# US 12,004,975 B2 · Flexible socket interface > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 12,004,975 B2 - Document ID: US12004975B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 16/968,558 - Filed: 2019-02-07 - Published: 2021-02-11 - Granted: 2024-06-11 - Earliest claimed: 2018-02-07 - Applicants: Dbm, LLC - Inventors: Brandon Sampson - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US12004975B2 ## CPC - A61F 2/78: Means for protecting prostheses or for attaching them to the body, e.g. bandages, harnesses, straps or stockings for the limb stump - A61F 2/80: Sockets, e.g. of suction type - A61F 2/76: Means for assembling, fitting or testing prostheses, e.g. for measuring or balancing - A61F 2/7812: {Interface cushioning members placed between the limb stump and the socket, e.g. bandages or stockings for the limb stump} - A61F 2002/802: {Suction sockets, i.e. utilizing differential air pressure to retain the prosthesis on the stump} - A61F: FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS (dental prosthetics A61C) ## Abstract An interface for use in conjunction with a prosthetic device is formed of a pliable material which is configured to support the necessary connection to a residual limb when used. The interface further has an internal surface structure that includes several stepped indentations which provide a more efficient and effective product. The stepped indentations have a dimension which decreases as the distance from the interior surface increases. In some embodiments, the indentations are shaped as an octagon, with each step also being octagonal. Other shapes are also contemplated. Also, the steps of the indentations could be uniform or irregular. ## Claims ### Claim 1 An interface for use in a prosthetic limb, comprising: a layer of interface material custom formed to fit a residual limb of a patient, the interface material having a plurality of perforations therein designed to accommodate a vacuum seal between the residual limb and a socket of a prosthetic limb, the perforations extending inwardly from an outer surface of the interface material to an inner surface; wherein each perforation has a stepped profile with a plurality of steps, with the cross sectional width of each perforation getting smaller moving away from the inner surface of the interface material toward the outer surface. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The interface of claim 1 wherein the planar configuration of each perforation is octagonal and each of the plurality of steps are also octagonal. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The interface of claim 1 wherein the layer of interface material is formed of a polymeric material. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The interface of claim 1 wherein the planar configuration of each perforation is circular and each stepped down portion is also circular. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The interface of claim 1 wherein a final step of the plurality of steps provides an opening to the outer surface of the liner. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The interface of claim 5 wherein the stepped configuration has at least three steps. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The interface of claim 1 wherein the interface material is pliable thus allowing partial deformation of the perforations when subject to a vacuum condition. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The interface of claim 1 wherein the interface is designed to be used in conjunction with a liner, and wherein the liner material will be drawn into the perforations when used within the socket and when subject to a natural vacuum condition created based upon a custom configuration of the liner, socket and interface. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The interface of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of steps has a size of approximately one quarter of an inch. ### Claim 10 An interface for use with a custom designed prosthetic limb to provide attachment to a residual limb of a user, the interface comprising: a custom fit layer of interface material configured to surround and capture the residual limb, the interface material having a plurality of perforations therein designed to accommodate a vacuum seal between the residual limb and a socket of the prosthetic limb, the perforations extending inwardly from an outer surface of the interface material to an inner surface; wherein each perforation is octagonal in shape with a stepped profile having a plurality of steps, with the cross sectional width of each perforation getting smaller moving away from the inner surface of the interface material toward the outer surface, thus causing an opening in the outer surface being smaller than the opening in the inner surface, the perforations helping to accommodate the vacuum seal by increasing surface area. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The interface of claim 10, wherein the interface material is a polymeric material. ### Claim 12 (depends on 10) The interface of claim 10 wherein the stepped configuration has at least three steps. ### Claim 13 (depends on 10) The interface of claim 10 wherein the interface material is pliable thus allowing partial deformation of the perforations when subject to a vacuum condition. ### Claim 14 (depends on 10) The interface of claim 10 wherein the interface is designed to be used in conjunction with a liner, and wherein the liner material will be drawn into the perforations when used within the socket and when subject to a natural vacuum condition created based upon a custom configuration of the liner, socket and interface.