Self-forming prosthetic device and method of making the same
AssigneeColoplast Corporation
InventorsLouis F. Malice, Jr., Robert James Halley, Donna Mines
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention is directed to a self-forming prosthetic device. The present invention is further directed to a method of making the self-forming prosthetic device. In addition, the present invention is directed to a new bra for use with a prosthetic device in the form of a breast prosthesis.
Claims33
A method of making an article of manufacture comprising:
- forming a prosthetic device precursor;
- the precursor including at least two separate compartments A and B, respectively;
- compartment A containing a curable material and compartment B containing at least one catalyst or at least one cross-linking agent, respectively;
- positioning the precursor next to a patient's body;
- and
- curing the precursor to form the article of manufacture;
- wherein the article of manufacture substantially conforms to a contour of the patient's body.
A prosthetic device precursor comprising at least two separate compartments A and B, wherein compartment A contains a curable material and compartment B contains at least one of a catalyst and a cross-linking agent.
A method of making a self-forming prosthetic device for wear by a user, the method comprising the steps of:
- sizing a precursor specific to the needs of the user, the precursor comprising a first compartment having a curable material housed therein and a second compartment having at least one catalyst or at least one cross-linking agent, respectively, housed therein;
- mixing the curable material with the at least one catalyst or the at least one cross-linking agent;
- positioning the precursor on an inner surface of a cup of a bra;
- placing the bra about the user while positioning the precursor with respect to the body of the user;
- curing the mixed materials within the precursor to self-form the prosthetic device in situ to the body of the user.
A system for self-forming a prosthetic device for wear by a user, comprising:
- a precursor sized to the needs of the user, the precursor comprising a first compartment having a curable material housed therein and a second compartment having at least one catalyst or at least one cross-linking agent, respectively, housed therein;
- a bra having at least one cup, and an inner surface defined by said at least one cup;
- means for affixing the precursor directly to the inner surface of the bra cup;
- wherein the curable material of the first compartment is mixed with the at least one catalyst or the at least one cross-linking agent of the second compartment within the precursor, the precursor is affixed to the inner surface of the cup, the bra is placed about the chest of the user to position the precursor with respect to the body of the user, and the mixed materials within the precursor are cured in situ to self-form the prosthetic device to the body of the user.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.