Treatment adhesive tape

Abstract

The invention relates to a therapeutic adhesive tape (1) for adhering to the skin (H) of a human body, comprising a carrier layer (2), an adhesive layer (3) arranged on the carrier layer (2), and a cover layer (4) arranged on the adhesive layer (3). The treatment tape (1) has a longitudinal direction (L). The cover layer (4) is divided into at least three cover layer strips (5, 6) which extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction (L) of the treatment tape (1) and which can be peeled off from the adhesive layer (3) independently of one another.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a therapeutic tape for adhesion to human skin, comprising a carrier layer, an adhesive layer disposed on the carrier layer, and a cover layer disposed on the adhesive layer, the tape having a longitudinal direction. Background Technology

[0002] Especially for treating sports injuries, so-called "kinesiology tape" has been used for many years. These therapeutic tapes are also known by names such as "sports function tape," "kinesiology tape," "physiotherapy tape," and "muscle tape." Essentially, they are elastic patches made of woven adhesive tape that, by being adhered to the skin, are used, among other purposes, to stabilize muscles / ligaments (e.g., after a sports injury). Furthermore, treatment using these tapes should induce tissue stimulation (movement of the skin relative to the underlying tissue), thereby positively impacting lymphatic flow. Different application methods are used for different therapeutic applications.

[0003] For some applications, it is considered advantageous if the tissue can make additional manual movements along the applied tape (therapeutic tape) (e.g., to increase lymphatic flow or treat scar tissue).

[0004] For this purpose, kinesiology tapes have been developed, for example, with tongues (e.g., also made of textile fabric) adhered to and protruding from the tape. Here, these tongues serve as a "grip" that can be held to move the tape parallel to or away from the skin surface. US 1,109,6817 A and JP 7007388 A1 describe tapes with such "grips".

[0005] The disadvantage of this type of tape is that it is expensive to manufacture and can only be held in specific predefined locations (i.e., locations with "grip").

[0006] Another possibility for allowing manual movement of tissue along the tape is to fold or cut "regular" kinesiology tape to obtain an application with a "grip" for holding and moving the tape. The disadvantage is that manufacturing such folded or cut tape applications with "grip" (typically consisting of multiple manually prepared, interlocked kinesiology tape segments) is relatively complex and prone to errors. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The objective of this invention is to provide a therapeutic tape that does not suffer from the drawbacks of the prior art. In particular, a therapeutic tape is intended to be provided in which the possibility of gripping and moving the tape can be quickly, easily, and precisely formed.

[0008] According to the present invention, this task is solved by a therapeutic tape having the features of claim 1.

[0009] Preferred and advantageous embodiments of the present invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0010] According to the present invention, the cover layer is divided into at least three cover layer strips extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the tape, which are peelable or tearable from the adhesive layer independently of each other.

[0011] If the therapeutic tape is not applied as intended, a cover layer is placed on top of the adhesive layer and covers it to prevent accidental adhesion.

[0012] The structure of the therapeutic tape of the present invention allows for the formation of a "grip" that extends along the longitudinal direction of the applied therapeutic tape.

[0013] To form the "holding portion," before applying the tape to (or above) human skin, the middle cover strip of at least three cover strips of the cover layer is first peeled off from the adhesive layer. This exposes the middle carrier layer strip of the carrier layer, which has the adhesive layer, i.e., it has no cover layer. The therapeutic tape is then folded along a fold edge, such that the lateral cover strips extending on both sides of the fold edge are face-to-face. The fold edge extends longitudinally and passes centrally through the middle carrier layer strip, which no longer has a cover layer and is exposed between adjacent, unpeeled lateral cover strips. By folding the therapeutic tape along the folded edge, the exposed areas of the intermediate carrier layer strips arranged on both sides of the folded edge (i.e., adjacent to the folded edge) adhere to each other face-to-face (because there is no longer a covering layer covering the adhesive layer in the intermediate carrier layer strips). However, the lateral carrier layer strips of the therapeutic tape adjacent to the intermediate carrier layer strips on both sides do not adhere to each other because these lateral carrier layer strips are still covered by the covering layer, which prevents face-to-face adhesion of the lateral carrier layer strips. Subsequently, the therapeutic tape is unfolded again so that the lateral carrier layer strips of the carrier layer extend substantially in the same plane again, while the intermediate carrier layer strips that are adhered to each other form a tongue that protrudes from the plane of the lateral carrier layer strips. The therapeutic tape thus prepared now has a tongue that extends longitudinally and over the entire length of the previously folded therapeutic tape. By peeling off the lateral covering layer strips of the covering layer that are still arranged on the adhesive layer, the adhesive layer of the lateral carrier layer strips is released, allowing the therapeutic tape to be applied (i.e., adhered) to or over human skin with its lateral carrier layer strips.

[0014] The simple structure of the therapeutic tape of the present invention allows for the particularly quick, simple, and precise formation of a "grip" (formed by a tongue) extending along the longitudinal direction of the therapeutic tape for gripping and moving the applied therapeutic tape. Because the tongue extends along the entire length of the therapeutic tape, the therapeutic tape can be gripped and moved at any position.

[0015] According to the invention, the cover layer is divided into three cover layer strips that can be independently peeled off from the adhesive layer, essentially along the entire length of the tape, while the carrier layer is essentially undivided. This is necessary to enable the formation of the "grip".

[0016] Furthermore, the tongue extending longitudinally along the treatment tape can be precisely aligned with the direction of the scar to be treated on the skin. Therefore, even for scars with curved directions, the "holding part" can be positioned directly above the scar along its entire direction. This allows for precise and targeted treatment and physical therapy along each area of ​​the scar.

[0017] Specifically, within the scope of this invention, the carrier layer of the therapeutic tape of this invention is elastic. Elasticity specifically means that the carrier layer can be elastically stretched (i.e., without plastic deformation) to 120%, particularly 130% or 140%, or even up to 180% of its original length.

[0018] The carrier layer is preferably composed of textile fabric, particularly cotton yarn, elastic fiber, viscose fiber and / or other synthetic fibers. The carrier layer may also contain other natural and / or synthetic fibers (or yarns), such as hemp fiber, rayon fiber or polyester fiber (or yarn).

[0019] In particular, the carrier layer is composed of cotton fabric, in which elastic fibers (or yarns), viscose fibers and / or other synthetic fibers (or yarns) are woven to improve elasticity.

[0020] Alternatively, the carrier layer may not be composed of fabric, but of other textiles (such as knitted fabrics, non-woven fabrics, etc.) or films, especially elastic plastic films or tapes.

[0021] The cover layer is preferably not elastic, but rather tears when stretched or subjected to shear forces.

[0022] The adhesive layer may be composed, for example, of an acrylic adhesive or other suitable, skin-friendly adhesive, and the covering layer is preferably composed of paper or film coated (at least on the side facing the adhesive layer).

[0023] Particularly preferred is that the therapeutic tape has at least one of its cover strips (extending between at least two other cover strips) that are independently peelable and extend parallel to the longitudinal direction, and that extend substantially axially symmetrically along the central axis. With such a therapeutic tape, a tongue-like piece serving as a "grip" can be formed particularly easily and precisely because, by folding the therapeutic tape along its central axis, the folding axis automatically extends centered within the intermediate carrier layer strip.

[0024] Alternatively, an implementation could be considered in which the cover layer strips (and thus also the intermediate carrier layer strips of the carrier layer) extending between at least two additional cover layer strips are not constructed symmetrically with respect to the central axis, i.e., the lateral carrier layer strips adjacent to the intermediate carrier layer strips have unequal widths. Such a therapeutic tape may also have certain advantages, but it is more difficult to fold precisely because the therapeutic tape cannot be simply folded in half so that the fold axis extends precisely at the center of the intermediate carrier layer strip.

[0025] Preferably, the cover layer has exactly three cover layer strips extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the therapeutic tape, and these cover layer strips can be peeled off from the adhesive layer independently of each other. In this therapeutic tape, the cover layer consists of a central cover layer strip and two lateral cover layer strips adjacent to it on both sides. To prepare for the intended application of the therapeutic tape, the central cover layer strip of the cover layer is first peeled off from the adhesive layer to form a tongue. The peeling of the lateral cover layer strips can only be performed subsequently. This significantly reduces the risk of errors in the use of the therapeutic tape.

[0026] However, implementations with more than three cover strips are also possible, such as implementations with four, five or more cover strips (i.e., having more than one intermediate cover strip and / or more than two lateral cover strips).

[0027] Preferably, at least one of the capping strips that can be peeled off independently of each other, and a capping strip that extends between at least two other capping strips (particularly the middle capping strip in embodiments with three capping strips), can be visually distinguished from adjacent capping strips. This visual distinguishability can be achieved, in particular, through different tinting or different textures, and also helps to reduce the risk of misuse.

[0028] A particularly preferred embodiment is one in which the cover strips are peelably bonded to each other, specifically in that perforations or punches are formed between adjacent cover strips. Due to the perforations, when one cover strip is peeled off from the adhesive layer like a band-aid (by tearing a very narrow material connection formed along the perforation between the two cover strips), the two adjacent cover strips peel off very easily. It is also conceivable that the cover layer is scribbled or thinner between adjacent cover strips, but it is also conceivable that the cover layer consists of multiple individual cover strips arranged substantially side-by-side, or overlapped along their boundary regions and peelably bonded, for example, in the boundary regions.

[0029] Therapeutic tape is preferably designed for human use, but it can also be used on animals, i.e., applied to or on the skin of an animal. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Further details, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments are illustrated. In the drawings:

[0031] Figure 1 An isometric schematic diagram of a segment of the therapeutic tape of the present invention is shown;

[0032] Figures 2 to 9 The illustration shows different stages of preparation for applying the therapeutic tape of the present invention to human skin as intended. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Figure 1 A portion of the therapeutic tape 1 of the present invention is shown in a detailed view, revealing the layered structure of the therapeutic tape 1. For better illustration, the thickness of each layer is shown in disproportionate dimensions.

[0034] The therapeutic tape 1 of the present invention extends in the longitudinal direction L and includes a carrier layer 2 on which an adhesive layer 3 is disposed. The adhesive layer 3 is substantially non-removably adhered to the carrier layer 2.

[0035] The cover layer 4 is disposed on or on the adhesive layer 3. The cover layer 4 is substantially peelable to the adhesive layer 3 and can be peeled off (i.e., detached) with relatively little force.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the cover layer 4 consists of three cover layer strips 5 and 6, namely, an intermediate cover layer strip 5 arranged between two adjacent lateral cover layer strips 6. Each cover layer strip 5 and 6 extends side by side along the longitudinal direction L (or parallel to the longitudinal direction L) of the therapeutic tape 1.

[0037] Each cover strip 5, 6 of the cover layer can be peeled off independently from the adhesive layer 3. In the illustrated embodiment, this is achieved by forming perforations 7 in the cover layer 4 between the intermediate cover strip 5 and the adjacent and connected lateral cover strip 6.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, each lateral cover strip 6 has an equal width, such that the central axis M of the longitudinal extension L parallel to the therapeutic tape is precisely located at the center of the intermediate cover strip 5. That is, the intermediate cover strip 5 extends symmetrically with respect to the central axis M.

[0039] Figures 2 to 9 Isometric views are shown of the therapeutic tape 1 of the present invention in different preparation stages or states that must be performed in order to apply the therapeutic tape 1 as intended.

[0040] exist Figure 2In the illustration, the therapeutic tape 1 is shown with its cover layer 4 facing upwards. In this embodiment, the cover layer 4 consists of exactly three cover layer strips 5 and 6 extending in the longitudinal direction L: two lateral cover layer strips 6 and an intermediate cover layer strip 5 disposed therebetween. The intermediate cover layer strip 5 has a different texture, pattern, or color from the lateral cover layer strips 6, and is therefore visually distinguishable from these strips.

[0041] exist Figure 3 In the process, the intermediate cover strip 5 is peeled off from the adhesive layer 3 located below it, in particular, it is torn off. Since each cover strip 5, 6 of the cover layer 4 can be peeled off from the adhesive layer 3 independently, the lateral cover strips 6 remain adhered to the adhesive layer 3 when the intermediate cover strip 5 is peeled off.

[0042] Figure 4 A therapeutic tape 1 is shown, in which the intermediate cover strip 5 has been peeled off, exposing the intermediate carrier layer strip 8 of the carrier layer 2, which has an adhesive layer 3. Two lateral carrier layer strips 9 of the carrier layer 2 extend on either side of the intermediate carrier layer strip 8, with their adhesive layers 3... Figure 4 The middle layer is still covered by the lateral cover strips 6 of the cover layer 4.

[0043] Figure 5 The treatment tape 1 is shown to fold along a central axis M that extends centrally through the intermediate carrier layer strip 8 (and previously through the intermediate cover layer strip 5).

[0044] exist Figure 6 The treatment tape 1 is shown folded along its central axis M. The treatment tape 1 is folded in half in principle. Since the covering layer 4 (i.e., the intermediate covering layer strip 5 of the covering layer 4) is no longer present in the intermediate carrier layer strip 8, the areas of the intermediate carrier layer strip 8 extending on both sides of the central axis M adhere to each other, but the lateral carrier layer strips 9, which are always covered by the covering layer 4 (i.e., the lateral covering layer strip 6 of the covering layer 4), do not adhere to each other.

[0045] Figure 7 This illustrates how the therapeutic tape 1 unfolds again until the lateral carrier layer strips 9 of the carrier layer 2 are once again substantially aligned in the same plane. The intermediate carrier layer strips 8, which are bonded to each other, now form a tongue 10 that protrudes from the lateral carrier layer strips 9, or rather, from the plane on which the lateral carrier layer strips 9 are positioned. Here, the tongue 10 is positioned on the side of the therapeutic tape 1 where the surface formed by the carrier layer 2 is located.

[0046] Figure 8This illustrates how one of the remaining lateral cover strips 6 of the cover layer 4 is peeled off, i.e., torn off, from the adhesive layer 3 of the lateral carrier layer strip 9 located beneath the carrier layer 2. The lateral cover strip 6 covering the second lateral carrier layer strip 9 is subsequently peeled off or detached from the adhesive layer 3 in the same manner.

[0047] Figure 9 The therapeutic tape 1 of the present invention is shown to be flipped (relative to) Figure 8 It is applied to human skin H, that is, it is adhered to or on the skin H by the adhesive layer 3 through the lateral carrier layer strip 9 (which does not form a tongue 10) of the carrier layer 2.

[0048] In the therapeutic tape 1 applied or pasted as intended, the tongue 10 protrudes from the human skin H to form a "holding portion" that can be grasped to hold and move the therapeutic tape 1 so as to stimulate the tissues located beneath it (skin H, subcutaneous tissue, connective tissue and muscles and blood vessels located beneath it).

[0049] Before applying the therapeutic tape 1, the corners of the lateral carrier layer strip 9 at each end of the therapeutic tape 1 can be cut into rounded shapes.

[0050] Unlike what is shown, the longitudinal direction L of the therapeutic tape 1 of the present invention may also be shorter than the transverse direction perpendicular to its extension.

[0051] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0052] 1. Treatment tape

[0053] 2. Carrier layer

[0054] 3. Adhesive layer

[0055] 4. Covering layer

[0056] 5 Intermediate cover strip

[0057] 6 Lateral overburden strips

[0058] 7. Perforation

[0059] 8. Intermediate carrier layer strips

[0060] 9 Lateral carrier layer strips

[0061] 10 Tongue slices

[0062] L (vertical direction)

[0063] M central axis

[0064] H. Skin.

Claims

1. A therapeutic tape (1) for adhesion to human skin (H), the therapeutic tape comprising a carrier layer (2), an adhesive layer (3) disposed on the carrier layer (2), and a cover layer (4) disposed on the adhesive layer (3), wherein, The therapeutic tape (1) has a longitudinal direction (L) and is characterized in that the covering layer (4) is divided into at least three covering strips (5, 6) extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction (L) of the therapeutic tape (1), which can be peeled off from the adhesive layer (3) independently of each other.

2. The therapeutic tape according to claim 1, characterized in that, The carrier layer (2) is elastic, in particular the carrier layer (2) can be elastically stretched to 120% of its original length, in particular 130% or 140%, or even up to 180%.

3. The therapeutic tape according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The carrier layer (2) is composed of textile fabric, which in particular has cotton yarn, elastic fiber, viscose fiber and / or other synthetic fiber.

4. The therapeutic tape according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The therapeutic tape (1) has a central axis (M) extending parallel to the longitudinal direction (L) and at least one of the cover strips that can be peeled off independently from each other. The cover strips (5) extending between at least two other cover strips (6) are substantially symmetrical about the central axis (M).

5. The therapeutic tape according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, At least one of the capping strips that can be peeled off independently from each other, and the capping strip (5) that extends between at least two other capping strips (6) can be visually distinguished from the adjacent capping strip (6).

6. The therapeutic tape according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The cover strips (5, 6) of the cover layer (4) are peelably connected to each other, in particular by forming perforations (7) between adjacent cover strips (5, 6).

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