Patent ID: 6926742
Filing Date: 2005-08-09
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. In an artificial limb for amputees who have a residual limb, the artificial limb having a pylon, a socket attached to the pylon, a flexible liner having a cavity with a volume less than that of the residual limb, the socket having a volume and shape to receive a substantial portion of the residual limb and the liner, the socket having a cavity between the liner and the socket adapted to receive the residual limb and the liner, a vacuum source connectable to the socket cavity, and a seal means for sealing the socket cavity; a valveless plate/socket attachment for connecting the vacuum source to the socket cavity, the plate/socket attachment comprising: a) a plate attached to the pylon and to the socket, the plate having a first surface and a second surface; b) a vacuum passage through the plate between the first surface and the second surface; and c) a vacuum outlet in the second surface for attachment of the vacuum source; d) the artificial limb having an inner socket disposed between the residual limb and the socket, the socket cavity being between the liner and the inner socket, a mechanical interlock connected between the plate/socket attachment and the inner socket and, connected to the vacuum passage, a seal between the mechanical interlock and the vacuum passage; the mechanical interlock having a second vacuum passage therethrough, the mechanical interlock engaging the seal thereby providing an air-tight connection between the vacuum passage and the second vacuum passage.