Abstract: A valve system may attach to the distal area of the outer surface of a prosthetic hard socket without leaks in spite of the high amount of curvature of the distal area. The preferred valve stem is biased to slide inside the valve housing(s) to a closed position sealing with a sealing surface. The stem preferably has a non-cylindrical outer side surface, or other outer side surface that does not seal or mate closely with the surface in which the stem slides, creating one or more wide passageways for air to flow out of the valve. A polygonal stem is especially effective, as its generally flat sides allow air to flow past the stem and out of the valve with minimal noise and minimal occurrence of plugging of the valve. The valve system is adapted for a low “crack” or “pop” pressure, which gives repeated, consistent, and quiet performance, which helps prevent uncomfortable and/or high-noise-producing swings in the pressure inside the socket well.

Abstract: An attachment system secures a residual limb to an artificial limb in a comfortable and substantially non-rotational manner. The attachment system offers proximal anchoring of the residual limb in a hard socket, by connecting a side surface of a residual limb liner to the side surface of the socket. Preferably, this connection is accomplished using an extension member extending from the liner through a portion of the socket interior, through the socket wall, and attaching to a latch mechanism. The preferred attachment system requires no clearance in the bottom of the socket well because neither the extension member nor the latch mechanism is located between the distal end of the residual limb/liner and the bottom of the well. The attachment system is preferably disposed entirely along the side of the limb and the side of the socket.

Abstract: An attachment system secures a residual limb to an artificial limb in a comfortable and substantially non-rotational manner. The attachment system offers proximal anchoring of the residual limb in a hard socket, by connecting a side surface of a residual limb liner to the side surface of the socket. Preferably, this connection is accomplished using an extension member extending from the liner through a portion of the socket interior, through the socket wall, and attaching to a latch mechanism. The preferred attachment system requires no clearance in the bottom of the socket well because neither the extension member nor the latch mechanism is located between the distal end of the residual limb/liner and the bottom of the well. The attachment system is preferably disposed entirely along the side of the limb and the side of the socket.

Abstract: An attachment system secures a residual limb to an artificial limb in a comfortable and substantially non-rotational manner. The attachment system offers proximal anchoring of the residual limb in a hard socket, by connecting a side surface of a residual limb liner to the side surface of the socket. Preferably, this connection is accomplished using an extension member extending from the liner through a portion of the socket interior, through the socket wall, and attaching to a latch mechanism. The preferred attachment system requires no clearance in the bottom of the socket well because neither the extension member nor the latch mechanism is located between the distal end of the residual limb/liner and the bottom of the well. The attachment system is preferably disposed entirely along the side of the limb and the side of the socket.

Abstract: An attachment system secures a residual limb to an artificial limb in a comfortable and substantially non-rotational manner. The attachment system offers proximal anchoring of the residual limb in a hard socket, by connecting a side surface of a residual limb liner to the side surface of the socket. Preferably, this connection is accomplished using an extension member extending from the liner through a portion of the socket interior, through the socket wall, and attaching to a latch mechanism. The preferred attachment system requires no clearance in the bottom of the socket well because neither the extension member nor the latch mechanism is located between the distal end of the residual limb/liner and the bottom of the well. The attachment system is preferably disposed entirely along the side of the limb and the side of the socket.

Abstract: A latch mechanism secures a residual limb to an artificial limb in a comfortable and substantially non-rotational manner. The latch mechanism offers relatively-proximal anchoring of a residual limb in a hard socket, rather than the conventional distal attachment, resulting in ease of donning and doffing of the socket by an amputee. The proximal attachment feature requires no clearance in the bottom of the socket “well” as no part of the latch mechanism is located between the distal end of the residual limb and the bottom inside of the well. The latch mechanism is disposed entirely along the side of the limb and the side of the socket, and extends from the liner on the limb a short distance inside the socket before exiting to the outside of the socket for locking onto the socket side surface. Even though the latch mechanism extends through an aperture in the wall of the socket, a tight gel suction wrap or other seal around the aperture still allows for a reliable suction fit.

Abstract: A latch mechanism secures a residual limb to an artificial limb in a comfortable and substantially non-rotational manner. The latch mechanism offers relatively-proximal anchoring of a residual limb in a hard socket, rather than the conventional distal attachment, resulting in ease of donning and doffing of the socket by an amputee. The proximal attachment feature requires no clearance in the bottom of the socket “well” as no part of the invented latch mechanism is located between the distal end of the residual limb and the bottom inside of the well. The invented latch mechanism is disposed entirely along the side of the limb and the side of the socket, and extends from the liner on the limb a short distance inside the socket before exiting to the outside of the socket for locking onto the socket side surface.