Abstract: Improved prosthetic components and a method for assembly therefor are described wherein the prosthesis comprises prefabricated modular components including a socket adapter, shank or pylon, a keel, and a foot. The method for preparation of the improved prosthesis reduces the time required for prosthesis preparation over that of the prior art, and includes the steps of making a cast of the remaining leg stump and forming a socket therefor; placing the socket in an alignment jig; assembling modular pieces including a prefabricated keel, pylon, and socket adapter; attaching the socket adapter to the socket; draping a final coating of copolymer on the prosthesis; and removing the pylon and socket adapter from the interior of the prosthesis.

Abstract: Improved prosthetic components and a method for assembly therefor are described wherein the prosthesis comprises prefabricated modular components including a socket adapter, shank or pylon, a keel, and a foot. The method for preparation of the improved prosthesis reduces the time required for prosthesis preparation over that of the prior art, and includes the steps of making a cast of the remaining leg stump and forming a socket therefor; placing the socket in an alignment jig; assembling modular pieces including a prefabricated keel, pylon, and socket adapter; attaching the socket adapter to the socket; draping a final coating of copolymer on the prosthesis; and removing the pylon and socket adapter from the interior of the prosthesis.

Abstract: Improved prosthetic components and a method for assembly therefor are described wherein the prosthesis comprises prefabricated modular components including a socket adapter, shank or pylon, a keel, and a foot. The method for preparation of the improved prosthesis reduces the time required for prosthesis preparation over that of the prior art, and includes the steps of making a cast of the remaining leg stump and forming a socket therefor; placing the socket in an alignment jig; assembling modular pieces including a prefabricated keel, pylon, and socket adapter; attaching the socket adapter to the socket; draping a final coating of copolymer on the prosthesis; and removing the pylon and socket adapter from the interior of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A copolymer thermoplastic natural foot orthosis for supporting and controlling the movement of a lower extremity and method for manufacturing the same. The orthosis is fabricated by forming a positive mold of the lower extremity, and modifying the positive mold in predetermined locations to accomplish the type of lower extremity control desired. A strip of heated thermoformable copolymer material is strategically positioned around predetermined locations on the positive mold for providing increased support for the natural foot orthosis at these predetermined locations. A sheet of heated thermoformable copolymer material is then drape mold around the positive mold and copolymer strip, wherein the copolymer sheet is vacuum sealed to conform to the shape of the positive mold. During the vacuum formation process, the copolymer sheet and copolymer strip combine together so that the copolymer sheet and copolymer strip are integrally formed into a single supporting structure.

Abstract: A method of forming a socket for connecting a prosthesis to an amputated extremity including forming a molded cast into which an amputated extremity conforms, the molded cast having a closed distal end for positioning adjacent one end of the amputated extremity and an open proximal end for surrounding the amputated extremity, forming a vacuum assembly by connecting an attachment device for receiving a vacuum tube to the distal end of the mold cast and attaching a first end of the vacuum tube to the attachment device. Subsequently, wrapping a formable plastic layer around a portion of the vacuum tube, the attachment device and at least the distal end of the molded socket. The plastic layer is sealed around the vacuum tube and at least the distal end of the molded cast such that trapped air between the plastic layer and the vacuum assembly can be drawn through the vacuum tube, thus conforming the formal plastic layer to at least the distal end of mold cast and the attachment device.

Abstract: A prosthetic socket for connecting a prosthesis to an amputated extremity. A molded cast having a distal end and a proximal end which conforms to the amputated extremity. A prosthetic socket component is affixed to the distal end of the molded cast for detachably connecting the molded cast to an artificial limb wherein the component is recessed within a plastic layer. The plastic layer is formed around a portion of the component and the distal end of the molded cast wherein the component is retained in position by the plastic layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a prosthetic socket using a vacuum tube assembly for vacuum sealing a layer of plastic material onto a molded cast to form a prosthetic socket. The vacuum tube assembly includes a cylindrical shaft for providing an air path for the vacuum tube assembly between the prosthetic cast and a suction device. The cylindrical shaft includes a connection device attached to one end of the cylindrical shaft, wherein the connection device is used for affixing the vacuum tube assembly to an attachment device on the prosthetic socket. The attachment device is formed within the prosthetic socket and is the component which connects the prosthetic socket to an artificial limb shaft. A reciprocating cover is also provided on one end of the cylindrical shaft for covering the connection device, so that the reciprocating cover abuts the prosthetic socket when the connection device is affixed to the attachment device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a prosthetic socket using a vacuum tube assembly for vacuum sealing a layer of plastic material onto a molded cast to form a prosthetic socket. The vacuum tube assembly includes a cylindrical shaft for providing an air path for the vacuum tube assembly between the prosthetic cast and a suction device. The cylindrical shaft includes a connection device attached to one end of the cylindrical shaft, wherein the connection device is used for affixing the vacuum tube assembly to an attachment device on the prosthetic socket. The attachment device is formed within the prosthetic socket and is the component which connects the prosthetic socket to an artificial limb shaft. A reciprocating cover is also provided on one end of the cylindrical shaft for covering the connection device, so that the reciprocating cover abuts the prosthetic socket when the connection device is affixed to the attachment device.

Abstract: A prosthesis for fitting a below-the-knee amputee is disclosed and includes a socket for receiving the stump of the below-the-knee amputee, a keel having a peripheral groove formed about the periphery of a bottom portion of the keel, a tubular shin member extending from the socket and surrounding lateral and medial portions of the keel and filling the peripheral grooves formed about the bottom portion of the keel leaving a substantial portion of the bottom of the keel exposed. A resilient foot member is then secured to the exposed portion of the keel with the material of the tubular shin member being formed into the grooves of the keel and maintaining such keel within the shin member. Also the method of manufacturing such prosthesis.

Abstract: A prosthesis for fitting a below-the-knee amputee is disclosed and includes a socket for receiving the stump of the below-the-knee amputee, a keel having a peripheral groove formed about the periphery of a bottom portion of the keel, a tubular shin member extending from the socket and surrounding lateral and medial portions of the keel and filling the peripheral grooves formed about the bottom portion of the keel leaving a substantial portion of the bottom of the keel exposed. A resilient foot member is then secured to the exposed portion of the keel with the material of the tubular shin member being formed into the grooves of the keel and maintaining such keel within the shin member. Also the method of manufacturing such prosthesis.