Patent ID: 9504585
Filing Date: 2016-11-29
CPC Classification: A61F,Y10T

Claim Text:
1. A method of using a socket system and a prosthetic device for a residual limb of an individual, the residual limb having a volume, a surface area, and a length defined between a proximal end and a distal end along a longitudinal axis, wherein the socket system comprises: a. a rigid support, the rigid support having a rigid member and a distal base, wherein the rigid member is configured to extend along the length of the residual limb, and wherein the rigid member is shaped to conform to between about 15% and about 75% of the surface area of the residual limb, to thereby define, when in use, a balance of the surface area of the residual limb unsupported by the rigid member; b. a non-elastic, non-rigid, flexible support made from one or more materials used to make wearable garments, wherein the non-elastic, non-rigid, flexible support is fixedly secured along its length to the rigid support and positioned, when in use, to cover the balance of the surface area of the residual limb unsupported by the rigid member, wherein the rigid member and the non-elastic, non-rigid, flexible support are configured to cover opposing sides along the longitudinal axis of the residual limb, and wherein the rigid member and the non-elastic, non-rigid, flexible support do not overlap except in areas used to secure one to the other; and c. an adjuster to maintain a volumetric fit of the socket system to the residual limb, wherein the adjuster is directly attached to each of the rigid support and the non-elastic, non-rigid, flexible support; wherein, when in use, the adjuster of the socket system is used to maintain hydrostatic weight bearing while the volume of the residual limb changes, wherein the prosthetic device is attached to the socket system and the socket system is secured to the residual limb of the individual the method comprises: