US4661535A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Thermoplastic composition
Assignee: Johnson and Johnson
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Filing: 1985-07-09
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Granted: 1987-04-28
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Expires: 2005-07-09
Abstract
Abstract A thermoplastic composition, especially for use as an orthopedic splinting or casting material comprises a crosslinked polymeric component and a filler. The crosslinked polymeric component comprises a polycaprolactone, such as poly(epsilon)caprolactone, and a thermoplastic rubber in a ratio of from about 4:1 to about 1.5:1 by weight. Styrene-butadiene-styrene and styrene-isoprene-styrene triblock copolymers are particularly suitable thermoplastic rubbers. Crosslinking may be carried out using an organic peroxide such as benzoyl peroxide. The filler is preferably a mixture of talc and silica.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael J. Borroff
- 👤 Donald A. Willstead
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 17:33
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61L; A61L15/00; A61L15/07; A61L15/12; A61L15/125; C; C08; C08K; C08K3/00; C08K3/01; C08K3/013; C08L; C08L67/00; C08L67/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
53 words
An orthopedic cast or splint comprising a mixture of a polycaprolactone and a thermoplastic rubber, crosslinked with from 0.1 to 1.0 percent of an organic peroxide together with a filler, the polycaprolactone and thermoplastic rubber being present in the composition prior to crosslinking in a ratio of from about 4:1 to about 1.5:1.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
53 words
An orthopedic cast or splint comprising a mixture of a polycaprolactone and a thermoplastic rubber, crosslinked with from 0.1 to 1.0 percent of an organic peroxide together with a filler, the polycaprolactone and thermoplastic rubber being present in the composition prior to crosslinking in a ratio of from about 4:1 to about 1.5:1.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
An orthopedic cast or splint according to claim 1 wherein the ratio of polycaprolactone to thermoplastic rubber prior to crosslinking is from 2.5:1 to 1.5:1 by weight.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
An orthopedic cast or splint according to claim 1 wherein the polycaprolactone is a poly(epsilon)caprolactone.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
An orthopedic cast or splint according to claim 1 wherein the polycaprolactone has a weight average molecular weight of at least 10,000.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
An orthopedic cast or splint according to claim 4 wherein the weight average molecular weight of the polycaprolactone is at least 25,000.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
An orthopedic cast or splint according to claim 1 wherein the thermoplastic rubber has a softening point below 100° C.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
An orthopedic cast or splint according to claim 6 wherein the thermoplastic rubber is selected from the group consisting of styrene-butadiene-styrene triblock copolymers, styrene-isoprene-styrene triblock copolymers, ethylene-propylene-diene polymers and trans-1,4 polyisoprene polymers.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
An orthopedic cast or splint according to claim 1 wherein the ratio of polymeric component to filler is from about 5:1 to 1:1.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
An orthopedic cast or splint according to claim 8 wherein the ratio of polymeric component to filler is from 3:1 to 2:1.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
An orthopedic cast or splint according to claim 1 wherein said organic peroxide is benzoyl peroxide.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
28 words
An orthopedic cast or splint according to claim 10 wherein said benzoyl peroxide is used in an amount from 0.1% to 0.6% by weight of the polymeric component.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
17 words
A composition according to claim 1 wherein the filler is a mixture of talc, and calcium silicate.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
28 words
An orthopedic cast or splint according to claim 12 wherein the filler is a mixture of talc and fumed silica having a particle size less than 50 nm.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
27 words
An orthopedic cast or splint according to claim 1 further comprising one or more pigments in an amount from 0.1% to 10% by weight of the composition.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
26 words
An orthopedic cast or splint according to claim 1 further comprising a hindered phenol antioxidant in an amount less than 1% by weight of the composition.
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) | 1990-04-27 | 1990-10-27 | 1991-04-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-04-27 | 1994-10-27 | 1995-04-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-04-27 | 1998-10-27 | 1999-04-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |