Patent ID: 7001563
Filing Date: 2006-02-21
Classification: A61F,A61L,B29B,B29C,B29D,B29K,B29L,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A process for forming a final molded sleeve member suitable for prosthetic applications, said sleeve member comprising a tubular elasticized fabric element having a closed end, comprising the steps of: placing a predetermined quantity of uncured elastomeric resin intended to form said cured elastomer layer in the interior of the closed end of the elasticized fabric element; placing the fabric element and uncured elastomer resin in a female mold die cavity having an inner surface defining an interior contour corresponding to the desired outer contour of said sleeve member; placing a male mold die member having an outer surface defining a contour corresponding with the desired inner contour of the sleeve member within the sleeve member and advancing the male mold die member into the fabric element and female mold die cavity until it reaches a molding position relative to the female mold die cavity, at which position a closed die cavity between the outer surface of the male mold die member and an inner surface of the female mold die cavity is defined, said fabric element is located in the mold cavity adjacent the inner surface of the female mold die cavity and the uncured elastomer resin occupies the remainder of the closed die cavity, said resin having been distributed throughout the closed die cavity and against the interior of the fabric element member by movement of the male mold die member relative to the female mold die cavity and the uncured resin; and the distance between a first point along the inner surface of the female mold die cavity and a second point along the outer surface of the male mold die member when it is disposed therein represents a thickness of the final molded article, wherein the distance is measured along an axis that extends only across an empty space formed between the inner and outer surfaces; said predetermined quantity of uncured elastomer resin being calculated to fill said closed die cavity containing the fabric element; curing the elastomer resin in the closed die cavity in bonded relationship with the interior of the fabric element; withdrawing the male mold die member and the molded tubular sleeve member, with the cured elastomer layer from the female mold die cavity.