Locking device

Abstract

Closure device (100, 200, 300, 400) that closes a wound on skin, comprising: a pair of leaf segments (41a, 41b, 241a, 241b, 341a, 341b, 441a, 441b) having an axial direction (da) and a lateral direction (db) orthogonal to the axial direction (da) and being opposite each other with a lateral distance (41s) provided (db); and a plurality of locking elements (2a, 2b) which are attached to the pair of leaf segments (41a, 41b, 241a, 241b, 341a, 341b, 441a, 441b) over the distance (41s, 241s) and arranged in the axial direction, wherein each of the locking elements (2a, 2b) includes a base (10a, 10b) and an adjuster (30a, 30b) arranged on the pair of leaf segments (41a, 41b, 241a, 241b, 341a, 341b, 441a, 441b) to be opposite each other over the distance (41s, 241s), and a pull cord (20) extending from the base (10a, 10b) and engaging with the adjuster (30a, 30b), wherein the closure device (100, 200, 300, 400) can be applied to skin in such a way that the pair of leaf segments (41a, 41b, 241a, 241b, 341a, 341b, 441a, 441b) are opposite each other over the wound, wherein the pair of leaf segments (41a, 41b, 241a, 241b, 341a, 341b, 441a, 441b) is designed to close the wound by moving the living tissue around the wound when each tension band (20) of the closure elements (2a, 2b) is pulled, and the pair of leaf segments (41a, 41b, 241a, 241b, 341a, 341b, 441a, 441b) includes a plurality of slots (51a, 51b, 51c, 51d, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d) arranged in a plurality of areas, each of the plurality of areas being provided between pairs of adjacent closure elements (2a, 2b).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Area of ​​the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a closure device that closes a wound (incision wound) on skin. Technical background

[0002] A conventional closure device used to close a wound on the skin (wound closure) is, for example, a closure device such as that described in JP 2016-527958A. This closure device includes a base that is placed on the skin, a drawstring integrated into and extending from the base, and an adjuster placed on the skin that includes an engaging section (ratchet mechanism) which engages with the drawstring. Protrusions and indentations are formed on the outer surface of the drawstring and allow the drawstring to move relative to the engaging section in only one direction (a direction in which the base and the engaging section approach each other).Then, in a state where the base and adjuster are placed (for example, applied) on the skin over the wound to be closed, the wound is closed by moving the pull cord relative to the adjuster. Since the pull cord may only move in one direction relative to the adjuster, as described above, the wound remains closed once the pull cord is pulled out relative to the adjuster to close the wound. Such closure devices are initially connected in parallel and are cut to lengths corresponding to the size of the wound to be closed and then used.

[0003] In the conventional closure device, a pair of closure elements forms a closure unit, each comprising a base with a pull cord and an adjuster positioned opposite each other. Multiple closure units arranged axially along a leaf segment constitute the closure device. A single perforation line, extending laterally along the leaf segment, is provided at a distance between two adjacent closure units. These perforations allow the leaf segment to be easily cut to the length of the wound to be closed.

[0004] If the wound to be closed is curved, it is desirable for the closure device to be applied in a curved manner along the wound. In this case, the conventional closure device sometimes unintentionally separates along the perforations. Therefore, it is difficult to apply the closure device along the wound. Furthermore, if the closure device is applied near a joint, such as an elbow or knee, it sometimes unintentionally separates along the perforations when the joint is flexed or extended. Of course, it is conceivable to make the perforations less prone to tearing, but such a design increases the resulting feeling of resistance (tightness) when the elbow or knee is flexed or extended, leading to reduced comfort.If the closure device is further detached from the affected part after the wound has healed, the closure device tends to separate along the perforations, thus preventing rapid detachment.

[0005] WO 2017 / 200058 A1 describes a closure device comprising two closure elements and two layer materials for the integral arrangement of the two closure elements. Each closure element comprises a base section, a pull-band section extending integrally from the base section, and an adjustment section comprising an engagement section having a shape that can engage with the pull-band section. The base section of one closure element and an adjustment section of the other closure element are integrally arranged on one of the layer materials, and the adjustment section of one closure element and the base section of the other are integrally arranged on a different layer material.

[0006] US 2017 / 0258640 A1 describes a self-adhesive element for adhering to and covering a portion of a user's skin, wherein the self-adhesive element comprises a carrier layer with a self-adhesive coating, wherein the carrier layer comprises at least a first and a second section, wherein the first section surrounds the second section, and wherein the first section comprises at least a first row of slits extending along an outer edge of the carrier layer and having a first distance therefrom. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention was made with regard to the problems mentioned above. That is to say, one object of the present invention is to provide a closure device that has a high degree of conformability to the shape of a wound to be closed and is less prone to separation during removal (less prone to tearing).

[0008] A closure device that closes a wound on skin according to the present invention includes a pair of leaf segments with an axial direction and a lateral direction orthogonal to the axial direction and which are opposite each other with a distance or gap provided in the lateral direction, and a plurality of locking elements which are attached to the pair of leaf segments across the distance and arranged in the axial direction in which Each of the locking elements includes a base and an adjuster arranged on the pair of leaf links to be positioned opposite each other across the distance, and a pull cord extending from the base and engaging with the adjuster. wherein the closure device can be applied to skin in such a way that the pair of leaf segments lies opposite each other over the wound, wherein the pair of leaf segments is designed to close the wound by moving the living tissue around the wound when each tension band of the closure elements is pulled, and the pair of leaf segments includes a plurality of slots arranged in a plurality of areas, each of the plurality of areas being provided between pairs of adjacent closure elements.

[0009] In such a locking device, at least one of the majority of slots can extend in a direction that intersects the axial direction of the pair of leaf segments.

[0010] The majority of the slots may include two slots that are adjacent to each other in the axial direction and form a V-shape in an area between the pairs of adjacent locking elements.

[0011] The majority of the slots may alternatively include two slots that are adjacent to each other in the axial direction and extend parallel to each other in an area between the pairs of adjacent locking elements.

[0012] The plurality of slots can include at least three slots that are adjacent to each other in the axial direction and extend in a direction that intersects the axial direction in an area between pairs of adjacent locking elements.

[0013] Two of the at least three adjacent slits can be provided at different positions from each other in the lateral direction of the pair of leaf segments.

[0014] Furthermore, one point of the V-shape can be directed towards the distance.

[0015] Alternatively, the opening of the V-shape can be oriented in the direction of the distance.

[0016] In the aforementioned locking device, each of the locking elements includes - a base - a tension band extending from the base, and - an adjuster that includes a section to be engaged, which engages with the pull cord.

[0017] Two of the majority of adjacent locking elements in the axial direction form a locking unit, and in each locking unit - the base of one of the two locking elements and the adjuster of the other of the two locking elements are arranged on one of the pair of leaf links, and - the adjuster of one or both locking elements and the base of the other of the two locking elements are arranged on the other of the pair of leaf links.

[0018] According to the present invention, the closure device can be provided which has a high ability to follow the shape of a wound to be closed and is less prone to separation when being detached. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a locking device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic top view of the locking device. Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic side view of the locking device. Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic top view showing components of two locking elements according to Fig. 1 shows those arranged on a first leaf segment; Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic front view of the components made of Fig. 4; Fig. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI of Fig. 4 was recorded; Fig. Figure 7 is a schematic top view showing a slot pattern of a closure device according to a first amendment from Fig. 1 shows; Fig. Figure 8 is a schematic top view showing a slot pattern of a closure device according to a second amendment. Fig. 1 shows; Fig. Figure 9 is a schematic top view showing a slot pattern of a closure device according to a third amendment from Fig. 1 shows; and Fig. Table 10 shows a list of the respective evaluation results of the closure device regarding compliance during application and tear resistance during release. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Form of Implementation)

[0019] An embodiment of the present invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a locking device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic top view of the locking device 100. Fig. 1, and Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic side view of the locking device 100. Fig. 1.

[0021] The closure device 100 according to the present embodiment consists of resin and is used for closing a wound (wound closure), such as an incision wound on skin created during surgery. This closure device 100 comprises a first closure element 2a and a second closure element 2b, and a first leaf element 41a and a second leaf element 41b, on which these two closure elements 2a, 2b are integrated. In the present embodiment, the first leaf element 41a and the second leaf element 41b are surgical adhesive tape. As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the leaf segments 41a and 41b have a common axial direction da. Furthermore, the leaf segments 41a and 41b have a lateral direction db orthogonal to the axial direction da. The first leaf segment 41a and the second leaf segment 41b are opposite each other across a recess, gap, or distance 41s in the lateral direction db. The first locking element 2a and the second locking element 2b both extend between the first leaf segment 41a and the second leaf segment 41b. In other words, the first locking element 2a and the second locking element 2b are both attached to the first leaf segment 41a and the second leaf segment 41b across the distance 41s between the first leaf segment 41a and the second leaf segment 41b. Furthermore, the first locking element 2a and the second locking element 2b are arranged in the axial direction da.

[0022] The first locking element 2a comprises a first base 10a, a first tension band 20a which is integrated with and extends from the first base 10a, and a first adjuster 30a which includes a first engaging section 31a with a shape that can be engaged with the first tension band 20a. The first base 10a and the first adjuster 30a are arranged on the pair of leaf segments 41a, 41b so that they are positioned opposite each other over a distance 41s. The second locking element 2b comprises a second base 10b, a second tension band 20b which is integrated with and extends from the second base 10b, and a second adjuster 30b which includes a second engaging section 31b with a shape that can be engaged with the second tension band 20b.The second base 10b and the second adjuster 30b are arranged on the pair of leaf segments 41a, 41b to be opposite each other over a distance of 41s.

[0023] An example of the arrangement of bases 10a, 10b and adjusters 30a, 30b is described. In the Fig. 1 and Fig. In the second example shown, the first base 10a of the first locking element 2a and the second adjuster 30b of the second locking element 2b are integrated onto the first leaf element 41a, and the adjuster 30a of the first locking element 2a and the base 10b of the second locking element 2b are integrated onto the second leaf element 41b. As described above, in the present embodiment, two locking elements 2a, 2b, which are adjacent to each other in the axial direction da, form a locking unit 101, and a plurality of locking units 101 are arranged in the axial direction da of the leaf elements 41a, 41b.

[0024] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the first locking element 2a and the second locking element 2b of the present embodiment have the same configuration. Therefore, if the locking elements 2a and 2b are not clearly distinguished from one another in the following description, they are collectively identified by a reference numeral 2 (without the symbols a and b). With regard to the components of each of the locking elements 2a and 2b, if a component of the first locking element 2a and a component of the second locking element 2b are distinguished from one another, the symbol "a" (corresponding to the first locking element) or the symbol "b" (corresponding to the second locking element) is appended to the reference numeral. However, if the components are not clearly distinguished from one another, neither symbol is appended, and only the numeral is shown.

[0025] Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic top view showing components of the locking elements 2a, 2b, which are arranged on the first leaf member 41a. Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic front view of the components of Fig. 4, and Fig. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI of Fig. 4.

[0026] As in Fig. As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the base 10 has a substantially rectangular shape with four corners that are rounded when viewed from above, and an adhesive section (not shown) for bonding the base 10 to the leaf segment 41 is located on a skin-side surface of the base 10 (a surface on a back side in Fig. 4 and a lower surface in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6) provided.

[0027] The tension band 20, which is integrated with the base 10, extends from the base 10 and has a tab 21 formed at a distal end thereof. The tension band 20 comprises a plurality of engaging sections 22 formed on both sides of it, the engaging sections 22 projecting in one direction, forming an obtuse angle with respect to the direction of pull of the tension band 20. These engaging sections 22 engage with the section 31 to be engaged (described later) to regulate a position of the adjuster 30 relative to the base 10. Furthermore, the tension band 20 includes a stopper 23 projecting in a direction orthogonal to the direction of pull and a raised section 24 formed on an upper surface of the tension band 20, having a predetermined length in the direction of the base 10. As described in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the stopper 23 and the raised section 24 are integrated together.

[0028] Next, the adjuster 30 includes a flat plate 32 with an essentially rectangular shape, essentially identical in dimensions to the base 10. An adhesive section (not shown) is applied to a skin-side surface of the flat plate 32 (a surface on the back in Fig. 4 and a lower surface in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6) provided in the same manner as base 10. The section 31 to be engaged is provided on an upper surface of the flat plate 32. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, this section 31 to be engaged includes a pair of walls 33, 34, between which the tension band 20 is arranged. The pair of walls 33, 34, with engagement claws 36, 37, is formed on opposing surfaces thereof, the engagement claws 36, 37 being capable of engaging with the engagement sections 22 of the tension band 22.

[0029] On the respective upper parts (parts on a front side in Fig. 4) of the pair of walls 33, 34, ceiling walls 38, 39, which cover the tension band 20 which engages with the adjuster 30, are attached in the direction of pull of the tension band 20 (lower positions in Fig. 4) advanced positions provided. The ceiling walls 38, 39 and the pair of walls 33, 34 are arranged such that the tension band 20 can pass through a gap enclosed by the walls. A distance d between the ceiling walls 38, 39 is slightly larger than the width of the raised section 24 of the tension band 20, but less than the width of the stopper 23. This configuration brings the ceiling walls 38, 39 into contact with the stopper 23 of the tension band 20, causing the ceiling walls 38, 39 to act as a locking section that prevents the tension band 20 from unintentionally detaching from the adjuster 30.

[0030] Such a closure device 100 is covered with a release paper 42, which prevents dirt or the like from adhering to an adhesive layer provided on the back surface of the sheet element 41 (surgical adhesive tape).

[0031] Back to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, on the pair of leaf members 41a, 41b of the present embodiment, a plurality of slot rows 51, 52 is provided in at least one of the areas between mutually adjacent pairs of locking elements 2a, 2b when viewed along the axial direction da. More precisely, plurality of slot rows 51, 52 are provided, when viewed along the axial direction da, in a plurality of areas between two mutually adjacent locking units 101 on each of the leaf members 41a, 41b. “Millions of slot rows 51, 52 are provided when viewed along the axial direction da” means that the plurality of slot rows 51 and the plurality of slot rows 52 are each arranged at a plurality of positions in the axial direction da. In the Fig. 1 and Fig. In the example shown, the plurality of slot rows 51, 52 are provided in all the areas between mutually adjacent locking units 101 on each of the leaf elements 41a, 41b when viewed along the axial direction da. The plurality of slot rows 51, 52 each comprise a plurality of slots 51a to 51d and a plurality of slots 52a to 52d, which are aligned along the lateral direction db. It should be noted that in another embodiment, the slot rows 51, 52 may each consist of a single slot.

[0032] Of the majority of slots 51a to 51d and 52a to 52d of the present embodiment, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, two slots with reference symbols, each bearing the same letter of the alphabet, are formed with their respective proximal ends positioned at the apex of a V-shape. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the slots 51a to 51d in each row of slots 51 are parallel to each other, and the slots 52a to 52d in each row of slots 52 are also parallel to each other. In the present embodiment, a V-shaped tip formed by each pair of slots 51a to 51d and 52a to 52d points towards a wound to be closed, that is, towards the distance 41s between the pair of leaf segments 41a, 41b.

[0033] The presence of such a V-shaped slot causes two adjacent locking units 101 to be connected to each other by a plurality of V-shaped curved sections 53. These curved sections 53 consist of parts of the leaf element 41a, 41b, defined by each pair of slots 51a to 51d and 52a to 52d arranged in a V-shape. As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, in the locking device 100 according to the present embodiment, such curvature sections 53 are provided in all the areas between each pair of adjacent locking units 101.

[0034] Next, an effect shown by the locking device 100 of the present embodiment will be described.

[0035] First, the closure device 100 is cut to the required and sufficient dimensions (lengths in the axial direction da) to close the wound to be closed. This cut can be made, for example, between two adjacent closure units 101.

[0036] In an initial state of the locking device 100, the stopper 23 of the pull cord 20 is in contact with the respective edges of the ceiling walls 38, 39 of the adjuster 30, and the raised section 24 is positioned between the ceiling walls 38, 39.

[0037] Such a design prevents the pull cord 20 from moving in a direction opposite to the direction of pull with respect to the adjuster 30, which prevents the pull cord 20 from detaching from the adjuster 30.

[0038] Next, the release paper covering one side of leaf segment 41 is removed, exposing the adhesive section formed on the back of leaf segment 42. The closure device 100 is then applied to skin such that the first leaf segment 41a and the second leaf segment 41b are positioned over the wound to be closed. To improve the adhesion of the adhesive section on leaf segment 41 to the skin, the area of ​​skin to be applied is cleaned and dried beforehand.

[0039] If the wound is curved, the first leaf segment 41a and the second leaf segment 14b are preferably curved along the wound and then applied to the skin to effectively close the wound. As described above, the first leaf segment 41a and the second leaf segment 41b of the closure device 100, according to the present embodiment, comprise a plurality of V-shaped curved sections 53 in areas between each pair of adjacent closure units 101. Therefore, the bending deformation of the curved section 53 causes the closure device 100 to be positioned along the curved shape of the wound, while each of the closure units 101 is caused to follow the curved shape of the wound. Because the curved sections 53 are V-shaped, they can withstand relatively large bending deformation at this time.This prevents the closure device 100 from being unintentionally broken at the curvature sections 53 when the closure device 100 is placed along the shape of the wound.

[0040] Then, the first tab 21a of the first tension band 20a of the first closure element 2a and the second tab 21b of the second tension band 20b of the second closure element 2b are pulled simultaneously. This moves each tension band 20 in the direction of pull with respect to a corresponding section 31 to be engaged, which causes a substantially uniform force to act on living tissue around the wound. This pulling action causes the base 10 and the adjuster 30 to move closer together. This means that the living tissue around the wound is moved by the first and second leaf segments 41a, 41b to close the wound. This pulling action is carried out so that a necessary and sufficient force to close the wound acts on the living tissue around the wound.

[0041] When the tension band 20 moves in the direction of tension with respect to the section 31 to be engaged, the protrusions of the engaging sections 22 of the tension band 22 extend between the engagement claws 36, 37, while the engagement claws 36, 37 are bent in the direction of tension. Conversely, moving the engagement sections 22 in a direction opposite to the direction of tension beyond the engagement claws 36, 37 causes the protrusions to influence the engagement claws 36, 37, thereby restricting the movement of the tension band 20. As described above, curvature of the engagement claws 36, 37 occurs relatively easily in the direction of tension, since the engagement claws 36, 37 are bent in the direction of tension, while curvature in a direction opposite to the direction of tension is practically impossible. This design allows the pull cord 20 to move only in the direction of pull.

[0042] The pulling action of such tab 21 (pulling band 20) is carried out throughout the entire closure device 100. As a result, the wound to be closed is completely closed. Then, a portion of the pulling band 20, which was pulled beyond the engagement claws 36, 37 by the pulling action, is cut off with a suitable cutting tool. The closure of the wound by the closure device 100 is thus completed.

[0043] If the living tissue around the wound is moved by bending and straightening a joint with the closed wound, such a closure device 100 shows good followability by the presence of the curvature sections 53.

[0044] Maintaining the closed state of the wound for a certain period of time causes parts of the living tissue separated by the wound to fuse together, thereby healing the wound. Subsequently, the leaf segment 41 is removed from the skin. At the time of this removal, the curved sections 53 are moderately deformed, which prevents the closure device 100 from being unintentionally separated between the two adjacent closure units 101.

[0045] According to the present embodiment, as described above, the majority of the slot rows 51, 52 are provided in the areas between the two adjacent closure units 101 on the leaf member 41 when viewed from the axial direction. This makes it possible to provide the closure device 100, which has a high degree of conformity to the shape of the wound to be closed and is less prone to separation during detachment.

[0046] It should be noted that a plurality of slots can be provided between two locking elements 2a, 2b of the locking unit 101 when viewed along the axial direction da. In this case, too, the same effect as the effect of the present embodiment can be shown.

[0047] Furthermore, each pair of slits 51a to 51d and 52a to 52d in the plurality of slit rows 51, 52 extends in a direction that intersects the axial direction da of a pair of leaf segments 41a, 41b. More precisely, the slits 51a to 51d and 52a to 52d are positioned in areas between adjacent closure units 101, with two slits adjacent to each other in the axial direction da forming a V-shape. This forms the flexible curved sections 53 between the two adjacent closure units 101, thereby increasing the ability to conform to the shape of the wound to be closed.

[0048] Furthermore, the section 31 to be engaged includes the pair of walls 33, 34 between which the pull cord 20 is arranged, and the pair of walls 33, 34 includes the engagement claws 36, 37, which are formed on opposing surfaces thereof, wherein the engagement claws 36, 37 can be engaged with the engagement sections 22 of the pull cord 20. This design makes it possible to easily adjust the engagement position between the pull cord 20 and the adjuster 30 by pulling the pull cord 20 out from between the pair of walls 33, 34.

[0049] Furthermore, the tension band 20 includes the stopper 23, which projects in a direction orthogonal to the tension direction of the tension band 20, and the ceiling walls 38, 39 of the adjuster 30 come into contact with the stopper 23 to prevent the tension band 20 from detaching from the adjuster 30. This design effectively avoids situations in which the tension band 20 falls off the adjuster 30 and the processability of the wound closure is then unintentionally impaired.

[0050] It is also possible to provide the closure device 100, which can simply close the wound evenly due to its design, in which the respective directions of pull of the pull straps 20 for closing two adjacent closure elements 2a, 2b are opposite each other.

[0051] In the embodiment described above, each pair of slots 51a to 51d and 52a to 52d in the leaf member 41 is formed in a V-shape, the apex of which points towards the wound, that is, towards the distance 41s between the pair of leaf members 41a, 41b. However, the present invention is not limited to such a mode. Examples of the slot pattern that can be incorporated into modifications of the closure device 100 according to the embodiment described above are given below. It should be noted that the configuration other than the slot pattern is the same as the configuration of the embodiment described above; therefore, only the slot pattern is described in the following description. (first modification)

[0052] Fig. Figure 7 is a schematic top view showing rows of slots 251, 252 provided in a locking device 200 according to a first amendment. For the sake of clarity, in Fig. 7 only leaf segments 241 and the slot rows 251, 252 are shown. Such an illustration is also shown on Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, which will be described later, were applied.

[0053] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, in the locking device 200 according to the present amendment, a plurality of slot rows 251, 252 in areas between two adjacent locking units in the leaf elements 241 are formed as a V-shape. However, the orientation of the V-shape differs from the orientation of the V-shape in the locking device 100 described above. That is, each pair of slots contained in the slot rows 251, 252, which in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the V-shape is formed in the pair of leaf segments 241a, 241b such that it points towards a wound A to be closed, i.e., an opening of the V-shape points towards a distance 241s between the pair of leaf segments 241a, 241b. Therefore, in the present amendment, curved sections 253, whose orientation is the reverse of that in the embodiment described above, are formed between two adjacent closure units 201 (not shown). (Second modification)

[0054] Next is Fig. 8 a schematic top view showing rows of slots 351 to 353 provided in a closure device 300 according to a second amendment.

[0055] The present amendment differs from the embodiment described above and the first amendment in that a plurality of slot rows, for example three slot rows 351 to 353, are formed in an area between two adjacent locking units parallel to the width direction db of each leaf element 341a, 341b. Each of the slot rows 351 to 353 includes a plurality of slots (corresponding to the solid black lines in Fig. 8), which are formed in the lateral direction of leaf segment 341. The majority of the slits have the same length in the lateral direction db of leaf segments 341a, 341b, except for the two terminal slits.

[0056] Furthermore, two adjacent rows of slots 351 and 352 have different phases in the lateral direction db of the leaf segment 341, and two adjacent rows of slots 352 and 353 also have different phases in the lateral direction of the leaf segment 341. In the present modification, the rows of slots 351 and 352 and the rows of slots 352 and 353 are phase-shifted by half a wavelength. Such an embodiment forms a flexible section 354 between two adjacent closure units 301, which can extend into a so-called net-decoration shape. When the wound is closed using the closure device 300 according to the present modification, this flexible section 354 extends freely to allow the closure device 300 to be applied to skin while satisfactorily conforming to the shape of the wound. (Third modification)

[0057] Next is Fig. 9 A schematic top view showing the slot rows 451 to 453 provided in a locking device 400 according to a third amendment. Each slot in these slot rows 451 to 453 has a length in the width direction db which is approximately twice as long as each slot in the Fig. 8 shown in the locking device 300. Therefore, a flexible section 454 formed in the locking device 400 is coarser than the flexible section 354 of the second amendment described above. The other embodiment is the same as the embodiment in the second amendment.

[0058] Results of the assessments carried out regarding tear resistance at the time of application and removal of each of the closure devices 100 to 400 are presented in a document. Fig. The 10 shown in the table are listed. The terms “VERY GOOD”, “GOOD”, “MEDIUM”, and “POOR” in the table each indicate a degree of tear resistance. “VERY GOOD” means that the fastener did not tear with sufficient clearance; “GOOD” means that the fastener did not tear, but with less clearance than that specified for “VERY GOOD”; “MEDIUM” means that there was one row of slots that partially tore; and “POOR” means that the fastener tore with ease. It should be noted that a conventional product corresponds to a fastener in which a single perforation line is formed in the width direction db between two adjacent fastener units.

[0059] The table from Fig.It can be seen from Figure 10 that it has been shown that one of the closure devices 100 to 400 has the ability to follow the shape of the wound to be closed and is less prone to separation at the time of removal, compared to conventional closure devices. In particular, for closure devices 100 and 200, which have V-shaped slots between the two adjacent closure devices, the ability to follow the shape at the time of application and the tensile strength at the time of removal are very good.

[0060] It should be noted that for one of the closure devices, it is preferable that no slots are formed at the edges in the width direction of the pair of leaf segments. Such a design prevents stress from concentrating on the edges and makes the closure device less prone to tearing during application and / or removal.

Claims

[1] Closure device (100, 200, 300, 400) for closing a wound on skin, comprising: a pair of leaf segments (41a, 41b, 241a, 241b, 341a, 341b, 441a, 441b) having an axial direction (da) and a lateral direction (db) orthogonal to the axial direction (da) and being opposite each other with a lateral distance (41s) provided (db); and a plurality of locking elements (2a, 2b) which are attached to the pair of leaf segments (41a, 41b, 241a, 241b, 341a, 341b, 441a, 441b) over the distance (41s, 241s) and arranged in the axial direction, wherein each of the locking elements (2a, 2b) includes a base (10a, 10b) and an adjuster (30a, 30b) arranged on the pair of leaf segments (41a, 41b, 241a, 241b, 341a, 341b, 441a, 441b) to be opposite each other over the distance (41s, 241s), and a pull cord (20) extending from the base (10a, 10b) and engaging with the adjuster (30a, 30b), wherein the closure device (100, 200, 300, 400) can be applied to skin in such a way that the pair of leaf segments (41a, 41b, 241a, 241b, 341a, 341b, 441a, 441b) are opposite each other over the wound, wherein the pair of leaf segments (41a, 41b, 241a, 241b, 341a, 341b, 441a, 441b) is designed to close the wound by moving the living tissue around the wound when each tension band (20) of the closure elements (2a, 2b) is pulled, and the pair of leaf segments (41a, 41b, 241a, 241b, 341a, 341b, 441a, 441b) includes a plurality of slots (51a, 51b, 51c, 51d, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d) arranged in a plurality of areas, each of the plurality of areas being provided between pairs of adjacent closure elements (2a, 2b). [2] Closure device (100, 200, 300, 400) according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of slots (51a, 51b, 51c, 51d, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d) extends in a direction that intersects the axial direction (da) of the pair of leaf elements (41a, 41b, 241a, 241b, 341a, 341b, 441a, 441b). [3] Locking device (100, 200) according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of slots (51a, 51b, 51c, 51d, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d) includes two slots (51a, 51b, 51c, 51d, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d) which are adjacent to each other in the axial direction (da) and form a V-shape in a region between pairs of adjacent locking elements (2a, 2b). [4] Locking device (100, 300, 400) according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of slots (51a, 51b, 51c, 51d, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d) comprise two slots (51a, 51b, 51c, 51d, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d) which are adjacent to each other in the axial direction (da) and extend parallel to each other in a region between pairs of adjacent locking elements (2a, 2b). [5] Locking device (100, 300, 400) according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of slots (51a, 51b, 51c, 51d, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d) includes at least three slots (51a, 51b, 51c, 51d, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d) that are adjacent to each other in the axial direction (da) and extend in a direction that intersects the axial direction (da) in a region between pairs of adjacent locking elements (2a, 2b). [6] Closure device (100, 300, 400) according to claim 5, wherein two of the at least three adjacent slots (51a, 51b, 51c, 51d, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d) are provided at different positions from each other in the width direction (db) of the pair of leaf elements (41a, 41b). [7] Closure device (100) according to claim 3, wherein one tip of the V-shape is directed towards the distance (41s). [8] Closure device (200) according to claim 3, wherein an opening of the V-shape is directed in the direction of the distance (241s). [9] Locking device (100, 200, 300, 400) according to claim 1, wherein - two of the locking elements (2a, 2b) adjacent to each other in the axial direction (da) form a locking unit (101, 201, 301, 401), and - in each locking unit (101, 201, 301, 401), - the base (10a, 10b) of one of the two locking elements (2a, 2b) and the adjuster (30a, 30b) of the other of the two locking elements (2a, 2b) are arranged on one of the pair of leaf segments (41a, 41b, 241a, 241b, 341a, 341b, 441a, 441b), and - the adjuster (30a, 30b) of one of the two locking elements (2a, 2b) and the base (10a, 10b) of the other of the two locking elements (2a, 2b) are arranged on the other of the pair of leaf segments (41a, 41b, 241a, 241b, 341a, 341b, 441a, 441b).

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