Prosthetic annular coupling socket adaptor with adjustable clamp

Abstract

A method for custom fitting prosthetic devices, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a unitary prosthetic coupling device adapted to couple a prosthetic pylon to a second prosthetic limb component, the coupling device having a cylindrical sheath extending from a cavity adapted to receive at least a portion of the second prosthetic limb component therein, the cylindrical sheath adapted to interface with a prosthetic pylon, the cylindrical sheath accommodating various depths of pylon insertion to provide height adjustability with the second prosthetic limb component, the coupling device further being designed for day-to-day use; and (b) mounting the second prosthetic limb component to the prosthetic coupling device and mounting the prosthetic pylon to an interior surface of the cylindrical sheath so as to provide a secure coupling between the prosthetic pylon and the second prosthetic limb component enabling day-to-day use.

1 . An adjustable prosthetic coupling comprising: 
 a unitary coupling adapter comprising: 
 a pylon receiving end having an inner ring for captively engaging a prosthetic pylon therein, and  
 a prosthetic component interface end for engaging and securing a prosthetic component thereto; and  
   an outer ring circumscribing the inner ring;    wherein the pylon receiving end accommodates varying depths of insertion of the prosthetic pylon beyond the minimum required for secured fitting, thereby enabling height adjustability.    
   
   
       2 . The adjustable prosthetic coupling of  claim 1 , wherein the inner ring includes at least two segments being constrictable.  
   
   
       3 . The adjustable prosthetic component of  claim 2 , wherein the outer ring facilitates restriction by forcing the at least two segments toward one another to operatively adjust the inner ring diameter.  
   
   
       4 . The prosthetic coupling of  claim 2 , wherein the axial depth of the inner ring does not exceed 2.5 inches.  
   
   
       5 . The adjustable prosthetic component of  claim 2 , wherein the prosthetic component interface end includes at least one concavity adapted to accommodate a convex portion of the prosthetic component mounted thereto.  
   
   
       6 . The adjustable prosthetic component of  claim 5 , wherein the prosthetic component interface end includes a prosthetic pyramid having a frustropyramidal boss.  
   
   
       7 . The prosthetic coupling of  claim 2 , wherein: 
 the pylon receiving end is manufactured, at least in part, from a metal; and    the outer ring is manufactured, at least in part, from a metal.    
   
   
       8 . The prosthetic coupling of  claim 7 , wherein: 
 the metal for the pylon receiving end includes at least one of stainless steel and titanium; and    the metal for the outer ring includes at least one of stainless steel, aluminum and titanium.    
   
   
       9 . The adjustable prosthetic component of  claim 2 , wherein the outer ring is a ring clamp.  
   
   
       10 . The adjustable prosthetic component of  claim 9 , wherein the ring clamp is integrated into the pylon receiving end.  
   
   
       11 . The adjustable prosthetic component of  claim 9 , wherein the ring clamp includes at least one screw for securing the prosthetic pylon within the pylon receiving end.  
   
   
       12 . The prosthetic coupling of  claim 9 , wherein the ring clamp is mounted to the inner ring so as to inhibit unrestricted rotation of the ring clamp about the inner ring.  
   
   
       13 . An adjustable prosthetic coupling comprising: 
 a pylon receiving portion having a means for selectively securing a prosthetic pylon therein; and    a pyramid receiving portion including a means for selectively securing a prosthetic pyramid thereto;    wherein the means for selectively securing the prosthetic pylon therein includes a plurality of height adjustments between the prosthetic pyramid and the prosthetic pylon, and wherein the means for selectively securing the prosthetic pylon therein enables day-to-day use.    
   
   
       14 . A method for custom fitting prosthetic devices, comprising the steps of: 
 providing a unitary prosthetic coupling device adapted to couple a prosthetic pylon to a second prosthetic limb component, the coupling device having a cylindrical sheath extending from a cavity adapted to receive at least a portion of the second prosthetic limb component therein, the cylindrical sheath adapted to interface with a prosthetic pylon, the cylindrical sheath accommodating various depths of pylon insertion to provide height adjustability with the second prosthetic limb component, the coupling device further being designed for day-to-day use; and    mounting the second prosthetic limb component to the prosthetic coupling device and mounting the prosthetic pylon to an interior surface of the cylindrical sheath so as to provide a secure coupling between the prosthetic pylon and the second prosthetic limb component enabling day-to-day use.    
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising the step of adjusting the height between the second prosthetic limb component and the prosthetic pylon for a proper fit.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the adjusting step includes the steps of: 
 releasing a restrictive force associated with the prosthetic coupling so as to enable vertical movement relative to an interior surface of the prosthetic coupling and the exterior surface of the prosthetic pylon;    moving the prosthetic pylon relative to the prosthetic coupling such that a proper distance is achieved between a proximal end of the prosthetic coupling and a distal end of the prosthetic pylon; and    engaging the restrictive force associated with the prosthetic coupling to inhibit vertical movement relative to the interior surface of the prosthetic coupling and the exterior surface of the prosthetic pylon.    
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the secure coupling is accomplished, at least in part, by a clamp manipulating a restrictive force about the prosthetic pylon.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the clamp is a ring clamp that includes a screw torqued to approximately around 7.0 ft.lbs to facilitate the secure coupling.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the day-to-day use includes time periods extending beyond initial fitting or adjustment.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the concavity enables prosthetic pylon insertion approximately between 1.375 and 1.875 inches.