Flexion enhancement member for prosthetic or orthotic liner or sleeve and associated methods

A liner fir use as a skin interface between a limb and a prosthetic or orthotic device, the liner defining inner and outer surfaces and proximal and distal ends, the liner comprising:

• a tubular member adapted to be positioned around a joint and formed from a cured first elastomeric material, the first elastomeric material forming a localized cavity along an inner periphery of the liner;
• and
• a tendon directly bonded to the tubular member and filling the cavity of the tubular member such that a portion of the tendon forms part of the inner the inner periphery of the liner at the cavity, the tendon being formed from a cured second elastomeric material having a higher durometer hardness than a durometer hardness of the first elastomeric material;
• wherein the hardness differences among first and second elastomeric materials cause the tubular member to form a contracted area proximate to the tendon such that the liner has multiple axes;
• wherein the first and second elastomeric materials are selected from the group consisting of silicone and urethane;
• wherein the tendon is configured in shape to correspond to a shape of the cavity, both the tendon and tubular member taper in thickness conversely at the cavity.