WO2008044052A1 - Process for forming coverings - Google Patents

Process for forming coverings Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2008044052A1
WO2008044052A1 PCT/GB2007/003905 GB2007003905W WO2008044052A1 WO 2008044052 A1 WO2008044052 A1 WO 2008044052A1 GB 2007003905 W GB2007003905 W GB 2007003905W WO 2008044052 A1 WO2008044052 A1 WO 2008044052A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
silicone rubber
process according
textile substrate
mould
covering
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2007/003905
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
David James Gow
Original Assignee
Touch Emas Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Touch Emas Limited filed Critical Touch Emas Limited
Priority to US12/445,217 priority Critical patent/US20090308526A1/en
Priority to EP07824156A priority patent/EP2074254A1/en
Publication of WO2008044052A1 publication Critical patent/WO2008044052A1/en

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Classifications

    • DTEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06NWALL, FLOOR, OR LIKE COVERING MATERIALS, e.g. LINOLEUM, OILCLOTH, ARTIFICIAL LEATHER, ROOFING FELT, CONSISTING OF A FIBROUS WEB COATED WITH A LAYER OF MACROMOLECULAR MATERIAL; FLEXIBLE SHEET MATERIAL NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06N3/00Artificial leather, oilcloth or other material obtained by covering fibrous webs with macromolecular material, e.g. resins, rubber or derivatives thereof
    • D06N3/12Artificial leather, oilcloth or other material obtained by covering fibrous webs with macromolecular material, e.g. resins, rubber or derivatives thereof with macromolecular compounds obtained otherwise than by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds, e.g. gelatine proteins
    • D06N3/128Artificial leather, oilcloth or other material obtained by covering fibrous webs with macromolecular material, e.g. resins, rubber or derivatives thereof with macromolecular compounds obtained otherwise than by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds, e.g. gelatine proteins with silicon polymers
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61FFILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/50Prostheses not implantable in the body
    • A61F2/5044Designing or manufacturing processes
    • A61F2/5046Designing or manufacturing processes for designing or making customized prostheses, e.g. using templates, finite-element analysis or CAD-CAM techniques
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61FFILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/50Prostheses not implantable in the body
    • A61F2/54Artificial arms or hands or parts thereof
    • A61F2/58Elbows; Wrists ; Other joints; Hands
    • A61F2/583Hands; Wrist joints
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61FFILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/50Prostheses not implantable in the body
    • A61F2/54Artificial arms or hands or parts thereof
    • A61F2/58Elbows; Wrists ; Other joints; Hands
    • A61F2/583Hands; Wrist joints
    • A61F2/586Fingers
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61FFILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/50Prostheses not implantable in the body
    • A61F2002/5001Cosmetic coverings
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61FFILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/50Prostheses not implantable in the body
    • A61F2/5044Designing or manufacturing processes
    • A61F2/5046Designing or manufacturing processes for designing or making customized prostheses, e.g. using templates, finite-element analysis or CAD-CAM techniques
    • A61F2002/5053Designing or manufacturing processes for designing or making customized prostheses, e.g. using templates, finite-element analysis or CAD-CAM techniques using a positive or a negative model, e.g. casting model or mould
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61FFILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/50Prostheses not implantable in the body
    • A61F2/5044Designing or manufacturing processes
    • A61F2002/5056Laminates, i.e. layered products
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61FFILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/50Prostheses not implantable in the body
    • A61F2/54Artificial arms or hands or parts thereof
    • A61F2/58Elbows; Wrists ; Other joints; Hands
    • A61F2/583Hands; Wrist joints
    • A61F2/586Fingers
    • A61F2002/587Thumbs
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29CSHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C59/00Surface shaping of articles, e.g. embossing; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C59/02Surface shaping of articles, e.g. embossing; Apparatus therefor by mechanical means, e.g. pressing
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29KINDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
    • B29K2083/00Use of polymers having silicon, with or without sulfur, nitrogen, oxygen, or carbon only, in the main chain, as moulding material
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29KINDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
    • B29K2105/00Condition, form or state of moulded material or of the material to be shaped
    • B29K2105/24Condition, form or state of moulded material or of the material to be shaped crosslinked or vulcanised
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29LINDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
    • B29L2031/00Other particular articles
    • B29L2031/48Wearing apparel
    • B29L2031/4842Outerwear
    • B29L2031/4864Gloves

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a process for forming coverings configured to be worn by humans or animals .
  • coverings for prostheses such as prosthetic hands
  • materials such as silicone rubber.
  • Many manufacturing methods are known such as rotational "slush moulding" or paste “pack” moulding using three part moulds.
  • the former method can produce highly detailed seamless gloves but usually requires solvents to disperse the relatively viscous base silicone and the latter method results in mould seams or flash which must be trimmed or abraded away.
  • a sheet covered with silicone rubber is formed e.g. by rolling, from a mass of uncured silicone rubber.
  • the silicone rubber may also be coloured such, that the formed sheet has some skin tone.
  • the formed sheet is then wrapped around the prosthesis to be covered and the sheet hand shaped and formed in-situ until the sheet has the desired shape and skin detail.
  • a process of forming a covering configured to be worn by a human or animal comprising the steps of: applying uncured silicone rubber to a textile substrate, the textile substrate comprising an elastic fibre that allows the textile substrate to stretch elastically, the textile substrate defining the general form of the covering; part curing the silicone rubber such that the silicone rubber is sufficiently cured that the integrity of the silicone rubber can be substantially maintained and yet the silicone rubber is sufficiently uncured that a surface of the silicone rubber is impressible; and impressing a pattern on the surface of the part cured silicone rubber.
  • the step of part curing the silicone rubber such that the integrity of the silicone rubber can be substantially maintained provides for ease of further handling or processing. More specifically, the following step of impressing a pattern may be carried out without prejudicing the integrity of the silicone rubber. For example, if the surface were to be patterned by means of an embossed roller, forces exerted by the roller on the surface of the silicone rubber are less likely to cause the silicone rubber to tear, split or become undesirably thin where the roller is applied.
  • the phrase impressing a pattern is to be interpreted as meaning applying pressure to the surface of the part cured silicone rubber such that a surface profile of the surface is changed.
  • impressing a pattern means creating an impression of the pattern in the surface of the part cured silicone rubber .
  • the present invention provides for more rapid forming of a covering compared with the above described conventional process .
  • a covering may be formed in as little time as two hours whereas forming a covering, e.g. for a prosthesis, according to the conventional process may take many hours.
  • forming a covering of silicone rubber and a stretchable textile substrate may provide for: ease of flexing and stretching of the covering and durability of the covering in use.
  • the present invention may be suitable for mass production of coverings.
  • the step of impressing a pattern on the surface may comprise applying a mould bearing a pattern over at least a part of the surface of the part cured silicone rubber.
  • a surface profile of the mould may define the pattern.
  • the mould may be formed at least in part of an elastic material. More specifically, the elastic material may comprise latex at least in part.
  • the mould may be formed at least in part of a silicone rubber, such as a tin-based silicone rubber or a platinum based silicone rubber.
  • the mould may be of a thickness of substantially 1 mm.
  • At least one of the textile substrate and the mould may be moved such that the silicone rubber on the textile substrate and the mould are pressed against each other.
  • the textile substrate and the mould may be moved in relation to each other by controlling a pressure of air surrounding at least one of the textile substrate and the mould.
  • a pressure on an inside surface of the textile substrate may be greater than a pressure on an opposing, outside surface of the textile substrate presented towards the mould, whereby the silicone rubber on the textile substrate is pushed against the mould.
  • a pressure difference may be applied between an interior surface of the mould, which is to be applied to the surface of the silicone rubber, and an opposing, exterior surface of the mould.
  • a pressure less than ambient pressure may be applied at the interior surface of the mould when the pressure at the exterior surface of the mould is at ambient pressure.
  • the mould may be pulled against the surface of the silicone rubber to provide for effective patterning of the surface of the silicone rubber .
  • the silicone rubber and the mould may be pressed against each other for between substantially thirty minutes and substantially forty-five minutes. This period of time may allow for the silicone rubber to be impressed with a pattern and to further cure such that the pattern remains impressed on the silicone rubber.
  • the mould may cover the surface of the silicone rubber for sufficient time to allow the silicone rubber to cure properly. Allowing the silicone rubber to cure when covered can provide for a matt surface appearance, which can be desirable for cosmetic reasons. Allowing the silicone rubber to cure when uncovered can, in contrast, provide a shiny surface appearance.
  • the mould may be applied to the surface of the silicone rubber for a period of about one hour. More specifically, the period of about one hour may be greater than or in addition to the period during which the silicone rubber and the mould are pressed against each other.
  • particulate matter may be applied to at least one of: the surface of the silicone rubber; and the surface of the mould to be applied to the surface of the silicone rubber, before the mould is applied to the surface of the silicone rubber.
  • the particulate matter may provide a lubricant effect easing movement of the mould in relation to the covering.
  • the particulate matter may comprise talcum powder.
  • the talcum powder may provide a barrier between the silicone rubber and the latex. This can be advantageous because latex has a tendency to poison silicone rubber, in particular where the silicone rubber comprises a platinum-based silicone rubber.
  • a release substance comprising a grease may be applied to at least one of: the surface of the silicone rubber; and the surface of the mould to be applied to the surface of the silicone rubber, before the mould is applied to the surface of the silicone rubber.
  • the grease may comprise one of Vaseline and paraffin wax.
  • the release substance may comprise a grease in a liquid solvent.
  • the release substance may be applied as a thin coat, e.g. by painting or dipping of the mould or silicone rubber in the release substance.
  • Application of a release substance in a liquid form may make it easier to achieve proper coverage and to determine whether or not proper coverage has been achieved compared to application of a release substance in aerosol form.
  • the step of part curing the silicone rubber may take substantially thirty minutes. The curing time may depend on the amount of catalyst used. However, the figure of substantially thirty minutes is typical in forms of the method.
  • the step of impressing a pattern on the surface may comprise applying at least a part of the surface of the part cured silicone rubber over a support arrangement (e.g. a second mandrel) having a pattern on its surface such that the pattern is impressed on the part cured silicone rubber.
  • a support arrangement e.g. a second mandrel
  • the silicone rubber may be applied to the textile substrate when the textile substrate is supported on a forming arrangement (e.g. a first mandrel) .
  • the forming arrangement may be generally of the shape desired of the covering and of a shape that provides for ease of application of the silicone rubber to the textile substrate.
  • the part formed covering may be turned inside out such that a surface of the part formed covering is presented to the pattern on the support arrangement (e.g. the second mandrel) when the covering is supported on the support arrangement.
  • the part cured silicone rubber may be pulled against the pattern by means described above with reference to the first form, such as the vacuum approach.
  • the second form may comprise one or more features of the first form described above.
  • the textile substrate may
  • the textile substrate may comprise
  • the textile substrate may comprise
  • the textile substrate may comprise
  • the textile substrate may
  • the spandex material can provide for stretching of the
  • the covering is for a
  • the textile substrate may
  • the nylon may provide for a degree of
  • the textile substrate may
  • the textile may be unitary. More specifically, the textile may be
  • the textile substrate may have a thickness of substantially 0.6 iron.
  • the textile substrate may be supported on a support arrangement, e.g. on a mandrel, before the ' uncured silicone rubber is applied.
  • the support arrangement may be rotated to rotate the textile substrate as the uncured silicone rubber is applied.
  • silicone rubber can be more readily applied over all required parts of the textile substrate.
  • the textile substrate may be supported on the support arrangement as the silicone rubber part cures .
  • the support arrangement may be rotated for at least some of the time that the silicone rubber is curing.
  • the silicone rubber is curing.
  • the textile substrate may be supported on the support arrangement as a pattern is impressed on the surface of the silicone rubber.
  • the textile substrate may be supported on a further support arrangement, e.g. on a second mandrel, after the uncured silicone rubber is applied.
  • the partly formed covering may be removed from the support arrangement (i.e. the first support arrangement) and moved to the further support arrangement either before or after the impressing of a pattern on the surface of the silicone rubber.
  • the further support arrangement may have a form that is more similar to the form of a prosthesis to be covered by the covering than the first support arrangement.
  • the first support arrangement may be of form that is generally of the shape of a prosthesis to be covered by the covering and which is suitable for the application of silicone rubber to the textile substrate, perhaps as part of a manufacturing process .
  • the use of two support arrangements can lend itself to higher volume manufacture of coverings.
  • the step of applying the uncured silicone rubber may comprise applying silicone rubber when it is in the form of a flowing liquid.
  • the step of applying the uncured silicone rubber may comprise applying silicone rubber when it is in the form of paste.
  • the paste may be applied to the textile substrate by means of a spatula or the like or laid down upon the textile when the consistency of the paste permits. Applying the silicone rubber to the textile substrate when it is in the form of a paste may make it easier to achieve a more even distribution of silicone rubber, e.g. between the digits of a covering for a prosthetic hand.
  • the process may further comprise the step of colouring the silicone rubber. More specifically, the step of colouring the silicone rubber may be carried out before the uncured silicone rubber is applied to the textile substrate.
  • the silicone rubber may be coloured to have a skin tone, where the covering is to be used to cover, for example, a prosthetic hand.
  • the silicone rubber may comprise one of: a tin-based silicone rubber, such as RepsilTM T; and a platinum-based silicone rubber.
  • a tin-based silicone rubber such as RepsilTM T
  • a platinum-based silicone rubber may be used.
  • a latex mould may be used.
  • platinum-based silicone rubber is used, a silicone rubber mould may be used. This is because platinum based silicone rubber is normally poisoned by latex.
  • the process may comprise the steps of applying a further layer of uncured silicone rubber to the already applied and part cured silicone rubber .
  • the further layer of uncured silicone rubber may be applied before the already applied silicone rubber is patterned.
  • the further layer may be used to create surface features on the covering.
  • the surface features may include knuckles on the digits of the hand.
  • the further (i.e. second) layer of silicone rubber may comprise at least in part a tin-based silicone rubber.
  • a tin-based silicone rubber has been found to be normally less liable to be poisoned by latex.
  • a latex mould may be used to impress the pattern.
  • the first layer of silicone rubber may comprise at least in part a tin-based silicone rubber.
  • further (i.e. second) layer of silicone rubber may comprise at least in part a platinum-based silicone rubber.
  • a platinum-based silicone rubber is normally poisoned by latex.
  • a silicone rubber mould may be used to impress the pattern.
  • the first layer of silicone rubber may comprise at least in part a platinum-based silicone rubber .
  • the further applied silicone rubber and the already applied silicone rubber may be of a different colour to each other.
  • a cosmetic effect of the covering may be enhanced, for example, by providing a red colouring on appropriate parts of the covering where the covering is for a prosthesis.
  • impressing a pattern on the surface of the part cured silicone rubber may comprise providing skin detail on the surface.
  • the skin detail might include wrinkles, finger prints and the like.
  • the process may further comprise configuring the covering such that the covering can cover a prosthesis, such as a prosthetic hand.
  • configuring the covering may comprise forming the textile substrate such that it is of a predetermined shape, e.g. glove shaped in the case of a prosthetic hand.
  • the process may further comprise configuring the covering such that the covering can form part of an orthosis .
  • the process may further comprise configuring the covering such that it can form an item of clothing or part of an item of clothing.
  • Figure 1 shows the process according to the present invention
  • Figure 2 is a plan view of a covering for a prosthetic hand formed according to the process of Figure 1.
  • the process for forming a covering for a prosthetic hand 10 starts by fitting a textile substrate to a mandrel 12.
  • the textile substrate is of the shape of a glove and defines the shape of the formed covering.
  • the textile substrate is formed of 92% nylon and 8% LycraTM.
  • the nylon and Lycra are woven with a pitch of substantially 591 needles per metre
  • Uncured silicone rubber is coloured to take on a skin tone.
  • the silicone rubber used is RepsilTM T formerly supplied by Replication Technologies Ltd of Unit 38 Hillgrove Business Park, Nazeing Road, Nazeing, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 2HB (now supplied by WP Notcutt, Homewood Farm, Newark lane, Ripley, Surrey GU23 6DJ) . Silicone pigments used are supplied by Principality Medical Ltd, Western Valley Road, Rogertone, Newport, South Wales, NPlO 9DS.
  • the coloured silicone rubber is then poured onto the textile substrate as the mandrel rotates 14. Rotation of the mandrel provides. for exposure of all surfaces of the textile substrate so that the surfaces are properly covered with silicone rubber and the silicone rubber is evenly distributed over the textile substrate.
  • the silicone rubber sits mainly on top of the textile substrate although some of the silicone rubber is present in the interstices between the fibres of the textile. The presence of some silicone rubber in the interstices between the fibres provides for secure attachment of the silicone rubber to the textile substrate.
  • the poured silicone rubber is allowed to part cure 16. During initial curing of the silicone rubber the mandrel is rotated to maintain an even distribution of silicone rubber. For uncured silicone rubber a period of about thirty minutes is normally appropriate.
  • the silicone rubber is part cured when the silicone rubber is less liable to tear or split on handling but is sufficiently uncured at its surface to permit a pattern to be impressed upon it .
  • Talcum powder is applied to the surface of the part cured silicone rubber 18.
  • the talcum powder provides lubrication for the fitting of a latex mould over the silicone rubber.
  • the talcum powder also reduces the likelihood of the silicon rubber being poisoned by the latex.
  • the latex mould has had a pattern formed on its inside surface.
  • the pattern comprises surface features such as wrinkles and finger prints.
  • the pattern is formed on the latex mould by well known means.
  • the latex mould has a thickness of about 1 mm.
  • a platinum based silicone rubber is used instead of RepsilTM T, which is tin-based silicone rubber. Platinum based silicone rubbers are more liable to be poisoned by latex.
  • the mould is formed of silicone rubber instead of latex. Either a platinum-based or a tin-based silicone rubber may be used for the mould.
  • a release substance is applied as a thin coating to one, other or both of the mould and the silicone rubber surface that will come into contact with the mould.
  • the release substance comprises vaseline in a solvent, which is painted onto surfaces to be coated. Alternatively, surfaces to be coated are dipped into the release substance.
  • a vacuum is applied to the inside of the latex mould by known means to pull the inside surface of the latex mould against the surface of. the silicone rubber 22.
  • the pattern on the latex mould is impressed upon the surface of the silicone rubber.
  • the latex mould is kept in position such that it is pulled against the surface of the silicone rubber for between about thirty minutes and about forty-five minutes .
  • the vacuum is then released so that the latex mould is no longer pulled against the silicone rubber.
  • the latex mould is kept in place over the silicone rubber for about one hour, which is normally a sufficient period of time to allow the silicone rubber to cure properly. This provides for a matt finish to the silicone rubber.
  • the latex mould is then removed from the mandrel 24 and the now formed covering is removed from the mandrel 26.
  • the formed covering is now ready to be fitted to a prosthetic hand.
  • the amount of softener can be increased to provide for increased flexibility in the silicone rubber when cured.
  • the increase in flexibility reduces the strength of the silicone rubber.
  • the thickness of the textile substrate should be increased to maintain a given strength for the covering. Normally, between about 50% and about 100% of softener in relation to the silicone rubber is used. In certain circumstances where a high degree of flexibility is desired as much as about 200% of softener is used.
  • Silicone rubber is a suitable material because it is comparatively inert, does not tend to pick up dirt, has the properties of being elastic and resilient and can be relatively readily coloured.
  • the presence of the nylon- - LycraTM textile substrate provides for strength of the covering.
  • the covering can have a thinner layer of silicone rubber than would otherwise be the case were the textile substrate absent. Indeed, the combined thickness of the textile substrate and the silicone rubber is less than that of a covering formed of silicone rubber alone for a given strength requirement for the covering.
  • a first layer of a tin- based silicone rubber or a platinum-based silicone rubber is formed as described above before being allowed to cure at least in part .
  • a second layer of the same type of silicone rubber i.e. tin or platinum-based
  • the second layer of silicone rubber is thinner than the first layer of silicone rubber.
  • a mould formed of silicone rubber is used instead of latex because platinum-based silicone rubber is liable to be poisoned by latex.
  • Figure 2 shows a covering 50 for a prosthetic hand formed by the process of Figure 1.
  • the outside surface 52 of the covering consists of silicone rubber and the inside surface (not shown) consists of the textile substrate.
  • the step of impressing a pattern 20, 22 provides skin detail, such as wrinkles 54 around knuckles of the covering.
  • Coverings for other forms of prosthesis can be formed by changing the shape of the textile substrate and the mandrel accordingly.
  • coverings for orthoses can be formed.
  • the process according to the present invention can be used to form items or parts of items of clothing to be worn by humans or animals, such as gloves or hats.
  • the coloured silicone rubber is formed as a paste which is then applied by means of a spatula or the like to the surface of the textile substrate. This is instead of pouring liquid silicone rubber onto the textile substrate.
  • the mandrel may be moved, e.g. rotated, to provide for ease of access to all surfaces of the textile substrate as the paste is applied.
  • the paste may be formed such that it takes a certain shape, with the shaped paste then laid down onto the surface of the textile substrate.
  • the part formed covering is removed from the mandrel after the application of the silicone rubber and either before or after the silicone rubber is patterned.
  • the part formed covering is then supported on a second mandrel that has a shape that is similar to a prosthetic hand to be covered by the covering.
  • the covering is roughly fashioned on the first mandrel, which is shaped to provide for ease of application of the silicone rubber, and then given its desired shape on the second mandrel before the silicone rubber cures properly.
  • the latex mould may be dispensed with by patterning the silicone rubber by means of the second mandrel.
  • the second mandrel bears the desired pattern on its surface. After the part formed covering is removed from the first mandrel it is turned inside out and placed on the second mandrel such that its now inner surface is presented to the pattern. The surface of the silicone rubber to be patterned and the pattern on the second mandrel are pressed together by means of a vacuum as described above .

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Transplantation (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Cardiology (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Vascular Medicine (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Orthopedic Medicine & Surgery (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Prostheses (AREA)
  • Casting Or Compression Moulding Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a process (10) of forming a covering configured to be worn by a human or animal. The process (10) comprises the step of applying uncured silicone rubber to a textile substrate (14), the textile substrate comprising an elastic fibre that allows the textile substrate to stretch elastically, the textile substrate defining the general form of the covering. The process also comprises part curing the silicone rubber (16) such that the silicone rubber is sufficiently cured that the integrity of the silicone rubber can be substantially maintained and yet the silicone rubber is sufficiently uncured that a surface of the silicone rubber is impressible. The process (10) then comprises impressing a pattern on the surface of the part cured silicone rubber (20, 22).

Description

Title: Process for forming coverings
Field of the invention
The present invention relates to a process for forming coverings configured to be worn by humans or animals .
Background to the invention
It is known to form coverings for prostheses, such as prosthetic hands, from materials such as silicone rubber. Many manufacturing methods are known such as rotational "slush moulding" or paste "pack" moulding using three part moulds. The former method can produce highly detailed seamless gloves but usually requires solvents to disperse the relatively viscous base silicone and the latter method results in mould seams or flash which must be trimmed or abraded away. According to other conventional processes a sheet covered with silicone rubber is formed e.g. by rolling, from a mass of uncured silicone rubber. The silicone rubber may also be coloured such, that the formed sheet has some skin tone. The formed sheet is then wrapped around the prosthesis to be covered and the sheet hand shaped and formed in-situ until the sheet has the desired shape and skin detail.
Statement of invention
The present inventor has appreciated that such conventional processes have shortcomings and the present invention has been devised in the light of this appreciation. Therefore according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a process of forming a covering configured to be worn by a human or animal, the process comprising the steps of: applying uncured silicone rubber to a textile substrate, the textile substrate comprising an elastic fibre that allows the textile substrate to stretch elastically, the textile substrate defining the general form of the covering; part curing the silicone rubber such that the silicone rubber is sufficiently cured that the integrity of the silicone rubber can be substantially maintained and yet the silicone rubber is sufficiently uncured that a surface of the silicone rubber is impressible; and impressing a pattern on the surface of the part cured silicone rubber.
The step of part curing the silicone rubber such that the integrity of the silicone rubber can be substantially maintained provides for ease of further handling or processing. More specifically, the following step of impressing a pattern may be carried out without prejudicing the integrity of the silicone rubber. For example, if the surface were to be patterned by means of an embossed roller, forces exerted by the roller on the surface of the silicone rubber are less likely to cause the silicone rubber to tear, split or become undesirably thin where the roller is applied. The phrase impressing a pattern is to be interpreted as meaning applying pressure to the surface of the part cured silicone rubber such that a surface profile of the surface is changed. Thus, impressing a pattern means creating an impression of the pattern in the surface of the part cured silicone rubber .
The present invention provides for more rapid forming of a covering compared with the above described conventional process . According to the invention a covering may be formed in as little time as two hours whereas forming a covering, e.g. for a prosthesis, according to the conventional process may take many hours. In addition, forming a covering of silicone rubber and a stretchable textile substrate may provide for: ease of flexing and stretching of the covering and durability of the covering in use. Furthermore, the present invention may be suitable for mass production of coverings.
In a first form, the step of impressing a pattern on the surface may comprise applying a mould bearing a pattern over at least a part of the surface of the part cured silicone rubber. A surface profile of the mould may define the pattern. Thus, impressing the surface of the silicone rubber with the pattern may cause an impression of the pattern to be formed in the surface of the silicone rubber.
More specifically, the mould may be formed at least in part of an elastic material. More specifically, the elastic material may comprise latex at least in part.
Alternatively, the mould may be formed at least in part of a silicone rubber, such as a tin-based silicone rubber or a platinum based silicone rubber.
Alternatively or in addition, the mould may be of a thickness of substantially 1 mm.
Alternatively or in addition, at least one of the textile substrate and the mould may be moved such that the silicone rubber on the textile substrate and the mould are pressed against each other.
Alternatively or in addition, the textile substrate and the mould may be moved in relation to each other by controlling a pressure of air surrounding at least one of the textile substrate and the mould. For example, a pressure on an inside surface of the textile substrate may be greater than a pressure on an opposing, outside surface of the textile substrate presented towards the mould, whereby the silicone rubber on the textile substrate is pushed against the mould.
Alternatively or in addition, a pressure difference may be applied between an interior surface of the mould, which is to be applied to the surface of the silicone rubber, and an opposing, exterior surface of the mould. For example, a pressure less than ambient pressure may be applied at the interior surface of the mould when the pressure at the exterior surface of the mould is at ambient pressure. Thus, the mould may be pulled against the surface of the silicone rubber to provide for effective patterning of the surface of the silicone rubber .
Alternatively or in addition, the silicone rubber and the mould may be pressed against each other for between substantially thirty minutes and substantially forty-five minutes. This period of time may allow for the silicone rubber to be impressed with a pattern and to further cure such that the pattern remains impressed on the silicone rubber.
Alternatively or in addition, the mould may cover the surface of the silicone rubber for sufficient time to allow the silicone rubber to cure properly. Allowing the silicone rubber to cure when covered can provide for a matt surface appearance, which can be desirable for cosmetic reasons. Allowing the silicone rubber to cure when uncovered can, in contrast, provide a shiny surface appearance.
More specifically, the mould may be applied to the surface of the silicone rubber for a period of about one hour. More specifically, the period of about one hour may be greater than or in addition to the period during which the silicone rubber and the mould are pressed against each other.
Where the mould comprises latex, particulate matter may be applied to at least one of: the surface of the silicone rubber; and the surface of the mould to be applied to the surface of the silicone rubber, before the mould is applied to the surface of the silicone rubber.
The particulate matter may provide a lubricant effect easing movement of the mould in relation to the covering.
More specifically, the particulate matter may comprise talcum powder. The talcum powder may provide a barrier between the silicone rubber and the latex. This can be advantageous because latex has a tendency to poison silicone rubber, in particular where the silicone rubber comprises a platinum-based silicone rubber.
Where the mould comprises silicone rubber, a release substance comprising a grease may be applied to at least one of: the surface of the silicone rubber; and the surface of the mould to be applied to the surface of the silicone rubber, before the mould is applied to the surface of the silicone rubber.
More specifically, the grease may comprise one of Vaseline and paraffin wax.
Alternatively or in addition, the release substance may comprise a grease in a liquid solvent. The release substance may be applied as a thin coat, e.g. by painting or dipping of the mould or silicone rubber in the release substance. Application of a release substance in a liquid form may make it easier to achieve proper coverage and to determine whether or not proper coverage has been achieved compared to application of a release substance in aerosol form. Alternatively or in addition, the step of part curing the silicone rubber may take substantially thirty minutes. The curing time may depend on the amount of catalyst used. However, the figure of substantially thirty minutes is typical in forms of the method.
In a second form, the step of impressing a pattern on the surface may comprise applying at least a part of the surface of the part cured silicone rubber over a support arrangement (e.g. a second mandrel) having a pattern on its surface such that the pattern is impressed on the part cured silicone rubber.
More specifically, the silicone rubber may be applied to the textile substrate when the textile substrate is supported on a forming arrangement (e.g. a first mandrel) . The forming arrangement may be generally of the shape desired of the covering and of a shape that provides for ease of application of the silicone rubber to the textile substrate.
Alternatively or in addition, the part formed covering may be turned inside out such that a surface of the part formed covering is presented to the pattern on the support arrangement (e.g. the second mandrel) when the covering is supported on the support arrangement. The part cured silicone rubber may be pulled against the pattern by means described above with reference to the first form, such as the vacuum approach.
Further embodiments of the second form may comprise one or more features of the first form described above. 1 Alternatively or in addition, the textile substrate may
2 comprise a spandex material, such as Lycra™. 3
4 More specifically, the textile substrate may comprise
5 substantially 4% to substantially 12% Lycra™. More
6 specifically the textile substrate may comprise
7 substantially 8% Lycra™ to 12% Lycra™. Substantially 8%
8 to substantially 12% Lycra™ has been found to provide
9 superior performance as regards ability to stretch and
10 integrity of the covering when formed and when in use.
11 More specifically, the textile substrate may comprise
12 substantially 8% Lycra™, which has been found to have
13 appropriate properties for certain applications. 14
15 Alternatively or in addition, the textile substrate may
16 have a pitch of (e.g. be knitted as) substantially 591
17 needles per metre (15 needles to the inch) . 18
19 The spandex material can provide for stretching of the
20 covering. For example, where the covering is for a
21 prosthetic hand, the stretchability of the spandex
2.2 material provides for ease of flexing of the covering in
23 the region of moveable joints of the prosthetic hand.
24
25 Alternatively or in addition, the textile substrate may
26 comprise nylon. The nylon may provide for a degree of
27 stretching of the covering. More particularly, the nylon
28 can allow the covering to conform to a surface profile of
29 whatever the covering covers, e.g. a prosthetic hand.. 30
31 Alternatively or in addition, the textile substrate may
32 be unitary. More specifically, the textile may be
33 seamless, i.e. formed of one piece of textile. Alternatively or in addition, the textile substrate may have a thickness of substantially 0.6 iron.
Alternatively or in addition, the textile substrate may be supported on a support arrangement, e.g. on a mandrel, before the' uncured silicone rubber is applied.
More specifically, the support arrangement may be rotated to rotate the textile substrate as the uncured silicone rubber is applied. Thus, silicone rubber can be more readily applied over all required parts of the textile substrate.
Alternatively or in addition the textile substrate may be supported on the support arrangement as the silicone rubber part cures .
More specifically, the support arrangement may be rotated for at least some of the time that the silicone rubber is curing. Thus an even distribution of silicone rubber on the textile substrate can be obtained.
Alternatively or in addition, the textile substrate may be supported on the support arrangement as a pattern is impressed on the surface of the silicone rubber.
Alternatively or in addition, the textile substrate may be supported on a further support arrangement, e.g. on a second mandrel, after the uncured silicone rubber is applied. Thus, the partly formed covering may be removed from the support arrangement (i.e. the first support arrangement) and moved to the further support arrangement either before or after the impressing of a pattern on the surface of the silicone rubber.
More specifically, the further support arrangement may have a form that is more similar to the form of a prosthesis to be covered by the covering than the first support arrangement. Thus, the first support arrangement may be of form that is generally of the shape of a prosthesis to be covered by the covering and which is suitable for the application of silicone rubber to the textile substrate, perhaps as part of a manufacturing process . The use of two support arrangements can lend itself to higher volume manufacture of coverings.
Alternatively or in addition, the step of applying the uncured silicone rubber may comprise applying silicone rubber when it is in the form of a flowing liquid.
Alternatively or in addition, the step of applying the uncured silicone rubber may comprise applying silicone rubber when it is in the form of paste. Thus, the paste may be applied to the textile substrate by means of a spatula or the like or laid down upon the textile when the consistency of the paste permits. Applying the silicone rubber to the textile substrate when it is in the form of a paste may make it easier to achieve a more even distribution of silicone rubber, e.g. between the digits of a covering for a prosthetic hand.
Alternatively or in addition, the process may further comprise the step of colouring the silicone rubber. More specifically, the step of colouring the silicone rubber may be carried out before the uncured silicone rubber is applied to the textile substrate. Thus, the silicone rubber may be coloured to have a skin tone, where the covering is to be used to cover, for example, a prosthetic hand.
Alternatively or in addition, the silicone rubber may comprise one of: a tin-based silicone rubber, such as Repsil™ T; and a platinum-based silicone rubber. Where tin-based silicone rubber is used, a latex mould may be used. Where platinum-based silicone rubber is used, a silicone rubber mould may be used. This is because platinum based silicone rubber is normally poisoned by latex.
Alternatively or in addition, the process may comprise the steps of applying a further layer of uncured silicone rubber to the already applied and part cured silicone rubber .
More specifically, the further layer of uncured silicone rubber may be applied before the already applied silicone rubber is patterned.
The further layer may be used to create surface features on the covering. For example, where the covering is for a prosthetic hand, the surface features may include knuckles on the digits of the hand.
Alternatively or in addition, the further (i.e. second) layer of silicone rubber may comprise at least in part a tin-based silicone rubber. A tin-based silicone rubber has been found to be normally less liable to be poisoned by latex. Thus, a latex mould may be used to impress the pattern.
More specifically, the first layer of silicone rubber may comprise at least in part a tin-based silicone rubber.
Alternatively or in addition, further (i.e. second) layer of silicone rubber may comprise at least in part a platinum-based silicone rubber. A platinum-based silicone rubber is normally poisoned by latex. Thus, a silicone rubber mould may be used to impress the pattern.
More specifically, the first layer of silicone rubber may comprise at least in part a platinum-based silicone rubber .
Alternatively or in addition, the further applied silicone rubber and the already applied silicone rubber may be of a different colour to each other. - Thus a cosmetic effect of the covering may be enhanced, for example, by providing a red colouring on appropriate parts of the covering where the covering is for a prosthesis.
Alternatively or in addition, impressing a pattern on the surface of the part cured silicone rubber may comprise providing skin detail on the surface. The skin detail might include wrinkles, finger prints and the like.
Alternatively or in addition, the process may further comprise configuring the covering such that the covering can cover a prosthesis, such as a prosthetic hand. More specifically, configuring the covering may comprise forming the textile substrate such that it is of a predetermined shape, e.g. glove shaped in the case of a prosthetic hand.
Alternatively or in addition, the process may further comprise configuring the covering such that the covering can form part of an orthosis .
Alternatively or in addition, the process may further comprise configuring the covering such that it can form an item of clothing or part of an item of clothing.
Brief description of the drawings
Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following specific description, which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows the process according to the present invention; and Figure 2 is a plan view of a covering for a prosthetic hand formed according to the process of Figure 1.
Specific description
According to Figure 1 the process for forming a covering for a prosthetic hand 10 starts by fitting a textile substrate to a mandrel 12. The textile substrate is of the shape of a glove and defines the shape of the formed covering. The textile substrate is formed of 92% nylon and 8% Lycra™. The nylon and Lycra are woven with a pitch of substantially 591 needles per metre |15 needles per inch) . Uncured silicone rubber is coloured to take on a skin tone. The silicone rubber used is Repsil™ T formerly supplied by Replication Technologies Ltd of Unit 38 Hillgrove Business Park, Nazeing Road, Nazeing, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 2HB (now supplied by WP Notcutt, Homewood Farm, Newark lane, Ripley, Surrey GU23 6DJ) . Silicone pigments used are supplied by Principality Medical Ltd, Western Valley Road, Rogertone, Newport, South Wales, NPlO 9DS.
The coloured silicone rubber is then poured onto the textile substrate as the mandrel rotates 14. Rotation of the mandrel provides. for exposure of all surfaces of the textile substrate so that the surfaces are properly covered with silicone rubber and the silicone rubber is evenly distributed over the textile substrate. The silicone rubber sits mainly on top of the textile substrate although some of the silicone rubber is present in the interstices between the fibres of the textile. The presence of some silicone rubber in the interstices between the fibres provides for secure attachment of the silicone rubber to the textile substrate. Then the poured silicone rubber is allowed to part cure 16. During initial curing of the silicone rubber the mandrel is rotated to maintain an even distribution of silicone rubber. For uncured silicone rubber a period of about thirty minutes is normally appropriate. The silicone rubber is part cured when the silicone rubber is less liable to tear or split on handling but is sufficiently uncured at its surface to permit a pattern to be impressed upon it .
Talcum powder is applied to the surface of the part cured silicone rubber 18. The talcum powder provides lubrication for the fitting of a latex mould over the silicone rubber. The talcum powder also reduces the likelihood of the silicon rubber being poisoned by the latex. The latex mould has had a pattern formed on its inside surface. The pattern comprises surface features such as wrinkles and finger prints. The pattern is formed on the latex mould by well known means. The latex mould has a thickness of about 1 mm.
In an alternative embodiment a platinum based silicone rubber is used instead of Repsil™ T, which is tin-based silicone rubber. Platinum based silicone rubbers are more liable to be poisoned by latex. Hence, the mould is formed of silicone rubber instead of latex. Either a platinum-based or a tin-based silicone rubber may be used for the mould. According to this embodiment, a release substance is applied as a thin coating to one, other or both of the mould and the silicone rubber surface that will come into contact with the mould. The release substance comprises vaseline in a solvent, which is painted onto surfaces to be coated. Alternatively, surfaces to be coated are dipped into the release substance.
When the latex mould is in position, a vacuum is applied to the inside of the latex mould by known means to pull the inside surface of the latex mould against the surface of. the silicone rubber 22. Thus, the pattern on the latex mould is impressed upon the surface of the silicone rubber. The latex mould is kept in position such that it is pulled against the surface of the silicone rubber for between about thirty minutes and about forty-five minutes .
The vacuum is then released so that the latex mould is no longer pulled against the silicone rubber. The latex mould is kept in place over the silicone rubber for about one hour, which is normally a sufficient period of time to allow the silicone rubber to cure properly. This provides for a matt finish to the silicone rubber.
The latex mould is then removed from the mandrel 24 and the now formed covering is removed from the mandrel 26. The formed covering is now ready to be fitted to a prosthetic hand.
In the process described above the amount of softener can be increased to provide for increased flexibility in the silicone rubber when cured. However, the increase in flexibility reduces the strength of the silicone rubber. Thus, the thickness of the textile substrate should be increased to maintain a given strength for the covering. Normally, between about 50% and about 100% of softener in relation to the silicone rubber is used. In certain circumstances where a high degree of flexibility is desired as much as about 200% of softener is used.
Silicone rubber is a suitable material because it is comparatively inert, does not tend to pick up dirt, has the properties of being elastic and resilient and can be relatively readily coloured. The presence of the nylon- - Lycra™ textile substrate provides for strength of the covering. Thus, the covering can have a thinner layer of silicone rubber than would otherwise be the case were the textile substrate absent. Indeed, the combined thickness of the textile substrate and the silicone rubber is less than that of a covering formed of silicone rubber alone for a given strength requirement for the covering.
In an alternative embodiment, a first layer of a tin- based silicone rubber or a platinum-based silicone rubber is formed as described above before being allowed to cure at least in part . Then a second layer of the same type of silicone rubber (i.e. tin or platinum-based) is applied over the first layer before a pattern is impressed on the surface of the second layer as described above. The second layer of silicone rubber is thinner than the first layer of silicone rubber. Where platinum- based silicone rubber is used, a mould formed of silicone rubber is used instead of latex because platinum-based silicone rubber is liable to be poisoned by latex.
Figure 2 shows a covering 50 for a prosthetic hand formed by the process of Figure 1. The outside surface 52 of the covering consists of silicone rubber and the inside surface (not shown) consists of the textile substrate. The step of impressing a pattern 20, 22 provides skin detail, such as wrinkles 54 around knuckles of the covering.
Coverings for other forms of prosthesis, such as feet, can be formed by changing the shape of the textile substrate and the mandrel accordingly. Similarly, coverings for orthoses can be formed. Indeed, the process according to the present invention can be used to form items or parts of items of clothing to be worn by humans or animals, such as gloves or hats.
In another form of the invention, the coloured silicone rubber is formed as a paste which is then applied by means of a spatula or the like to the surface of the textile substrate. This is instead of pouring liquid silicone rubber onto the textile substrate. Thus, with this form of the invention there is less need to rotate the mandrel to provide for an even distribution of silicone rubber. The mandrel may be moved, e.g. rotated, to provide for ease of access to all surfaces of the textile substrate as the paste is applied. Under certain circumstances the paste may be formed such that it takes a certain shape, with the shaped paste then laid down onto the surface of the textile substrate.
In a further form of the invention, the part formed covering is removed from the mandrel after the application of the silicone rubber and either before or after the silicone rubber is patterned. The part formed covering is then supported on a second mandrel that has a shape that is similar to a prosthetic hand to be covered by the covering. Thus, the covering is roughly fashioned on the first mandrel, which is shaped to provide for ease of application of the silicone rubber, and then given its desired shape on the second mandrel before the silicone rubber cures properly.
In a yet further form of the invention, the latex mould may be dispensed with by patterning the silicone rubber by means of the second mandrel. According to this form of the invention, the second mandrel bears the desired pattern on its surface. After the part formed covering is removed from the first mandrel it is turned inside out and placed on the second mandrel such that its now inner surface is presented to the pattern. The surface of the silicone rubber to be patterned and the pattern on the second mandrel are pressed together by means of a vacuum as described above .

Claims

CLAIMS :
1. A process of forming a covering configured to be worn by a human or animal, the process comprising the steps of: applying uncured silicone rubber to a textile substrate, the textile substrate comprising an elastic fibre that allows the textile substrate to stretch elastically, the textile substrate defining the general form of the covering; part curing the silicone rubber such that the silicone rubber is sufficiently cured that the integrity of the silicone rubber can be substantially maintained and yet the silicone rubber is sufficiently uncured that a surface of the silicone rubber is impressible; and impressing a pattern on the surface of the part cured silicone rubber.
2. A process according to claim 1, in which the silicone rubber is part cured to an extent that when the step of impressing a pattern is carried out the integrity of the silicone rubber is substantially maintained.
3. A process according to claim 1 or 2 , in which the step of impressing a pattern on the surface comprises applying a mould bearing a pattern over at least a part of the surface of the part cured silicone rubber.
4. A process according to claim 3, in which the mould is formed at least in part of an elastic material.
5. A process according to claim 4, in which the elastic material comprises latex at least in part.
6. A process according to claim 4, in which the mould may be formed at least in part of a silicone rubber.
7. A process according to any one of claims 3 to 6, in which the mould is of a thickness of substantially 1 mm.
8. A process according to any one of claims 3 to 7 , in which at least one of the textile substrate and the mould are moved such that the silicone rubber on the textile substrate and the mould are pressed against each other.
9. A process according to claim 8, in which the textile substrate and the mould are moved in relation to each other by controlling a pressure of air surrounding at least one of the textile substrate and the mould.
10. A process according to claim 9, in which a pressure on an inside surface of the textile substrate is greater than a pressure on an opposing, outside surface of the textile substrate presented towards the mould, whereby the silicone rubber on the textile substrate is pushed against the mould.
11. A process according to any of claims 8 to 10, in which a pressure difference is applied between an interior surface of the mould, which is to be applied to the surface of the silicone rubber, and an opposing, exterior surface of the mould.
12. A process according to claim 11, in which a pressure less than ambient pressure is applied at the interior surface of the mould when the pressure at the exterior surface of the mould is at ambient pressure.
13. A process according to any one of claims 3 to 12 , in which the silicone rubber and the mould are pressed against each other for between substantially thirty minutes and substantially forty-five minutes.
14. A process according to any one of claims 3 to 13 , in which the mould covers the surface of the silicone rubber for sufficient time to allow the silicone rubber to cure properly.
15. A process according to claim 14, in which the mould is applied to the surface of the silicone rubber for a period of about one hour.
16. A process according to claim 15, in which the period of about one hour is in addition to the period during which the silicone rubber and the mould are pressed against each other.
17. A process according to any one of claims 3 to 16 and where the mould comprises latex, in which particulate matter is applied to at least one of: the surface of the silicone rubber; and the surface of the mould to be applied to the surface of the silicone rubber, before the mould is applied to the surface of the silicone rubber.
18. A process according to claim 17, in which the particulate matter comprises talcum powder.
19. A process according to any preceding claim, in which the step of part curing the silicone rubber takes substantially thirty minutes.
20. A process according to any preceding claim, in which the step of part curing the silicone rubber takes an amount of time that is determined in dependence upon on an amount of catalyst used with the silicone rubber.
21. A process according to any preceding claim, in which the step of impressing a pattern on the surface comprises applying at least a part of the surface of the part cured silicone rubber over a support arrangement having a pattern on its surface and such that the pattern is impressed on the part cured silicone rubber.
22. A process according to any preceding claim, in which the uncured silicone rubber is applied to the textile substrate when the textile substrate is supported on a forming arrangement .
23. A process according to claim 22, in which the forming arrangement is generally of the shape desired of the covering and of a shape that provides for ease of application of the silicone rubber to the textile substrate.
24. A process according to claim 22 or 23 when depending from claim 21, in which a covering part formed on the forming arrangement is turned inside out such that a surface of the part formed covering is presented to the pattern on the support arrangement when the covering is supported on the support arrangement.
25. A process according to any preceding claim, in which the textile substrate comprises a spandex material.
26. A process according to claim 25, in which the spandex material comprises Lycra®.
27. A process according to claim 26, in which the textile substrate comprise substantially 4% to substantially 12% Lycra®.
28. A process according to claim 27, in which the textile substrate comprises substantially 8% to substantially 12% Lycra®.
29. A process according to any preceding, claim, in which the textile substrate has a pitch of substantially 591 needles per metre (15 needles to the inch) .
30. A process according to any preceding claim, in which the textile substrate comprises nylon.
31. A process according to any preceding claim, in which the textile substrate is unitary.
32. A process according to claim 31, in which the textile is seamless.
33. A process according to any preceding claim, in which the textile substrate has a thickness of substantially 0.6 mm.
34. A process according to any preceding claim, in which the textile substrate is supported on a support arrangement before the uncured silicone rubber is applied.
35. A process according to claim 34, in which the support arrangement is rotated to rotate the textile substrate as the uncured silicone rubber is applied.
36. A process according to claim 34 or 35, in which the textile substrate is supported on the support arrangement as the silicone rubber part cures.
37. A process according to claim 36, in which the support arrangement is rotated for at least some of the time that the silicone rubber is curing.
38. A process according to any one of claims 34 to 37, in which the textile substrate is supported on the support arrangement as a pattern is impressed on the surface of the silicone rubber.
39. A process according to any one of claims 34 to 37, in which the textile substrate is supported on a further support arrangement after the uncured silicone rubber is applied.
40. A process according to claim 39, in which the further support arrangement has a form that is more similar to the form of a prosthesis to be covered by the covering than the first support arrangement.
41. A process according to any preceding claim, in which the step of applying the uncured silicone rubber comprises applying silicone rubber when it is in the form of a flowing liquid.
42. A process according to any preceding claim, in which the step of applying the uncured silicone rubber comprises applying silicone rubber when it is in the form of paste.
43. A process according to any preceding claim further comprising the step of colouring the silicone rubber.
44. A process according to claim 43, in which the step of colouring the silicone rubber is carried out before the uncured silicone rubber is applied to the textile substrate.
45. A process according to any preceding claim, in which the silicone rubber comprises one of: a tin-based silicone rubber; and a platinum-based silicone rubber.
46. A process according to any preceding claim further comprising the step of applying a further layer of uncured silicone rubber to the already applied and part cured silicone rubber.
47. A process according to claim 46, in which the further layer of uncured silicone rubber is applied before the already applied silicone rubber is patterned.
48. A process according to claim 46 or 47, in which the further layer is used to create surface features on the covering.
49. A process according to any one of claims 46 to 48, in which the further layer of silicone rubber comprises at least in part one of a tin-based silicone rubber and a platinum-based silicone rubber.
50. A process according to claim 49, in which the first layer of silicone rubber comprises at least in part a same type of silicone rubber as is comprised in the second layer of silicone rubber.
51. A process according to any one of claims 46 to 50, in which the further applied layer of silicone rubber and the already applied layer of silicone rubber are of a different colour to each other.
52. A process according to any preceding claim, in which the step of impressing a pattern on the surface of the part cured silicone rubber comprises providing skin detail on the surface.
53. A process according to claim 52, in which the skin detail comprises at least one of wrinkles and finger prints.
54. A process according to any preceding claim further comprising configuring the covering such that the covering can cover a prosthesis.
55. A process according to claim 54, in which configuring the covering comprises forming the textile substrate such that it is of a predetermined shape.
56. A process according to any preceding claim further comprising configuring the covering such that the covering can form part of an orthosis.
57. A process according to any preceding claim further comprising configuring the covering such that it can form at least part of an item of clothing.
PCT/GB2007/003905 2006-10-12 2007-10-12 Process for forming coverings WO2008044052A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/445,217 US20090308526A1 (en) 2006-10-12 2007-10-12 Process for forming coverings
EP07824156A EP2074254A1 (en) 2006-10-12 2007-10-12 Process for forming coverings

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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GB0620250.1 2006-10-12
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WO2010070296A1 (en) 2008-12-19 2010-06-24 Touch Emas Limited Prosthesis covering
EP2309951A1 (en) * 2008-05-28 2011-04-20 Scott Summit Prosthetic limb
EP2462902A1 (en) * 2010-12-10 2012-06-13 Pierre Chabloz Covering envelope for a prosthesis and method for manufacturing such an envelope
ITPI20110110A1 (en) * 2011-10-06 2013-04-07 Cristina Varia "A FABRIC COVERED WITH A LAYER OF SILICONE FOR THE CREATION OF CLOTHING GARMENTS AND ACCESSORIES AND ITS RELATIVE METHOD OF OBTAINING THE SAME"
DE102009051441B4 (en) * 2009-10-30 2017-11-23 Otto Bock Healthcare Gmbh Artificial limb casing and method for its production
US10265197B2 (en) 2014-05-09 2019-04-23 Touch Bionics Limited Systems and methods for controlling a prosthetic hand
US10369016B2 (en) 2014-02-04 2019-08-06 Rehabilitation Institute Of Chicago Modular and lightweight myoelectric prosthesis components and related methods
US10369024B2 (en) 2016-09-02 2019-08-06 Touch Bionics Limited Systems and methods for prosthetic wrist rotation
US10398576B2 (en) 2011-08-18 2019-09-03 Touch Bionics Limited Prosthetic feedback apparatus and method
US10449063B2 (en) 2014-10-03 2019-10-22 Touch Bionics Limited Wrist device for a prosthetic limb
US10610385B2 (en) 2013-02-05 2020-04-07 Touch Bionics Limited Multi-modal upper limb prosthetic device control using myoelectric signals
US10973660B2 (en) 2017-12-15 2021-04-13 Touch Bionics Limited Powered prosthetic thumb
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JP7152070B1 (en) 2021-12-16 2022-10-12 三清ゴム工業株式会社 Forming mold for glove for prosthetic hand, method for manufacturing the forming mold, and glove for prosthetic hand
US11931270B2 (en) 2019-11-15 2024-03-19 Touch Bionics Limited Prosthetic digit actuator

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EP2309951A1 (en) * 2008-05-28 2011-04-20 Scott Summit Prosthetic limb
EP2309951A4 (en) * 2008-05-28 2012-02-01 Scott Summit Prosthetic limb
US8828096B2 (en) 2008-12-19 2014-09-09 Touch Emas Limited Prosthesis covering
WO2010070296A1 (en) 2008-12-19 2010-06-24 Touch Emas Limited Prosthesis covering
DE102009051441B4 (en) * 2009-10-30 2017-11-23 Otto Bock Healthcare Gmbh Artificial limb casing and method for its production
US10172726B2 (en) 2009-10-30 2019-01-08 Otto Bock Healthcare Gmbh Artificial limb casing and method for the production thereof
EP2462902A1 (en) * 2010-12-10 2012-06-13 Pierre Chabloz Covering envelope for a prosthesis and method for manufacturing such an envelope
FR2968539A1 (en) * 2010-12-10 2012-06-15 Pierre Chabloz CLOTHING ENVELOPE FOR PROSTHESIS AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SUCH ENVELOPE
US10398576B2 (en) 2011-08-18 2019-09-03 Touch Bionics Limited Prosthetic feedback apparatus and method
US11259941B2 (en) 2011-08-18 2022-03-01 Touch Bionics Limited Prosthetic feedback apparatus and method
ITPI20110110A1 (en) * 2011-10-06 2013-04-07 Cristina Varia "A FABRIC COVERED WITH A LAYER OF SILICONE FOR THE CREATION OF CLOTHING GARMENTS AND ACCESSORIES AND ITS RELATIVE METHOD OF OBTAINING THE SAME"
US10610385B2 (en) 2013-02-05 2020-04-07 Touch Bionics Limited Multi-modal upper limb prosthetic device control using myoelectric signals
US11890208B2 (en) 2013-02-05 2024-02-06 Touch Bionics Limited Multi-modal upper limb prosthetic device control using myoelectric signals
US10369016B2 (en) 2014-02-04 2019-08-06 Rehabilitation Institute Of Chicago Modular and lightweight myoelectric prosthesis components and related methods
US11464654B2 (en) 2014-02-04 2022-10-11 Rehabilitation Institute Of Chicago Modular and lightweight myoelectric prosthesis components and related methods
US11083600B2 (en) 2014-02-25 2021-08-10 Touch Bionics Limited Prosthetic digit for use with touchscreen devices
US11234842B2 (en) 2014-05-09 2022-02-01 Touch Bionics Limited Systems and methods for controlling a prosthetic hand
US10265197B2 (en) 2014-05-09 2019-04-23 Touch Bionics Limited Systems and methods for controlling a prosthetic hand
US11357646B2 (en) 2014-10-03 2022-06-14 Touch Bionics Limited Wrist device for a prosthetic limb
US10449063B2 (en) 2014-10-03 2019-10-22 Touch Bionics Limited Wrist device for a prosthetic limb
US12097131B2 (en) 2014-10-03 2024-09-24 Touch Bionics Limited Wrist device for a prosthetic limb
US11185426B2 (en) 2016-09-02 2021-11-30 Touch Bionics Limited Systems and methods for prosthetic wrist rotation
US10369024B2 (en) 2016-09-02 2019-08-06 Touch Bionics Limited Systems and methods for prosthetic wrist rotation
US12059362B2 (en) 2016-09-02 2024-08-13 Touch Bionics Limited Systems and methods for prosthetic wrist rotation
US10973660B2 (en) 2017-12-15 2021-04-13 Touch Bionics Limited Powered prosthetic thumb
US11786381B2 (en) 2017-12-15 2023-10-17 Touch Bionics Limited Powered prosthetic thumb
US11931270B2 (en) 2019-11-15 2024-03-19 Touch Bionics Limited Prosthetic digit actuator
JP7152070B1 (en) 2021-12-16 2022-10-12 三清ゴム工業株式会社 Forming mold for glove for prosthetic hand, method for manufacturing the forming mold, and glove for prosthetic hand
JP2023089633A (en) * 2021-12-16 2023-06-28 三清ゴム工業株式会社 Molding mold of artificial hand glove, manufacturing method of molding mold, and artificial hand glove

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US20090308526A1 (en) 2009-12-17
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