Orthopedic splint
AssigneeBSN Medical, Inc.
InventorsJohn Evans, Shitij Chabba, Martin O'Hara
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An orthopedic splint utilizing a polyurethane-based chemical system encapsulated in an envelope that hardens to form a splint. The orthopedic splint includes an envelope for containing a first component and a second component of maintained separate from each other within the envelope. A hardened splint is formed by causing the first component and the second component to mix in the envelope.
Claims30
An orthopedic splint, comprising:
- (a) an initially flexible and conformable envelope containing a first component and a second component of a polymer system;
- and
- (b) a separation means for separating the first component from the second component within the envelope, wherein actuation of the separation means allows the first component and the second component to mix in the envelope, thereby forming a hardened splint.
An orthopedic splint, comprising:
- (a) a first polymer system component contained within a first envelope;
- (b) a second polymer system component contained within a second envelope;
- and
- (c) the second envelope is positioned within the first envelope to thereby position the first and second polymer system components within the first envelope in an initially unmixed, flexible and conformable state, wherein the second envelope is rupturable to allow the first and second polymer system components to mix within the first envelope, forming a hardened splint.
An orthopedic splint, comprising:
- (a) an initially flexible and conformable envelope for containing a polymer system, the polymer system comprising:
- (i) a, pre-polymer;
- (ii) a activator for mixing with the pre-polymer to form a hardened splint;
- (b) a substrate contained within the envelope and impregnated with the pre-polymer;
- and
- (c) at least one burstable bubble positioned within the envelope for containing the activator, thereby maintaining the pre-polymer and polyol within the envelope in an unmixed state, wherein the at least one burstable bubble is rupturable to allow the activator to mix with the pre-polymer contained within the substrate, forming the hardened splint.
A method of constructing an orthopedic splint comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing an initially flexible and conformable envelope;
- and
- (b) forming first and second compartments in the envelope;
- and
- (c) introducing a first component into the first compartment and a second component into the second compartment, so that when mixed a hardened splint is formed.
A method of immobilizing a body part, comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing an orthopedic splint, comprising an initially flexible and conformable envelope containing a first component and a second component of a polymer system, wherein the first and second component are maintained separate from each other;
- (b) manipulating the envelope to allow the first component and the second component to mix;
- (c) placing the splint into engagement with the body part;
- and
- (d) securing the splint to the body part in a closely-conforming configuration for a period of time sufficient to allow the splint to harden.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.