U.S. patent application number 14/458860 was filed with the patent office on 2014-11-27 for resilient band medical device.
The applicant listed for this patent is XENNOVATE MEDICAL LLC. Invention is credited to David William Smith.
Application Number | 20140350596 14/458860 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39136922 |
Filed Date | 2014-11-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140350596 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Smith; David William |
November 27, 2014 |
RESILIENT BAND MEDICAL DEVICE
Abstract
A medical device includes a one-piece resiliently biased band of
base material having opposite first and second side surfaces and an
adhesive material for temporarily adhesively securing the band to a
user's skin. The band can include a longitudinal axis and a lateral
axis that intersects the longitudinal axis. Moreover, the band can
include first and second lateral portions disposed on opposite
sides of the lateral axis. The lateral portions are mirror images
of each other such that the band is symmetrical relative to the
lateral axis. Each of the lateral portions include a central
portion and first and second extending portions spaced apart from
each other on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the band
and extending away from the central portion. Each of the extending
portions further includes a perimeter edge defining a portion of a
perimeter edge of the medical device.
Inventors: |
Smith; David William;
(Richmond, IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
XENNOVATE MEDICAL LLC |
Richmond |
IN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
39136922 |
Appl. No.: |
14/458860 |
Filed: |
August 13, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13894941 |
May 15, 2013 |
8834514 |
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14458860 |
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11848132 |
Aug 30, 2007 |
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13894941 |
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60841403 |
Aug 30, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
606/204.45 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B29C 48/0022 20190201;
B29K 2995/0082 20130101; A61M 29/00 20130101; B29C 48/21 20190201;
B29C 48/0021 20190201; B29C 48/0023 20190201; B29C 43/222 20130101;
B29C 48/08 20190201; A61F 5/08 20130101; Y10T 428/24537 20150115;
B29C 48/001 20190201; B29C 59/04 20130101; B29C 48/0017 20190201;
B29L 2031/753 20130101; B29C 48/13 20190201; B29C 48/07
20190201 |
Class at
Publication: |
606/204.45 |
International
Class: |
A61F 5/08 20060101
A61F005/08 |
Claims
1. A medical device comprising: a one-piece band of base material
having opposite first and second side surfaces, the one-piece band
resiliently biasing itself into a planar state; and an adhesive
material coupled to at least a portion of the first side surface of
the one-piece band for temporarily adhesively securing the
one-piece band to a user's skin, wherein the one-piece band
comprises: a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis that intersects
the longitudinal axis, first and second lateral portions disposed
on opposite sides of the lateral axis, the first and second lateral
portions being mirror images of each other such that the one-piece
band is symmetrical relative to the lateral axis, each of the first
and second lateral portions including a central portion and first
and second extending portions spaced apart from each other on
opposite sides of the longitudinal axis and extending away from the
central portion, each of the first and second extending portions
including a perimeter edge defining at least a portion of a
perimeter edge of the medical device.
2. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the first and second
extending portions define first and second corner zones of the
one-piece band, respectively, the first and second corner zones
disposed on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis and including
at least one rounded corner.
3. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the one-piece band
includes first and second inwardly curved longitudinal edges
disposed on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis.
4. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the longitudinal axis of
the one-piece band is longer than the lateral axis.
5. The medical device of claim 1, further comprising a release
liner removably coupled to the adhesive material, the release liner
adapted to be removed prior to securing the medical device to the
user's skin.
6. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the one-piece band
comprises at least one of the following materials: a thermoplastic
polymeric material, an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), a
polyethylene, a high density polyethylene (HDPE), a low density
polyethylene (LDPE), a high molecular weight polyethylene (HMWPE),
a polypropylene, a polyester, a polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a
glycolised polyethylene terephthalate (PETG), a polystyrene, a
polyurethane, a vinyl, a linoleum, a rubber compound, an acrylic, a
nylon compound, a corn derivative, a biodegradable resin, a
polylactic acid, and a polyhydroxyalkanoate.
7. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the one-piece band is
grooved material.
8. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the adhesive material
covers the entirety of the first side surface of the one-piece
band.
9. A medical device comprising: a one-piece band of base material
having opposite first and second side surfaces, the one-piece band
resiliently biasing itself into a planar state; and an adhesive
material coupled to at least a portion of the first side surface of
the one-piece band for temporarily adhesively securing the
one-piece band to a user's skin, wherein the one-piece band
comprises: a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis that intersects
the longitudinal axis, first and second lateral portions disposed
on opposite sides of the lateral axis, the first and second lateral
portions being mirror images of each other such that the one-piece
band is symmetrical relative to the lateral axis, each of the first
and second lateral portions including a central portion and first
and second extending portions spaced apart from each other on
opposite sides of the longitudinal axis and extending away from the
central portion, each of the first and second extending portions
including a perimeter edge defining at least a portion of a
perimeter edge of the medical device, wherein the first and second
extending portions define first and second corner zones of the
one-piece band, respectively, the first and second corner zones
disposed on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis and including
at least one rounded corner, and wherein the one-piece band
includes first and second inwardly curved longitudinal edges
disposed on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis.
10. The medical device of claim 9, wherein the longitudinal axis of
the one-piece band is longer than the lateral axis.
11. The medical device of claim 9, further comprising a release
liner removably coupled to the adhesive material, the release liner
adapted to be removed prior to securing the medical device to the
user's skin.
12. The medical device of claim 9, wherein the one-piece band
comprises at least one of the following materials: a thermoplastic
polymeric material, an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), a
polyethylene, a high density polyethylene (HDPE), a low density
polyethylene (LDPE), a high molecular weight polyethylene (HMWPE),
a polypropylene, a polyester, a polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a
glycolised polyethylene terephthalate (PETG), a polystyrene, a
polyurethane, a vinyl, a linoleum, a rubber compound, an acrylic, a
nylon compound, a corn derivative, a biodegradable resin, a
polylactic acid, and a polyhydroxyalkanoate.
13. The medical device of claim 9, wherein the one-piece band is
grooved material.
14. The medical device of claim 9, wherein the adhesive material
covers the entirety of the first side surface of the one-piece
band.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/894,941, filed May 15, 2013, which claims priority to U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 11/848,132, filed Aug. 30, 2007, which
claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/841,403,
filed on Aug. 30, 2006, the entire contents of each of which are
hereby incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The materials manufacturing industry has been extruding
plastic polymer sheeting materials for many years. Such extrusion
has included etching steel rollers to imprint a texture, such as a
matte finish, onto the plastic sheeting as it is extruded. For
example, plastic materials having a "leather-like" finish for
automotive interiors are made by imprinting the "leather-like"
appearance onto the sheeted polymer material.
[0003] More recently, etched or machined rollers have been used to
impart more intricate designs, such as a diamond-shaped pattern,
onto sheeted plastic materials, such as those used for truck bed
liners.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention is directed to a material having a
desired stiffness, said stiffness resulting from a groove or a
plurality of grooves or cross sectional shapes imparted onto one or
more surfaces of the material. These grooves may be uniformly
continuous across the web or may be discontinuous, providing
alternating or varying stiffness throughout the web. The present
invention is also directed to a method for making the material.
[0005] The present invention is also directed to a nasal dilator
for dilating nasal passages using the material of the present
invention. The material is preferably of sufficient stiffness to
lift and dilate the nasal passages when secured to the nose.
[0006] The present invention is also directed to medical devices,
packaging, or construction materials made from the material
described herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 shows a diagram of conventional polymer sheet
extrusion.
[0008] FIGS. 2a-e are various views of the grooved material of the
present invention.
[0009] FIGS. 3a and b are cross-sectional views of the grooved
material of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a diagram of an extrusion apparatus suitable for
extruding the material of the present invention.
[0011] FIGS. 5a and b are various views of another embodiment of
the grooved material of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 6a is a process diagram of grooves being imparted to an
extruded material. FIG. 6b is a process diagram of an adhesive
layer and release liner layer being applied to an extruded grooved
material.
[0013] FIGS. 7a-b are views of an embodiment of a nasal dilator
made in accordance with the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 8 is a view of another embodiment of a nasal dilator
made in accordance with the present invention.
[0015] FIGS. 9a-c are views of various embodiments of a nasal
dilator made in accordance with the present invention.
[0016] FIGS. 10a-c are diagrams of a nasal dilator of the present
invention worn on the user's nose.
[0017] FIG. 11 is a view of another embodiment of the nasal dilator
of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 12 is a view of another embodiment of the nasal dilator
of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 13 is a view of another embodiment of the nasal dilator
of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating variables used in the
calculation of a point load on a beam.
[0021] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating variables used in the
calculation of a distributed load on a beam.
[0022] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating variables used in the
calculation of a moment of inertia.
[0023] FIG. 17 is a view of the grooved material separated along a
groove.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] The present invention is directed to the unexpected
discovery that imparting a functional, structural change to an
extruded polymeric material can result in physical changes to the
structural geometry of the polymers, thereby providing the effects
of mono-axial or multi-axial orientation to the sheeted
material.
[0025] Traditionally, bi-axial and mono-axial orientation in a
polymeric material have been accomplished by extruding polymers and
stretching them as they cool down, which orients the polymers at
the molecular level in the direction in which they are stretched
(usually the machine processing direction only). Expensive tooling
and specialized expertise is often required for this method. A
schematic diagram of conventional extrusion is shown in FIG. 1.
Polymeric material 5 is pumped through extrusion die assembly 6. As
material 5 leaves the die assembly 6, it is cooled on chill or nip
roll 7, and then further processed as desired.
[0026] The present invention is surprisingly able to achieve the
effects of mono-axial orientation in a polymeric material by
etching grooves or even discontinuous cross sectional shapes into
the polymer sheet or web as it is extruded, rather than by
stretching the polymers as they cool. As a result, it is possible
to create the effect of molecular reorientation by physical means.
Furthermore, by strengthening the material in one direction, the
strength is reduced in others, allowing a significant degree of
control over the flexural and other properties of the extruded
material. In accordance with the present invention, it is possible
to create a web of grooved material in which the channels are
weakened to a specific degree allow one to tear the web with
significantly less force along the channel without tearing outside
the channel, resulting in a clean torn edge, substantially without
sharp or jagged edges.
[0027] As used herein, the term "grooves" shall be used to include
furrows or channels (continuous or discontinuous) having any length
or width, and any appearance or design from either a top view or a
cross-sectional view of the groove. The shape, dimensions and
frequency of the grooves are preferably selected to impart a
desired stiffness to the material. The desired stiffness can be
selected based in part on the type of material being extruded, the
thickness of the material, the flexural modulus of the material,
and the cross-sectional design or appearance of the grooves or
resultant web.
[0028] "Flexural modulus", as used herein, shall refer to the
ratio, within the elastic limit, of the applied stress on a test
specimen in flexure, to the corresponding strain in the outermost
fibers of the specimen.
[0029] As used herein, "mono-axial orientation" or "multi-axial
orientation" shall refer to the process of stretching a hot polymer
film or other article in one or more directions under conditions
that result in molecular reorientation.
[0030] One embodiment of the grooved material of the present
invention is shown in FIGS. 2a-e. As best seen in FIG. 2e, the
material 10 has at least one groove 12 imparted onto a surface of
material 10. FIGS. 3a and b show a cross-sectional view of the
material 10, taken along line x-x' of FIG. 2d. As seen in FIGS. 3a
and b, groove 12 comprises a ridge 13 having a thickness or height,
shown as R.sub.i, and a width, shown as "X." Groove 12 further
comprises one or more valleys 14, so that each ridge 13 is flanked
on at least one side or on both sides by a valley 14, shown as 14a
and 14b in FIG. 3b. Valley 14 has a floor or base 16 having a
thickness R.sub.0, and a width, shown as "Y," of about 0.5.X,
although these relative dimensions may vary depending on the degree
of stiffness desired.
[0031] The widths and heights or thicknesses of the peaks and
valleys of the grooves can be calculated to provide an exact
stiffness in both the machine processing direction and the
transverse direction. For a uniform, flat web of material, the
equation is:
Stiffness=(F.sub.m.times.T.sup.3)( 1/12)
where F.sub.m is the flexural modulus of the starting material, and
T is the thickness of the material.
[0032] The grooves can provide the effects of mono-axial
orientation in either the machine or transverse directions. In the
embodiment in which grooves are made onto the material in the
machine processing direction, thickness (T) is the sum of the peaks
of the grooves, plus the thickness of the base of the material, as
shown in FIG. 3. In the transverse direction, thickness is that of
the base of the material.
[0033] The grooves can be imparted onto the material using
conventional extrusion technology or any other methods capable of
creating grooves, cross sectional shapes or channels in the
material, such as by casting, thermoforming or vacuforming the
grooves into the material. An example of a suitable extrusion
process is shown in FIG. 4. As the material 10 exits the extruder
20, it is fed into nip rollers 22 and 24. In one embodiment of the
present invention, nip roller 22 imparts a first texture onto the
material, such as grooves. Optionally, a second texture can be
imparted onto the material by adding another nip roller 26. The
second texture imparted by nip roller 26 can be the same as the
first texture, or can be different. The second texture can be
imparted in the same processing direction as the first texture, or
in a different direction, such as perpendicular to the first
texture. In addition to the grooved textures described above,
examples of other textures suitable for one or more surfaces of the
material include a matte texture, a fabric texture, a leather
texture, a combination of textures, and the like.
[0034] It is preferred that the nip rollers used to make the
grooved material of the present invention are nearly perfectly
round, as irregularities may not provide the desired properties
achieved by the careful calculations of the groove dimensions. It
is preferred that the groove dimensions be imparted to the material
with as little deviation from the desired dimensions as possible.
If a repeating design, such as a sine wave, is placed in the
machine direction, care must be taken to achieve matching of the
design onto itself when circumferentially placed around the
roll.
[0035] The grooves can be imparted in any configuration. In one
embodiment, straight grooves are etched into the material. In
another embodiment, sinusoidal grooves are etched into the
material. The grooves in the embodiments shown in the Figures are
imparted in a either in a parallel or sinusoidal pattern. Other
patterns, such as, but not limited to, zig-zags, scallops, flutes,
and combinations of patterns are also contemplated by the present
invention. The patterns may be continuous or discontinuous, and
regular or irregular along the material, and may intersect at one
or more locations to provide additional strength or stiffness at
the point of intersection.
[0036] The configuration of the grooves can also be etched in other
designs, such as words, pictures, a raised watermark or a logo. The
grooves can have varying thicknesses in the transverse direction,
or there can be ungrooved portions between a groove or series of
grooves. An example of a material having grooves with varying
thicknesses is shown in FIGS. 5a and b.
[0037] The grooves, in addition to providing the effects of
mono-axial or multi-axial orientation to the material, increase the
surface area of the material, and can be used to provide a trough
for the application of additional materials, such as, but not
limited to adhesives, dyes, medications, fragrances, and the
like.
[0038] Materials suitable for use in the method of the present
invention include any formable material. Such materials include,
but are not limited to, thermoplastic polymeric materials like
acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polyethylenes including high
density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE) and
high molecular weight polyethylene (HMWPE), polypropylene,
polyesters including polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and
glycolised polyethylene terephthalate (PETG), polystyrene,
polyurethane, vinyl, linoleum, rubber compounds, acrylics, nylon
compounds, corn derivatives or other biodegradable resins, such as
polylactic acid and polyhydroxyalkanoates, combinations of any of
the foregoing, and the like.
[0039] In addition to the formable materials described above,
additional components may be added to the formable material, either
before, during or after extrusion. Examples of such components
include, but are not limited to, fragrances, medications,
homeopathic compositions, aromatherapeutic compositions,
antimicrobial agents, adhesives, dyes, pesticides, fungicides,
herbicides, and combinations thereof.
[0040] FIG. 6a is a process diagram of grooves being imparted to an
extruded material. After the material passes through the extrusion
die 31, the extruded material 30 passes between an etched nip
roller 32 and a matte finish nip roller 33. The etched nip roller
32 imparts grooves to the extruded material 30 by impressing
valleys into said material. The resulting grooved material 35 may
then be rolled onto a take-up roller 34.
[0041] After the grooves are imparted to the material, an adhesive
layer and release liner layer may be applied to one side of the
grooved material. FIG. 6b is a process diagram of an adhesive layer
40 and release liner layer 46 being applied to the extruded grooved
material 35. The adhesive material passes through an extrusion die
41, to form adhesive layer 40. Grooved material 35 and release
liner layer 46 are positioned on either side of adhesive layer 40.
The grooved material 35 is positioned so that the grooved side of
the material 35 is facing downward, toward the adhesive layer 40.
The grooved material 35, adhesive layer 40, and release liner layer
46 pass between nip rollers 42, to yield a layered product 45. In
this layered product 45, the adhesive from the adhesive layer 40 is
in contact with and/or embedded within the grooves of the grooved
material 35. The layered product 45 may be rolled onto a take-up
roller 44.
[0042] After the material is extruded and the grooves are imparted,
further processing can occur. For example, the grooved material can
be cut or stamped into desired shapes, and the cut pieces further
processed into the final product. A dye laser can be used to impart
a desired image or design onto one or both surfaces of the
material.
[0043] By using the known flexural modulus of the starting
material, the resulting stiffness can be predicted (and adjusted
accordingly) to make the desired product. Examples of such products
include, but are not limited to, packaging, medical devices and
consumer health products, and construction materials. One
embodiment of the invention described below is for a nasal
dilator.
[0044] The present invention can be used to make any type of
product in which the stiffness of one or more materials in the
product is preferably controlled and/or controllable within a
certain degree of flexure. The method can be used to make, for
example, tear-apart products that require sufficient strength to
remain intact during manufacture and distribution, but that can be
easily separated by the end user as needed. Another application of
the present invention is to imprint a grooved design that can then
be the beginning of areas that will easily fold into designs like
boxes or corners. Other applications utilize the ability to impart
a different stiffness in one direction versus another. Further, the
grooves can be made to interdigitate with each other if the web is
folded back upon itself. Formulation of the polymer may include
tackifiers to allow the web to stick to itself upon opposing onto
itself or onto another sheet. The increased surface area of the
grooves can improve heat sealing of edges when the grooves recess
into each other and are heated.
Nasal Dilators
[0045] Nasal dilators have provided innumerable people with relief
from snoring or nasal congestion. Nasal dilators, such as those
shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,533,499, 5,706,800, and 7,114,495,
typically include one or more resilient bands. When the resilient
band is bent so that the ends of the band are moved closer
together, the resilient band has a tendency to return to a planar
state. When a nasal dilator is secured to a user's nose, the
tendency of the resilient band to return to a planar state acts to
prevent the outer wall tissue of the user's nasal passages from
drawing in during breathing. In addition to a resilient band, nasal
dilators often include additional flexible layers, in order to
enhance the comfort and efficacy of the nasal dilators.
[0046] As discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,476,091, issued to Johnson,
a flexible strip of material positioned between the resilient band
and the user's skin spreads out delaminating forces resulting from
the resiliency of the dilator that could otherwise cause the nasal
dilator to inadvertently become detached from the user's skin. The
separation of the nasal dilator from portions of the user's skin
can cause itching sensations. Therefore, by spreading out the
delaminating forces, the flexible strip of material can
substantially eliminate itching sensations that would otherwise be
felt by the user.
[0047] As described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,333, issued to Johnson,
a nasal dilator may also include a flexible strip of top material,
which covers the top of the resilient band. The flexible strip of
top material may be included in order to help to prevent separation
of the resilient band from the base material. The top material may
also be included in order to increase the stiffness of the nasal
dilator.
[0048] There is a continuing need for improved nasal dilators that
are able to provide the force needed to lift and open the nasal
passages, while being comfortable for extended, often overnight
use, and that can be gently and easily removed from the user's
nose.
[0049] Using the methodology of the present invention, it is
possible to manufacture a nasal dilator comprising a material
having specific flexural properties by imparting a particular set
of grooves into the material. The method can use extrusion
technology on plastic polymers or other materials to make a nasal
dilator having the desired mono-axial flexural stiffness needed to
effectively dilate the nasal passages.
[0050] In order to provide sufficient dilation, a nasal dilator is
preferably able to lift the tissues of the nasal passages when the
dilator is initially secured to the nose, and is preferably able to
continue lifting the nasal tissues over a period of time, without
significant discomfort to the user. At the end of the desired
period of use, the nasal dilator is preferably easily removable
from the user's nose, also without significant discomfort to the
user.
[0051] A grooved nasal dilator in accordance with the present
invention is preferably able to lift the lateral, lesser and
greater alar cartilage structures of the nose, and preferably also
facilitates the anterior and posterior dilator nares muscles of the
nose. The grooved nasal dilator includes some type of engagement
means, such as an adhesive, on the surface facing the user's skin.
Preferably, the adhesive can removably adhere to the skin without
causing skin irritation. In a preferred embodiment, the adhesive
material is one that can absorb or transmit the moisture emanating
up from the skin's surface. One example of such an adhesive
includes hydrocolloid adhesives commonly used in ostomy bag
adhesion or in wound care. Embedding the hydrocolloid into the
grooves provides a larger repository for moisture accumulation
without adding significant thickness or bulk to the overall profile
of the nasal dilator. The grooved nasal dilator can remain in place
over a period of time, without significant discomfort to the user,
either while wearing the dilator or when removing the dilator.
[0052] In order to significantly reduce the outer wall tissue of a
user's nasal passages from drawing in during breathing, the nasal
dilator of the present invention utilizes a grooved material made
with a certain stiffness, adhered directly to the nose. The
resilience of the grooved material can reduce or eliminate the need
for one or more resilient bands, such as the resilient bands of the
nasal dilators described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,533,499, 5,706,800,
and 7,114,495. Therefore, if the grooved material of the present
invention is used in a nasal dilator, a separate resilient band or
bands may not be required.
[0053] If a separate resilient band is used in combination with the
grooved material of the present invention, the stiffness of the
grooved material may make it possible to reduce the size of the
resilient band that is necessary to provide sufficient
stabilization and lifting of nasal tissue. Therefore, when used
with the grooved material, the resilient band may be much smaller,
lighter, and less obtrusive than in previous nasal dilators.
[0054] Another advantage of the present invention is that it can
simplify manufacturing by eliminating an entire component, namely,
the resilient band, of a nasal dilator. Alternatively, if a
resilient band is used in conjunction with the material of the
present invention, a smaller, finer resilient band can be used,
thereby providing a more fine-tuned, less obtrusive nasal
dilator.
[0055] FIGS. 7a-b show an embodiment of a nasal dilator made in
accordance with the present invention. FIG. 7a is a perspective
view of the nasal dilator, and FIG. 7b is an exploded perspective
view showing the components of the nasal dilator. In this
embodiment, no separate resilient band is used. The nasal dilator
50 comprises a grooved material 51. The grooved material 51
includes an intermediate region 54 and end regions 53 and 55. The
grooved material 51 is sized so that the intermediate region 54 is
able to traverse the bridge of a user's nose, and the end regions
53 and 55 are able to contact the outer wall tissues of the user's
nasal passages. A layer of a biocompatible adhesive substance 52 is
disposed on one side of the grooved material 51. This adhesive
secures the nasal dilator to the skin of the user during use.
[0056] When the grooved material 51 is bent so that the end regions
53 and 55 are moved closer together, the grooved material 51 has a
tendency to return to a planar state. When the nasal dilator 50 is
secured to a user's nose, the tendency of the grooved material 51
to return to a planar state acts to prevent the outer wall tissue
of the user's nasal passages from drawing in during breathing.
[0057] The nasal dilator 50 may optionally include a release liner
or liners 56 which are adhered to the grooved material 51 via the
adhesive substance 52. If included, the release liner or liners are
removed prior to use.
[0058] Another embodiment of a nasal dilator made in accordance
with the present invention is shown in FIG. 8. This nasal dilator
60, like the nasal dilator 50 of FIG. 7, comprises a grooved
material 51 and a biocompatible adhesive substance 52. The grooved
material 51 is sized so that the intermediate region 54 is able to
traverse the bridge of a user's nose, and the end regions 53 and 55
are able to contact the outer wall tissues of the user's nasal
passages. The nasal dilator 60 may also include a release liner or
liners which are adhered to the grooved material 51 via the
adhesive 52.
[0059] The nasal dilator 60 also includes a resilient band 61,
positioned on either side of the grooved material 51. In another
embodiment, a plurality of resilient bands is used with the grooved
material 51. When the nasal dilator 60 is bent so that the end
regions 53 and 55 are moved closer together, both the grooved
material 51 and the resilient band 61 have a tendency to return to
a planar state. When the nasal dilator 60 is secured to a user's
nose, the tendency of the grooved material 51 and the resilient
band 61 to return to a planar state acts to prevent the outer wall
tissue of the user's nasal passages from drawing in during
breathing.
[0060] By using a grooved or etched polymer material as described
above, nasal dilators of the present invention can be made very
efficiently using extrusion techniques to impart the grooves to the
material. Further embodiments of the nasal dilator in accordance
with the present invention are shown in FIGS. 9a-c.
[0061] The dimensions of the grooves, along with the properties of
the material, will determine the flexural stiffness of the extruded
nasal dilator. By using the methodology of the present invention,
the dimensions of the grooves can be selected to optimize the
anisotropic flexural properties in the longitudinal direction, as
well as the transverse direction.
[0062] The grooves can have a variable cross-section or thickness
within the nasal dilator to provide for different stiffness or
resiliency depending on the location of the grooves on the nasal
dilator.
[0063] For example, looking at a side view of the dilator, the
grooves may have ridges that are higher along the center portion of
the dilator, and shorter along the edges of the dilator.
Alternatively, there may be one or more grooves having a higher
profile, separated by one or more grooves that are shorter,
followed by another groove or grooves that are higher. In another
embodiment, a grooved region, having one or more grooves, may be
adjacent to a region that does not have grooves, or has a different
profile imparted onto that region. In this way, the relative
stiffness and flexibility of the material can be carefully
controlled to provide the desired degree of resiliency, comfort and
removability.
[0064] The nasal dilator may have any shape suitable for use on the
nose or on the nasal passages. Preferably, the nasal dilator has a
center region and two extending regions extending outwardly from
the center region. By providing the desired resiliency to the nasal
dilator, it is possible to convert the peel forces associated with
the dilator in its latent, planar configuration to shear forces at
the ends of the dilator when the extending regions are curved
around the nose, as depicted in FIGS. 10a-c. The "A" arrows in FIG.
10a show the dilating force of the nasal dilator holding the nasal
passages open, while the "B" arrows show the effects of shear force
to keep the nasal dilator in place. This combination of forces
provides the tension and lifting necessary to keep the nasal
passages dilated during use. Preferably, the nasal dilator of the
present invention provides between about 10 g to about 50 g of
dilating force, more preferably, between about 12 g to about 40 g
of dilating force, when the ends of the nasal dilator are
positioned towards each other to be between about 1 to 1.5 inches
apart. In one preferred embodiment, the nasal dilator of the
present invention provides between about 14 g to about 30 g of
dilating force, when the ends of the dilator are positioned to
between about 1 to 1.2 inches apart during the course of use, which
may vary from a few minutes to several hours, or preferably,
overnight. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the amount
of force provided by the nasal dilator in use may deteriorate as
the dilator is used, due to, among other things, relaxation of the
dilator material and deterioration of the adhesive, so it is
important to ensure that there is sufficient dilating force
initially and during the course of use to keep the nasal passages
open. It is preferred that the dilating force not deteriorate by
more than about 20% over about an 8 hour time period. Yet another
embodiment of a nasal dilator of the present invention provides for
a greater dilator force initially with a rapid decline in lifting
force over 8-12 hours. It has been found that PETG polymer is
particularly preferred to maintain sufficient stiffness of the
nasal dilator over time.
[0065] The shear force is a function of the type of adhesive used
to secure the nasal dilator to the user's nose, and is therefore
related to the amount of dilating force provided by the nasal
dilator. Preferably, the shear force is sufficient to keep the
nasal dilator in place during use, and can be easily overcome by
the user when removal of the nasal dilator is desired.
[0066] The dilator may have any number of shapes, such as those
shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,029,658, 6,318,362, or 7,114,495, or as
shown in the Figures.
[0067] The nasal dilator of the present invention may be
symmetrical along its long axis, or it may be asymmetrical along
its long axis. The asymmetrical long axis may facilitate proper
positioning of the dilator, and may provide a better fit to the
shape of the nose, thereby improving the dilation and comfort of
the nasal dilator in use. Preferably, the nasal dilator is
symmetrical along its short axis. The symmetry along the short axis
provides substantially uniform dilating forces on both sides of the
nose.
[0068] In another embodiment of the present invention, the dilator
made with the grooved material may have a center aperture or
opening, an example of which is shown in FIG. 11. This center
aperture may be of any size or shape, and may comprise a cut out
portion or a narrow slit, as shown in FIG. 12. The center aperture
may include more than one aperture. The center aperture provides,
among other things, an easy way for the user to center the dilator
on his or her nose to assure proper placement for the most
effective dilation. The center aperture or opening can be made by
any conventional process, such as by die cutting the nasal
dilator.
[0069] The nasal dilator of the present invention may include a
notch or a plurality of notches along the channel or channels of
the material. By providing such notches, the size of the material
used to make the nasal dilator can be easily laterally adjusted by
removing one or more longitudinal groove portions, as shown in FIG.
13.
[0070] The stiffness of the grooved material of the nasal dilator
can be further adjusted after the extrusion process. In one
embodiment, the stiffness of the material on one or more peripheral
edges may be reduced to make the dilator more comfortable and
easier to remove by the user. The stiffness can be reduced by using
various techniques, such as laser cutting, water jet cutting,
ultrasonic cutting, electron beam cutting, mechanical abrasion, and
the like to remove or thin out portions of the material as
desired.
[0071] The nasal dilator of the present invention may include an
additional component or components as described above. The
additional component may be incorporated into the polymeric
material before or after it is extruded.
[0072] For example, a mentholated nasal dilator can be made in
accordance with the present invention by providing a grooved nasal
dilator having a menthol fragrance delivery system incorporated
with the dilator, either before or after extrusion. Examples of
suitable fragrance or medication delivery systems are described in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,706,800; 6,244,265; 6,276,360; 6,550,474;
6,769,428; 7,011,093; and 7,013,889, each of which is fully
incorporated herein by reference.
[0073] The nasal dilator of the present invention can include
features or elements associated with other nasal dilators, such as
a material in contact with the user's nose under the nasal dilator,
a cover, a full or partial adhesive void, a release liner or
backing, and the like. Examples of such features and elements are
described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,476,091; 5,533,499; 5,533,503;
5,549,103; 5,611,333; 5,653,224; and 6,318,362, each of which is
fully incorporated herein by reference.
Flexural Stiffness Calculations for a Nasal Dilator
[0074] To optimize the flexural properties of the nasal dilator,
calculations must be made based on the varying loads that are
applied to the dilator. A nasal dilator typically has a downward
load on each end, with an upward load in the center. Due to the
deflection of about 45.degree. at each end, equations typically
used in beam analysis must be used with care.
[0075] One can begin by using common beam equations to model the
dilator because the loading herein is not continuously vertical,
but remains predominantly lateral. The mechanical design issues at
the large flexural strains of this application are then material
properties and the effects of the resulting axial loading. This
axial compression will somewhat reduce the tensile loading in the
upper and increase the compressive loading in the lower fibers of
the dilator under load.
[0076] Modeling the dilator as a beam with a concentrated load,
rather than a distributed load, will introduce errors in both the
geometry of the deflection and the magnitude of the overall force
needed at a particular deflection angle. For example, comparing the
overall force as a point load at the end of a cantilevered beam to
a uniformly distributed load along the beam results in the
curvatures being to the third power in the former and the fourth
power in the latter, as a function of distance from the support in
the center. The deflection on the end of the former is about 2.7
times less than the latter.
[0077] While the equations are not generally valid for the large
deflections of the ends of the dilator, one skilled in the art will
appreciate the correlation of load modeling with actual loads and
deflections. This load modeling and associated load testing method
can serve as a means for determining the desired flexibility of the
grooved nasal dilators of the present invention.
[0078] In addition to the location of the loading, the deflection
of a beam, such as the nasal dilator, is generally related to four
parameters:
[0079] Magnitude of the load
[0080] Cross-section of the beam
[0081] Elasticity of the material
[0082] Length of or distance along the beam
[0083] Therefore, deflection at a point on a beam is usually
characterized by an equation such as:
Deflection on the beam=(Load).times.(measure of the
cross-section).times.(measure of the elasticity).times.(measure
related to position along the beam)
[0084] This can be represented as:
y=Px(1/I).times.(1/E).times.(function of x)
where P is the force, I is the moment of inertia (second moment) of
the beam cross-section, E is the modulus of elasticity, and x is
the distance from the support, with the loading
geometry/distribution determining the particular function of x.
[0085] Once a dilator configuration is defined, the geometry value
of I and the material property of E can be combined into "EI"
(stiffness) or 1/(EI) (flexibility.) Then various loading scenarios
can be evaluated.
[0086] For a cantilevered beam loaded laterally at its end (with
small deflections), deflection at x is
y=(Px.sup.2)(1/EI)[(1/6)(3L-x)]
where L is the beam length
[0087] The maximum deflection is at the end (x=L):
y.sub.max=(P)(1/EI)[(1/3)L.sup.3]
[0088] Reference can be made to stiffness as:
Stiffness=( 1/12)(F.sub.m.times.T.sup.3)
Or EI=( 1/12)(F.sub.m.times.T.sup.3)
[0089] Again, the value of EI will change if the geometry of the
beam cross-section changes. The above equation actually derives
from a simple rectangular beam cross-section, which has an I value
of:
I=( 1/12).times.bxh.sup.3
where b is the lateral base of the rectangular cross-section and h
is the height of the cross-section.
[0090] In the abbreviated equation above [Stiffness=(
1/12)(F.sub.m.times.T.sup.3)], F.sub.m is actually (Exb), and T is
h.
Calculation of Load on a Beam
[0091] The following equations describe the calculations of a point
or concentrated load on a beam, and a distributed load on a beam.
As noted previously, while neither approach completely represents
the actual load on a nasal dilator, one skilled in the art will
recognize that models based on these approaches will be useful in
determining the desired flexibility of the grooved nasal dilators
of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating
variables x, y, L, P.sub.1, and P.sub.2 used in the calculation of
a point load. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating variables x, y, L,
w.sub.1, and w.sub.2 used in the calculation of a distributed
load.
Calculation of a Point Load (P)
[0092] y = Px 2 6 EI ( 3 L - x ) y max = PL 3 3 EI ##EQU00001##
to achieve the same deflection at
x = 3 4 L : P 1 ( 3 4 L ) 2 6 EI ( 3 L - 3 4 L ) = P 2 ( 3 4 L ) 3
3 EI ##EQU00002## P 2 = ( 1.5 ) P 1 ##EQU00002.2##
Calculation of a Distributed Load (w)
[0093] y = Wx 2 24 EI ( x 2 + 6 L 2 - 4 Lx ) y max = wL 4 8 EI
##EQU00003##
to achieve the same deflection at
x = ( 3 4 ) L : W 1 ( 3 4 L ) 2 24 EI [ ( 3 4 L ) 2 + 6 L 2 - 4 L =
( 3 4 ) L ] = W 2 ( 3 4 L ) 4 8 EI ##EQU00004## W 2 = ( 2.1 ) W 1
##EQU00004.2##
Calculation of Moment of Inertia (Second Moment, I)
[0094] The grooved nasal dilator's cross-section is not a simple,
rectangular beam. The variations during design can significantly
change the value of I, and thus the stiffness of the beam.
[0095] The total I of a particular design is calculated relative to
the "neutral axis", which passes through the centroid of the
composite cross-sectional area. The centroid location will vary
with each design's cross-section. The following shows the equation
for the distance (y) from the "base" of the product to the neutral
axis. Also shown is the equation for determining the actual I,
using this distance. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating variables
h.sub.1, h.sub.2, b, b.sub.1, and b.sub.2 used in the calculation
of a moment of inertia.
___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
___ ___ __ ##EQU00005## b 1 = ( n ) ( b ) ( total width of ridges )
_ ##EQU00005.2## ( A i y i ) = [ ( A i ) ] y ( h 1 ) ( b 1 ) ( h 2
+ ( h 1 2 ) ) + ( h 2 ) ( b 2 ) ( h 2 2 ) = [ ( h 1 ) ( b 1 ) + ( h
2 ) ( b 2 ) ] y _ ##EQU00005.3## y = ( h 1 ) ( b 1 ) ( h 1 + 2 h 2
) + ( h 2 ) 2 ( b 2 ) Z [ ( h 1 ) ( b 1 ) + ( h 2 ) ( b 2 ) ]
##EQU00005.4## I x 1 = ( I x 1 ) 1 + ( I x 1 ) 2 ##EQU00005.5## I x
1 { ( 1 12 ) ( b 1 ) ( h 1 ) 3 + ( b 1 ) ( h 1 ) [ h 2 + ( h 1 ) 2
- y ] 2 } + { ( 1 12 ) ( b 2 ) ( h 2 ) 3 + ( b 2 ) ( h 2 ) [ y - (
h 2 ) 2 - y ] 2 } ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ __ __ _ ##EQU00005.6##
[0096] With these equations, one can calculate and compare the
predicted stiffnesses of beams with any particular number of
grooves and thicknesses or cross-sectional areas. If the material
is defined, then comparing composite/total I values (or I.sub.total
values) will be sufficient.
Example 1
Determination of Moment of Inertia (Second Moment) of the
Cross-Sectional Area of a Grooved Nasal Dilator
[0097] Using the equations above, the values of the nasal dilator
configuration shown in FIG. 9a yields the values shown in Table
I:
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE I P.sub.test L b.sub.1 h.sub.1 b.sub.2 h.sub.2
y I.sub.1 .DELTA.I.sub.1 I.sub.2 .DELTA.I.sub.2 I.sub.total Actual
mm mm mm mm mm mm mm.sup.4 mm.sup.4 mm.sup.4 mm.sup.4 mm.sup.4 gm
60 3.34 0.216 10.00 0.254 0.179 0.0028 0.0174 0.0137 0.0069 0.0408
64.0
[0098] The loading goal for a nasal dilator having a length of 46
mm is about 27 grams. The proportional I.sub.total to achieve this
on a nasal dilator having a length of 46 mm is about 0.0171
mm.sup.4.
[0099] Table II shows some calculated values. The first row
represents a ridge height, English units, of 0.0012 inch and a base
or valley thickness of 0.0035 inch. The second row shows a trial
reduction of the grooves from 33% of the width to 30%. The third
row shows instead a reduction of the ridge height from 0.012 inch
to 0.0105 inch. Since neither resulted in an I.sub.total near 0.171
mm.sup.4, both changes were employed, yielding I.sub.total of
0.0173 in.sup.4. The proportional load predicted on a nasal dilator
having a length of 46 mm with this I.sub.total is about 27.2
grams.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE II P.sub.test L b.sub.1 h.sub.1 b.sub.2
h.sub.2 y I.sub.1 .DELTA.I.sub.1 I.sub.2 .DELTA.I.sub.2 I.sub.total
Predicted mm mm mm mm mm mm mm.sup.4 mm.sup.4 mm.sup.4 mm.sup.4 mm
gm 46 3.34 0.305 10.00 0.089 0.150 0.008 0.009 0.0005 0.010 0.0271
42.6 46 3.00 0.305 10.00 0.089 0.144 0.007 0.008 0.0006 0.009
0.0244 38.3 46 3.34 0.267 10.00 0.089 0.134 0.005 0.006 0.0006
0.007 0.0192 30.2 46 3.00 0.267 10.00 0.089 0.129 0.005 0.006
0.0006 0.006 0.0173 27.2
[0100] There are many configurations (b's and h's) that can yield
the desired I. This is one example of the iterative approach to
finding a configuration that also meets other design and processing
criteria.
[0101] In the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 9a,
the total thickness=R.sub.0+R.sub.i, where R.sub.0 is the thickness
of the base or valley of the groove, and R.sub.i is the thickness
of the ridge of the groove. The valley width is defined in this
embodiment to be about half the width of the ridges. The stiffness
of the nasal dilator will be an addition of the component related
to R.sub.0 plus the component related to R.sub.i The base or valley
width can be defined simply as the entire width of the lifting
portion of the bracket.
[0102] The polymer material can be extruded as shown in FIG. 6a at
a temperature of about 400.degree. F., under a pressured nip
roller, at a rate of about 25 feet/minute, then laminated with an
adhesive material and a release layer as shown in FIG. 6b, at a
temperature ranging from about 180.degree. F. to 215.degree. F.,
through a pressured nip roller, and at a rate of 25 feet/minute.
After the laminated material leaves the extruder, it can be
subjected to further processing, such as laser cutting, to form
nasal dilators having the desired size and shape.
[0103] Preferably, the adhesive material is applied to the grooved
surface of the material, so that adhesive can be applied within
each groove. In one embodiment, the adhesive is applied to
partially or substantially fill the grooves. In another embodiment,
the adhesive is applied to only the top portions of the
grooves.
[0104] As described herein, any suitable adhesive material may be
used, such as acrylate-based adhesives or hydrocolloid adhesives.
The amount of adhesive material applied will vary depending on the
dimensions of the grooves and the type of adhesive material or
materials used. For example, in one embodiment of a nasal dilator
of the present invention, each groove is filled with about a 10 mil
thick layer of adhesive, such as a rubber-based adhesive.
[0105] For a nasal dilators without a central opening, such as
those shown in FIGS. 9a-c, preferably the length of the nasal
dilator may range from between about 35 mm to about 60 mm, the
width may range from about 10 mm to about 25 mm, the valley
thickness may range from between about 3 mil to about 10 mil, and
the ridge thickness may range from between about 8 mil to about 15
mil. In one preferred embodiment, the ridge thickness was about 14
mil, the valley thickness was about 3.5 mil, and the total
thickness of the ridge plus the valley thicknesses was about 17.5
mil.
[0106] For nasal dilators with a central opening, and two lifting
brackets, such as the nasal dilator shown in FIG. 11, the length
may range from between about 40 mm to about 55 mm and the width may
range from between about 25 mm to 30 mm, with the same ranges for
the ridge and valley thicknesses described above.
[0107] As noted previously, the valley width is preferably about
half of the ridge width. In one preferred embodiment, the ridge
width and valley width each range from between about 0.5 mm to
about 1.0 mm, although these values can change depending in part on
the material being used and the desired stiffness of the extruded
material. The ratio of valley width to ridge width may also vary,
again, depending in part on the material used and the desired
stiffness of the extruded material.
[0108] The grooved and laminated material for nasal dilators can be
laser cut to provide nasal dilators having the desired size and
shape. In addition, the edges of the cut material can be further
processed to increase comfort and ease of use. Preferably, the
stiffness of the edges is reduced by about 85% compared to the
center portions of the material. In one preferred embodiment, the
edges are reduced from 14 mil to 4 mil in thickness. In another
preferred embodiment, the edges are reduced to about 2 mil to 3 mil
in thickness.
[0109] The size, shape and stiffness of nasal dilators made as
described above were suitable for comfortably lifting the tissues
of the nasal passages for a desired period of time.
[0110] In another embodiment of a nasal dilator made in accordance
with the present invention, rather than embedding adhesive material
within each groove, a thin layer of adhesive is applied to the top
of one or more ridges of the grooves. For example, one or more
ridges can be coated with about a 0.5 mil thick layer of adhesive,
such as an acrylate adhesive.
[0111] In this embodiment of a nasal dilator, because only the top
of the ridge or ridges is in contact with and adhered to the user's
skin, there will be a partially or substantially open channel
between the groove and the user's skin, running longitudinally from
one end of the dilator to the other, or from one end of the dilator
to another location along the length of the dilator. The plurality
of channels can alternatively criss-cross to form a "dimpling" to
the surface of the nasal dilator in contact with the user's skin.
The adhesive is applied to only the top most "islands" or ridge
junctions created by the criss-crossing channels.
[0112] The channel or plurality of channels permit gases, fluids or
liquids, such as water, air, oil or perspiration, to enter or
collect in the channel, under the nasal dilator. The channel or
channels may therefore increase the user's comfort when wearing the
nasal dilator by permitting the evaporation of accumulated body
moisture out of the channels, or by providing a reservoir in which
oil secreted from the user's skin can accumulate away from the
skin's surface.
[0113] The channel or channels may additionally or alternatively
make it easier to remove the nasal dilator, by permitting water to
enter the channel or channels when the user applies water to his or
her face to remove the nasal dilator. When water is flushed into
the space within the channels under the nasal dilator, air can then
escape from under the dilator in any direction as determined by the
position of the channel or channels. The channel or channels help
facilitate the removal of the nasal dilator by increasing the
surface area under the nasal dilator that can be put in contact
with water, thereby deactivating more of the adhesive in contact
with the user's skin.
Packaging Materials
[0114] As described above, the present invention can be used to
make packaging materials having improved handling properties.
Specifically, it has been surprisingly discovered that by using the
grooved material described herein, package opening regions can be
created which require far less force to tear apart, and have no
sharp or irregular edges, as commonly associated with plastic
packaging, such as PVC clamshell packaging. In one embodiment, it
is possible to reduce the force required to open the package by
about 98% using the grooved material of the present invention.
[0115] The use of the grooved material as packaging can reduce the
amount of resin needed, in some cases by about 15% to 20%, thereby
reducing the cost and environmental impact of the packaging. The
grooved material surprisingly does not exhibit a reduction in blunt
force resistance under compression as compared to the same material
in an ungrooved form. The grooved material maintains its resistance
to tearing across the grooves as compared to the ungrooved
material, but by initiating a cut or notch along a groove, the
grooved material can be torn apart safely and easily, as shown in
FIG. 17.
[0116] The grooved material may also provide regions of improved
flexibility, making it suitable for bending into a box or other
shape.
[0117] The grooved material can be made more optically appealing,
comparable to a "clear plastic" packaging material, by varying the
cross-sectional appearance of the grooves, such as a "V" shaped
groove rather than a squared groove. In addition, it may be
possible to polish the etched roller's channel to remove the acid
etch matte finish in the grooves to reduce the opacity of the
material, making it more transparent.
[0118] The channels or valleys in the grooved material can be used
to transfer fluids or gases into or out of a package or from one
end of the channel to the other.
[0119] The grooved material can be covered with a second film to
create a fluted plastic "cardboard-like" material for greater
rigidity. Open-ended fluted corrugated plastic has not been readily
used in medical or agricultural applications due to the possibility
of entrapping dirt or unwanted biological materials. The present
invention can be used to imprint closed, transverse brackets into
the web of material, in either a repeatable design or at random.
These closed brackets function by closing off the fluted ends of
the material, thereby eliminating the possibility of dirt or
biological contamination.
Medical Uses
[0120] In addition to the medical packaging application described
above, the grooved material of the present invention can be used as
a supportive material in a cast or splint. The grooved material can
be rolled around an extremity, then scored and cut to size. The
ability of the material to be easily cut to size makes it suitable
for use in triage, emergency or battlefield situations. Again
tackifiers such as polybutene, can be added to allow the material
to attach to itself after reflecting back over a digit or extremity
and on to itself. The channel or channels created by the grooves
permit the transmission of gases, fluids or liquids, such as water,
blood, oil or perspiration, into or out from under the grooved
material in contact with the wearer's skin.
Construction Materials
[0121] The grooved material of the present invention can be used to
make construction materials, such as flooring, or as sheeting
material for containment purposes.
[0122] One example of a type of flooring that can be made with the
present invention is linoleum flooring. The grooves can be made
into flutes (as mentioned above) in the material and can facilitate
the passage of warmed liquids or gases to heat or cool
flooring.
[0123] Current containment sheeting is very difficult to handle on
site to position and size appropriately. The grooved material of
the present invention permits unrolling the material along a
surface, such as a wall or floor, to the desired size, then scoring
and tearing the material along a groove.
[0124] The grooved material can include polybutene or similar
adhesive to provide the material with a degree of tackiness or
stickiness to facilitate its use.
[0125] Anti-microbial agents, such as anti-fungal or anti-spore
treatment compounds, can be added to the web of material for use in
situations in which moisture damage needs to be controlled. Other
applications include the use of the grooved material to set up or
contain designated "clean rooms".
[0126] Insect repellant agents can be added to the material for use
in infested areas, either as temporary shelter, or as part of a
permanent structure. Examples include DEET, Permethrin, or
Picaridin.
[0127] Although the foregoing examples and embodiments describe
various aspects and applications, they are not intended to limit
the scope of the present invention, which is set forth in the
following claims.
* * * * *