US4776846A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Splittable catheter composite material and process
Assignee: Becton Dickinson and Co
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Filing: 1987-02-06
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Granted: 1988-10-11
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Expires: 2007-02-06
Abstract
Abstract Disclosed is an apparatus and method for preparing a catheter tube which has a longitudinal line of weakness extending axially there along as a place of preferential splitting. The method includes co-extruding two materials into the tubular cross-sectional shape, one of the materials forms a surface line along the other which extends radially to a level wherein the thickness of the tubing cross-section there at is less. When the co-extruded extra material is moved a groove is in the surface of the tube which groove permits easy tearing there along. The product formed by this method is also disclosed and includes the co-extruded polymers configured into a hollow tube of uniform radial cross-section and thickness before the co-extruded portion is removed.
Inventors
- 👤 Stanley C. Wells
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 01:44
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61M; A61M25/00; A61M25/01; A61M25/06; A61M25/0662; A61M25/0668; A61M25/0009; B; B29; B29C; B29C48/00; B29C48/03; B29C48/09; B29C48/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
224 words
A catheter assembly with a catheter configured to be readily split in half for ease of removal from insertion in a patient, said assembly characterized by (a) an elongated tubular body comprised of a first polymer; (b) said body being defined by a wall having a first radial cross-sectional thickness through the length thereof; (c) said wall having an inner surface and an outer surface; (d) the said inner surface of said wall defining a lumen extending centrally through the length of said body; (e) two diametrically opposed grooves in said wall; (f) each of said grooves having a continuously decreasing width in cross-section from said outer surface to form a v-shape; (g) the bottom of each said v-shaped groove being at a point spaced from said inner surface of said wall; (h) said bottom of each said v-shaped groove cooperating with said inner surface of said wall to form a second radial cross-sectional thickness for said wall adjacent each of said diametrically opposed grooves; (i) a pair of strips; (j) said strips being v-shaped and the same size as said diametrically opposed grooves; and (k) said strips being comprised of a second polymer different from said first polymer; (l) whereby said strips are readily strippable from said v-shaped groovs for forming a catheter with a continuous tubular wall but readily split in half.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
224 words
A catheter assembly with a catheter configured to be readily split in half for ease of removal from insertion in a patient, said assembly characterized by (a) an elongated tubular body comprised of a first polymer; (b) said body being defined by a wall having a first radial cross-sectional thickness through the length thereof; (c) said wall having an inner surface and an outer surface; (d) the said inner surface of said wall defining a lumen extending centrally through the length of said body; (e) two diametrically opposed grooves in said wall; (f) each of said grooves having a continuously decreasing width in cross-section from said outer surface to form a v-shape; (g) the bottom of each said v-shaped groove being at a point spaced from said inner surface of said wall; (h) said bottom of each said v-shaped groove cooperating with said inner surface of said wall to form a second radial cross-sectional thickness for said wall adjacent each of said diametrically opposed grooves; (i) a pair of strips; (j) said strips being v-shaped and the same size as said diametrically opposed grooves; and (k) said strips being comprised of a second polymer different from said first polymer; (l) whereby said strips are readily strippable from said v-shaped groovs for forming a catheter with a continuous tubular wall but readily split in half.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The assembly of claim 1, further characterized by (a) said first and second polymers being simultaneously co-extruded and formed to provide cooperating strippable surfaces therebetween.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The assembly of claim 1, further characterized (a) by said second areas of cross-sectional thickness are areas of uniform thickness providing preferential longitudinal tearing separation radially thereacross.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The catheter assembly of claim 1 wherein said first and second polymers are of different solubility parameters promoting poor adhesion therebetween.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
The catheter of claim 1 wherein said overlying other polymer is removable to define at least one area extending longitudinally along said catheter of uniform weakness for preferential longitudinal tearing separation radially thereacross.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
36 words
The catheter assembly of claim 1 wherein said first polymer is a polyurethane having a minimum tear strength based upon American Society for Testing and Materials Die C specifications of 722 pounds per linear inch average.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-10-11 | 1992-04-11 | 1992-10-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-10-11 | 1996-04-11 | 1996-10-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-10-11 | 2000-04-11 | 2000-10-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |