Method of making an external breast prosthesis
First Claim
1. A method of making an external breast prosthesis, comprising:
- (a) mixing together a polymer and a plasticizing oil and at least one non-volatile additive to form a mixture;
(b) heating the mixture;
(c) forming the mixture into a front elastomeric skin, wherein the front elastomeric skin has a shape approximating a form of a human breast;
(d) cooling the mixture thereby allowing the non-volatile additive to precipitate to the outer surface of the outer skin whereby a cratered outer surface is formed;
(e) forming a rear elastomeric skin having a shape adapted to seal with the front elastomeric skin;
(f) sealing the front elastomeric skin with the rear elastomeric skin so as to form a cavity therebetween; and
(g) filling a cavity between the front elastomeric skin and the rear elastomeric skin with a gel.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method of making an external breast prosthesis by forming an elastomeric skin in the form of a human breast surrounding an inner material such as a silicone gel or hydrogel. The elastomeric skin can be formed from a front skin and a rear skin, and the skins can be made of a soft styrenic elastomer having attributes similar to a gel. At least the front skin is formed by mixing together a polymer, a plasticizing oil and at least one non-volatile additive to form a mixture, heating the mixture, forming the mixture into a front elastomeric skin, and cooling the mixture thereby allowing the non-volatile additive to precipitate to the outer surface of the outer skin to form a cratered outer surface that is substantially soft to the touch and that tends to maintain the skin in a pliable yet pre-defined shape.
9 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A method of making an external breast prosthesis, comprising:
- (a) mixing together a polymer and a plasticizing oil and at least one non-volatile additive to form a mixture;
(b) heating the mixture;
(c) forming the mixture into a front elastomeric skin, wherein the front elastomeric skin has a shape approximating a form of a human breast;
(d) cooling the mixture thereby allowing the non-volatile additive to precipitate to the outer surface of the outer skin whereby a cratered outer surface is formed;
(e) forming a rear elastomeric skin having a shape adapted to seal with the front elastomeric skin;
(f) sealing the front elastomeric skin with the rear elastomeric skin so as to form a cavity therebetween; and
(g) filling a cavity between the front elastomeric skin and the rear elastomeric skin with a gel. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
- (a) mixing together a polymer and a plasticizing oil and at least one non-volatile additive to form a mixture;
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9. A method of making an external breast prosthesis, comprising:
- (a) mixing together a polymer and a plasticizing oil and at least one non-volatile additive to form a mixture;
(b) heating the mixture;
(c) forming the mixture into an elastomeric skin surrounding a hollow cavity, said skin having a front portion configured and dimensioned to approximate the shape of a human breast;
(d) cooling the mixture thereby allowing the non-volatile additive to precipitate to the outer surface of the elastomeric skin whereby a cratered outer surface is formed; and
(e) filling the cavity with a gel. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12)
- (a) mixing together a polymer and a plasticizing oil and at least one non-volatile additive to form a mixture;
Specification