U.S. patent application number 14/157771 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-24 for alignment device for a prosthetic leg sleeve pin.
The applicant listed for this patent is Lee A. Horton, Leslie J. Horton. Invention is credited to Lee A. Horton, Leslie J. Horton.
Application Number | 20140207253 14/157771 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51208320 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140207253 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Horton; Lee A. ; et
al. |
July 24, 2014 |
Alignment Device For a Prosthetic Leg Sleeve Pin
Abstract
A prosthetic sleeve and sleeve pin alignment device has a
support, and a body extending from the support. The body has a cup
defining an inner wall surface defining a sleeve-receiving recess
having a longitudinal axis and defining a sleeve pin-receiving
guide hole to a sleeve-pin receiving pin guide aperture. The sleeve
pin-receiving pin guide aperture has a central axis parallel to the
longitudinal axis of the sleeve-receiving recess.
Inventors: |
Horton; Lee A.; (Jefferson,
MA) ; Horton; Leslie J.; (Jefferson, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Horton; Lee A.
Horton; Leslie J. |
Jefferson
Jefferson |
MA
MA |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51208320 |
Appl. No.: |
14/157771 |
Filed: |
January 17, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61754073 |
Jan 18, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
623/33 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2002/7875 20130101;
A61F 2/76 20130101; A61F 2/7812 20130101; A61F 2002/7868
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
623/33 |
International
Class: |
A61F 2/76 20060101
A61F002/76; A61F 2/80 20060101 A61F002/80 |
Claims
1. A prosthetic sleeve and sleeve pin alignment device comprising:
a support, and a body extending from the support, said body
comprising a cup defining an inner wall surface defining a
sleeve-receiving recess having a longitudinal axis and defining a
sleeve pin-receiving guide hole to a sleeve-pin receiving pin guide
aperture, the sleeve pin-receiving pin guide aperture having a
central axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the
sleeve-receiving recess.
2. The prosthetic sleeve and sleeve pin alignment device of claim
1, wherein said longitudinal axis of the sleeve-receiving recess is
coaxial with said central axis of the pin-receiving pin guide
aperture.
3. The prosthetic sleeve and sleeve pin alignment device of claim
1, wherein the cup defines a lip opening to said sleeve-receiving
recess, with said lip opening lying perpendicular to said central
axis of the sleeve pin-receiving pin guide aperture.
4. The prosthetic sleeve and pin alignment device of claim 1,
wherein said support is a base disposed at a predetermined angle
relative to the body.
5. The prosthetic sleeve and sleeve pin alignment device of claim
4, wherein said predetermined angle of said body to said base is in
the range of 0 degrees to 90 degrees.
6. The prosthetic sleeve and sleeve pin alignment device of claim
5, wherein said predetermined angle is about 45 degrees.
7. The prosthetic sleeve and sleeve pin alignment device of claim
1, wherein said cup-shaped sleeve-receiving recess is 4.5 inches in
diameter and 2.75 inches deep.
8. The prosthetic sleeve and sleeve pin alignment device of claim
1, wherein said body, in at least a region of said sleeve-receiving
recess, is cylindrical and defines an outer surface sized and
shaped to receive there-over a portion of a prosthetic sleeve
extending from said recess.
9. The prosthetic sleeve and sleeve pin alignment device of claim
1, wherein said body is cylindrical.
10. The prosthetic sleeve and sleeve pin alignment device of claim
4, wherein said predetermined angle is adjustable.
11. The prosthetic sleeve and sleeve pin alignment device of claim
1, wherein said support is a handle.
12. The prosthetic sleeve and sleeve pin alignment device of claim
1, wherein at least a portion of said inner wall surface defining
said sleeve-receiving recess lies parallel to said longitudinal
axis of the sleeve-receiving recess.
13. The prosthetic sleeve and sleeve pin alignment device of claim
1, wherein at least a portion of said inner wall surface defining
said sleeve-receiving recess lies parallel to said central axis of
the pin-receiving pin guide aperture.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 USC .sctn.119(e)
to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/754,073, filed on Jan. 18,
2013, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates to prosthetic leg sleeve pins, and
more particularly to alignment devices for same.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Below-the-knee prosthetic legs are typically attached using
a suspension sleeve that covers the amputated leg stump and
includes a sleeve pin that then locks onto the prosthetic leg. The
sleeve is placed on the leg stump by holding the sleeve pin in one
hand with the sleeve turned inside out. The sleeve pin is held
perpendicular and aligned straight out from the stump while another
hand is used to roll the sleeve onto the leg stump. The result
should be that the sleeve pin is projecting perpendicular to the
stump end, leaving no air between the stump and the sleeve, so that
the prosthetic leg can be readily attached (see, e.g., Littig U.S.
Pat. No. 5,888,234 and Biedermann et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,051,026,
the complete disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein
by reference). If the sleeve pin is not positioned correctly, the
user cannot easily direct the sleeve pin into the locking hole of
the prosthetic leg. If the pin is not aligned properly, the person
must take the sleeve off and try again. For individuals that have
amputated legs that are far down on the leg, it is very difficult
to bend over and hold the sleeve pin perpendicular to the end of
the stump. If the person is elderly or overweight, it is almost
impossible to hold the pin perpendicular without help from someone
else.
SUMMARY
[0004] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a prosthetic
sleeve and sleeve pin alignment device comprises a support, and a
body extending from the support. The body comprises a cup defining
an inner wall surface defining a sleeve-receiving recess having a
longitudinal axis and defining a sleeve pin-receiving guide hole to
a sleeve-pin receiving pin guide aperture. The sleeve pin-receiving
pin guide aperture has a central axis parallel to the longitudinal
axis of the sleeve-receiving recess.
[0005] Implementation of this aspect of the disclosure may include
one or more of the following additional features. The longitudinal
axis of the sleeve-receiving recess is coaxial with the central
axis of the pin-receiving pin guide aperture. The longitudinal axis
of the sleeve-receiving recess is coaxial with the central axis of
the pin-receiving pin guide aperture. The support is a base
disposed at a predetermined angle relative to the body. The
predetermined angle of the body to the base is in the range of 0
degrees to 90 degrees. The predetermined angle is about 45 degrees.
The cup-shaped sleeve-receiving recess is 4.5 inches in diameter
and 2.75 inches deep. The body, in at least a region of the
sleeve-receiving recess, is cylindrical and defines an outer
surface sized and shaped to receive there-over a portion of a
prosthetic sleeve extending from said recess. The body is
cylindrical. The predetermined angle is adjustable. The support is
a handle. At least a portion of said inner wall surface defining
the sleeve-receiving recess lies parallel to the longitudinal axis
of the sleeve-receiving recess. At least a portion of the inner
wall surface defining the sleeve-receiving recess lies parallel to
the central axis of the pin-receiving pin guide aperture.
[0006] Advantages of this device include allowing a person using a
below-the-knee prosthesis to more easily attach the prosthesis to
his/her leg stump. By stabilizing and supporting the sleeve pin,
the requirement for personal maneuverability is reduced, and
aligning the sleeve pin with the leg stump can be accomplished
successfully despite relatively reduced personal levels of, e.g.,
balance, dexterity, and/or ability to bend over from the waist.
Advantages also include increasing the independence of the person
with a below-the-knee prosthesis, by allowing him/her to
independently mount and/or dismount prosthesis with limited or no
assistance from others.
[0007] The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are
set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below.
Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the description and drawings, and from the
claims.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an alignment device of this
disclosure for a prosthetic leg sleeve pin.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the alignment device of
FIG. 1.
[0010] FIGS. 3-8 are somewhat schematic, cross sectional views
sequentially showing a method for using the alignment device of
FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 9 is a somewhat schematic view of another
implementation of an alignment device of this disclosure in which
the support has the form of a handle.
[0012] FIGS. 10A and 10B are somewhat diagrammatic side section and
top views, respectively, of a first configuration of the axis of a
sleeve-receiving recess defined by a cup and the axis of a pin
guide hole defined by the cup.
[0013] FIGS. 11A and 11B are somewhat diagrammatic side section and
top views, respectively, of a second configuration of the axis of
the sleeve-receiving recess and the axis of a pin guide hole.
[0014] FIGS. 12A and 12B are somewhat diagrammatic side section and
top view, respectively, of a third configuration of the axis a
sleeve-receiving recess and the axis of the pin guide hole. Like
reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like
elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] Below-the-knee prosthetic legs are typically attached by
means of a suspension sleeve that covers the leg stump above the
amputation and includes a sleeve pin that extends from the sleeve,
generally coaxial to the leg stump, to engage and lock into the
prosthetic leg.
[0016] Referring to FIG. 1 et seq., the alignment device 10 is a
fixture the holds the sleeve 30 with the sleeve pin 32 in proper
alignment, allowing an amputee to proceed through the process of
attaching a prosthetic device with the sleeve pin in proper
position, all with limited or no assistance, and reducing the need
to bend and reach, e.g. as required while trying to align the
sleeve pin with the stump, absent availability of the alignment
device 10. Referring to FIG. 1, in one implementation, the
alignment device 10 has a support in the form of a base 12 that
stabilizes a cylindrical guide or body 14 at a predetermined angle
in an upright position on a floor surface. The cylindrical guide 14
has a vertical portion 16 and an angled portion 18 that are joined
together at an angle 20. The angled portion 18 terminates at its
upper end in the form of an open cup 22 defining a sleeve-receiving
recess 23. The cup 22 has a diameter sized to receive the sleeve 30
and user's leg stump 5.
[0017] Referring to FIG. 2, which shows the alignment device 10 in
cross section, the cup 22 has a cup-like shape, with a generally
cylindrical wall 24 and a curved bottom. The wall 24 defines an
inner wall surface 26 that defines the sleeve-receiving recess 23.
The inner wall surface 26 also defines a sleeve pin-receiving guide
hole 25 to a sleeve-pin receiving pin guide aperture 28 generally
at its center and axially aligned along its longitudinal axis with
the angled portion 18 of the alignment device 10. The axis of the
cylindrical wall 24 is parallel to the pin guide aperture 28, e.g.
the inner wall surface 26 of the cup 22 defining the
sleeve-receiving recess 23 and the guide hole 25 to the sleeve-pin
receiving aperture 28 have a common axis. The cup 22 is mounted to
and extends generally from the cylindrical walls 24 of the angled
portion 18. The angled portion 18 defines a hollow pin guide
aperture 28. The pin guide hole 25 is aligned with the pin guide
aperture 28 such that the sleeve pin 32 can easily fit through the
pin guide hole 25 and extend into pin guide aperture 28.
[0018] Referring also to FIG. 3, in preparation for donning the
sleeve 30, the amputee inserts the sleeve pin 32 through the pin
guide hole 25 and into pin guide aperture 28. The sleeve 30 is
positioned in the cup 22 with attached sleeve pin 32 inserted into
the alignment device 10 through the pin guide hole 25 and pin guide
aperture 28. The upper portion of sleeve 30 is then rolled back
over the outside of the cup 22, into a "ready" position. The
amputee, while sitting on a chair or bed, then inserts the distal
end of the leg stump 5 into the sleeve 30 resting in the cup 22
(FIG. 4). The upper portion of the sleeve 30 can then be rolled up
onto the leg stump 5 (FIG. 5), while the alignment device holds the
pin 32 coaxially aligned with the leg stump 5, greatly simplifying
the process while reducing or eliminating the presence (and
discomfort) of trapped air between the sleeve and stump. The leg
stump 5, with the attached sleeve 30 and sleeve pin 32 secured in
proper alignment, is then removed from the cup (FIG. 6), and the
sleeve pin 32 in inserted into a prosthetic leg 50 in alignment
(FIGS. 7 and 8). Since the pin has been aligned properly through
use of the alignment device 10, the pin connects easily to the
prosthetic leg. In practice, it has been found that the entire
process can take less than, e.g., 30 seconds to complete.
[0019] Referring again to the Figures, the axis of the cylindrical
walls 24 defining the sleeve recess 23 is parallel to the pin guide
hole 25 to the pin guide aperture 28, e.g. coaxial. The lip 40 of
the cup 22 defines a plane, P, lying perpendicular to the common
axis of the recess and guide hole. In one implementation, the cup
22 has an inside diameter of approximately 4.5 inches and depth to
the curved bottom surface 26 of approximately 2.75 inches, which
accommodates most amputated leg stumps. The center of the cup top
plane of one suitable implementation is approximately 14 inches
from the floor surface. The pin guide hole 25 is approximately 3/8
inch in diameter and 4 inches long, in order to easily accommodate
a prosthetic leg suspension sleeve pin. The angle of the pin guide
with respect to the floor surface is typically in the ranges of 0
and 90 degrees, e.g. 45 degrees. Suitable materials for the
cylindrical guide 14 of the alignment device 10 include PVC
plastic, with a wood base 12. In one implementation, the alignment
device weighs approximately nine pounds. The device can be made
more portable, e.g., by simplifying the support structure and/or by
selection of other suitable materials or arrangements.
[0020] A number of embodiments of the invention have been
described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. For example, although the alignment device
has been described as a fixed structure, the height and/or angle of
the alignment device could be made adjustable by any means known in
the art, e.g. by means of a flexible (accordion type) elbow 60
(FIG. 8), by means of a pair of co-rotating, cooperative elbow
elements (indicated by dashed line) 70 (FIG. 8), etc., to
accommodate the height or sitting elevation of a range of
individuals and/or seating surfaces.
[0021] Also, in another implementation of a prosthetic sleeve and
sleeve pin alignment device of the disclosure, referring to FIG. 9,
the device 10' may have a support in the form of an L-shaped handle
50 offset parallel to and attached at the distal end 52 of the body
14', i.e. instead of a base (e.g. base 12, FIG. 1). In this
implementation, a user would place the sleeve pin in the sleeve pin
aperture and fold the sleeve back onto the body 14'. Then, the
handle 52 with either hand, the user would hold the body out and
place their stump into the recess cup 22' and, using their other
hand, roll the sleeve onto their leg. This handle 50 would thus
replace the base, making it more portable, lighter weight, easier
to store, etc.
[0022] In implementations of the disclosure, the sleeve-receiving
recess defined by the cup 22' and the pin guide hole 25' defined by
the cup may, e.g., have a common axis, A', B', with a parallel wall
24' (FIGS. 10A and 10B); or the sleeve-receiving recess defined by
the cup 22''and the pin guide hole 25'' defined by the cup may,
e.g., have non-common but parallel axes A'', B'', with a parallel
wall 24'' (FIGS. 11A and 11B); or the sleeve-receiving recess
defined by the cup 22''' and the pin guide hole 25''' defined by
the cup may, e.g., have common axes A''', B''', with a wall 24'''
that is at least partially non-parallel (FIGS. 12A and 12B). Other
arrangements may also be implemented.
[0023] Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the
following claims.
* * * * *