Abstract
The invention relates to a liner (16) for a prosthesis, which liner (16) has a proximal opening, for receiving an amputation stump, and a distal end lying opposite the proximal opening, and it is produced from a liner material (4), wherein a longitudinal direction of the liner (16) extends from the proximal opening to the distal end, and a circumferential direction runs perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, wherein the liner (16) has a plurality of fibres (6), which are made from an inelastic material and are arranged in such a way that a lengthening of the liner (16) in the longitudinal direction results in a shortening of the liner (16) in the circumferential direction, and vice versa, wherein the liner (16) has non-slip means (26) which, when the liner (16) is fitted in place, prevent the liner (16) from slipping on the amputation stump.
Claims
1-14. (canceled)
15. A prosthesis, comprising: a prosthetic socket having a proximal region and a distal region, the distal region and the proximal region configured to secure the prosthetic socket to the residual limb in a fixed orientation; a liner configured to receive a residual limb and to be inserted with the residual limb into the prosthetic socket, the liner being secured to the residual limb at least in part by forces applied by the prosthetic socket, the liner comprising: a liner body comprising: a proximal opening to receive the residual limb; a closed distal end opposite the proximal opening; a longitudinal dimension extending from the proximal opening to the closed distal end; a circumferential dimension extending perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension; a plurality of fibers comprising a nonelastic material and being arranged such that an elongation of the liner material in the longitudinal dimension results in shortening of the liner material in the circumferential dimension and vice versa.
16. The liner as claimed in claim 15, further comprising an anti-slip component operable to prevent the liner from slipping on the residual limb.
17. The liner as claimed in claim 16, wherein the anti-slip component includes a surface property that engages an outer side of the liner body, an inner side of the liner body configured to rest against the residual limb.
18. The liner as claimed in claim 16, wherein the anti-slip component includes an enclosing element that at least partially encloses the liner material, the enclosing element being configured to prevent the liner material from slipping relative to the residual limb.
19. The liner as claimed in claim 15, wherein the plurality of fibers include a first fiber and a second fiber that cross each other at a right angle.
20. The liner as claimed in claim 15, wherein the plurality of fibers include a first fiber and a second fiber, the first fiber forms a spiral matrix in a first circumferential direction and the second fiber forms a spiral matrix in a second circumferential direction opposite to the first circumferential direction.
21. The liner as claimed in claim 15, wherein the plurality of fibers include a first fiber and a second fiber, the first fiber is part of a first fiber layer comprising a plurality of first fibers and the second fiber is part of a second fiber layer comprising a plurality of second fibers.
22. The liner as claimed in claim 15, wherein the plurality of fibers include a first fiber and a second fiber, the liner body has at least first and second part-liners, the first fiber being embedded in the first part-liner and the second fiber being embedded in the second part-liner, and the second part-liner is configured to be pulled over the residual limb after the first part-liner has been pulled over the amputation stump.
23. The liner as claimed in claim 15, wherein the plurality of fibers extend at least partially in the longitudinal dimension.
24. The liner as claimed in claim 15, wherein the plurality of fibers forms a net-like structure having a plurality of mutually adjoining meshes.
25. The liner as claimed in claim 24, wherein the mutually adjoining meshes have a hexagonal shape.
26. The liner as claimed in claim 15, wherein the prosthetic socket only partially encloses and surrounds the liner.
27. The liner as claimed in claim 15, wherein a distal end of the liner is secured to the socket.
28. The liner as claimed in claim 15, wherein the liner is secured to the residual limb at least at the distal and proximal ends of the liner.
29. A prosthesis, comprising: a socket having a socket cavity, a distal region and a proximal region, the distal region and the proximal region configured to secure the prosthetic socket to the residual limb in a fixed orientation; a liner configured to mount to the residual limb and be inserted with the residual limb into the socket cavity, a force to secure the liner to the residual limb being provided at least in part by the prosthetic socket, the liner comprising: a liner body having a proximal opening to receive the residual limb, a closed distal end opposite the proximal opening, and a plurality of fibers which each comprise a nonelastic material and are arranged such that an elongation of the liner body in a longitudinal direction results in shortening of the liner body in a circumferential direction, wherein the longitudinal direction extends from the proximal opening to the closed distal end, and the circumferential direction extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
30. The prosthesis as claimed in claim 29, further comprising an anti-slip component operable to prevent the liner from slipping on the residual limb.
31. The prosthesis as claimed in claim 30, wherein the anti-slip component includes a surface property that engages an outer side of the liner body, an inner side of the liner body configured to rest against the amputation stump, and the anti-slip component is configured to prevent the liner from slipping relative to the amputation stump.
32. The prosthesis as claimed in claim 29, wherein the plurality of fibers includes a first fiber and a second fiber which are arranged such that the first and second fibers cross one another.
33. The prosthesis as claimed in claim 29, wherein the plurality of fibers includes a first fiber and a second fiber, the first fiber forms a spiral matrix in a first circumferential direction and the second fiber forms a spiral matrix in a second circumferential direction opposite to the first circumferential direction.
34. The prosthesis as claimed in claim 29, wherein the plurality of fibers includes a first fiber and a second fiber, the first fiber is part of a first fiber layer comprising a plurality of first fibers and the second fiber is part of a second fiber layer comprising a plurality of second fibers.
35. The prosthesis as claimed in claim 29, wherein the plurality of fibers includes a first fiber and a second fiber, the liner body comprises first and second part-liners, the first fiber is embedded in the first part-liner and the second fiber is embedded in the second part-liner, and the second part-liner is configured to be positioned over the amputation stump after the first part-liner has been pulled over the amputation stump.
36. The prosthesis as claimed in claim 29, wherein the anti-slip component includes a cup-shaped distal end or a closed distal end.
37. The prosthesis as claimed in claim 29, wherein the anti-slip component includes an elongate tongue member that is arranged in the circumferential direction, the tongue member being spaced proximal of a distal end of the anti-slip component.
38. The prosthesis as claimed in claim 26, wherein the anti-slip feature is configured to be positioned in its entirety within the socket.
Description
[0037] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is explained in more detail in the following text with the aid of a drawing, in which
[0038] FIG. 1 shows the schematic arrangement of two layers of a liner material,
[0039] FIG. 2 shows an arrangement of a plurality of fibers in a first orientation,
[0040] FIG. 3 shows the arrangement of the plurality of fibers in a second orientation,
[0041] FIG. 4 shows the schematic illustration of a liner according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
[0042] FIG. 5 shows a further possible arrangement of the fibers in a liner,
[0043] FIG. 6 shows the schematic illustration of an anti-slip means,
[0044] FIG. 7 shows a sectional illustration of the anti-slip means from FIG. 6 in the fitted state,
[0045] FIG. 8 shows an enlarged detail from FIG. 7,
[0046] FIG. 9 shows a schematic sectional illustration through a prosthesis according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
[0047] FIG. 10 shows an enlarged detail from FIG. 9,
[0048] FIG. 11 shows the schematic sectional illustration through a further prosthesis according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
[0049] FIG. 12 shows the schematic sectional illustration through a further prosthesis according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0050] FIG. 1 schematically shows two layers 2 of a liner material 4. Each layer 2 has a plurality of fibers 6 which are arranged parallel to one another in the respective layer 2. However, between the individual layers 2, the fibers 6 are offset with respect to one another through 90 degrees. All of the fibers 6 in the upper layer 2 are in this case a first fiber layer 8, while all of the fibers 6 in the lower layer 2 form a second fiber layer 10. In the fitted state of a liner which comprises the two layers 2, this arrangement of the fibers 6 in the first fiber layer 8 and the second fiber layer 10 has the result that elastic deformation of the liner in one direction results in elastic deformation in a second direction that extends perpendicularly thereto.
[0051] FIG. 2 shows the first fiber layer 8 and the second fiber layer 10 in a liner 16 according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In this case, it is immaterial whether the first fiber layer 8 and the second fiber layer 10 are arranged in one layer 2 or in two separate layers 2 which are pulled over one another to form a liner. It can be seen that the fibers 6 of the first fiber layer 8 and the fibers 6 of the second fiber layer 10 each enclose a right angle with one another. An elongation of the liner in a first direction, which is illustrated by the arrow 12 in FIG. 2, consequently results in shortening of the liner 16 in a second direction extending perpendicularly thereto, this second direction being illustrated by the arrow 14. This can be achieved in particular in that the individual fibers 6 are formed in a nonelastic manner or at least a less elastic manner than the liner material 4 in which they are embedded. It is thus not possible or only possible to a very small degree to stretch the individual fibers 6 along their longitudinal extent, and so elongation of the liner in the first direction cannot be achieved or can only be achieved to a very small degree by the individual fibers 6 being stretched.
[0052] FIG. 3 shows the first fiber layer 8 and the second fiber layer 10 from FIG. 2, wherein the liner has now been stretched in the direction of the second direction, which is illustrated by the arrow 14. It can be seen that the fibers 6 of the first fiber layer 8 and of the second fiber layer 10 no longer enclose a right angle, but stretched rhombuses are now formed between the individual fibers. The extension and elongation of the liner in the first direction of the arrow 14 simultaneously results in shortening of the liner in the second direction, opposite thereto, which is indicated by the arrow 12. In the fitted state of the line 16, such a shortening can only occur when the liner slides extensively along the amputation stump. Since, however, the adhesion between the liner material 4 and amputation stump is relatively high, such sliding along is not possible. Consequently, once it is in the fitted state, the liner 16 cannot follow a change in volume of the amputation stump or can follow this only to a very small degree, with the result that there is volume stability.
[0053] FIG. 4 shows a particular configuration of a liner 16. It consists of a first part-liner 18 which has an opening 20 at its proximal end. The amputation stump is introduced into the latter. The first part-liner 18 has the first fiber layer 8, which in this case forms a spiral matrix which has a first circumferential direction.
[0054] Arranged at the distal end of the first part-liner 18 is a second part-liner 22 in which the second fiber layer 10 is located. This, too, is a spiral matrix, but extending in the opposite direction. In order to fit the liner 16 on an amputation stump (not shown), the second part-liner 22 is rolled over the first part-liner 18 such that both the first part-liner 18 and the second part-liner 22 envelop the amputation stump and the first fiber layer 8 and the second fiber layer 10 are arranged one over the other. Since both fiber layers 8, 10 form spiral matrices, but with different circumferential directions, the individual fibers 6 of the two fiber layers 8, 10 overall form a net-like structure which has precisely the desired properties.
[0055] FIG. 5 shows a further possible arrangement of the different fibers 6, which in this case form a net-like structure having mutually adjoining meshes 24. Each of these meshes 24 has a hexagonal shape in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5. As a result of this shape of the net-like structure, in this arrangement of the fibers, too, an elongation of the liner in the direction of the arrow 12 results in shortening of the liner in the direction of the arrow 14 and vice versa, and so this arrangement, too, has the desired effect according to the invention.
[0056] FIG. 6 shows an anti-slip means 26 as can be used in a prosthesis according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The anti-slip means 26 is configured as a separate component but is nevertheless considered to be a part of the liner. It comprises in its distal region a receiving cup 28 into which the distal end of the amputation stump is inserted. Arranged in the proximal region of the anti-slip means 26 are two tongue-like protrusions 30 which at least partially enclose the amputation stump with the liner material located around it. Arranged on an inner side 32 are climbing skins 34 by way of which a relative movement of the liner material with respect to the tongue-like protrusions 30 is prevented at least in one direction.
[0057] FIG. 7 shows a sectional illustration through a liner 16 having an anti-slip means 26. Arranged in the liner material 4, the first fiber layer 8 and the second fiber layer 10, which are arranged such that the individual fibers cross, can be seen. The receiving cup 28 can be seen in the distal region while the two tongue-like protrusions 30 are illustrated in the proximal region of the anti-slip means 26, wherein the climbing skins 34 are located on the inner side 32 of said protrusions 30. This part is illustrated in an enlarged manner in FIG. 8. The first part-liner 18 and the second part-liner 22, which rest against one another, can be seen. Located on the outer side of the second part-liner 22 is a tongue-like protrusion 30 with the climbing skin 34 arranged on its inner side. In the case of the shown arrangement of the climbing skin 34, the individual hairs or bristles of the climbing skin 34 are directed downwardly from the tongue-like protrusion 30, and so it is possible for the liner material 4 to shift and slip downward relative to the tongue-like protrusions 30, while the liner material 4 is prevented from shifting upward. Such an arrangement is consequently sensible in particular for the case in which the volume of the amputation stump is expected to decrease during the course of a day. This would have the consequence of the liner material 4 shifting upward, since a decrease in the extension of the liner 16 in the circumferential direction would result in elongation in the longitudinal direction. However, this shifting is prevented by the climbing skins 34 on the inner side of the tongue-like protrusions 30.
[0058] FIG. 9 shows another configuration of a liner 16. Here, too, the first fiber layer 8 and the second fiber layer 10, which are embedded in the liner material 4, are illustrated. The receiving cup 28 of the anti-slip means is again arranged in the distal region of the liner 16. Of course, anti-slip means that do not have a receiving cup 28 also exist. Located in the proximal region of the anti-slip means is an enclosing element 36, which completely encloses the amputation stump in the exemplary embodiment shown. It can be manufactured for example from an elastic material and, in this case, when the amputation stump is arranged within the enclosing element 36, is stretched such that it exerts a force in the radial direction with respect to the longitudinal direction of the amputation stump. In this way, a greater force is applied to the liner material 4, and thus also to the amputation stump located therein, in the region in which the enclosing element 36 is located, and so increased adhesive friction is achieved.
[0059] In FIG. 10, it can be seen that a proximal region 38 of the liner material 4 has been folded over a top edge of the enclosing element 36. This situation is illustrated in an enlarged manner in FIG. 10. The folding over of the proximal region 38 of the first part-liner 18 and of the second part-liner 22 has a number of effects. Firstly, the enclosing element 36 is enclosed between two layers of the liner material. This is sensible in particular for the case in which the anti-slip means 26 consists only of the enclosing element 36 and does not also have a receiving cup 28 or some other element by way of which optimal and fixed positioning of the enclosing means 38 on the amputation stump is ensured. In addition, as a result of the folded-over proximal region 38 of the liner material 4, a further force is exerted in the radial direction on the enclosing element and thus also on the amputation stump located therein, and so a further increase in the adhesive friction is achieved.
[0060] FIG. 11 shows an illustration similar to FIG. 9, in which provision is likewise made of an enclosing element 36, which has been placed about an amputation stump (not shown). A proximal region 38 of the liner material 4 has been flapped over the top edge 40 of the enclosing element 36. Unlike the liner shown in FIG. 9, the liner shown in FIG. 11 has only one fiber layer, which consists of fibers 6 which extend only in the longitudinal direction of the liner, that is to say from the distal end of the liner to the proximal periphery of the liner. This has the result that elastic deformation in the longitudinal direction is no longer possible, although the liner, when pulled and rolled onto an amputation stump, can adapt optimally to the shape of the amputation stump.
[0061] The liner 16 can in this case advantageously have in its distal region a fastening element which can be configured for example as a pin or lock or similar apparatus. By way of this apparatus, it is possible to fasten the distal region of the liner to the receiving cup 28 and in this way to achieve a particularly stable connection between the liner 16 and the receiving cup 28, or a prosthesis socket fastened thereto. The volume of the liner 16 which is filled by the amputation stump is in this way determined by an effective fiber length of the fibers 6, said fiber length being defined from the distal fastening of the liner to the receiving cup 28 to the proximal end of the liner by way of which it is secured to the amputation stump, and by the contour of the amputation stump.
[0062] In general, however, the effective weight force acts for example in the standing phase in such a way that the stump bears against the receiving cup 28, or a corresponding distal socket bowl, and cannot slip out in the proximal direction. This is important because as a result the liner is prevented from taking up the maximum possible volume which is allowed by the introduced fibers 6. This would result in the volume changing while the liner is being worn, such that the desired volume stability is no longer provided. Therefore, it is essential for the functioning of the liner described here that the liner cannot slip relative to the amputation stump but is secured in particular in the proximal region.
[0063] This can occur using the anti-slip means shown here, for example a binding or the climbing skins 34 shown. However, it may also be sufficient to achieve this merely by way of a coating applied for example to the inner side of the liner, said coating increasing adhesive friction between the liner and the skin of the amputation stump.
[0064] FIG. 12 shows a sectional illustration, similar to FIG. 7, through a liner 16 having an anti-slip means 26. Unlike the liner 16 shown in FIG. 7, the liner ends flush with the tongue-like protrusions 30 of the anti-slip means 26 in the proximal region, that is to say at the top in FIG. 12. This is an advantageous but in no way necessary configuration of the liner. While the liner 16 shown in FIG. 7 can be folded over, as illustrated in FIG. 9, and thus at least partially envelops the anti-slip means 26 on both sides, that is to say from the inside and from the outside, this is not possible in the case of a liner 16 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 12. However, here too, climbing skins 34 are arranged on the inner side 32 of the anti-slip means 26, said climbing skins 34 preventing a relative movement of the liner material with respect to the tongue-like protrusions 30 at least in one direction. For most applications it is sufficient to provide the climbing skins 34 as a single component, said climbing skins 34 bringing about the effect of the anti-slip means 26. Flapping over the liner 16, as illustrated in FIG. 9, in order to apply further pressure from the outer side of the tongue-like protrusions 30 and thus to enhance the effect of the climbing skins 34 is advantageous but not necessary.
