초록 ▼

A protective and/or splint device, for example a distal radial splint device (200), comprises a protective and/or splint member (201) and a spacer member (13). The protective and/or splint member (201) comprises a composite protective and/or splint material and is formable at a forming temperature a

A protective and/or splint device, for example a distal radial splint device (200), comprises a protective and/or splint member (201) and a spacer member (13). The protective and/or splint member (201) comprises a composite protective and/or splint material and is formable at a forming temperature and is substantially rigid at ambient temperature. The material comprises a polycaprolactone and a ligno-cellulose additive material. The protective and/or splint member (201) comprises a mesh of elements (202), with a plurality of openings (203) through the protective and/or splint member (201). Away from the periphery of the splint member (201), the openings (203) are diamond-shaped. Two border elements (204) extend along the two sides of the periphery of the splint member (201). The three point bending strength to openness ratio of the member is greater than 0.1 and the unidirectional bending strength to openness ratio of the member is greater than 4. This results in a device (200) with sufficient strength, which is breathable with open surfaces, and the volume of material used is optimized. The strength of the member (201) parallel to the longitudinal direction of the arm is greater than the strength parallel too the circumferential direction. At the forming temperature the member (201) is stretchable. The member (201) is rounded between the outer surface of the member (201) and the edges around the openings (203).

대표청구항 ▼

The invention claimed is: 1. A protective and/or splint device comprising a member formed from a composite material including a polycaprolactone polymer and a ligno-cellulose additive wherein the material is formable at a forming temperature above ambient temperature and is substantially rigid at am

The invention claimed is: 1. A protective and/or splint device comprising a member formed from a composite material including a polycaprolactone polymer and a ligno-cellulose additive wherein the material is formable at a forming temperature above ambient temperature and is substantially rigid at ambient temperature and wherein the member has one or more openings through at least part thereof disposed such that the flexural strength of the member in a first direction is greater than that in a second direction.