US3985128A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Photocurable contour conforming splint
Assignee: Merck and Co Inc
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Filing: 1975-06-02
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Granted: 1976-10-12
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Expires: 1995-06-02
Abstract
Abstract A splint which can be trimmed to the size and shape of a limb and molded to the latter's contours is prepared by impregnating a knit or woven fabric of specific dimensions with a photocurable resin and, after trimming and molding, setting the whole into a strong rigid splint of perfect fit. The product has many advantages, including air and water permeability, rigidity even when wet, easily dried, etc., over splints previously known.
Inventors
- 👤 Donald C. Garwood
- 👤 Harry Taw
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 05:26
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F13/00; A61F13/04; A61L; A61L15/00; A61L15/07
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
81 words
An orthopedic splint capable of being conformed to the contours of a limb and hardened in place which comprises not more than two layers of fabric coated with a photocurable polymer composition, said fabric being at least 0.05 inches thick, having a density such that a pound covers a maximum of one square yard, and having no more than 80 percent of its surface as openings between threads, said polymer composition comprising 30 to 60 percent by weight of said splint.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
81 words
An orthopedic splint capable of being conformed to the contours of a limb and hardened in place which comprises not more than two layers of fabric coated with a photocurable polymer composition, said fabric being at least 0.05 inches thick, having a density such that a pound covers a maximum of one square yard, and having no more than 80 percent of its surface as openings between threads, said polymer composition comprising 30 to 60 percent by weight of said splint.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
11 words
A splint of claim 1 in which said fabric is fiberglass.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
A splint of claim 2 in which the fabric is a knit fabric.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
A splint of claim 3 in which the fabric is a laid-in Raschel knit.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
A splint of claim 4 in which there is only one layer of fabric.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
A splint of claim 5 in which the polymer composition is curable by ultraviolet light.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
120 words
A method of splinting a limb for orthopedic purposes which comprises 1. placing upon said limb a moldable splint, said splint comprising not more than two layers of fabric coated with a photocurable polymer composition, said fabric being at least 0.05 inches thick, having a density such that a pound covers a maximum of one square yard, and having no more than 80 percent of its surface as openings between threads, said polymer composition comprising 30 to 60 percent by weight of said splint; 2. molding said splint to the exact contours of said limb, trimming its size and dimensions as necessary; 3. curing said splint by exposure to a light source; and 4. binding said splint to said limb.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
120 words
A method of splinting a limb for orthopedic purposes which comprises 1. placing upon said limb a moldable splint, said splint comprising not more than two layers of fabric coated with a photocurable polymer composition, said fabric being at least 0.05 inches thick, having a density such that a pound covers a maximum of one square yard, and having no more than 80 percent of its surface as openings between threads, said polymer composition comprising 30 to 60 percent by weight of said splint; 2. molding said splint to the exact contours of said limb, trimming its size and dimensions as necessary; 3. curing said splint by exposure to a light source; and 4. binding said splint to said limb.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 7 in which the fabric in said splint is fiberglass.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 8 in which the fabric in said splint is a knit fabric.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 9 in which the fabric is a laid-in Raschel knit.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 10 in which the splint comprises only one layer of fabric.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 11 in which the light used to cure is ultraviolet light.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-10-12 | 1980-04-12 | 1980-10-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-10-12 | 1984-04-12 | 1984-10-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-10-12 | 1988-04-12 | 1988-10-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |