Spacer element for prosthetic and orthotic devices

A spacer element for use in an orthopedic or prosthetic device, the spacer element having first and second outer surfaces defined on opposed first and second sides, respectively, of the spacer element, the spacer element defining a peripheral edge portion, the spacer element comprising:

• a fabric layer defining first and second fabric layers;
• a discrete and continuous web-like frictional layer defined as a sheet of polymeric material laminated onto the first fabric layer, the frictional layer having a plurality of apertures arranged in a pattern;
• and
• a compressible foam layer having opposed first and second surfaces, the compressible material layer first surface secured to the second fabric layer, the compressible material layer having a first compression molded region with a tapering reduced thickness and increased density relative to a second region of the compressible material layer having a predetermined thickness, the compressible material layer terminating short of the peripheral edge portion of the spacer element.

A spacer element for use in an orthopedic or prosthetic device, the spacer element having first and second outer surfaces defined on opposed first and second sides, respectively, of the spacer element, the spacer element comprising:

• a fabric layer defining first and second fabric layers;
• a discrete and continuous web-like frictional layer defined as a sheet of polymeric material laminated onto the first fabric layer, the frictional layer having a plurality of apertures arranged in a pattern;
• and
• a compressible foam layer having opposed first and second surfaces, the compressible material layer first surface secured to the second fabric layer, the compressible material layer having a first compression molded region with a tapering reduced thickness and increased density relative to a second region of the compressible material layer having a predetermined thickness;
• wherein the first compression molded region is located short of a peripheral edge portion of the spacer element, the fabric layer and the frictional layer extending past the first compression molded region and forming part of the peripheral edge portion, the foam layer terminating short of the peripheral edge portion.