can comprise any suitable polymeric material.

[0056] Similar to conical cup 102, lower portion 105 can comprise a polymeric material having one or more additives which are added to the polymeric material to impart one or more desired physical and/or chemical properties to the polymeric material. For example, the polymeric material of lower portion 105 may comprise one or more of fiberglass, carbon fiber, aramid fiber, glass beads, carbon nanotubes, or other additives. Any additive that imparts or improves a desired physical or chemical property of the polymeric material of lower portion 105 is within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0057] In various embodiments, lower portion 105 is injection molded form a polymeric material. For example, lower portion 105 can be injection molded from the same material as conical cup 102. Further, lower portion 105 can be injection molded with conical cup 102, creating a unitary polymeric socket 100. Stated another way, polymeric socket 100 can comprise a one piece design where the conical cup 102 and lower portion 105 (including its components; middle portion 104 and base 106) are all made jointly and simultaneously, and are essentially a single piece.

[0058] In other embodiments, lower portion 105 (including one or both of middle portion 104 and base 106) can be injection molded separately from conical cup 102 and secured to conical cup 102 via including mechanical methods, adhesives, or any other any suitable manner of coupling the two components. In other embodiments, lower portion 105 can be over-molded, such that it is formed in contact with conical cup 102 after injection molding of conical cup 102 utilizing both parts.

[0059] In various embodiments, base 106 is injection molded from a polymeric material, which may or may not comprise the same polymeric material from which conical cup 102 and/or lower portion 105 are formed.

[0060] With initial reference to FIGS. 3, 6, and 7, socket 100 comprises means to secure a prosthetic limb to lower portion 105, and more specifically, to base 106 of socket 100. In various embodiments, socket 100 comprises a base plate 116 coupled to a locking plate 118. For example, base plate 116 can be secured to locking plate 118 by one or more threaded screws.

[0061] In various embodiments, an attachment member 114 can be secured to base plate 116. Attachment member 114 can comprise, for example, a receptacle 138 which engages with and secures a prosthetic limb to socket 100. For example, receptacle 138 can comprise one of a ball or socket, which is configured to engage with a corresponding element of a prosthetic limb to secure the limb to socket 100 in a ball and socket arrangement. Although described with reference to a specific physical member, any physical configuration of base plate 116 and attachment member 114 capable of coupling a prosthetic limb to socket 100 is within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0062] In various embodiments, locking plate 118 can slide along base plate 116. For example, by loosening the screws that secure base plate 116 to locking plate 118, locking plate 118 can slide and change orientation with regards to base plate 116, allowing attachment member 114 to change orientation relative to socket 100. With initial reference to FIG. 4, a socket 100 having a normally-oriented attachment member 114 is illustrated. In this case, normally-oriented means perpendicular to socket 100. Stated another way, base plate 116 and locking plate 118 are oriented planar to one another, such that attachment member 114 is perpendicular to socket 100. With initial reference to FIG. 5, a socket 100 having an offset attachment member 114 is illustrated. Stated another way, base plate 116 and locking plate 118 are oriented offset (or non-planer) to one another, such that attachment member 114 is not perpendicular to (i.e., is offset from) socket 100. Such adjustment allows for the prosthetic limb coupled to attachment member 114 to be oriented properly relative to the residual limb of the patient.

[0063] Socket 100 can further comprise, for example, a cover 124 positioned proximal base 106. For example, cover 124 can be positioned at or near the bottom of base 106 and can prevent dirt or other contaminants from entering base 106 and socket 100.

[0064] In various embodiments, socket 100 can further comprise a typical locking pin 134 that couples the liner to socket 100. In various embodiments, locking pin 134 is secured to socket 100 by a pin plate 130. For example, pin plate 130 can move laterally with regards to locking pin 134 by, for example, button 126, which engages and disengages pin plate 130 from locking pin 134. Locking pin 134 may, for example, comprise ridges that engage with pin plate 130, such that as locking pin 134 of the liner is inserted into the locking mechanism of base 106, it click locks incrementally, securing the liner into base 106 and socket 100. In various embodiments, button 126 is housed within button housing 128. Further, a housing cover 132 may be positioned on a side of button housing 128 opposite button 126. Pin plate 130 can further comprise a spring 136.

[0065] With initial reference to FIG. 8, another embodiment of socket 100 is illustrated. For example, socket 100 can comprise a vacuum port 140 configured to apply vacuum through vacuum outlet 142 against a gel liner attached to a patient. Vacuum port 140 can be positioned in housing 128 (previously referred to as button housing 128 in connection with other embodiments), and can be quickly and easily accessed by the patient and prosthetists to apply or reduce suction to socket 100, allowing for securement or removal of socket 100 from the liner. Although described with reference to specific physical configurations, any manner of coupling socket 100 to a prosthetic liner is within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0066] Numerous methods of securing socket 100 to a liner (and thus the residual limb) can be utilized. For example, the following methods are also within the scope of the present disclosure;

[0067] The liner has a soft ring shaped ridge near the bottom (not shown) that creates an air tight seal to the interior of socket 100 and conical cup 102. As the residual limb is pushed into conical cup 102, the air is expelled through a valve at base 106. The liner is tightly held to socket 100 by suction. To remove socket 100 form the residual limb, a button is depressed allowing air into socket 100 and breaking the suction;

[0068] A sleeve (not shown) is placed over the top of conical cup 102 of socket 100, extending upwards over at least a portion of the residual limb. The sleeve fits tight to form an air tight seal between socket 100 and the skin of the residual limb. This creates suction holding the liner to socket 100. The sleeve is rolled down the residual limb and socket 100 to break the seal, allowing socket 100 to be removed; and

[0069] A sleeve can be used to seal socket 100 to the residual limb in conjunction with a vacuum pump that creates negative pressure, sucking the liner into conical cup 102 of socket 100. These pumps can be hand activated, activated by walking, or by using an electro-mechanical pump to create suction.

[0070] Socket 100 can further comprise, for example, a coupling member to couple and secure socket 100 to a liner of a residual limb. In various embodiments, the coupling member attaches base 106 to the liner. Such coupling members can comprise, for example, a clip (such as a spring clip) that engages a locking post of the gel liner, an air tight button seal to allow air to escape, be sealed, and be released for use with a suction socket retention system, and/or a hose attachment that couples to a vacuum source that applies negative pressure between base 106 and the gel liner. Although described with reference to specific mechanical member, any manner of coupling socket 100 with a prosthetic limb is within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0071] With initial reference to FIGS. 9-13, in various embodiments, base 106 is secured to middle portion 104 via a fastening member 112. For example, a fastening member 112 can be formed into or otherwise secured to a bottom surface of middle portion 104 or conical cup 102. In various embodiments, fastening member 112 passes through a portion of base 106 and is secured by a corresponding member 110, holding base 106 in position relative to middle portion 104. For example, fastening member 112 can comprise a threaded portion protruding from middle portion 104 into base 106. A washer 108 and nut 110 are coupled to fastening member 112, which secures base 106 to middle portion 104. Although described with reference to specific arrangements, any manner of coupling base 106 to middle portion 104 or conical cup 102 is within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0072] In various embodiments, an attachment member 114 can be secured to base 106 by fastening member 112 and corresponding member 110. For example, attachment member 114 can be positioned along fastening member 112 (e.g., a threaded portion) and secured via member 110 (e.g., a nut). Although described with reference to the various drawing figures and specific embodiments, any manner of securing attachment member 114 to socket 100 is with the scope of the present disclosure.

[0073] For example, base 106 can comprise a mechanical attachment member 114 to couple a component of the prosthetic arm or leg to socket 100. In various embodiments, attachment member 114 comprises a baseplate which attaches to the prosthetic limb by, for example, screws.

[0074] In various embodiments, attachment member 114 is adjustable in one or more planes or directions. With reference to FIGS. 6-8, attachment member 114 of base 106 allows for positional adjustment of socket 100 and the prosthetic limb with respect to each other. For example, the prosthetic limb may be offset horizontally from a center axis of socket 100 in order to properly orient and position the socket 100 and the prosthetic limb for optimal use, gait, and/or balance. In various embodiments, attachment member 114 comprises a baseplate which attaches to the prosthetic limb in a manner that allows for angular adjustment between base 106 and the prosthetic limb. For example, the adjustment member 114 may be bolted to the prosthetic limb, and loosening the bolts can allow for the base plate to be slid and adjusted in a planar horizontal manner to offset the prosthetic limb as desired. Tightening the bolts locks base 106 and the prosthetic limb in position relative to one another.

[0075] In various embodiments, socket 100 further comprises an insert layer. In such embodiments, the insert layer can be positioned within conical cup 102, and comprises a material that causes conical cup 102 to draw tight circumferentially over the residual limb as it is heated and formed around the limb. In various embodiments, an insert layer can comprise one or more of a knit fabric, a mesh, and/or a thin sheet or perforated material of stretch rubber, polyurethane, estane, spandex, or long chain polymer. Although described with reference to specific materials, an insert layer can comprise any material suitable for circumferentially tightening a portion of socket 100 (such as conical cup 102) when heated.

[0076] Further, an insert layer can comprise a protruding portion that extends upward from the opening of conical cup 102. In such embodiments, for example, the protruding portion may comprise one or more handles, which can be used to help pull socket 100 onto the residual limb during forming.

[0077] In various embodiments, socket 100 can further comprise an outer layer that surrounds at least a portion of socket 100. The outer layer may provide a durable, smooth outer surface of socket 100, and may be printable and/or textured for cosmetic purposes. For example, the outer layer can be co-molded or adhered to an outer surface of socket 100 (such as, for example, an outer surface of conical cup 102). In various embodiments, the outer layer comprises a sheet material, such as vinyl, PVC or other plastic that becomes pliable and stretchable at between about 160 F. and about 302 F. (70 C. and about 150 C., and further, between about 225 F. and 275 F. (107 C. to 135 C.). Further, the outer layer can have a thickness, for example, between about 0.0050 and about 0.025 (0.127 mm and 0.3157 mm).

[0078] In various embodiments, methods of forming sockets 100 to residual limbs comprise selecting the appropriate socket size. For example, conical cup 102 of socket 100 can comprise a circumference that is smaller than the circumference of the residual limb. In such embodiments, when socket 100 and conical cup 102 are heated, the material of socket 100 becomes sufficiently pliable and stretchable to allow conical cup 102 to be stretched over the residual limb. As socket 100 cools, conical cup 102 contracts to its pre-heated circumference, providing a circumferentially tight fit to the residual limb.

[0079] Socket 100 and conical cup 102 can be sized using a set of pre-sized plastic or foam cups that are used to measure the residual limb having a liner in place. For example, the different sized cups can include a label with the corresponding suggested socket size that is smaller in circumference than the sizing cup, so as to achieve the correct percentage of reduction in circumference of socket 100 and conical cup 102 after heating, resulting in a proper tight fit.

[0080] In various embodiments, spaces or voids can be created within socket 100 to correspond with sensitive portions of the residual limb. For example, padding such as foam pieces, tapered gel pads, cotton wadding or other forms can be applied directly to the skin and placed under the gel liner worn by the amputee, creating extra space within socket 100 during the heat forming process. The padding can be removed after cooling and hardening of socket 100.

[0081] Sockets 100 in accordance with the present disclosure are fitted to residual limbs by heating a portion of socket 100 to a predetermined temperature, allowing the portion of socket 100 to be plastically deformed to conform to the residual limb. In various embodiments, socket 100 is differentially heated so that conical cup 102 is heated to a temperature of between 225 F. and 275 F. (107 C. to 135 C.), while base 106 remains at or near room temperature. For example, with reference to FIG. 14, an insulating cup 152 may be fitted to a portion of lower section 105 (for example, base 106) to reduce heat transferred into the portion of lower section 105 and preventing any change in shape of the portion. Suitable insulating cups 152 can comprise, for example, molded foam, fabric insulative batting, silicone, or any material capable of adequately insulating a portion of lower section 105, and capable of withstanding repeated heating cycles without deteriorating. After sufficiently heating socket 100, insulating cup 152 may be removed from socket 100.

[0082] In various embodiments, a method for applying socket 100 can further comprise applying an insulating cover (not shown) over the outer surface of a portion of socket 100. For example, an insulating cover can be applied before or after heating, and can apply circumferential compression to the heated section of socket 100 (such as, for example, conical cup 102). The insulating cover may prevent heat loss from socket 100, extending the working time of socket 100 and allowing for more time to fit socket 100 to a residual limb.

[0083] For example, the insulating cover may comprise a tubular or cup shaped cover comprising a stretch insulating material such as neoprene foam with a stretch fabric covering such as wetsuit material, closed-cell foam, knit stretch fabric, spandex fabric and the like. Further, the insulating cover can comprise strapping applied vertically and extending above the top of the cover to provide handles for pulling the socket onto the residual limb. Once socket 100 is properly installed on the residual limb, the insulating cover can be removed from socket 100.

[0084] Methods for applying socket 100 can further comprise applying an outer sleeve around a portion of socket 100. For example, a woven or knit outer sleeve can be fitted around a portion of socket 100 before or after heating. In various embodiments, the outer sleeve can apply pressure to socket 100 such that the circumference of a portion of socket 100 (such as, for example, conical cup 102) is reduced as the outer sleeve is stretched vertically. In such embodiments, the outer sleeve operates similarly to a Chinese finger trap. The outer sleeve can comprise a material woven in a diagonal pattern.

[0085] Further, the outer sleeve can being suspended above socket 100 by a framework. For example, the framework can comprise a hoop from which the outer sleeve is suspended, in a configuration similar to a basketball hoop and net. The opposite (e.g., bottom) end of the outer sleeve can comprise a rigid ring that fits over the base 106, thereby locking it to outer sleeve. In such embodiments, after heating socket 100 to the working temperature, the residual limb is inserted into socket 100, and the downward pressure applied by the residual limb vertically extends the outer sleeve, causing it to circumferentially compress pliable socket 100 around the residual limb.

[0086] In the present disclosure, the words a or an are to be taken to include both the singular and the plural. Conversely, any reference to plural items shall include, where appropriate, the singular.

[0087] Numerous characteristics and advantages have been set forth in the preceding description, including various alternatives together with details of the structure and function of the devices and/or methods. The disclosure is intended as illustrative only and as such is not intended to be exhaustive. It will be evident to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made, especially in matters of structure, materials, elements, components, shape, size, and arrangement of parts including combinations within the principles of the invention, to the full extent indicated by the broad, general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. To the extent that these various modifications do not depart from the spirit and scope of the appended claims, they are intended to be encompassed therein.