Removable and reusable vacuum mandrel and method for making molds and orthotic and prosthetic medical devices
US7344674B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 9, 2003 |
| Grant date | Mar 18, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 29, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2031/7532
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
For making orthotic braces and prosthetic devices, vacuum shaft mandrels and foam workpiece blanks are pre-fabricated to a standard design for repeatable assembly and disassembly. A mandrel is easily installed in a workpiece blank, or reinstalled in a previously made mold body. The mandrel is likewise easily removed from the mold body and returned to stock after the mold is made and the required brace is completed. Mold bodies are storable for reuse with a mandrel of the same design for the next vacuum forming brace making operation. A limited supply of standard size mandrels can thus be used for making and serving any number of mold bodies. One mandrel size accommodates a range of mold sizes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.