초록 ▼

The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for storing moisture-sensitive products such as moisture-curable orthopedic splinting/casting product, in flexible, preferably elongated, pouches. The product is folded into a repeating series of discrete sections where each section has at leas

The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for storing moisture-sensitive products such as moisture-curable orthopedic splinting/casting product, in flexible, preferably elongated, pouches. The product is folded into a repeating series of discrete sections where each section has at least one segment that extend along the pouch length. By configuring the product in this way, it can be efficiently packaged, stored, and dispensed. Other embodiments of the invention include closure systems that permit sealing the pouch opening when product is not being dispensed and substantially sealing the pouch around the product during dispensing.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. An apparatus, comprising: a pouch comprising a first end, a second end, and a pouch length extending therebetween, wherein the pouch further defines an interior; and a moisture-sensitive product having a continuous length, the product being folded into a packaged configurati

What is claimed is: 1. An apparatus, comprising: a pouch comprising a first end, a second end, and a pouch length extending therebetween, wherein the pouch further defines an interior; and a moisture-sensitive product having a continuous length, the product being folded into a packaged configuration comprising a plurality of sections arranged within the interior and along the pouch length, each section comprising at least two folds and a segment spanning therebetween, the segment also extending along the pouch length. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pouch further comprises an opening proximate the first end, the opening permitting access to the interior of the pouch. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least two of the sections are generally identical. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pouch comprises at least one sheet of moisture-impervious material. 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the continuous length product has a length at least two times the pouch length. 6. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a compression device proximate the opening. 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the compression device is located on an exterior of the pouch. 8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the compression device comprises two opposing and compressible members biased towards one another. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein each compression member comprises a foam pad. 10. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the compression device is adapted to substantially conform the shape of the pouch to the shape of the product. 11. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a sealing device proximate the opening. 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pouch comprises a pouch width measured transversely to the pouch length, wherein the pouch width is substantially constant along the pouch length. 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least two sections each comprise only two folds and one segment therebetween. 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the at least two sections each form an S-shape. 15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least two sections each comprise three segments, each of the segments being bounded at both ends by folds. 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein at least two of the three segments are substantially equal in length. 17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein each of the three segments are substantially equal in length. 18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein each section comprises at least four folds. 19. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the at least two sections each form a mushroom-shape. 20. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a suspension member. 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the suspension member is located proximate the second end. 22. An apparatus, comprising: a pouch comprising a first end, a second end, and a pouch length extending therebetween, wherein the pouch further defines an interior; and a moisture-curable orthopedic splinting/casting product having a continuous length, the product being folded into a packaged configuration comprising a plurality of sections arranged within the interior and along the pouch length, each section comprising at least two folds and a segment spanning therebetween, the segment also extending along the pouch length. 23. An apparatus for storing and dispensing a continuous length of product, the apparatus comprising: a pouch comprising an interior for receiving and storing a continuous length of moisture-sensitive product, wherein the pouch further comprises a first end and an opening proximate the first end, the opening permitting access to the product within the interior of the pouch; a parallel closure sealing device adapted to substantially seal the opening; and a compression device adapted to couple to the pouch proximate the first end, the compression device comprising a first compression member and a second, opposing compression member, the compression members adapted to substantially conform the shape of the first end of the pouch to the shape of the product. 24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the parallel closure device comprises a male member and a female member, the female member adapted to receive the male member such that the pouch is trapped therebetween. 25. An apparatus for storing and dispensing a continuous length of product, the apparatus comprising: a pouch comprising an interior for receiving and storing a continuous length of moisture-sensitive product, wherein the pouch further comprises a first end; a suspension member coupled to the pouch; and a compression device adapted to couple to the pouch proximate the first end, the compression device comprising a first compression member and a second, opposing compression member, the compression members adapted to substantially conform the shape of the first end of the pouch to the shape of the product. 26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the suspension member is located proximate a second end of the pouch. 27. An apparatus for storing and dispensing a continuous length of product, the apparatus comprising: a pouch comprising an interior for receiving and storing a continuous length of moisture-sensitive product, wherein the pouch further comprises a first end and an opening proximate the first end, the opening permitting access to the product within the interior of the pouch; and a compression device adapted to couple to the pouch proximate the first end, the compression device comprising a first compression member and a second, opposing compression member the compression members adapted to substantially conform the shape of the first end of the pouch to the shape of the product as the product is dispensed from the pouch through the opening.