US4821708A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Thermoformable orthopedic bandage and use thereof
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1987-03-03
•
Granted: 1989-04-18
•
Expires: 2007-03-03
Abstract
Abstract The thermoformable element comprises a strip (1) formed from two layers of foam (2, 3) of a thermoplastic polymer. The layers are welded to one another along their longitudinal edges so as to form a space between them in the shape of a channel (4). The inlet for the channel can be controlled by a non-return valve (6) whereas the exit can comprise a plug (7). The element is thermoformed by circulating a fluid heated to 130° to 140° C. through the channel until the foam becomes soft.
Inventors
- 👤 Claude Guignard
- 👤 Tony Giglio
- 👤 Abdelkader Benmiloud
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 03:22
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F13/00; A61F13/04; A61L; A61L15/00; A61L15/07; B; B29; B29C; B29C35/00; B29C35/02; B29C35/0272; B29C35/04; B29C53/00; B29C53/02; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T428/00; Y10T428/24; Y10T428/24744
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
161 words
A method of forming an orthopaedic bandage, comprising the steps of providing a thermoformable element comprising two adjacent layers of polymers of which at least one comprises elastically compressible foam, and at least one layer is made of a thermoplastic polymer, which two layers are united at the edges of the layers so as to define between the layers an enclosed space, and in which at least two openings are provided for connecting the said space to the exterior of the elements, one of which openings comprises an inlet for a fluid for heating the said thermoplastic polymer to its thermoforming temperature and the other of which openings comprises an outlet for this fluid, filling the said space with a heating fluid, heating the element by said fluid to soften at least one layer of said element, applying said softened element to a patient and causing it to adopt a desired shape, and cooling the said element in said desired shape.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
161 words
A method of forming an orthopaedic bandage, comprising the steps of providing a thermoformable element comprising two adjacent layers of polymers of which at least one comprises elastically compressible foam, and at least one layer is made of a thermoplastic polymer, which two layers are united at the edges of the layers so as to define between the layers an enclosed space, and in which at least two openings are provided for connecting the said space to the exterior of the elements, one of which openings comprises an inlet for a fluid for heating the said thermoplastic polymer to its thermoforming temperature and the other of which openings comprises an outlet for this fluid, filling the said space with a heating fluid, heating the element by said fluid to soften at least one layer of said element, applying said softened element to a patient and causing it to adopt a desired shape, and cooling the said element in said desired shape.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as in claim 1 in which the cooling of the element comprises passing a cooling fluid through said space.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
159 words
The method of using an orthopedic bandage wherein the bandage comprises two adjacent layers of polymers at least one of which comprises elastically compressible foam, and at least one of which is made of a thermoplastic polymer which is rigid at room temperature, which two layers are united at the edges of the layers so as to define between the layers an enclosed space, and in which at least two openings are provided for connecting the said space to the exterior of the elements, one of which openings comprises an inlet for a fluid for heating the said thermoplastic polymer to its thermoforming temperature and the other of which openings comprises an outlet for this fluid, and wherein said space is filled with a heating fluid so as to heat and soften said thermoplastic polymer, the softened bandage is applied to a patient so that the bandage adopts a desired shape, and the bandage is cooled in said shape.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
159 words
The method of using an orthopedic bandage wherein the bandage comprises two adjacent layers of polymers at least one of which comprises elastically compressible foam, and at least one of which is made of a thermoplastic polymer which is rigid at room temperature, which two layers are united at the edges of the layers so as to define between the layers an enclosed space, and in which at least two openings are provided for connecting the said space to the exterior of the elements, one of which openings comprises an inlet for a fluid for heating the said thermoplastic polymer to its thermoforming temperature and the other of which openings comprises an outlet for this fluid, and wherein said space is filled with a heating fluid so as to heat and soften said thermoplastic polymer, the softened bandage is applied to a patient so that the bandage adopts a desired shape, and the bandage is cooled in said shape.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
An orthopedic bandage as in claim 3 wherein said bandage has a foam face for one of direct and indirect application on the skin which face has ventilation channels positioned to be substantially vertical.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method of use according to claim 3, characterised in that both of said layers are made of a thermoplastic polymer foam.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method of use according to claim 3, further including a non-return valve and a plug respectively controlling the said inlet and outlet openings.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method of use according to claim 3, characterised in that the said edges are secured to one another by heat welding.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method of use according to claim 3, further including an impervious film associated with the adjacent faces of the said layers.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method of use according to claim 3, characterised in that it is made in the form of a strip formed from two longitudinally welded layers.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method of use according to claim 3, characterised in that one of the outer faces of the bandage is self-adhesive.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method of use according to claim 3, characterised in that one of said layers is made of an elastically extensible material.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method of use according to claim 3, characterised in that the cross section of the inlet opening is greater than that of the outlet opening.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
45 words
A method of use according to claim 3, characterised in that one of the faces forming the said enclosed space is provided with irrigation channels beginning at the inlet opening and distributed evenly across the surface on which the heating fluid is to be distributed.
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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) | 1992-04-17 | 1992-10-17 | 1993-04-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-04-17 | 1996-10-17 | 1997-04-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-04-17 | 2000-10-17 | 2001-04-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |