Kinesiotaping tape, kinesiotaping kit and method for obtaining a kinesiotaping tape

Abstract

The object of the invention is a kinesiotaping tape comprising a piezoresi stive composite layer and a kinesiotaping kit comprising an electronic module, whereby it is possible to monitor the degree of stretching of the tape and therefore its correct application. A subject of the present invention is also a method for obtaining a kinesiotaping tape comprising a piezoresistive composite layer.

Description

[0001] Kinesiotaping tape, kinesiotaping kit and method for obtaining a kinesiotaping tape

[0002] The object of the present invention is a kinesiotaping tape comprising a piezoresistive composite layer, a kinesiotaping kit for monitoring the degree of stretching of the tape and a method for obtaining a kinesiotaping tape comprising a layer of piezoresistive composite.

[0003] Kinesiotaping, or dynamic taping, is a therapeutic method consisting in wrapping specific areas on the body with specially adapted kinesiological tapes. Appropriately applied, these tapes allow tissue to be affected in a case-specific manner, by manipulating intertissue spaces and acting on sensory receptors. Therapeutic effects of the use of kinesiology tapes include regulation of muscle tone, improvement of microcirculation, activation of the lymphatic system, correction of position and increase of joint mobility, and reduction of pain by affecting afferent nerve pathways. As a result of joint or muscle therapy with kinesiology tapes, the patient may experience a reduction in musculoskeletal pain, an increase in range of motion, as well as the prevention of injury during physical exertion.

[0004] Traditional kinesiology tapes are made of cotton coated with hypoallergenic acrylic glue. These tapes are waterproof and breathable, so they can be worn for a few days. Their elasticity is close to that of human skin, allowing for full freedom of movement.

[0005] Kinesiological tapes with silver ions, having an antibacterial effect, tapes with thermoactive properties, i.e. warming the place in which they are applied to the skin, tapes with the addition of zinc oxide in the adhesive layer, to reduce skin irritation, as well as tapes made of synthetic materials, such as polyester or silicone, are known in the prior art.

[0006] However, an important limitation of all prior art solutions is that traditional methods of applying kinesiology tapes require experience and sensitivity on the part of the user or physiotherapist in order to properly stretch the tape before applying it. Improper stretching of the tape can lead to a lack of therapeutic effects, discomfort for the user, pain, and with prolonged improper use, promote the formation of additional injuries. For this reason, their independent application is fraught with risk, and for the correct application of the tape, significant experience of the applicant or the help of medical staff in the form of a physiotherapist is required.

[0007] The present invention addresses this problem by providing a solution that simplifies the correct application of the kinesiotaping tapes, which advantageously contributes to the correct application by the inexperienced user alone, and generally improves the precision of the application even when used by a professional.

[0008] In the present invention, the term “tape” is the same as the term “kinesiotaping tape” and is used interchangeably. By the term “tape” or “kinesiotaping tape” is meant the tape according to the invention.

[0009] The term "paste" should be understood as a heterophase piezoresistive paste. The terms "piezoresistive layer" and "piezoresistive composite layer" should be understood as a layer of heterophase piezoresistive paste after the drying process, applied in a suitable formula on a substrate. These terms refer to the same material and are used interchangeably.

[0010] In order to distinguish the tape according to the invention from the commercial kinesiotaping tape, the commercial tapes in the further part of the description are referred to as a "patch" or a "kinesiotaping patch". The kinesiotaping patch is a flexible patch of varying length and width, the size of which is adapted to be applied to the body. The kinesiotaping patch is made from a flexible material that allows it to stretch and adhere to the skin. The adhesion to the skin is ensured by an adhesive layer, wherein the patch can be any kinesiotaping patch available on the market. The present embodiment uses products bearing the trade names 3NS Tape 5 cm; Rae Tape Premium 5 cm; Action Premium 5 cm and Mueller Kinesiology Tape 5 cm.

[0011] The size of the patch itself is not essential for the proper operation of the invention and a different size kinesiotaping patch with a width of at least 4 mm and a length of at least 10 mm may be used.

[0012] The essence of the invention is a kinesiotaping tape characterized in that it comprises a u-shaped piezoresistive composite layer (formed from a heterophase piezoresistive paste) arranged along three edges of the patch with a path width of at least 1 mm, at the ends of which there is a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact.

[0013] Preferably, the heterophase piezoresistive paste used to form the piezoresistive composite layer is a thermoplastic polyurethane composition in an amount of 19.4%, N, N -dimethylformamide in an amount of 44.6%, 2-(2 -Butoxy ethoxy)ethyl acetate in an amount of 31.8%, carbon black in an amount of 4.0%, and sodium dodecylate in an amount of 0.2%. The exact percentage content of piezoresistive paste components may differ slightly from the figures presented above without affecting the correct operation of the invention, with the key being the mass content of thermoplastic polyurethane in piezoresistive paste between 16% and 22.8%, technical carbon black ranging from 3-5%, a dispersant such as sodium dodecylate in an amount of 0.1-0.3%, with the remaining paste content being solvents.

[0014] The essence of the invention is also constituted by a kinesiotaping kit comprising a kinesiotaping tape as defined above and an electronic module connected by entering the first electrical contact and entering the second electrical contact with the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact of the tape. The electronic module comprises a voltage power source, a voltage signal resistance transducer, a LED system and a microprocessor logic system, a comparator and a LED control circuit, wherein the input to the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are connected to the voltage signal resistance transducer by a resistor which is connected to the power supply and the comparator.

[0015] The essence of the invention is also a method for obtaining the tape as defined above by screen printing a heterophase piezoresistive paste directly onto the patch, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: a) the screen printing matrix with a piezoresistive layer formula is prepared; b) the kinesiotaping patch is placed under the screen printing matrix; c) the heterophase paste is squeezed onto the patch through a screen printing matrix sieve; d) the belt is dried at a temperature in the range of 100-140 °C for 10-20 minutes.

[0016] Depending on the desired layer thickness, steps b-d) can be performed again at the same patch site.

[0017] The essence of the invention is also a method for obtaining the tape as defined above, by thermotransferring the piezoresistive layer onto the patch, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: a) the screen printing matrix with a piezoresistive layer formula is prepared; b) the thermal-transfer film is placed under the screen printing matrix; c) the heterophase paste is squeezed onto the thermal-transfer film, hereinafter referred to as the thermal-transfer film, through a screen printing matrix screen; d) the thermal-transfer film is dried at a temperature in the range of 100-140 °C for 10-20 minutes e) the patch is placed under the thermal-transfer film; f) the thermal-transfer film is heated and pressed against the patch; g) the thermal-transfer film is torn off the patch, leaving the piezoresistive layer on the patch.

[0018] Depending on the desired layer thickness, prior to carrying out step e), steps b-d) may be repositioned by placing the thermal -transfer film in the same position relative to the screen printing matrix.

[0019] It is an advantage of the present invention that it eliminates the difficulty of an inexperienced person correctly applying the kinesiotaping tape by using the tape integrated into the piezoresistive composite layer, i.e. one that changes its resistance depending on the degree of stretching. The electronic module, connected to the tape, measures this resistance and signals the degree of stretching of the tape by means of LED. This allows the user to properly stretch the kinesiotaping tape before application.

[0020] The invention is illustrated in the drawing, in which:

[0021] FIG. 1 presents an object of the present invention, i.e. a kinesiotaping tape according to the present invention

[0022] FIG. 2 presents a kinesiotaping tape according to the present invention with a disconnected electronic module, on which the electrical contacts for connection to the electronic module are visible

[0023] FIG. 3 presents an electronic module on which the inputs to the electronic contact are visible

[0024] FIG. 4 presents a diagram of operation of the device according to the invention

[0025] The invention is presented in the following embodiments: Example 1. Method for obtaining a kinesiotaping tape (application of piezoresistive paste on a patch (4) for kinesiotaping)

[0026] The piezoresistive layer (1) is formed by applying a heterophase piezoresistive paste to a patch (4) for kinesiotaping by means of the slice screen printing technique on the patch (4) either directly or by means of a thermal-transfer method of a formula made by the screen printing technique.

[0027] The heterophase piezoresistive paste contains a mixture of an elastomer from the TPU family (thermoplastic polyurethanes) and a functional conductive phase based on carbon black. In the present invention, in one embodiment, a TPU with a Shore A hardness in the range of 30-50 was used, in another with a hardness of 70. One example used a commercial product called Elastollan® Soft 35 A 12 P 000.

[0028] Table 1. Composition of heterophase piezoresistive paste . . .

[0029] Method A - printing directly on the patch (4)

[0030] In the first stage, a screen printing matrix with a piezoresistive layer formula (1) was prepared. Then, a patch (4) was placed under the screen printing matrix, and the paste was applied by squeezing through the matrix sieve, thanks to which it was possible to apply a heterophase paste in a suitable formula to the patch (4).

[0031] The patch (4) prepared in this way with the piezoresistive layer paste (1) was dried in the next step in order to fix it on the surface of the patch (4).

[0032] Drying was carried out in an electric oven at 120 °C, for 15 min, whereby drying can be carried out at temperatures in the range of 100-140 °C, for 10-20 minutes without negative impact on the operation of the belt according to the invention. The advantage of this method (Method A) is the low complexity of the process, which makes it possible to keep production costs low.

[0033] Method B - thermo-transfer technique

[0034] In another embodiment, a thermal-transfer technique was used to obtain the piezoresistive layer (1) on the patch (4).

[0035] In the first stage, a screen printing matrix with a piezoresistive layer formula (1) was prepared. The thermal-transfer film was then fed under the screen printing matrix and the paste was applied to the surface of the thermal -transfer film by extrusion through a die sieve. This allowed the heterophase paste to be applied in the appropriate formula to the thermal-transfer film.

[0036] The obtained material was then dried to fix the print, obtaining a piezoresistive layer on a thermal -transfer film. Drying was carried out in an electric oven at 120 °C, for 15 min, whereby drying can be carried out at temperatures in the range of 100-140 °C, for 10-20 minutes without negative impact on the operation of the belt according to the invention.

[0037] In a further stage, the patch (4) on which the piezoresistive layer was to be transferred was placed under the thermal-transfer film with the print. The thermal-transfer film was heated to a temperature in the range of 140-190 °C for a period of 20-80 seconds using a thermal -transfer press, at the same time pressing the piezoresistive layer on the thermal-transfer film to the surface of the patch (4). Under the influence of temperature and pressure resulting from the pressure, the layer formed from the heterophase piezoresistive paste is transferred from the film to the patch (4), forming a piezoresistive layer (1) on the patch (4).

[0038] Applying the paste by screen printing on the thermal -transfer film and then transferring it to the patch (4) by the thermal-transfer process allows for greater control over the quality and durability of the product, however, at the expense of a more complex manufacturing process and thus increasing the cost of obtaining the product.

[0039] The width of the applied layer (1) on the patch (4) does not affect the principle of operation of the invention, as does the position of the layer (1) at a distance from the edge of the patch (4).

[0040] In one embodiment, the layer (1) was applied at a distance of 5 mm from the edge of the patch (4), in other embodiments, this distance was greater, which did not affect the operation of the tape according to the invention. In one embodiment, the u-shaped piezoresistive layer (1) was a path width of 1 mm and a length of 60 mm, wherein the width, length and proportion of the u- shaped path does not affect the principle of operation of the strip according to the invention, but only results in a change in the resistance thresholds at which the module (3) changes the colour or brightness of LED (2). Changing the values of these thresholds can be easily corrected by the software of the logic system (10) and the control system (11), which in an embodiment was a microcontroller.

[0041] Example 2. Construction of a kinesiotaping kit

[0042] The kinesiotaping kit is a kinesiotaping tape obtained by the method according to the invention and an electronic module (3).

[0043] Construction of the electronic module (3)

[0044] The electronic module (3) is a small electronic device which is connected to the kinesiotaping tape according to the invention by means of electrical contacts (5a) and (5b) through inputs (6a) and (6b) to electrical contacts which are represented in FIG. 2 and Fig. 3. The role of the electrical contacts (5a) and (5b) is to enable the flow of electrical signals between the piezoresistive layer (1) and the electronic module (3) in order to measure and visualize the effects of the tape stretching according to the invention.

[0045] The resistive-voltage transducer (8), hereinafter referred to as the "transducer", enables the resistance of the piezoresistive layer (1) measured between the electrical contacts (5a) and (5b) to be converted into a voltage signal. The resistive-voltage transducer (8) is a balanced system of the Wheatstone bridge, however, it may as well be a voltage divider system in which one of the branches of the system contains a series-connected pi ezoresi stive layer (1).

[0046] The voltage signal from the resistive-voltage transducer (8) then goes through two electrical outlets to the comparator (9), which compares the voltage value with the reference voltage. The signal from the comparator (9) goes to the logic system (10), which, based on the set parameters, assesses whether the resistance value corresponds to the tape stretch to an insufficient, correct or excessive degree.

[0047] The functions of the comparator (9) and the logic system (10) can be performed by a cascading arrangement of operational amplifiers and transistors, or by the comparator system (9) together with a microprocessor system, however, for the purposes of module miniaturization, it is advantageous to perform these functions by one microcontroller system (microcontroller) containing an embedded comparator (used in microcontrollers containing an analog-to-digital converter).

[0048] The signal from the logic system (10) goes to the control system (11) enabling the diode (2) to be switched on through the diode system (12). The function of the control system (11) can be fully performed by the microcontroller if it has voltage signal outputs suitable for lighting the selected LED (2). Alternatively, a transistor connected to the microcontroller or a dedicated diode colour / brightness controller may be used for the control. The diode system (12) comprises LED (2) and, depending on the selected diode model, the appropriate number and value of resistors limiting the flow of excessive current through the LED. Alternatively, it is possible to use the so- called intelligent LED, such as, for example, a WS2812 type chip, which contains an LED, a resistor and a brightness and colour controller in one chip. The module is powered by a power source (7), which is a source of DC voltage in the range of 3-9V.

[0049] In the subject of the embodiment, the resistive-voltage transducer (8) was a Wheatstone bridge consisting of SMD resistors and a 0805 housing. The functions of the comparator (9), logic (10) and control system (11) were performed by the integrated circuit of the ATmega328 microcontroller located on the commercially available Arduino Nano module. The diode system (12) was a WS2812B-2020 type RGB LED system, while the power source (7) was provided with a 5V lithium-ion battery.

[0050] Operating principle of the kit according to the invention

[0051] The piezoresistive composite layer (1), formed from the dried heterophase piezoresistive paste, acts on the basis of the piezoresistivity effect, i.e. the electrical resistance of the material changes in response to the mechanical stretching of the tape according to the invention. The piezoresistive layer (1) is a composite material comprising a carbon filler in the form of carbon black, forming an electrically conductive network under normal conditions. The TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) based elastomer is a matrix for the carbon conductive network and thus a highly flexible matrix of the piezoresistive layer composite. As the tape according to the invention is stretched, the piezoresistive layer (1) is also stretched, which leads to an increase in the average distance between carbon particles in the conductive network of the piezoresistive layer (1). Hence, in the presence of a potential gradient in the material (e.g. by connecting the module to electrical contacts (5a) and (5b)), there is a reduction in the electron tunnelling and hopping density, a reduction in the number of conduction paths in the carbon conductive network and an increase in the average path of electron movement between the electrical contacts (5a) and (5b) of the piezoresistive layer. As a result, the pi ezoresi stive layer subjected to stretching becomes more resistant to the flow of electric current and a total increase in its resistance is observed.

[0052] Along with the stretching of the kinesiotaping tape according to the invention, the electronic system included in the electronic module (3) of the tape processes the read resistance values and signals the user with the colour of LED (2), the degree of stretching of the tape.

[0053] In the present embodiment, the colour green was used to indicate the correct (i.e. appropriate) stretching of the tape, the colour red to excessively stretch the tape, and the colour blue to indicate insufficient stretching of the tape. In alternative embodiments, however, other colours of LED may be used, which does not affect the principle of operation of the invention.

[0054] The logic (10) and the control system (11) included in the electronic module were programmed in such a way that they control the operation of the diode (2) depending on the resistance of the piezoresistive layer (1). If a low resistance is detected, the diode (2) begins to glow red, thus indicating an insufficient degree of stretching of the tape according to the invention. For average resistance values, the diode glows green, indicating the appropriate degree of stretching of the tape according to the invention and the readiness to apply the tape according to the invention to the skin. In turn, at high resistance values, the diode glows blue, indicating excessive stretching of the tape according to the invention.

[0055] Method of applying the tape of the present invention to the skin

[0056] The process of applying a kinesiotaping tape according to the invention includes the following steps:

[0057] In the first step a), the surface of the skin on which the tape is applied should be prepared. This place should be clean, dry and free of substances such as oils, creams, ointments, etc. If necessary, such a place should be thoroughly washed with soap and dried. In case the application site of the tape is excessively hairy, the hair must be removed from this area. These treatments are designed to make the tape stick well to the skin and to ensure its therapeutic role.

[0058] In step b), the electronic module (3) is activated by attaching the module (3) to the piezoresistive composite (1) in the belt by means of electrical contacts (5a) and (5b) and inputs (6a) and (6b), and then switching it on.

[0059] The next step c) is to apply the tape to the skin. For this purpose, the end of the tape comprising the electrical contacts (5a) and (5b) is initially left without contact with the skin area to which the tape is applied, and the opposite end of the tape is glued to the skin at the initial point of application of the tape. At this point, the tape remains unstretched. The tape is then stretched along the area to be taped. With the degree of tape stretch, the resistance value of the piezoresistive layer (1) changes, and the electronic module (3) signals the degree of tape stretch by means of the colour and / or colour intensity of the LED (2). The tape is extended to the desired length (diode green (2)), after which the remainder of the tape is gently glued. The degree of tape stretching immediately after application is monitored for a period of time to ensure that the tape has not changed its stretch. Changes in the degree of stretching of the tape are signalled by changing the colour of the diode (2) and, if necessary, the tape is peeled off and reattached to the skin, maintaining the appropriate degree of stretching.

[0060] After finishing the application of the tape according to the invention and adjusting it, the electronic module (3) is detached from the tape according to the invention, leaving the tape according to the invention on the skin. It is an advantage of the present invention that the electronic module (3) is not subject to wear during tape application and can be used repeatedly. A further advantage of the present invention is that the present invention allows the tape to be stretched properly to a suitable length on its own by an inexperienced user and also increases the ease and precision of the procedure when used by a physiotherapist or an experienced user. In the first minutes after application, the module together with the tape allows monitoring whether the tape according to the invention does not change its stretch, e.g. due to detachment from the skin. It is also important that the piezoresistive layer according to the procedure described may be applied to any kinesiotaping tape patch having a width of at least 4 mm and a length of at least 10 mm.

[0061] List of references:

[0062] 1 - pi ezoresi stive layer, which is a piezoresistive composite layer

[0063] 2 - LED indicating the degree of stretching of the tape

[0064] 3 - an electronic module assessing the degree of stretching of the tape based on the resistance of the piezoresistive layer.

[0065] 4 - kinesiotaping patch

[0066] 5a - first electrical contact

[0067] 5b - second electrical contact

[0068] 6a - entrance to the first electrical contact 6b - entrance to the second electrical contact

[0069] 7 - power source

[0070] 8 - resistive-voltage converter

[0071] 9 - comparator

[0072] 10 - logic system 11 - control system

[0073] 12 - diode system

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on February 5, 2025 (05.02.2025) Claims1. Kinesiotaping tape characterized in that it comprises a u-shaped piezoresistive layer (1) with a path width of at least 1 mm and arranged along three edges of the patch (4), and at the ends of the piezoresistive layer (1) there is a first electrical contact (5a) and a second electrical contact (5b), wherein the piezoresistive layer (1) is formed by drying the heterophase piezoresistive paste, which is a thermoplastic polyurethane composition in the amount of 16-22.8%, carbon black in the amount of 3-5%, sodium dodecyl sulfate in the amount of 0.1-0.3%, N,N- dimethylformamide in the amount of 41.6-47.6% and 2-(2-Butoxyethoxy)ethyl acetate in the amount of 28.8-34.8%.

2. A kinesiotaping kit comprising a kinesiotaping tape as defined according to claim 1 and an electronic module (3) connected through the input (6a) to the first electrical contact and the input (6b) to the second electrical contact with the first electrical contact (5a) and the second electrical contact (5b), wherein the input (6a) to the first electrical contact and the input (6b) to the second electrical contact are simultaneously connected to the electronic module (3) controlling the diode (2) depending on the resistance of the piezoresistive layer (1) of the tape and including a power source (7) that connects to the resistive voltage transducer (8), the comparator (9), the logic system (10) and the control system (11), and at the same time the resistive voltage transducer (8) is connected to the comparator (9) that connects to the logic system (10) that connects to the control system (11) that in turn connects to the diode system (12).

3. Method for the preparation of the tape as defined in claim 1, characterised in that it comprises the following steps: a) the screen printing matrix with a piezoresistive layer formula (1) is prepared; b) the patch (4) is placed under the screen printing matrix; c) the heterophase paste is squeezed onto the patch (4) through a screen printing matrix screen; d) the patch (4) with the piezoresistive layer (1) applied is dried at a temperature of 100 to 140 °C for a period of 10 to 20 minutes.

4. Method for the preparation of the tape as defined in claim 1, characterised in that it comprises the following steps: a) the screen printing matrix with a piezoresistive layer formula (1) is prepared; b) the film intended for thermal-transfer is placed under the screen printing matrix; c) the heterophase paste is squeezed onto the thermal-transfer film through a screen printing matrix screen, yielding a thermal-transfer film; d) the thermal-transfer film is dried at a temperature of 100 to 140 °C for a period of 10 to 20 minutes; e) the patch (4) is placed under the thermal -transfer film; f) the thermal-transfer film is heated to 140 to 190 °C and pressed onto the patch (4) for 20 to 80 seconds; g) the thermal-transfer film is removed from the patch (4) leaving the piezoresistive layer (1) on the patch (4).AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)

Images