Abstract: Articles and methods for forming splints for body parts of an animal are disclosed. A splint includes a splint core formed of one or more layers of knit fabric impregnated with a water-curable hardenable resin. The opposite faces of the splint core are covered by nonwoven fibrous fabric covers which bond to the core by contact with the resin. A securement member or strap is partially or completely encircled about the splint, and flexible hooks on the strap grasp the fabric covers to hold the splint on the body part being treated. For a small animal, the splint core is a die-cut article having notches in its side edges which permit the core to be bent to form a foot-supporting platform without substantial bunching at the side edges.

Abstract: The present invention provides a silicate-containing composition for use in an orthopedic support material. The silicate-containing composition includes a water-soluble silicate, wherein at least about 1 part of the water-soluble silicate is soluble in about 6 parts water at 25.degree. C. Preferably, the water-soluble silicate has the formula SiO.sub.2 /M.sub.2 O wherein M is Li, Na, K, or NR.sub.4, wherein each R is independently hydrogen or a (C.sub.1 -C.sub.10)organic group.

Abstract: The present invention provides an article comprising a curable resin and a filler associated with the resin. The incorporation of fillers into the casting materials of the present invention adds substantially to the strength of the cured casting material as well as to the handling properties of the uncured casting tape or bandage. The incorporation of fillers into the casting materials of the present invention also imparts air and vapor porosity to the cured casting materials. If desired articles of the present invention may also incorporate fibers (either individually, bundled, or in the form of a light-weight scrim) to provide increased cohesiveness to the uncured article. Extremely moldable casting tapes are also provided which comprise a highly-filled composite material coated on a light-weight scrim. The casting tapes of this embodiment handle like traditional plaster of Paris casts yet cure to a weight-bearing cast in less than one hour.

Abstract: An ankle splint product includes an ankle splint for being custom-formed to the shape of an ankle while flexible and upon hardening providing a rigid, supporting custom fit. The ankle splint product includes an outer container formed of moisture-impervious material, and first and second flexible ankle splint segments positioned in the container in substantially moisture-free conditions and sealed therein against entry of moisture until use. Each of the first and second ankle splint segments includes an elongate substrate and a reactive system impregnated into or coated onto the substrate. The system remains stable when maintained in substantially moisture-free conditions and hardens upon exposure to moisture to form a rigid, self supporting structure. An elongate, flexible protective pad is positioned on one side of the substrate along its length to provide a cushioning barrier between the substrate and the skin of a patient when the ankle splint is in use.

Abstract: A novel method of preparation of easily stripped off temporary wound dressing material is disclosed. In this process, the-N-isopropyl acrylamide (NIPAAm) monomer is successfully grafted on the non-woven cloths by copolymerization. It is initiated by .gamma.-ray irradiation to activate the surface of the non-woven cloth. NIPAAm is then grafted onto the surface of the non-woven cloth. The free radical or peroxide is produced by Co-60 .gamma.-ray, then grafted on the non-woven cloths. The lower critical solution temperature (LCST) in thermoresponsive poly-N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) is still retained after the grafting. This will make the dressing cloth stripped off easily and without hurting the tissue. The material process is very simple and has medically applicable value.

Abstract: A mouldable product such as a pad which can be selectively transformed between pliable and rigid states is formed of a sealed plastic container which houses a metastable compound such as sodium acetate tri-hydrate, a trigger device for initiating the nucleating process in the compound to render it rigid, and a reinforcing open micro-porous material. The material may be fibrous, e.g., cotton, and stabilizes the product in its rigid state for a comparatively long time.

Abstract: An orthopaedic support or product is formed of a doubleknit type fabric material with spaced interwoven layers formed of high strength materials and an open-work matrix of filaments or threads interconnecting the layers. The fabric may be impregnated with water hardenable urethane. Hydroxy propyl methyl-cellulose (HPMC) will also be applied to the doubleknit type material or other casting fabric in sufficient amount to reduce the stickiness of the water hardenable urethane. The HPMC may be mixed in with the water hardenable urethane prior to impregnation, or may be applied to at least one of the outer surfaces of the doubleknit type material. The orthopaedic support or product is packaged in a water-vapor impermeable package; and is opened and water is supplied to the fabric when it is applied to the part of the anatomy requiring support. The fabric may be included in a soft goods support including a water distribution network and straps to hold the support in place.

Abstract: An orthopedic casting article containing a fibrous backing stabilized with a water soluble binder and having a hardenable material applied thereto is described. Methods of making and using such orthopedic casting articles are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lubricant-impregnated porous substrate. The lubricant-impregnated porous substrate may be used to deliver lubricant as needed to gloves or other surface contacting a tacky resin material during molding or forming of the tacky material. In particular, the lubricant-impregnated porous substrate may be used to lubricate gloves during molding and forming of orthopedic casting materials. The lubricant-impregnated porous substrate may be packaged one or more in a container, and the lubricant-impregnated porous substrate may also be packaged as a kit with the orthopedic casting material. The orthopedic casting material preferably comprises a tape or sheet impregnated with a tacky material wrapped around a core, with the core having multiple projections extending radially outward from a central cylinder to hold the sheet away from the surface of the inner cylinder.

Abstract: An ankle splint product including an ankle splint for being custom-formed to the shape of an ankle while flexible and upon hardening providing a rigid, supporting custom fit. The ankle splint product includes an outer container formed of moisture-impervious material and first and second flexible ankle splint segments positioned in the container in substantially moisture-free conditions and sealed against entry of moisture until use.

Abstract: An ankle splint product includes an ankle splint for being custom-formed to the shape of an ankle while flexible and upon hardening providing a rigid, supporting custom fit. The ankle splint product includes an outer container formed of moisture-impervious material, and first and second flexible ankle splint segments positioned in the container in substantially moisture-free conditions and sealed therein against entry of moisture until use. Each of the first and second ankle splint segments includes an elongate substrate and a reactive system impregnated into or coated onto the substrate. The system remains stable when maintained in substantially moisture-free conditions and hardens upon exposure to moisture to form a rigid, self supporting structure. An elongate, flexible protective pad is positioned on one side of the substrate along its length to provide a cushioning barrier between the substrate and the skin of a patient when the ankle splint is in use.

Abstract: A field splinting device that can also be used instead of a fiberglass or cardboard cast for injured limbs, particularly severe sprains and fractures is proposed. The device is waterproof and is radiotranslucent. The device utilizes two sets of multi-layer formable materials, such as fiberglass shims located in pouches in first and second members having re-sealable bladders or sheaths to provide structural support on each side of the limb. Pressurizable-bladders are located to the inside of the formable materials to provide cushioning for the limb, and may be inflated by attaching a small inflation bulb to an inlet/outlet port located at each end of the bladder. Each bladder can be independently inflated or deflated to a desired inflation level. A further embodiment is shown having a single sheet of formable material and a single bladder.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lubricant-impregnated porous substrate. The lubricant-impregnated porous substrate may be used to deliver lubricant as needed to gloves or other surface contacting a tacky resin material during molding or forming of the tacky material. In particular, the lubricant-impregnated porous substrate may be used to lubricate gloves during molding and forming of orthopedic casting materials. The lubricant-impregnated porous substrate may be packaged one or more in a container, and the lubricant-impregnated porous substrate may also be packaged as a kit with the orthopedic casting material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reinforceable orthopedic casting article comprising a backing and a curable resin having an activator capable of assisting in the initiation of the cure of an addition polymerizable reinforcement compound. Reinforced casts are made by providing a curable casting tape comprising a backing and a curable resin containing an activator capable of assisting in the initiation of the cure of an addition polymerizable reinforcement compound; initiating the cure of the casting tape; wrapping the casting tape into the form of a cast; applying a hardenable reinforcement compound to at least a portion of the casting tape; and allowing the casting tape to cure and the reinforcement compound to harden to form a reinforced orthopedic cast.

Abstract: A colored orthopedic splinting material comprising a glass fiber substrate and a hardenable resin wherein the individual filaments making up the substrate are colored.

Abstract: A removable sole for a walking cast, a walking cast having the removable sole, and a method of making the walking cast and the removable sole. A bandage is permanently bonded to a walking cast, and a sole body is removably attached to the bandage. The bandage has a top surface bonded to the bottom and side surfaces of the cast, and a bottom surface with a strip of hook and loop fastener material. When the cast is plaster, the bandage is preferably adhered to the cast while the plaster is still wet. When a fiberglass cast is used, an adhesive is applied to the top surface of the bandage to bond the bandage to the cast. The sole body has a concave top surface with a complimentary strip of hook and loop fastener material that mates with the hook and loop fastener material on the bandage. The loop fastener material on the bandage also protects the cast and the surface being walked on, when the sole body is removed.

Abstract: An orthopedic casting material is disclosed comprising a water-curable, isocyanate-functional prepolymer. The prepolymer comprises the reaction product of a polyisocyanate and a polyol having an HLB number per hydroxy group less than zero.

Abstract: An orthopedic casting material having strength and porosity characteristics which heretofore have been associated only with high modulus fibers, while using casting material comprising a fabric made from a multi-filament, low modulus fiber. The fabric is impregnated with a reactive resin which hardens by wetting with a curing agent. A method for making an orthopedic cast and the resulting cast product are also disclosed, as is coloring of the cast product in a variety of desired colors and patterns.

Abstract: Nasal bones are fixed in place after surgery or injury by the placement of a casting material over the outer surface of the nose, precut to conform to the dimensions of the nose. The casting material is a resin-impregnated fibrous sheet, the resin being curable to a hardened form upon exposure to atmospheric moisture. The resin-impregnated fibrous sheet is similar in chemical composition to casting tapes used for long-bone fractures where the tapes are wrapped around a limb that has been encased in a padding material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an orthopedic casting article having soft edges. In one embodiment, the article comprises a flexible sheet material impregnated or coated with two different resins. In an alternative embodiment, the article comprises an extruded sheet material comprising two different extruded materials. One of the resins or extruded materials is soft or resilient compared to the other resin or material. By selectively providing the softer materials at defined regions of the article the hardness of the region can be adjusted. The article may be in the form of an orthopedic casting tape comprising a fabric backing that is longitudinally impregnated or coated with two different curable resins. A harder, first curable resin is used to coat a longitudinally extending center region of the fabric backing; and a softer, second curable resin is used to coat at least one longitudinally extending edge region of the fabric backing.

Abstract: A medical bandaging material, for example, for use as a wound dressing, soft-tissue support bandage, brace or orthopaedic splinting bandage, comprises two superposed layers of, for example, a woven, knitted or non-woven material spaced apart by strands of mono-filamentary or fibrous layers. The interstitial spaces may be filled with a hardenable resin and/or pharmacologically active agent.

Abstract: Orthopedic casts which comprise an elastically deformed support which is held in its elastically deformed state by a solid casting composition. After the cast has been placed around a patient's limb, it is heated to soften the casting composition, thus permitting recovery of the cast into conforming contact with the limb. The support can for example be a fabric knitted from elastomeric fibers and glass fiber yarns. The casting composition can for example comprise polycaprolactone and/or a side chain crystallizable polymer, which melts at 45.degree.-60.degree. C. A padded liner can be placed between the cast and the limb. Recovery of the cast is preferably carried out by means of a hot air gun.

Abstract: An orthopedic casting material is disclosed comprising a water-curable, isocyanate-functional prepolymer. The prepolymer comprises the reaction product of a polyisocyanate and a polyol having an HLB number per hydroxy group less than zero.

Abstract: A medical bandaging product which includes a storage package formed of moisture-impervious material and sealable to prevent entry of moisture, with a medical material positioned in the storage package and sealed therein against entry of moisture until use. The medical material includes a substrate having a variable thickness with a relatively thick predetermined central area to provide rigidity, and relatively thin predetermined edge areas to provide less rigidity to the edge areas for ease in molding the medical material around to part to be bandaged. A reactive system is impregnated into or coated onto the substrate, the system remaining stable when maintained in substantially moisture-free conditions and hardening upon exposure to sufficient moisture to form a rigid, self supporting structure. A protective wrapping encloses the substrate along its length to provide a barrier between the substrate and the skin of a patient when the material is in use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preparing an orthopedic cast comprising the step of coating a porous flexible substrate with a water-curable resin composition composed of a water-reactive alkoxysilane terminated resin having at least one hydrolyzable group per molecule. The resin composition has a viscosity of no greater than about 500 Pa-s under ambient conditions and contains less than about 1 wt-% of a solvent, based on the total weight of the resin composition.

Abstract: A device for preventing or reducing the incidence or intensity of pain occurring in a region of the body of a wearer, includes insulating material (2) which is arranged to be worn in conformity and close proximity with the body region. The insulating material has at least one layer (14) for reducing heat loss from the body region by convection and at least one reflective layer (13) for reducing heat loss from the body by radiation, whereby a targeted local warming effect is achieved in the body region such that the skin and underlying musculoskeletal structures are in such an active state that they can function properly to provide a clinical benefit to the body region.

Abstract: A system for improving the handling of a resin coated substrate for molding and smoothing into an orthopedic cast includes a core which is coated with a substance which is substantially inert to the resinous prepolymer in a sealed storage pouch. Water, used to activate the resinous prepolymer, carries the coating to the surface of the substrate, thereby improving handling during the molding process. During normal operation, the cast applier removes the resin coated or impregnated substrate from the storage container and dips it in a water bath to initiate the polymerization process. After removal from the water bath, the applier wraps the substrate around a patient's limb and molds and smooths the substrate to form an orthopedic cast. Once the core about which the resin coated substrate is wrapped is exposed to water, the lubricant is transferred by the water to the outside portion of the cast tape, reducing the tackiness of the cast tape, thereby facilitating its overall handling.

Abstract: A protective pad, for example, a shin guard, for being custom-fitted to a body member to be protected, and including a first flexible cushion layer for being placed against the body member in a first orientation and an initially flexible intermediate layer having a first side positioned adjacent to the first layer. The intermediate layer includes a fabric impregnated with a moisture-curable resin which hardens upon curing to form a rigid structure of the fabric which retains a body part-defined shape into which it is molded during curing, thereby also holding the first flexible cushion layer in the same body-part defined shape, the intermediate layer defining at least first and second adjacent segments for overlying adjacent body parts of the wearer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to gradually applying a slippery agent to resin impregnated cloth for generating a gradient of slippery agent on the cloth whereby the outward most exposed portions of the cloth wound on a pipe have the highest concentration of slippery agent and the concentration of slippery agent decreases with the depth of the cloth wound around the pipe.

Abstract: A printed orthopaedic casting bandage is disclosed having a bandage substrate made of at least 50% fibers having a Young's Modulus in excess of 8.times.10.sup.6 psi. The fibers, in particular, are glass fibers and carbon fibers. The printing substance is a plastisol-based printing agent, and the printed substrate is covered with a water-activatable hardening resin such as a polyurethane prepolymer of polyol and isocyanate.

Abstract: The invention is directed to orthopedic casting tapes including an open mesh fibrous tape coated with a hardenable liquid resin, preferably a water activatable resin, that permits shaping and curing of the tape to provide a hardened cast. The fibrous tape is a knit tape is formed primarily or entirely of unbulked, continuous polymeric filaments and elastic filaments. A plurality of continuous filament courses extend generally transverse to the plurality of wales and are present in the fibrous tape in an amount of at least 15 courses per linear inch of tape, measured in a relaxed state. The wales are present in the fibrous tape in an amount sufficient to provide at least about 275 openings per square inch. The casting tape has an extensibility of at least about 5 percent. The orthopedic casting tapes of the invention cure rapidly despite their fine mesh/high mesh content structure and normally are set within 3-5 minutes following application.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a water-curable orthopedic bandage on a support spool which bandage can be immediately applied to an affected limb. Supplied in addition to the orthopedic bandage and either separately packaged or provided integral with the spool is an amount of a water-laden gel. The word gel is meant to apply to a viscous semi-solid which can be applied over surfaces in an adherent film and will disperse and move in response to the movement of the practitioner's hands in molding and forming the adhesive bandage around the limb. It is to be distinguished from a free-flowing liquid which when applied to a limb drips and causes the messy environment described above.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a custom fit knee orthosis is disclosed that includes forming a flat pre-assembled knee orthosis in which upper and lower support blanks made of rigid carbon fiber and plastic resin composite materials are connected in a flat, rigid state by joint mechanisms, and the knee orthosis is shipped to a orthopedist or orthopedic assembly facility in a flat condition with the blanks of composite material still in their flat pre-cured state. The orthopedist or orthopedic assembly facility heat softens the blanks and reshapes them to conform to the contours of a particular patient's leg, with only minor finishing operations being required after the reshaped blanks have set.

Abstract: A water-curable support bandage constitutes a flexible fabric coated with a water-curable polyurethane resin composition containing a polyurethane prepolymer consisting of a polyol and a polyisocyanate, a catalyst and a stabilizer, wherein the polyol contains a polyethylene glycol and a bisphenol system diol. The water-curable support bandage provides greater storage stability, working time adequate for application to a diseased or injured body part, adequate modeling time, and cures rapidly thereafter to achieve a weight bearing strength. In the polyol a polypropylene glycol can be substituted for the polyethylene glycol.

Abstract: An ankle brace product including an ankle brace for being custom-formed to the shape of an ankle while flexible and upon hardening providing a rigid, supporting custom fit. The ankle brace product includes an outer container formed of moisture-impervious material and a flexible ankle brace positioned in the container in substantially moisture-free conditions and sealed therein against entry of moisture until use. The ankle brace includes an elongate substrate with a reactive system impregnated into or coated onto the substrate. The system remains stable when maintained in substantially moisture-free conditions and hardens upon exposure to moisture to form a rigid, self supporting structure. An elongate, flexible protective pad is positioned on one side of the substrate along its length to provide a cushioning barrier between the substrate and the skin of a patient when the ankle brace is in use. An outer wrapping encloses the substrate and the protective pad.

Abstract: A soft-goods type, custom "in situ" formable back brace for supporting a weakened or injured back and/or neck is disclosed having hardenable components which conform to the unique configuration of a patient's torso. An initially flexible rear torso component, generally extending circumferentially around the patient's back, is releasably coupled to the torso using a plurality of Velcro-type securing straps. Alternatively, an initially flexible front torso component in combination with a rear component may be releasably coupled to a patient's torso. Once properly secured, liquid, preferably water, may be introduced into each component to activate the activatable, hardenable material encapsulated therein. Each component may be further comprised of a plurality of panels or pads with elasticized, resilient material interposing adjacent panels. The panels or pads may be permanently or removably integrated into each torso component.

Abstract: A splint product is used for forming a hard structure about a body portion. The product includes a substrate impregnated with a resin that hardens when exposed to water. A protective water-impervious envelope surrounds the substrate and shields the substrate from exposure to moisture in the atmosphere. An outer cushioning wrap surrounds the protective envelope and is for engaging the body portion. Prior to wetting of the splint product, the protective envelope is removed from its shielding position about the substrate so that the substrate remains inside the outer wrap. The outer wrap with the substrate therein is exposed to water and applied to an appropriate body portion about which it hardens.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of using novel casting tapes incorporating water soluble liners. The liners of the present invention may be used for a number of purposes including: use as an interlayer film liner in a casting tape article to prevent undesirable resin pooling; use as an interlayer liner to lubricate a casting tape when immersed in water; use in a method of producing a decorative casting tape either by retarding layer-to-layer migration of a colored resin or by transferring a design preprinted on the liner to an adjacent casting tape; use as an interlayer liner in a casting tape article to prevent adhesion between adjacent layers of the article; and use as a release liner to facilitate removal of a roll of casting tape from its package. The liners employed in this invention are rapidly soluble in water and may be provided as a continuous or semi-continuous sheet structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making an orthopedic casting article comprising an apertured, extruded sheet. The method involves the steps of charging an extrudable material selected from the group consisting of low temperature thermoplastic polymers and viscous curable resins to an extruder; and extruding the material through a die to form an apertured sheet. The sheet is used as an orthopedic casting material and has a sufficient number of apertures after application to the patient to allow moisture vapors produced by the skin to freely escape through the cast or splint. The sheet preferably has at least 20 percent aperture volume. The apertured, extruded sheet may optionally contain a filler associated with the resin. The incorporation of fillers adds substantially to the strength of the cured casting material as well as to the handling properties of the uncured casting tape or bandage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of enclosing a body member, comprising the steps of: heating an apertured, extruded sheet comprising a low temperature thermoplastic polymer having a softening or melting temperature less than about 90.degree. C.; wrapping the article about the body member; and molding the wrapped article about the body member such that the article is used as an orthopedic casting material and has a sufficient number of apertures after application to the patient to allow moisture vapors produced by the skin to freely escape through the cast or splint.

Abstract: An orthopaedic supporter kit comprises a fixing member including a main fixing body enclosed within a moisture-impermeable container, the main fixing body including a support body made of a flexible base material impregnated with a water curable resin, the support body having an outer surface and an opposite inner surface, and a covering member covering the outer surface of the support body and bondable to the curable resin, a cushioning member formed of a relatively elastic and bulky material, the cushioning member having an outer surface, an opposite inner surface, and opposite side end portions, the cushioning member being adapted to be positioned around a diseased part of a patient's body and conformed to the shape of the diseased part with the inner surface of the cushioning member directly applied to the diseased part and the opposite side end portions positioned in adjacent relation so as to be capable of being adjustably coupled together by fasteners, and fasteners for adjustably coupling together the

Abstract: A soft-goods type, custom "in situ" formable knee brace for supporting weakened or injured knees is disclosed having formable components which conform to the unique configuration of an individual's leg surfaces. A flexible femoral component, extending circumferentially around the anterior femur, is pivotally connected with a flexible tibial component extending circumferentially around the anterior tibia. The pivoting hinge assemblies have their axes of rotation oriented along the axis of rotation of the knee joint, and may include condylar component pads. The initially flexible femoral and tibial components are secured to the leg and held in place by adjustable straps, and may be removed or adjusted by releasing or tightening the straps. The knee brace conforms to the leg surfaces through the use of a gas and liquid permeable matrix impregnated with a water-activated urethane polymer comprising, or contained within, each component.

Abstract: A protective pad for being custom-fitted to a body member to be protected, and including a first flexible cushion layer for being placed against the body member in a first orientation, and an initially flexible intermediate layer having a first side positioned adjacent to the first layer. The intermediate layer is formed of a fabric impregnated with a moisture-curable resin which hardens upon curing to form a rigid structure of the fabric which retains a body part-defined shape into which it is molded during curing, thereby also holding the flexible first cushion layer in the same body-part defined shape. A second flexible cushion layer is positioned adjacent a second side of the intermediate layer for being held by the intermediate layer in the same body-part defined shape as the intermediate layer for being placed against the body part to be protected in a second orientation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unique knit construction having a nonfiberglass stiffness-controlling yarn in the fabric of the backing. Preferably, the nonfiberglass stiffness-controlling yarn is used in combination with a heat shrinkable yarn or a stretch yarn, and alternatively a nonfiberglass microdenier yarn. More preferably, the nonfiberglass stiffness-controlling yarn is in combination with a stretch yarn and a nonfiberglass microdenier yarn. Most preferably, the nonfiberglass stiffness-controlling yarn is in combination with a heat shrinkable, elastically extensible yarn, and a nonfiberglass microdenier yarn.

Abstract: A plurality of layers of a bandage can be jointed together at edges thereof to provide a casting bandage, which can then be coated/impregnated with a resin.Desirably the layers are formed from tubular members which are edge-stitched together.

Abstract: Proposed is a moisture-curable polyurethane resin composition having good storage stability under a moisture-free condition without affecting the curability in the presence of moisture. The composition comprises (a) a polyurethane prepolymer as a reaction product of a polyol compound and a polyisocyanate compound, (b) a catalytic compound to promote curing of the composition and (c) a stabilizer which is trifluoromethane sulfonic acid in a limited amount. The improvement in the storage stability of the composition is particularly remarkable when trifluoromethane sulfonic acid is used in combination with a specific curing catalyst. The composition is useful in the preparation of a surgical casting tape by coating or impregnating a flexible substrate web such as a glass fiber cloth therewith.

Abstract: Unitary casting devices are provided for making casts and splints. In one embodiment, the device includes a padding layer for contact with the patient, a non-hydrophilic, water-permeable inner protective layer juxtaposed against the padding layer, a casting layer comprising a liquid-activatable casting material placed along the inner protective layer, a liquid-impermeable, water vapor permeable first outer protective layer juxtaposed against the casting layer and a non-hydrophilic, water-permeable second outer protective layer juxtaposed against the first outer protective layer. The device also includes means for holding the layers together to form a unitary device. In other embodiments of the unitary device, the device further includes inner and outer water containment layers including a liquid-impermeable, water vapor permeable material such that the device need not be immersible, but may contain its own supply of activating liquid or have liquid introduced into the device.

Abstract: A casting system for application to a body portion, having an outer layer tubular substrate carrying a water hardenable resin wherein the substrate is at least 2 mm thick and an inner layer having an undercast padding material that includes hydrophobic fibers or yarns.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unique knit construction having a nonfiberglass microdenier yarn in the fabric of the backing. Preferably, the nonfiberglass microdenier yarn is used in combination with a heat shrinkable yarn or a stretch yarn, and alternatively a nonfiberglass yarn for controlling stiffness, i.e., a stiffness-controlling yarn. More preferably, the nonfiberglass microdenier yarn is in combination with a stretch yarn and a nonfiberglass stiffness-controlling yarn. Most preferably, the nonfiberglass microdenier yarn is in combination with a heat shrinkable, elastically extensible yarn, and a nonfiberglass stiffness-controlling yarn.

Abstract: The present invention provides a narrow orthopedic casting tape which can be handled in longer lengths suitable for economical production of coated fabric products. The narrow casting tape of the present invention is knitted as a wide fiberglass fabric with at least one removable connecting yarn in the length (i.e., warp) direction of the fabric which acts to connect two narrower strips of fiberglass fabric. The removable connecting yarn is subsequently removed from the fabric by a heat treatment process which separates the wider fabric into two narrower fabrics and also heat sets the fabric. Alternatively, the removable connecting yarn may be removed from the fabric by a dissolution process. Narrow fabrics of the present invention can also be constructed of organic yarns.The present invention also provides a tearable orthopedic casting tape which has a high degree of extensibility.