Abstract: A flexible protective sleeve for use in protecting a wearer's body part, and in particular the bony structures of the arm and leg. The sleeve has a generally tubular shape and includes at least one impact-absorbing portion. One of the impact-absorbing portions is integrally formed along an anterior portion of the sleeve and is of greater thickness than a posterior portion thereof. Other impact-absorbing portions provide protection for the lateral and medial portions of the knee and ankle. First and second reinforced end portions provide mechanical strength against tearing. The sleeve non-compressively adheres to the lower leg of the wearer and maintains the impact-absorbing portion positioned over the shin during use. In an alternative embodiment, a sleeve non-compressively adheres to the arm of the wearer and includes a lower arm impact-absorbing portion and a shoulder impact-absorbing portion.

Abstract: A flexible urethane suspension sleeve for use in attaching a below the knee prosthesis to the remaining portion of the patient's limb. The sleeve has a generally tubular shape and includes a preflexed portion. A reinforced intermediate portion provides for abrasion resistance in the portion of the sleeve covering the socket "ears" and is disposed intermediate first and second reinforced end portions having different elasticities. A pair of non-compressive portions are disposed intermediate the reinforced intermediate portion and the reinforced end portions and provide for a non-compressive suction adhesion to the thigh of the user and the prosthesis.