#$%^&*AU2013206733A120140130.pdf#####SURGICAL SEAL ASSEMBLY INCLUDING A GUARD MEMBER ABSTRACT A surgical seal assembly (100) including a seal (150) and a guard member (160) cooperating with the seal (150), the guard member (160) constructed as a flat element that is subsequently deformed for assembly and which, when assembled, may assume a shape of the seal (150) so as to protect the seal (150) from instruments inserted therethrough. By being generally flat when constructed, the guard member (160) may be manufactured more easily and more cheaply than prior art guard components that are molded.
