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NASAL EPIDERMAL LIFTING MECHANISM
This is a divisio=ual. of Canadian National. Phase
Patent Application Serial N«. 2.,23,505 filed on
January 17, 1997.
Background of the Invention
7'he present invention relates generally devices that may be used in the
healing arts and arts generally related thereto. More specifically, the
present
invention relates to devices which may be used for a variety of purposes
including
but not limited to dressings for wounds, bandages, drug delivery systems,
epidermal
to lifting mechanisms, and positioning mechanisms for positioning epidermal
layers of
skin on humans and/or animals in a predetermined manner. The present invention
is thus believed to have application in the medical and veterinary sciences.
Several forms of the present invention relate to epidermal lifting mechanisms
and methods for increasing the flow of gases into the hmnan body and more
~ s specifically to an epidermal lifting mechanism and method for allowing
more
oxygen to pass through the n,isal cavity thus increasing both the flow of
oxygen into
the lungs and the flow of air exhaled from the lungs. Consequently,
embodiments of
the present invention are also related to a group of devices which are
sometimes
called nasal dilators. The present invention provides a comfortable and
effective
zp device for allowing increased gas flow rates through the nasal passages and
into the
~711~fTC
~m~~.r.
Additionally, the present invention is an improvement in the field of
bandages and suturing aids in that a person may use the present invention to
hold
the ends of a wound together or apart for the purposes of suturing or cleaning
the
25 wound and/or incision. h'urther, t1e device of the present invention may be
used to
apply medicine or anti-bacterial agents to a wound or incision. Also, some
embodiments of the present invention may be used isolate a wound or burn in a
sterile environment while allowing; access t.o the wound area for purposes
such as
irrigating the wound. Further, some embodiments of the present invention may
be
3o used to stabilize the wound or burn area so that the skin around the wound
or burn
does not stretch with the movement of <~n individual and thus prevents further
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damage to the wound during the healing process and al7_ows
for more effective healing of the wound or burn.
Summarv of the Invention
In a broad aspect, there is provided a dres:~ing
comprising: a plurality of anchor structures, a treat=ment
section, and an elastic material; said elastic material
extending from said anchoring structure to said treatment
section; said elastic material being coupled to at least one
anchoring structure at a first coupling section and to said
treatment section at a second coupling section.
Furthermore, there is provided a dressing
mechanism comprising: a plurality of anchor structures, a
treatment structure, and an elastic material; said elastic
material extending from one of said plurality of anchoring
structures to said treatment structure; said elastic
material including a first coupling section and a second
coupling section, said elastic material being coupled to
said one of said plurality of anchoring structures at said
first coupling section and to said treatment structure at
said second coupling section and wherein said one of said
plurality of anchor structures includes a slit structure for
receiving said first coupling section of said elastic
material.
The present invention has many applications. The
present invention may be generally described as a structure
for aiding in the following activities: as an epidermal
lifting mechanism for providing a lifting force to a
predetermined area of the epidermis, such as the area
located to either side of the bridge of a persons nose to
provide an increased flow rate of gas through (inhaled and
exhaled) the nasal passage, e.g., a nasal dilator; a
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structure for aiding in keeping an incision open; a
structure for aiding in keeping a wound open for cleansing;
a structure for aiding in keeping the ends or edges o:E an
incision or wound in close, neat, even, alignment by the
application of an even pressure across the wound, burn, or
incision, so that the area requiring treatment may heal, or
be sutured and closed, neatly and thus develop minima:L scar
tissue; or as an epidermal positioning mechanism as a device
for applying medicine to a wound or other desired place on
the epidermis of a human or animal.
With respect to the invention's applications as a
dressing the invention may be generally described as
comprising: a first section, a second section, and a third
section. Of these three sections, the first section is
coupled to the second section and the second section is
coupled to the third section. The second section comprising
an elastic material with the first section and the third
section each having a first side; and a predetermined portion
of the first side including an adhesive located thereon. The
second section of the invention may include a plurality of
openings of a predetermined size and predetermined shape.
It should be noted that the predetermined shape or
shapes of the openings may be spatially organized in a
predetermined manner respective to each other. This -_s
because in one embodiment of the present invention the second
section is located between the first and third sections and is
preferably composed of an elastic material. By placing
openings in the elastic material at predetermined locations
the strength of the elastic material, when the elastic:
material is stretched, may be varied and the distribution of
force across the elastic material may by varied. Also, the
openings can be used to provide a visual reference to a user
of the amount of
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stress being placed upon the second section and whether or not that section
has
been stretched sufficiently or been stretched too much since the shape of the
openings will change in response to the degree to which the elastic material
is
stretched. Such a visual reference would be useful to medical personnel where,
e.g.,
s it is desirable for a predetermined amount of pressure to be applied to a
wound.
Further, the second section includes a first margin (if the second section is
round then there is structurally just one annular margin near at least a
portion of
the perimeter of the second section) a second margin. The first section may be
integral or coupled to the second section at the first margin; and the third
section
~o may be integral or coupled to the second section at the second margin.
Preferably, but not necessarily, the first section and the third section are
laminated materials comprising a first layer, a second intermediate layer, and
a
third layer; with the third layer including the first side coated with
adhesive .and
protected prior to use by a silicone release liner. The second section
includes a first
is margin and a second margin. The first section includes a first channel
located
between the first layer and the third layer of the first section for
receivingrthe first
margin. The second section includes a second.channel located between the first
layer and the third layer of the second section for receiving the second
margin. The
second intermediate layer comprising an adhesive material. The first margin
and
zo the second margin of the second section respectively including at least one
opening
and the first margin engaging the second intermediate layer in the first
channel
and the adhesive material extending through the opening of the first margin;
and
the second margin engaging the second intermediate layer in the second channel
and the adhesive material extending through the opening of the second margin.
2s The first and third layer of the first section and the first and third
layer of
the third section preferably being an inelastic material in
some embodiments. The inelastic material may be of any
suitable material such as a TYVEK* brandy type of material.
Alternatively, the dressing mechanism may be described as comprising: a
3o first section, a second section, and a third section such that the first
section is
coupled to the second section and the second section is coupled to the third
section.
The first section and the third section comprising an elastic material and the
first
3
*Trademark
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section and the third section each having a first side; and a predetermined
portion
of the first side including an adhesive located thereon.
Further, the second section includes at least one opening of a predetermined
size and the first section and the third section each include at least one
opening
comprising a predetermined shapce. As previously noted the openings of
predetermined shape are spatially organized in a predetermined manner
respective
to each other.
Also, the second section may include at least one margin and the first section
and the third section each have a respective margin area. The first section
margin
~o is coupled to the second section at a first predetermined portion the
margin of the
second section. The third section rrrargin teeing coupled to the second
section at a
second predetermined portion of the margin of the second section.
Preferably, tl-~e second section is a laminated material comprising at least a
first layer, a second intermediate Layer, and a third layer; the third layer
including
is the first side. The fast section anti the. thzrd section including a first
section margin
and a third section margin. Both the first section margin and the third
section
margin being composed of an elastic material. The second section including at
least
one channel located between the first layer and the third layer of the second
section
at the second section margin for receiving the margins of the first and third
?o sections. The second intermediate layer comprising an adhesive material.
The first
section margin and the third section margin respectively including at least
one
opening and the margins of the first and third sections engaging the second
intermediate layer in the channel at the respective first predetermined margin
area
and second predetermined margin area so that the adhesive material extends
25 through the openings formed in the material which makes up the first and
third
section margins. The first and third layer of the second section may, in this
embodiment, comprises an inelastic material. The inelastic material may be a
polyester.
Further, the second section includes at least one opening or at least one
3o generally transparent section to either allow the wound or burn to be
exposed to the
air to be observed visually. Additionally, the second section could be
modified to
. include a mechanism for irrigating the wound or burn under the bandage so
that
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the wound or burn could be cleaned or treated without having to remove the
dressing. Also, at least one side of the second section could be designed so
that it is
capable of isolating the wound in a clean enviromnent by creating a solid
antiseptic
barrier around the wound through the use of a colloid type adhesive or be
capable of
contacting a wound or burn so that medicine could be applied to the wound or
burn
directly.
With respect the features of the present invention as an epidermal lifting
mechanism, the epidermal lifting mechanism may be generally described as
comprising at least one strip of material having a first side and a second
side, the
1o strip further including a first. end t?ortion and a second end portion.
Between the
first side and the second side are preferably one or more layers of
predetermined
materials.
These layers of materials include without limitation, a silicone coated
release
liner, an adhesive system to adhere the epidermal lifting mechanism to the
nose, a
15 top layer of material, and a spring mechanism. Obviously, the release liner
is
removed prior to placing the epidermal lifting mechanism on the bridge of the
nose.
The adhesive system, just like the adhesive system for the dressing mechanism,
can
include a pressure sensitive hypo-allergenic acrylic or a hydrocolloid
material but
any suitable adhesive system may be used. The top layer of material can be
either
zo a non-woven material or a material with some stretch characteristics such
as a
three mil polyurethane film. The spring ruechanism may comprise a polyester
film
(usually 2 mils to 8 mils in thickness but any suitable thickness range may be
used,
e.g., 1 - 15 mils would be suitable as an alternative thickness range but any
thickness range can be used depeanding upon the desired use and durability)
zs laminated to a spun bonded polyester material. The spun bonded polyester
material may or may nat be coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive. The
spring
mechanism may be a plurality of materials which are laminated together.
Although unitary, the mechanism :has tine following components: a pair of
nose pods and a bridge section. The nose pods include an exposed adhesive
surface
3o which is bonded to the skin on the sides of the nose. The bridge section of
the device
has at least one fulcrum point, located at the bridge of the nose when it is
applied to
the bridge of a nose, anti lies acr~..~ss the bridge of the nose.
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However, it should also be noted that the present invention could be applied
to simply one side of the nose witlu the bridge section of the device ending
at the top
of the bridge of the nose and being adhered thereto. Alternatively, the bridge
section could simply be a strip of resilient or elastic material which is
connected to
s the cheek of the wearer at one end by use of an ~rdhesive material and the
nose pod
being connected to the side of the nasal passage at the other end.
It should be noted that it is preferable for the nose pods to include
horseshoe
shaped slits or cuts which are mac:le in the top layer of the material through
the
adhesive layer which, when applied to the nose, allows the spring action to
generate
t0 a uniform lifting force in a suction cup like manner while at the same time
applying
a shearing force to the adhesive itself due to the presence of the slit
structures,
rather than a lifting force thereby creating flexibility from the lift point
to the
adhesion point. F3y decreasing the lifting peel) force on the adhesive, the
st;ability
of the bond between the adhesive and the skin is greatly increased and allows
more
i s flexibility of the dilator during facial movement. Thus the dilator will
stay
comfortably in place even during vigorous movement by the wearer; even when
used in applications other than a nasal dilator.
A pair of flaps attached adjacent to the bridge section of the epidermal
lifting
mechanism create another pair of fulcrum points (fulcrum point 2) between the
20 bridge of the nose (fulcrum point 1) and the adhesive material thereby
increasing
the dilation force of the outer epidermis of the nasal passages. The
additional
fulcrum points are accomplished by folding ef the flaps adjacent to the bridge
section underneath the epidermal lifting mechanism allowing the adhesive area
of
each flap to adhere to the bottom adhesive area of the bridge section of the
2s epidermal lifting mechanism securing it in place. The flaps include
perforations for
ease of folding.
As discussed above, the pair of flaps create an additional fulcrum point.
Further, when folded they tirovide a cushioned area for the bridge of the nose
to
cover the adhesive on the underside of the epidermal lifting mechanism so when
3o applied for several hours and then removf>d discomfort to the skin tissue
on the
bridge of the nose is eliminated.
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When the top and bottom spring laminates are laminated together and the
epidermal lifting mechanism is applied to the nose, the bending of the multi-
level
springing increases the opening force to the nasal passages over a single
level
spring. Adding a layer of spring material on top of another layer of spring
material
s creates a leaf spring action. Because there :is a stretching force
introduced into the
top layer when bent over a fulcrum point, a stronger spring action is created
as
compared to a single layer spring of equal of thickness. Furthermore, bending
ovex
a fulcrum point or at multiple fulcrum points further improves the spring
action.
Additionally, various taod configurations may be used to allow for flexibility
0 of the bottom spring and/or to allow the pods to conform to the irregular
surfaces of
a
the nose or epidermal layer to which they are applied.
A l~ey advantage of this mechanism is that anytime a person engages in
physical activity that increases his or her heart rate, this mechanism allows
for the
delivery of more oxygen to the lungs. Further, the mechanism allows for more
air to
1 a be effectively exhaled and thus both inhalation and exhalation are
enhanced so
overall breathing efficiency is enhanced.
Alternatively, this invention may bc~ described as a method for increasing the
flow rate of gas through the nasal passages, the method comprising the steps
of
applying the epidermal lifting mechanism by bending the spring material over
the
o bridge of the nose so that the adhesive material of the nose pods comes into
positive
Contact Wlth the SldeS Ul the 11u5e aW d ieicaSiilg th 2 aCBG pCd$ tla.',S
allOwrng the
springs to mechanically lift the epidermal surface of the nose and increase
the size
of the nasal passage openings.
Alternatively, the present invention may be structure which may be used as
25 a nasal dilator wherein the nasal dilator comprises two separate pieces
each
capable of acting independently of the other. Each piece having at least one
nose
pod and an elastic member nr strip attached to that nose pod. The elastic
member
or strip having a first end and a second end with the nose pods being attached
to
the first end. The elastic member having a second end attached to an anchor
3o mechanism. The anchor mechanism having a first side and an adhesive
material
included thereon. The nose pod having the previously described structure for a
nose
pod. The anchor mechanism being applied to a predetermined area on a persons
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cheek a sufficient distance away from the side of the persons nose so that the
nose
pod, coupled to the elastic member, may be applied to the outside surface or
epidermis surrounding the nasal passage of a persons nosh and the elastic
member
retracting between the anchor mechanism and the nose. ~>od causing lifting of
the
epidermis on the side of the nose and thereby increasing the opening of the
nasal
passage way.
Accordingly, the present invention may be considered an epidermal positioning
mechanism having an elastic material coupled to a first end piece and a second
piece. The first and second end pieces each having at least one side including
an
to adhesive material. Preferably, but Ilot necessarily, depending upon the
application
of the present invention, at least one of the end pieces would be the
anchoring
structure or mechanism while the other end piece acts as a lifting end piece.
Additionally the present invention need not solely be used as a nasal dilator
but, as previously noted, may also be used as an epidermal positioning system
for
1 s treatments of wounds and incisions by either keeping the wound or incision
open for
the purpose of medical treatment such as surgical procedures or cleansing of
the
wound or incision or by positioning the ends of the woun;l together in close
proximity to aid in suturing of a wound or simply to be used as a suture
mechanism
in and of itself to hold the ends of a wound tagether or to hold the ends of
an
20 incision together.
rurther, when the device of the present invention is used over a wound it
may also have application as a bandage. For example, the elastic or resilient
material will have at least one sine positioned over and adjacent the wound or
incision area. This side positioned over or adjacent the wound or incision
area may
2s have a medicinal material applied thereto. This medicinal material may be,
for
example, zinc chromate or an alginate like calcium or sodium alginate; each of
those
materials respectively having an~i-bacterial and clot enhancing capabilities.
Other
medicinal materials or even non-medicinal materials could also be applied
using the
device of the present invention depending upon the goals and results desired
of the
3o particular user.
If the epidermal positioning mechanism of the present invention is used as a
bandage it should be noted that <~ bandage structure could be combined with
the
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present invention such that the bandage structure would h;~ve at least a first
end
and second end and elastic material would be coupled to the first end and to
the
second end with an anchoring st:ruct.ure coupled to a portion of the elastic
material
as well. This would provide at least tvvo anchor points at the ends of the
resilient
elastic material not coupled to the bandage structure. In tluis manner one of
the
anchor structures could be adhered to the skim at a predetermined position and
the
bandage structure positioned over the wound or incision by stretching the
resilient
or elastic material and then applying the other anchor structure could be to
the skin
at another predetermined position. In this manner, the elastic material will
W contract and this will have the effect of forcing the bandage material into
more
positive contact with the wound and thereby enhance the effectiveness of the
bandaged material. If desired a in~~dicinal compound couicl be applied to the
surface
of the bandage material ~x~hirh is adj acent to the surface of the wound or
incision.
The anchoring structure in such a use would of course comprise at least two
is end pieces coupled to the elastic material at predetermined positions and
the end
pieces would include an adhesive material attached to a side of the anchoring
end
pieces adjacent to the epidern~.is or skin to which they are to be attached.
The
bandage structure could also have a medicinal material applied to it as
previously
noted with respect to the elastic material.
?o Additionally, the mechanism of the present invention could be described as
epidermal lifting mechanism having anchor/lifting portions, connected via an
elastic
or stretchable material, and include an adhesive surfaco. The anchor/lifting
portions being such that each portion, depending upon where it is applied, may
act
as either an anchor portion or a lifting portion. The anchorllifting portions
having
2s a plurality of incisions or cuts of predetermined shape which divide each
anchor/lifting portion into a plurality of adhesive areas. This division of
the
anchor/lifting portion into a plurality of adhesive areas allows the
anchor/lifting
portion adhesive areas to he divided such that after a first anchorllifting
portion is
applied to the desired epidermal location a first predetermined portion of
that first
30 anchor/lifting mechanism may lie heeled away and leave a second
predetermined
portion, having a predetermined shape clue to the plurality of cuts ar
incisions, in
place on the epidermal location. Subsequently, a second anchorllifting
portion,
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connected to the first anchor/liftin~; portion via the elastic material, may
be applied
to a second predetermined or desired epidermal location sco that the elastic
material
is stretched a desired amount. The second anchor%lifting portion, if it is
substantially similar to the fir:>t anchor/lifting portion nmay be applied to
the
a epidermis so that it may be peeled away and leave a second predetermined
portion,
having a predetermined shape due to the plurality of cuts or incisions, in
place on
the epidermal location. Accordingly, the first and second anchor/lifting
portions
may act as a separate anchor point. and lifting point or as separate anchor
points or
as separate lifting points anti the elastic material may simply be used to
supply
1o tension between the points or it m::~y be used to apply a material such as
a medicine
to the epidermis located between the two points or it may be used to supply
tension
and apply a material between the two points; etc.
Further, the present invention may be described as a method for using a
dressing mechanism where the dressing mechanism comprises a first section, a
t5 second section, and a third secvion; the first section being coupled to the
second
section and the second section being coupled to the third section; the first
section
and the third section comprising an el~~stic material; the first section and
the third
section each having a first side; and a predetermined portion of the first
side
including an adhesive located thereon. The method consequently comprising:
First,
zo applying the first section to a first predetermined location on an
epidermis.
Second, pulling the third section toward a second predetermined location on
the
epidermis. Third, applying the third section to the second predetermined
location
on the epidermis.
Alternatively, the method c°ould be described as a method for using a
dressing
zs comprising a plurality of anchor structures, a treatment section, and an
elastic
material. The elastic material extending from the anchoring structure to the
treatment section. The elastic material being coupled to at least one
anchoring
structure at a first coupling section and to the treatment section at a second
coupling section. The method comprising the strips of positioning the
treatment
3o section over a first predetermined area of an epidermis; applying at least
one
anchor structure to a second predetermined area of the r,pidermis; and
applying at
one other anchor structure t.o a third predetermined area of the epidermis.
io
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l7PSCription of ttze Drawings
Figwre 1 is a top plan view of a prior art nasal strip.
Figure lA is a top plan view of the prior art nasal strip of Figure 1
including the
flaps of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a side elevational view of a relaxed mufti-level spring.
Figure 3 is a side elevational view of a tensioned mufti-leveled spring bent
over a
fulcrum point.
Figure 4 is a side elevational view e.~f the epidermal lifting mechanism
showing its
layered components.
Figure 5 is a schematic side elevational view of the epidermal lifting
mechanism
wherein the arrows depict the sheer force and peeling forces.
Figure f is a top plan view of an end portioci of the epidermal lifting
mechanism.
Figure 7 is a bottom plan view of the epidermal lifting mechanism.
Figure 8 is a side elevational view c:lepictin,g the y~rimary layers of the
epidermal
lifting mechanism.
Figure 9 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the epidermal
lifting
mechanism.
Figure 10 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the epidermal
lifting
mechanism.
?o Figure 11 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the epidermal
lifting
ineciiditi5txi.
Figure 12 is a top plan view of an ,:alternative embodiment of the epidermal
lifting
mechanism.
Figure 13 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the epidermal
lifting
2~ mechanism.
Figure 14 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment, of the epidermal
lifting
mechanism.
Figure 15 is a side elevational view showing the epidermal lifting mechanism
properly positioned on the bridge c>f the nose.
3u Figure 16 is a side elevation al view showing the epidermal lifting
mechanism
improperly positioned too high on the bridge of the nose.
:L 1
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Figure 1? is as side elevation al view showing the epiderrn~il lifting
mechanism
improperly positioned too low on the brid~;e of the nose.
Figure 18 is an exploded view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
Figure 19 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the present
invention
including an elastic strip.
Figure 20 is a top plan view of an alternative eml:~odiment of the present
invention
showing an embodiment having application for only one side of a persons nose
or for
raising a predetermined portion of an epidermal layer.
Figure 21 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the present
invention
~ o showing the elastic member having a frrsi: end coupled t.o a pod and a
second end
coupled to an anchor mechanism for application to a selected area of a person
or
animal epidermis. For example, the anchor mechanism could be applied to a
persons cheek and the pod appliee:l to the ~rpidermis of a persons nose to
enhance
opening of the nasal passage.
~5 Figure 22 is a side elevational view illustvrating embodiment of Figure 21
with the
anchor mechanism applied t.o a persons cheek and the pod applied to a side of
a
persons nose..
Figure 23 top plan view which illustrates the embodiment of Figure 21 in use
to
hold an incision open.
3o Figure 24 top plan view which illustrates the embodiment of Figure 19 in
use to
keep an incision closed.
Figure 25 top plan view which illustrates the embodiment Figure 19 in use to
keep
an incision closed with the ends c,f the incision kept in proper alignment to
add in
suturing the incision.
25 Figure 26 is a side elevational view showing the embodiment of either
Figure 21 or
Figure 19 being used on persons nose as a nasal dilator to enhance breathing.
The
embodiment of Figure 19 is believed to be preferable to the embodiment of
Figure
21 for this purpose although either could be used.
Figure 2? is a perspective view generally showing a human nose.
3o Figure 28 is a cross sectional view of the nose in Figure 2? with the nose
shown
absent any nasal dilator.
1:'
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Figure 29 is cross sectional view of the nose in Figure 2? with the nose
shov~~n
being in a stat-a of relatively little air flow through the nasal passages.
Figure 30 is a cross sectional view of the nose in Figure 2? with a nasal
dilator of
the present invention applied illustrating an appreciable air flow through the
nasal
s passages.
Figure 31 is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment of the proposed
invention.
Figure 32 is a top plan view of an additional proposed embodiment of the
present
invention shown as the embodiment would be manufactured and illustrating the
o area that is removed to expoae the adhesive and then bent backwards and
applied
as shown in Figure 33.
Figure 33 is a top plan view of the embodiment shown in Figure 32 applied to
an
epidermal surface and illustrating the shear point, the adhesive, and the
elastic or
stretchable material.
t ~ Figure 34 is a top plan vie«~ of an alternative structure to the
embodiment
illustrated in Figure 19.
Figure 35 is a perspective view of an another alternative structure of the
present
invention.
Figure 3G is a top plan view of ths-~ embodiment disclosed in Figure 35.
3o Figure 37 is a perspective view of an another alternative structure of the
present
invention.
Figure 38 is a top plan view of the embodiment disclosed in Figure 3?.
Figure 39 is a perspective view of an another alternative structure of the
present
invention.
25 Figure 40 is a top plan view of the embodiment disclosed in Figure 39.
Figure 41 is a top pian view another embodilnerrt of the present invention
illustrating an embodirment of the present invention by supper-imposing two
views
of the embodiment; the phantom lines showing the embodiment at rest without
the
latex sections being stretched and the solid lines illustrating the latex
sections
3o being stretched while the center or second section maintains position over
the
treatment area despite the uneven tension applied to the various anchor
sections.
i3
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Figure 42 is a top plan view of the <embocliment shown in E~ figure 41
illustrating how
the second center section may be positioned and various anchoring sections
positioned to adjust the stress or pressure applied at the center section.
Figure 43 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present
invention.
Figure 44 is a top plan view of the embodiment disclosed in Figure 43.
Figure 45 is a perspective view of an another alternative structure of the
present
invention.
Figure 46 is a top plan view of the embodiment disclosed in Figure 45.
Figure 4? is a top plan view illustrating how force may be distributed in two
o directions in a particular embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 48 is a top plan view illustrating how force may b<>. distributed in
four
directions in a particular embodiment of the present invention.
F~'igure 4~ is a perspective view of <~n anoth.er alternative structure of the
present
invention.
> > Figure 50 is a top plan view of the structure disclosed in l~'igure 49.
Figure 51 is a perspective view of an another alternative structure of the
present
invention.
Figure 52 is a top plan view of the structure disclosed in Figure 51.
Figure 53 is a perspective view of an another alternative structure of the
present
20 invention.
Figure _ _54 is :~ top plan view of t.hF-~ ati al_tarn;~ti_v°
~_mbn~3W~Pnt. t.o t_h_g st.rtlr_'t.yre
disclosed in Figure 53.
Figure 55 is a perspective vie«~ of an another alternative structure of the
present
invention.
~s Figure 5f~ is a top plan view of an alterna~ive embodiment of the
alternative
structure shown in Figure 55.
Figure 57 is a top plan view showing the structure disclosed in Figure 55
applied
over the incision of a wound and acting as a guide for suturing the wound.
Figure 58 is a top plan view showing the two of the structures disclosed in
Figl.ire
~0 55 being used to hold a wound open.
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Figure 59 is a perspective view shr~wing the structure disclosed in Figure 55
being
used for guiding an intravenous tube and holding the tube in a predetermined
position.
Figure 60 is a top plan view showing the structure disclosed in Figure 55
holding
the edges of a wound or incision together.
Figure 61 is a perspective view of <~n another alternative structure of the
present
i nvention.
Figure 62 is a top plan view of the structure disclosed in figure Gl.
Figure G3 is a perspective view of an another alternative structure of the
present
~ o invention.
Figure 64 is a top plan view of the structure disclosed in Figure 63.
Figure 65 is a perspective view of an another alternative structure of the
present
invention.
Figure 6G is a top plan view of.'the structure disclosed in Figure 65.
> > Figure G7 is a perspective view of an another alternative structure of the
present
mventlon.
Figure G8 is a view from line G8--68 of Figure 69.
Figure 69 is a top plan view of the structure disclosed in Figure G7.
Figure 70 is a perspective view of an another alternative structure of the
present
20 invention.
Figure i 1 is a top plan view of the structure disclosed in Fig-us=e i v.
Figure ?2 is a perspective view of an another alternative structure of the
present
invention.
Figure i3 is a tap plan view of the structure disclosed in Figure 74.
?s Figure ?4 is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment of the
present
invention.
Figure ?5 is a perspective view of an another alternative structure of the
present
invention.
Figure ?G is a top plan view of the structure disclosed in Figure 75.
3o Figure ? 7 is a cross-sectional view from line ??--7? of Figure 84.
Figure ?8 is a cross-sectional view from line ?8-78 of Figure 86.
Figure ?9 is a cross-sectional view from line ?9-79 of Figure 8G.
1 ~;
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Figure 80 is a cross-sectional view of a structure similar to the structure
disclosed
in Figure 8f illustrating the use of input and output ports which may be used
to
irrigate a wound or deliver trAedicine to a predet.errnined area.
Figure 81 is a view taken from line 81-81 of Figure 39.
Figure 82 is a view taken from line 82-82 of Figure 40
Figure 83 is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment of the present
invention.
Figure 84 is a perspective view of tire alternative struct~.are of the present
invention
disclosed in Figure 83.
Figure 85 is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment of the present
invention.
Figure 86 is a perspective view of the alternative structure of the present
invention
disclosed in Figure 85.
Figure 8'7 is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment of tire
present
invention.
Figure 88 is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment of the present
invention.
Figure 89 is an illustration showing how the embodiment disclosed in Figure 70
may be used on an area of the human body that is subject to a high degree of
20 movement.
FiP,are 90 is an illustration showing how another alternative embodiment of
the
present invention may be used on an area of the human body that is subject to
a
high degree of movement.
Figure 91 illustrates how anotl-ier alternative embodiment of the present
invention
25 may be used as a nasal dilator.
Figure 92 illustrates another method by which the alternative embodiment of
the
present invention shown in Figure 91 may be used as <r nasal dilator.
Figure 93 illustrates how the embodiment shown in Figure 91 may be used to
hold
a flap of skin, in this case a human ear flap, in a predetermined position.
This is
3o useful where its is desired to have easy access to an area that might
otherwise be
blocked by a fold or flap of skin thus making work on that area difficult or
cumbersome.
16
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Detailed I7e:~cr_ iption
Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact t:o enable those skilled
in
the art to practice the invention, the physical embodiments herein disclosed
merely
exemplify the invention which may be embodied in other specific structure.
While
s the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed
without
departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.
The invention comprises an epidermal lifting mechanism for providing a
lifting force to a predetermined epidermal area, such as the bridge of the
nose, to
provide an increased flow rate of gas through the nasal passage and will be
referred
~o to generally as 10 in the following detailed description.
Referring to Figures 1 and lA, a prior art dEwice is shov~~n. The prior art
device shown in Figure 1 is currently marketed by CNS, Inc. of Chanhassen,
Minnesota and sold under the tra~:_lemark BREATHE RIGIiT. The same device is
ShOwI'1 IIl I' figure iA, however the device in Figure iA includes the flaps
of the
a 5 present invention whose structur., and advantages are discussed in detail
below.
The present invention 10 includes a two part mufti-level leaf spring 20 as
shown in Figure 2. The twc part mufti-level leaf spring 20 comprises a pair of
spring laminates 22 and 24. Each spring laminate 22 and 24 is manufactured
from
a 2 mil to 8 mil polyester film laminated to a spun bonded polyester material.
The
2o spun bonded polyester material may or may not be coated with a pressure
sensitive
adhesive. The spring laminates 22 and a4 are laminated together.
As illustrated in Figure 3, when the t.op 24 and bottom 22 spring laminates
are laminated together and the invention 10 is applied to the bridge of the
nose,
represented by the fulcrum point 2fi, the bending of the mufti-level spring 20
?5 increases the apening force to the nasal passages over a single level
spring.
Adding a layer of spring material 2~1 on top of another layer 22 of spring
material creates a leaf spring action. Because there is a stretc'ning force
introduced
into the top layer 24 when bent over a fulcrum point, a stronger (compound)
spring
action is created as compared to a single layer spring of equal thickness.
3o Furthermore, bending over a fulcrum point creates a stronger yet spring
action.
Now referring to Figure 4, the material layers of the invention 10 include a
silicone coated release liner 30, an adhesive system 40 to adhere the
epidermal
77
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liftinglnechanlsm 10 to the hose, a top layer of nlacerial riU, and the two
part. spring
laminate 20. The top layer ~f0 is composed of two layers of material 50A and
50B
and contains the springs 24 and 2~', there between as shown in Figure I8. The
release liner BO is removed prior to placing the mechanism 10 on the bridge of
the
s nose. The adhesive system 40 can either be a pressure sensitive hypo-
allergenic
acrylic or a hydrocolloid system. The top layer of luateri~~l 50 can be either
a non-
woven material or a material with some stretch characteristics such as a 3 mil
polyurethane film.
The preferred embodiment of the invention 10 is shown in Figure 7.
~0 Although unitary in construction, it has the following components: a pair
of pods 60
and a bridge section 70. The pods 60 include an a},posed adhesive surface 62
which
is bonded to the skin on the sides of the nose. The pod 6t:) configurations
allow for
flexibility of the bottom spring 22 to conform to the irregular surfaces of
the nose.
The bridge section r0 of the devie.~~ has at least one fulcrum point as shown
in
~s Figure 3 and lies across the bridge of the nose as shown in Figure 15.
As shown in Figure G, the foods 60 include hor~~~ho~~ shaped cuts 64 in the
top layer of material 50 through the adhesive layer 40 which, when applied to
the
nose, allows the spring action to l;enerate a uniform lifting force in a
suction cuplike
manner while at the same time applies a shearing force to the adhesive itself
rather
~o than a peeling force thereby creating flexibility from the lift point to
the adhesion
p.,;r+ 'T'h;c pl~'.l:c'lpl~ :S d°n:Orist:,~t~,d i,, E,'i5t:''P r'. Fly
~~~r~rna~i_na t_h_P rvP~l fnr~e 4-'_7.
m av. ma.o
'-a r
on the adhesive 40 the bond betv~een the adhesive 40 and the skin is greatly
increased and allows more flexibility of the epidermal lifting mechanism 10
during
facial movement. The shearing forces are shown at 44.
?5 Referring back to Figure ~i, the present invention 10 may be further
improved
by including a pair of flaps 80 which are attached adjacent to the bridge
section 70
of the invention 10. The flaps 80, c~srhen folded underneath or over the
adhesive
layer 40 of the bridge section r0, create another pair of fulcrum points along
lines
82 between the bridge of the no~;e (fulcrum point 2) aIld the pods 60 when the
3o invention 10 is applied to the wearer's nose. Thus. the flaps 80, when
folded,
. function to increase the dilation force to the outer epidermis of the nasal
passages.
I. E?
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More specifically, the additional fu:lcwurn points 82 are accomplished by
folding the flaps 80 underneath the bridge section 'l0 thereby allowing the
adhesive
area of each flap 84 to adhere to the bottom of the bridge section 70 thus
securing it
in place. The flaps 80 further include perforations 86 for ease of folding.
s As discussed above, the pair of flaps 80 add fulcrum points. Accordingly,
when the flaps 80 are folded they form end sections along lines 82 which will
be
located to either side of the bridge of the nose. Each of the end sections
along lines
8'' v~ill act as a fulcrum point in addition to the bridge of the nose thereby
increasing the number of fulcrum points and the mechanical lifting ability of
the
to present invention. Further, when folded they provide a cushioned area for
the
bridge of the nose and cover the adhesive 40 on the underside of the bridge
section
70 so when applied for several hours and then removed, discomfort to the skin
tissue on the bridge of the nose is greatly reduced or eliminated since no
adhesive
has been in cc>ntact with the bridge. of the nose due to the barrier created
by the
s ~ flaps.
The material layers of the invention 10 are shown in Figure 8. Again, the
layers include a silicone coated release liner 30, an adhesive system 40 to
adhere
the epidermal lifting mechanism 10 to the nose, a first spring laminate 22, a
second
spring laminate 24, and a top layer of material 50.
?o Alternative embodiments o'.' the invention lr) are shown in Figures 9
through
1 ~ T., T.'; "r~, 9 +hn ,~,ha'e Cf tl:e '; ~~ ~;fl am ~hnyr; tn bn
rPrt.~r1g211ar iT1_gtegd of
1'S. llt 1 LgW V. , vla... ~ j, C~m .
round. In Figure 10, the horseshoe shaped cuts 64 have been removed and
additional slits GG and GGA have been added. In this embodiment, when the
flaps
80 are not folded over, slits fGA mechanically adjust the peeling action to a
shear
?s action thereby allowing greater adhesion over the predetermined epidermal
area.
Additionally, in this embodiment a cut could be made along line 100 to divide
the
invention 10 into sections 13 and 15 Gvhereby section 13 could be discarded
and
section 1~ could be used as a dilator for only one side of a persons nose.
Additionally, tGVO section 15's could loo combined to apply to either side of
a persons
3o nose and thereby dilate each nasal passage independent of the other.
Additionally,
this embodiment includes springs 24 and. 22 which are of different lengths as
shown
in the Figures 3 and 18. The ends of s~:~rzngs, shown by lines 83 and 83A,
provide
1 .~
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the main lifting force as the spring:, 24 <ind 2'2 attempt to spring back into
position.
Therefore, due to the mechanical rc-lationship of springs 2=1 and ~2 compound
the
lifting force applied at their ends 8:i and 83A.
The embodiment shown in I~'igure 11 includes slits GG and further includes a
s two-part pod G0. Pod GO comprises an upper pod half 68 and a lower pod half
69.
Pod halves 68 and G9 and slits G6 allow for greater flexibility of the pod GO
on the
nose of the wearer.
The embodiment shown in Figure 12 is similar to that shown in Figure 10
with the exception that the bridge section ?0 has been widened. The embodiment
of
~o Figure 13 includes the wider bridge section ?0 in combination with
rectangular
pods 60. Additional slits G? have also been added near the outer sides of the
pods
60. Slits G7 change the direction c~f the force applied to the pods 60 so that
instead
of a peel force (a force which tends to peel away the pods GO from the
epidermis to
which they are appiiedj to a sheer forces ~a force which tends to drag the
pods 60
> > across the epidermis to which they are applied).
The embodiment depicted in Figure I4 demonstrates the principal that
different pod 60 configurations can be used on the same epidermal lifting
mechanism 10. The pod GO shoWI1 OIl the Left side has a sloping side to allow
for
better adhesion to the side of the nose.
2o The application of the inventiolu 10 to the nose of the wearer is shown in
1'~ig~~res 1 ~ tlor~ugh 1_?; Prcef~rrecl installation of the epidermal lifting
mechanism
on the bridge of the nose is shown in Figure 15 while in Figure 16, the
epidermal
lifting mechanism 10 is applied too high on the nose and is applied too low in
Figure
17. However, while the pOSltlotl~s shown in Figures 16 and 17 are not
preferred they
25 are functional since the structure of the present invention IO allows a
user the
ability to apply the invention 10 over a r,~latively large epidermal area and
thus
effectiveness of the present invention is greatly enhanced. The present
invention
will generally work effectively in all the positions shown in Figures 15-I?.
Alternatively, this invention 10 may be described as a method for increasing
3o the flow rate of gas through the nasal passages, the mce thod comprising
the steps of
removing the release liner 30, and positior._ing the invention 10 aS shown Lil
Figure
or as shown in Figures 16 and 17, depending upon the connfort of the wearer.
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Referring now to Figure 19, a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of
the present invention 10 may be seen to comprise an elastic midsection 110
having
ends 111 and 11'?. Ends 111 and 112 are coupled to pod sections 60. This
embodiment does not include any spring mechanism other than the elastic
section
s 110; The elastic section 110 taking the place of the spring mechanism. The
resiliency of the elastic section 110 will cause the two nasal pods 60 to be
drawn
together when the elastic member contracts. If this is done over a fulcrum
point
such as the bridge of the nose it will cause a lifting of the nasal passages
and thus
may be used as a nasal dilator as illustrated in Fil;ure 26.
to Additionally the mechanism of Figure 19 may be used as shown in Figures 24
and 25 to aid in holding a wound or incision 1 i closed either for the
purposes of
healing as illustrated in Figure 24 or for the purpose of aiding in suturing
as
illustrated in Figwre '?5. Tho pod~~ GO adhering to the epidermis to either
side of the
wound and the elastic meml>er 11() being :>tretched across the wound so that
it will
~ ~ contract and draw the two pods 6(? towards each other thereby closing the
wound in
an effective manner. Additionally°, when the wound is closed in this
manner a
surgeon or physician may have both hands free to apply sutures 115 along the
wound or incision 17. This is believed particularly helpful when dealing with
a
Large wound or incision.
2o With respect to the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 19 it
should
be noted that U shaped incisions 64 are also illustrated. Again, these
incisions may
be of any shape although the U shape is preferred however the embodiment
disclosed in Figure 19 could function without these U shaped cuts or incisions
64.
Referring now to Figure 20 an alternative embodiment of the present
3s invention for use as a nasal dilator is shown. In this embodiment the
spring
sections are included as shown in Zi~igure 18 although they are not shown in
Figure
20. This embodiment functions in a manner similar to the embodiment Figure 10
and is simply meant to illustrate: once again that the nasal dilator of the
present
invention could be applied to only one side of a persons nose 19.
3o Referring now to Figure ~.l another alternative embodiment of the present
invention is shown in a top plan view illustrating the elastic member 110
coupled at
its end 112 to pod 60 and coupled at its end 111 to an anchor 120. The anchor
120
1
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has an adhesive layer applied to it in the same manner as the adhesive layer
which
is applied to the pod G0. The embodiment of the invention 10 shown in Figure
21
has application for maintaining an incision opening or wound opening for
either a
surgical procedure or cleansing purposes as illustrated in Figure 23 or for
use as a
s nasal dilator for application to only side of a persons nose as illustrated
in Figure
2'? .
Referring to Figure 2'~ pod E~0 may be seen applied t.o the side of a persons
nose 19 and elastic member 110 is stretched so that anchor 120 may be applied
to
the side of persons face 19A. Thus, elastic member 110 will contract and pull
pod
0 60 and anchor 120 toward one another but since anchor 120 is positioned on a
substantially stationary epidermal area of the persons face the majority of
the
movement will occur at pod Ep0 causing the epidermal area to which it is
applied to
be pulled outward and thus open the nasa). passage.
Referring to Figure 23, t;he incision 1? may be seen to be held open by the
t _~ action of the embodiment disclosed in Figure 21. The anchors 120 are
applied to a
substantially stationary epidermal area and the elastic nmmbers 110 are
stretched
and the pods 60 are positioned to either side of the wound or incision to hold
it open
so that the wound may be cleansed or a surgical procedure may be performed
through the incision thus freeing 'she physician's hands for this purpose.
?o It should be noted that the U shaped cuts 6~1 are disclosed in the
embodiment
of the present invention 10 shown in Figure 21. While these U shaped cuts are
preferred they are not considered necessary to practice the present invention.
Referring now to Figures 2a, 29 and 30; Figure 2a shows the nose 19 and the
nasal passages 119 in cross sectional view. The nasal passages in Figure 28
being
25 shown open but absent the use of any nasal dilator. In Figure '?9 the same
cross
sectional view is shown but the nose 19 and in particular the nasal passages
119
are shown being in a state <af n~latively little airflow through the nasal
passages
119. Figure 30 illustrates a cross sectional view using a nasal dilator of the
present
invention 10 wherein tle n<~sal passages '119 of the nose 19 are held
substantially
30 open for airflow through the nasal passages 119.
Clearly, the alternative embodiments shown in Figures 19 and 21 could also
be practiced according to the methods previously disclosed. Specifically, the
CA 02425553 2003-04-28
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embodiment of Figure 19 could be ~>racticed as a method using the structure
previously described wherein the embodiment disclosed in I~ figure 19 is
applied by
first applying one nose pod section t>0 to one side of a wound 17 and
stretching the
elastic member 110 over the wound 17 and then applying the nose pod section 60
to
the other side or opposite side of the wound or incision 17 whereby the wound
or
incision 17 is held closed. Additionally, it should be noted that a medicinal
material
could be applied to the elastic member 110 over the portion of its surface
which
would be adjacent to the wound or incision 1? and thus aid in healing of the
wound.
Medicinal materials such as zinc chromate or calcium alginate or sodium
alginate
t o are possible such compounds.
Alternatively, the embodiment of Figure 21 could be used in a methcd
wherein the pod GO is applied to an epidermal area which is desired to be
pulled or
raised. This epidermal area could be an area immediately adjacent an incision
or
wound 17 or the side epidermis of <~ persons nose 19. The elastic member 110
being
~ 5 stretched and the anchor portion 120 being applied with its adhesive side
to an
epidermal area which is relati~eely stationary and the elastic material 110
contracting and thereby raising or pulling or lifting the skin to which the
pod GO has
been attached to via its adhesive side.
Alternatively, as illustrated in Figures 31, 32, and 33, the mechanism of the
2o present invention could be described as epidermal lifting mechanism having
anchorllifting portions 120 , connected via an elastic or stretchable material
ii0,
and include an adhesive surface 121. 'hhe anchor/lifting portions 120 being
such
that each portion 120, depending upon where it is applied, may act as either
an
anchor portion 120 or a 11ft1I1g pOrtlOn 12C1. The anchor/lifting portions 120
having
35 a plurality of incisions or cuts G4 of predetermined shape (e.g., U shaped
as
illustrated in Figures 31-33) which divide each anchorllifting portion 120
into a
plurality of adhesive areas 121a ; nd 121b. This division of the
anchorllifting
portion 120 into a plurality of adhesive areas 121 allows the anchorllifting
portion
adhesive areas 121 to be divided such that after a fiirst ~tnchorllifting
portion 123 is
3o applied to the desired epidermal location a first predetermined portion
121c of that
first anchor/lifting por tion 120 n r ay be peeled away and leave a second
predetermined portion 121d, having a predetermined shape due to the plurality
of
o .,
CA 02425553 2003-04-28
60895-157~F
cuts or incisions G~t, in place en the epiderrn:~l Ic>cation. Subsequently, a
second
anchor/lifting portion 125, connected to the first anchor/lifting portion 123
via the
elastic material 110, may ba,a applied to a second predetermined or desired
epidermal location so that tine elastic material 110 is stretched a desired
amount.
s The second anchor/lifting portion 125, if it is substantially similar to the
first
allchOr/llftlng pOrtlDIl 123 may be applied to the epidermis so that it may be
peeled
away and leave a second predetermined portion 1.21d, having a predetermined
shape due to the plurality of cuts or incisions64 , in place on the epidermal
location.
Accordingly, the first and second anchorllifting portions 123 and 125 may act
as a
n separate anchor point and lifting point. or as separate anchor points or as
separate
lifting points and the elastic matE~rial 110 may simply bay used to supply
tension
between the points 123 and 125 or it may be used to apply a material such as a
medicine to the epidermis located between the two points or it may be used to
supply tension and apply a material betwc>en the two points, etc. The purpose
of
~5 this alternative embodirneni to take advantage of the multiple shear points
200
created using this design to enhance the adhesion of this embodiment to the
desired
epidermal location so that the an~hor/lifting portions 120 maintain proper
adhesion
at their desir ed locations.
Referring now to Figures 3a and 36 another alternative embodiment of the
?o present invention may be observed. The dressing structure 300 is comprised
of a
multiple layer or laminated material 302 at its anchor sections 301 and 3u3
and a
latex rubber 321 at its second central section 325. The laminated material
includes
a top surface 315 made of TYVEC brand material and a bottom surface 319 also
made of the same material bu't co,~ted «~ith a hypo-allergenic acrylic
adhesive 327
zs and covered with a silicone release liner. 'rhe anchor sections 301 and 303
have and
adhesive bottom layer 311 for adhering to an epidermis I 1. The laminated
material
302 has a channel or slit 313 into which margins 317 of the latex rubber 321
are
engaged. The margins 317 include openings 30~ and the: channel 313 includes
the
adhesive 327 which extends through the openings 304 from the bottom 319 to the
~~ top 315. This creates a series of adhesive openings 304 which act as plugs
which
extend through the openings 304 and couyle the upper layer 315 to the lower
layer
319 effectively holding the non-el,ustic TY~rEC material together so that the
latex
24
CA 02425553 2003-04-28
60895-1574F
material 321 is effectively looked into the channel 313 and cannot easily be
removed
by tension when stretched. Accordingly, rr~argins 317 arc: secured to the
anchor
sections 301~and 303 by at locking section 317x.
Still referring to Figure 35 and Figure 3G the center section 325 may be
s observed to include a TY~,~C'. bran~a material stabilizing section 323 which
is
bonded to a gauze pad 314 via openings 31E~, in the latex ;.321 which contain
adhesive 327. The adhesive 327 extending in a plug like manner from the pad
314
to the stabilizing section 323. This; creates a band;~ge or dressing structure
which is
suspended by the latex 3'? 1 between the anchoring sections 301 and 303.
Further,
as illustrated by Figures 51 and 5~'. the shape of the TYVEC top layer 323
need not
be rectangular but cal be of ;any design, e.g;., round. v1'nen this embodiment
is
applied over a wound or other predeterlnint=d area of the epidermis 11 the
latex
material 321 is stretched between the two anchoring sections 301 and 3U3 which
av cPe tllP '~ PY '2'l t aft n ~ h il; n ~ to f cpl-ina ~ apply p c ti pre Ire
c~.a.,..~ l~t..._ ~ 1 0 __m.c_.1_..~ a. L, anu . a o.,i~_ve sstn_
downward through the pad 314. Accordingly, the wound to which this device 300
is
applied will have a positive pressure against it. It is well known in first
aid that
pressure applied to a wound will help reduce bleeding. The present invention
thus '
provides an effective bandage which will also effec*ively limit bleeding from
the
wound. Further, the positive-~ down pressure will eE'fectively maintain
contact of the
?o pad 314 with the wound or other predetermined area despite movement of the
surrounding epidermis 11.
Still referring to Figures 35 and 36 it should be noted that stability strips
310
are included to illustrate that it is presently believed that in commercial
utilization
of the present invention that it is believed to be desirable to provide
material to
25 keep the dressing structure 30U relatively rigid prior to use. The strips
310 are
removed prior to use by tearing the material 302 along the perforations 308.
The
strips 310 are separated from the late: 321 by gap 318. Also, shown in Figure
36 is
curve 32U which is believed to provide strain relief when the present dressing
structure 300 is applied so that even pressure is ea:ert.ed across the latex
321.
3o The openings 312, also shown in Figures 37 and 38, should also be noted.
The
. openings 312 are located in a tension adjustment section 412 of the latex
321.
Depending upon the number of Open111gS 312 or whether they are present at all
the
2~a
CA 02425553 2003-04-28
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tension applied to the latex section 321. :Further, as the tension adjustment
section
412 of the latex 321 is stretched to apply the dressing structure 300 the
openings
312 will become distorted- 'hhe greater the stretching the greater the tension
applied to the latex section 34'1. ~~onsequently, a person applying the
dressing
structure disclosed herein may visually see the amount of tension applied to
the
latex section 321. This allows a person applying a dressing 300 or series of
dressings 300 to apply the dressings 300 in a manner so that the pressure and
exerted by the stretching of the latex 321 is kept relatively constant.
Alternatively,
it allows the user to apply dressings 300 which will apply a variety of
pressures
to across the desired treatment area.
Referring to Figures 3 r and 38 an alternative embodiment from that: shown
in Figures 35 and 3G may be seen wherein the pad 314 and inelastic material
323
are not incorpor ated so that only an elastic section 322 remains. .
Referring to Figures 41 and 42, aIld Fyures 45 and 46, another alternative
~ embodiment to the present invention is illustrated. This embodiment is
substantially the same structurally as the embodiments disclosed in Figures 35
and
30 with the exception that two additional anchors sections 305 and 307 have
been
added. Also, the stabilizing section 323 is round rather than rectangular in
shape.
The pad 314 is coupled to the stabilizing ;section as previously described.
Figures 40
2o and 41 illustrate that tension adj ustment. sections 412 need not all apply
the same
level of tension or be stretched equally. Further, the anchor sections
301,303, 305,
and 30? may be moved relative to each other while the center section 325 is
maintained in position over the desired treatment area. Accordingly, when the
present invention is applied over an area of the body that is subject to
movement
?5 such as an elbow, knee, or hand the center section 325 will maintain its
position
over the wound or area to which it is desired to apply treatment.
Referring to Figures 3~) and 40 another alternative embodiment may be
observed. In this alternative the openings 312 have been eliminated to
illustrate
that they are optional and Tlot necessary structures to practice the present
30 invention.
Additionally, the stabilizing section disclosed in Figure 40 may be seen in
Figure 82 to be composed of a tol3 layer 323 of ~I'~~TC brand material, a
layer of
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adhesive 327, a layer of latex 321 having openings 304, and a pad 314 to which
an
ointment 390has been applied. The pad 314 being coupled to tile material 323
via
the adhesive 327 which extends through the openings 30-t in the latex 321.
The stabilizing section disclosed in Figure 39 may be seen in Figure 81 to be
composed of a top layer 323 of TY~,'EG brand material, a layer of adhesive
3'?7, a
layer of latex 321 having openings 304, and a pad 314. The pad 314 being
coupled
to the material 3'?3 via the adhesive 327 which extends through the openings
304 in
the latex 321.
Referring to Figures 43 and 44 another alternative embodiment of the
;~ present invention may be seen. In this embodiment four anchor sections are
again
shown coupled via respective locking sections 317a. In this embodiment just a
latex
material 321 extends between the anchor sections 301,303,305, and 307. A
curvature 330 is provided in the 1_a_tnx ma_tn_rial_ 32.1 tp allncy fpy
uniform Stretching
of the material. Also, a perfr~ration 308 is provided to coamect the anchor
sections
~ 5 303,305,307 and 301 to each other prior to use of the dressing 300. The
perforations
are broken when it is desired to use this embodiment of the dressing 300.
Referring to Figures 47 and 48 it is again illustrated that the latex section
321 of the dressing 300 may be stretched er extended in a plurality of
directions.
This allows for versatility of use oa a variety of surfaces.
2o Referring to Figures 49 and 50 another alternative embodiment of the
present invention is disclosed showing that the openings 312 may be deleted
from
the tensioning section 312a if desired without. detracting from the principles
of the
invention disclosed herein.
Referring to Figure 53 as very simple version of the present invention is
?5 illustrated. In this embodiment the dressing 300 is composed of a piece of
latex 321
having two ends to which anchors 301 and 303 are respectively attached using
an
adhesive. The ends of the latex 3:?1 are simply sandwiched between the layers
315
and 319. A piece of stiffening material 323 is glued across the mid-section of
the
latex 321 and pad 314 is glued to the underside of the latex 321 as
illustrated. The
3o bottom side of each respective anchor section 301 and 3()3 having an
adhesive 327
applied thereto.
y
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Referring to Figure 54 illustrates the embodiment of Figure 53 with the
addition of a series of openings 383 being applied to the entire dressing 300.
Depending upOIl the material thrc-ugh which the open lng 383 is made the
function
of the opening will vary. Openings 312 in the latex 321 will act to vary the
s elasticity of the latex. Openins 383a will create stress points and help
maintain
the dressing 300 in a straight alignment between its anchors 301 and 303.
Openings 383b will allow air access to the treatment area.
Referring now to Figures 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, .and 60 another embodiment of
the dressing 300, similar to the embodiment disclosed in Figures 37 and 38 is
to disclosed. In this embodiment the entire latex section 3'?1 is essentially
comprised
of tensioning section 41'? having G:~penings 312. The anchors 301 and 303
function
as previously described. The latex 321 in Figure 55 is held in place as
described in
Figure 53 while the latex 3'?1 in Figure 56 is held in place as described in
reference
to Figures 35 and 36 by adlesive 327 extending through openings 304. Figures
5? -
ts 60 illustrate that this embodiment may be placed over an incision 17 to act
as a
guided for applying stitches 17a, see Figure 5 7, or embodiments may be placed
to
either side of an incision 1 7 to held the incision open, see Figure 58, or
the openings
312 may be used to hold an intravenous tube 307 in place, see Figure 59, or
the
dressing 300 simply be used to hold an incision 17 closed without resorting to
the
20 application of stitches 17a, see Figure 60.
Referring to Figures 6lthrough 66 and Figures 70 through 76 a variety of
alternative designs of the dressing 300 may be seen. All the dressings 300
disclosed
operate on the same principles previously disclosed but they are shown to
illustrate
that shape of the latex 321 and the openings 312 may varied without departing
?s from the invention described herein. Also, illustrated is the fact that the
pad 314
and the material 323 may vary in size and shape. Further. the radius or
arcuate
section 330 may be varied in sh,~pe to provide for uniform distribution of
tension
across the latex 321.
Referring to Figures 67 through 69 another embodiment of the present
3o invention may be seen w~henein the latex 321 includes a ring section 347 of
material
323. Coupled to the ring section 3=17 is the latex 3'?1 and a clear urethane
material
345 of the type commonly suitable for medical applications; alternative
materials
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may be used such as any suitable breathable material dE:pending upon the
application desired. As illustrated by Figure 68 the ring section 347 is
comprised of
a layer of 'I'YVEC brand material 323, a layer of adhesive 327, a layer of
latex 321
having openings 316 which function in the same manner as openings 304, another
s layer of adhesive 32?, another layer of T~VEC brand material 323, the clear
material 345, and a colloid adhesive 349. This structure creates a stable
space 351
over the desired area and the colloid 349 isolates the area and prevents
stretching
of the epidermis 11 under the space 351 so that the wound or other desired
area is
kept in an isolated environment which may be observed through the material
345.
~o The colloid 349 and the material 345 isolating the wound from external
sources of
infection.
Referring to Figures 85 and 86 another alternative design of the present
invention may be observed. In this embodiment the center section is a
breathable
membrane 372 of a type commonly used for dressing' alxplications. Perforations
308
is allow the dressing to be broken apart to form a plurality of anchor
sections 301.
Openings 3 i3 are provided in the member 3'72 to prevent tearing of the
membrane
3?2. A locking section 317a, previously described, is provided. Referring to
Figures
78 and ?9 the cross-sectional construction may be seen to include at top layer
of
material 323, a layer of adhesive, 32?, latex 321 including openings 304,
adhesive
20 327, material 323, adhesive 327, the breathable membrane 3?2, and a colloid
7h~ ' '~~Q 'T'lie .~.-~c ; ~g ~n0 ~h~hl~ ~f ~~:.orinb a '~~circ~l area of an
a_rn,id~rmic
o.um.~iw~i: v . a um...Wx vv v.u a
' 11 and substantially isolating that area from External contamination.
Referring IlOW to Figures 83, 84, and 7? the same structures as shown in
Figures 85 and 86, 78 and 79 are shown with the exception that the breathable
25 membrane 3'72 has been eliminated so that there is only an opening 370.
This
dressing 300 is believed to have application where it, is desired that the
wounded or
burnt area of the epidermis be Exposed to air. Since the spring action of the
latex
321 will press down on the epidermal area surround the wound or burn within
the
opening 3?0 this is believed to cause the wound or burn to well up and thus
receive
30 maximum exposure.
Referring now to Figure 80 another alternative embodiment similar to the
structure disclosed in Figure 78 with the exception that the breathable
membrane
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372 has been replaced with an se<~led membrane 399 such as a urethane
coounonly
used to hold IV type fluids. Extending through this membrane 399 is an input
port
and an output port. This dressing 300 could be used to seal a wound from
external
contamination but allow the wound to be irrigated or medicine applied or
tissue
samples taken.
Referring now to Figures 8'7 and 88 another embodiment is illustrated
showing a resealable closure 380. The closure or zipper 380 may bisect the
dressing
or extend only partially across the dressing 300. The closure 380 is provided
to
allow access to the wound or burn or other area without having to remove and
to reapply the bandage.
Referring no«~ to Figures 89-93 various applications of th.e dressings 300
described herein may be seen to be illustrated in use on a human being.
The foregoing is conaidere~:l as illustrative only of the principles of the
invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and changes will readily
is occur to those skilled in the art, ~t is not desired to limit the invention
to the exact
construction and operation show and described. While the preferred embodiment
has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the
invention, which is defined by the claims.
_30
