Abstract A plastic cast for immobilizing a body member which cast comprises a layer of porous flexible material, preferably a glass fabric, impregnated with a solution of a thermoplastic resin, preferably a polycarbonate in a suitable solvent such as methylene chloride. The cast material may be stored in a rolled tape form in an hermetically sealed container having a sufficient solvent environment to maintain the same in a plasticized state and, in use, is wrapped about the body member in one or more layers over a moisture resistant cushioning layer. When the solvent evaporates the resin becomes sufficently rigid within a short time, usually less than fifteen minutes, to immobilize the member and the rigid cast ultimately becomes completely hardened, usually within less than two hours. The cast is relatively light in weight, mechanically strong, and highly resistant to moisture, and remains hygienic during use so that much less discomfort to the wearer results than from the use of conventional plaster of paris casts.
A method for forming a cast for immobilizing a body member in accordance with claim 1 wherein said solvent is methylene chloride.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
85 words
A material for use as a cast to immobilize a body member comprising: a. an aromatic polycarbonate thermoplastic resin selected from the group consisting of: polycarbonate derived from bisphenol-A; a polycarbonate copolymer derived from bisphenol-A and tetra halogenated bisphenol-A; and, a polycarbonate blend of non-halogenated and halogenated bisphenol-A homopolymers, b. a volatile solvent dissolving said resin, and c. a flexible porous fabric impregnated with said resin and solvent, said flexible fabric having a composition selected from the group consisting of glass, polypropylene, nylon and polyester.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The invention set forth in claim 3 wherein: a. said polycarbonate resin is the reaction product of epichlorohydrin and bisphenol-A and said solvent is methylene chloride.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
45 words
The invention set forth in claim 3 wherein: a. said fabric is glass and the ratio of resin to glass is 0.25: 1 to 1:1 by weight, b. said solvent is methylene chloride and the ratio of solvent to resin is about 1:1 by weight.