U.S. patent application number 10/864444 was filed with the patent office on 2005-02-03 for pressure-sensitive adhesive component for ankle and use thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to NITTO DENKO CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Morikawa, Yoshitada, Oohira, Osamu, Shimobayashi, Kotaro.
Application Number | 20050027224 10/864444 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33302297 |
Filed Date | 2005-02-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050027224 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Oohira, Osamu ; et
al. |
February 3, 2005 |
Pressure-sensitive adhesive component for ankle and use thereof
Abstract
To provide a pressure-sensitive adhesive component that can be
quickly and easily used to fix an ankle joint by persons having no
expert knowledge on taping without causing problems such as
difficulty in wearing shoes due to thickening upon application of
the tape, a pressure-sensitive adhesive component includes a bottom
portion; a first tape-shaped body; and a second tape-shaped body,
wherein a cut is provided between the first and second tape-shaped
bodies running in a longitudinal direction, the first tape-shaped
body including a first front tape body and a first rear tape body,
and the second tape-shaped body including a second front tape body
and a second rear tape body, and wherein a ratio of a width of the
front tape body to a width of the rear tape body is within the
range of 5:5 to 5:3.
Inventors: |
Oohira, Osamu; (Osaka,
JP) ; Morikawa, Yoshitada; (Osaka, JP) ;
Shimobayashi, Kotaro; (Osaka, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SUGHRUE MION, PLLC
2100 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, N.W.
SUITE 800
WASHINGTON
DC
20037
US
|
Assignee: |
NITTO DENKO CORPORATION
|
Family ID: |
33302297 |
Appl. No.: |
10/864444 |
Filed: |
June 10, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
602/23 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 13/066
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
602/023 |
International
Class: |
A61F 005/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 13, 2003 |
JP |
2003-169111 |
Jun 25, 2003 |
JP |
2003-180504 |
Claims
1. A pressure-sensitive adhesive component for an ankle, comprising
an H-shaped pressure-sensitive adhesive component comprising: a
bottom portion; a first tape-shaped body provided on the bottom
portion; and a second tape-shaped body provided on the bottom
portion, wherein a cut is provided between the first and second
tape-shaped bodies running in a longitudinal direction with respect
to the first and second tape-shaped bodies from edges of the first
and second tape-shaped bodies, the first tape-shaped body including
a first front tape body and a first rear tape body, and the second
tape-shaped body including a second front tape body and a second
rear tape body, and wherein a first ratio of a width of the first
front tape body to a width of the first rear tape body and a second
ratio of a width of the second front tape body to a width of the
second rear tape body are independently within the range of 5:5 to
5:3.
2. The pressure-sensitive adhesive component for an ankle as
claimed in claim 1, wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive
component is an H-shaped pressure-sensitive adhesive component,
wherein one edge of the bottom portion is concave, the one edge of
the bottom portion is the edge on the side of the first and second
rear tape bodies.
3. The pressure-sensitive adhesive component for an ankle as
claimed in claim 2, wherein the H-shaped pressure-sensitive
adhesive component has a length of 300 mm to 600 mm and the first
and second tape-shaped bodies independently have a width of 50 mm
to 150 mm.
4. The pressure-sensitive adhesive component for an ankle as
claimed in claim 1, wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive
component is a modified H-shaped pressure-sensitive adhesive
component, and wherein the first and second rear tape bodies have
lengths shorter than those of the first and second front tape
bodies.
5. The pressure-sensitive adhesive component for an ankle as
claimed in claim 4, wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive
component has a length from an edge of the first front tape body to
an end of the second front tape body of 400 mm to 650 mm, and
wherein the first and second tape-shaped body independently have a
width of 50 mm to 150 mm.
6. The pressure-sensitive adhesive component for an ankle as
claimed in claim 4, wherein the first and second front tape bodies
independently have a length of 200 mm to 270 mm.
7. The pressure-sensitive adhesive component for an ankle as
claimed in claim 4, the first and second rear tape bodies
independently have a length of 80 mm to 150 mm.
8. The pressure-sensitive adhesive component for an ankle as
claimed in claim 1, wherein head portions of the first rear tape
body, the first front tape body, the second rear tape body, and the
second front tape body are each tongue-shaped.
9. The pressure-sensitive adhesive component for an ankle as
claimed in claim 1, wherein a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer of
the H-shaped pressure-sensitive adhesive component is covered with
a release liner that is provided with a back slit at several
positions.
10. The pressure-sensitive adhesive component for an ankle as
claimed in claim 9, wherein the release liner that covers the
pressure-sensitive adhesive layer and is separated by a back slit
has indicated thereon a character or an image thereon.
11. The pressure-sensitive adhesive component for an ankle as
claimed in claim 10, wherein one can recognize an order from the
character or image on the release liner separated by the back
slit.
12. The pressure-sensitive adhesive component for an ankle as
claimed in claim 1, wherein the substrate pressure-sensitive
adhesive component includes a substrate made of one material
selected from the group consisting of a high twist fabric and an
elastic knitted fabric.
13. The pressure-sensitive adhesive component for an ankle as
claimed in claim 1, wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive
component includes a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer that is
formed from one material selected from the group consisting of an
acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive and a gel pressure-sensitive
adhesive.
14. The pressure-sensitive adhesive component for an ankle as
claimed in claim 1, wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive
component includes a support and a pressure-sensitive adhesive
layer, and wherein the total of a thickness of the support and a
thickness of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is 300 .mu.m to
1,100 .mu.m, and wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive component
consisting of a support and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer has
an elongation of 110% or less.
15. The pressure-sensitive adhesive component for an ankle as
claimed in claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary
pressure-sensitive adhesive component in a rectangular form having
a shorter side and a longer side and a curved corner, as an
independent element.
16. The pressure-sensitive adhesive component for an ankle as
claimed in claim 15, wherein the auxiliary pressure-sensitive
adhesive component includes a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer
having thereon a release liner, the release liner is separated by a
back split at two positions.
17. The pressure-sensitive adhesive component for an ankle as
claimed in claim 16, wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive
component has a shorter side of 50 mm to 100 mm, a longer side of
100 mm to 350 mm.
18. A taping method of performing taping an ankle joint by using an
H-shaped pressure-sensitive adhesive component, comprising:
removing a release liner on a bottom portion; placing a heel such
that an edge of the heel is in line with a concave edge of the
bottom portion; removing a release liner on a front tape portion to
be applied to an outer side of the ankle portion and applying the
front tape portion with holding a head portion of a front tape body
while expanding the front tape portion so as to cover a medial
malleolus of the ankle portion from a heel toward a knee joint;
removing a release liner on a front tape head portion and applying
the front tape head portion; removing a release liner on a front
tape portion to be applied to an inner side of the ankle portion
and applying the front tape portion while drawing up the front tape
portion just above and expanding; removing a release liner on a
front tape head portion and applying the front tape head portion;
removing a release liner on a rear tape portion positioned on an
outer side of the ankle portion and applying the rear tape portion
by holding a head portion of a rear tape body so as to pass along
the back side of the ankle portion and cover over the medial
malleolus while expanding the rear tape portion; removing a release
liner of a rear tape head portion and applying the rear tape head
portion; removing a release liner on a rear tape portion positioned
on the inner side of the ankle portion and applying the rear tape
portion by holding a head portion of a rear tape body and while
expanding the rear tape portion so as to pass along the back side
of the ankle portion and cover over the lateral malleolus; and
removing a release liner of a rear tape head portion and applying
the rear tape head portion.
19. The taping method as claimed in claim 18, wherein one edge of
the auxiliary pressure-sensitive adhesive is applied onto the rear
tape portion so as to cover the lateral malleolus of the ankle
portion in an overlapping manner and then the other edge of the
auxiliary pressure-sensitive adhesive component is applied to onto
the other rear tape portion so as to cover the medial malleolus of
the ankle portion in an overlapping manner.
20. A taping method by using a modified H-shaped pressure-sensitive
adhesive component, comprising: removing a release liner of a
bottom portion and placing a heel sole on the bottom portion such
that a rear tape body covers a surface of malleolus when elevated
vertically; removing a release liner of one of the rear tape bodies
and applying the rear tape body by holding a head portion of the
rear tape body to lift the rear tape body vertically while
expanding the rear tape body so as to cover the lateral malleolus
of the ankle portion; removing a release liner of the other rear
tape body to be applied to an inner side of the ankle portion and
applying the rear tape body while lifting the rear tape body
vertically to expand the rear tape body so as to cover an inner
side of the ankle portion; removing a release liner of one of the
front tape bodies positioned on an outer side of the ankle portion
and applying the front tape body while holding a head portion of
the front tape body to expand the front tape body so as to pass
along an entire loop from above the dorsum of foot and the ankle
portion and cover over the lateral malleolus and further pass
Achilles' tendon on the back side of the ankle to the lateral
malleolus; and removing a release liner of the other front tape
body positioned on the inner side of the ankle portion and applying
the front tape body while holding a head portion of the front tape
body to expand the front tape body so as to pass along an entire
loop including crossing at the ankle portion above the dorsum of
foot to cover over the lateral malleolus, passing the Achilles'
tendon to reach the medial malleolus.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a pressure-sensitive
adhesive component for an ankle and to a method for using it. More
particularly, the present invention relates to a pressure-sensitive
adhesive component used for fixing ankle joints and the like in the
fields of medicine, sports, chiropractics and so on and to a method
for using such a pressure-sensitive adhesive component.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] An ankle is a portion of a body that supports the body and
thus is loaded with the body weight and that tends to suffer a
sprained ankle in sporting, daily life and so on. Since the ankle
is closely involved in walking, a pain in the ankle makes daily
motion difficult. Accordingly, there has been a keen desire for a
countermeasure to alleviate the pain that occurs in the ankle. For
example, a treatment to fix the ankle joint and the like has been
performed.
[0005] A method for fixing the ankle joint and the like without
requiring expert knowledge includes a method of attaching a
supporter around an ankle as disclosed in Japanese Patent
Application Laid-Open No. 10-24055. The supporter has a shin pad
formed to have a large thickness and use of the pad results in
thickening of the ankle so that one cannot wear shoes or the like
when he or she has attached the shin pad around the ankle. This is
inconvenient to daily life motions. Further, a supporter for a foot
joint made of an elastic tape-shaped body, including an anchor
strap that winds up around an ankle, a figure eight strap that
winds up around a dorsum of the foot and a sole of the foot in the
form of a figure eight (8), and a stirrup strap that winds up
around the foot from a medial malleolus to a lateral malleolus
through the sole is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application
Laid-Open No. 10-248865. The supporter loosens with a lapse of
time, thus failing to fix the ankle joint and the like
sufficiently.
[0006] Fixing or otherwise restricting the movement of an ankle
joint by using a pressure-sensitive adhesive tape in order to
alleviate the pain of the ankle (taping) is a conventional
treatment performed in the fields of sports and medicine.
Appropriate taping can sufficiently fix the ankle to alleviate the
pain of the ankle and will not reduce the ability of the ankle and
the like to move. However, the conventional treatment has the
defect that appropriate taping cannot be readily performed since
expert knowledge is required for performing such taping. Also, it
has the problem that taping by spirally winding a
pressure-sensitive adhesive tape around an ankle in an overlapping
manner tends to cause local circulation disturbance and nervous
disturbance due to over constriction.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention has been made under the
above-mentioned circumstances and an object of the present
invention is to provide a pressure-sensitive adhesive component for
an ankle portion with which a person having no expert knowledge on
taping can fix the ankle quickly and easily and which causes no
problems such as failure to wear shoes due to the attachment of a
fixing member or the like and thickening of the ankle as a result
of application of the tape. Another object of the present invention
is to provide a method for fixing an ankle joint and the like by
using the pressure-sensitive adhesive component for an ankle
portion.
[0008] The present invention provides a pressure-sensitive adhesive
component for an ankle comprising an H-shaped pressure-sensitive
adhesive component including:
[0009] a bottom portion;
[0010] a first tape-shaped body provided on the bottom portion;
and
[0011] a second tape-shaped body provided on the bottom
portion,
[0012] wherein a cut is provided between the first and second
tape-shaped bodies running in a longitudinal direction with respect
to the first and second tape-shaped bodies from edges of the first
and second tape-shaped bodies, the first tape-shaped body including
a first front tape body and a first rear tape body, and the second
tape-shaped body including a second front tape body and a second
rear tape body, and
[0013] wherein a first ratio of a width of the first front tape
body to a width of the first rear tape body and a second ratio of a
width of the second front tape body to a width of the second rear
tape body are independently within the range of 5:5 to 5:3.
[0014] According to one aspect, the pressure-sensitive adhesive
component for an ankle of the present invention includes an
H-shaped pressure-sensitive adhesive component including: a bottom
portion; a first tape-shaped body provided on the bottom portion;
and a second tape-shaped body provided on the bottom portion,
wherein one edge of the bottom portion is concave, wherein a cut is
provided between the first and second tape-shaped bodies running in
a longitudinal direction with respect to the first and second
tape-shaped bodies from edges of the first and second tape-shaped
bodies, the first tape-shaped body including a first front tape
body and a first rear tape body, and the second tape-shaped body
including a second front tape body and a second rear tape body, and
wherein a first ratio of a width of the first front tape body to a
width of the first rear tape body positioned on the side of the
concave edge and a second ratio of a width of the second front tape
body to a width of the second rear tape body positioned on the side
of the concave edge are independently within the range of 5:5 to
5:3.
[0015] Here, the H-shaped pressure-sensitive adhesive component may
have a length of 300 mm to 600 mm and the first and second
tape-shaped bodies may independently have a width of 50 mm to 150
mm.
[0016] According to another aspect, the pressure-sensitive adhesive
component for an ankle of the present invention includes a modified
H-shaped pressure-sensitive adhesive component, including a
rectangular bottom portion; a first rear tape body and a front tape
body extending from one edge of the bottom portion having
respective axes parallel to each other; and a second rear tape body
and a second front tape body extending from an opposite edge of the
bottom portion having respective axes parallel to each other,
wherein the first and second rear tape bodies have lengths shorter
than those of the first and second front tape bodies.
[0017] Here, the pressure-sensitive adhesive component may have a
length from an edge of the first front tape body to an end of the
second front tape body of 400 mm to 650 mm, and the first and
second tape-shaped body may independently have a width of 50 mm to
150 mm.
[0018] Further, the first and second front tape bodies may
independently have a length of 200 mm to 270 mm.
[0019] Still further, the first and second rear tape bodies may
independently have a length of 80 mm to 150 mm.
[0020] In the present invention, it is preferable that head
portions of the first rear tape body, the first front tape body,
the second rear tape body, and the second front tape body are each
tongue-shaped.
[0021] It is preferable that the pressure-sensitive adhesive
component for an ankle includes a substrate and a
pressure-sensitive adhesive layer and the pressure-sensitive
adhesive layer is covered with a release liner.
[0022] Here, the substrate may be made of a high twist fabric, an
elastic knitted fabric or an elastic woven fabric.
[0023] The pressure-sensitive adhesive layer may be made of an
acrylic-based pressure-sensitive adhesive or a gel-based
pressure-sensitive adhesive.
[0024] The pressure-sensitive adhesive component for an ankle of
the present invention may further include an auxiliary
pressure-sensitive adhesive component in a rectangular form having
a shorter side and a longer side and a curved corner, as an
independent element.
[0025] In the present invention, the H-shaped pressure-sensitive
adhesive component or the modified H-shaped pressure-sensitive
adhesive component may include a release liner that covers the
pressure-sensitive adhesive layer and is separated by a back slit
and has indicated thereon a character or an image thereon.
[0026] Here, one can recognize an order from the character or image
put on the release liners separated by the back splits.
[0027] The taping method by using the H-shaped pressure-sensitive
adhesive component of the present invention includes: removing a
release liner on a bottom portion; placing a heel such that an edge
of the heel is in line with a concave edge of the bottom portion;
removing a release liner on a front tape portion to be applied to
an outer side of the ankle portion and applying the front tape
portion with holding a head portion of a front tape body while
expanding the front tape portion so as to cover a medial malleolus
of the ankle portion from a heel toward a knee joint; removing a
release liner on a front tape head portion and applying the front
tape head portion; removing a release liner on a front tape portion
to be applied to an inner side of the ankle portion and applying
the front tape portion while drawing up the front tape portion just
above and expanding; removing a release liner on a front tape head
portion and applying the front tape head portion; removing a
release liner on a rear tape portion positioned on an outer side of
the ankle portion and applying the rear tape portion by holding a
head portion of a rear tape body so as to pass along the back side
of the ankle portion and cover over the medial malleolus while
expanding the rear tape portion; removing a release liner of a rear
tape head portion and applying the rear tape head portion; removing
a release liner on a rear tape portion positioned on the inner side
of the ankle portion and applying the rear tape portion by holding
a head portion of a rear tape body and while expanding the rear
tape portion so as to pass along the back side of the ankle portion
and cover over the lateral malleolus; and removing a release liner
of a rear tape head portion and applying the rear tape head
portion.
[0028] Here, one edge of the auxiliary pressure-sensitive adhesive
may be applied onto the rear tape portion so as to cover the
lateral malleolus of the ankle portion in an overlapping manner and
then the other edge of the auxiliary pressure-sensitive adhesive
component may be applied to onto the other rear tape portion so as
to cover the medial malleolus of the ankle portion in an
overlapping manner.
[0029] The taping method by using the modified H-shaped
pressure-sensitive adhesive component includes: removing a release
liner of a bottom portion and placing a heel sole on the bottom
portion such that a rear tape body covers a surface of malleolus
when elevated vertically; removing a release liner of one of the
rear tape bodies and applying the rear tape body by holding a head
portion of the rear tape body to lift the rear tape body vertically
while expanding the rear tape body so as to cover the lateral
malleolus of the ankle portion; removing a release liner of the
other rear tape body to be applied to an inner side of the ankle
portion and applying the rear tape body while lifting the rear tape
body vertically to expand the rear tape body so as to cover an
inner side of the ankle portion; removing a release liner of one of
the front tape bodies positioned on an outer side of the ankle
portion and applying the front tape body while holding a head
portion of the front tape body to expand the front tape body so as
to pass along an entire loop from above the dorsum of foot and the
ankle portion and cover over the lateral malleolus and further pass
Achilles' tendon on the back side of the ankle to the lateral
malleolus; and removing a release liner of the other front tape
body positioned on the inner side of the ankle portion and applying
the front tape body while holding a head portion of the front tape
body to expand the front tape body so as to pass along an entire
loop including crossing at the ankle portion above the dorsum of
foot to cover over the lateral malleolus, passing the Achilles'
tendon to reach the medial malleolus.
[0030] In the present invention, it is preferable that the head
portion is applied after relaxation of elongation of the head
portion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] FIG. 1A is a plan view showing a pressure-sensitive adhesive
component for an ankle according to a first embodiment of the
present invention;
[0032] FIG. 1B is a front view of the pressure-sensitive adhesive
component for an ankle shown in FIG. 1A;
[0033] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a layer
structure of the pressure-sensitive adhesive component for an ankle
according to the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 3A is a plan view showing an H-shaped
pressure-sensitive adhesive component A for an ankle according to a
second embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 3B is a plan view showing an auxiliary
pressure-sensitive adhesive component B;
[0036] FIG. 4A is a plan view showing an H-shaped
pressure-sensitive adhesive component A for illustrating a method
of performing taping according to the present invention;
[0037] FIGS. 4B and 4C are each a schematic perspective view
illustrating the method of performing taping using the H-shaped
pressure-sensitive adhesive component A according to the present
invention;
[0038] FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C are each a schematic perspective view
illustrating the method of performing taping using the H-shaped
pressure-sensitive adhesive component A according to the present
invention subsequent to the steps shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C;
[0039] FIGS. 6A and 6B are each a schematic perspective view
illustrating the method of performing taping using the H-shaped
pressure-sensitive adhesive component A according to the present
invention subsequent to the steps shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C;
[0040] FIGS. 7A and 7B are each a schematic perspective view
illustrating a method of performing taping using an auxiliary
pressure-sensitive adhesive component B according to the present
invention;
[0041] FIG. 8A is a plan view showing a pressure-sensitive adhesive
component for an ankle C according to a third embodiment of the
present invention;
[0042] FIG. 8B is a front view of the pressure-sensitive adhesive
component for an ankle C shown in FIG. 8A;
[0043] FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C are each a schematic perspective view
illustrating a method of performing taping using a modified
H-shaped pressure-sensitive adhesive component C according to the
present invention;
[0044] FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C are each a schematic perspective view
illustrating the method of performing taping using the modified
H-shaped pressure-sensitive adhesive component C according to the
present invention subsequent to the steps shown in FIGS. 9A to
9C;
[0045] FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C are each a schematic perspective view
illustrating the method of performing taping using the modified
H-shaped pressure-sensitive adhesive component C according to the
present invention subsequent to the steps shown in FIGS. 10A to
10C;
[0046] FIG. 12A is a plan view showing a pressure-sensitive
adhesive component for an ankle according to a fourth embodiment of
the present invention;
[0047] FIG. 12B is a plan view showing an auxiliary
pressure-sensitive adhesive component B;
[0048] FIGS. 13A and 13B are each a schematic perspective view
illustrating a method of performing taping further using an
auxiliary pressure-sensitive adhesive tape B;
[0049] FIGS. 14A and 14B are each a schematic perspective view
illustrating a method of performing taping further using an
auxiliary pressure-sensitive adhesive tape B;
[0050] FIGS. 15A and 15B are each a schematic perspective view
illustrating a method of performing taping further using an
auxiliary pressure-sensitive adhesive tape B; and
[0051] FIGS. 16A and 16B are each a schematic perspective view
illustrating a method of performing taping further using an
auxiliary pressure-sensitive adhesive tape B.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0052] The pressure-sensitive adhesive component for ankle of the
present invention is an H-shaped pressure-sensitive adhesive
component that includes a bottom portion, a first tape-shaped body
and a second tape-shaped body, with the first and second
tape-shaped each being constituted by a front tape portion and a
rear tape portion. The bottom portion may be rectangular or may
form a concave edge on one end.
[0053] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in
detail by embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.
[0054] The same or like constituent elements are indicated by the
same reference numerals and detailed explanation thereof is
omitted.
[0055] FIG. 1A is a plan view showing a pressure-sensitive adhesive
component for an ankle according to a first embodiment of the
present invention and FIG. 1B is a front view of the
pressure-sensitive adhesive component for an ankle shown in FIG.
1A.
[0056] Here, explanation will be made on a pressure-sensitive
adhesive component for an ankle including an H-shaped
pressure-sensitive adhesive component.
[0057] In FIG. 1A, an H-shaped pressure-sensitive adhesive
component A has a substantially rectangular contour and includes a
bottom portion 1 to be applied to a heel sole of the foot
substantially in the center thereof and tape-shaped bodies 17 and
17' to be applied to side and back surfaces, respectively, of the
ankle on right-hand and left-hand sides, respectively, of the
bottom portion 1. The right and left tape-shaped bodies 17 and 17'
are formed with cuts 6 and 6', respectively, running from
respective shorter edges of the substantially rectangular
pressure-sensitive adhesive component A (hereinafter, referred to
"shorter rectangular edge") to reach the bottom portion; thus the
right tape-shaped body is divided into a first front tape body and
a first rear tape body, and the left tape-shaped body is divided
into a second front tape body and a second rear tape body. The
first front tape body has a front tape portion 2 and a front tape
head portion 3 and the first rear tape body has a rear tape portion
4 and a rear tape head portion 5. The second front tape body has a
front tape portion 2' and a front tape head portion 3' and the
second rear tape body has a rear tape portion 4' and a rear tape
head portion 5. The respective head portions of the front body and
rear tape body, i.e., the front tape head portion 3 and 3' and the
rear tape head portion 5 and 5' are tongue-shaped. The term
"tongue-shaped" as used herein means a shape like a rectangle with
the corner portions thereof being cut off, including for example,
shapes similar to curves, such as polygonal, semicircular,
elliptical, R-shaped and the like curves. If the front tape head
portions and rear tape head portions are rectangles with corners as
they are the front and rear tape bodies tend to be peeled off when
they are applied on the already applied pressure-sensitive adhesive
component (including the own back sides of them) whereas forming
head portions into a tongue shape makes them difficult to be peeled
off when applied in an overlapping manner one on another. The
positions of the cuts 6 and 6' are preferably such that the ratio
of the width of the front tape portion 2 (W11) and the width of the
rear tape portion 4 (W12) is within the range of, for example,
W11:W12=5:5 to 5:3. In addition, the position of the left cut 6'
and that of the right cut 6 maybe the same or different but it is
preferred that the positions of both are preferably within the
above-mentioned range.
[0058] The bottom portion 1 has a concave edge 7 on one side edge
on the side of the rear tape portions. The shape of the concave
edge 7 is preferably such that it allows the end of the heel of
foot to run off from the bottom portion 1 to some extent.
[0059] Although the layer structure of the pressure-sensitive
adhesive component for an ankle of the present invention will be
described in detail later on, here a brief explanation is made. To
prevent attachment of dust and the like to the pressure-sensitive
adhesive layer to protect it until use, it is preferable that a
release liner is laminated on the pressure-sensitive adhesive
layer. It is also preferable that the release liner is provided
with a back split at several positions. For example, back splits
are provided at a boundary portion 8 between the bottom portion 1
and the first front tape portion 2 and rear tape portion 4 and
similarly at the left-hand side boundary portion 8'. The back
splits are also provided at a boundary portion 10 between the first
front tape portion 2 and the front tape head portion 3 and
similarly at the boundary portion 9 between the second front tape
portion 2' and the front tape head portion 3'. Further, back splits
are provided at the boundary portion 12 between the first rear tape
portion 4 and the rear tape head portion 5 and similarly at the
boundary portion 11 between the second rear tape portion 4' and the
rear tape head portion 5'. In the case of the H-shaped
pressure-sensitive adhesive component shown in FIG. 1, numeric
symbols (such as {circle over (1)} and {circle over (2)}) are put
as by printing on the release liner of each part separated by the
back split. Although what is put is not limited to numerical
symbols, it is preferable that images such as characters (including
numerical symbols) showing the order of taping and illustrations
are indicated by any appropriate method.
[0060] The substantially rectangular H-shaped pressure-sensitive
adhesive component shown in FIG. 1 has a shorter rectangular edge
length (W10) of preferably 50 mm to 150 mm and a longer rectangular
edge length (L10) of preferably 300 mm to 600 mm. It is preferable
that the pressure-sensitive adhesive component is designed
appropriately within such a range in consideration of the body
type, foot type and so forth.
[0061] Further, the each cut 6, 6' has a length of preferably 150
mm to 250 mm. It is preferable that the length and a size and a
shape of the bottom portion are designed appropriately within such
a range in consideration of the body type, foot type and so
forth.
[0062] FIG. 1B shows an example of the layer structure of the
pressure-sensitive adhesive component for an ankle A. In FIG. 1B,
the pressure-sensitive adhesive component for an ankle includes a
support 19, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 15 and a release
liner 16. Here, the support 19 is constituted by a substrate 14
only. However, the support 19 may be a laminate of the substrate 14
and another layer 18 provided thereon as shown in FIG. 2. The type
and the like of another layer 18 may be selected appropriately as
necessary. Although the release liner 16 may be omitted, it is
preferable that the release liner 16 is laminated on the
pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 15 in order to prevent the
pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 15 from being contaminated with
dust and dirt and protect adhesive power until use.
[0063] In FIG. 1B, the release liner 16 is provided with back
splits at the boundary portions (8, 8', 11, 12) of each part and
each release liner that covers each part is formed with a printed
portion 13 where a numerical symbol (such as {circle over (1)} or
{circle over (2)}) is printed.
[0064] The release liner may be one that can be used
pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes generally applied to the skin.
Specifically, use can be made of high-quality paper, glassine
paper, parchment paper and the like coated thereon with a releasing
agent having an ability to release, such as silicone; high-quality
paper anchor-coated with a resin or laminated with polyethylene,
further coated with a releasing agent having an ability to release,
such as silicone; and so forth.
[0065] The pressure-sensitive adhesive component for an ankle of
the present invention preferably has suitable kickback property,
good handling property (workability), and fixability.
[0066] Therefore, it is preferable that the pressure-sensitive
adhesive component for an ankle of the present invention (for
example, the pressure-sensitive adhesive component without the
release liner, that is, pressure-sensitive adhesive component
consisting of a support and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer)
has an elongation (degree of elongation) in a longitudinal
direction (in the direction of larger length of a rectangle) of
about 30% to about 110%, more preferably 30% to 70%. Such a
pressure-sensitive adhesive component has a tensile strength of
preferably 10 N/19 mm width or more and 200 N/19 mm width or less
and a 20% modulus (tensile stress at 20% elongation) of preferably
0.5 N/19 mm width or more and 8 N/19 mm width or less. If the
elongation is greater than 110%, there is the fear that the
pressure-sensitive adhesive component in the region where it
contacts the ankle portion is elongated to the limit by repeated
expansion and contraction caused in response to the expansion and
contraction motions of the ankle portion.
[0067] It is preferable that the substrate 14 that constitutes the
pressure-sensitive adhesive component for an ankle of the present
invention has a tensile stress at 20% elongation is 10 N/19 mm
width or less and more preferably, from the viewpoint of fixability
of ankle joint and the like, 9 N/19 mm width or less. Further, it
is preferable that the substrate has a hysteresis at 80% elongation
of 85% or more and a tensile stress at 80% elongation of 15 N/19 mm
width or more. To further alleviate the load on the ankle joint and
the like, it is more preferable that the substrate has a hysteresis
at 80% elongation of 88% or more and a tensile stress at 80%
elongation of 16 N/19 mm width or more. The pressure-sensitive
adhesive component for an ankle that contains the substrate having
such characteristics can realize followability and fixability to
the ankle joint and the like.
[0068] Here, the term "hysteresis at 80% elongation" refers to an
index that indicates restoration when the pressure-sensitive
adhesive component for an ankle is expanded to 80% of the maximum
elongation. On the other hand, the term "tensile stress at 20%
elongation (20% modulus)" refers to a tensile strength when a
sample having a predetermined form is elongated to 20% elongation
at a predetermined speed, and the term "tensile stress at 80%
elongation (80% modulus)" refers to a tensile strength when a
sample having a predetermined form is elongated to 80% elongation
at a predetermined speed.
[0069] It is preferable that the substrate 14 has a degree of
elongation suitable for fixing the ankle joint and the like and
examples of the material of such a substrate include nonwoven
fabrics, woven fabrics, high twist fabrics containing high twist
yarn in the longitudinal direction, longitudinally expanding fabric
containing elastic yarn as warp (for example, spandex fabric using
an elastic yarn having urethane as a core of the yarn), elastic
fabric using elastic yarn as warp and weft, made of nylon,
polyester, polyurethane, rayon, polypropylene, polyethylene, cotton
and so forth. In the present invention, in consideration of the
above-mentioned characteristics, it is preferable that a knitted
fabric having elasticity (hereinafter, referred to as "elastic
knitted fabric") is used. For example, knitted fabric knitted from
a single material selected from stretch yarn made of nylon,
polyester and the like fibers subjected to special processing to
impart elasticity therewith, or synthetic fiber yarn having high
elasticity such as polyurethane elastic fiber or knitted fabric
knitted from a mixture of such a synthetic fiber and a fiber having
low elasticity such as polyester fiber or cotton, knitted fabric
made of spun bond nonwoven fabric in which an elastic fiber such as
polyurethane elastic yarn is knitted and so forth may be used.
Knitting methods that can be used include (warp) knitting including
tricot knitting, Rachel knitting, and Milanese knitting, and (weft)
knitting including plain knitting and circular knitting. Among
them, warp knit goods are more preferable since they do not fray
when they are cut. The thickness of the synthetic yarn is
preferably about 40 to about 160 deniers.
[0070] The substrate 14 that constitutes the pressure-sensitive
adhesive component for an ankle of the present invention may be
made of natural rubber sheet and synthetic rubber sheet having
elasticity, natural and synthetic rubber sheets provided with
perforations to have moisture permeability, sheet made of the
above-mentioned woven fabric or knitted fabric laminated with a
polyurethane film and so forth. In the present invention, it is
preferable to use a high twist fabric having a longitudinal
elongation of about 30% to about 110%, a tensile strength of 10
N/19 mm width to 200 N/19 mm width, and a 20% modulus of 0.5 N/19
mm width to 10 N119 mm width. Use of such a high twist fabric
enables the pressure-sensitive adhesive component for an ankle to
exhibit handling property (workability), followability, fixability,
compressibility (kickback property) and so forth that are important
when taping is performed.
[0071] It is preferable that the thickness of the substrate 14 is
appropriately determined depending on the material characteristics
and so forth of the substrate. In consideration of the
followability to the skin, fixability of tape, workability of
taping and so forth, the thickness of the substrate 14 is
preferably 200 .mu.m to 1,000 .mu.m, more preferably 300 .mu.m to
1,000 .mu.m, particularly preferably 300 .mu.m to 800 .mu.m, and
most preferably 500 .mu.m to 800 .mu.m. The substrate 14 may be
either of a single layer structure or of a double layer structure.
In the case of multi-layer structures, it is preferable that the
total thickness of all the layers is within the above-mentioned
range.
[0072] Further, it is preferable that the pressure-sensitive
adhesive component for an ankle of the present invention has a
thickness of the pressure-sensitive adhesive component without the
release liner is 300 .mu.m to 1,100 .mu.m.
[0073] The substrate 14 is provided with a polyurethane layer on
its outer surface (in FIG. 1B, on a lower surface of the substrate
14). That is, in FIG. 2, the other layer 18 may be a polyurethane
layer. Covering the outer surface of the substrate 14 with a
polyurethane layer can impart the substrate 14 with moisture
permeability and waterproof property.
[0074] The polyurethane layer may be formed from known urethanes
such as ether-based urethanes and ester-based urethanes. In the
present invention, polyurethane films may be used as the
polyurethane layer. The thickness of the polyurethane layer is
preferably 5 .mu.m or more and less than 30 .mu.m. When the
thickness of the polyurethane layer is 5 .mu.m or more, the
unevenness of the surface of the substrate made of, for example,
elastic knitted fabric and the like is sufficiently coated so that
no pinholes are formed. On the other hand, when the thickness of
the polyurethane layer is less than 30 .mu.m, sufficient moisture
permeability can be maintained.
[0075] For example, when the substrate is applied so as to overlap
on the back surface of the same substrate having unevenness
thereon, sometimes an end of the overlappingly applied
pressure-sensitive adhesive component is turned. However, the
adhesive power onto the own back surface of the substrate can be
improved. Further, when the substrate having poor waterproof
property is used in rain and is wetted, the applied portion tends
to be peeled off. However, provision of the polyurethane layer can
impart the substrate with waterproof property. Furthermore,
adjustment of the thickness of the polyurethane layer can control
the degree of the kickback property.
[0076] It is preferable that the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer
15 has flexibility and viscoelasticity such that it can follow up
the skin onto which it is applied and is formed by using a
pressure-sensitive adhesive having less stimulation to the skin.
For this purpose, various pressure-sensitive adhesives well-known
or practically used in the field of common pressure-sensitive
adhesive tape for taping may be used. Specific examples of the
pressure-sensitive adhesive that can be used include acrylic-based
pressure-sensitive adhesives, rubber-based pressure-sensitive
adhesives, synthetic rubber-based pressure-sensitive adhesives,
vinyl ether-based pressure-sensitive adhesives, silicone-based
pressure-sensitive adhesives, and gel-based pressure-sensitive
adhesives. In consideration of stimulation to the skin and so
forth, it is preferable that the acrylic-based pressure-sensitive
adhesives and gel-based pressure-sensitive adhesives are used. For
example, oily gel pressure-sensitive adhesives have relatively low
adhesive power whereas they have excellent adherence to the skin
and are satisfactory for use in taping and so forth. They can be
used advantageously since they do not harm the horny layer of the
skin upon peeling off. Reference is made to Published Translation
of PCT Application. No. 2000-513287.
[0077] The pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 15 may be provided on
the entire surface or a part of the surface one side of the
substrate 14 (support 19). When it is provided on the surface of
the support 19 partly, the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer may be
formed as dots or stripes. The region where no pressure-sensitive
adhesive layer is formed serves as an air passage as well.
Therefore, the air permeability and moisture permeability of the
pressure-sensitive adhesive component can be improved, so that
steaming, skin irritation and so forth due to sweating can be
prevented. The stripes may be of linear, undulated or the like
forms. Generally, it is preferable that an undulated form that
undergoes less variation with time in sectional area of
inter-stripe interstices is adopted. However, it is preferable that
the form of the stripes may be determined appropriately depending
on the characteristics and so forth of the pressure-sensitive
adhesive to be used. On the other hand, when the pressure-sensitive
adhesive layer is provided on the surface of the substrate partly,
it is preferable that the size and arrangement of dots, the size of
the inter-stripe interstices and so forth are appropriately
designed such that a space that serves as an air passage can be
assured between the adjacent stripes.
[0078] When the pressure-sensitive adhesive is coated on a desired
region, for example, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer having a
desired streak-like or wave-like form maybe formed on a release
liner by using a mold having, for example, comb-like form with
fixing or moving in amplitude the comb during coating and then the
streak-like or wave-like form may be transferred on the surface of
the substrate 14.
[0079] It is preferable that the thickness of the
pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 15 is determined appropriately
depending on the type, characteristics and so forth of the
pressure-sensitive adhesive to be used; for example, the thickness
of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 15 is preferably 20 .mu.m
to 120 .mu.m and more preferably 40 .mu.m to 100 .mu.m.
[0080] The pressure-sensitive adhesive component for an ankle may
be provided with perforations as necessary so far as they do not
deteriorate the effects of the present invention.
[0081] Then, a pressure-sensitive adhesive component including,
besides the H-shaped pressure-sensitive adhesive component, an
auxiliary pressure-sensitive adhesive component as an independent
member will be described. FIG. 3 shows a pressure-sensitive
adhesive component for an ankle according to a second embodiment of
the present invention.
[0082] Here, the H-shaped pressure-sensitive adhesive component
shown in FIG. 3A is the same as the H-shaped pressure-sensitive
adhesive component A shown in FIG. 1A. The auxiliary
pressure-sensitive adhesive component B shown in FIG. 3B has a
structure that includes a tape portion 21 and a right-hand side
edge 22 and a left-hand side edge 22' on both ends thereof. The
right-hand edge 22 and left-hand edge 22' are tongue-shaped, with
the corner portions thereof being cut off. Forming edge portions
into a tongue shape makes them difficult to be peeled off when
applied in an overlapping manner one on another. Thus, the
auxiliary pressure-sensitive adhesive component B has a
substantially rectangular contour with the corners being
constituted by R-shaped curves.
[0083] The pressure-sensitive adhesive component has a shorter
rectangular edge length (W20) of preferably 50 mm to 100 mm and a
longer rectangular edge length (L20) of preferably 100 mm to 350
mm. It is preferable that the pressure-sensitive adhesive component
is designed appropriately within the above-mentioned range in
consideration of the body type, foot type and so forth.
[0084] The layer structure of the auxiliary pressure-sensitive
adhesive component shown in FIG. 3B is the same as that of the
pressure-sensitive adhesive component shown in FIG. 3A, that is,
the same as that of the pressure-sensitive adhesive component shown
in FIG. 1B; that is, the auxiliary pressure-sensitive adhesive
component includes a substrate having thereon a pressure-sensitive
adhesive layer and a release liner on the pressure-sensitive
adhesive layer. The release liner that covers the
pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is provided with back slits at a
boundary 24 between the tape portion 21 and the right-hand side
edge portion 22 and at a boundary 24' between the tape portion 21
and the left-hand side edge portion 22'. Further, similar to FIG.
1A, numerical symbols ({circle over (6)}, {circle over (7)}, etc.)
are printed on each part of the release liner provided with back
slits. The numerical symbols to be printed on the release liner of
the auxiliary pressure-sensitive adhesive component may be
continuous to those shown in FIG. 3A.
[0085] As one example of the method of performing taping by using
the pressure-sensitive adhesive component for an ankle of the
present invention, an example in which a pressure-sensitive
adhesive component for an ankle having the H-shaped
pressure-sensitive adhesive component A and the auxiliary
pressure-sensitive adhesive component B as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B
is applied to the ankle will be described hereinbelow. In the
present invention, the term "taping" refers to fixing a treatment
site such as a joint, muscle or tendon by using a
pressure-sensitive adhesive tape and the like and supporting,
correcting, reinforcing and so forth the treatment site exhibit the
effects of alleviating the pain and promoting the therapy.
[0086] FIGS. 4A to 7B are diagrams that illustrate the method of
fixing an ankle joint and the like by using the pressure-sensitive
adhesive component for an ankle according to the second embodiment
of the present invention. FIGS. 4A to 7B illustrate the method of
applying the H-shaped pressure-sensitive adhesive component A
(hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "method A") and FIGS. 7A and
7B further illustrate the method of further applying the auxiliary
pressure-sensitive adhesive component B (hereinafter, sometimes
referred to as "method B"). Therefore, when the taping is performed
by using the pressure-sensitive adhesive component for an ankle
including only the H-shaped pressure-sensitive adhesive component
shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the anterior half of the use method just
before the application of the auxiliary pressure-sensitive adhesive
component B (method A) may be applied as it is to the use method
shown below.
[0087] In FIG. 4A, an H-shaped pressure-sensitive adhesive
component A is placed on a stage that facilitates the operation of
application, such as a footrest, with the release liner being
placed upside. After the release liner (marking {circle over (1)})
on the bottom portion 1 is removed, the heel sole is mounted on the
pressure-sensitive adhesive layer of the bottom portion and applied
thereto such that the rear part of the heel is protruded from the
concave edge 7 of the bottom portion 1 (see FIG. 4B) The release
liner (marking {circle over (2)}) on the first front tape portion 2
to be applied to the outside of the ankle portion is removed, and
the first front tape head portion 3 is held by the hand and is
applied from the heel toward the knee joint so as to cover the
lateral malleolus of the ankle joint while expanding the first
front tape portion, followed by removal of the release liner
(marking {circle over (3)}) on the first front head portion 3 and
application of the pressure-sensitive adhesive component (see FIG.
4C). Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 5A, the release liner (marking
{circle over (2)}') on the second front tape portion 2' to be
applied to the inside of the ankle portion, and the second front
tape portion 2' is applied while drawing it just above so as to
cover the medial malleolus, followed by removal of the release
liner (marking {circle over (3)}') on the second front tape head
portion 3' and application of the head portion. This operation
corresponds to so-called "stirrup", which can suppress and limit
varus of ankle bone and calcaneal bone. Then, as shown in FIGS. 5B
and 5C, the release liner (marking {circle over (4)}) on the first
rear tape portion 4 positioned on an outer side of the ankle
portion is removed, and the first rear tape head portion 5 is held
by the hand while expanding the first rear tape portion and is
applied by passing along the back of the ankle joint so as to cover
over the medial malleolus, followed by removal of the release liner
(marking {circle over (5)}) on the first rear tape head portion 5
and application of the head portion. Then, as shown in FIGS. 6A and
6B, the release liner (marking {circle over (4)}') on the second
rear tape 4' positioned on an inner side of the ankle joint is
removed, and the second rear tape head portion 5' is held by the
hand while expanding the second rear tape portion and is applied by
passing along the back of the ankle joint so as to cover over the
lateral melleolus, followed by removal of the release liner
(marking {circle over (5)}') on the second rear tape head portion
5' and application of the head portion. This operation corresponds
to so-called "heel lock", which exhibits not only the taping
function of stirrup but also suppresses and limits the varus of the
foot joint so that movement of the ankle bone forward can be
suppressed and limited. Thus, the method of applying the H-shaped
pressure-sensitive adhesive component A to the ankle portion is
referred to as "method A" for convenience's sake.
[0088] Subsequently, the release liner (marking {circle over (7)})
on one edge portion 22 of the auxiliary pressure-sensitive adhesive
component B is removed, and the auxiliary pressure-sensitive
adhesive component is applied onto the H-shaped pressure-sensitive
adhesive component A in an overlapping manner so as to cover the
foot from the dorsum of foot to the lateral malleolus. Thereafter,
the release liner (marking {circle over (6)}) on the tape portion 6
is removed and the tape portion 6 is applied while expanding the
tape portion 6 by drawing it so as to cover an Achilles' tendon of
a back of the ankle. Finally, after the release liner (marking
{circle over (7)}') on the remaining edge portion 22' is removed,
the edge portion 22' is applied so as to cover the medial malleolus
and further cover the dorsum of foot (see FIGS. 7A and 7B). This
operation corresponds to so-called "half eight". Thus, the method
in which after the H-shaped pressure-sensitive adhesive component A
is applied, further the auxiliary pressure-sensitive adhesive
component B is applied to the ankle portion is referred to as
"method B" for convenience's sake.
[0089] Use of the pressure-sensitive adhesive component for an
ankle shown in FIG. 3 according to the present invention enables
appropriate fixing of ankle joints and the like by the taping
according to the method A. Further, use of the auxiliary component
and performing taping in an overlapping manner can protect the
Achilles' tendon and strengthen the fixing power of the ankle
portion. Furthermore, the present invention can play a role of
fixing the first tape portion of the H-shaped pressure-sensitive
adhesive component. In addition, the taping may be performed by
moderately loading the body weight on the bottom portion as
necessary. This allows taping to be performed in a state close to
the state of the ankle joint upon which a load is imposed when
exercising.
[0090] FIG. 8A is a plan view showing a pressure-sensitive adhesive
component for an ankle C according to a third embodiment of the
present invention and FIG. 8B is a front view of the
pressure-sensitive adhesive component for an ankle C shown in FIG.
8A.
[0091] Here, a pressure-sensitive adhesive component for an ankle
consisting of a modified H-shaped pressure-sensitive adhesive
component having a substantially trapezoidal contour will be
described.
[0092] In FIG. 8A, the pressure-sensitive adhesive component for an
ankle has a substantially trapezoidal contour and a bottom portion
41 to be applied to the heel sole of the foot substantially in the
center of the trapezoid. On both sides of the bottom portion 41,
the pressure-sensitive adhesive component has a first tape-shaped
body consisting of a first rear tape body 42 and a first front tape
body 43, and a second tape-shaped body 47' consisting of a second
rear tape body 42' and a second front tape 43', respectively. The
axes of the first rear tape body 42 and the first front tape body
43 are parallel to each other. Similarly, the axes of the second
rear tape body 42' and the second front tape body 43' are parallel
to each other. The first rear tape body 42 and the second rear tape
body 42' are tapes to be applied to sides of the ankle; they must
have a length sufficient to cover the malleolus. However, it is
preferable that they do not have too large a length but a suitable
length, for example, a length on the order such that they can reach
slightly above the malleolus. When the tapes are set to such a
length, the pressure-sensitive adhesive component taped will not
protrude from the upper end of the socks, thus giving an acceptable
appearance. Note that users may cut the tapes so as to have such a
length appropriately prior to use.
[0093] The first front tape body 43 and the second front tape body
43' are tapes to be applied around the ankle so as to cover the
Achilles' tendon and longer than the first and second rear tape
bodies 42 and 42'.
[0094] Each of the head edges of the first rear tape body, first
front tape body, second rear tape body, and second front tape body
are tongue-shaped.
[0095] The bottom portion 41 are rectangular and the first rear
tape body 42 and the first front tape body 43 are arranged on one
side of the rectangle and the second rear tape body 42' and the
second front tape body 43' are arranged on the opposite side of the
rectangle. Note that the edge on the side of the rear tape body of
the bottom portion 41 may be formed into a concave form.
[0096] The layer structure of the modified H-shaped
pressure-sensitive adhesive component C shown in FIG. 8A, which
will be exemplified in FIG. 8B, may assume the same structure as
that of the layer construction shown in FIG. 2. Here, the release
liner 16 may be omitted. However, it is preferable that the release
liner 16 is laminated on the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 15
in order to prevent the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 15 from
being contaminated with dust and dirt and protect adhesive power
until use. The release liner 16 is provided with a back slit at
several positions. For example, in FIG. 8A the back slits are
provided at a boundary portion 44 between the bottom portion 41 and
the first rear tape body 42 and the first front tape body 43
arranged on the left side of the bottom portion and similarly at a
boundary portion 44' between the bottom portion 41 and the second
tape body arranged on the right side of the bottom portion. In the
case of this pressure-sensitive adhesive component for an ankle,
numeric symbols (such as {circle over (1)} and {circle over (2)})
are printed and a printed portion 45 formed on the release liner of
each part provided with back splits. Although this printed portions
45 are not limited to numerical symbols, it is preferable that
images such as characters (including numerical symbols) showing the
order of taping and illustrations are indicated by any appropriate
method.
[0097] Further, in the present embodiment, similarly to the
H-shaped pressure-sensitive adhesive component shown in FIG. 1, the
first front tape body has a front tape portion and a front tape
head portion and the first rear tape body has a rear tape portion
and a rear tape head portion and boundary portions thereof may be
provided with back slits, and in addition the release liner of each
back slit part may be formed with a printed part.
[0098] The substantially trapezoidal pressure-sensitive adhesive
component for an ankle (modified H-shaped pressure-sensitive
adhesive component C) shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B has a lower bottom
side length, i.e., a length from the head edge of the first front
tape body 43 to the head edge of the second front tape body 43'
(L10) of 400 mm to 650 mm, and a trapezoidal height, i.e., the
total (W10) of the width (W12) of the front tape bodies (43, 43')
and the width W11 of the rear tape bodies (42, 42') is preferably
50 mm and 150 mm and it is preferable that the pressure-sensitive
adhesive component for an ankle is appropriately designed within
the above-mentioned range taking into consideration the body type,
foot type and so forth. The length (L11) of the rear tape body 42
(or 42') is preferably 80 mm to 150 mm and the length (L13) of the
front tape body 43 (or 43') is preferably 200 mm to 270 mm.
Further, the length (L12) of the bottom portion 41 may be greater
than the width of the heel and is, for example, 50 mm to 90 mm. It
is preferable that the lengths and size of the bottom portion and
the like are appropriately designed in consideration of the body
type, foot type and the like.
[0099] As one example of the method of performing taping by using
the pressure-sensitive adhesive component for an ankle of the
present invention, an example in which a modified H-shaped
pressure-sensitive adhesive component for an ankle having a
substantially trapezoidal shape as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B is
applied to the ankle portion will be described hereinbelow.
[0100] FIGS. 9A to 11C are diagrams that illustrate the method of
fixing an ankle joint and the like by using the pressure-sensitive
adhesive component for an ankle according to the third embodiment
of the present invention (modified H-shaped pressure-sensitive
adhesive component C) (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as
"method C").
[0101] In FIG. 9A, a pressure-sensitive adhesive component is
placed on a place that facilitates the operation of application,
such as floor or ground, with the release liner being placed
upside. After the release liner (marking {circle over (1)}) on the
bottom portion 41 is removed, the heel sole is mounted on the
pressure-sensitive adhesive layer of the bottom portion 41 and
applied thereto such that the rear tapes 42 and 42' pass just above
the malleolus when they are lifted up, that is, the heel is
slightly protruded from the rear side of the bottom portion 41 (the
upper side of the trapezoid). In FIG. 9B, the release liner
(marking {circle over (2)}) on the first rear tape body 42 to be
applied to the outside of the ankle portion is removed while
maintaining the angle (.theta.) of the ankle portion at 90.degree.,
the head portion of the first rear tape body 42 is held by the hand
and pulled immediately above, and the first rear tape body 42 is
applied halfway so as to cover the lateral malleolus of the ankle
joint while expanding the first rear tape body 42, and then the
head portion of the first rear tape body 42 is applied in a less
elongated state than ever. The reason why the tape body is applied
halfway in an elongated state is to impart a moderate fixing power
to the treatment site and application after the elongation of the
head portion is lessened is to decrease physical stress due to the
contact area between the skin and the pressure-sensitive adhesive
component to thereby alleviating the skin irritation and reducing
peeling off of the edge of the tape body due to strain-stress.
[0102] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 9C, after the release liner
(marking 12') on the second rear tape body 42' to be applied to the
inner side of the ankle portion is removed, the head portion of the
tape is held by the hand and the second rear tape body 42' is
applied halfway while drawing it just above so as to cover the
medial malleolus, and then the elongation of the head portion of
the second rear tape body 42' is lessened, followed by applying the
head portion of the tape body 42'. This operation corresponds to
so-called "stirrup", which can suppress and limit varus of the
calcaneal bone and ankle bone.
[0103] Then, as shown in FIG. 10A, the release liner (marking
{circle over (3)}) on the first front tape body 43 to be applied to
the outside of the ankle portion is removed, and the head portion
of the first front tape body 43 is held by the hand while expanding
the first front tape body and is applied by passing along the
dorsum of the ankle and back of the ankle joint so as to cover the
Achilles' tendon, to the front of the ankle, that is by making the
first front tape body 43 to wind substantially around the ankle,
followed by applying the first front tape body 43 except for the
head portion thereof, and subsequently loosening the elongation of
the head portion and then applying the head portion (see FIG.
10C).
[0104] Similarly, as shown in FIG. 11A, after the release liner
(marking {circle over (3)}') on the second front tape body 43' to
be applied to the inner side of the ankle joint is removed, the
head portion of the second front tape body 43' is held by the hand
and the second front tape body 43' except for the head portion is
applied while drawing it to pass the dorsum of foot and back of the
ankle joint so as to cover the Achilles' tendon (see FIG. 11B) to
thereby making the head portion of the second front tape body to
wind substantially around the ankle, and then the elongation of the
head portion of the second front tape body 43' is lessened and the
head portion thereof is applied to the substrate of the already
applied first tape body 43 in an overlapping manner (see FIG. 1C).
This operation corresponds to so-called "figure eight", which can
exhibit the stirrup taping function and also suppressing and
limiting the varus of the ankle joint of suppress and limit varus
of the calcaneal bone and ankle bone, thereby preventing the
forward movement of the ankle bone. Further, it has the function of
protecting the Achilles' tendon, strengthening the fixing power of
the ankle portion to fix the stirrup taping.
[0105] In addition, the taping may be performed by moderately
loading the body weight on the bottom portion as necessary. This
allows taping to be performed in a state close to the state of the
ankle joint upon which a load is imposed when exercising.
[0106] According to the present invention, taping by using the
modified H-shaped pressure-sensitive adhesive component having a
substantially trapezoidal contour can fix the ankle joint and the
like appropriately as described above.
[0107] In the present invention, after performing taping by using a
modified H-shaped pressure-sensitive adhesive component, a
rectangular auxiliary component formed of nonelastic cotton tape or
elastic tape as shown in FIG. 3B may be appropriately used and
taped on the modified H-shaped pressure-sensitive adhesive
component in an overlapping manner to reinforce the taping by the
modified H-shaped pressure-sensitive adhesive component. The
embodiment in which the auxiliary pressure-sensitive adhesive
component Bis used in combination with the modified H-shaped
pressure-sensitive adhesive component is shown in FIGS. 12A and
12B. In FIGS. 12A and 12B, an auxiliary pressure-sensitive adhesive
component 31 is of a substantially rectangular shape and preferably
has a size such that the dorsum of the foot and the Achilles'
tendon can be covered. For example, it is preferable that the
rectangular shorter side is 3.8 cm to 7.5 cm long and a longer side
is 7.5 cm to 20 cm long. Further, it is preferable that the edges
of the rectangle are tongue-shaped. When the auxiliary
pressure-sensitive adhesive component is constituted by an elastic
tape, it may be made of a material similar to the modified H-shaped
pressure-sensitive adhesive component C of the present invention
and may have a similar layer structure. Further, when the auxiliary
pressure-sensitive adhesive component is constituted by a
nonelastic tape, it may be made of a material similar to that of a
nonelastic cotton tape for general taping. Alternatively, the
auxiliary pressure-sensitive adhesive component may be substituted
by a commercially available tape for taping.
[0108] Hereinafter, the reinforcing method of performing taping by
using the auxiliary pressure-sensitive adhesive component B
(hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "method D") will be
described. Note that although the auxiliary pressure-sensitive
adhesive component is applied to the previously applied modified
H-shaped pressure-sensitive adhesive component in an overlapping
manner, the figure illustrating the auxiliary pressure-sensitive
adhesive component and the modified H-shaped pressure-sensitive
adhesive component in an overlapping state is complicated, so that
hereinafter, explanation will be made with referring to diagrams in
which the previously applied modified H-shaped pressure-sensitive
adhesive component is omitted and only the auxiliary
pressure-sensitive adhesive component is shown.
[0109] FIGS. 13A and 13B are diagrams that illustrate a first
taping reinforcing method by using an auxiliary pressure-sensitive
adhesive component. The method is an effective taping reinforcing
method in preventing inward twist of the ankle, i.e., varus of the
ankle. In FIG. 13A, the auxiliary pressure-sensitive adhesive
component 31 is passed starting from the base of the toes while
expanding the auxiliary pressure-sensitive adhesive component 31 so
as to cover the lateral malleolus and then passed along the back of
the ankle to cover the Achilles' tendon, and along the inner side
to the front side of the ankle as shown in FIG. 13B, followed by
relaxation of elongation of the head portion and application.
[0110] In FIGS. 14A and 14B, a second taping reinforcing method by
using an auxiliary pressure-sensitive adhesive component is
illustrated. The method is an effective taping reinforcing method
in preventing outward twist of the ankle, i.e., valgus of the
ankle. In FIG. 14A, the auxiliary pressure-sensitive adhesive
component 31 is passed starting from the base of the toes while
expanding the auxiliary pressure-sensitive adhesive component 31 so
as to cover the medial malleolus and then passed along the back of
the ankle to cover the Achilles' tendon, and along the outer side
to the front side of the ankle as shown in FIG. 14B, followed by
relaxation of elongation of the head portion and application.
[0111] In FIGS. 15A and 15B, a third taping reinforcing method by
using an auxiliary pressure-sensitive adhesive component is
illustrated. The method is an effective taping reinforcing method
in preventing twist of the ankle toward the floor, i.e., bending
down of the toe of the ankle. In FIG. 15A, after the angle of the
ankle is set to 90.degree., the auxiliary pressure-sensitive
adhesive component 31 is applied to the base of the ankle and while
holding this portion one free end of the pressure-sensitive
adhesive component is pulled toward the tiptoe and applied halfway,
followed by relaxation of elongation of the head portion and
application to the base of the toes. Subsequently, as shown in FIG.
15B, while holding this portion another free end of the
pressure-sensitive adhesive component is pulled toward the shin and
applied halfway, followed by relaxation of elongation of the head
portion and application to the shin.
[0112] In FIGS. 16A and 16B, a fourth taping reinforcing method by
using an auxiliary pressure-sensitive adhesive component is
illustrated. The method is an effective taping reinforcing method
in preventing twist of the ankle toward the shin, i.e., bending
back of the toe of the ankle. In FIG. 16A, after the toe of the
ankle is bent backward, that is, the angle of the ankle is set to
an angle slightly smaller than 90.degree., the auxiliary
pressure-sensitive adhesive component 31 is applied to the base of
the toes toward the bottom of the foot while expanding the
auxiliary pressure-sensitive adhesive component 31. Then, as shown
in FIG. 16B, the auxiliary pressure-sensitive adhesive component 31
is applied from the backside of the ankle toward the shin while
drawing it to expand with stretching the Achilles' tendon and
applied halfway, followed by relaxation of elongation of the head
portion and application of the pressure-sensitive adhesive
component.
[0113] Use of the pressure-sensitive adhesive component for an
ankle of the present invention shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, enables
fixing of the ankle joint and the like appropriately according to
the taping method C. Further, overlapping taping by using the
auxiliary pressure-sensitive adhesive component results in
strengthening of the fixing power of the ankle portion.
[0114] Note that after taping the H-shaped pressure-sensitive
adhesive component A according to the method A, reinforcing may be
performed by using the auxiliary pressure-sensitive adhesive
component according to one of the first to fourth reinforcing
methods (method D) mentioned above instead of the method B. That
is, in the present invention, the method D can be applied to the
method A and the method B can be applied to the method C.
[0115] When markings indicating the order of application are shown
on the release liners of the pressure-sensitive adhesive component
for an ankle of the present invention and optional auxiliary
pressure-sensitive adhesive component, application of the tapes in
the order indicated enables users having no expert knowledge on
taping to perform taping readily and at proper positions.
[0116] Further, in addition to the taping method of the present
invention, a conventional taping method may also be used.
EXAMPLES
[0117] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more
detail by examples. However, the present invention should not be
considered as being limited to the examples and various
applications are possible without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present invention.
Example 1
[0118] A mixture of 90 parts by weight of 2-ethylhexyl acrylate and
9 parts by weight of acrylic acid was copolymerized with ethyl
acetate under an inert gas atmosphere to obtain an acrylic-based
pressure-sensitive adhesive. The acrylic-based pressure-sensitive
adhesive was coated on a treated surface of a release liner having
a high-quality paper laminated with a polyethylene, further
subjected to treatment with silicone on the laminated surface to a
thickness of 80 .mu.m on dry basis and the resultant was dried at
120.degree. C. for 3 minutes to form a pressure-sensitive adhesive
layer. On this pressure-sensitive adhesive layer was superposed and
applied an elastic knitted fabric having a thickness of 450 .mu.m
prepared by knitting 75-denier polyester yarn by interlock weaving
so as to expand and contract to obtain a laminate having a layer
structure of substrate/pressure-sensitive adhesive layer/release
liner. The elastic knitted fabric had a tensile stress at 20%
elongation of 2.5 N/19 mm width and a hysteresis at 80% elongation
of 92%, and a tensile stress at 80% elongation of 19 N/19 mm
width.
[0119] The obtained laminate was punched to obtain a
pressure-sensitive adhesive component made of an H-shaped
pressure-sensitive adhesive component and an auxiliary
pressure-sensitive adhesive component having a shape as shown in
FIGS. 3A and 3B. Note that the rectangular contour of the H-shaped
pressure-sensitive adhesive component had the following sizes. The
length of the shorter edge (W10) was 90 mm, and the length of the
longer edge (L10) was 410 mm. The length of the bottom portion was
70 mm and the length of the tape portion was 140 mm. W11:W12=5:4.
Further, the length (L20) of the auxiliary pressure-sensitive
adhesive component was 250 mm and the width (W20) of the auxiliary
pressure-sensitive adhesive component was 70 mm. The release liners
were provided with back slits at each boundary of two adjacent
parts of the release liner and was stamped continuous numbers
indicating the order of application.
[0120] By using the obtained pressure-sensitive adhesive component
for an ankle, taping on the ankle portion according to the above
mentioned method A.
Example 2
[0121] An oily gel pressure-sensitive adhesive agent was coated on
a treated surface of a release liner composed of polyethylene
laminated high-quality paper, further treated with silicone, to a
thickness of 70 .mu.m on dry basis and was dried at 120.degree. C.
for 3 minutes to form a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. An
elastic knitted fabric having a thickness of 450 .mu.m having the
same material as the substrate in Example 1, knitted by interlock
weaving 75 denier polyester yarn so that it could expand and
contract was superposed and applied on the pressure-sensitive
adhesive layer to obtain a laminate having a layer structure of
substrate/pressure-sensitive adhesive layer/release liner.
[0122] The obtained laminate was punched to obtain a
pressure-sensitive adhesive component made of an H-shaped
pressure-sensitive adhesive component and an auxiliary
pressure-sensitive adhesive component having a shape as shown in
FIGS. 3A and 3B. Note that the rectangular contour of the H-shaped
pressure-sensitive adhesive component had the following sizes. The
length of the shorter edge (W10) was 90 mm, and the length of the
longer edge (L10) was 450 mm. The length of the bottom portion was
70 mm and the length of the tape portion was 170 mm. W11 was 50 mm
and W12 was 40 mm. Further, the length (L20) of the I-shaped
auxiliary pressure-sensitive adhesive component was 200 mm and the
width (W20) of the auxiliary pressure-sensitive adhesive component
was 50 mm. In the same manner as in Example 1, the release liners
were provided with back slits and stamped continuous numbers.
[0123] By using the obtained pressure-sensitive adhesive components
(H-shaped pressure-sensitive adhesive component and auxiliary
pressure-sensitive adhesive component), taping of an ankle portion
was performed according to the above-mentioned method B.
Example 3
[0124] A pressure-sensitive adhesive layer was prepared in the same
manner as in Example 1. A fabric (high twist fabric) obtained by
twill weaving a mixed yarn composed of cotton and rayon prepared in
advance as a substrate was superposed and laminated on the
pressure-sensitive adhesive layer to obtain a laminate having a
layer structure of substrate/pressure-sensitive adhesive
layer/release liner. Note that the thickness of the substrate and
the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer was 750 .mu.m.
[0125] The obtained laminate was punched to obtain a
pressure-sensitive adhesive component for an ankle having a shape
as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. Note that the substantially
trapezoidal contour of the modified H-shaped pressure-sensitive
adhesive component had the following sizes.
[0126] The height of the trapezoid in FIG. 8A (W10) was 100 mm, and
the width of the rear tape body (W11) and the width of the front
tape body (W12) were each 50 mm. The length of the lower edge of
the trapezoid (L10) was 550 mm. Further, the length of the rear
tape body (L11) was 115 mm. The length of the front tape body (L13)
was 240 mm. In addition, the length of the bottom portion (L12) was
70 mm.
[0127] The release liners provided with back slits were stamped
with continuous numbers indicating the order of application.
[0128] By using the obtained pressure-sensitive adhesive
components, taping of an ankle portion was performed according to
the above-mentioned taping method C for the modified H-shaped
pressure-sensitive adhesive component.
Example 4
[0129] An oily gel pressure-sensitive adhesive agent was coated on
a treated surface of a release liner composed of polyethylene
laminated high-quality paper, further treated with silicone, to a
thickness of 65 .mu.m on dry basis and was dried at 120.degree. C.
for 3 minutes to form a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. An about
13-.mu.m polyurethane film was bonded and laminated on one surface
of a substrate, i.e., an elastic knitted fabric having a thickness
of about 252 .mu.m prepared by nitting 75 denier polyeser yarn by
interlock weaving so as to expand and contract to form a support.
Superposing and applying the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on
the substrate side of the support formed a laminate having a layer
structure of polyurethane film/substrate/pressure-sensitiv- e
adhesive layer/release liner. Note that the thickness of the
laminate (excluding the release liner), specifically a total of the
thicknesses of the support and the pressure-sensitive adhesive
layer was about 320 .mu.m.
[0130] The obtained laminate was punched to obtain a
pressure-sensitive adhesive component for an ankle having a shape
as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. Note that the substantially
trapezoidal contour of the modified H-shaped pressure-sensitive
adhesive component had the following sizes. The height of the
trapezoid in FIG. 8A (W10) was 100 mm, and the width of the rear
tape body (W11) and the width of the front tape body (W12) were
each 50 mm. The length of the lower edge of the trapezoid (L10) was
560 mm. Further, the length of the rear tape body (L11) was 90 mm.
The length of the front tape body (L13) was 255 mm. In addition,
the length of the bottom portion (L12) was 50 mm.
[0131] The release liners provided with back slits were stamped
with continuous numbers indicating the order of application.
[0132] By using the obtained pressure-sensitive adhesive
components, taping of an ankle portion was performed according to
the above-mentioned taping method C for modified H-shaped
pressure-sensitive adhesive component.
Comparative Example 1
[0133] By using a conventional tape generally known as a taping
tape for sports, taping was performed by a common method. That is,
first an underlap tape was applied centered on the ankle. Then two
anchor tapes (38 mm in width), i.e., nonelastic cotton tapes, were
applied on positions about 5 cm above the ankle. The two anchor
tapes were applied off to the side by about 1/3 to about 1/2 or
spirally wound around. Then, three stirrup tapes (38 mm in width)
were applied by drawing up from the position of the inner anchor
tape passing the medial malleolus to the position of the outer side
anchor tape. Note that three stirrup tapes were applied off to the
side by about 1/3 to about 1/2. Thereafter, to fasten the ends of
the stirrup tapes with the anchor tapes, the two anchor tapes were
wound around at the position of about 5 cm above the ankle. Then,
to prevent tottering of the ankle by pressing the periphery of the
ankle, a figure eight tape was applied by winding it around the
foot starting from the position of the Achilles' tendon passing the
lateral malleolus and around the dorsum of foot, passing the
plantar arch, crossing the dorsum of foot, passing above the medial
malleolus, returning to the original point, and further running
over the Achilles' tendon to the outer side to make a half round
trip. Thereafter, heel lock taping was performed. That is, an
elastic tape made of a high twist fabric was made to pass from the
dorsum of foot as an original point, medial malleolus, back side of
the heel, underneath the lateral malleolus, to the plantar arch,
and crossing the dorsum of foot. Subsequently, the elastic tape was
made to pass above the lateral malleolus, the Achilles' tendon to
the heel, underneath the medial malleolus, obliquely passing the
plantar arch, and then the dorsum of foot. This operation was
performed repeatedly and the tape was continuously wound around the
foot upward to the position where the anchor tape was applied above
the ankle.
[0134] Twenty volunteers of thirties in age were asked to apply
pressure-sensitive adhesive components around their ankles by the
taping methods of Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative Example 1 and
evaluate the operability of taping and the conditions immediately
after the taping according to the standards described below.
Further, after exercising jogging for 1 hour after applying the
pressure-sensitive adhesive components, stability of adhesion and
fixability after the exercise were evaluated according to the
standards described below. The number of persons meeting each
standard is shown in Table 1.
[0135] <Standards of Evaluation>
[0136] {circle over (1)} Operability of Taping
[0137] [1]: Very easy to apply, cases in which taping could be
performed within 3 minutes;
[0138] [2]: Difficult to apply, taping time being longer than 3
minutes and less than 10 minutes;
[0139] [3]: Very difficult to apply, cases in which taping took 10
minutes or longer.
[0140] {circle over (2)} Conditions Immediately After Taping
[0141] [1]: No local thickening, very comfortable;
[0142] [2]: After the application, no discomfort but a slight
feeling of strangeness being felt;
[0143] [3]: After the application, discomfort of being aware of
taping, with some pain;
[0144] [4]: Very painful and discomfortable, unable to wear
shoes.
[0145] {circle over (3)} Stability of Adhesion and Fixability After
Exercise
[0146] [1]: 90% or more of the applied pressure-sensitive adhesive
showing no peel, with the taping function on the ankle continuing
sufficiently;
[0147] [2]: 50% or more and less than 90% showing no peel, with
partial loosening but maintaining the taping function;
[0148] [3]: Less than 50% showing no peel, with showing loosening
and loss of the taping function.
1 TABLE 1 Comparative Example 1 Example 2 Example 1 Evaluation
(Number of (Number of (Number of Standard Persons) Persons)
Persons) Operability 1 20 20 0 of taping 2 0 0 9 3 0 0 11 State 1
18 17 0 immediately 2 2 3 2 after 3 0 0 15 taping 4 0 0 3 Stability
1 19 18 17 of adhesion 2 1 2 2 and fixing 3 0 0 0 power after
exercise
[0149]
2 TABLE 2 Comparative Example 1 Example 2 Example 1 Evaluation
(Number of (Number of (Number of Standard Persons) Persons)
Persons) Operability 1 20 13 1 of taping 2 0 7 9 3 0 0 10
Conditions 1 17 18 0 immediately 2 3 2 4 after 3 0 0 15 taping 4 0
0 1 Stability 1 19 17 17 of adhesion 2 1 3 3 and fixing 3 0 0 0
power after exercise
[0150] The results shown in Tables 1 and 2 indicate that taping
using the pressure-sensitive adhesive components for an ankle in
Examples 1 to 4 by the method described in Examples 1 to 4 resulted
in best evaluations by 13 persons or more out of the 20 person in
all the evaluations of "Operability of taping", "Conditions
immediately after taping", and "Stability of adhesion and
fixability after exercise". That is, the pressure sensitive
adhesive components for an ankle of the present invention are good
in the feeling of wearing and operability and exhibit satisfactory
taping function. Furthermore, it revealed that the pressure
sensitive adhesive components for an ankle of the present invention
have waterproof property.
[0151] On the other hand, Comparative Example 1 in which taping was
performed by the conventional method indicated that the taping took
a long time and many persons complained for discomfort in the
feeling of wearing the taping.
[0152] As described above in detail, use of the pressure-sensitive
adhesive component for an ankle of the present invention enables a
person having no expert knowledge on taping to perform readily and
in a short time appropriate taping only by following the order
indicated, for example, on the release liner. Since everybody can
perform taping with ease, the present invention is very useful for
preventing recurrence of sprained ankle that would otherwise tend
to become chronic and also preventing serious physical damages.
[0153] The pressure-sensitive adhesive component for an ankle of
the present invention enables sufficient fixing of an ankle joint
and the like and assures continued fixability, so that they are
useful for various kinds of athletes including walkers, joggers,
hikers, climbers and so forth as well as rehabilitation trainees
for the functional recovery of foot joints and the like.
Furthermore, use of the pressure-sensitive adhesive components for
an ankle of the present invention causes no thickening upon
application and makes users to feel no inconvenience in daily life,
allowing users to wear shoes, also allowing wearing athletes'
shoes.
[0154] According to the taping method of the present invention,
taping can be performed by placing the heel sole on the bottom
portion of the H-shaped pressure-sensitive adhesive component or
the like and loading the body weight thereon, so that there is no
need to hold the pressure-sensitive adhesive component by one hand,
thus allowing free use of hands, so that taping can be performed
with free hands, thus assuring effective taping effects.
Furthermore, according to the taping method of the present
invention, taping can be performed in a state close to the state of
that ankle joint or the like upon which a load is imposed when
exercising, so that an effective taping effect tends to be shown
easy.
[0155] According to the taping method of the present invention,
neither local circulation disturbance nor nervous disturbance will
occur due to over winding since no spiral winding around the ankle
is involved.
[0156] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from the spirit or essential
characteristics thereof. The present embodiment is therefore to be
considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the
scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims
rather than by the foregoing description and all changes which come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are
therefore intended to be embraced therein.
* * * * *