US 11,890,209 B2
Flexible inner socket for providing inner circumference reduction to rigid prosthetic socket
Mark C. Joseph, Aspen, CO (US); and Sean D. Smith, Denver, CO (US)
Filed by Medical Creations, Inc., Aspen, CO (US)
Filed on Jun. 10, 2020, as Appl. No. 16/897,425.
Prior Publication US 2021/0386565 A1, Dec. 16, 2021
Int. Cl. A61F 2/80 (2006.01); A61F 2/76 (2006.01); A61F 2/78 (2006.01); A61F 2/50 (2006.01); B29C 49/06 (2006.01); B33Y 70/00 (2020.01); B33Y 80/00 (2015.01)
CPC A61F 2/7843 (2013.01) [A61F 2/5046 (2013.01); A61F 2/7812 (2013.01); A61F 2/80 (2013.01); B29C 49/06 (2013.01); B33Y 70/00 (2014.12); B33Y 80/00 (2014.12); A61F 2002/501 (2013.01); A61F 2002/5052 (2013.01); A61F 2002/5053 (2013.01); A61F 2002/5056 (2013.01); A61F 2002/7605 (2013.01); A61F 2002/785 (2013.01); A61F 2002/805 (2013.01)] 29 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
29. A method of forming a flexible inner socket, comprising:
providing a prosthetic socket having an inner surface with contours that substantially mimic contours of a residual limb, wherein the prosthetic socket has not been globally reduced;
providing a pre-socket;
heating the pre-socket with a heat source to a temperature where the pre-socket becomes moldable;
arranging at least a portion of the heated pre-socket into the prosthetic socket; and
molding the heated pre-socket onto the inner surface with a vacuum pressure such that an outer circumference of the pre-socket substantially follows one or more of the contours of the inner surface of the prosthetic socket.