PROSTHETIC APPLIANCE TRANSFER KIT AND METHOD

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to three-dimensional prosthetic devices for use as components in makeup and visual special effects. More particularly, the invention relates to a kit and method for facilitating the rapid transfer of prosthetic appliances to the skin of a wearer.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Prosthetic appliances are commonly used by special effects professionals in the world of stage and screen makeup to simulate highly realistic looking deformities, injuries, unnatural features and modifications to the general structural appearance of a subject's face or body. There is a preference among many professional makeup artists to transfer certain prosthetic appliances to a subject without the need for the artist to make direct contact with the appliance at any point from its creation to its application. This is particularly important when dealing with appliances made substantially of tacky substances, such as, for example, water-based pressure-sensitive adhesives.

[0004] The Applicant previously developed prosthetic transfer solutions which remain some of the most widely-used by professional makeup artists today. In a typical such process, a prosthetic is created with an associated release film several days or weeks in advance of its application. When the time comes to apply the prosthetic to a subject, the artist applies adhesive to the front of the appliance using a sponge or brush, places a separate piece of water-slide transfer paper or water-slide fabric to the front of the appliance with the water slide coat in contact with the adhesive, the release film is removed from the back side of the appliance, the appliance is placed on the skin of the subject, the transfer paper is removed with the application of water, and the artist must manually apply a powder and/or liquid sealer to eliminate the tackiness of the prosthetic and to protect it. However, the multiple steps, materials and chemicals required in the prior known processes make creating and transferring professional-quality prosthetics too expensive, impractical, and complicated for the average consumer.
EP1043175 discloses a kit for transferring a temporary tattoo to the skin of a wearer. The kit comprises a first transfer portion including a varnish layer carrying a printed image and a release film, and a second transfer portion including a transfer substrate, an adhesive layer and a release coat disposed therebetween. In use, the adhesive layer of the second transfer portion is contacted to the image side of the varnish layer, the transfer substrate is removed to expose the adhesive layer, the adhesive layer is applied to the skin of a wearer, and the release film is peeled off. The printed varnish layer forms a temporary tattoo. WO00/48847 discloses a foil layer arrangement for applying a design that has a sufficiently lasting character to a support, especially human skin, whereby said design can be removed whenever desired in a simple manner leaving as little residue as possible. The foil layer for applying said design to a support comprises several foils that are arranged on top of each other, whereby a colour coating is applied to one of the design foils, representing the design that is to be transferred, and an application foil is arranged on one side of the design foil and an adhesive link is provided between both foils for detachably connecting the design foil to the application foil.
JP H05 147394 aims to provide an application film that is capable of making a sticking decorated sheet stuck certainly to a body for sticking regardless of ambient temperature and size and shape of the sticking decorated sheet. This document discloses an application film that is made up by providing a water-soluble sticking agent layer to the whole surface of a water-permeable base, and is usable when a sticking decorated sheet in required shape is transferred and stuck to a body to which the transfer is made. US 2003/0187518 A1 discloses a self-adhesive prosthetic appliance having a release film attached thereto.

[0005] What is needed is a convenient, compact, inexpensive and easy-to-use kit for applying a prosthetic appliance to the skin of a wearer while achieving professional- quality results. Moreover, such a kit should enable the average consumer to achieve these professional results while eliminating one or more steps conventionally required of professional makeup artists. Also needed are methods for efficiently making and using such kits, while minimizing cost and complexity and optimizing the results.

SUMMARY

[0006] Certain deficiencies of the prior art may be overcome by the provision of a kit for transferring a prosthetic appliance to the skin of a wearer, and a method for using and producing such a kit. The kit may comprise a first and second transfer portion in either combined or independent form. The first transfer portion may include a prosthetic appliance and a release film. The prosthetic appliance may have an outer surface and an inner surface. The release film may have a first side and a second side, with the first side being peelably releasably bonded to the inner surface. The second transfer portion may include a transfer substrate, an adhesive layer and a water soluble release coat disposed therebetween. In certain embodiments, the second transfer portion may include a sealant layer disposed between the adhesive layer and the release coat. The first transfer portion and second transfer portion may be separably joined by way of the second side being peelably releasably bonded to the adhesive layer. Embodiments of the kit may include a multiplicity of prosthetic appliances and a package portion. Optimal methods of producing and using such a kit are also described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Further advantages of the present invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art with the benefit of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and upon reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic partial cross-sectional view of one example of a kit in accordance with the present invention, in which the second transfer portion includes a seal layer and the first and second transfer portions are separably joined;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic partial cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a kit, in which the second transfer portion includes a seal layer, the first and second transfer portions are provided in independent form, and the second transfer portion includes a second release film peelably releasably bonded to the adhesive layer;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic partial cross-sectional view of another alternative embodiment of a kit, in which the second transfer portion does not include a seal layer and the first and second transfer portions are separably joined;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic partial cross-sectional view of yet a further alternative embodiment of a kit, in which the second transfer portion does not include a seal layer, the first and second transfer portions are provided in independent form, and the second transfer portion includes a second release film peelably releasably bonded to the adhesive layer;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a cavity mold removed from a respective retainer plate;

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic perspective view similar to that of FIG. 5, but wherein the retainer plate is shown in releasable receipt of the cavity mold;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view depicting an embodiment of a step following the step shown in FIG. 6, wherein a volume of prosthetic precursor fluid has been inserted into the prosthetic cavities of the cavity mold;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view depicting an embodiment of a step following the step shown in FIG. 7, wherein a squeegee is shown being dragged across the outer face of the cavity mold while simultaneously remaining in contact with the guide face of the retainer plate, thereby scraping precursor excess from the cavity mold while particularly ensuring removal of substantially any residual prosthetic material from the guide face;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view depicting an embodiment of a step following the step shown in FIG. 8, wherein a release film is applied across the guide face with the first side in contact with the prosthetic precursor, and in the embodiment shown, the first and second transfer portions have been provided peelably separably bonded to one another;

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 in FIG. 6, wherein the prosthetic cavity is shown empty and ready to receive prosthetic precursor fluid;

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 in FIG. 7, a dashed line being provided to help illustrate the distinction between the prosthetic precursor within the prosthetic cavity and the precursor excess generally thereabove;

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 in FIG. 8, illustrating the precursor excess having been scraped from the cavity mold while removing substantially any residual prosthetic material from the guide face;

FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 in FIG. 9, showing a configuration in which the system shown may be frozen for a specified period of time in order to allow the prosthetic precursor to harden and become peelably releasably bonded to a transfer film;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view depicting an embodiment of a step of ejecting a cavity mold from a respective retainer plate, which may follow the step illustrated in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view depicting an embodiment of a step of extracting the first transfer portion from the cavity mold by bendingly pealing the cavity mold from the first transfer portion;

FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic partially exploded cross-sectional view of another alternative embodiment of a kit for transferring a prosthetic appliance to the skin of a wearer, in which the kit further comprises a package portion with front and rear package members and a bubble element;

FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view taken along line 17-17 in FIG. 18, depicting an embodiment of a kit similar to that shown in FIG. 16, but in collapsed, fully-assembled form;

FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic perspective view of an embodiment of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a diagrammatic partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a kit for transferring a prosthetic appliance to the skin of a wearer, illustrating a step of peelingly separating a second transfer portion from a respective first transfer portion;

FIG. 20 is a diagrammatic partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a step following the step shown in FIG. 19, in which the first transfer portion is flipped over with respect to the second transfer portion in preparation for a step of applying the adhesive layer to the outer surface of a prosthetic appliance;

FIG. 21 is a diagrammatic partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a step following the step shown in FIG. 20, in which the adhesive layer is shown applied to the outer surface of the prosthetic appliance;

FIG. 22 is a diagrammatic partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a step following the step shown in FIG. 21, in which the release film is shown being peeled from the inner surface of the prosthetic appliance;

FIG. 23 is a diagrammatic partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a step following the step shown in FIG. 22, in which the inner surface of the prosthetic appliance is ready to be affixed to the skin of a wearer;

FIG. 24 is a diagrammatic partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a step following the step shown in FIG. 23, in which the inner surface of the prosthetic appliance has been affixed to the skin of a wearer;

FIG. 25 is a diagrammatic partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a step following the step shown in FIG. 24, in which water has been administered to the transfer substrate, makes contact with the release coat, and thereby allows the transfer substrate to be removed;

FIG. 26 is a diagrammatic partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a step following the step shown in FIG. 25, in which the transfer substrate has been removed; and

FIG. 27 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a wearer with prosthetic appliances having been applied to his skin in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Referring now to the drawings, like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding features throughout the several views. Shown generally at 100 are one or more embodiments of a kit for transferring a prosthetic appliance to the skin of a wearer. Embodiments of such a kit 100 typically comprise a first transfer portion 106 and a second transfer portion 118. A first transfer portion 106 may include one or more prosthetic appliances 102 and a release film 108. A prosthetic appliance 102 may have an outer surface 110 and an inner surface 112. The release film 108 may have a first side 114 and a second side 116. The first side 114 may be peelably releasably bonded to the inner surface 112. A second transfer portion 118 may include a transfer substrate 120, an adhesive layer 122 and a release coat 124 disposed therebetween. The release coat 124 may typically be water soluble. In particular embodiments, the transfer substrate and release coat may be provided in a combined form such as water slide decal paper.

[0009] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 for illustration, in particular embodiments of a kit 100, the second transfer portion 118 may include a seal layer 126 disposed between the adhesive layer 122 and the release coat 124. In particular preferred embodiments, the seal layer may be provided primarily to seal the tackiness of the side of the adhesive layer disposed outwardly from the prosthetic appliance 102 once the appliance has been applied to the wearer. In certain embodiments having a seal layer 126, the seal layer 126 may preferably be substantially water insoluble so as not to react with, or at the same time as, a release coat 124 which may itself be water soluble. In particular embodiments, the seal layer 126 may be chemically substantially similar to protective sealers conventionally used in the makeup industry in connection with, for example, prosthetic appliances. Such sealers are frequently used to seal the tackiness of residual pressure-sensitive adhesive which may remain on a prosthetic appliance after being affixed to a wearer using prior known transfer methods. More generally, depending upon the particular embodiment of a kit or method described herein, a seal layer 126 may be otherwise referred to as a protective barrier, top coat, varnish, sealer or sealant. It should be understood that, in particular embodiments, the seal layer may be formed of a sealing substance not conventionally used in the makeup arts. Also depending upon the embodiment, a seal layer 126 may be, for example, primarily water/acrylic based, alcohol/water/acrylic based, alcohol/water based, aqueous based such as sealers for paper products, a conventional makeup sealant or the like.

[0010] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4 for illustration, in particular embodiments of a kit 100, the second transfer portion 118 may not include a seal layer 126. Once prosthetic appliances 102 from such kits are affixed to the skin of a wearer, it may be desirable for a conventional makeup sealer to then be applied to the adhesive layer 122 remaining on the outer surface 110 of the prosthetic appliance 102 in order to eliminate or reduce tackiness at the outer surface.

[0011] In certain embodiments of a kit 100, such as those shown for example in FIGS. 1 and 3, the first transfer portion 106 and second transfer portion 118 may be separably joined by way of the second side 116 being peelably releasably bonded to the adhesive layer 122. In certain such embodiments, the first side 114 and second side 116 may each be treated with silicone, a similar release substance or conventional alternative. In typical preferred embodiments of a kit 100, the adhesive layer 122 may be substantially or entirely comprised of a pressure sensitive adhesive, and may be substantially transparent.

[0012] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4 for illustration, in alternate embodiments of a kit 100, the first transfer portion 106 and second transfer portion 118 may be provided in independent form, and the second transfer portion 118 may include a second release film 176 peelably releasably bonded to the adhesive layer. In such embodiments, one or both of the release film 108 and the second release film 176 may be, for example, silicone-treated on only one side - that is, the first side 114 of release film 108 and the side of the second release film 176 which is placed in contact with the adhesive layer 122. The release film 108 and second release firm 176 may, for example, be made substantially of an acetate, a bleached paper with silicone or wax-coated barrier, or the like.

[0013] Certain embodiments of kits and methods described herein may be appropriately adapted such that the prosthetic appliance 102 may be comprised substantially of a material selected from the group consisting of, for example, water-based acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive, silicone, latex rubber, gelatin, hot melt plastic, hot melt glue, urethane foam and latex foam, similar conventionally-used prosthetic materials or a combination of one or more thereof. In certain embodiments in which the prosthetic appliance 102 is not comprised substantially of a tacky material such as a pressure sensitive adhesive (for example, if the prosthetic appliance 102 is made of latex) the first side 114 may need to be peelably releasably bonded to the inner surface 112 by way of an auxiliary adhesive layer.

[0014] In certain embodiments of a kit 100, the prosthetic appliance 102 may include a base color and one or more accent colors. The base color may be, for example, a conventional neutral prosthetic color or a selected flesh tone. An accent color, as illustrated for example, in FIG. 18 at 128, may be located substantially at the outer surface 110 of the prosthetic 102 and may be visually distinctive from the base color. Such an accent color may be, for example, a coloration simulating coagulated, oozing or spattered blood, charred flesh, exposed bone, moles, freckles, shading and the like. Accent colors may be applied by way of small paint brushes or by airbrushing.

[0015] Referring to FIGS. 16-18 for illustration, certain embodiments of a kit 100 may further comprise a package portion. A package portion may include, for example, a rear package member 132, a front package member 134 and a bubble element 136. The bubble element 136 may be substantially transparent and have a substantially planar flange section 138 and a window compartment 140 protruding outward therefrom. The front package member 134 may have a compartment aperture 142 receiving at least a portion of the window compartment 140 substantially therethough. The front package member 132 and rear package member 132 may be adhesively joined, for example, generally at their peripheries, so as to clampingly and substantially non-adhesively secure the first and second transfer portions (106 and 118) between the flange section 138 and the rear package member 132. As a result of such securement, the prosthetic appliance(s) 102 may be substantially restrained from making contact with the package portion while remaining viewable from outward of the window compartment 140. As shown in FIG. 18, for example, a first transfer portion 106 may include a multiplicity of prosthetic appliances 102.

[0016] Prior to applying a selected prosthetic appliance, a user of a kit 100 having multiple appliances 102 may separate the selected appliance 102 from the remainder of the first transfer portion 106, for example, by carefully cutting through the first transfer portion 106 (and second transfer portion 118, in applicable embodiments such as those shown in FIGS. 1 and 3), while avoiding cutting through the thin, feathered edges of the selected appliance 102. It is envisioned that in certain alternative embodiments of a kit 100 with multiple prosthetic appliances 102, the first and second transfer portions may feature die cuts surrounding each appliance 102, such that all components of the kit corresponding to a selected prosthetic appliance 102 may be conveniently separated from the others without the need for scissors or similar cutting device.

[0017] Embodiments of a method for transferring a prosthetic appliance 102 to the skin 104 of a wearer 174 may comprise one or more of the following steps, which are listed here generally in the order of certain preferred and non-exhaustive embodiments. First, referring for example to FIGS. 1 and 19, there may be provided a first transfer portion 106 and a second transfer portion 118 in the form of a kit. The first transfer portion 106 may include a prosthetic appliance 102 and a release film 108. The prosthetic appliance 102 may have an outer surface 110 and an inner surface 112. The release film 108 may have a first side 114 and a second side 116. The first side 114 may be in peelably releasably bonded engagement with the inner surface 112. The second transfer portion 118 may include a transfer substrate 120, an adhesive layer 122, and a release coat 124 disposed therebetween. The release coat 124 may be, for example, water soluble. Subsequent steps typically include the following: applying the adhesive layer 122 to the outer surface 110 (see, for example, FIGS. 20 and 21); peeling the release film 108 from the inner surface 112 (see, for example, FIG. 22); affixing the inner surface 112 to the skin 104 of the wearer 174 (see, for example, FIGS. 23 and 24); administering water to the transfer substrate 120; and removing the transfer substrate (see, for example, FIGS. 25 and 26). Ultimately, a primary objective of the transfer method is to provide a convenient means to affix the prosthetic appliance to the skin of a wearer without requiring a person to directly touch the prosthetic appliance in the process.

[0018] Referring again to FIGS. 20 and 21, in particular embodiments of a transfer method, the step of applying the adhesive layer 122 to the outer surface 110 may result in only a portion of the outer surface 110 coming into direct contact with the adhesive layer 122. For example, to the extent that the prosthetic appliance 102 features deep recesses, the adhesive layer 122 may not make contact with the floor or parts of the inner walls of those recesses.

[0019] In particular embodiments of a method for transferring a prosthetic appliance 102 to the skin 104 of a wearer 174, the second transfer portion 118 may be provided to include a seal layer 126 disposed between the adhesive layer 122 and the release coat 124. Such a seal layer 126 may be, for example, substantially water insoluble and substantially transparent. In embodiments in which the second transfer portion includes a seal layer, it may be preferable for the seal layer to be substantially water insoluble so as not to dissolve when water is administered to the transfer substrate. As illustrated for example in FIG. 26, embodiments of a method for transferring a prosthetic appliance may preferably result in the seal layer 126 conveniently pre-sealing the tackiness of the adhesive layer 122. Both the adhesive and sealer layers may preferably be substantially transparent so that the outer surface 110 of the prosthetic appliance 102 may remain visually unobstructed.

[0020] In certain embodiments of a method for transferring a prosthetic appliance to the skin of a wearer, in the step of providing, the first transfer portion 106 and second transfer portion 118 may be in peelingly separable bonded engagement with one another, wherein the peelingly separable bonded engagement may be, directly or indirectly, between the second side 116 and the adhesive layer 122. In such embodiments, for example, both the first side 114 and second side 116 may each be silicone treated. Referring to FIG. 19 for illustration, particular such embodiments may further comprise the step of peelingly separating the second transfer portion 118 from the first transfer portion 106 prior to the step of applying the adhesive layer 122 to the outer surface 110 of the prosthetic appliance 102.

[0021] Embodiments of a method for producing a kit 100 for transferring a prosthetic appliance 102 to the skin 104 of a wearer 174 may comprise one or more of the following steps, which are listed here generally in the order of certain non-exhaustive preferred embodiments. This order may be modified as appropriate. First, there may be provided a release film 108 and a second transfer portion 118. The release film 108 may have a first side 114 and a second side 116. The second transfer portion 118 may include a transfer substrate 120, an adhesive layer 122 and a release coat 124 disposed therebetween. The release 124 coat may be, for example, water soluble. Referring to FIG. 5 for illustration, a subsequent step may involve selecting a retainer plate 144 and a cavity mold 146. The retainer plate 144 may be rigid and may have a guide face 148 and a mold pocket 150 extending generally from the guide face 148 toward a pocket floor 152.

[0022] A cavity mold 146 may be generally flexible and may have an outer face 154 and one or more prosthetic cavities 156 extending generally inward therefrom. The cavity mold 146 may be made of, for example, a silicone, a flexible urethanes, a mold injected plastic or the like. The material of the cavity mold 146 must generally be appropriately matched to the material used to form the prosthetic appliance 102, particularly insofar as mold release properties and the presence of mold undercuts are concerned. For example, a particular prosthetic appliance 102 may require a mold having undercuts, the requiring a more flexible and elastic cavity mold material in order to allow for proper extraction of the prosthetic without causing it to become damaged during extraction. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 10 for illustration, the retainer plate 144 may be adapted to releasably receive the cavity mold 146 therein such that the outer face 154 is substantially coplanar with the guide face 148.

[0023] Referring now to FIG. 7 for illustration, embodiments of a method for producing a kit 100 may further include the step of inserting a volume of a prosthetic precursor fluid into the one or more prosthetic cavities 156, thereby forming respective prosthetic precursors 158 within each prosthetic cavity 156, and precursor excess 160 generally thereabove (see, for example, FIG. 11). Referring to FIGS. 8 and 12 for illustration, a further step may involve scraping the precursor excess 160 from the cavity mold 146 by dragging a squeegee 162 across the outer face 154 while the squeegee 162 remains in contact with the guide face 148.

[0024] In particular preferred embodiments, the retainer plate 144 is substantially rigid, and may be constructed from a rigid urethane, or other rigid material such as stone, plastics, silicones and the like. Due to the rigidity of a preferred retainer plate 144, particularly relative to that of a respective preferred cavity mold 146, pressure applied to the guide face 148 by the squeegee 162 during the squeegeeing step may be substantially prevented from compressing or deforming the guide face 148. This may provide at least two potential benefits. First, it may protect a softer and more compressible cavity mold 146 from being depressed by the squeegee 162 during the scraping operation, thereby helping to maintain the integrity of the prosthetic precursors 158 within the cavity mold 146. Second, it may help ensure that substantially all of the residual prosthetic material is removed from the guide face 148 prior to the release film 108 being brought into contact with the guide face 148. Referring to FIG. 14 for illustration, the later discussed benefit may help provide the first transfer portion 106 with a substantially prosthetic-free zone 178, therefore allowing a kit 100 to incorporate a package portion while preventing any part of that package from sticking to a prosthetic appliance 102 or any other part of the first or second transfer portions. FIGS. 16 and 17, for example, illustrate how a package portion may be adapted to interact with the other components of a kit 100, wherein the substantially prosthetic-free zone 178 allows the flange section 138 of the bubble element 136 to make direct contact with the first transfer portion 106 while ensuring that such contact remains non-adhesive. Thus, the packaging can later be opened by an average consumer without such opening causing damage to the prosthetic appliances inside.

[0025] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 13, in embodiments of a method for producing a kit 100, following the step of scraping for example, a release film 108 may then be applied across the guide face 148 with the first side 114 being placed in contact with the prosthetic precursor 158. In certain preferred embodiments, the release film 108 and the second transfer portion 118 are provided in combined form prior to being applied across the guide face. In particular embodiments, once the step of applying the release film 108 has been performed, the prosthetic precursor 158 may be allowed to cure within the prosthetic cavity 156, thereby transforming the prosthetic precursor 158 and release film 108 into a first transfer portion 106. Referring to FIGS. 1-4 for alternative illustrations, the step of allowing the prosthetic precursor 158 to cure may thereby transform the prosthetic precursor 158 and release film 108 into a first transfer portion 106 including at least a prosthetic appliance 102 and a release film 108, wherein the prosthetic appliance 102 has an outer surface 110 and an inner surface 112, and the first side 114 is peelably releasably bonded to the inner surface 112. Referring to FIG. 14 for illustration, the cavity mold 146 may then be ejected from the retainer plate 144, and, referring to FIG. 15 for example only, the first transfer portion 106 extracted from the cavity mold 146.

[0026] In particular embodiments of a method for producing a kit 100, the curing of the prosthetic precursor 158 may be accomplished, at least in part, by way of cooling or freezing the prosthetic precursor 158. For example, the combined retainer plate 144, cavity mold 146, prosthetic precursor 158 and release film 108 (and second transfer portion 118, in respective embodiments) may be cooled or frozen for a selected cooling period.

[0027] As previously mentioned, in certain embodiments, the prosthetic appliance 102 may not be comprised substantially of a tacky material such as a pressure sensitive adhesive (for example, when the prosthetic appliance 102 is made of latex or the like). In such embodiments, the first side 114 of the release film 108 may be peelably releasably bonded to the inner surface 112 of the prosthetic appliance 102 by way of, for example, an auxiliary adhesive layer. One way to achieve this is to apply the auxiliary adhesive layer to the release film 108 or to the inner surface 112 prior to applying the release film 108 to the non-tacky prosthetic. The auxiliary adhesive layer may be applied by brushing, spray operation, or other conventional means of applying adhesive layers. An auxiliary adhesive layer may also result in the establishment of a tacky surface on the inner surface 112 of an otherwise substantially non-tacky prosthetic appliance, thereby facilitating the step of affixing of such a prosthetic appliance 102 to the skin 104 of a wearer 174.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 14 for illustration, in certain embodiments of a method for producing a kit 100, the retainer plate 144 may include at least one ejector port 164 in fluid communication with the pocket floor 152. In particular such embodiments, the step of ejecting the cavity mold 146 may be facilitated by way of the at least one ejector port 164 and an ejection force (depicted, for example, at 166) imposed on the cavity mold 146. The ejection force 166 may be, for example, at least partially imposed by way of pressurized gas flowing through the at least one ejector port 164. Alternatively or in addition, the ejection force may be imposed by way of ejector pins (not shown) actuated through one or more ejector ports. In further embodiments, the ejection force may be imposed, in total or in part, by way of gravity, wherein, for example, the retainer plate is at least partially invented (as shown, for example, in FIG. 14) and one or more ejector ports 164 allow ambient air to flow therethrough to prevent suction from retaining the cavity mold 146 within the mold pocket 150.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 15 for illustration, in certain embodiments of a method for producing a kit 100, the step of extracting may include bendingly peeling the cavity mold 146 from the first transfer portion 106. Such a peeling operation may be performed, for example, with the first transfer portion 106 being supported, directly or indirectly, by a substantially rigid working surface 172. In certain distinct or further related embodiments, in the step of providing a release film 108 and a second transfer portion 118, the second side 116 may be in peelingly separable bonded engagement with the adhesive layer 122.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 14 for illustration, in certain embodiments of a method for producing a kit 100, the release film 108 may include at least a pair of laterally opposed film edges 168, the guide face 148 may include at least a pair of laterally opposed guide edges 170, and the step of applying may be performed to result in each of the film edges 168 being substantially adjacently aligned with a respective one of the guide edges 168. As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 13, in such embodiments, the size and shape of the release film 108 may be adapted to closely match the size and shape of the outer periphery of the guide face 148. Referring more specifically to FIG. 9 for illustration, in the same or further embodiments, the entire peripheral edge of the guide face 148 may be adapted to respectively match the entire peripheral edge of a selected release film 108 and second transfer portion 118, as appropriate.

[0031] Particular embodiments of a method for producing a kit 100 may further comprise a step of preparing the prosthetic precursor fluid prior to the step of inserting the fluid into the one or more prosthetic cavities 156. This step of preparing may include one or more of the following sub-steps, which are listed here in one non-exhaustive example of a preferred order: measuring a first weight of a prosthetic base liquid; stirring the first weight for a first period; adding a second weight of a plasticizer to the first weight; mixing the first weight with the second weight for a second period, thereby forming a precursor mix; and purifying the precursor mix by way of transferring the precursor mix through a strainer. In particular embodiments, the prosthetic base liquid may be a water-based pressure sensitive adhesive. In such an embodiment, the second weight may be, for example, approximately 4.2 % of the first weight. However, depending upon the firmness required for the final appliance, various embodiments may be practiced in which the second weight of plasticizer may range from 0.001% to 20% of the first weight. In certain embodiments, the second period may be at least 20 hours. In other embodiments, the second period may be greater than 20 hours. In various preferred embodiments, depending upon the desired resulting viscosity of the precursor fluid, the second period may range between 6 hours and 24 hours. Generally, the longer the second period, the greater the resulting viscosity.

[0032] In a particular embodiment of a step of preparing the prosthetic precursor fluid, the first weight may be approximately 600 grams of a conventional prosthetic base liquid (for example, a water-based acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive), and the second weight may be approximately 25 grams of a conventional Plasticizer. In such a step, the prosthetic base liquid may be first mixed for a first period of approximately 30 minutes, and then the plasticizer added to the base liquid over the course of approximately one minute while pouring slowly. The mixer may then be left to run for a second period of approximately or at least 20 hours depending on the desired moisture loss, thus forming an aforementioned precursor mix. The finished product of such an embodiment may yield, for example, approximately 375 grams of precursor mix, which may then be optionally purified by transferring the precursor mix through a strainer.

[0033] While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A kit (100) for transferring a prosthetic appliance (102) to the skin (104) of a wearer, said kit (100) comprising:

a first transfer portion (106) including a prosthetic appliance (102) and a release film (108), said prosthetic appliance (102) having an outer surface (110) and an inner surface (112), said release film (108) having a first side (114) and a second side (116), said first side (114) being peelably releasably bonded to said inner surface (112); and

a second transfer portion (118) including a transfer substrate (120), an adhesive layer (122) and a water soluble release coat (124) disposed therebetween.

2. A kit (100) as defined in claim 1 in which said second transfer portion (118) includes a seal layer (126) disposed between said adhesive layer (122) and said release coat (124), and preferably in which said seal layer (126) is substantially water insoluble.

3. A kit (100) as defined in claim 1 in which said first transfer portion (106) and said second transfer portion (118) are separably joined by way of said second side (116) being peelably releasably bonded to said adhesive layer (122), and preferably in which said first side (114) and said second side (116) are each silicone treated.

4. A kit (100) as defined in claim 1 in which said adhesive layer (122) is substantially comprised of a pressure sensitive adhesive.

5. A kit (100) as defined in claim 1 in which said prosthetic appliance (102) is comprised substantially of a material selected from the group consisting of water-based acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive, silicone, latex rubber, gelatin, hot melt plastic, hot melt glue, urethane foam and latex foam.

6. A kit (100) as defined in claim 1 in which said prosthetic appliance (102) includes a base color and an accent color, said accent color being substantially at said outer surface and being visually distinctive from said base color.

7. A kit (100) as defined in claim 1 in which said first transfer portion (106) includes a multiplicity of said prosthetic appliances (102).

8. A kit (100) as defined in claim 1 further comprising a package portion, said package portion including a rear package member (132), a front package member (134), and a bubble element (136), said bubble element (136) being substantially transparent and having a substantially planar flange section (138) and a window compartment (140) protruding outward therefrom, said front package member (134) having a compartment aperture receiving at least a portion of said window compartment (140) substantially therethrough, said front and rear package members (134, 132) being adhesively joined so as to clampingly and substantially non-adhesively secure said first and second transfer portions (106, 118) between said flange section (138) and said rear package member (132), wherein said prosthetic appliance (102) is substantially restrained from making contact with said package portion and remains viewable from outward of said window compartment (140).

9. A kit (100) as defined in claim 2, wherein:

said adhesive layer (122) is substantially comprised of a pressure sensitive adhesive; and

said first transfer portion (106) and said second transfer portion (118) are separably joined by way of said second side (116) being peelably releasably bonded to said adhesive layer (122).

10. A method for transferring a prosthetic appliance (102) to the skin (104) of a wearer, said method comprising the steps of:

providing a first transfer portion (106) and a second transfer portion (118), said first transfer portion (106) including a prosthetic appliance (102) and a release film (108), said prosthetic appliance (102) having an outer surface (110) and an inner surface (112), said release film (108) having a first side (114) and a second side (116), said first side (114) being in peelably releasably bonded engagement with said inner surface (112), said second transfer portion (118) including a transfer substrate (120), an adhesive layer (122) and a water soluble release coat (124) disposed therebetween;

applying said adhesive layer (122) to said outer surface (110);

peeling said release film (108) from said inner surface (112);

affixing said inner surface (112) to the skin (104) of said wearer;

administering water to said transfer substrate (120); and

removing said transfer substrate (120).

11. A method as defined in claim 10 in which said second transfer portion (118) includes a seal layer (126) disposed between said adhesive layer (122) and said release coat (124), and preferably in which said seal layer (126) is substantially water insoluble.

12. A method as defined in claim 10 in which, in said step of providing, said first transfer portion (106) and said second transfer portion (118) are in peelingly separable bonded engagement with one another, wherein said peelingly separable bonded engagement is between said second side (116) and said adhesive layer (122).

13. A method as defined in claim 12 in which said first side (114) and said second side (116) are each silicone treated, or in which the method further comprises the step of peelingly separating said second transfer portion (118) from said first transfer portion (106) prior to said step of applying.

14. A method for producing a kit for transferring a prosthetic appliance (102) to the skin (104) of a wearer, said method comprising the steps of:

providing a release film (108) and a second transfer portion (118), said release film (108) having a first side (114) and a second side (116), said second transfer portion (118) including a transfer substrate (120), an adhesive layer (122) and a water soluble release coat (124) disposed therebetween;

selecting a retainer plate (144) and a cavity mold (146), said retainer plate (144) being generally rigid and having a guide face (148) and a mold pocket (150) extending generally from said guide face (148) toward a pocket floor (152), said cavity mold (146) being generally flexible and having an outer face (154) and a prosthetic cavity (156) extending generally inward therefrom, said retainer plate (144) being adapted to releasably receive said cavity mold (146) therein such that said outer face (154) is substantially coplanar with said guide face (148);

inserting a volume of a prosthetic precursor fluid into said prosthetic cavity (156), thereby forming a prosthetic precursor (158) within said prosthetic cavity (156) and precursor excess (160) generally thereabove;

scraping said precursor excess (160) from said cavity mold (146) by dragging a squeegee across (162) said outer face (154) while said squeegee (162) remains in contact with said guide face (148);

applying said release film (108) across said guide face (148) with said first side (114) in contact with said prosthetic precursor (158);

allowing said prosthetic precursor (158) to cure within said prosthetic cavity (156), thereby transforming said prosthetic precursor (158) and said release film (108) into a first transfer portion (106) including a prosthetic appliance (102) and said release film (108), said prosthetic appliance (102) having an outer surface (110) and an inner surface (112), said first side (114) being peelably releasably bonded to said inner surface (112);

ejecting said cavity mold (146) from said retainer plate (144); and

extracting said first transfer portion (106) from said cavity mold (146).

15. A method as defined in claim 14 in which said retainer plate (144) includes at least one ejector port (164) in fluid communication with said pocket floor (152), and said step of ejecting is facilitated by way of the at least one ejector port (164) and an ejection force imposed on said cavity mold (146), and preferably in which said ejection force is at least partially imposed by way of pressurized gas flowing through said at least one ejector port (164).

Ansprüche

1. Kit (100) zur Übertragung einer Prosthese (102) auf die Haut (104) eines Trägers, wobei besagtes Kit (100) Folgendes umfasst:

einen ersten Übertragungsabschnitt (106) mit einer Prosthese (102) und einer Trennfolie (108), wobei besagte Prosthese (102) eine Außenfläche (110) und eine Innenfläche (112) aufweist, wobei besagte Trennfolie (108) eine erste Seite (114) und eine zweite Seite (116) aufweist, wobei besagte erste Seite (114) abziehbar trennbar mit besagter Innenfläche (112) verklebt ist; und

einen zweiten Übertragungsabschnitt (118) mit einem Übertragungssubstrat (120), einer Klebeschicht (122) und einer dazwischen angeordneten wasserlöslichen Trennschicht (124).

2. Kit (100) wie in Anspruch 1 definiert, wobei besagter zweiter Übertragungsabschnitt (118) eine Siegelschicht (126) beinhaltet, die zwischen besagter Klebeschicht (122) und besagter Trennschicht (124) angeordnet ist, und vorzugsweise, wobei besagte Siegelschicht (126) im Wesentlichen wasserunlöslich ist.

3. Kit (100) wie in Anspruch 1 definiert, wobei besagter erster Übertragungsabschnitt (106) und besagter zweiter Übertragungsabschnitt (118) dadurch separierbar verbunden sind, dass besagte zweite Seite (116) abziehbar trennbar mit besagter Klebeschicht (122) verklebt ist, und vorzugsweise, wobei besagte erste Seite (114) und besagte zweite Seite (116) jeweils silikonbehandelt sind.

4. Kit (100) wie in Anspruch 1 definiert, wobei besagte Klebeschicht (122) im Wesentlichen aus einem druckempfindlichen Klebstoff besteht.

5. Kit (100) wie in Anspruch 1 definiert, wobei besagte Prosthese (102) im Wesentlichen aus einem Material besteht, das ausgewählt ist aus der Gruppe bestehend aus wasserbasiertem acrylischem druckempfindlichem Klebstoff, Silikon, Latexgummi, Gelatine, Heißschmelzkunststoff, Heißschmelzkleber, Urethanschaum und Latexschaum.

6. Kit (100) wie in Anspruch 1 definiert, wobei besagte Prosthese (102) eine Grundfarbe und eine Akzentfarbe beinhaltet, wobei besagte Akzentfarbe im Wesentlichen an besagter Außenfläche ist und von besagter Grundfarbe visuell unterscheidbar ist.

7. Kit (100) wie in Anspruch 1 definiert, wobei besagter erster Übertragungsabschnitt (106) eine Vielzahl von besagten Prosthesen (102) beinhaltet.

8. Kit (100) wie in Anspruch 1 definiert, ferner umfassend einen Packungsabschnitt, wobei besagter Packungsabschnitt ein hinteres Packungselement (132), ein vorderes Packungselement (134) und ein Blasenelement (136) beinhaltet, wobei besagtes Blasenelement (136) im Wesentlichen transparent ist und ein im Wesentlichen planares Flanschprofil (138) und ein Fensterfach (140), das daraus nach außen hervorsteht, aufweist, wobei besagtes vorderes Packungselement (134) eine Fachöffnung aufweist, die mindestens einen Abschnitt von besagtem Fensterfach (140) im Wesentlichen dort hindurch aufnimmt, wobei besagtes vorderes und hinteres Packungselement (134, 132) klebend verbunden sind, um besagten ersten und zweiten Übertragungsabschnitt (106, 118) zwischen besagtem Flanschprofil (138) und besagtem hinterem Packungselement (132) somit klemmend und im Wesentlichen nicht-klebend zu sichern, worin besagte Prosthese (102) im Wesentlichen am Kontaktieren des besagten Packungsabschnitts gehindert wird und von außerhalb des besagten Fensterfachs (140) sichtbar bleibt.

9. Kit (100) wie in Anspruch definiert 2, worin:

besagte Klebeschicht (122) im Wesentlichen aus einem druckempfindlichen Klebstoff besteht; und

besagter erster Übertragungsabschnitt (106) und besagter zweiter Übertragungsabschnitt (118) dadurch separierbar verbunden sind, dass besagte zweite Seite (116) abziehbar trennbar mit besagter Klebeschicht (122) verklebt ist.

10. Verfahren zur Übertragung einer Prosthese (102) auf die Haut (104) eines Trägers, wobei besagtes Verfahren die folgenden Schritte umfasst:

Bereitstellen eines ersten Übertragungsabschnitts (106) und eines zweiten Übertragungsabschnitts (118), wobei besagter erster Übertragungsabschnitt (106) eine Prosthese (102) und eine Trennfolie (108) beinhaltet, wobei besagte Prosthese (102) eine Außenfläche (110) und eine Innenfläche (112) aufweist, wobei besagte Trennfolie (108) eine erste Seite (114) und eine zweite Seite (116) aufweist, wobei besagte erste Seite (114) in abziehbar trennbar verklebtem Eingriff mit besagter Innenfläche (112) ist, wobei besagter zweiter Übertragungsabschnitt (118) ein Übertragungssubstrat (120), eine Klebeschicht (122) und eine dazwischen angeordnete wasserlösliche Trennschicht (124) beinhaltet;

Auftragen besagter Klebeschicht (122) auf besagte Außenfläche (110);

Abziehen besagter Trennfolie (108) von besagter Innenfläche (112);

Befestigen besagter Innenfläche (112) an der Haut (104) von besagtem Träger;

Verabreichen von Wasser an besagtes Übertragungssubstrat (120); und

Entfernen des besagten Übertragungssubstrats (120).

11. Verfahren wie in Anspruch 10 definiert, wobei besagter zweiter Übertragungsabschnitt (118) eine Siegelschicht (126) beinhaltet, die zwischen besagter Klebeschicht (122) und besagter Trennschicht (124) angeordnet ist, und vorzugsweise, wobei besagte Siegelschicht (126) im Wesentlichen wasserunlöslich ist.

12. Verfahren wie in Anspruch 10 definiert, wobei, in besagtem Bereitstellungsschritt, besagter erster Übertragungsabschnitt (106) und besagter zweiter Übertragungsabschnitt (118) in abziehbar separierbarem verklebtem Eingriff miteinander sind, worin besagter abziehend separierbarer verklebter Eingriff zwischen besagter zweiter Seite (116) und besagter Klebeschicht (122) besteht.

13. Verfahren wie in Anspruch 12 definiert, wobei besagte erste Seite (114) und besagte zweite Seite (116) jeweils silikonbehandelt sind oder wobei das Verfahren ferner den Schritt des abziehenden Separierens des besagten zweiten Übertragungsabschnitts (118) von besagtem erstem Übertragungsabschnitt (106) vor besagtem Auftragungsschritt umfasst.

14. Verfahren zur Herstellung eines Kits zur Übertragung einer Prosthese (102) auf die Haut (104) eines Trägers, wobei besagtes Verfahren die folgenden Schritte umfasst:

Bereitstellen einer Trennfolie (108) und eines zweiten Übertragungsabschnitts (118), wobei besagte Trennfolie (108) eine erste Seite (114) und eine zweite Seite (116) aufweist, wobei besagter zweiter Übertragungsabschnitt (118) ein Übertragungssubstrat (120), eine Klebeschicht (122) und eine dazwischen angeordnete wasserlösliche Trennschicht (124) beinhaltet;

Auswählen einer Rückhalteplatte (144) und einer Hohlraumform (146), wobei besagte Rückhalteplatte (144) generell starr ist und eine Führungsfläche (148) und eine Formtasche (150) aufweist, die sich generell von besagter Führungsfläche (148) hin zu einem Taschenboden (152) erstreckt, wobei besagte Hohlraumform (146) generell flexibel ist und eine Außenfläche (154) und einen prosthetischen Hohlraum (156) aufweist, der sich generell von dort nach innen erstreckt, wobei besagte Rückhalteplatte (144) dafür ausgelegt ist, besagte Hohlraumform (146) trennbar darin so aufzunehmen, dass besagte Außenfläche (154) im Wesentlichen koplanar mit besagter Führungsfläche (148) ist;

Einführen eines Volumens einer prosthetischen Vorläuferflüssigkeit in besagten prosthetischen Hohlraum (156), wodurch ein prosthetischer Vorläufer (158) innerhalb von besagtem prosthetischem Hohlraum (156) und Vorläufer-Überschuss (160) generell darüber entstehen;

Abschaben von besagtem Vorläufer-Überschuss (160) von besagter Hohlraumform (146) durch Ziehen einer Rakel (162) über besagte Außenfläche (154), während besagte Rakel (162) in Kontakt mit besagter Führungsfläche (148) bleibt;

Auftragen besagter Trennfolie (108) über besagte Führungsfläche (148) mit besagter erster Seite (114) in Kontakt mit besagtem prosthetischem Vorläufer (158);

Zulassen dessen, dass besagter prosthetischer Vorläufer (158) innerhalb von besagtem prosthetischem Hohlraum (156) aushärtet, wodurch besagter prosthetischer Vorläufer (158) und besagte Trennfolie (108) in einen ersten Übertragungsabschnitt (106) mit einer Prosthese (102) und besagter Trennfolie (108) transformiert werden, wobei besagte Prosthese (102) eine Außenfläche (110) und eine Innenfläche (112) aufweist, wobei besagte erste Seite (114) abziehbar trennbar mit besagter Innenfläche (112) verklebt ist;

Auswerfen besagter Hohlraumform (146) aus besagter Rückhalteplatte (144); und

Extrahieren des besagten ersten Übertragungsabschnitts (106) aus besagter Hohlraumform (146).

15. Verfahren wie in Anspruch 14 definiert, wobei besagte Rückhalteplatte (144) mindestens eine Auswurföffnung (164) in Fluidkommunikation mit besagtem Taschenboden (152) beinhaltet und besagter Auswurfschritt durch die mindestens eine Auswurföffnung (164) und eine auf besagte Hohlraumform (146) ausgeübte Auswurfkraft ermöglicht wird, und vorzugsweise, wobei besagte Auswurfkraft mindestens teilweise dadurch ausgeübt wird, dass Druckgas durch besagte mindestens eine Auswurföffnung (164) strömt.

Revendications

1. Un kit (100) permettant de transférer un appareil prothétique (102) sur la peau (104) d'un porteur, ledit kit (100) comprenant :

une première partie de transfert (106) incluant un appareil prothétique (102) et un film de décollage (108), ledit appareil prothétique (102) ayant une surface extérieure (110) et une surface intérieure (112), ledit film de décollage (108) ayant une première face (114) et une deuxième face (116), ladite première face (114) étant collée de manière décollable par pelage à ladite surface intérieure (112) ; et

une deuxième partie de transfert (118) incluant un substrat de transfert (120), une couche adhésive (122) et une couche de décollage soluble dans l'eau (124) disposées entre eux.

2. Un kit (100) tel que défini dans la revendication 1 où ladite deuxième partie de transfert (118) inclut une couche d'étanchéité (126) disposée entre ladite couche adhésive (122) et ladite couche de décollage (124), et de préférence où ladite couche d'étanchéité (126) est sensiblement insoluble dans l'eau.

3. Un kit (100) tel que défini dans la revendication 1 où ladite première partie de transfert (106) et ladite deuxième partie de transfert (118) sont jointes séparément au moyen de ladite deuxième face (116) étant collée de manière décollable par pelage à ladite couche adhésive (122), et de préférence où ladite première face (114) et ladite deuxième face (116) sont chacune traitée au silicone.

4. Un kit (100) tel que défini dans la revendication 1 où ladite couche adhésive (122) est sensiblement composée d'un adhésif sensible à la pression.

5. Un kit (100) tel que défini dans la revendication 1 où ledit appareil prothétique (102) est sensiblement composé d'un matériau sélectionné dans le groupe constitué par de l'adhésif acrylique à base d'eau sensible à la pression, du silicone, du caoutchouc de latex, de la gélatine, du plastique thermofusible, de la colle thermofusible, de la mousse d'uréthane et de la mousse de latex.

6. Un kit (100) tel que défini dans la revendication 1 où ledit appareil prothétique (102) inclut un colorant de base et un colorant d'accentuation, ledit colorant d'accentuation étant sensiblement sur ladite surface extérieure et étant visuellement distinct dudit colorant de base.

7. Un kit (100) tel que défini dans la revendication 1 où ladite première partie de transfert (106) inclut une multiplicité desdits appareils prothétiques (102).

8. Un kit (100) tel que défini dans la revendication 1 comprenant en outre une partie emballage, ladite partie emballage incluant un élément d'emballage arrière (132), un élément d'emballage avant (134) et un élément de bulle (136), ledit élément de bulle (136) étant sensiblement transparent et ayant une section bride sensiblement plane (138) et un compartiment fenêtre (140) dépassant vers l'extérieur de celui-ci, ledit élément d'emballage avant (134) ayant une ouverture de compartiment recevant au moins une partie dudit compartiment fenêtre (140) sensiblement à travers celui-ci, lesdits éléments d'emballage avant et arrière (134, 132) étant joints de manière adhésive de façon à assujettir de manière serrée et sensiblement non adhésive lesdites première et deuxième parties de transfert (106, 118) entre ladite section bride (138) et ledit élément d'emballage arrière (132), dans lequel ledit appareil prothétique (102) est sensiblement empêché d'entrer en contact avec ladite partie emballage et reste visible de l'extérieur dudit compartiment fenêtre (140).

9. Un kit (100) tel que défini dans la revendication 2, dans lequel :

ladite couche adhésive (122) est sensiblement composée d'un adhésif sensible à la pression ; et

ladite première partie de transfert (106) et ladite deuxième partie de transfert (118) sont jointes séparément au moyen de ladite deuxième face (116) étant collée de manière décollable par pelage à ladite couche adhésive (122).

10. Un procédé de transfert d'un appareil prothétique (102) sur la peau (104) d'un porteur, ledit procédé comprenant les étapes consistant à :

fournir une première partie de transfert (106) et une deuxième partie de transfert (118), ladite première partie de transfert (106) incluant un appareil prothétique (102) et un film de décollage (108), ledit appareil prothétique (102) ayant une surface extérieure (110) et une surface intérieure (112), ledit film de décollage (108) ayant une première face (114) et une deuxième face (116), ladite première face (114) étant dans un engagement de liaison décollable par pelage avec ladite surface intérieure (112), ladite deuxième partie de transfert (118) incluant un substrat de transfert (120), une couche adhésive (122) et une couche de décollage soluble dans l'eau (124) disposées entre eux ;

appliquer ladite couche adhésive (122) sur ladite surface extérieure (110) ;

peler ledit film de décollage (108) de ladite surface intérieure (112) ;

apposer ladite surface intérieure (112) sur la peau (104) dudit porteur ;

administrer de l'eau audit substrat de transfert (120) ; et

retirer ledit substrat de transfert (120).

11. Un procédé tel que défini dans la revendication 10 où ladite deuxième partie de transfert (118) inclut une couche d'étanchéité (126) disposée entre ladite couche adhésive (122) et ladite couche de décollage (124), et de préférence où ladite couche d'étanchéité (126) est sensiblement insoluble dans l'eau.

12. Un procédé tel que défini dans la revendication 10 où, dans ladite étape consistant à fournir, ladite première partie de transfert (106) et ladite deuxième partie de transfert (118) sont dans un engagement de liaison séparable par pelage l'une avec l'autre, dans lequel ledit engagement de liaison séparable par pelage est entre ladite deuxième face (116) et ladite couche adhésive (122).

13. Un procédé tel que défini dans la revendication 12 où ladite première face (114) et ladite deuxième face (116) sont chacune traitée au silicone, ou où le procédé comprend en outre l'étape consistant à séparer par pelage ladite deuxième partie de transfert (118) de ladite première partie de transfert (106) avant ladite étape consistant à appliquer.

14. Un procédé de fabrication un kit permettant de transférer un appareil prothétique (102) sur la peau (104) d'un porteur, ledit procédé comprenant les étapes consistant à :

fournir un film de décollage (108) et une deuxième partie de transfert (118), ledit film de décollage (108) ayant une première face (114) et une deuxième face (116), ladite deuxième partie de transfert (118) incluant un substrat de transfert (120), une couche adhésive (122) et une couche de décollage soluble dans l'eau (124) disposées entre eux ;

sélectionner une plaque de retenue (144) et un moule à cavité (146), ladite plaque de retenue (144) étant généralement rigide et ayant une face de guidage (148) et une poche de moule (150) s'étendant généralement de ladite face de guidage (148) vers un fond de poche (152), ledit moule à cavité (146) étant généralement flexible et ayant une face extérieure (154) et une cavité prothétique (156) s'étendant généralement vers l'intérieur de celui-ci, ladite plaque de retenue (144) étant adaptée pour y recevoir de manière décollable ledit moule à cavité (146) de telle sorte que ladite face extérieure (154) est sensiblement coplanaire avec ladite face de guidage (148) ;

introduire un volume d'un fluide précurseur prothétique dans ladite cavité prothétique (156), ce qui forme un précurseur prothétique (158) dans ladite cavité prothétique (156) et un excédent de précurseur (160) généralement au-dessus ;

racler ledit excédent de précurseur (160) dudit moule à cavité (146) en faisant glisser une raclette (162) sur ladite face extérieure (154) tandis que ladite raclette (162) reste en contact avec ladite face de guidage (148) ;

appliquer ledit film de décollage (108) sur ladite face de guidage (148) avec ladite première face (114) en contact avec ledit précurseur prothétique (158) ;

permettre audit précurseur prothétique (158) de durcir dans ladite cavité prothétique (156), ce qui transforme ledit précurseur prothétique (158) et ledit film de décollage (108) en une première partie de transfert (106) incluant un appareil prothétique (102) et ledit film de décollage (108), ledit appareil prothétique (102) ayant une surface extérieure (110) et une surface intérieure (112), ladite première face (114) étant collée de manière décollable par pelage sur ladite surface intérieure (112) ;

éjecter ledit moule à cavité (146) de ladite plaque de retenue (144) ; et

extraire ladite première partie de transfert (106) dudit moule à cavité (146).

15. Un procédé tel que défini dans la revendication 14 où ladite plaque de retenue (144) inclut un ou plusieurs orifices d'éjection (164) en communication fluidique avec ledit fond de poche (152), et ladite étape consistant à éjecter est facilitée au moyen du ou des orifices d'éjection (164) et d'une force d'éjection imposée sur ledit moule à cavité (146), et de préférence où ladite force d'éjection est au moins partiellement imposée au moyen de gaz pressurisé s'écoulant par ledit ou lesdits orifices d'éjection (164).

Drawing