Rubber products that shrink due to the application of energy and hypo-allergenic rubbery products

• US 6,221,447 B1
• Filed: 08/06/1997
• Issued: 04/24/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 11/18/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Charles S. Munn
• Original Assignee: Charles S. Munn
• Inventors: Cohen, Robert E., Munn, Charles S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Dye, Rena L.
• Application Number:
  US08/907,100
• Time in Patent Office: 1,357 Days
• Field of Search: 428/34.9, 428/34.1, 428/36.8, 428/35.7, 428/36.9, 215/9, 216/17, 216/7, 216/8, 526/348.1, 526/335, 526/340.4, 526/348.6, 526/308, 602/7, 602/42, 602/43, 264/289.3, 264/289.6, 528/300, 156/84-86, 128/844, 604/349, 604/352, 604/327, 604/234, 604/235, 215/11.1, 433/136, 606/234
• US Class Current: 428/34.9
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 6/04 Condoms, sheaths or the like , e.g. combined with devices protecting against contagion
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/1328 Shrinkable or shrunk [e.g., due to heat, solvent, volatile agent, restraint removal, etc.]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/1345 Single layer [continuous layer]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/1352 Polymer or resin containing [i.e., natural or synthetic]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/1386 Natural or synthetic rubber or rubber-like compound containing
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/139 Open-ended, self-supporting conduit, cylinder, or tube-type article

Abstract

Rubbery products having a transition temperature that shrink from a second shape and size toward their original shape and size upon application of energy equivalent in result to raising the temperature of the rubbery product above the transition temperature. Also, hypo-allergenic rubbery products made from polybutadiene and its copolymers, trans-1,4-polybutadiene and its copolymers, synthetic isoprene and its copolymers, or synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene and its copolymers. Such rubbery products (not all of which need to be made to shrink) can be used in condoms, gloves, catheters, baby-bottle nipples, and dental dams, to name just a few.

Claims

1. A rubbery material having a first shape and size, a second shape and size, and a transition temperature, said transition temperature being in the range of 94 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit, wherein the rubbery material shrinks from the second shape and size toward the first shape and size after the application of energy to the rubbery material where the application of energy is equivalent in result to raising the rubbery material'"'"'s temperature to at least the transition temperature wherein the rubbery material comprises a substance selected from the group consisting of trans pentenamer and its copolymers, ethylene pimelate and its copolymers, trans-1,4-polybutadiene and its copolymers, and synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene and its copolymers.

2. The rubbery material as set forth in claim 1, wherein the rubbery material is used in a condom.

3. The rubbery material as set forth in claim 1, wherein the rubbery material is used in a condom portion of a condom-catheter.

4. The rubbery material as claimed in claim 1 wherein said substance comprises trans pentenamer and its copolymers.

5. The rubbery material as claimed in claim 1 wherein said substance comprises ethylene pimelate and its copolymers.

6. The rubbery material as claimed in claim 1 wherein said substance comprises trans-1,4-polybutadiene and its copolymers.

7. The rubbery material as claimed in claim 1 wherein said substance comprises synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene and its copolymers.

8. A method for the manufacture and use of a rubbery material having a transition temperature, the method comprising the steps of:

(i) manufacturing and cross-linking the rubbery material to a first shape and size, the rubbery material comprising a substance selected from the group consisting of trans pentenamer and its copolymers, ethylene pimelate and its copolymers, trans-1,4-polybutadiene and its copolymers, and synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene and its copolymers;

(ii) after performing step (i), applying energy to the rubbery material, where the application of energy is equivalent in result to raising the rubbery material'"'"'s temperature to at least the transition temperature, said transition temperature being in the range of 94 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit;

(iii) after performing step (i), stretching the rubbery material to a second shape and size;

wherein steps (ii) and (iii) are performed in such a way that the rubbery material is in a state in which it is both in the second shape and size and its effective temperature is at least the transition temperature; and

(iv) after steps (ii) and (iii) have been performed, reducing the effective temperature of the rubbery material below the transition temperature while the rubbery material is kept in the second shape and size so that the rubbery material remains in the second shape and size until subsequent application of energy to the rubbery material equivalent in result to raising its temperature to at least the transition temperature whereupon the rubbery material shrinks from the second shape and size toward the first shape and size.

9. The method as set forth in claim 8, further comprising the step of:

applying energy to the rubbery material so that it shrinks from the second shape and size toward the first shape and size.

10. The method as set forth in claim 8, wherein the rubbery material comprises trans pentenamer and its copolymers.

11. The method as set forth in claim 8, wherein the rubbery material comprises ethylene pimelate and its copolymers.

12. The method as set forth in claim 8, wherein the rubbery material comprises trans-1,4-polybutadiene and its copolymers.

13. The method as set forth in claim 8, wherein the rubbery material comprises synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene and its copolymers.

14. A condom made according to the method set forth in claim 8.

15. A glove made according to the method set forth in claim 8.

16. A condom-catheter made according to the method set forth in claim 8.

17. An oral-dental dam made according to the method set forth in claim 8.

18. A condom made and used according to the method set forth in claim 9.

19. A glove made and used according to the method set forth in claim 9.

20. A condom-catheter made and used according to the method set forth in claim 9.

21. An oral-dental dam made and used according to the method set forth to claim 9.

22. A wound cover made and used according to the method as set forth in claim 9.

23. A surgical field delimiter made and used according to the method set forth in claim 9.

24. A method of making a rubbery article, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a rubbery material, said rubbery material comprising a substance selected from the group consisting of trans pentenamer and its copolymers, ethylene pimelate and its copolymers, trans-1,4-polybutadiene and its copolymers, and synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene and its copolymers;

(b) manufacturing the rubbery material to a first shape and size;

(c) after step (b), cross-linking the rubbery material, the cross-linked rubbery material having a transition temperature, said transition temperature being in the range of 94 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit;

(d) after step (c), applying energy to the cross-linked rubbery material, where the application of energy is equivalent in result to raising the cross-linked rubbery material'"'"'s temperature to at least the transition temperature;

(e) after step (b), stretching the cross-linked rubbery material to a second shape and size, wherein steps (d) and (e) are performed in such a way that the cross-linked rubbery material is in a state in which it is both in the second shape and size and its effective temperature is at least the transition temperature; and

(f) after steps (d) and (e), reducing the effective temperature of the cross-linked rubbery material below the transition temperature while the cross-linked rubbery material is kept in the second shape and size so that the cross-linked rubbery material remains in the second shape and size until subsequent application of energy to the cross-linked rubbery material equivalent in result to raising its temperature to at least the transition temperature whereupon the cross-linked rubbery material shrinks from the second shape and size toward the first shape and size.

25. The method as claimed in claim 24 wherein said rubbery material comprises a substance selected from the group consisting of trans-1,4-polybutadiene and its copolymers.

26. The method as claimed in claim 25 wherein said rubbery material is trans-1,4-polybutadiene.

27. A glove made according to the method of claim 26.

28. A rubbery material having a first shape and size, a second shape and size, and a transition temperature, said transition temperature being in the range of 94 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit, wherein the rubbery material shrinks from the second shape and size toward the first shape and size after the application of energy to the rubbery material where the application of energy is equivalent in result to raising the rubbery material'"'"'s temperature to at least the transition temperature, wherein the rubbery material is used in a condom portion of a condom-catheter.

29. A glove comprising a rubbery material having a first shape and size, a second shape and size, and a transition temperature, said transition temperature being in the range of 94 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit, wherein the rubbery material shrinks from the second shape and size toward the first shape and size after application of energy to the rubbery material where the application of energy is equivalent in result to raising the rubbery material'"'"'s temperature to at least the transition temperature wherein the rubbery material comprises a substance selected from the group consisting of trans pentenamer and its copolymers, ethylene pimelate and its copolymers, trans-1,4-polybutadiene and its copolymers, and synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene and its copolymers.

30. A condom comprising a rubbery material having a transition temperature, said condom being made by a method comprising the steps of:

(i) manufacturing and cross-linking the rubbery material to a first shape and size, the rubbery material comprising a substance selected from the group consisting of polyurethane elastomers and their copolymers, trans pentenamer and its copolymers, ethylene pimelate and its copolymers, trans-1,4-polybutadiene and its copolymers, and synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene and its copolymers;

(ii) after performing step (i), applying energy to the rubbery material, where the application of energy is equivalent in result to raising the rubbery material'"'"'s temperature to at least the transition temperature, said transition temperature being in the range of 94 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit;

(iii) after performing step (i), stretching the rubbery material to a second shape and size;

wherein steps (ii) and (iii) are performed in such a way that the rubbery material is in a state in which it is both in the second shape and size and its effective temperature is at least the transition temperature; and

(iv) after steps (ii) and (iii) have been performed, reducing the effective temperature of the rubbery material below the transition temperature while the rubbery material is kept in the second shape and size so that the rubbery material remains in the second shape and size until subsequent application of energy to the rubbery material equivalent in result to raising its temperature to at least the transition temperature whereupon the rubbery material shrinks from the second shape and size toward the first shape and size.

31. A glove comprising a rubbery material having a transition temperature, said glove being made by a method comprising the steps of:

(i) manufacturing and cross-linking the rubbery material to a first shape and size, the rubbery material comprising a substance selected from the group consisting of trans pentenamer and its copolymers, ethylene pimelate and its copolymers, trans-1,4-polybutadiene and its copolymers, and synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene and its copolymers;

(ii) after performing step (i), applying energy to the rubbery material, where the application of energy is equivalent in result to raising the rubbery material'"'"'s temperature to at least the transition temperature, said transition temperature being in the range of 94 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit;

(iii) after performing step (i), stretching the rubbery material to a second shape and size;

wherein steps (ii) and (iii) are performed in such a way that the rubbery material is in a state in which it is both in the second shape and size and its effective temperature is at least the transition temperature; and

(iv) after steps (ii) and (iii) have been performed, reducing the effective temperature of the rubbery material below the transition temperature while the rubbery material is kept in the second shape and size so that the rubbery material remains in the second shape and size until subsequent application of energy to the rubbery material equivalent in result to raising its temperature to at least the transition temperature whereupon the rubbery material shrinks from the second shape and size toward the first shape and size.

32. A condom-catheter comprising a rubbery material having a transition temperature, said condom-catheter being made by a method comprising the steps of:

(i) manufacturing and cross-linking the rubbery material to a first shape and size, the rubbery material comprising a substance selected from the group consisting of polyurethane elastomers and their copolymers, trans pentenamer and its copolymers, ethylene pimelate and its copolymers, trans-1,4-polybutadiene and its copolymers, and synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene and its copolymers;

(ii) after performing step (i), applying energy to the rubbery material, where the application of energy is equivalent in result to raising the rubbery material'"'"'s temperature to at least the transition temperature, said transition temperature being in the range of 94 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit;

(iii) after performing step (i), stretching the rubbery material to a second shape and size;

wherein steps (ii) and (iii) are performed in such a way that the rubbery material is in a state in which it is both in the second shape and size and its effective temperature is at least the transition temperature; and

(iv) after steps (ii) and (iii) have been performed, reducing the effective temperature of the rubbery material below the transition temperature while the rubbery material is kept in the second shape and size so that the rubbery material remains in the second shape and size until subsequent application of energy to the rubbery material equivalent in result to raising its temperature to at least the transition temperature whereupon the rubbery material shrinks from the second shape and size toward the first shape and size.

33. An oral-dental dam comprising a rubbery material having a transition temperature, said oral-dental dam being made by a method comprising the steps of:

(i) manufacturing and cross-linking the rubbery material to a first shape and size, the rubbery material comprising a substance selected from the group consisting of polyurethane elastomers and their copolymers, trans pentenamer and its copolymers, ethylene pimelate and its copolymers, trans-1,4-polybutadiene and its copolymers, and synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene and its copolymers;

(ii) after performing step (i), applying energy to the rubbery material, where the application of energy is equivalent in result to raising the rubbery material'"'"'s temperature to at least the transition temperature, said transition temperature being in the range of 94 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit;

(iii) after performing step (i), stretching the rubbery material to a second shape and size;

wherein steps (ii) and (iii) are performed in such a way that the rubbery material is in a state in which it is both in the second shape and size and its effective temperature is at least the transition temperature; and

(iv) after steps (ii) and (iii) have been performed, reducing the effective temperature of the rubbery material below the transition temperature while the rubbery material is kept in the second shape and size so that the rubbery material remains in the second shape and size until subsequent application of energy to the rubbery material equivalent in result to raising its temperature to at least the transition temperature whereupon the rubbery material shrinks from the second shape and size toward the first shape and size.

34. A wound cover comprising a rubbery material having a transition temperature, said wound cover being made by a method comprising the steps of:

(i) manufacturing and cross-linking the rubbery material to a first shape and size, the rubbery material comprising a substance selected from the group consisting of polyurethane elastomers and their copolymers, trans pentenamer and its copolymers, ethylene pimelate and its copolymers, trans-1,4-polybutadiene and its copolymers, and synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene and its copolymers;

(ii) after performing step (i), applying energy to the rubbery material, where the application of energy is equivalent in result to raising the rubbery material'"'"'s temperature to at least the transition temperature, said transition temperature being in the range of 94 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit;

(iii) after performing step (i), stretching the rubbery material to a second shape and size;

wherein steps (ii) and (iii) are performed in such a way that the rubbery material is in a state in which it is both in the second shape and size and its effective temperature is at least the transition temperature; and

(iv) after steps (ii) and (iii) have been performed, reducing the effective temperature of the rubbery material below the transition temperature while the rubbery material is kept in the second shape and size so that the rubbery material remains in the second shape and size until subsequent application of energy to the rubbery material equivalent in result to raising its temperature to at least the transition temperature whereupon the rubbery material shrinks from the second shape and size toward the first shape and size.

35. A surgical field delimiter comprising a rubbery material having a transition temperature, said surgical field delimiter being made by a method comprising the steps of:

(i) manufacturing and cross-linking the rubbery material to a first shape and size, the rubbery material comprising a substance selected from the group consisting of polyurethane elastomers and their copolymers, trans pentenamer and its copolymers, ethylene pimelate and its copolymers, trans-1,4-polybutadiene and its copolymers, and synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene and its copolymers;

(ii) after performing step (i), applying energy to the rubbery material, where the application of energy is equivalent in result to raising the rubbery material'"'"'s temperature to at least the transition temperature, said transition temperature being in the range of 94 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit;

(iii) after performing step (i), stretching the rubbery material to a second shape and size;

wherein steps (ii) and (iii) are performed in such a way that the rubbery material is in a state in which it is both in the second shape and size and its effective temperature is at least the transition temperature; and

(iv) after steps (ii) and (iii) have been performed, reducing the effective temperature of the rubbery material below the transition temperature while the rubbery material is kept in the second shape and size so that the rubbery material remains in the second shape and size until subsequent application of energy to the rubbery material equivalent in result to raising its temperature to at least the transition temperature whereupon the rubbery material shrinks from the second shape and size toward the first shape and size.

36. A condom made of rubbery material comprising:

a compound selected from the group consisting of polybutadiene and its copolymers, polyurethane elastomers and their copolymers, trans pentenamer and its copolymers, polyethylene pimelate and its copolymers, trans-1,4-polybutadiene and its copolymers, synthetic isoprene and its copolymers, and synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene and its copolymers; and

made according to the method comprising the steps of;

(i) manufacturing and cross-linking the rubbery material to a first shape and size, the rubbery material having a transition temperature in the range of 94 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit;

(ii) after performing step (i), applying energy to the rubbery material, where the application of energy is equivalent in result to raising the rubbery material'"'"'s temperature to at least the transition temperature;

(iii) after performing step (i), stretching the rubbery material to a second shape and size;

wherein steps (ii) and (iii) are performed in such a way that the rubbery material is in a state in which it is both in the second shape and size and its effective temperature is at least the transition temperature; and

(iv) after steps (ii) and (iii) have been performed, reducing the effective temperature of the rubbery material below the transition temperature while the rubbery material is kept in the second shape and size so that the rubbery material remains in the second shape and size until subsequent application of energy to the rubbery material equivalent in result to raising its temperature to at least the transition temperature whereupon the rubbery material shrinks from the second shape and size toward the first shape and size.

37. A condom consisting essentially of rubbery material, the rubbery material having a transition temperature in the range of 94 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit and being selected from the group consisting of polybutadiene and its copolymers, trans-1,4-polybutadiene and its copolymers, and synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene and its copolymers.

38. A glove consisting essentially of rubbery material, the rubbery material having a transition temperature in the range of 94 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit and being selected from the group consisting of polybutadiene and its copolymers, trans-1,4-polybutadiene and its copolymers, and synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene and its copolymers.

39. The glove as claimed in claim 38 wherein the rubbery material is trans-1,4-polybutadiene.

40. An oral-dental dam consisting essentially of rubbery material, the rubbery material having a transition temperature in the range of 94 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit and being selected from the group consisting of polybutadiene and its copolymers, trans-1,4-polybutadiene and its copolymers, synthetic isoprene and its copolymers, and synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene and its copolymers.

41. A stretchy-bandage consisting essentially of rubbery material, the rubbery material having a transition temperature in the range of 94 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit and being selected from the group consisting of trans-1,4-polybutadiene and its copolymers, synthetic isoprene and its copolymers, and synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene and its copolymers.

42. A baby-bottle nipple consisting essentially of rubbery material, the rubbery material having a transition temperature in the range of 94 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit and being selected from the group consisting of polybutadiene and its copolymers, trans-1,4-polybutadiene and its copolymers, synthetic isoprene and its copolymers, and synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene and its copolymers.

43. A pacifier consisting essentially of rubbery material, the rubbery material having a transition temperature in the range of 94 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit and being selected from the group consisting of polybutadiene and its copolymers, trans-1,4-polybutadiene and its copolymers, synthetic isoprene and its copolymers, and synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene and its copolymers.

44. A catheter consisting essentially of rubbery material, the rubbery material having a transition temperature in the range of 94 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit and being selected from the group consisting of polybutadiene and its copolymers, trans-1,4-polybutadiene and its copolymers, and synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene and its copolymers.

45. A tourniquet consisting essentially of rubbery material, the rubbery material having a transition temperature in the range of 94 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit and being selected from the group consisting of polybutadiene and its copolymers, trans-1,4-polybutadiene and its copolymers, and synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene and its copolymers.

46. A dental drain consisting essentially of rubbery material, the rubbery material having a transition temperature in the range of 94 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit and being selected from the group consisting of polybutadiene and its copolymers, trans-1,4-polybutadiene and its copolymers, synthetic isoprene and its copolymers and synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene and its copolymers.

47. An injection port for intravenous lines and catheters, the injection port consisting essentially of rubbery material, the rubbery material having a transition temperature in the range of 94 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit and being selected from the group consisting of polybutadiene and its copolymers, trans-1,4-polybutadiene and its copolymers, synthetic isoprene and its copolymers and synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene and its copolymers.

48. An elastic band for articles of clothing, the elastic band consisting essentially of rubbery material, the rubbery material having a transition temperature in the range of 94 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit and being selected from the group consisting of polybutadiene and its copolymers, trans-1,4-polybutadiene and its copolymers, synthetic isoprene and its copolymers and synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene and its copolymers.

49. A condom made by a method comprising the steps of:

(i) manufacturing and cross-linking a rubbery material to a first shape and size, the rubbery material having a transition temperature, said transition temperature being in the range of 94 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit;

(ii) after performing step (i), applying energy to the rubbery material, where the application of energy is equivalent in result to raising the rubbery material'"'"'s temperature to at least the transition temperature;

(iii) after performing step (i), stretching the rubbery material to a second shape and size;

wherein steps (ii) and (iii) are performed in such a way that the rubbery material is in a state in which it is both in the second shape and size and its effective temperature is at least the transition temperature; and

(iv) after steps (ii) and (iii) have been performed, reducing the effective temperature of the rubbery material below the transition temperature while the rubbery material is kept in the second shape and size so that the rubbery material remains in the second shape and size until subsequent application of energy to the rubbery material equivalent in result to raising its temperature to at least the transition temperature whereupon the rubbery material shrinks from the second shape and size toward the first shape and size.

50. A condom-catheter made by a method comprising the steps of:

(i) manufacturing and cross-linking a rubbery material to a first shape and size, the rubbery material having a transition temperature, said transition temperature being in the range of 94 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit;

(ii) after performing step (i), applying energy to the rubbery material, where the application of energy is equivalent in result to raising the rubbery material'"'"'s temperature to at least the transition temperature;

(iii) after performing step (i), stretching the rubbery material to a second shape and size;

wherein steps (ii) and (iii) are performed in such a way that the rubbery material is in a state in which it is both in the second shape and size and its effective temperature is at least the transition temperature; and

(iv) after steps (ii) and (iii) have been performed, reducing the effective temperature of the rubbery material below the transition temperature while the rubbery material is kept in the second shape and size so that the rubbery material remains in the second shape and size until subsequent application of energy to the rubbery material equivalent in result to raising its temperature to at least the transition temperature whereupon the rubbery material shrinks from the second shape and size toward the first shape and size.

51. An oral-dental dam made by a method comprising the steps of:

(i) manufacturing and cross-linking a rubbery material to a first shape and size, the rubbery material having a transition temperature, said transition temperature being in the range of 94 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit;

(ii) after performing step (i), applying energy to the rubbery material, where the application of energy is equivalent in result to raising the rubbery material'"'"'s temperature to at least the transition temperature;

(iii) after performing step (i), stretching the rubbery material to a second shape and size;

wherein steps (ii) and (iii) are performed in such a way that the rubbery material is in a state in which it is both in the second shape and size and its effective temperature is at least the transition temperature; and

(iv) after steps (ii) and (iii) have been performed, reducing the effective temperature of the rubbery material below the transition temperature while the rubbery material is kept in the second shape and size so that the rubbery material remains in the second shape and size until subsequent application of energy to the rubbery material equivalent in result to raising its temperature to at least the transition temperature whereupon the rubbery material shrinks from the second shape and size toward the first shape and size.

52. A glove consisting essentially of a rubbery material having a first shape and size, a second shape and size, and a transition temperature, said transition temperature being in the range of 94 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit, wherein the rubbery material shrinks from the second shape and size toward the first shape and size after application of energy to the rubbery material where the application of energy is equivalent in result to raising the rubbery material'"'"'s temperature to at least the transition temperature wherein the rubbery material comprises a substance selected from the group consisting of polyurethane elastomers and their copolymers, trans pentenamer and its copolymers, ethylene pimelate and its copolymers, trans-1,4-polybutadiene and its copolymers, and synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene and its copolymers.

53. The glove as claimed in claim 52 wherein the rubbery material comprises a substance selected from the group consisting of trans-1,4-polybutadiene and its copolymers.