Patent ID: 6764631
Filing Date: 2004-07-20
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
A method of making a thermoformable tubular liner for use in a prosthetic appliance, comprising the steps of:preparing a negative cast from a patient's residual limb; preparing a positive cast from said negative cast; placing a thermoformable tubular liner over said positive cast; heating said positive cast and thermoformable tubular liner in an oven for a predetermined amount of time at a predetermined temperature so that said thermoformable tubular liner acquires a new geometry; removing said cast and thermoformable tubular liner from said oven and allowing said cast and thermoformable tubular liner to cool to room temperature; removing said thermoformable tubular liner from said cast; an interior surface of said thermoformable tubular liner conforming to the shape of said positive cast; said thermoformable tubular liner exhibiting elasticity when cooled to room temperature and returning to its new geometry when stretched and released at room temperature; said thermoformable tubular liner adapted to be stretched and fitted over a residual limb; whereby said thermoformable tubular liner remains on said residual limb even as said residual limb shrinks during the day.