Theresa Richards

US Patent:

6126671, Oct 3, 2000

Filed:

May 7, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/852633

Inventors:

Theresa Richards - Fitchburg MA
Frank Bimbo - Peterborough NH

Assignee:

TFX Medical, Incorporated - Jaffrey NH

International Classification:

A61B 1700
A41D 1900
A43B 2328

US Classification:

606190

Abstract:

Grasping devices and articles exhibit enhanced gripping or holding power to a variety of surfaces, including surfaces that are slippery or otherwise difficult to hold. The invention involves in some aspects the discovery and use of gripping materials that have the unexpected enhanced capability to provide enhanced holding power to a variety of surfaces, including surfaces that are wet, slippery or otherwise potentially difficult to manipulate effectively, or surfaces on which it may be difficult to maintain an effective grip or traction. The gripping material is smooth and has a relative surface area roughness of between about 1. 03 and about 10. 5.