U.S. patent application number 10/829834 was filed with the patent office on 2004-11-18 for drip retainer.
This patent application is currently assigned to Mentor Corporation, a MN corporation. Invention is credited to Duckert, Phillip E., Fogarty, Terence M., Vang, Koua.
Application Number | 20040228938 10/829834 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31714832 |
Filed Date | 2004-11-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040228938 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vang, Koua ; et al. |
November 18, 2004 |
Drip retainer
Abstract
The invention provides mandrels for producing elastomeric
components such as mammary implants. Specifically, the invention
provides mandrels that include a mold, a shaft attached to the
mold, and a drip retainer attached to the shaft. The drip retainers
disclosed herein are configured to catch and contain fluids (e.g.,
elastomeric compounds dispersed in solvents) that run and/or drip
off the mold and shaft, and to retain such fluids when the dipping
mandrel is inverted. The invention also provides drip retainers
that can catch and contain fluids (e.g., elastomeric compounds
dispersed in solvents) when attached to a dipping mandrel, and can
retain the fluids upon inversion of the dipping mandrel.
Inventors: |
Vang, Koua; (Oakdale,
MN) ; Duckert, Phillip E.; (Minneapolis, MN) ;
Fogarty, Terence M.; (Hudson, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FISH & RICHARDSON P.C.
3300 DAIN RAUSCHER PLAZA
60 SOUTH SIXTH STREET
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
US
|
Assignee: |
Mentor Corporation, a MN
corporation
|
Family ID: |
31714832 |
Appl. No.: |
10/829834 |
Filed: |
April 22, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10829834 |
Apr 22, 2004 |
|
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10219949 |
Aug 15, 2002 |
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6780366 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
425/269 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B29C 41/38 20130101;
B29L 2031/7532 20130101; B29C 41/14 20130101; B29C 33/30 20130101;
B29C 33/0055 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
425/269 |
International
Class: |
B29C 041/14 |
Claims
1-61. Canceled
62. A hollow device comprising: (a) a top surface defining a first
aperture, an outer perimeter, an inner perimeter, and an opening
positioned at a point along said inner perimeter, and (b) a bottom
surface defining a second aperture, wherein said second aperture
opposes said first aperture, wherein, when said device is
positioned such that said first aperture is above said second
aperture, said top surface slopes downward from said outer
perimeter toward said inner perimeter.
63. The hollow device of claim 62, wherein the maximum distance
across said first aperture is between about 2 millimeters and about
5 centimeters.
64. The hollow device of claim 62, wherein the maximum distance
across said second aperture is between about 2 millimeters and
about-5 centimeters.
65. The hollow device of claim 62, wherein said opening is adjacent
to said first aperture.
66. The hollow device of claim 65, wherein said opening is within
about 3 centimeters of said first aperture.
67. The hollow device of claim 62, wherein said inner perimeter
slopes toward at least one point along said inner perimeter, and
wherein said opening is positioned at said at least one point.
68. The hollow device of claim 62, wherein said device comprises an
inlet structure that protrudes from the underside of said top
surface into the interior of said device.
69. The hollow device of claim 62, wherein said device bottom
surface defines a second outer perimeter and a second inner
perimeter, and wherein when said device is positioned such that
said first aperture is centered above said second aperture, said
bottom surface slopes downward from said second outer perimeter
toward said second inner perimeter.
70. The hollow device of claim 62, wherein said device comprises a
thermoplastic material or metal.
71. The hollow device of claim 70, wherein said thermoplastic
material is a polyolefin.
72. The hollow device of claim 71, wherein said polyolefin is
polypropylene, polyethylene, or polymethylpentene.
73. The hollow device of claim 70, wherein said metal is aluminum,
copper, or steel.
74. The hollow device of claim 62, wherein said first and second
apertures are adapted to receive a shaft, wherein said device
collects fluid that enters said opening when said device is
attached to said shaft and is in an upright position such that said
first aperture is above said second aperture, and wherein said
device retains substantially all of said collected fluid when said
device is inverted from said upright position such that said second
aperture is above said first aperture.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates to methods and materials for
containing and retaining fluid drips and runoff from a dipping
mandrel.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Processes for manufacturing dipped elastomeric components
often are carried out by hand. A mandrel having a mold in the
desired form connected to a shaft is repeatedly dipped in or coated
with an elastomeric compound dispersed in a solvent. Between
coatings, the dipping mandrel can be inverted and then held upright
to allow the fluid to cover the anterior and posterior surfaces of
the mold evenly. The mandrel typically is heated between coatings
to allow the solvent to evaporate, and also can be heated at the
end of the procedure to allow the elastomeric compound to set or
cure.
SUMMARY
[0003] The invention provides methods and materials for producing
dipped elastomeric components such as mammary implants.
Specifically, the invention provides dipping mandrels that contain
a mold, a shaft, and drip retainer. In general, the mold and drip
retainer are attached to the shaft such that fluid (e.g., an
elastomeric compound dispersed in a solvent) traveling away from
the mold and toward the drip retainer is captured by the drip
retainer. Thus, the drip retainers provided herein can be
configured to catch and retain fluids that run or drip off the mold
and shaft. In addition, the drip retainers provided herein can be
designed to retain captured fluids when the dipping mandrel is
inverted.
[0004] The invention also provides drip retainers that can catch
and contain fluids when attached to a shaft of a dipping mandrel.
Such drip retainers can retain the captured fluids when the dipping
mandrel is inverted. A dipping mandrel containing a drip retainer
provided herein can be repeatedly coated with an elastomeric
compound dispersed in a solvent, inverted, and righted, such that
the collected fluid runoff is substantially retained in the drip
retainer. This prevents return of the fluid to the mold or the
shaft. This also prevents the contamination of other equipment used
in the coating process by fluid runoff.
[0005] The dipping mandrels and drip retainers described herein can
be used for automated processes, since fluid runoff is completely
or substantially prevented from (1) returning to the mold between
coatings and (2) contaminating the equipment and work areas. In
addition, a dipping mandrel containing a drip retainer provided
herein is well-suited to an automated manufacturing process, since
the operator need not constantly monitor the process to ensure that
fluid does not drip or flow from the drip retainer back to the mold
or onto other equipment used in the coating process.
[0006] The invention is based on the discovery that a drip retainer
can be configured to resemble a hollow funnel having one or more
openings in its top surface and can, when attached to the shaft of
a dipping mandrel, be used to catch and retain fluids that drip off
the mold and/or flow down the shaft. The invention also is based on
the discovery that when a drip retainer of the invention is
attached to a dipping mandrel that is repeatedly coated with a
fluid, such as an elastomeric compound dispersed in a solvent, and
transferred from an upright position to a tilted (e.g. sideways or
inverted) position, the fluid can be completely or substantially
retained within the drip retainer.
[0007] In one aspect, the invention features a dipping device. The
dipping device can contain: (a) a shaft having a first end and a
second end; (b) a mold having a top surface and a bottom surface;
and (c) a drip retainer. The bottom surface can define an
attachment point and the mold can be attached to the first end at
the attachment point. The top surface can define a top reference
point opposite the attachment point. The drip retainer can be
attached to the shaft between the first end and the second end, and
can collect fluid that moves in a direction away from the mold and
toward the drip retainer when the dipping device is in an upright
position such that the top reference point is centered above the
attachment point. The drip retainer can prevent substantially all
of the collected fluid from contacting the mold when the dipping
device is inverted from the upright position. The shaft can extend
in a single direction from the first end to the second end. The
shaft can contain steel, aluminum, plastic, metal, or wood. The
mold can be a mammary prosthesis mold (e.g., a high profile mammary
prosthesis mold, a medium profile mammary prosthesis mold, or a low
profile mammary prosthesis mold). The mammary prosthesis can be a
900 cc mammary prosthesis or a 225 to 300 cc mammary prosthesis.
The mold can be reversibly attached to the first end (e.g., by a
threaded joint, a slip fit, a twist lock, a deformable elastomeric
grip, or a magnetic lock). The mold can contain steel, aluminum,
porcelain, plastic, an elastomer, wax, glass, or a cellulose-based
material.
[0008] The drip retainer can have a shell defining an inner space.
The shell can have an upper adapter defining an upper aperture,
wherein the upper aperture is configured to receive the shaft. The
upper adapter can form a fluid tight seal with the shaft. The shell
can have a lower adapter defining a lower aperture, wherein the
lower aperture is configured to receive the shaft. The lower
adapter can form a fluid tight seal with the shaft. The lower
adapter can form a taper lock with the shaft. The lower adapter can
form a friction fit with the shaft when the shaft enters the lower
aperture in a direction toward the upper aperture. The lower
adapter can be positioned on the shaft by an o-ring. The upper and
lower apertures can be aligned such that the shaft extends through
the drip retainer. The upper and lower apertures can be aligned
vertically. The shell can have a top surface defining an outer
perimeter and an inner perimeter, wherein the top surface slopes
downward from the outer perimeter toward the inner perimeter. The
top surface can define at least one opening. The at least one
opening can be adjacent to an upper adapter (e.g., within 3
centimeters of the upper adapter). The at least one opening can be
positioned at a point along the inner perimeter. The inner
perimeter can slope toward at least one point along the inner
perimeter, and the at least one opening can be positioned at the at
least one point. The drip retainer can have an inlet structure that
protrudes from the underside of the top surface into the inner
space. The shell can have a bottom surface defining an outer
perimeter and an inner perimeter, wherein the bottom surface slopes
downward from the outer perimeter toward the inner perimeter. The
drip retainer can be positioned on the shaft between about 1
centimeter and about 10 centimeters from the mold. The drip
retainer can be detachable from the shaft. The drip retainer can
contain an absorbent or adsorbent material, a thermoplastic
material, or metal. The thermoplastic material can be a polyolefin
(e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, or polymethylpentene). The
metal can be aluminum, copper, or steel. The fluid can contain an
elastomeric compound (e.g., silicone or polyurethane) dispersed in
a solvent.
[0009] In another aspect, the invention features a dipping device
containing: (a) a shaft having a first end and a second end; (b) a
mold having a top surface and a bottom surface; and (c) a drip
retainer. The bottom surface can define an attachment point, and
the mold can be attached to the first end at the attachment point.
The top surface can define a top reference point opposite the
attachment point, and the drip retainer can be attached to the
shaft between the first end and the second end. The drip retainer
can collect fluid that moves in a direction away from the mold and
toward the drip retainer when the dipping device is in an upright
position such that the top reference point is centered above the
attachment point, and can prevent substantially all of the
collected fluid from contacting the mold when the dipping device is
rotated 90 degrees from the upright position.
[0010] In another aspect, the invention features a drip retainer
having a shell defining an inner space, wherein the shell contains:
(a) an upper adapter defining an upper aperture, wherein the upper
aperture is configured to receive a shaft; (b) a lower adapter
defining a lower aperture, wherein the lower aperture is configured
to receive the shaft; and (c) a top surface defining an outer
perimeter, an inner perimeter, and at least one opening, wherein
the top surface slopes downward from the outer perimeter toward the
inner perimeter, and wherein the at least one opening is positioned
at a point along the inner perimeter. The maximum distance across
the upper aperture can be between about 2 millimeters and about 5
centimeters. The maximum distance across the lower aperture can be
between about 2 millimeters and about 5 centimeters. The upper
adapter can form a fluid tight seal with the shaft. The lower
adapter can form a fluid tight seal with the shaft. The lower
adapter can form a friction fit with the shaft when the shaft
enters the lower aperture in a direction toward the upper aperture.
The lower adapter can be positioned on the shaft by an o-ring. The
upper and lower apertures can be aligned such that the shaft
extends through the drip retainer. The upper and lower apertures
can be aligned vertically. The at least one opening can be adjacent
to the upper adapter (e.g., within about 3 centimeters of the upper
adapter). The inner perimeter can slope toward at least one point
along the inner perimeter, and the at least one opening can be
positioned at the at least one point. The shell can have an inlet
structure that protrudes from the underside of the top surface into
the inner space. The shell can have a bottom surface defining a
second outer perimeter and a second inner perimeter, and the bottom
surface can slope downward from the second outer perimeter toward
the second inner perimeter. The drip retainer can contain a
thermoplastic material or metal. The thermoplastic material can be
a polyolefin (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene, or
polymethylpentene). The metal can be aluminum, copper, or steel.
The drip retainer can collect fluid that moves in a direction away
from a mold and toward the drip retainer when (a) the drip retainer
is attached to the shaft that is attached to a mold thereby forming
a dipping device, and (b) the dipping device is in an upright
position. The drip retainer can prevent substantially all of the
collected fluid from contacting the mold when the dipping device is
inverted from the upright position.
[0011] The invention also features a hollow funnel defining an
inner space. The hollow funnel can contain: (a) an upper adapter
defining an upper aperture, wherein the upper aperture is
configured to receive a shaft; (b) a lower adapter defining a lower
aperture, wherein the lower aperture is configured to receive the
shaft; and
[0012] (c) a top surface defining an outer perimeter, an inner
perimeter, and at least one opening, wherein the top surface slopes
downward from the outer perimeter toward the inner perimeter, and
wherein the at least one opening is positioned at a point along the
inner perimeter, wherein substantially all the fluid that enters
the inner space through the at least one opening when the hollow
funnel is in an upright position with the shaft positioned through
the upper and lower apertures remains within the inner space when
the hollow funnel is inverted from the upright position.
[0013] In yet another aspect, the invention features a method for
making an elastomeric structure. The method can involve: (a)
providing a dipping device, wherein the dipping device contains (i)
a shaft having a first end and a second end, (ii) a mold for the
elastomeric structure, wherein the mold has a bottom surface
defining an attachment point and the mold is attached to the first
end at the attachment point, and (iii) a drip retainer, wherein the
drip retainer is attached to the shaft between the first end and
the second end; (b) contacting the mold with a fluid containing an
elastomeric compound such that the fluid coats at least a portion
of the mold and such that at least a portion of the excess fluid
collects within the drip retainer; (c) inverting the dipping
device, wherein substantially all of the collected fluid remains
within the drip retainer; and (d) removing the elastomeric coat
from the mold, thereby forming the elastomeric structure. The
elastomeric structure can be a mammary prosthesis. Steps (b) and
(c) can be automated. Step (b) can be performed such that
substantially all of the mold is coated by the fluid.
[0014] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.
Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those
described herein can be used to practice the invention, suitable
methods and materials are described below. All publications, patent
applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are
incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict,
the present specification, including definitions, will control. In
addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative
only and not intended to be limiting.
[0015] The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are
set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below.
Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the description and drawings, and from the
claims.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a dipping mandrel having
a mold, a shaft, and a drip retainer.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the drip retainer of
FIG. 1, shown right-side up and containing fluid.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the drip retainer of
FIG. 1, shown sideways and containing fluid.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the drip retainer of
FIG. 1, shown upside-down and containing fluid.
[0020] FIG. 5 is an overhead view of the drip retainer of FIG. 1,
having a single opening.
[0021] FIG. 6 is an overhead view of the drip retainer of FIG. 1,
having three openings.
[0022] FIG. 7 is an overhead view of the drip retainer of FIG. 1,
having eight slit openings.
[0023] FIG. 8 is an overhead view of the drip retainer of FIG. 1,
having a single opening that completely surrounds the upper
adapter.
[0024] FIG. 9 is an overhead view of the drip retainer of FIG. 1,
having four slit openings.
[0025] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a drip retainer, having
a flat bottom surface.
[0026] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a drip retainer having
an upwardly sloped bottom surface.
[0027] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a drip retainer.
[0028] FIG. 13 is a side view of a drip retainer having a funnel
and an exit, tube.
[0029] FIG. 14 is a side view of a drip retainer.
[0030] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a drip retainer.
[0031] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a drip retainer.
[0032] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a drip retainer.
[0033] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a drip retainer/shaft
unit.
[0034] FIG. 19 is a bottom view of the drip retainer/shaft unit of
FIG. 18.
[0035] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the upper and lower
portions of the drip retainer/shaft unit of FIG. 18.
[0036] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like
elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0037] The invention provides methods and materials for producing
elastomeric components. Specifically, the invention provides drip
retainers, dipping mandrels, methods for making drip retainers and
dipping mandrels, and methods for making elastomeric components.
Drip retainers can be configured to catch and contain fluids when
attached to a shaft of a dipping mandrel. Dipping mandrels can
contain a mold, a shaft, and a drip retainer. The mold and drip
retainer can be attached to the shaft such that fluid (e.g., an
elastomeric compound dispersed in a solvent) traveling away from
the mold and toward the drip retainer is captured by the drip
retainer. The drip retainers provided herein can be designed to
retain captured fluids when the dipping mandrel is tilted from an
upright position (e.g., tilted 90 degrees or inverted). Such
dipping mandrels can be used to make elastomeric components such as
mammary implants, tissue expanders, fluid reservoirs, catheter
balloons, vaginal stents, testicular implants, condoms, and
gloves.
[0038] Elastomeric components can contain any suitable material
such as polyurethane, Bioflex.TM., silicone, latex, or other
elastomers. Such materials can be formulated in a solvent such as,
for example, xylene, heptane, tetrahudrofurane/dioxin,
N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide, naptha, or water. In
general, elastomeric components can be made by a coating procedure
that involves covering a mold with an elastomeric material
formulated in a solvent, (2) removing the solvent via evaporation,
and (3) curing or heat aging the coated mold to produce the
elastomeric component.
[0039] In some cases, a dipping mandrel provided herein can be
positioned horizontally such that the mold is coated with an
elastomeric compound that is dispersed in a solvent. The dipping
mandrel then can be rotated and/or placed in an inverted position
such that the fluid coats the top surface of the mold. After a
suitable length of time (e.g., 10 seconds, 15 seconds, 20 seconds,
25 seconds, 30 seconds, 35 seconds, 40 seconds, 50 seconds, or more
than 50 seconds), the dipping mandrel can be placed in an upright
position to allow the bottom surface of the mold to be coated. The
dipping mandrel typically is heated (e.g., in an oven) set at an
appropriate temperature (e.g., 60.degree. C. to 70.degree. C., or
64.degree. C.) for a suitable length of time (e.g., 5 minutes, 7
minutes, 10 minutes, 11 minutes, 11.5 minutes, 12 minutes, 13
minutes, 15 minutes, 25 minutes, 30 minutes, or more than 30
minutes) to allow the solvent to evaporate. The coating process can
be repeated until the desired number of coats (e.g., 3, 4, 5, or 6
coats) have been applied. The heating time between each coat can
vary, as can the length of time allowed for the fluid to coat the
mold evenly. After a suitable number of coats have been applied,
the dipping mandrel can be heated (e.g., in an oven) at a suitable
temperature (e.g., 120.degree. C., 130.degree. C., or 140.degree.
C.) and for a suitable length of time (e.g., 30 minutes) to set the
elastomer and fully evaporate the solvent. The dipping procedure
can be carried out by hand or can be partially or completely
automated.
[0040] With reference to FIG. 1, dipping mandrel 10 can have mold
11 and shaft 12. Mold 11 can define bottom surface 13, which can
define attachment point 14. Mold 11 also can define top surface 15
opposite bottom surface 13. Top surface 15 can define top reference
reference point 16, which is opposite attachment point 14. Shaft 12
can define first end 17 and second end 18. Mold 11 can be attached
to first end 17 of shaft 12 at attachment point 14 by, for example,
a threaded joint, a slip fit, or a snap fit (e.g., a deformable
elastomeric grip). Mold 11 can be configured to mold any suitable
type of device, such as a mammary prosthesis (e.g., a high profile
mammary prosthesis, a medium profile mammary prosthesis, a low
profile mammary prosthesis, a 900 cc mammary prosthesis, or a
225-300 cc mammary prosthesis), as depicted in FIG. 1. Molds and
shafts can be made from any suitable material (e.g., aluminum,
steel, wood, plastic, wax, glass, porcelain, or an elastomer such
as rubber, silicone, or polyurethane). Shaft 12 can have any shape
and length. As depicted in FIG. 1, shaft 12 can be straight (i.e.,
can extend in a single direction from first end 17 to second end
18). In alternative embodiments, shaft 12 can be offset, bent, or
curved. For example, shaft 12 can have a shape defining one or more
angles or curves (e.g., resembling the letter "L," the letter "J,"
or the letter "S," or having a spiral shape).
[0041] When dipping mandrel 10 is positioned upright during the
dipping process, fluid can drip off mold 11 or flow down shaft 12.
As used herein with respect to dipping mandrel 10, the terms
"upright" and "in an upright position" refer to positioning of
dipping mandrel 10 such that top reference point 16 is centered
above attachment point 14. When dipping mandrel 10 is then inverted
during, for example, subsequent coating steps, the fluid can flow
back toward mold 11 if a drip retainer is not present. As used
herein with reference to dipping mandrel 10, the terms "inverted"
and "in an inverted position" refer to positioning of dipping
mandrel 10 such that top reference point 16 is centered below
attachment point 14.
[0042] Dipping mandrel 10 contains drip retainer 19. Drip retainer
19 can be positioned on shaft 12 between first end 17 and second
end 18, and can be configured to catch and retain fluid that moves
(e.g., by dripping or flowing) away from mold 11 and toward drip
retainer 19. Such fluid thus is prevented from returning to mold 11
or contaminating other equipment during the coating process. Drip
retainer 19 can be movably and releasably positioned on shaft 12
such that in an upright orientation, drip retainer 19 is below mold
11.
[0043] Drip retainer 19 can be positioned any suitable distance
(e.g., one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten,
or more than ten centimeters) from mold 11. In some embodiments,
drip retainer 19 can be held in position on shaft 12 by an o-ring.
An o-ring also can seal the junction between drip retainer 19 and
shaft 12, such as when an o-ring is positioned in a groove on shaft
12 and an adapter of drip retainer 19 fits over the o-ring.
Alternatively, drip retainer 19 can be adjacent to an o-ring (e.g.,
within about 1 centimeter of an o-ring) when drip retainer 19 is
installed on shaft 12. Drip retainer 19 can be installed on and
removed from shaft 12 by, for example, a user (e.g., a human
operator) or a machine that exerts force on drip retainer 19 and/or
shaft 12. During a dipping procedure, drip retainer 19 can catch
fluid runoff from mold 11 and shaft 12, and can retain such fluid
during subsequent movement of dipping mandrel 10 to any orientation
other than upright (e.g., tilted 5, 10, 20, 30, 45, 55, 65, 75, 85,
90, 95, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, or 180 degrees from
an upright position). At the end of a dipping procedure, drip
retainer 19 and any fluid contained therein can be removed from
shaft 12 and discarded. Alternatively, drip retainer 19 can be
reused after drainage of the fluid.
[0044] Drip retainer 19 can be made from any suitable material. For
example, drip retainer 19 can be made from a thermoplastic material
such as a polyolefin (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene, or
polymethylpentene), or from or a metal (e.g., aluminum, copper, or
steel). Drip retainer 19 can be produced using any suitable method
(e.g., blow molding or injection molding and welding). Drip
retainer 19 can be constructed as a single unit or as two or more
pieces (e.g., a top piece and a bottom piece) with the multiple
pieces being attached using any suitable method. For example, a top
piece and a bottom piece can be attached by spin welding, solvent
bonding, ultrasonic welding, hot plate welding or heated die
welding, or with metal paste that can be heated to form a bond.
[0045] With additional reference to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, drip
retainer 19 can define upper adapter 22 and lower adapter 25, which
can define upper aperture 28 and lower aperture 31, respectively.
Apertures 28 and 31 can be aligned vertically, for example, and can
be configured to permit insertion of shaft 12 so that shaft 12
extends through drip retainer 19. Apertures 28 and 31 can have any
suitable diameter (e.g., 1 millimeter, 2 millimeters, 5
millimeters, 1 centimeter, 2 centimeters, 3 centimeters, 4
centimeters, 5 centimeters, or more than 5 centimeters). The
diameters of apertures 28 and 31 typically are slightly larger than
the diameter of shaft 12 (e.g., 0.01 millimeter to 0.5 millimeter
larger).
[0046] Adapters 22 and 25 can be configured to attach drip retainer
19 to shaft 12. Adapters 22 and 25 can form, for example, a
friction fit, a taper lock, or an interference fit with shaft 12,
in order to form a fluid tight seal. Such a fit can be achieved by,
for example, configuring adapters 22 and 25 to match the shape of
shaft 12. For example, shaft 12 can gradually widen as it
progresses from the portion that passes through upper aperture 28
to the portion that passes through lower aperture 31. In such a
case, upper aperture 28 defined by upper adapter 22 can have a
diameter that is narrower than the diameter of lower aperture 31,
which is defined by lower adapter 25. Adapters 22 and 25 typically
fit snugly around shaft 12, such that (1) drip retainer 19 does not
slide unassisted (i.e., without force being exerted upon it) away
from mold 11 when dipping mandrel 10 is upright such that drip
retainer 19 is positioned below mold 11 as shown in FIG. 1; (2)
fluid contained within drip retainer 19 does not leak out of drip
retainer 19 and run down shaft 12 when dipping mandrel 10 is
upright such that top reference point 16 is centered above
attachment point 14; (3) drip retainer 19 does not slide unassisted
(i.e., without force being exerted up on it) toward mold 11 when
dipping mandrel 10 is tilted from an upright position (e.g.,
inverted); and/or (4) fluid contained within drip retainer 19 does
not leak out of drip retainer 19 and run along shaft 12 when
dipping mandrel 10 is tilted from an upright position (e.g.,
inverted).
[0047] Drip retainer 19 of dipping mandrel 10 can define top outer
surface 34, top inner surface 37, side outer surface 40, side inner
surface 43, bottom outer surface 46, and bottom inner surface 49.
As depicted in FIGS. 1-4, the inner and outer surfaces can define a
shell (e.g., a funnel-shaped shell), such that the inner surfaces
define an inner space. Top outer surface 34 also can define top
outer perimeter 52 and top inner perimeter 55; top inner perimeter
55 can be proximal to upper adapter 22. Top outer surface 34 can
define a downward slope, such that top outer perimeter 52 is
positioned vertically higher than top inner perimeter 55. This
downward slope can be curved or straight, for example.
[0048] Top outer surface 34 also can define opening 58, which can
be positioned in top inner perimeter 55 adjacent to upper adapter
22. Opening 58 can be within about three centimeters from upper
adapter 22 (e.g., 0.5 centimeter, one centimeter, 1.5 centimeters,
two centimeters, 2.5 centimeters, or three centimeters from upper
adapter 22). Top inner perimeter 55 can define a slope such that
opening 58 is positioned at the lowest point of top inner perimeter
55 when drip retainer 19 and dipping mandrel 10 are in an upright
position as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. Opening 58 can define any
shape (e.g., a circle, a square, a slit, or a slot), and can have
any suitable width or diameter (e.g., less than {fraction (1/16)}
inch, {fraction (1/16)} inch, {fraction (1/8)} inch, {fraction
(3/16)} inch, {fraction (1/4)} inch, {fraction (5/16)} inch,
{fraction (3/8)} inch, {fraction (7/16)} inch, {fraction (1/2)}
inch, {fraction (5/8)} inch, {fraction (9/16)} inch, {fraction
(3/4)} inch, or more than {fraction (3/4)} inch).
[0049] Top outer surface 34 and opening 58 also can define lip 61,
which serves as an inlet structure protruding into the interior of
drip retainer 19. Lip 61 can facilitate the entry of fluid (e.g.,
fluid flowing down the slope of top outer surface 34 toward top
inner perimeter 55) into drip retainer 19. Lip 61 also can be
configured to facilitate retention of fluid within drip retainer 19
when dipping mandrel 10 is inverted (see, e.g., FIG. 4).
[0050] Bottom outer surface 46 can define bottom outer perimeter 64
and bottom inner perimeter 67. Bottom outer perimeter can be
positioned distal to lower adapter 25 and bottom inner perimeter 67
can be positioned proximal to lower adapter 25. Bottom outer
surface 46 and bottom inner surface 49 can be sloped (e.g., steeply
sloped or moderately sloped) such that bottom outer perimeter 64 is
positioned vertically higher than bottom inner perimeter 67 when
dipping mandrel 10 is in an upright position (e.g., as shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2). As depicted in FIGS. 1-4, the slope of bottom outer
surface 46 and bottom inner surface 49 can define a curve. The
angle of the slope can be 5, 10, 20, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, or 60
degrees, for example, and can be determined between (1) a line from
a point where lower adapter 25 meets bottom inner perimeter 67
(e.g., point 68 shown in FIG. 2) to the most distal edge of outer
bottom surface 46 (e.g., point 69 shown in FIG. 2), and (2) the
horizontal plane containing the point where lower adapter 25 meets
bottom inner perimeter 67 when dipping mandrel 10 is in an upright
position. With reference to FIG. 2, for example, the angle can be
determined between line a (defined by points 68 and 69) and line b
(the horizontal plane through point 68 when dipping mandrel 10 is
upright). The slope of bottom inner surface 49 can facilitate the
movement of a fluid contained within drip retainer 19, such that
the fluid moves away from shaft 12 and toward side inner surface 43
when dipping mandrel 10 is tilted (e.g., tilted by 90 degrees
relative to an upright position, or inverted, as shown in FIGS. 3
and 4, respectively).
[0051] With reference to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, drip retainer 19 can be
configured to retain fluid 70 when attached to shaft 12, whether
dipping mandrel 10 is in an upright position (FIG. 2) or is in a
tilted position relative to an upright position (e.g., a sideways
position as in FIG. 3, or an inverted position as in FIG. 4). When
dipping mandrel 10 is in an inverted position as shown in FIG. 4,
lip 61 can facilitate retention of fluid 70 such that little, if
any, escapes through opening 58 and drips onto the mold or flows
along shaft 12. Lip 61 also can facilitate retention of fluid such
that little, if any, escapes through opening 58 when dipping
mandrel 10 is tilted less than 180 degrees (e.g., 45, 90, or 120
degrees) from an upright position.
[0052] FIGS. 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 are overhead views of drip retainer
19. As depicted in FIG. 5, top outer surface 34 can define opening
58, which is circular in shape and is positioned in top inner
perimeter 55. When top outer surface 34 defines a single opening
such as opening 58, top inner perimeter 55 can be sloped such that
opening 58 is positioned at the lowest region of top inner
perimeter 55. In addition, adapter 22 can define vent 72, which can
be a groove machined in the inner surface of adapter 22. Vent 72
can allow air to escape from drip retainer 19 when fluid 70 enters
through opening 58.
[0053] In another embodiment shown in FIG. 6, top outer surface 34
can define openings 75, 77, and 79, which are circular and are
positioned in top inner perimeter 55. When top outer surface 34
defines multiple openings such as openings 75, 77, and 79, top
inner perimeter 55 can be flat or can define multiple sloped
regions such that fluid is directed toward the openings. Openings
75, 77, and 79 each can define a lip that protrudes into the
interior of drip retainer 19. These lips can be configured to
facilitate fluid entry into drip retainer 19 and to facilitate
retention of fluid within drip retainer 19 when dipping mandrel 10
is tilted from an upright position (e.g., tilted 5 to 180, degrees
from an upright position).
[0054] FIG. 7 depicts another embodiment of drip retainer 19, in
which top outer surface 34 can define slots 84, 86, 88, 90, 92, 94,
96, and 98. Slots 84, 86, 88, 90, 92, 94, 96, and 98 can extend
radially outward from top inner perimeter 55, which can be flat or
can define multiple sloped regions to direct fluid into the slots.
Slots 84, 86, 88, 90, 92, 94, 96, and 98 each can define a lip that
protrudes into the interior of drip retainer 19. Each lip can be
configured to facilitate fluid entry into drip retainer 19 and to
facilitate retention of fluid within drip retainer 19 when dipping
mandrel 10 is tilted from an upright position.
[0055] In yet another embodiment, depicted in FIG. 8, top outer
surface 34 can define opening 103, which substantially surrounds
upper adapter 22. Opening 103 can have any suitable width.
Typically, the width will be configured such that fluid is retained
within drip retainer 19 when dipping mandrel 10 is tilted 90
degrees or inverted. Opening 103 also can define a lip that
protrudes into the interior of drip retainer 19 and is configured
to facilitate fluid entry into drip retainer 19 and to facilitate
retention of fluid within drip retainer 19 when dipping mandrel 10
is tilted from an upright position.
[0056] FIG. 9 depicts another embodiment of drip retainer 19, in
which top outer surface 34 can define slots 112, 114, 116, and 118.
Slots 112, 114, 116, and 118 can be positioned to partially
encircle upper adapter 22 and can be positioned in top inner
perimeter 55. Each slot can define a lip that protrudes into the
interior of drip retainer 19, and each lip can be configured to
facilitate fluid entry into drip retainer 19 and to facilitate
retention of fluid within drip retainer 19 when dipping mandrel 10
is tilted from an upright position.
[0057] With reference to FIG. 10, bottom outer surface 120 of drip
retainer 125 can define bottom distal edge 128 and bottom central
region 131 such that bottom outer surface 125 is flat (i.e., bottom
distal edge 128 is not positioned higher or lower than bottom
central region 131 when dipping mandrel 10 containing drip retainer
125 is in an upright or an inverted position). As depicted in FIG.
10, bottom outer surface 120 and side outer surface 40 can be
essentially perpendicular to one another.
[0058] With reference to FIG. 11, bottom outer surface 140 can
define bottom distal edge 144 and bottom central region 148, such
that bottom central region 148 is positioned vertically higher than
bottom distal edge 144 when dipping mandrel 10 containing drip
retainer 150 is in an upright position. In such an embodiment,
bottom outer surface 140 can be flat or curved.
[0059] With reference to FIG. 12, drip retainer 200 can have
adapter 202, which defines aperture 204 for insertion of shaft 12.
Adapter 202 can be configured to fit around shaft 12, such that
drip retainer 200 does not slide unassisted (i.e., without force
being exerted up on it) up or down shaft 12. Drip retainer 200 can
have top outer surface 207, which can define opening 210. Opening
210 can define lip 213 that protrudes into the interior of drip
retainer 200. Lip 213 can be configured to facilitate retention of
fluid within drip retainer 200 when drip retainer 200 is attached
to shaft 12 and dipping mandrel 10 is held in a tilted position
(e.g., 5 to 180 degrees from an upright position).
[0060] With reference to FIG. 13, drip retainer 300 can define
funnel 305 connected to exit tubing 310. Funnel 305 can define
lower surface 315, which can define an opening and an adapter for
attachment to drain tubing 310. When drip retainer 300 is attached
to a shaft at a position below a mold, fluid can move away from the
mold and into funnel 305. Such fluid then can exit funnel 305
through the opening into drain tubing 310. A pump or vacuum can be
attached to drain tubing 310 to draw the fluid out of funnel
305.
[0061] With reference to FIGS. 14-17, a drip retainer can be made
from an absorbent or adsorbent material (e.g., elastomeric foam or
absorbent or adsorbent material molded with a binder resin).
Examples of adsorbent fluid retainer materials include open cell
plastic foam, sintered plastic or metal, glass wool, ceramic noodle
and synthetic non-woven fibers. Examples of suitable absorbent
fluid retainer materials include cotton winding, sodium
polyacrylate, and cellulose materials. Adsorbent/absorbent fluid
retainers can be configured with materials such as cellulose
products, diatomaceous clay, wood sawdust, or ground peanut shells
molded into a fluid retainer element using a binder matrix. The
absorbent or adsorbent material can trap and retain fluid that
drips or flows away from mold 11 when dipping mandrel 10 is in an
upright position or is tilted from an upright position (e.g., 5 to
180 degrees from an upright position). Such material can have any
suitable configuration. Drip retainer 400 (FIG. 14), for example,
can be a disk made from an absorbent or adsorbent material. Drip
retainer 420 (FIG. 15) can be constructed from absorbent/adsorbent
material 425 placed in outer shell 430 made from a non-absorbent
material (e.g., molded plastic or formed metal). Upper edge 432 of
outer shell 430 can extend above absorbent/adsorbent material 425,
and can function to prevent run-off of any fluid before it is
absorbed. Drip retainer 420 can have any suitable shape (e.g., a
solid funnel or cone shape as depicted in FIG. 15, or a cylindrical
or cubic shape). Alternatively, drip retainer 440 (FIG. 16) can
consist of absorbent/adsorbent material 425 molded into any
suitable shape. Drip retainer 440 can have, for example, a
funnel-like shape with curved lower surface 445, as depicted in
FIG. 16, or drip retainer 440 can have any other suitable shape.
Furthermore, absorbent/adsorbent material 425 can be molded such
that upper lip 450 prevents fluid run-off from drip retainer 440
before absorbance occurs. In another embodiment, drip retainer 460
(FIG. 17) can consist of absorbent/adsorbent material 425 that is
molded to define outer surface 465 and inner surface 470. Outer
surface 465 can define a funnel shape as shown in FIG. 17, for
example, while inner surface 470 can define cavity 480. Cavity 480
can function as a collection site for fluid before it is absorbed
into drip retainer 460.
[0062] With reference to FIGS. 18-20, drip retainer/shaft unit 500
can be configured to incorporate both drip retainer 505 and shaft
510. Drip retainer/shaft unit 500 can be constructed from any
suitable material, such as a thermoplastic material (e.g., a
polyolefin such as polypropylene, polyethylene, or
polymethylpentene), vinyl, or metal (e.g., aluminum, copper, or
steel), for example. Drip retainer/shaft unit 500 can be reusable
or disposable.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 18, drip retainer 505 can have bottom
surface 525 and top surface 530, which can define one or more ribs
(e.g., ribs 533, 535, and 538). Ribs 533, 535, and 538 can be used
to assist with rotating drip retainer/shaft unit 500 during
procedures such as spin welding, dipping, or attachment or removal
(e.g., screwing or unscrewing) of shaft 510 into a mold. Drip
retainer 505 can define any number of ribs (e.g., one, two, three,
four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more than ten
ribs).
[0064] Shaft 510 can be configured to have any suitable shape
(e.g., straight or bent, with curved or sharp angles). As shown in
FIG. 18, shaft 510 can define upper end 545, which can be
configured to attach to a mold. All or part of shaft 510 can have
interior surface 550 and/or 551 in addition to exterior surfaces
553 and 554, such that interior surface 550 is contiguous with
interior surface 557 of drip retainer 505.
[0065] FIG. 19 depicts bottom surface 525 of drip retainer 505, and
shows the positions of ribs 538, 560, and 563.
[0066] As shown in FIG. 20, drip retainer/shaft unit 500 can be
constructed from upper section 565 and lower section 570. Upper
section 565 and lower section 570 can be constructed using any
method, including, without limitation, blow molding and injection
molding. Upper section 565 can be attached to lower section 570 in
any manner (e.g., by a slip fit, a screw fit, spin welding, solvent
bonding, ultrasonic welding, or with metal paste that can be heated
to form a bond).
[0067] The invention also provides a method for making an
elastomeric structure (e.g., a shell for a mammary prosthesis).
Typically, the method involves providing a dipping device such as
those described herein. The mold can be contacted with a fluid
containing an elastomeric compound such that the fluid coats at
least a portion of the mold. At least a portion of the excess fluid
can be collected within the drip retainer. The dipping device then
can be rotated or tilted (e.g., inverted) with substantially all of
the collected fluid remaining within the drip retainer. Once
complete, the elastomeric coat can be removed from the mold,
thereby forming an elastomeric structure. All or part of these
methods can be automated, and can be performed such that
substantially all of the mold is contacted by the fluid.
Other Embodiments
[0068] It is to be understood that while the invention has been
described in conjunction with the detailed description thereof, the
foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit the
scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the
appended claims. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are
within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *