(ANGOLA) - Four graduates of Trine University's biomedical engineering program have been awarded a patent for their protective prosthetic sleeve.

The RipStop is designed to improve the daily lives of lower limb amputees.

Colleen Bell, Lauren Cline, Olivia Coyne and Devon Kelly, who all graduated in 2021, were officially granted patent number 12035769 this summer, a significant achievement that reflects their commitment toward improving individuals' quality of life.

The journey to the patent began as a senior design partnership with Quality of Life Plus, a program that works to empower the lives of veterans with disabilities. The team focused on addressing a common challenge faced by lower limb amputees: the tendency of prosthetic devices to catch on clothing, leading to discomfort and wear and tear on garments.

Their solution, RipStop, is a prosthetic accessory designed to protect clothing and enhance the user's overall comfort.

This patent is the first for all four team members, who received valuable support and guidance from Trine faculty throughout the process. John Patton, Ph.D., their advisor and professor in the Bock Department of Biomedical Engineering, provided critical insights and advice, helping the team navigate the complexities of the patent filing process.

After graduation, the team members pursued their respective careers but remained committed to advancing RipStop. They worked with a patent attorney to assess the feasibility of the patent and submitted their final design documentation, which had been meticulously prepared during their time at Trine.

The patent process, which involved revisions and consultations, took nearly three years to complete. The team hopes to license their patent to a company that can bring RipStop to a larger population of lower limb amputees.