Method of profile heatsealing

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-10456291-B2
Application number	US-201715493702-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Apr 21, 2017
Priority date	Dec 20, 2013
Publication date	Oct 29, 2019
Grant date	Oct 29, 2019

Abstract

This application relates to a method of covering a pessary device for relief of female incontinence with an overwrap. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods of conforming the overwrap to the pessary device using a sealing mechanism.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A method of conforming an overwrap to a pessary device, the method comprising:
a. providing a pessary device comprising a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis, and an outer surface;
b. providing an overwrap material;
c. prior to contacting the overwrap material with a profile sealing tool, placing a portion of the overwrap material under tension;
d. placing the pessary device in contact with the overwrap material along a first side of the pessary device, and placing the pessary device in contact with the overwrap material along a second side of the pessary device opposing the first side, wherein the overwrap material covers at least a portion of the pessary device outer surface area;
e. contacting the overwrap material with the sealing tool, joining the overwrap material to itself and forming part of the final overwrap; and
f. removing the sealing tool.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the sealing tool creates a heat seal.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the sealing tool creates a seal comprising one or more bonds.

4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the one or more bonds is created by heat, the use of adhesives, the use of friction, the use of mechanical means, and/or combinations thereof.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the sealing tool forms a profile seal comprising bonds that have a point diameter between 0.5 mm to 2 mm.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein joining the overwrap to itself occurs with heat sealing at a temperature between 135° C. to 200° C.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein a bond is created by heat, the use of adhesives, the use of friction, the use of mechanical means, and/or combinations thereof.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the profile sealing tool comprises an additional component that maintains a temperature below the melt temperature of the overwrap.

9. A method of conforming an overwrap to a pessary device, the method comprising:
a. providing a pessary device comprising a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis, and an outer surface;
b. providing an overwrap material;
c. placing the pessary device in contact with the overwrap, wherein the overwrap material covers at least a portion of the pessary device outer surface area; and
d. manipulating the overwrap material to conform to the pessary device using a profile seal;
wherein manipulating the overwrap material to conform to the pessary device using a profile seal further comprises:
a. placing a portion of the overwrap material under tension;
b. contacting the overwrap material with a sealing mechanism, joining the overwrap material to itself on opposing sides of the device and forming part of a final overwrap; and
c. removing the sealing mechanism.

10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the profile seal comprises bonds that have a point diameter between 0.5 mm to 2 mm.

11. The method of claim 9 , wherein the overwrap material is elastic.

12. The method of claim 9 , wherein joining the overwrap material to itself occurs with heat sealing at a temperature between 135° C. to 200° C.

13. The method of claim 9 , wherein the sealing mechanism consists of a profile sealing mold.

14. The method of claim 9 , wherein the sealing mechanism creates a seal comprising one or more bonds.

15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the one or more bonds is created by heat, the use of adhesives, the use of friction, the use of mechanical means, and/or combinations thereof.

Assignees

• Procter & Gamble

Inventors

• Strong Kevin Charles
• Avery Jr Robert Clark
• Durling Evan Joseph
• Giuliani Christian

Classifications

• B32B2535/00

  Medical equipment, e.g. bandage, prostheses or catheter · CPC title

• Y10T156/1028

  by bending, drawing or stretch forming sheet to assume shape of configured lamina while in contact therewith · CPC title

• A61F6/08 Primary

  Pessaries, i.e. devices worn in the vagina to support the uterus, remedy a malposition or prevent conception {, e.g. combined with devices protecting against contagion} · CPC title

• A61F2230/001

  Figure-8-shaped, e.g. hourglass-shaped · CPC title

• A61F2240/001

  Designing or manufacturing processes · CPC title