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NASAL EPIDERMAL LIFTING MECHANISM
This is a divisional of Canadian National Phase
Patent Appl ication Serial (so . 2 , x:53 , 50'p f i:Led on
January 17, 1997.
s Baclceround of the Invention
The present invention relates generally devices that may be used in the
healing arts and arts generally related thereto. More spr~cifically, 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 applicati~-~n in the medical and veterinary sciences,
Several forms of the present invention relate to epidermal lifting mechanisms
and methods for increasing the flaaw of gases into the human body and more
~s specifically t.o an epidermal lifting mechanism and method for allowing
more
oxygen to pass through the nasal 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 dil<ztors. The present invention provides a comfortable and
effective
2o device for allow ing increased gas flow rates through the nasal passages
and into the
lungs.
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 <zpart for the purposes of suturing or
cleaning the
2s wound and/or incision. Further, the 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 he used isolate a wound or burn in a
sterile environment while allowing access to the wound area for purposes such
as
irrigating the wound. Further, come embodiments of the present invention may
be
3o used to stabilise the wound or burn area so that the skin around the wound
or burn
does not stretch with the movement of an individual and thus prevents further
i
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damage to the wound during the healing process and allows
for more effective healing of the wound or burn.
Summarv of the Invention
In one aspect of the invention, there is provided
a dressing mechanism comprising: a first section, a second
section, and a third section; 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 elastic material; the second
section including a first margin and a second margin; the
second section being a laminated material comprising at
least a first layer and a second layer, the first layer
including a first side, a predetermined portion of the first
side having an adhesive coating; at least a portion of said
first section being located between the first side of the
first layer and the second layer at the first margin; and at
least a portion of said third section being located between
the first side of the first layer and the second layer at
said second margin.
In another aspect, there is provided an epidermal
positioning mechanism comprising; a bandage structure having
a least a first end and a second end; a first elastic
material coupled to the first end and a second elastic
material coupled to the second end of the bandage structure;
a first anchoring structure coupled to at least a portion of
the first elastic material; and a second anchoring structure
coupled to at least a portion of the second elastic
material.
In another aspect, there is provided a dressing
mechanism comprising: a first section, a second section,
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and a third section; 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 elastic 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 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
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 of 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 minimal 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
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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 is
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
~s 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 receiving
the 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* brand 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
*Trade-mark
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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 loc;~ted thereon.
Further, the second sectio~r 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 shave. 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 margin being coupled to the second section
at a
second predetermined portion of the margin of the second section.
Preferably, the 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 rust. section and the third section including a first
section margin
and a third section margin. Both the fast section margin and the third secaion
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
zo sections. 'hhe 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 ~;o 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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tine 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 environment 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
m strip further including a first end portion 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
~ 5 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 mechaW sm,
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
?U a non-woven material or a material with some stretch characteristics such
as a
three mil polyurethane film. The spring mechanism may comprise a polyester
film
(usually 2 mils to 8 mils in thickness but any suitable thickness range may be
used,
e.g., I - 15 mils would be suitable as an alternative thickness range but any
thickness range can be used depending upon the desired use and durability)
z5 laminated to a spun bonded polyester material. The spun bonded polyester
material may or may not 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 the 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 inose. 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, and lies across 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 4vith 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 adhesive 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 made in the top layer of the material through
the
adhesive layer which, when applied to the nose, allows the spring action to
generate
~0 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. By decreasing tl~e lifting (peel) force on the adhesive, the
stability
of the bond between the adhesive and the skin is greatly increased and allows
more
15 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 pain of fulcrum points (fulcrum point 2) between the
2o bridge of the nose (fulcrum point '1) and t:he 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 epiderm;_~l lifting mechanism allowing the adhesive
area of
each flap to adhere to the bottom adhesive area of the bridge section of the
25 epidermal lifting mechanism securing it in plate. The flaps include
perforations for
ease of folding.
As discussed above, the pair of flaps create an additional fulcrum point.
Further, when folded they provide a cushioned area for the bridge of the nose
to
cover the adhesive on the under:~ide of the epidermal lifting mechanism so
when
3o applied for several hours and then removed discomfort to the skin tissue on
the
bridge of the nose is eliminated.
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When the top and bottom seining laminates are laminated together and the
epidermal lifting mechanism is applied to the nose, the bending of the mufti-
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
over
a fulcrum point or at multiple fulcrum points further improves the spring
action.
Additionally, various pod configurations xnay be used to allow for flexibility
~o of the bottom spring and/or to allow the pods to conform to the irregular
surfaces of
the nose or epidermal layer to which they are applied.
A key advantage of this mt~chanism 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
~ 5 be effectively exhaled and thus both inhalation and exhalation are
enhanced so
overall breathing efficiency is enhanced.
Alternatively, this invention may be described as a method for increasing the
flow rate of gas through the nas:l passages, the method comprising the steps
of
applying the epidermal lifting mechanism by bending the spring material over
the
2o bridge of the nose so that the adhesive material of the nose pods comes
into positive
contact with the sides of the nose and releasing the nose pods thus allowing
the
springs to mechanically Iift the epiderm<~I 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 or 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 meml.~er having a second end attached to an anchor
3o mechanism. 'rhe anchor mechanism having a first side and an adhesive
material
included thereon. The nose po<l 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
t:he nose
pod, coupled to the elastic memba~r, may be applied to the outside surface or
epidermis surrounding the nasal passage of a persons nose and the elastic
member
retracting between the anchor mechanism and the nose pod causing lifting of
the
epidermis on the side of the nose and thereby increasing the opening of the
nasal
passage ~~ay.
Accordingly, the present invention may be considered an epidermal positioning
mechanism having an elastic m<aerial coupled to a first end piece and a second
piece. The first and second end pieces each having at least one side including
an
~ o adhesive material. Preferably, but not necessarily, depending upon the
application
of the present invention, at least one of the end pieces «could 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
~s treatments of wounds and incisia:mns by either keeping the wound or
incision open for
the purpose of medical treatment such as surgical proc.7dures or cleansing of
the
wound or incision or b5~ positioning the ends of the wourml 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 «f a wound together or to hold the ends of
an
20 incision together.
Further, 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 side positioned over and adjacent the wound or
incision area. This side positioned over or adjacent the wound or incision
area may
25 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 anti-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 mecluanisrn of the present invention is used as a
bandage it should be noted t-hat a bandage structure could be combined with
the
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present invention such that the bandage structure would have 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 structure coupled to a porticm of the elastic
material
as well. This would provide at least two anchor points at the ends of the
resilient
elastic material not coupled to the bandage structure. In this manner one of
the
anchor structures could be adhered to the skin 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
~o contract and this will have the effr:ct of forcing the bandage material
into more
positive contact with the wound and thereby enhance the effectiveness of the
bandaged material. If desired a n uedicinal compound could be applied to the
surface
of the bandage material whlCh 1S adjacent to the surface of the wound or
incision.
The alsrhr~_rirlg structure in such a use would of course comprise at least
two
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 epidermis 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 anchorllifting portions, connected via an
elastic
or stretchable material, and include an adhesive surface. 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 anchor/lifting portions
having
'S a plurality of incisions or cuts of predetermined shape which divide each
anchorr'lifting portion into a plurality of .adhesive areas. This division of
the
anchor/lifting portion into a plurality of adhesive area:; allows the
anchor/lifting
portion adhesive areas to be divided such that after a first anchor/lifting
portion is
applied to the desired epidermal location a first predetermined portion of
that first
3o anchor/lifti.ng mechanism may be peeled away and leave a second
predetermined
portion, having a predetermined shape due to the plur~~lity of cuts or
incisions, in
place on the epidermal location. Subsequently, a second anchorllifting
portion,
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connected t.o the first anchorrlifting portion via tine elastic material, may
be applied
to a second predetermined or desired epidermal location :;o that the elastic
material
is stretched a desired amount. The second anchor/lifting t>ortion, if it is
substantially similar to the first anchor/lifting portion znay be applied to
the
s 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 and the elastic material may simply be used to
supply
to tension between the points or it may be u~,ed to apply a material such as a
medicine
to the epidermis located between t;he two points or it may be used to supply
tension
and apply a material between the two points, etc.
Further, the present invention znay be described as a method for using a
dressing mechanism where the dressing mechanism comprises a first section, a
t s second section, and a third section; 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 yin elastic material; the first section and
the third
section each having a first side; and a pre:letermineci portion of the first
side
including an adhesive located thereon. The method consequently comprising:
First,
2o 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 could be described as a method for using a dressing
2s 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; rnat;erial 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 steps of positioning the treatment
3o section over a first pre determined area of an epidermis; applying at least
one
anchor structure to a second pre~leterznin~d area of the epidermis; and
applying at
one other anchor structure to a third predetermined are a of the epidermis.
~o
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Description of the Drawing~~
Figure 1 is a top plan view of a prior art nasal strip.
Figure 1A 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 sprung.
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 of the epidermal lifting mechanism showing
its
layered components.
~ o Figure 5 is a schematic side elevational view of the epidermal lifting
mechanism
wherein the arrows depict the shf:er force: and peeling forces.
Figure G is a top plan view of an end portion of the epidermal lifting
mechanism.
Figure i is a bottom plan view of the epidermal lifting mechanism.
Figure 8 is a side elevational view depicting the primary layers of the
epidermal
~5 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.
2o Figure 11 is a top plan view of am alternative embodiment of the epidermal
lifting
mechanism.
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
2s mechanism.
Figure 14 is a top plan view of an alternative Embodiment of the epidermal
lifting
mechanism.
Figure 15 is a side elevational view shov4~ing the epidermal lifting mechanism
properly positioned on the bridge of the nose.
3o Figure 16 is a side elevational view showing the epidermal lifting
mechanism
improperly positioned too high oIl the bridge of the nose.
as
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Figure 17 is a side elevational view showing the epidermal lifting mechanism
improperly positioned too low on the bridge of the nose.
Figure 1.8 is an exploded view of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
Figure 19 is a top plan vieG~~ of an alternative embodiment of the present
invention
including an elastic strip.
Figure 20 is a top plan view of aii alternative embodiment of the present
invention
showing an embodiment having application for c>nly 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 Tnember having a first end coupled to 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 applif=d to the epidermis of a ~oersons nose to
enhance
opening of the nasal passage.
Figure 22 is a side elevational view illustrating embodiment of Figure 21 with
the
anchor mechanism applied to a i~ersons cheek and the pod applied to a side of
a
persons none.
Figure 23 top plan view which illustrates the embodiment of Figure 21 in use
to
hold an incision open.
2o 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 of the incision kept in proper alignment to
add in
suturing the incision.
?5 Figure 20 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 beli=~ved to be preferable to the embodiment of
Figure
21 for this purpose although either could be used.
Figure 27 is a perspective view generally showing a human nose.
3o Figure 28 is a cross sectional view of the nose in Figure 27 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 shown
being in a state of relatively little air flow through the nasal passages.
Figure 30 is a cross sectional view of the nose in Figure 2 r with a nasal
dilator of
the present invention applied illustrating an appreciable air flow through the
nasal
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 ernhodiment of the
present
invention shown as the embodiment would be manufactured and illustrating the
o area that is removed to expose th~~ adhesive and then bent backwards and
applied
as shown in Figure 33.
Figure 33 is a top plan view of thc~ embodiment shown in Figure 32 applied to
an
epidermal surface and illustratin:; the shear point; the adhesive, and the
elastic or
stretchable material.
>> Figure 34 is a top plan view of an alternative structure to the embodiment
illustrated in Figure 19.
Figure 35 is a perspective view of' an a.not.her alternative structure of the
present
invention.
Figure 36 is a top plan view of the embodiment disclosed in Figure 35.
?o Figure 37 is a perspective view of an another alternative structure of the
present
invention.
Figure 38 is a top plan view of tloe embodiment disclosed in Figure 37.
Figure 39 is a perspective view of an another alternative structure of the
present
invention.
?5 Figure 40 is a top plan view of the embodiment disclosed in Figure 39.
Figure 41 is a top plan view another embodiment of the present invention
illustrating an embodiment of tine 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
3~ being stretched while the center or second section maintains position over
the
treatment area despite the uneven tension applied to the various anchor
sections.
13
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Figuz-e 42 is a top plan view of the embodiment shown in I' figure 41
illustrating how
the second center section may be ~aositioned 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 47 is a top plan view illustrating how force may be distributed in two
~o directions m a particular embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 48 is a top plan view illustrating how force may be distributed in four
directions in a particular embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 49 is a perspective view of an another alternative structure of the
present
invention.
~ 5 Figure 50 is a top plan view of the structure disclosed in figure 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
?0 invention.
Figure 54 is a top plan view- of the an alternative embodiment to the
structure
disclosed in Figure 53.
Figure 55 is a perspective view of an another alternative structure of the
present
invention.
?5 Figure 56 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the
alternative
structure shown in Figure 75.
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
Figure
30 55 being used to hold a wound oi>en.
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Figure 59 is a perspective view showing the structure disclosed in Figure 55
being
used for guiding an intravenous tribe and ;bolding 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 tc get.her.
Figure 61 is a perspective viev~.~ of an another alternative structure of the
present =
invention.
Figure 62 is a top plan view of the structure disclosed in Figure 61.
Figure 63 is a perspective view of an another alternative structure of the
present
invention.
Figure 64 is a top plan view of thf~~ structure disclosed in Figure 63.
Figure 65 is a perspective view of an another alternative structure of the
present
invention.
Figure 66 is a top plan view of the structure disclosed in Figure 65.
r 5 Figure 67 is a perspective view of <~n another alternative structure of
the present
invention.
Figure 68 is a view fi~om line 68--68 of Figure 69.
Figure 69 is a top plan view of the structure disclosed in Figure 67.
Figure 70 is a perspective view of an another alternative structure of the
present
invention.
Figure 71 is a top plan view of the structure disclosed in Figure 70.
Figure ?2 is a perspective view of an another alternative structure of the
present
invention.
Figure ?3 is a top plan view of the structure disclosed in Figure ?4.
?S Figure 74 is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment of the
present
rove ntion.
Figure 75 is a perspective view cif an another alternative structure of the
present
invention.
Figure ?6 is a top plan view of the structure disclosed in Figure 75.
3o Figure ?? is a cross-sectional vif_~w from line ??--'7? of figure 84.
Figure ?8 is a cross-sectional view from line ?8-?8 of Figure 86.
Figure ?0 is a cross-sectional view from Iine ?9-?9 of Figure 86.
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Figure 80 is a cross-sectional view of a structure similar to the structure
disclosed
in Figure 8G illustrating the use ~.~f input and output ports which may be
used to
irrigate a wound or deliver medi~~ine t,o a predetermined 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 the alternative structure of the present
invention
disclosed in Figure 83.
to Figure 85 is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment of the
present
invention.
Figure 86 is a perspective view ~~~f the alternative structure of the present
invention
disclosed in Figure 85.
Figure 87 is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment of the present
is 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.
Figure 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 another 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 a 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 skit: thus making work on t.lnat areas difficult
or
cumbersome.
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Detailed Description
Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to 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
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
to generally as 10 in the following detailed description.
Referring to Figures 1 and 1A, a prior art device is shown. The prior art
device shown in Iiigure 1 is c.urrE ntly marketed by CNS, Inc. of Chanhassen,
Minnesota and sold under the trademark BREATHE RICxHT. The same device is
shown in Figure 1A, however the device in Figure 1A includes the flaps of the
t5 present invention whose structure <~nd 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 two part mufti-level leaf spring '~0 comprises a pair
of
spring laminates 22 and 24. Each spring laminate 22 <znd 24 is manufactured
from
a 2 mil to 5 mil polyester i'rlm laminated to a spun bonc.led polyester
material. The
2o spun bonded polyester m<xterial may or may not be coated with a pressure
sensitive
adhesive. The spring laminates 22 and 24 are laminated together.
As illustrated in Figure a, when the top 24 and bottom 22 spring laminates
are laminated together and the invention 10 is applied to the bridge of the
nose,
represented by the flrlcrum point 2G, the bending of the mufti-level spring 20
?s increases the opening force to the nasal passages over a single level
spring.
Adding a layer of spring material 24 on top of another layer 22 of spring
material creates a leaf spring action. Because there is a stretching 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.
30 Furthermore, bending over a fulcrum point creates a stronger yet spring
action.
Now referring to Figure 4, the material layers of the invention IO i.nclude a
silicone coated release liner 30, an adhesive system 4U to adhere the
epidermal
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liftingrnechanism 10 to the nose, a top layer of material ;r>0, and the two
part spring
laminate '?0. The top layer 50 is composed of two layers of material 50A and
5013
and contains the springs 24 and '.?2 there between as shown in Figure 18. The
release liner 30 is removed prior to placing the mechanism 10 on the bridge of
the
nose. The adhesive system 40 can either be a pressure sensitive hypo-
allergenic
acrylic or a hydrocolloid system. The top layer of material 50 can be either a
non-
woven material or a material ~;~it:h some stretch characteristics such as a 3
mil
polyurethane film.
The preferred embodiment of the invention 10 is shown in Figure 7.
to Although unitary in constru<aion, it has the following components: a pair
of pods GO
and a bridge section 70. The pods 60 include an ea_posed adhesive surface 62
which
is bonded to the skin on the sides of the nose. The pod E;0 configurations
allow for
flexibility of the bottom spring 2'? t.r> <:onform to the irre;;ular surfaces
of the nose.
The bridge section 70 of the device has at least one fulcrum point as shown in
Figure 3 and lies across the bridge of the nose as shown in Figure 15.
As shown in Figure G, the pods GO include horseshoe shaped cuts 64 in the
top layer of material 50 through the adhesive layer 4() which, when applied to
the
IlOSe, allows the spring action to generate 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 cre~.itin~; flexibility from the lift point to
the adhesion
point. This principle is demonstrated in Figure 5. By decreasing the peel
force 42
on the adhesive 40 the bond between thp adhesive 40 and ti a skin is greatly
increased and allows more flexibility of the epidermal lifting mechanism 10
during
facial movement. The shearing forcEa are shown at 44.
Referring back to Figure 7, 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, when folded underneath or over the adhesive
layer 40 of the bridge section 7C~, create another pair of fulcrum points
along lines
82 between the bridge of the nose (fulcrum point 2j an<l 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.
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More specifically, the adciit Tonal fulci-urn points 82 are accomplished by
folding the flaps 80 underneath the bridge .section 70 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 the}' form end sections alone_= lines 82 which
will be
located to either side of the bridge of the nose. Each of the end sections
along lines
82 will 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
tt> present invention. Further, when folded they provide a cushioned area for
the
bridge of the nose and cover the ac.lhesive 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 contact with the bridge of the nose due to tha: barrier created by
the
T s flaps.
The material layers cf 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 70 to the nose, a first spring laminate 22, a
second
spring laminate 24, and a top layer of material 50.
2o Alternative embodiments of the invention 10 are shown in Figures 9 through
14. In Figure 9, the shape of the pods 60 are shown to be rectangular instead
of
round. In Figure 10, the horseshoe shaped cuts 64 have been removed and
additional slits 66 and 66A have been added. In this embodiment, when the
flaps
80 are not folded over, slits 66A mechanically adjust the peeling action to a
shear
2s 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 whereby section 13 could be discarded and
section 15 could be used as a dilator for only= one side of~ a persons nose.
Additionally, t~vo section 15's could be 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 sprinl,s 24 and 22 which. are of different lengths as
shown
in the Figures 3 and 18. 'I'hce ends of springs, shown by lines 83 and 83A,
provide
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the main lifting force as the springs '?4 and ~''? attempt to spring back into
position.
'therefore, due to the mechanical relat10I1Shlp of springs :4 and 22 compound
the
lifting force applied at their ends 83 and 83A.
The embodiment she>wn in Figure 11 includes slits GG and further includes a
two-part pod 60. Pod GO comprises an upper pod half 68 and a lower pod half
G9.
Pod halves G8 and 69 and slits 6E:~ allow for greater flexibility of the pod
60 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 bridce section r0 has been widened. The embodiment
of
to Figure 13 includes the wider bridge section 70 rIl COmblIlatrOll Wlth
rectangular
pods 60. Additional slits G7 hava~ also been added near the outer sides of the
pods
G0. Slits G7 change the direction of 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 applied) to a shear forces (a force which tends to drag the
pods GO
1, across the epidermis to which they are applied).
The embodiment depicted in higure 14 demonstrates the principal that
different pod 60 configurations can be used on the same epidermal lifting
mechanism 10. The pod GO shown oIl the left side has a sloping side to allow
for
better adhesion to the side of the nose.
2o The application of the invention 10 to the nose of the wearer is shown in
Figures 15 through 17. Pr~eferred installation of the epidermal lifting
mechanism
on the bridge of the nose is shown in Figure 15 while in Figure 1G, the
epidermal
lifting mechanism 10 is applied too high on the nose and is applied too low in
Figure
17. However, while the positior:s shown in Figures 1G and 17 are not preferred
they
2s are functional since the structure of the present inventicm 10 allows a
user the
ability to apply the invention lli over a relatively large epidermal area and
thus
effectiveness of the present invention is greatly enhanced. The present
invention
will generally work effectively in all the positions shovrn in Figures 15-17.
Alternatively, this invention 1.0 may be described as a method for increasing
3o the flow rate of gas through the nasal passages, the method comprising the
steps of
removing the release liner 30, and positior_ing the invention 10 as shown in
Figure
or as ShowIl lIl Figures 1G and 1'l, depending upon tl~c comfort of the
wearer.
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Fzeferrinc~ 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 takir:g the place of the spring mechanism. The
resiliency of the elastic section 110 will cause the two nasal pods GO to be
drawn
together when the elastic men~~ber 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 Figure 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 17 closed either for the purposes
of
healing as illustrated in Figure 24 or far the purpose of aiding in suturing
as
illustrated in Figure 25. The pods 60 adhering to the epidermis to either side
of the
wound and the elastic member 110 being stretched across the wound so that it
will
is contract and draw the two pods E~0 towards each other thereby closing the
v~ound 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.
20 'Vith respect to the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 19 it
should
be noted that L1 shaped incisions G4 are also illustrated. Again, these
incisions may
be of any shape although the U ahape is preferred however the embodiment
disclosed in Figwre 19 could function without these U shaped cuts or incisions
64.
Referring now to Figure 20 an alternative embodiment of the present
2s invention for use as a nasal dilator is shown. In this embodiment the
spring
sections are included as shown in Figure 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 ' 1 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 coupl<<d at. its end 111 to an anchor 120. The
anchor 120
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has an adhesive layer applied to it in the same manner as the adhesive lay-er
which
is applied to the pod 60. 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 pl~rposes as illustrated in Figure 23 or for
use as a
a nasal dilator for application to only side of a persons nose as illustrated
in Figure
Referring to Figure 2'? pod GO may be seen applied to 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. 'I hus, elastic member 110 will contract and
pull pod
~o GO and anchor 120 toward one an~:~ther 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 60 causing the epidermal area to which it is
applied to
he pulled outward and thus o~~en the nasal passage.
Referring to Figure 23, the incision 17 may be seen to be held open by the
15 action of the embodiment disclosd in Figure 21. The anchors 120 are applied
to a
substantially stationary epid::rmal area and the elastic members 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 s°argical procedure may be
performed
through the incision thus freeing the physician's hands for this puz~ose.
?0 It should be noted that the U shaped cuts 6~l 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 28, 29 and 30; Figure 28 shows the nose 19 and the
nasal passages 119 in cross secti~>nal view. The nasal passages in Figure 28
being
25 shown open but absent the use of any nasal dilator. In Figure 29 the same
cross
sectional view is shown but the nose 19 and in particular the nasal passages
119
are shown being in a state of r~~la.tively little airflow through the nasal
passages
119. Fig~ire 30 illustrates a cros:~ sectional view using a nasal dilator of
the present
invention 10 wherein the na:~al passages 119 of the nose 19 are held
substantially
30 open for airflow through the nas;il passages 119.
Clearly, the alternative embodiments shown in h'igures 19 and 21 could also
be practiced according to the me~.hods previously disclosed. Specif~zcally,
the
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embodiment of Figure 19 could be practiced as a method using the structure
previously described wherein the embodiment disclosed in Figure 19 is applied
by
first applying one nose pod section 60 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 1 r whereby the wound
or
incision 1? 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 17 and thus aicl in healing of the
wound.
h'Iedicinal materials such as zinc chromate or calcium alginate or sodium
alginate
to are possible such compounds.
Alternatively, the embodiment of Figure 21 could be used in a method
wherein the pod 60 is applied to an epidermal ar ea which is desired to be
pulled or
raised. This epidermal area could be an area immediately adjacent an incision
or
wound 1? or the side epidermis of a persons nose 1J. The elastic member 110
being
stretched and the anchor portion 120 being applied with its adhesive side to
an
epidermal area which is relatively stationary and the elastic material 110
contracting and thereby raising or pulling or lifting the skin to which the
pod 60 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
l I0,
and include an adhesive surface 121. The 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 lifting leortion 120. The anchor,~'lifting portions
120 having
a plurality of incisions or cuts E>4 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 and I2lb. This division of the anchorllifting
portion 120 into a plurality of adhesive areas 121 allows the anchorllifting
portion
adhesive areas 121 to be divida-d such that after a .first anchor/lifting
portion 123 is
3G applied to the desired epidermal location a first predetermined portion
I2lc of that
first anchor/lifting portion 120 may be peeled away and leave a second
predetermined portion 1.21d, having a predetermined shape due to the plurality
of
23
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cuts or incisions 64, in place on the epidermal location. Subsequently, a
second
anchor/lifting portion 125, connected to the first anchor/lifting portion 123
via the
elastic material 110, may be applied to a second predetermined or desired
epidermal location so that the elastic material 110 is stretched a desired
amount.
The second anchor/lifting portion 125, if it is substantially similar to the
first
anchor/lifting portion 123 may be applied to the epidermis so that it may be
peeled
away and leave a second predetermined portion 121d, having a predetermined
shape due to the plurality of cuts or incisions64 , in place on the epidermal
location.
Accordingly, the first and second anchor/lifting portions 123 and 125 may act
as a
separate anchor point and lifting point. or as separate anchor points or as
separate
lifting points and the elastic material 110 may simply be used to supply
tension
between the points 123 and 125 or it maybe 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. The purpose
of
is this alternative embodiment 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 anchor/lifting portions 120 maintain proper
adhesion
at their desired locations.
Referring now to Figures 35 and 36 another alternative embodiment of the
2o 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 303
and a
latex rubber 321 at its second central section 325. The laminated material
includes
a top surface 315 made of TYVEK brand material and a bottom surface 319 also
made of the same material but coated with a hypo-allergenic acrylic adhesive
327
35 and covered with a silicone release liner. The anchor sections 301 and 303
have and
adhesive bottom layer 311 for adhering to an epidermis 11. 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 304 and the channel 313 includes the
adhesive 327 which extends through the openings 304 from the bottom 319 to the
3o top 315. This creates a series of adhesive openings 304 which act as plugs
which
extend through the openings 304 and couple the upper layer 315 to the lower
layer
319 effectively holding the non-elastic TYVEK material together so that the
latex
24
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material 321 is effectively locked into the channel 313 and cannot easily be
removed
by tension when stretched. Accordingly, margins 317 are secured to the anchor
sections 301 and 303 by at locking section 317a.
Still referring to Figure 35 and Figure 3G the center section 325 may be
observed to include a TYVEK brand material stabilizing section 323 which is
bonded to a gauze pad 314 via openings 316, 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 bandage or dressing structure
which is
suspended by the latex 321 between the anchoring sections 301 and 303.
Further,
as illustrated by Figures 51 and 52 the shape of the TYVEK top layer 323 need
not
be rectangular but can be of any design, e.g., round. When this embodiment is
applied over a wound or other predetermined area of the epidermis 11 the latex
material 321 is stretched between the two anchoring sections 301 and 303 which
causes the latex 321 to act m>?ch like a leaf spring and apply a positive
press»re
is 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 effectively limit bleeding from
the
wound. Further, the positive down pressure will effectively 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
?s keep the dressing structure 300 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 later. 321 by gap 318. Also, shown in Figure
36 is
curve 320 which is believed to provide strain relief' when the present
dressing
structure 300 is applied so that even pressure is ea:erted across the latex
321.
30 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 openings 312 or whether they are present at all
the
. 25
CA 02425564 2005-07-06
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tension applied to the latex section 321. Further, as the tension adjustment
section
412 of the later 321 is stretched to apply the dressing structure 300 the
openings
312 will become distorted. The greater the stretching the greater the tension
applied to the latex section 321. Consequently, 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
o across the desired treatment area.
Referring to Figures 37 and 38 an alternative embodiment from that shown
in Figures 35 and 36 may be seen wherein the pad 314 and inelastic material
323
are not incorporated so that only an elastic section 322 remains. .
Referring to Figures 41 and 42, and Figures 45 and 46, another alternative
t 5 embodiment to the present invention is illustrated. This embodiment is
substantially the same structurally as the embodiments disclosed in Figures 35
and
36 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 adjustment sections 412 need not all apply
the same
level of tension or be stretched equally. Further, the anchor sections
301,303, 305,
and 307 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
25 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 39 and 40 another alternative embodiment may be
observed. In this alternative the openings 312 have been eliminated to
illustrate
that they are optional and not 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 top layer 323 of TYZ-EK brand material, a layer
of
26
CA 02425564 2005-07-06
60895-1574E
adhesive 327, a layer of latex 321 having openings 304, and a pad 314 to which
an
ointment 390has been applied. The pad 3l4 being coupled to the material 323
via
the adhesive 327 which extends through the openings 304 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 TYVEK'brand material, a layer of adhesive 327,
a
layer of latex 321 having openings 304, and a pad 314. The pad 314 being
coupled
to the material 323 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
to 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 latex material 32:1 to allow for uniform
stretching
of the material. _A.lso, a perfOratinn 308 is provided to connect the anchor
sections
is 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 or extended in a plurality of
directions.
This allows for versatility of use on 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 a very simple version of the present invention is
25 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 321 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 303 having an
adhesive 327
applied thereto.
27
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60895-1574E
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 upon the material through which the opening 383 is made the function
of the opening will vary. Openings 312 in the latex 321 will act to vary the
elasticity of the latex. Openin;s 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 treatzuent are:.
Referring now to Figures 55, 5G, 5?, 58, 59, and GO 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 321 is essentially
comprised
of tensioning section 412 having openings 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 321 in Figure 56 is held in pl:~ce as described in
reference
to Figures 35 and 36 by adhesive 3'?? extending through openings 304. Figures
57 -
ts 60 illustrate that this embodimEent may be placed over an incision 17 to
act as a
guided for applying stitches 1 ~a, see Figure 5 r, or embodiments may be
placed to
either side of an incision 17 to hold 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
2o application of stitches 17a, see Figure 60.
Referring to Figures Eilthrough 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 32 L and the openings 312 may varied without departing
z5 from the invention descrihed 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 shape 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 wherein the latex 321 includes a ring section 347 of
material
323. Coupled to the ring section 34 r is the latex 321 and a clear urethane
material
345 of the type commonly suitable for medical applications; alternative
materials
2 ~3
CA 02425564 2005-07-06
60895-1574E
may be used such as any suitable breathable material depending upon the
application desired. As illustrated by Figure 68 the ring section 347 is
comprised of
a layer of TY~VEK 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
layer of adhesive 32?, another layer of TYVEK 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.
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 applications. 'Perforations
308
~5 . allow the dressing to be broken apart to form a plurality of anchor
sections 301.
Openings 3?3 are provided in the member 372 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 327, latex 321 including openings 304,
adhesive
327, material 323, adhesive 32?, the breathable membrane 372, and a colloid
adhesive 349. The dressing 300 capable of covering~a desired area of an
epidermis
11 and substantially isolating that area from external contamination.
Referring now to Figures 83, 84, and 7? the same structures as shown in
Figures 85 and 86, ?8 and ?9 are shown with the exception that the breathable
~5 membrane 3?2 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 370 this is believed to cause the wound or burn to well up and thus
receive
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
29
CA 02425564 2003-04-28
60895-1574E
372 has been replaced with an sealed membrane 399 such as a urethane cort~nly
used to hold IV type fluids. Fxtcending through this membrane 399 is an input
port
and an output port. This dressing 300 could be used to seal a v~~ound from
external
contamination but allow the wound to be irrigated or medicine applied or
tissue
samples taken.
Referring now to Figures 87 and 88 another embodiment is illustrated
showing a resealable closure 3811. 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
~ o reapply the bandage.
Referring rlOW to Figures 89-93 various applications of the dressings 300
described herein may be seen to be illustrated in use on a human being.
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the
invention. Furthermore, since numerous nnodif'rcations and changes will
readily
t5 occur to those spilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention
to the exact
construction and operation shown and described. GVhile the preferred
embodiment
has been described, the details may be changed withoi.rt departing from the
invention, which is defined by the claims.
:30
