Patent ID: 11865025
Assignee: WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY
Field: Medical technology (Instruments)
Classification: CPC A | IPC A

Claim 0:
1. A method of rapidly supporting or immobilizing an injured body part, said method comprising:
providing a fiber-reinforced composite article, said article comprising a multi-layer body convertible from a flexible state to a rigid state, the multi-layer body comprising:
a fiber reinforcement layer;
an encapsulating film adjacent said fiber reinforcement layer; and
an optional insulating barrier adjacent said encapsulating film;

arranging said multi-layer body in the flexible state around or next to and in conformance with said injured body part with said insulating barrier adjacent to said body part; and
introducing a thermosetting resin into said body, said resin impregnating said fiber reinforcement layer,
wherein said resin cures in less than about 10 minutes after said introducing, thereby converting said multi-layer body to the rigid state comprising a rigid lamellar body, thereby supporting or immobilizing said injured body part.