Polymeric orthotic devices
First Claim
1. A preform polymeric orthotic device having a memory imparted by a processing step,said device having a first three dimensional orthotic shape defined by said memory which memory is capable of bringing said device to said orthotic shape at a predetermined temperature,said polymeric orthotic device being capable of being softened and subsequently being molded into a second orthotic shape of different dimension than said first orthotic shape without destroying said memory, but closely conforming in overall configuration to said first orthotic shape,whereby an orthotic device can be formed into said second orthotic shape over a body mold and can be essentially stable in shape while being capable of being brought back to said preform shape.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A preform for use in forming orthotic devices which have a memory in the original preform shape. The preform is preferably formed into a final body shape which retains a memory of the original preform shape.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A preform polymeric orthotic device having a memory imparted by a processing step,
said device having a first three dimensional orthotic shape defined by said memory which memory is capable of bringing said device to said orthotic shape at a predetermined temperature, said polymeric orthotic device being capable of being softened and subsequently being molded into a second orthotic shape of different dimension than said first orthotic shape without destroying said memory, but closely conforming in overall configuration to said first orthotic shape, whereby an orthotic device can be formed into said second orthotic shape over a body mold and can be essentially stable in shape while being capable of being brought back to said preform shape.
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10. An orthotic device having a final orthotic shape conforming to a body part of an individual,
said device having a memory for returning said device to a three dimensional orthotic shape other than said final orthotic shape, but closely conforming thereto, and said device being formed of a low temperature polymeric material and said memory is imparted by cross linking.
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14. An irradiated preform polymeric orthotic device having a memory,
said device having a first three dimensional orthotic shape defined by said memory which memory is imparted by a separate processing step by irradiation, said polymeric orthotic device being capable of being softened and subsequently being molded into a second orthotic shape of different configuration than said first orthotic shape, but closely conforming in overall configuration to said first orthotic shape, whereby an orthotic device can be formed into said second orthotic shape over a body mold and can be essentially stable in shape, conforming to the body of a user.
Specification