Thermoplastic orthopedic brace and method of manufacturing same
US5624386A · kind A · utility
44Cited by
13References
11Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 1, 1994 |
| Grant date | Apr 29, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 1, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/249952
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Thermoplastic, thermoshapable composite laminate bars, an orthopedic brace using the shaped composite bars as integral components, and a method of thermoshaping the composite bars for use as fitted components in the orthopedic brace are provided. The composite bars contain multiple fiber layers oriented in at least two directions with respect to the bar length to provide high flexural and torsional strength. The novel method of thermoshaping yields improved results over prior thermoshaping methods by providing an uncomplicated shaping capability while maintaining the structural and mechanical properties of the composite bar.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.