Preform and balloon having a non-uniform thickness
US7753875B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 16, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jul 13, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 10, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2031/7542
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention provides a balloon having a non-uniform thickness that is adapted to facilitate folding of the balloon. The balloon comprises at least one relatively thin section formed between inner and outer surfaces of the balloon, and at least one relatively thick section formed between the inner and outer surfaces. The balloon may be formed from a balloon preform that similarly comprises at least one relatively thin section and at least one relatively thick section. The shape of the balloon preform may be formed, for example, by extrusion. The balloon preform may be placed in a balloon mold having a substantially cylindrical interior surface, and blow-molded to form the finished balloon configuration. The balloon comprises a non-uniform thickness, while comprising a substantially cylindrical outer diameter both after removal from the balloon mold and in an inflated state.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.