Patent ID: 6139513
Filing Date: 2000-10-31
Classification: A61F,D04B,D10B

Abstract:
An orthopaedic method comprising the steps of:a) preparing an integral double layer fabric having spaced interwoven layers formed of high strength filaments and an open-work matrix of filaments interconnecting said layers, the filaments of said open-work matrix extending back and forth between said two spaced interwoven layers and being interwoven into both of said two spaced interwoven layers, to space said layers apart by a predetermined distance with mostly open space between said two layers except for said spaced filaments said spaced filaments; whereby a water distribution channel is for directing water is located within the double-layered fabric;b) said high strength filaments being formed of material selected from the group consisting of fiberglass, kevlar or aramids, with fabrics formed from said materials being subject to fraying at the edges of such fabrics, said edges including arrangements provided for confining and restricting the filaments thereof against fraying;c) forming said double layer fabric as a substantially flat blank conforming to the shape of a forearm with a hole to receive the thumb;d) impregnating said open-work matrix of filaments with a water-hardenable material under low humidity conditions, while retaining the configuration of said matrix permeable to receive water;e) packaging said material in a water vapor impermeable package;f) subsequently opening said package;g) supplying water to said open-work matrix following opening of said package to rapidly wet said water-hardenable material; andh) locating the impregnated double layer material adjacent the injured part of the anatomy so that said material conforms to the configuration of the anatomy;whereby the open-work matrix of said double layer fabric facilitates rapid and uniform impregnation by the water-hardenable material, and rapid penetration of the water, and also provides firm support resulting from the hardening of the water-hardenable material in the open-work matrix, and whereby injury from hardened, frayed edges of said high strength filaments is precluded by the edge confining arrangements.