U.S. patent application number 14/023553 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-09 for wearable patch comprising multiple separable adhesive layers.
This patent application is currently assigned to ZANSORS LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is ZANSORS LLC. Invention is credited to RANJIT DAS, MARK TRAVAGLINI.
Application Number | 20140012094 14/023553 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49879035 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140012094 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DAS; RANJIT ; et
al. |
January 9, 2014 |
WEARABLE PATCH COMPRISING MULTIPLE SEPARABLE ADHESIVE LAYERS
Abstract
Wearable patches comprising multiple separable adhesive layers.
One or more of the layers can comprise electronics, mechanical
components, gauze, medicine and/or other types of hardware suitable
for the intended use of the patch. In use, a first layer of the
patch is adhered to a user. When it is time to change layers, the
patch is removed from the user, the first layer is removed from the
patch to expose a second adhesive layer, and the second layer is
applied to the user. The process may be repeated until the
remaining layers of the patch have been used.
Inventors: |
DAS; RANJIT; (GAITHERSBURG,
MD) ; TRAVAGLINI; MARK; (NORTHVILLE, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ZANSORS LLC |
TYSONS |
VA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
ZANSORS LLC
TYSONS
VA
|
Family ID: |
49879035 |
Appl. No.: |
14/023553 |
Filed: |
September 11, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61699790 |
Sep 11, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
600/300 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/113 20130101;
A61M 35/00 20130101; A61B 5/14517 20130101; A61B 5/11 20130101;
A61B 2560/0412 20130101; A61F 13/025 20130101; A61B 5/08 20130101;
A61B 5/6833 20130101; A61F 13/02 20130101; A61B 5/4818 20130101;
A61B 5/6801 20130101; A61B 5/1118 20130101; G06F 19/00 20130101;
A61B 2503/04 20130101; A61F 2013/0094 20130101; A61B 5/0022
20130101; A61B 5/145 20130101; A61F 13/00051 20130101; A61F 13/0246
20130101; A61B 5/4806 20130101; A61K 9/703 20130101; G16H 40/67
20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
600/300 |
International
Class: |
A61B 5/00 20060101
A61B005/00 |
Claims
1. A patch comprising: at least one lower layer, each lower layer
having a substrate with a first surface and a second surface, each
first surface comprising an adhesive formed thereon; and a top
layer provided over a second surface of the at least one lower
layer.
2. The patch of claim 1, wherein said top layer comprises a
substrate having a third surface and a fourth surface, said third
surface comprising an adhesive formed thereon and being provided
over the second surface of the at least one lower layer.
3. The patch of claim 1, wherein each lower layer comprises
electronics for monitoring a characteristic of a wearer of the
patch.
4. The patch of claim 3, wherein said electronics comprises one or
more of sensors, integrated circuit chips, power source components,
data transfer components, or memory storage devices.
5. The patch of claim 4, wherein the power source components
comprise batteries.
6. A patch comprising: a plurality of adhesive layers, each
adhesive layer comprising a first surface comprising an adhesive
and a second surface comprising a non-adhesive material, the
adhesive layers being configured into a stack such that a second
surface of a lower layer in the stack is removably adhered to a
first surface of an upper layer in the stack.
7. The patch of claim 6, wherein each adhesive layer comprises
electronics for monitoring a characteristic or activity of a wearer
of the patch.
8. The patch of claim 7, wherein the electronics of each adhesive
layer can pass data to the electronics on another adhesive layer
using data transfer components formed on each adhesive layer.
9. The patch of claim 7, wherein said electronics comprises one or
more of sensors, integrated sensor chips, power source components,
data transfer components, or memory storage devices.
10. The patch of claim 7, wherein the electronics in a topmost
adhesive layer are different than the electronics in the remaining
layers of the stack.
11. The patch of claim 6, wherein removal of the lower most
adhesive layer exposes the first surface of a next-lowest adhesive
layer in the stack.
12. A patch comprising: a plurality of first layers formed into a
stack; and a second layer provided over a topmost first layer of
the stack, wherein each first layer and the second layer comprises
a first surface comprising an adhesive and a second surface
comprising a non-adhesive substrate.
13. The patch of claim 12, wherein the first layers are configured
into the stack such that a second surface of a lower first layer in
the stack is removably adhered to a first surface of an upper first
layer in the stack.
14. The patch of claim 13, wherein the first surface of the second
layer is provided on a second surface of a topmost first layer in
the stack.
15. The patch of claim 13, wherein each first layer and the second
layer comprises electronics for monitoring a characteristic of a
wearer of the patch.
16. The patch of claim 15, wherein the characteristic comprises one
of sleep apnea or asthma.
17. The patch of claim 15, wherein the electronics of each first
layer can pass data to the electronics on the second layer using
data transfer components formed on each first and second layer.
18. The patch of claim 15, wherein said electronics comprises one
or more of sensors, integrated circuit chips, power source
components, data transfer components, or memory storage
devices.
19. The patch of claim 18, wherein the power source components
comprise batteries.
20. The patch of claim 15, wherein the electronics in the second
layer are different than the electronics in the first layers.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/699,790 filed Sep. 11, 2012, the entirety
of which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Embodiments of the invention relate to wearable patches
comprising multiple separable adhesive layers.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Patches that adhere to a person's body are being used for
several purposes in today's society. The configuration and use of
the patch often depends upon its intended purpose. For example, a
patch comprising gauze or other material can be applied to a person
to cover a wound and prevent infection (i.e., it is being used as
an adhesive bandage). A patch that contains medicine or other
substances can be applied to a person to treat a wound or an
addiction (e.g., a nicotine patch), or to counteract e.g., sea
sickness. Other patches can include electronics such as sensors or
integrated circuits to monitor e.g., a person's health or response
to physical activity. These patches can also include communication
circuitry for communicating data from the patch to an external
source.
[0004] All of these patches, however, have their shortcomings. For
example, single wearable adhesive bandages must be changed
frequently, especially if they get wet. In addition, these bandages
are contained within individual packaging that must be opened and
discarded before the bandage can even be used. Thus, these patches
produce packaging waste and are inconvenient for the user because
he/she must carry or have access to multiple bandages if they want
to properly cover a wound, etc.
[0005] Patches that include electronics have additional problems.
For example, a single wearable adhesive patch having electronics or
other hardware would be used once and discarded, causing all of its
electronics/hardware to be discarded even if they are still
functional. As can be appreciated, this can be wasteful and
expensive, raising the cost of the patches (for both the
manufacturer and consumer). To avoid wasting expensive components,
and to reduce costs, these patches will sometimes use inferior
components that could malfunction, provide low power for its
circuitry, and/or low memory storage capacity--all of which are
undesirable. Moreover, with single disposable patches, the
equipment loses the ability to record/use data from, or share data
with, other patches used on the same user, which is also
desirable.
[0006] Accordingly, there is a need and desire for a better
wearable adhesive patch.
SUMMARY
[0007] Embodiments disclosed herein provide a wearable patch
comprising multiple separable adhesive layers. By stacking multiple
layers on top of each other, the same patch can used, removed
(e.g., when the user takes a shower or goes swimming) and reapplied
without affecting its adhesion to the user (i.e., another adhesive
layer can be applied to the user when needed).
[0008] One or more of the layers can comprise electronics,
mechanical components, gauze, medicine and/or other types of
hardware or other substances suitable for the intended use of the
patch. In use, a first adhesive layer of the patch is adhered to a
user. When it is time to change layers, the patch is removed from
the user, the first adhesive layer is removed from the patch to
expose a second adhesive layer, and the second adhesive layer is
applied to the user. The process may be repeated until the
remaining adhesive layers of the patch have been used.
[0009] If the adhesive layers contain electronics, data can be
passed through the layers to a main processing circuit and memory
contained in e.g., a top adhesive layer. This way, the patch has
the ability to record/use data from, or share data with, other
layers throughout the use of the patch. In addition, the layers can
be powered by a single power source in the top adhesive layer or by
individual power sources in each layer. Moreover, more expensive
and better quality components can be used in the top layer, while
disposable components can be used in the lower layers; providing
better functionality of the patch circuitry while also reducing its
cost because the relatively expensive hardware (that would have
been disposed of with each use of a single use patch) is preserved
until the lifetime of the multi-layer patch has expired (i.e., all
of the layers are used).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates an example wearable patch comprising
multiple separable adhesive layers in accordance with an embodiment
disclosed herein.
[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates another example of a wearable patch
comprising multiple separable adhesive layers in accordance with
another embodiment disclosed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] In the following detailed description, a plurality of
specific details, such as types of materials and dimensions, are
set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the
preferred embodiments discussed below. The details discussed in
connection with the preferred embodiments should not be understood
to limit the claimed invention. Furthermore, for ease of
understanding, certain method steps are delineated as separate
steps; however, these steps should not be construed as necessarily
distinct nor order dependent in their performance.
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates an example wearable patch 10 comprising
multiple separable adhesive lower layers 12a, 12b, 12c and a top
layer 14 in accordance with an embodiment disclosed herein. In the
illustrated embodiment, there are three lower layers 12a, 12b, 12c
and a top layer 14. It should be appreciated that any number of
layers can be used and that the disclosed embodiment should not be
limited to the number of layers illustrated in FIG. 1. The patch 10
can include as many layers that are practical for the application
(e.g., three-day, seven-day, thirty-day patch, etc.). For example,
a three-day patch could comprise three separate lower layers 12a,
12b, 12c, one for each day, and a top layer 14 to e.g., protect the
adhesiveness of the lower layers 12a, 12b, 12c. If the top layer 14
is constructed the same as the lower layers, then the three-day
patch could comprise only two lower layers 12a, 12b for days one
and two and the top layer 14 for day three.
[0014] Each lower layer 12a, 12b, 12c comprises a substrate 22
having an adhesive 20 formed on one surface. The top layer 14 also
comprises a substrate 26 having an adhesive 24 formed on one
surface. In one embodiment, when the patch 10 will be applied to a
person's body, the substrates 22, 26 comprise white polyethylene
foam such as e.g., 1/16'', 4# cross linked polyethylene foam.
Similarly, when the patch 10 will be applied to a person's body,
the substrates 22, 26 are coated with an adhesive 20, 24 such as
e.g., an aggressive medical grade pressure-sensitive adhesive
(e.g., MA-46 acrylic medical grade adhesive). Although not shown,
the adhesive side of one or more layers in the patch 10 may be
protected by a liner or release paper such as e.g., a siliconized
polycoated release paper (e.g., 84# siliconized polycoated Kraft
release paper). The adhesive side of one or more layers in the
patch 10 may include the liner, release paper or some other
substance that provides quick/easy release/removability of the
layer from the patch 10. It should be appreciated that less than
all layers may have a liner, release paper, etc. It should be
appreciated that the embodiments are not limited to the type of
substrate, adhesive or liner (if used) discussed herein and that
any suitable substrate, adhesive or liner may be used to form the
patch 10.
[0015] Although not shown, the substrates 22, 26 can comprise gauze
(e.g., the patch 10 is intended to be used as a bandage), medicine
(e.g., the patch 10 is intended to be used to apply medicine to
treat a wound, infection or a patient's addiction) and/or another
substance. An embodiment of a patch 110 that includes electronics
or other hardware is discussed below with reference to FIG. 2. In
one embodiment, the top layer 14 can comprise a durable coating to
provide more protection (e.g., water-proofing) for the other layers
12a, 12b, 12c. It should be appreciated, however, that lower layers
12a, 12b, 12c are protected by the layers above them in the stack
of layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 14 and that the durable coating (or other
coating) would be providing additional protection. Additionally or
alternatively, the top layer 14 can contain a design and/or colors
rendering the patch 10 esthetically pleasing to the user and
others. For example, the patch 10 can be viewed as a tattoo or
other form of body art. Additionally or alternatively, the top
layer 14 can comprise padding or another suitable substance to
provide protection/comfort to the user in case contact is made to
the outside of the patch 10. In addition, although not shown, the
substrates 22, 26 can include a tab or other component to help the
user separate the layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 14 from each other when it
is time to remove a layer and/or the patch 10.
[0016] In use, the patch 10 (e.g., a 7-day patch) is removed from
its packaging and adhered to the user at the desired location. If
the lower layer 12a includes a liner, the liner would be removed
before the patch 10 is adhered to the user. After the first
intended use of the layer 12a (e.g., after day one, before a
shower, etc.), the entire patch 10 is removed, the bottom layer 12a
is peeled off and disposed of. The remaining layers 12b, 12c, 14 of
the patch 10 should still have fresh adhesive because they are
protected by each other and the substrate 26 of the top layer 14.
The patch 10 can then be re-adhered to the desired location on the
user using the next available adhesive layer (e.g., 12b). This
process is repeated for each intended use of the patch. When last
usable layer is used, it can be peeled off and disposed of.
[0017] As can be appreciated, stacking multiple adhesive layers in
one patch 10 creates more convenient user experience and less
packaging in comparison to today's wearable patches. In the
illustrated embodiment, the patch 10 comprises three lower layers
12a, 12b, 12c and a top layer 14. Existing patches would require
four separate packages, creating packaging waste and placing the
burden on the user to carry or have access to multiple individual
packages.
[0018] Although the patch 10 is advantageously used as a bandage or
other type of patch applied to a person's body, the patch 10
illustrated in FIG. 1 can be used in many other ways. As such, the
illustrated patch 10 is not limited solely to medical use (e.g.,
bandages, etc.) and/or application to a person's body. For example,
the patch 10 can be used as a multiple layer adhesive tape to cover
something or hold two or more items together. This would be useful
for situations in which the adhesive wears off and a new adhesive
tape of the same/similar size is needed.
[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates an example wearable patch comprising
multiple separable adhesive lower layers 112a, 112b, 112c and a top
layer 114 in accordance with an embodiment disclosed herein. In the
illustrated embodiment, there are three lower layers 112a, 112b,
112c and a top layer 114. It should be appreciated that, like the
patch 10 illustrated in FIG. 1, any number of layers can be used in
patch 110 and that the disclosed embodiment should not be limited
to the number of layers illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0020] Each lower layer 112a, 112b, 112c comprises a substrate 122
having an adhesive 120 formed on one surface. The top layer 114
also comprises a substrate 126 having an adhesive 124 formed on one
surface. Although not shown, the adhesive side of one or more
layers in the patch 110 is preferably protected by a liner or
release paper. The adhesive side of one or more layers in the patch
110 may include the liner, release paper or some other substance
that provides quick/easy release/removability of the layer from the
patch 110. It should be appreciated that less than all layers may
have a liner, release paper, etc. It should be appreciated that the
materials used for the substrates 122, 126, adhesives 120, 124 and
release paper can be the same as the materials used for the patch
10 illustrated in FIG. 1. It should also be appreciated that the
disclosed embodiments are not limited to the type of substrate,
adhesive or liner (if used) discussed herein and that any suitable
substrate, adhesive or liner may be used to form the patch 110.
[0021] In one embodiment, the top layer 114 can comprise a durable
coating to provide more protection (e.g., water-proofing) for the
other layers 112a, 112b, 112c. Additionally or alternatively, the
top layer 114 can contain a design and/or colors rendering the
patch 110 esthetically pleasing to the user and others.
Additionally or alternatively, the top layer 114 can comprise
padding or another suitable substance to provide protection/comfort
to the user in case contact is made to the outside of the patch
110. In addition, although not shown, the substrates 122, 126 can
include a tab or other component to help the user separate the
layers 112a, 112b, 112c, 114 from each other when it is time to
remove a layer and/or the patch 10.
[0022] As can be seen in FIG. 2, the various layers of the patch
110 include electrical devices (e.g., sensors, microphones,
accelerometers) that interface with and/or monitor activity of the
person the patch 110 is being applied to; as such, the patch 110 is
suitable for use in monitoring e.g., a person's health, sleep
patterns or response to physical activity (example uses of the
patch 110 and its electronics are discussed below). In addition,
the patch 110 could include electronics and components so that it
can be used for recreational, fashion or other purposes such as
e.g., a watch, smartphone, GPS, skin activated fashion `mood`
device. Furthermore, the patch 110 could include components to
measure biological fluids (e.g., blood, hormones); for example, a
person can wear a patch 110 to measure insulin or cardiac markers
for heart attack (troponin). This allows the user to wear patches
to measure biological fluids sub-cutaneous or trans-dermal. With no
external wiring, the patch 110 can be worn while the user showers.
According to the illustrated embodiment, each lower layer 112a,
112b, 112c comprises a power component 130 (e.g., a battery or a
connection to a power component 150 in the top layer 114), one or
more sensors 132, 134, 136, 138, an integrated circuit (IC) chip
(or circuit) 140 and a data bus portion 142. The sensors 132, 134,
136, 138 could be microphones, accelerometers, pressure sensors for
sensing the wearer's pulse, humidity sensors for measuring sweat,
temperature sensors for measuring heat, altimeters for measuring
incline, and electrical sensors for measuring electrical
heartbeats. In addition, the sensors 132, 134, 136, 138 can
comprise more complex (higher order) sensors based on
micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) sensors or even
microfluidic sensors. The illustrated top layer 114 comprises a
power component 150 (e.g., a battery), a main IC chip 160 a memory
device 170 and a bus portion 180.
[0023] Although not shown, the components in each layer 112a, 112b,
112c, 114 are interconnected by interconnects formed in or attached
to the substrates 122, 126. Examples of suitable interconnects
include e.g., embedded fine copper wire, etched silver plating,
conductive polymers or flexible circuit boards; all of these
interconnections are very flexible and readably available. Although
not shown, other components can be included on each layer such as
e.g., resistors; Bluetooth circuitry/chip, etc. depending upon the
intended use of the patch 110. In addition, an on/off button/switch
and/or other buttons/switches can also be present so that the user
can e.g., activate/deactivate the electronics, cause the patch 110
to transmit or receive data, etc.
[0024] The top layer 114 comprises a main IC chip (or circuit) 160,
which may be a programmed processor or a microcontroller and may
include at least one low power communication mechanism (e.g.,
Bluetooth, wireless RF communications, RS-232/RS-432 serial port,
USB connector, etc.) for communicating data collected by the
patch's electronics to the outside world (discussed below). It
should be appreciated that the layers 112a, 112b, 112c, 114 can
communicate with each other via wireless communications as well.
This would allow the top layer 114 to talk to the lower layers
112a, 112b, 112c to e.g., check stickiness, power levels, or
malfunctions of any layer 112a, 112b, 112c. The top layer 114 would
have the more expensive wireless technology while the lower layers
112a, 112b, 112c will have "low level" wireless technology to
communicate upwards to the top of the stack. Alternatively, the
lower layers 112a, 112b, 112c could require the more advanced
wireless technology to provide for more robust sensing electronics
in those layers.
[0025] It should be appreciated that the illustrated main IC chip
160 could comprise one or more chips and/or circuits connected to
perform and control the intended function of the patch 110 and to
communicate with an external source to input/output any needed
data.
[0026] The IC chips 140 on the lower layers 112a, 112b, 112c can be
programmed processor or microcontrollers that control the activity
of the individual layer. These IC chips 140 are connected to the
sensors 132, 134, 136, 138 and will collect data from the sensor
and pass the data through the bus portion 142 where it can be used
by another lower layer or the top layer 114. The IC chip 160 of the
top layer 114 can process the data, have it stored in the memory
device 170 and/or transmitted externally from the patch 110 using
the communication mechanism in or connected to the chip 160. If
desired, the main IC chip 160 could be connected to the IC chips
140 in the other layers 112a, 112b, 112c via a suitable
interconnect 162. Addressing, data and/or control data can be
passed between the thus connected IC chips 140, 160 as desired. In
addition, data can be passed between layers 112a, 112b, 112c, 114
using the data bus portions 142, 180. This data can be stored in
the memory device 170, which in one embodiment is a flash memory or
other type of non-volatile memory device.
[0027] In one embodiment, the power component 150 of the main layer
114 powers all of the layers 112a, 112b, 112c, 114. As such, the
power components of the lower layers 112a, 112b, 112c merely need
to be connections (e.g., a bus) to the power component 150. In
another embodiment, each power component 130, 150 is a separate
source of power for its layer. The power components 130, 150 in
each layer are illustrated as being connected to each other (e.g.,
in a manner in which multiple batteries may be connected to each
other). It should be appreciated, however, that the power
components 130, 150 do not have to be connected to each other if
they have enough power to power the electronics (i.e., sensors, IC
chips, memory, data bus portion, etc.) on their respective layer.
As can be appreciated, depending upon its intended duration of use
for each layer (e.g., a few hours to one or more days), each patch
110 will have its own unique power requirements that dictate the
type of power components 130, 150 used therein. It should be
appreciated that the top layer 114 may need a more robust power
component because it is the last layer disposed of. Similarly,
lower layers 112a, 112b, 112c that are in an upper portion of the
stack of lower layers may need a more robust power source than
layers that are in the lower portion of the stack.
[0028] It should be appreciated that other types of power
components besides batteries can be used. For example, the power
components could be one or more of solar cells, hydraulic, hybrid,
gas, chemical, mechanical, or other power components. It should
also be appreciated that that a layer, power component, or other
electronics in the patch 110 can be activated e.g., by skin
contact, adhesive sticking, adhesive heating and/or removal of the
liner that had components (electrical or non-electrical) and which
lost contact with the adhesive/stick-to-skin layer, thus turning on
that layer in whole or solely parts/portions of that layer. In
addition, a layer above another layer may have its power component
in the off state because it has not yet been applied to e.g., the
user's skin.
[0029] As can be appreciated, by stacking multiple adhesive layers
on top of each other, more expensive electronic/hardware components
can be used on the top layer 114 while less expensive (and more
easily disposable) electronic/hardware components can be placed in
lower layers 112a, 112b, 112c, which are used and disposed of at
regular intervals. This reduces costs because the necessary
expensive hardware is not being disposed of after each use of a
layer. This also means that more durable electronic/hardware
components can be used in the top layer 114 since the top layer 114
is not discarded until the intended usefulness/lifetime of the
patch 110 has expired. Likewise, the top layer 114 can comprise
more robust power, memory storage and/or communication
electronic/hardware components for the same reason. Thus, there
will less chance that the patch 110 will malfunction; in addition,
the patch 110 can process, store and transmit more data than
existing patches.
[0030] Although not intended to be limiting, the following are
examples of the electronic/hardware components that could be used
in the patch 110. Example sensors 132, 134, 136, 138 include
off-the-shelf microphones made e.g., by Panasonic (part number
WM-64K) and/or accelerometers made e.g., by Analog Devices (part
number ADXL362BCCZ). These are inexpensive devices that are
suitable for use in the regularly disposable lower layers 112a,
112b, 112c. An example of the power component 150 used in the top
layer 114 can include a lithium battery such as e.g., the CR2032
battery by Panasonic. An example of the IC chip 160 used in the top
layer 114 can include an MSP430F5528IYFF micro controller by Texas
Instrument.
[0031] As mentioned above, the patch 110 can collect data (via the
sensors 132, 134, 136, 138), process the data and/or store it in
the memory device 170 in the top layer 114. The data can be passed
between layers 112a, 112b, 112c and to the top layer 114 (via bus
portions 142, 180). Thus, with the preservation of IC chip 160 and
memory 170 of the top layer 114, data from the disposable lower
layers 112a, 112b, 112c is recorded allowing the data to be
integrated and more robust data analysis to be performed on the
patch 110, if desired. In addition, it is desirable to output the
raw or processed data to the "outside" world. Thus, the firmware
and embedded software provided in the top layer 114 communicates
desired data to an external device (e.g., computer, tablet, smart
phone, etc.) or a network/Internet "cloud" using one or more of
Bluetooth or other wireless communication or with a hardwired
communication mechanism such as e.g., a USB, RS-232 or RS-432 port
on the patch 110.
[0032] As can be appreciated, there are numerous uses for the
patches 10, 110 disclosed herein. As mentioned above, patch 10 can
be used as a bandage (e.g., when gauze or other suitable material
is contained on/within the layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 14), can be used
to apply medicine to treat a wound, infection or a patient's
addiction (e.g., when medicine or another substance is contained
on/within the layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 14), or can be used as a
multi-layer adhesive tape. Patch 110, because it contains
electronics/hardware, can be used for at least the following
applications: monitoring sleep apnea or other sleeping
disorders/problems; monitoring a discharged patient;
self-monitoring a person's response to physical activity; and
monitoring how a child/baby is breathing. In addition, the patch
110 can be adapted to be used with medical equipment such as e.g.,
cardio-rhythm devices (e.g., EKG and Holter monitors) and diabetes
devices (e.g., artificial pancreas). Moreover, the patch 110 can be
used as a digital bandage, providing both a healing function and a
health monitoring function at the same time. The patch 110 could be
used as a point-of-care fluid reading device where the lower layer
is "dirty" thus, protecting top layer from contamination. The patch
110 could be used as point of care devices/analyzers that monitor
CBC, minerals, chemical levels. (related to POC type device), etc.
The patch 110 could use Bluetooth `pairing` such that e.g., if
children in one family are wearing the patch 110, a parent can
monitor their proximity to each other and an alarm can be sounded
if one or more of the children stray too far (e.g. this would be
useful at a large event). Once again, it should be appreciated that
the disclosed patches 10, 110 should not be limited to a particular
use and/or construction and that the following examples are merely
for illustration purposes.
[0033] When used to monitor sleep apnea, or other sleeping
disorders, a user could apply a e.g., a 3-day patch 110 having a
lower layer 112a, 112b, 112c for each day/night being monitored.
The user opens the package, hits the on switch, peels off the liner
(if provided) from the lowest layer 112a, and sticks the patch 110
on his/her neck. Real-time sleep data (e.g., breathing and body
motion) is sent wirelessly to a remote device provided by a doctor
or e.g., a smart phone, tablet, or computer using e.g., Bluetooth
communications. When the user wakes up, he/she peels off the patch
110 and disposes the lowermost layer 112a. The user goes about
his/her daily activities and when it is time to go back to sleep,
he/she reapplies the patch 110 using the next lower layer (e.g.,
112b). This process is repeated until the lower layers 112a, 112b,
112c, etc. are used up. In addition to, or alternatively, the
monitored data can be stored in the memory device 170 and the top
layer 114 can be attached, via a wireless or wired connection, to a
device that can download the data from the memory device 170.
[0034] The disclosed patch 110 can be used by a hospital to reduce
its readmission rate by monitoring a discharged patient for an
extended period of time (e.g., 60 days). When used in this type of
application, a user is provided with a one or two month patch 110
that is worn continuously for approximately twenty-four hours a day
(i.e., the patch 110 is only removed to peel off a lower layer and
then reapplied). Real-time results are recorded during the day and
sent e.g., to real-time Internet/network cloud associated with the
hospital or patient's doctor. The patch 110 is beneficial to the
patient because the patient can take a shower without wearing bulky
devices (e.g., Halter Monitor) as is presently required. It should
be appreciated that long-use patches can be implemented in many
ways. For example, a 60-day patch could be implemented as one big
patch containing 60/61 layers; alternatively, the patch 110 could
be divided into "intervals" (e.g., monthly, weekly, pack of five
layers, etc.). It should be appreciated that the uniqueness of the
top layer 114 (and its relatively expensive components) may also
determine the stack size of the patch 110. Moreover, the patch 110
can be packaged with other patches 110 in the same package/box
(e.g., 6 ten-day patches in one package); a digital time stamp
could be used to show when one patch 110 can be or was used and
then the next patch 110, etc. (i.e., the patches 110 are
automatically dated). When multiple patches 110 are to be used, one
patch 110 can contain a master top layer 114 while the other
patches 110 can contain solely lower layers 112a, 112b, 112c or
modified top layers 114 with less electronics than the main top
layer 114.
[0035] The disclosed patch 110 can be used for self-monitoring of a
person's health during physical activity such as jogging or yoga.
The user will wear the patch 110 during the activity and then may
look at results e.g., real-time on a smart phone/tablet application
or a later time on any suitable device. As another example, people
showing up for a yoga class can buy the disclosed low-cost patch
110 while also paying for a towel or mat. People use the patch as a
way to start new conversations with their coach who can then review
data from the patch 110.
[0036] As can be appreciated, the patches 110 can be made small
enough for a parent to apply them to a baby or small child. This
way, the parent can monitor a baby/child's breathing, sleep
pattern, and/or asthma. The disclosed patch 110 is also easy to
use, even a child could use it on his/her own. It should also be
appreciated that the patches 10/110 could include mechanical
supports or other material to conform the patch 10/110 to a
particular shape such as e.g., a curved shape. For example, the top
layer 14/114 could mold or hold the rest of the layers in the stack
in the desired shape.
[0037] The foregoing examples are provided merely for the purpose
of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting. While
reference to various embodiments is made, the words used herein are
words of description and illustration, rather than words of
limitation. Further, although reference to particular means,
materials, and embodiments are shown, there is no limitation to the
particulars disclosed herein. Rather, the embodiments extend to all
functionally equivalent structures, methods, and uses, such as are
within the scope of the appended claims.
[0038] Additionally, the purpose of the Abstract is to enable the
patent office and the public generally, and especially the
scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not
familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine
quickly from a cursory inspection the nature of the technical
disclosure of the application. The Abstract is not intended to be
limiting as to the scope of the present inventions in any way.
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