Molding process and products formed thereby
AssigneeGauthier Biomedical, Inc.
InventorsMichael T. Gauthier, Kenneth A. Roggow
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A reusable surgical implement is provided that is formed of a core positioned within an enclosure. The core is formed of a suitable rigid, and optionally flexible material to enable the implant to conform to the desired use for the implement in a surgical procedure. The material forming the enclosure is also stretchable and flexible to accommodate the configuration and/or any flexing of the core, and is biologically inert to enable the implant to be sterilized after use for use in subsequent surgical procedures while protecting the material forming the core. The enclosure can be molded around the core in separate portions or components using multiple molding steps to form an enclosure with the desired attributes.
Claims14
A flex driver to be used as a surgical implement comprising:
- a) a core;
- and
- b) an enclosure formed around the core of at least one molded component to completely enclose the portion of the core on which the at least one molded component is disposed, wherein the enclosure is configured for insertion within a body of a patient and is formed of a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion and the second portion have flexibility to enable the enclosure to conform to the shape of the core, wherein the core includes a stop at each end that extends radially outwardly from the core around the entire circumference of each end to limit the first portion and the second portion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.