Tubular member with continuous resin layer

Abstract

The method of making a tubular member having a continuous and uninterrupted cured elastomeric resin coating on an outer surface of the member includes forming a continuous uninterrupted tubular layer of uncured elastomeric resin and drawing the resin layer against the surface of the tubular member to be coated by applying suction between the resin layer and the surface of the tubular member so that the resin adheres to the surface of the tubular member. The elastomeric resin may then be cured to produce the final product. Apparatus for carrying out the process is disclosed and includes, in sequence, a coating zone including a sub-atmospheric chamber, a heating zone and a feed mechanism for advancing the tubular member relative to the coating and heating zones. A method is also disclosed for molding a distal end cap on an open end of a length of a preformed tubular sleeve member that may be used for prosthetic applications. A process is also disclosed for molding a sleeve member having prosthetic applications using male and female die elements used to distribute uncured elastomer resin as a layer on a tubular elasticized fabric sleeve element.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.