Package and method for preparing orthopedic cast-making materials

Abstract

Spool of tape and all necessary resin-forming reactant liquids are packaged in a 'one-shot', disposable container for delivery to a physician who mounts the unopened package on an activator machine which spins it in successive operational stages to first activate the reactant liquids by mixing in a mixing region of the package and then wet the tape with the activated liquid by centrifuge, subsequent centrifuging removing excess liquid, whereupon the package is opened and the spool of tape, now damp with the curing resin thereon, is removed for winding on the patient's body to form a polyurethane resin orthopedic cast which hardens within minutes in air and without additional curing procedures. Preferred reactant liquids, plasticizers, and catalysts are disclosed, which have long shelf-life within the package. Package of materials includes special container having inner container containing one reactant liquid; means for opening inner container upon mounting package on activator machine to permit its contents to mix with other reactant liquid disposed at the bottom of the outer container; paddle members for mixing the reactants responsive to intermittent spinning of the package while in a tilted position; and an interior partition configured both to provide a funnel for channeling the polymerizing liquid into a hollow core of the tape spool, and to provide a peripherally extending excess liquid collection region surrounding and extending below the tape spool.