Method of providing convolutable areas on thermoplastic elastomeric films, and films and film products having such areas
AssigneeFamily Health International
InventorRobert G. Wheeler
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method of providing a convoluted area on a first thermoplastic elastomeric film, by applying to the film, one or more discrete pieces of a second thermoplastic elastomeric film, wherein the second film is differentially expandable as compared to the underlying first film. The differential expansion may be caused by application of an agent which causes the second film to swell. Products made according to this method may have elongated strips or other shapes of the second film bonded to the first film in areas of the product for which convolutions, puckers or other regular or irregular deformations are desired.
Claims12
A method of forming a convolutable area on a thermoplastic elastomeric film comprising:
- (a) providing a first thermoplastic elastomeric film;
- (b) providing pieces of a second thermoplastic elastomeric film, said first and second thermoplastic elastomeric films being differentially swellable by use of an agent;
- and
- (c) bonding the strips to the first thermoplastic
- elastomeric film in the area on the first film being
- formed into a convolutable area.
A product made of thermoplastic elastomeric film, having one or more areas in which pieces of a second thermoplastic elastomeric film are bonded to a first thermoplastic elastomeric film, said first and second thermoplastic elastomeric films being differentially swellable by use of an agent, wherein the product is a condom having a tubular body and elongated pieces of the second thermoplastic elastomeric film are bonded circumferentially around said tubular body.
A product made of thermoplastic elastomeric film, having one or more areas in which pieces of a second thermoplastic elastomeric film are bonded to a first thermoplastic elastomeric film, said first and second thermoplastic elastomeric films being differentially swellable by use of an agent, wherein elongated pieces of the second thermoplastic elastomeric film are bonded to the condom on the tubular body and extending co-linearly with the tubular body, and wherein near the opening, elongated pieces of the second thermoplastic elastomeric film are bonded circumferentially about the tubular body.
A product made of thermoplastic elastomeric film, having one or more areas in which pieces of a second thermoplastic elastomeric film are bonded to a first thermoplastic elastomeric film, said first and second thermoplastic elastomeric films being differentially swellable by use of an agent, wherein the product is a protective vaginal liner having an introitus and a bag-shaped body and elongated pieces of the said thermoplastic elastomeric film are bonded with an axial orientation on the introitus.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.