Patent ID: 6231617
Filing Date: 2001-05-15
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
A prosthetic apparatus, comprising:a prosthetic liner of generally tubular shape having a rounded, closed distal end and an open proximal end for receiving a residuum;a distal attachment plate secured to said prosthetic liner at said distal end thereof;a plurality of elongate arms extending from said distal attachment plate in a distal-to-proximal direction;said elongate arms being circumferentially spaced apart with respect to one another;said elongate arms being flexible in a radially inward and radially outward direction with respect to a longitudinal axis of said prosthetic liner; andsaid elongate arms being formed of a predetermined material that is substantially nonstretchable in an axial direction;whereby said elongate arms and said distal attachment plate cooperate with one another to spread the weight of a prosthesis attached to said distal attachment plate to thereby reduce a negative pressure in pounds per square inch exerted by said prosthesis during the swing phase of a gait.