Patent Abstract:
Devices, systems, and methods relating to a valve that may be used with a prosthesis attachment include a valve assembly that includes a spring loaded insert portion and a base portion that interfaces to lock and unlock by depressing the spring loaded insert portion.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/695,171, filed Aug. 30, 2012, and titled, “Valve for Prosthesis Attachment,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Placement of a prosthesis into an attachment location on the limb of a patient utilizes a valve that maintains a negative pressure to suspended the prosthesis in the attachment location. Valves that are currently used in this capacity are often threaded or include cumbersome latching designs. Such valves can require significant hand dexterity that can be difficult for a patient. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    In some implementations, the current subject matter relates to a valve, a valve assembly, and methods for maintaining negative pressure to suspend a limb. The valve assembly can have a spring loaded inserted portion and base portion that a patient or user can cause to interface and lock. Expulsion of extra air or other gas from the prosthesis attachment point can be achieved by pressing down on the prosthetic limb as the air moves through a one-way valve within the valve assembly. 
         [0004]    Presented herein in some implementations, a valve assembly is provided that includes a base that is outside a bottom portion. The bottom portion includes an inner containment ring. The valve assembly also include a one-way valve with an inlet and an outlet configured to fit inside the inner containment ring. A spring, a latching actuating ring, and an indexing ring are also included in the valve assembly. The spring is outside of the one-way valve and fits inside the inner containment ring. The latching actuating ring is configured to fit over the inner containment ring, and the latching actuating ring includes, or attaches to, a top cap. The latching actuating ring includes teeth positioned around a portion of the latching actuating ring. The top cap can include an air passage configured to be in fluid communication with the outlet of the one-way valve. The teeth of the latching ring are positioned on an outer, lower portion of the latching actuating ring. The indexing ring is configured to interact with the teeth on the latching actuating ring. 
         [0005]    The following features can be present in the valve assembly in any suitable combination. The base of the valve assembly can also include a threaded outer portion. The base can include a bottom cap that interfaces with the inlet of the one-way valve. The valve assembly can include a lanyard connected to the top cap and configured to attach to a point on a surface into which the valve assembly inserts in some implementations. In such implementations, the surface into which the valve assembly inserts can be a prosthetic limb. The indexing ring can include a snap fit portion located at a top portion of the indexing ring, the snap fit portion configured to maintain the indexing ring inside the base when the valve assembly is in use. The valve assembly can further include a seal on a bottom side of the bottom portion in some implementations. The inner containment ring can include tabs and the latching actuating ring can include receiving cut outs configured to match the tabs. 
         [0006]    In a related aspect, provided in some implementations is a prosthesis that includes a valve assembly and a prosthesis attachment site. The valve assembly includes a base, a one-way valve, a spring, a latching actuating, and an indexing ring. The base is outside a bottom portion that includes an inner containment ring. The one-way valve has an inlet and an outlet configured to fit inside the inner containment ring. The spring that is outside the one-way valve also fits inside the inner containment ring. The latching actuating ring of the valve assembly of the prosthesis is configured to fit over the inner containment ring. The latching actuating ring attaches to a top cap that can include an air passage configured to be in fluid communication with the outlet of the one-way valve and teeth position around an outer, lower portion of the latching actuating ring. 
         [0007]    The features below can be present in the prosthesis in any suitable combination. The valve assembly of the prosthesis can include a lanyard connected on the top cap and configured to attach to a point on a surface of the prosthesis. The indexing ring can include a snap fit portion located at a top portion of the indexing ring, the snap fit portion can be configured to maintain the indexing ring inside the base when the valve assembly is in use. The valve assembly can also include a seal on a bottom side of the bottom portion in some implementations of the prosthesis. The inner containment ring of the valve assembly of some implementations of the prosthesis can include tabs and the latching actuating ring comprises receiving cut outs configured to match the tabs. In some implementations, the indexing ring interacts with the teeth of the latching actuating ring through indexing teeth located on the indexing ring, and the indexing teeth can be configured to induce a motion of the indexing ring when the latching actuating ring is moved vertically over the indexing ring. The indexing ring can include upper and lower teeth, the upper teeth shaped as elongated hexagons and the lower teeth having receiving recesses. 
         [0008]    Further, in another related aspect, provided in some implementations is a method of creating and maintaining negative pressure in an attachment site in a prosthetic limb that includes providing a prosthetic limb that includes a valve assembly. The prosthetic limb includes a valve assembly that includes a base, a one-way valve, a spring, a latching actuating ring, and an indexing ring. The base is outside a bottom portion that includes an inner containment ring, and the one-way valve is configured to fit inside the inner containment ring. The one-way valve also has an inlet and an outlet. The spring is outside of the one-way valve and fits inside the inner containment ring. The latching actuating ring is configured to fit over the inner containment ring. The latching actuating ring includes a top cap that can include an air passage that is configured to be in fluid communication with the outlet of the one-way valve and an indexing ring that is configured to interact with the teeth on the latching actuating ring. 
         [0009]    The following features can be present in the method of creating and maintaining negative pressure in an attachment site in a prosthetic limb in any suitable combination. The method can further include moving a patient&#39;s limb towards the prosthesis attachment side of the prosthetic limb to expel air from a space between the prosthesis and a patient&#39;s limb within the prosthesis attachment site. The indexing ring can interact with the teeth of the latching actuating ring through indexing teeth located on the indexing ring, the indexing teeth can be configured to induce a motion of the indexing ring when the latching actuating ring is moved vertically over the indexing ring in some implementations. In such implementations, the upper driving teeth can be angled on each side, such that the upper driving teeth resemble a component of a picket fence configuration and the lower driving teeth on the indexing ring driver are angled towards only one direction. The indexing ring can include a snap fit portion location at a top portion of the indexing ring, the snap fit portion configured to maintain the indexing ring inside the base when the valve assembly is in use. 
         [0010]    In another related aspect, in some implementations a suction socket prosthetic valve assembly that includes a top and a bottom, in which the valve assembly is configured to alternatively lock into a first position and unlock when force is applied to the top to direct the top towards the bottom is provided. The suction socket prosthetic valve assembly is configured such that a first applied force causes locking into the first position, and a second applied force causes unlocking. 
         [0011]    The following features can be present in the suction socket prosthetic valve assembly in any suitable combination. The suction socket prosthetic valve assembly can include a base that is outside a bottom portion. The bottom portion can include an inner containment ring. The suction socket prosthetic valve assembly can also include a one-way valve with an inlet and an outlet configured to fit inside the inner containment ring. A spring, a latching actuating ring, and an indexing ring can also be included in the suction socket prosthetic valve assembly. The spring can be outside of the one-way valve and can fit inside the inner containment ring. The latching actuating ring can be configured to fit over the inner containment ring, and the latching actuating ring can include, a top cap and teeth positioned around a portion of the latching actuating ring. The top cap can have an air passage configured to be in fluid communication with the outlet of the one-way valve. The portion of the latching actuating ring on which the teeth are positioned can be an outer, lower portion of the latching actuating ring. The indexing ring can be configured to interact with the teeth on the latching actuating ring. In some implementations, the latching actuating ring and the indexing ring can interact to alternately lock and unlock the suction socket prosthetic valve assembly when force is applied. The indexing ring can interact with the teeth of the latching actuating ring through indexing teeth located on the indexing ring, and the indexing teeth can be configured to induce a motion of the indexing ring when the latching actuating ring is moved vertically over the indexing ring. The indexing ring can include a snap fit portion located at a top portion of the indexing ring, and the snap fit portion can be configured to maintain the indexing ring inside the base when the valve assembly is in use. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    The current subject matter is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. 
           [0013]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  illustrate an exemplary prosthesis and attachment site assembly, including a valve. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  illustrates a valve assembly in an inserted and locked configuration. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  illustrates an insert portion of a valve assembly including a latching actuating ring and an inner containment ring in an extended configuration. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  illustrates an insert portion of a valve assembly including a latching actuating ring and an inner containment ring in an inserted and locked configuration. 
           [0017]      FIGS. 5A ,  5 B, and  5 C show an exploded view of a valve assembly. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  illustrates an implementation of teeth on the insert portion interacting with a rotating latch ring on the base of a valve assembly. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  shows various placement configurations for seals within the valve assembly. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  shows various placement configurations for springs within the valve assembly. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  shows an alternate locking mechanism design for a valve assembly. 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  shows a second alternate locking mechanism design for a valve assembly. 
           [0023]      FIG. 11A  is an exploded view of an exemplary valve assembly. 
           [0024]      FIG. 11B  is a cross sectional view of a portion of the valve assembly in  FIG. 11A . 
           [0025]      FIGS. 12 and 13  show exploded views of an exemplary valve assembly. 
           [0026]      FIGS. 14A ,  14 B,  14 C, and  14 D show another implementation of a valve assembly. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0027]    As stated above, some embodiments of the current subject matter relate to valves and valve assemblies used in the attachment of prosthetic limbs to patients. The valves currently in use often require a level of hand dexterity that is beyond that of many patients. The valve designs described herein, which do not require threads or latches, are simple to use and readily maintain a locked position. 
         [0028]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  show a prosthesis and attachment site assembly  100  for a leg. The prosthesis attachment site, or socket portion of the prosthesis,  110  includes a valve  120  that maintains a negative pressure on the prosthesis and keeps the prosthesis suspended. The valve  120 , is shown in its assembled state, with a spring loaded valve portion inserted into the valve base. Below the prosthesis attachment site, or socket,  110  is the rest of prosthesis  150 . 
         [0029]      FIG. 2  illustrates a valve assembly  200  in an inserted and locked configuration. The valve assembly  200  has a base  205  with a threaded outer portion and an inner portion that is outside a spring loaded insert  210 . The base  205  can surround, completely or at least partially, the spring loaded insert  210 . The spring loaded insert  210  includes a bottom cap  215 , a one-way valve  220 , a spring  225 , an inner containment ring  230 , a latching actuating ring  235 , and a top cap  245 . The spring loaded insert  210  is surrounded by a rotating latch ring  240 , inside the base  205 . The rotating latch ring  240  is outside the spring loaded insert  210 , at least partially, and the rotating latch ring  240  may or may not be removable from base  205 . At the center of the top cap  245  there may be an orifice that defines an air passage  255  for gas expelled through the one-way valve  220  to pass. 
         [0030]    The one-way valve can be in fluid communication with the volume beneath the valve assembly when it is seated in an attachment site of a prosthetic limb. When the one-way valve is in fluid communication with the volume in the attachment site beneath the valve assembly, the valve assembly allows for air to pass from the prosthetic attachment site, through the valve, to the ambient environment. Removal of air from the prosthetic attachment site can cause negative pressure in the attachment site, which can help the prosthetic adhere to the person wearing the prosthetic. 
         [0031]    Around the outside of the base  205  and engaged with the treads, is a threaded ring, or base nut,  250 . A lanyard  270  can be attached to the valve assembly  200  at the top cap in  FIG. 2 . The inset B in  FIG. 2  shows a sealing surface  280  in under an undercut in and attached to the bottom cap  215 . The sealing surface  280  also interfaces with the base  205  and is potentially in contact with the rotating latch ring  240 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 3  shows the spring loaded insert  210  of a valve assembly  200  including a latching actuating ring  235  and an inner containment ring  230  in an extended configuration. Contrastingly,  FIG. 4  shows the spring loaded insert  210  of a valve assembly  200  including a latching actuating ring  235  and an inner containment ring  230  in a partially compressed configuration. 
         [0033]      FIGS. 5A ,  5 B, and  5 C show an exploded view of a valve assembly  200 . The valve assembly  200  is shown in three portions in  FIG. 5 . Shown in the leftmost portion,  FIG. 5A , the spring loaded insert includes the bottom cap  215  that is beneath the inner containment ring  230 . In the center of the bottom cap  215  fits the one-way valve  220  and the spring  225 , which is sized to fit around the one-way valve  220  and inside the inner containment ring  230 . The latching actuating ring  235  fits above the bottom cap  215  and around the inner containment ring  230 . The top cap  245  fits above the latching actuating ring  235 . The lanyard  270  is attached to the top of the top cap  245 . 
         [0034]    In  FIG. 5B , the bottom portion of the valve  200  is shown in a partially exploded view below the spring loaded insert  210 . The base  205  with a threaded outer portion is outside the rotating latch ring  240  that is beneath a retaining ring  205 A that also fits within the base  205 . The base  205  is outside the rotating latch ring  240 , such that it at least partially surrounds the rotating latch ring  240 . An o-ring  206  fits into a groove on the base  205  and serves to seal the base to the prosthetic when in use. A threaded ring  250  fits around the base  205  by screwing onto the threads on the base  205 . The latching actuating ring  235  with the top cap  245  is also shown. The air passage  255  through the center of the top cap  245  is shown adjacent to the point where the lanyard  270  attaches to the top cap  245 .  FIG. 5C  shows a partially assembled view of the base  205 , with the o-ring  206  in place. The rotating latch ring  240 , which is also seen in  FIG. 2 , is shown. In  FIG. 5C , the rotating latch ring  240  is removed from the base  205  so that the inner portion of the latch ring can be seen, particularly the portion that interfaces with the latching actuating ring  235 . When the rotating latch ring  240  is seated within the base  205 , a retaining ring  205 A sits above the latch ring  240  to keep it from moving except for in a rotational manner. 
         [0035]      FIG. 6  illustrates an implementation of teeth on the latching actuating ring  235  interacting with a rotating latch ring  240  on a valve assembly. The right hand side of  FIG. 6  illustrates the latching motion used in the valve assembly shown in  FIGS. 2 through 5 . When the spring loaded insert  210  (as seen in  FIG. 4 ) is depressed in, teeth located on the latching actuating ring  235 , shown in black, slide down over the tops of protrusions in the rotating latch ring  240  and then fit under the protrusions into a locked position. When unlocking is desired, the spring loaded insert  210  is depressed again, the teeth (shown in black) move out from under the protrusions and move free of the latching actuating ring protrusions. 
         [0036]      FIG. 7  shows various placement configurations for seals within the valve assembly. The top portion of  FIG. 7  shows various possible placements of radial o-ring seals. The first possible location  710  is the outside of the base of the latching actuating ring  235 . The second possible location is at  720 , at the base of the inner containment ring  230  or bottom cap  215 , around the circumference of the inner containment ring  230  or bottom cap  215 . A third possible seal location  730  is on the inside of the base  205 . The bottom half of  FIG. 7  shows two possible locations for rubber or foam lip or face seals. The first location for a rubber or foam lip or face seal  740  is on the underside of the cap  245  at the top of the latching actuating ring  235 . The second possible location  750  is at the top of the base  205 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 8  shows various placement configurations for springs within the valve assembly. Shown are three possible locations for one or more springs in a valve assembly. Springs  810  can be located in an annular pattern underneath the top cap  245 , outside the latching actuating ring  235 . Alternatively, springs  820  can be located in an annular pattern on a top portion of the base  205 . A spring  830  (corresponding to the spring  225  in  FIGS. 2-5C ) can be located in the interior of the base  205 . 
         [0038]      FIGS. 9 and 10  show alternate locking mechanism designs for a valve assembly. The design of  FIG. 9  shows a valve assembly that includes a rotating index ring driver  910  at the top of the assembly. Teeth  920  protrude from the bottom of the rotating index ring driver  910  and interact with lower teeth  925  on a rotating index ring  930 . The lower teeth  925  move over protrusions  933  in the internal portion of the base  915  and fit into slots  935  when the assembly is in the locked configuration. The teeth  920  that protrude from the rotating index ring  910  are angled on both sides, such that they resemble a component of a picket fence configuration. The lower teeth  925  on the rotating index ring  930  are angled towards only one direction, such that there is directionality in the rotation of the rotating index ring  930 . The protrusions  933  that line the slots  935  resemble larger versions of the teeth  920 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 10  shows a second alternate locking mechanism design for a valve assembly. The design of  FIG. 10  is distinct from the design in  FIG. 9  in that the teeth  1020  in the index ring driver  1010  are shaped as elongated hexagons and the lower teeth  1025  on the index ring  1030  have receiving recesses  1027 . The bottom portions of the teeth  1025  are angled to move over ribs  1035  that are located in the base  205  and protrude into the inner portion of the base. 
         [0040]      FIGS. 11A and 11B  show an embodiment of a valve assembly insert  210  in which the inner containment ring  230  has a plurality of tabs  231  and in which the latching actuating ring  235  has receiving cut outs  232  sized to receive the tabs  231 . The receiving cut outs  232  are a part of a securing lip on the latching actuating ring  235 . The tabs  231  can be uniformly sized and spaced at the top of the inner containment ring  232 , or the tabs  231  can be arranged in a particular pattern that fits a corresponding pattern in the receiving cut outs  232  in the latching actuating ring  235 . The interaction between the tabs  231  and receiving cut outs  232  can allow the spring loaded insert assembly  210  to be assembled and disassembled quickly and for parts such as the one-way valve  220  and spring  225  to be easily exchanged with replacement parts, if needed. 
         [0041]    Also shown in  FIG. 11A  is a quick release connection in the lanyard  270  with a first portion  271 A and a second portion  271 B. The first portion  271 A connects to the top cap  245 , and the second portion  271 B connects to the prosthesis. The quick release connection can include one or more magnets, such as rare earth magnets, snap fittings, pressure fittings, and the like. The lanyard  270  may be a suitably length to allow the latching actuating ring  235  and the top cap  245  to fit into the inner containment ring  230 . In some implementations of a valve assembly, the lanyard  270  can be suitably short, such as about 7 cm or less, about 6 cm or less, or the like, and in such implementation, can also include a quick release connection. The lanyard  270  can be of any suitably durable, flexible material, such as stranded metal wire, aramid fiber, polymer fiber, ceramic fiber, woven material, or any combination thereof. 
         [0042]      FIGS. 12 and 13  show exploded views of an implementation of a valve assembly similar to that shown in  FIGS. 11A and 11B . The valve assembly shown has a latching actuating ring  235  with a top cap  245  that has an air passage  255  and to which a lanyard  270  is attached. The bottom portion of the latching actuating ring has teeth  1020  and a lip that has receiving cut outs  232 . The latching actuating ring  235  mates with an inner containment ring  230 , outside a spring  225  and a one-way valve  220 . The inner containment ring  230  can surround the spring  225 . On the bottom portion of the inner containment ring  230  there is a bottom cap  215 ; the top of the inner containment ring  230  has tabs  231  that are configured to match the receiving slots  232 . To assemble the valve assembly, the valve  220  and spring  225  are aligned within the latching actuating ring  235  and inner containment ring  230 . The tabs  231  are positioned to fit into the receiving slots  232  so that the latching actuating ring  235  can compress the spring  225  and be lowered over the inner containment ring  230 . A user can then rotate either the inner containment ring  230 , the latching actuating ring  235 , or both until the tabs  231  no longer align with the receiving slots  232  in at least a partial fashion, such that the inner containment ring  230  and latching actuating ring  235  cannot be disengaged without further rotation. When the tabs  231  are not aligned with the receiving slots  232 , repeated translation of the latching actuating ring  235  over the inner containment ring  230  will not cause disengagement of the two boss portions  230 ,  235 . 
         [0043]      FIGS. 14A-D  show another implementation of a valve assembly. In  FIG. 14A , an exploded view of an implementation of a valve assembly is shown. The valve assembly has a latching actuating ring  235  with an integral top cap  245 . A lanyard is attached to the top of the latching actuating ring and top cap  14001 . The spring  225  and one way valve  220  that are present in other implementation of valve assemblies described herein are also present in  FIG. 14A . An inner containment ring  230  with an integrated bottom cap  215  is also shown (in this  FIG. 14002 ). 
         [0044]      FIG. 14B  shows the valve assembly of  FIG. 14A  in a compressed state.  FIG. 14D  is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly of  FIG. 14B , with the valve sectioned along the line A.  FIG. 14C  shows the base  205  partially exploded so that a rotating latch ring  240  and a retaining ring  205 A can be seen integrated into one part, a snap fit rotating latch ring  14003 . As shown in  FIG. 14C , notches  14004  are present in the snap fit rotating latch ring  14003  that can allow it to snap fit into the base  205  and to be held within the base  205  while the valve assembly is in use. However, in some implementations, a rotating latch ring  240  and a retaining ring  205 A can be integrated into one part that does not include notches, but that one, integrated part can still be capable of snap fitting into the base  205 . 
         [0045]    The valve assembly is an insertion valve that can be suitable for amputees of all levels. The valve assembly operates as follows. A loaded spring portion, or insert, is depressed into a base portion until the spring portion cannot be moved any further. The valve then locks into position. Air that is trapped in the suspension holding a patient&#39;s prosthesis in place can be expelled by pushing down on the limb, causing the air to pass through a one-way valve inside the loaded spring portion, or insert. At the point when the patient wishes to remove the prosthetic limb, the valve assembly can be disengaged by depressing the loaded spring portion once again until it cannot be moved any further. The valve then unlatches and the spring pushes the loaded spring portion out of the valve base. A lanyard can keep the loaded spring portion attached to the area around which the valve is located in the prosthesis attachment site. 
         [0046]    The locking mechanism used in the valve assembly can include a rotating indexing ring, located in the valve base, and a fixed indexing ring mounted to the spring loaded valve portion. The teeth of the rotating and fixed index rings can be designed to interface with each other. When the spring loaded valve portion, or insert is pushed into the valve base, the fixed ring can align with the rotating ring, and can cause the rotating ring to index and position itself into a locked position as the spring loaded valve portion, or insert, moves upwards and locks the assembly in place. Once locked, the spring-loaded portion, or insert, can create an airtight seal with the base by pushing against a lip on the valve base. A seal (such as a rubber seal) on the bottom of the spring loaded valve portion, or insert, can ensure the airtight seal. A seal can alternatively, or additionally, be located on the lip of the valve base. To remove the spring loaded valve portion, or insert, a patient or user can depress the spring loaded valve portion or insert, once again. The rotating ring can then index into an unlocked position that allows the spring loaded valve portion or insert to be released from the assembly. The spring loaded valve portion or insert can then be freely removed from the valve base. 
         [0047]    In some embodiments, the locking mechanism can include two rotating indexing rings mounted to the spring loaded valve portion, or insert, and fixed ribs or teeth on the interior of the base. When the spring loaded valve portion, or insert, is pushed into the valve base, the top rotating indexing ring can cause the lower indexing ring to index, or rotate and move the teeth on the lower indexing ring. Upon indexing, the teeth of the lower rotating indexing ring moves into a position relative to the fixed ribs or teeth on the interior of the base that locks the relative position of the lower indexing ring and the base. 
         [0048]    The valve assemblies described herein can be made of metal, plastic, fiberglass, ceramic, fiber reinforced polymer composite material, or any other suitable material of sufficient strength. Such materials can be formed into the various parts of the valve assemblies described herein by injection molding, casting, machining, additive manufacturing,  3 D printing, extrusion, welding, or any combination thereof. 
         [0049]    Methods for using the valve assemblies described herein can include methods for creating and maintaining negative pressure in an attachment site in a prosthetic limb. Such methods include providing a prosthetic limb that includes a valve assembly, as described in greater detail elsewhere herein. The valve assembly used in methods for creating and maintaining negative pressure in an attachment site can include a base that is outside of a bottom portion that includes an inner containment ring, a one-way valve that fits inside the inner containment ring, a spring that is outside of the one-way valve and fits inside the inner containment ring, a latching actuating ring that includes a top cap and teeth, and an indexing ring driver that interacts with the teeth on the latching actuating ring. The one-way valve can have an inlet and an outlet, and when the valve assembly is in use within the prosthetic, the inlet can be in fluid communication with the volume between the prosthetic attachment site and the patient. The method of creating and maintaining negative pressure in an attachment site can also include actuating (e.g. activating) the valve assembly by pressing down on the top cap of the valve assembly. Pressing down on the top cap causes the latching actuating ring and the base of the valve assembly to move closer together and can cause the teeth on the latching actuating ring and features on the indexing ring to interact. The nature of the teeth and the features on the indexing ring, as well as the nature of the interaction and resulting motion can vary, as described hereinabove. 
         [0050]    Though the valve assemblies described herein are discussed primarily in terms of use for prosthesis attachment, such valve assemblies can find use in other applications. Such applications for valve assemblies include use as an industrial pneumatic or hydraulic release valve; as a cartridge valve; as a residential or commercial plumbing valve; as a gas valve; as a lid to a container, storage vessel, chamber, housing, or enclosure; as a mechanical fastener; as pneumatic or hydraulic quick disconnect hose fitting or coupling; as a pipe or tube fitting; as a bottle stopper and the like. 
         [0051]    The spring loaded valve portion, or insert, of the valve assemblies described herein can be operated or actuated using an extremity, such as a hand or foot, or a phalange, such as a finger or toe. The spring loaded valve portion, or insert, can also be operated or actuated with a mechanical tool. 
         [0052]    The one-way valve used in the valve assemblies described herein can be an elastomeric valve, duckbill valve, umbrella valve, cartridge valve, dome valve, Belleville valve, x-frame valve, ball valve, ball check valve, cross-slit valve, diaphragm valve, swing valve, tilting disk valve, in-line check valve, reed valve, lift-check valve, or a combination valve. The one-way valve can be made of metal, plastic, rubber, silicone, wood, adhesive, fiberglass, fiber composite, or any suitable combination thereof. Though the valve assemblies and associated methods are described herein primarily in terms of including a one-way valve, any other suitable type of valve that allows for air or any other gas to pass from one side to the other side of the valve assembly can be used. 
         [0053]    The implementations set forth in the foregoing description do not represent all implementations consistent with the subject matter described herein. Instead, they are merely some examples consistent with aspects related to the described subject matter. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. 
         [0054]    Although a few variations have been described in detail above, other modifications or additions are possible. In particular, further features and/or variations can be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, the implementations described above can be directed to various combinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed features and/or combinations and sub-combinations of several further features disclosed above. In addition, the logic flows and steps for use described herein do not require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. Other embodiments can be within the scope of the claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0