Extendable care supplies

Abstract

The present invention relates to dressings, such as bandages or tapes, that have improved stretch and conformability to human skin and joints.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dressing article such as a bandage or tape having improved stretchability and conformity to human skin and joints.

Background Art

[0002] Dressing articles such as bandages and tapes for applying to and / or covering the skin have been known for some time. Such dressing articles are widely accepted to seal and protect small wounds and / or cover abrasions. In some cases, microporous or breathable bandages or tapes have been developed and either one has been used to cover small wounds (including wounds that are partially healed).

[0003] Such dressing articles have been significantly improved over the years, for example, by incorporating microporous materials, to allow the wound to breathe and water vapor to escape from the wound, thus reducing the chance of the wound becoming macerated. However, the dressing article covers and adapts to the dimensional contour of the skin or tissue and moves with (i.e., adapts to the movement of) a portion of the skin or tissue that is covered by or in contact with the dressing article. In particular, there is still a need for a dressing article that provides improved stretchability and elasticity in situations where the dressing article covers or is in contact with areas of human tissue associated with joint regions such as fingers, ankles, elbows or knees. Therefore, in order for the dressing article to provide the above-described properties, the dressing article also needs to dynamically conform to the three-dimensional contour of the skin or tissue surface to which it is applied and be able to respond to changes therein.

[0004] The dressing article also needs to be conformable to or provide sufficient drapability to the area of human skin tissue that it contacts or to which it is applied.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Accordingly, aspects of the present invention provide a dressing that can be used to cover a wound, protect the wound, and promote wound healing. A further aspect of the present invention provides a bandage and tape that conforms to the wound area of the skin and has improved extensibility, elasticity, and conformability for better coverage of movable areas such as joints. Other aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and claims.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a dressing, the dressing comprising a material layer, the layer comprising a plurality of non-material regions, the non-material regions being in the form of S-shaped pattern units, the pattern units having dimensions such that the pattern surface density of the pattern units on the surface of the material layer is in the range of 4 pattern units / in 2 ~14 pattern units / in 2 .

[0007] The present invention also relates to a method of using / applying the dressing of the present invention, including the disclosed embodiments, to the skin surface covering a joint region (or an area prone to movement) of a human or mammalian body.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail for illustrative purposes only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] The hand protection article of the present invention may include, consist of, or essentially consist of any of the essential elements and limitations of the present invention described herein, as well as the additional or optional features, components, or limitations described herein.

[0010] As used herein, the term "comprising" (and grammatical variations thereof) is used in the sense of "having" or "including" (and is interchangeable with these terms), and is not used in the exclusive sense of "consisting only of". As used herein, the terms "a" and "the" are understood to include the plural as well as the singular.

[0011] As used herein, the terms "skin" and "tissue" are interchangeable and refer to the skin of a mammal.

[0012] As used herein, the term "visual inspection" or "visually inspected" means inspection with the naked eye (excluding standard corrective lenses adapted to correct myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism, or other vision correction) in illumination at least equal to the illumination of an incandescent light bulb emitting standard 75-watt incandescent light at a distance of about 0.25 meters.

[0013] All documents incorporated herein by reference, in whole or in part, are incorporated herein only to the extent that they do not conflict with the present specification.

[0014] In certain embodiments, the invention disclosed herein can be practiced without the presence of any component, element (or group of components or elements), or method step not specifically disclosed herein.

[0015] Material layer In certain embodiments, the dressing article 10 can be in the form of a wound dressing article. In certain embodiments, the dressing article 10 can be in the form of a bandage or tape. Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the improved dressing article 10 of the present invention. In certain embodiments, the dressing article 10 comprises a material layer 11 formed from a non-swelling material of woven or non-woven fabric. In one embodiment, the material layer 11 is formed from a non-swelling non-woven fabric material. As used herein, the term "non-swelling" cannot absorb or substantially absorb fluid, so that when the material layer is in contact with the fluid present in the use environment, i.e., wound exudate or secretions, or body sweat, the volume of the material layer hardly or does not increase at all. In one embodiment, the increase in volume is about 5 wt% or less, optionally about 2.5 wt% or less, optionally, or optionally 1 wt% or less based on the dry weight of the material layer as an aqueous saline solution. These values can be obtained using a saline absorbency test in which a sample of the dried and weighed material layer is immersed in saline containing 0.9 wt% NaCl at 37°C for 1 minute for subsequent weighing.

[0016] Suitable non-swelling materials include, but are not limited to (or selected from, or consisting of), polyurethane, polyethylene, polyisobutadiene, polyisobutylene, neoprene, polyamide, polyester, polyether polyester, non-hydrophilic polyether-polyamide, plasticized polyvinyl chloride, styrene-butadiene block copolymer, styrene-isoprene block copolymer, polyacrylate, methacrylic acid copolymer, polypropylene, rayon, rayon / polyester blend, and mixtures thereof.

[0017] In certain embodiments, the non-swellable material is polyurethane. Suitable polyurethanes include polyester and polyether polyurethanes, examples of which are Estanes (a registered trademark of B.F.Goodrich Ltd). Suitable Estanes are of the grades designated 5702, 5701, 5714F, and 580201.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the non-swellable material is polyester. Suitable polyesters include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and mixtures thereof. PET substrates are commercially available from Fibertex Nonwovens (Ingleside, Ill).

[0019] In certain embodiments, the material layer does not contain, or substantially does not contain, a swellable material such as cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol, cross-linked polyvinyl pyrrolidone, hydrophilic polyurethane, hydrophilic hydroxyalkyl esters of poly(meth)acrylic acid and copolymers thereof, hydrophilic polyether-polyamide polymers, cellulose acetate, cellulose acetate-propionate, and other hydrophilic, water-insoluble cellulose derivatives. As used herein, the term "substantially does not contain" means up to 5 wt% (or about 5 wt%), optionally up to 2.5 wt% (or about 2.5 wt%), optionally up to 1.0 wt% (or about 1.0 wt%), optionally up to 0.1 wt% (or about 0.1 wt%) of a swellable material in the material layer.

[0020] In certain embodiments, the material layer 11 is porous and allows both water vapor and air to pass easily through the material layer 11. In certain embodiments, as can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 3, the top surface 12 and the bottom surface 13 of the material layer 11 are smooth and flat (or substantially smooth and flat), and thus the top surface 12 and the bottom surface 13 of the material layer 11 do not contain, or substantially do not contain, channels or raised portions on the surface.

[0021] In certain embodiments, the material layer 11 can include channels or raised portions, such as those fabricated by conventional embossing techniques. In certain such embodiments, the channels or raised portions do not coincide with a pattern contoured by an S-shaped pattern unit discussed in more detail below. Examples of channels or raised portions can be found in U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2012 / 0220973 (Chan et al.) and 2012 / 0220974 (Chan et al.), each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0022] In certain embodiments, the material layer 11 has a thickness of from about 0.2 mm to about 3 mm, optionally from about 0.77 mm to about 1.5 mm.

[0023] Material-free region The material layer 11 of the hand-held article 10 further incorporates one or more (or a plurality of) individual material-free regions 15 that extend through the thickness of the material layer 11 (i.e., the distance from the top surface 12 to the bottom surface 13). As used herein, the terms "material-free" or "material-containing" mean a range or region of the material layer that does not contain or substantially does not contain material, such that the continuity of the material is interrupted, or such a range or region lacks material, or, without limitation, includes breaks, holes, slits, or openings in the material. Thus, the terms "break", "hole", "slit", or "opening" in the material are interchangeable with each other and with the term "material-free region". In certain embodiments, the individual material-free regions 15 include individual regions that cannot be identified by the naked eye (i.e., seen without using an optical lens to enlarge the field of view), and examples of such include ultrathin slits formed in the material layer 11 by cutting the material layer 11 with a knife having a thickness of from about 1 μm to about 25 μm, or by a laser having a laser thickness of from about 10 μm to 1000 μm.

[0024] In certain embodiments, the individual non-material regions 15 are discrete, non-linear, continuous pattern units formed by separate slits, each pattern unit being spaced apart and not connected to other pattern units (such as the discrete S-shaped pattern units shown in the figures). In one embodiment, the slit pattern units can be arranged in a staggered pattern with the slit pattern units of the next row, or in an aligned row with the slit pattern units of the next row. In an alternative embodiment, the slit pattern units of one row can be perpendicular to the slit pattern units of any adjacent row. In certain embodiments, the individual non-material regions 15 are S-shaped slits.

[0025] In certain embodiments, the pattern units (or slit pattern units) 15 are formed in the material layer 11 and, when counting all complete pattern units (i.e., when determining the pattern surface density, partial or incomplete patterns are not counted), are 4 pattern units / in 2 ~14 pattern units / in 2 optionally 10 pattern units / in 2 ~14 pattern units / in 2 optionally 12 pattern units / in 2 of the pattern surface density (i.e., the spatially arranged pattern units 15 per square inch of the surface of the material layer 11) and have dimensions such as to provide. By varying (or increasing or decreasing) the pattern surface density outside the range of 4 pattern units / in 2 ~14 pattern units / in 2 described above or below, any increase in the stretchability of the material layer 11 provided by the incorporated pattern units (or non-material regions) 15 is reduced.

[0026] One embodiment of the individual material-free region 15 is shown in FIG. 2, which shows an individual material-free region 15 formed as a separate S-shaped slit pattern unit. As used herein, the term "S-shaped" generally means a pattern formed in the shape of an "S", such as the "block" illustrated by the pattern units in the columns of FIG. 5A or the "S" shape with angled corners, including curved patterns such as those having curves and non-curved patterns defined by -t S(t)=1 / 1+e. One or more (or all) of the S-shaped pattern units of FIG. 2 may be replaced with the non-curved pattern units of FIG. 5A, yet still retain the same arrangement as the pattern units shown in FIG. 2.

[0027] In addition to lasers and knives, the material-free regions can also be incorporated into the material layer 11 during the formation of the material layer 11, for example, by waterjet cutting, high-pressure steam cutting, ultrasonic cutting, or punch cutting.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the S-shaped slit pattern units 15 are disposed adjacent to each other. In certain embodiments, the S-shaped slit pattern units 15 do not intersect and are spaced apart from each other. Optionally, additional S-shaped slit pattern units 15 are disposed to form one or more straight rows 14 of S-shaped slit pattern units 15. In certain embodiments, the S-shaped slit pattern units 15 are further configured to form one or more straight rows 14 of S-shaped slit pattern units 15 such that, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, the top t and bottom b of any S-shaped slit pattern unit 15 of a row 14 are spatially aligned with the respective top t and bottom b of the other similarly oriented S-shaped slit pattern units 15 of that row (e.g., the top t and bottom b of any S-shaped slit pattern unit 15 of a row 14 whose length l extends in one direction are spatially aligned with the top t and bottom b of any other S-shaped slit pattern unit 15 of that row whose length l extends in the same direction). As used herein, the term "linear" means following the line direction of a straight or substantially straight line.

[0029] In any of the above embodiments, when the care product 10 is applied to the skin so as to cover and / or contact the wound and / or the skin surface, or to come into contact therewith, the care product 10 stretches or expands during the movement of the surface or the periphery of the skin in the covered or contacted area, minimizing the detachment of the care product 10 as a result of such movement (i.e., loss of adhesion to the skin or wound). In such an embodiment, any movement of the covered or contacted skin surface causes a force F on the care product 10 (i.e., F>0). The S-shaped slit pattern unit 15 is arranged such that after the application of the force F (in any direction) on the care product 10 (i.e., F>0), one or more of the non-material regions are freely opened from the initial closed position (or configuration) to the open position, facilitating the stretching or expansion of the material layer 11 from the first position p1 to the second position p2 stretched in the direction of the force F. When the force F is no longer applied (i.e., F = 0), the non-material region freely closes (or returns) to the initial closed position (or configuration), facilitating the movement of the material layer 11 back from the second position p2 to the first position p1 as shown in FIGS. 4a, 4b, and 4c. Therefore, when the applied force decreases or increases, the degree to which one or more non-material regions are opened decreases or increases, respectively. It is further understood that the non-material region 15 opens in the direction of the force F. As used herein, the term "freely" means that the material used to form the material layer 11 does not swell to limit or inhibit the opening or closing of the non-material region 15, and / or that when the detachable layer is removed, the material layer 11 is not attached to any additional layer or substrate to limit or inhibit the opening or closing of the non-material region 15. As used herein with respect to the non-material region 15, the terms "closed", "closed position", or "closed configuration" mean that the non-material region 15 is closed or substantially closed, and thus there is no or substantially no visibility through the non-material region 15 during visual inspection. As used herein with respect to the non-material region 15, the terms "open", "open position", or "open configuration" mean that the non-material region 15 is open, and thus there is visibility through the non-material region 15 during visual inspection.As used herein, the term "visibility" means the ability to see and identify individual features of a biological or non-biological object.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2a, in certain embodiments, the length l of each S-shaped slit pattern unit 15 can be greater than its width w. In certain embodiments, the length l of the S-shaped slit pattern unit 15 is from about 1 to about 6 times the width w of the S-shaped slit pattern unit 15, optionally from 2.5 to about 4.7 times the width w. In certain embodiments, the length l of the S-shaped slit pattern unit 15 is 3 times the width w of the S-shaped slit pattern unit 15.

[0031] In certain embodiments, the length l of the S-shaped slit pattern unit 15 can be oriented to extend in the transverse direction A of the hand-held article 10 or to extend in the longitudinal direction B of the hand-held article 10. The transverse direction A is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction B. Alternatively, one or more of the S-shaped slit pattern units 15 can be arranged and oriented such that their length l extends in the longitudinal direction B of the hand-held article 10, and one or more of the S-shaped slit pattern units 15 can be arranged or oriented such that one or more of the S-shaped slit pattern units 15 extend in the transverse direction A of the hand-held article 10. Further, one or more of the S-shaped slit pattern units 15 can be oriented such that their length l extends in a diagonal direction with respect to the transverse direction A and the longitudinal direction B. As used herein, the term "diagonal" refers to a direction (or line of direction) that forms an angle other than a right angle when intersecting either the transverse direction A or the longitudinal direction B. The diagonal direction D in FIG. 8 45 is an example of a diagonal direction with respect to the transverse direction A and the longitudinal direction B.

[0032] In other embodiments, the length l of the S-shaped slit pattern unit 15 is oriented such that the length l of the S-shaped slit pattern unit 15 is perpendicular to the length l of the adjacent S-shaped slit pattern unit 15. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 2A, the length l of the S-shaped slit pattern unit 15 is oriented such that the length l of each S-shaped slit pattern unit 15 in column 14 is perpendicular to its adjacent S-shaped slit pattern unit 15 in such column 14.

[0033] In certain embodiments, the straight column 14 of S-shaped slit pattern units 15 is adjacent to and parallel to other straight column S-shaped slit pattern units 15. When the straight column of S-shaped slit pattern units 15 is arranged parallel to other straight columns 14 of S-shaped slit pattern units 15, the stability of the material layer is reduced when a tensile force is applied. As can be seen from FIGS. 5A and 5C, in certain embodiments, the straight column 14 of S-shaped slit pattern units 15 is arranged such that the S-shaped slit pattern units 15 of one such column 14 are arranged (i) to be aligned with the S-shaped slit pattern units 15 of the adjacent parallel column 14 (thus, the aligned S-shaped slit pattern units 15 of column 14 are arranged to form an aligned column 16 of S-shaped slit pattern units 15), or (ii) in a staggered manner with respect to the S-shaped slit pattern units 15 of the adjacent parallel column 14 (such that the S-shaped slit pattern units 15 of one column 14 are offset from the S-shaped slit pattern units 15 of any adjacent parallel column 14), as shown in FIG. 5C.

[0034] In certain embodiments, the length l ranges from 1 (or about 1) mm to 10 (or about 10) mm. In certain embodiments, the length l is from 4 (or about 4) mm to 8 (or about 8) mm. In certain embodiments, the width w ranges from 1 (or about 1) mm to 10 (or about 10) mm. In certain embodiments, the width w is from 3 (or about 3) mm to 4 (or about 4) mm.

[0035] The S-shaped slit pattern unit 15 can be curvilinear or non-curvilinear. As used herein, the term "curvilinear" means formed, bounded, or characterized by a curved line and does not include angled edges or segments.

[0036] As further shown in FIG. 2a, in a particular embodiment, each S-shaped slit pattern unit 15 in column 14 of the S-shaped slit pattern units 15 has a vertical centerline Vcl, whereby the vertical centerlines Vcl of each S-shaped slit pattern unit 15 are longitudinally spaced from each other by a width w' from the vertical centerlines Vcl of the S-shaped slit pattern units 15 that are linearly adjacent. Also, in a particular embodiment, each column 14 of the S-shaped slit pattern units 15 has a horizontal centerline Hcl. In a particular embodiment, the horizontal centerlines Hcl of each column 14 of the S-shaped slit pattern units 15 are spaced from each other by a distance d from the horizontal centerlines Hcl of the columns 14 of the S-shaped slit pattern units 15. The vertical centerline Vcl is perpendicular to the horizontal centerline Hcl.

[0037] The term "centerline" means a straight line that passes vertically or horizontally through the longitudinal center or the lateral center, respectively, of an individual unit of the non-material region 15 or of a column 14 of individual units of the non-material region 15.

[0038] In a particular embodiment, the distance d is equal to the width w'. In a particular embodiment, the width w' ranges from 2.5 (or about 2.5) mm to 10 (or about 10) mm. In a particular embodiment, the width w' is 6.5 (or about 6.5) mm. In a particular embodiment, the distance d ranges from 2.5 (or about 2.5) mm to 10 (or about 10) mm. In a particular embodiment, the distance d is 6.5 (or about 6.5) mm.

[0039] In certain embodiments, the plurality of S-shaped slit pattern units 15 and / or columns 14 have a surface density (i.e., slit pattern units / in 2 ) for covering from about 50% to about 100%, optionally at least about 75% to about 100%, optionally about 90% to about 100%, or optionally 100% (or about 100%) of the surface area of the surface of the material layer 11 (both the top and bottom planes). 2 ) and are formed in the material layer 11. As used herein, "covering 100% of the surface area of the surface of the material layer" or "100% surface area coverage of the surface of the material layer" means that a plurality of slit pattern units are disposed at a certain surface density (i.e., slit pattern units / in

[0040] Without being limited by theory, the above S-shaped slit pattern units 15 are believed to provide the hand care article 10 with improved stretchability and conformability by allowing expansion and contraction in the longitudinal, transverse, and diagonal (i.e., not in the longitudinal [or horizontal] or transverse [or vertical] directions of the xy plane directionally) directions. In certain embodiments, the above S-shaped slit pattern units 15 allow expansion and contraction (or movement) in the z-axis direction. By utilizing this S-shaped slit pattern, the force required to expand the hand care article 10 is unexpectedly reduced compared to the same hand care article without the above S-shaped slit pattern units 15 incorporated therein.

[0041] Drapability In certain embodiments, the material layer 11 comprising the non-material slit pattern units of the present invention provides improved drapability. In certain embodiments, the non-material slit pattern units of the present invention are in the longitudinal and 45° diagonal directions (B, D 45 , and D’ 45) As exemplified by (0), the drapeability of a material without any slits is improved by at least 30% based on the bending length of the material layer tested in the longitudinal direction, and is improved by at least 50% in at least one of the two 45° diagonal directions based on the bending length of the material layer tested in both of the two 45° diagonal directions. The bending length and percent drapeability are determined using the following drapeability test.

[0042] Drapeability Test (Rigidity Test) The rigidity tester used to conduct the drapeability test consists of a smooth, low-friction flat plastic surface and a platform with a graduated scale. A rectangular fabric strip is supported on the horizontal platform of the rigidity tester and stretched in the direction of its length, such that the extended portion overhangs and bends under its own mass. The platform is supported by two side portions made of plastic. Index lines are engraved on these side portions and are inclined at an angle of 41.5° below the plane of the platform surface. At this angle, the bending length is 1 / 2 of the overhang length. A mirror is attached to the rigidity tester to enable the operator to view both index lines from a convenient position. The rigidity tester is equipped with a graduated scale for measuring the bending length, and the scale is graduated in cm. The test is conducted at 24.5 °C and 40% relative humidity.

[0043] Sample Preparation: Test samples (i.e., those with a material-free slit pattern unit) and control samples (i.e., those without slits) are prepared in the longitudinal, transverse, and 45° diagonal directions (B, A, D 45 , and D’ 45) As illustrated by (), cut from the material layer (described below) along the vertical and horizontal directions, and along two 45° diagonal directions. For the test samples, cut three 8”×1” samples for each of the vertical, horizontal, and two 45° diagonal directions. For the control samples, cut three 8”×1” samples for each of the vertical, horizontal, and two 45° diagonal directions. Adjust the samples for 24 hours at 50% relative humidity and a temperature of 23°C.

[0044] i. The material layer used to adjust the samples is a two-layer substrate consisting of the following. · Pass the fibers through a dry carding process to form a blanket roll, and then pass it through a needle punching process to produce a non-woven layer from 100% PET fibers having a fiber length of about 38 mm. The non-woven fabric has a weight of 3.7 oz / square yard. · Heat laminate a non-stick layer HDPE net onto the non-woven substrate. This net has the following properties: - Thickness = 102 - 127 microns - Number of bosses: in the vertical direction: 22 - 28 bosses / inch, in the horizontal direction: 27 - 33 bosses / inch - Aperture (hole) size of about 300 μm - Basis weight = 0.48 - 0.59 oz / square yard - Geometric shape = hexagonal. Such HDPE net is Delnet® AC530WHT net and is available from Delnet Technologies (Del.).

[0045] The above two-layer material can be obtained from Delstar Technologies, DEL under the name Stratex® 3.7NPET-E (which incorporates Delnet® AC530WHT net).

[0046] Procedure: a) Place the stiffness tester on a level surface and check the level using the assistance of a spirit level. b) Place one of the trimmed test samples cut from one of the directions of the material layer flat in the length direction on the flat plastic surface of the lengthwise testing machine such that the leading edge of the sample coincides with the edge of the flat plastic surface at the inclined point. c) Carefully place the graduated scale on top of the test sample at the zero scale position. d) Look at the index line on the side part of the stiffness testing machine through the mirror of the stiffness testing machine. e) Then, while looking through the mirror, carefully slide the graduated scale until the leading edge of the test sample moves away from the graduated scale and bends downward to contact the two inclined index lines. f) If the leading edge of the test sample is twisted, align the center point of the leading edge with the plane. If the twist exceeds 45°, ignore the indicated value. g) Record the indicated value on the graduated scale. h) Position the upper surface of the opposite side of the test sample upward, and then repeat steps b) - g) two more times in the width direction and once for each surface of the test sample in the width direction. i) Determine and record the average of the four measured bending lengths for the test sample. j) Repeat steps b) - i) for each of the remaining test samples cut from the same direction of the material layer. k) Average the average bending lengths of each of the three test samples in the same direction as the sample average (referred to as "bending length" in this specification) of the samples in the same direction, and record it. l) Repeat steps b) - k) for the test samples cut from the remaining direction. m) Repeat steps b) - l) in the same manner by using a trimmed control sample instead of the test sample. n) Calculate the percent drape of the slotted material layer along a given direction by dividing the bending length of the test sample cut in that given direction by the bending length of the control sample cut in that given direction.

[0047] Elasticity along at least one of the vertical and horizontal directions In certain embodiments, when a force of 0.1 (or about 0.1) kgf is applied along at least one of the vertical direction B or the horizontal direction A of the material layer 11, the stretchability test described herein xy When measured by, the material layer 11 having the S-shaped slit pattern unit 15 stretches or expands along at least one of the vertical direction B or the horizontal direction A by at least 100% (or about 100%), optionally at least 150% (or about 150%), optionally at least 200% (or about 200%), optionally at least 300% (or about 300%), optionally at least 400% (or about 400%), or optionally at least 450% (or about 450%), or optionally at least 475% (or about 475%) more than the same material layer 11 without a material-free region.

[0048] In certain embodiments, when a force of 0.2 (or about 0.2) kgf is applied along at least one of the vertical direction B or the horizontal direction A of the material layer 11, the stretchability test described herein xy When measured by, the material layer 11 having the S-shaped slit pattern unit 15 stretches or expands along at least one of the vertical direction B or the horizontal direction A by at least 150% (or about 150%), at least 200% (or about 200%), at least 250% (or about 250%), optionally at least 300 (or about 300%), optionally at least 350% (or about 350%), optionally at least 400% (or about 400%), optionally at least 500 (or about 500%), optionally at least 600% (or about 600%), optionally at least 700% (or about 700%), optionally at least 800% (or about 800%), optionally at least 825% (or about 825%), optionally at least 850% (or about 850%), or optionally at least 870% (or about 870%) more than the same material layer 11 without a material-free region.

[0049] In certain embodiments, when a force of 0.3 (or about 0.3) kgf is applied along at least one of the longitudinal direction B or the transverse direction A of the material layer 11, the stretchability test described herein xy when measured by, the material layer 11 having the S-shaped slit pattern unit 15 stretches or expands in at least one of the longitudinal direction B or the transverse direction A by at least 425% (or about 425%), optionally at least 450 (or about 450%), optionally at least 500% (or about 500%), optionally at least 550% (or about 550%), optionally at least 600% (or about 600%), optionally at least 650% (or about 650%), optionally at least 700% (or about 700%), optionally at least 750% (or about 750%), optionally at least 800% (or about 800%), optionally at least 900% (or about 900%), optionally at least 1000% (or about 1000%), or optionally at least 1025% (or about 1025%), or optionally at least 1050% (or about 1050%) more than the same material layer 11 without a material-free region.

[0050] In certain embodiments, when a force of 0.4 (or about 0.4) kgf is applied along at least one of the longitudinal direction B or the transverse direction A of the material layer 11, the stretchability test described herein xy when measured by, the material layer 11 having the S-shaped slit pattern unit 15 stretches or expands in at least one of the longitudinal direction B or the transverse direction A by at least 650% (or about 650%), optionally at least 700% (or about 700%), optionally at least 750% (or about 750%), optionally at least 800% (or about 800%), optionally at least 900% (or about 900%), optionally at least 1000% (or about 1000%), optionally at least 1050% (or about about 1050%), optionally at least 1100% (or about 1100%), optionally at least 1125% (or about 1125%), or optionally at least 1150% (or about 1150%) more than the same material layer 11 without a material-free region.

[0051] Elasticity along the other (or remaining) longitudinal and transverse directions In certain embodiments where the elasticity or extensibility in at least one of the longitudinal or transverse directions is determined as described above using the extensibility test described herein xy In certain embodiments, the other (or remaining) longitudinal or transverse direction can likewise be determined using the extensibility test described herein xy For the case of such "other" longitudinal or transverse direction: · In certain embodiments, when a force from 0.1 (or about 0.1) kgf is applied along the other longitudinal direction B or transverse direction A of the material layer 11, the material layer 11 having the S-shaped slit pattern unit 15, as measured by the extensibility test described herein xy is at least 75% (or about 75%), optionally at least 100% (or about 100%), optionally at least 125% (or about 125%), optionally at least 150% (or about 150%), optionally at least 175% (or about 175%), or optionally at least 190% (or about 190%) more than the same material layer 11 without a material-free region and expands or stretches in such other longitudinal direction B or transverse direction A · In certain embodiments, when a force from 0.2 (or about 0.2) kgf is applied along the other longitudinal direction B or transverse direction A of the material layer 11, the material layer 11 having the S-shaped slit pattern unit 15, as measured by the extensibility test xy described herein is at least 150% (or about 150%), optionally at least 200% (or about 200%), optionally at least 250% (or about 250%), optionally at least 300% (or about 300%), optionally at least 350% (or about 350%), optionally at least 375% (or about 375%), or optionally at least 390% (or about 390%) more than the same material layer 11 without a material-free region and expands or stretches in such other longitudinal direction B or transverse direction A xyWhen measured by, the material layer 11 having the S-shaped slit pattern unit 15 expands or stretches in the other longitudinal direction B or transverse direction A by at least 350% (or about 350%), optionally at least 400% (or about 400%), optionally at least 425% (or about 425%), optionally at least 450% (or about 450%), or optionally at least 475% (or about 475%) more than the same material layer 11 without a material-free region. ·

[0052] Diagonal expansion In a particular embodiment, when a force of 0.1 (or about 0.1) kgf is applied along at least one of the 45° diagonal directions D 45 or D’ 45 of the material layer 11 described herein, the stretchability test xyWhen measured by, the material layer 11 having the S-shaped slit pattern unit 15 is at least 425% (or about 425%), optionally at least 450% (or about 450%), optionally at least 500% (or about 500%), optionally at least 550% (or about 550%), optionally at least 600% (or about 600%), optionally at least 700% (or about 700%), optionally at least 800% (or about 800%), optionally at least 900% (or about 900%), optionally at least 1000% (or about 1000%), optionally at least 1100% (or about 1100%), optionally at least 1200% (or about 1200%), or optionally at least 1300% (or about 1300%), optionally at least 1400% (or about 1400%), optionally at least 1500% (or about 1500%), optionally at least 1600% (or about 1600%), optionally at least 1700% (or about 1700%), or optionally at least 1800% (or about 1800%), optionally at least 1900% (or about 1900%), optionally at least 2000% (or about 2000%), optionally at least 2100% (or about 2100%), optionally at least 2200% (or about 2200%), or optionally at least 2300% (or about 2300%), optionally at least 2350% (or about 2350%), or optionally at least 2375% (or about 2375%) more in the 45° diagonal direction D 45 or D’ 45 stretches or expands in. "45° diagonal direction D 45 " or "45° diagonal direction D’ 45 " refers to a diagonal line that extends through the center point P and forms a 45° angle with the vertical and horizontal center lines of the material layer 11 that intersect at the center point P.

[0053] In a particular embodiment, when a force of 0.2 (or about 0.2) kgf is applied along at least one of the 45° diagonal directions D 45 or D’ 45 of the material layer 11, the stretchability test described herein xyWhen measured by, the material layer 11 having the S-shaped slit pattern unit 15 is at least 1125% (or about 1125%), optionally at least 1150% (or about 1150%), optionally at least 1175% (or about 1175%), optionally at least 1200% (or about 1200%), or optionally at least 1300% (or about 1300%), optionally at least 1400% (or about 1400%), optionally at least 1500% (or about 1500%), optionally at least 1600% (or about 1600%), optionally at least 1700% (or about 1700%), optionally at least 1800% (or about 1800%), optionally at least 1900% (or about 1900%), optionally at least 2000% (or about 2000%), optionally at least 2100% (or about 2100%), optionally at least 2200% (or about 2200%), optionally at least 2300% (or about 2300%), optionally at least 2400% (or about 2400%), optionally at least 2500% (or about 2500%), or optionally at least 2550% (or about 2550%) more than the same material layer without the S-shaped slit pattern unit 15 in the 45° diagonal direction D 45 or D’ 45 stretches or expands in

[0054] In a particular embodiment, when a force of 0.3 (or about 0.3) kgf is applied along at least one of the 45° diagonal directions D 45 or D’ 45 of the material layer 11, the stretchability test described herein xyWhen measured by, the material layer 11 having the S-shaped slit pattern unit 15 is at least 1725% (or about 1725%), optionally at least 1800% (or about 1800%), optionally at least 1800% (or about 1800%), optionally at least 1900% (or about 1900%), optionally at least 2000% (or about 2000%), optionally at least 2100% (or about 2100%), optionally at least 2200% (or about 2200%), optionally at least 2300% (or about 2300%), optionally at least 2325% (or about 2325%), or optionally at least 2350% (or about 2350%) more than the same material layer without the S-shaped slit pattern unit 15 in the 45° diagonal direction D 45 or D’ 45 stretches or expands in.

[0055] In certain embodiments, when a force of 0.4 (or about 0.4) kgf is applied along at least one of the 45° diagonal directions D 45 or D’ 45 of the material layer 11, the stretchability test described herein xy when measured by, the material layer 11 having the S-shaped slit pattern unit 15 is at least 1650% (or about 1650%), optionally at least 1700% (or about 1700%), optionally at least 1750% (or about 1750%), optionally at least 1800% (or about 1800%), optionally at least 1800% (or about 1800%), optionally at least 1900% (or about 1900%), optionally at least 2000% (or about 2000%), optionally at least 2100% (or about 2100%), optionally at least 2125% (or about 2125%), or optionally at least 2150% (or about 2150%) more than the same material layer without the S-shaped slit pattern unit 15 in the 45° diagonal direction D 45 or D’ 45 stretches or expands in.

[0056] The stretchability test xy The longitudinal, transverse, and 45° diagonal directions (B, A, D) of the stretching force or expanding force used to perform45 and D’ 45 ) lies in the xy plane and is illustrated in FIG. 8. The term “longitudinal direction” refers to the machine direction of the material layer when formed using a continuous manufacturing process. As used herein, the term “machine direction” means the direction along the length of the rolled layer of material or the direction in which the material flows into the base material forming machine in a continuous manufacturing process. The “transverse direction” is the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction.

[0057] In certain embodiments, when a force of 0.1 kgf is applied along the z-axis of the material layer 11 (or in a direction perpendicular to its xy plane), the stretchability test described herein z when measured by, the material layer 11 having the S-shaped slit pattern unit 15 stretches or expands about 1 mm to about 5 mm, optionally about 4 mm to about 5 mm, along the z-axis or in the z-direction away from the xy plane of the material layer 11.

[0058] In certain embodiments, when a force of 0.5 kgf is applied along the z-axis of the material layer 11 (or in a direction perpendicular to its xy plane), the stretchability test described herein z when measured by, the material layer 11 having the S-shaped slit pattern unit 15 stretches or expands about 1 mm to about 10 mm, optionally about 1 mm to about 8 mm, or optionally about 8 mm to 10 mm, along the z-axis or in the z-direction away from the xy plane of the material layer 11.

[0059] In certain embodiments, to improve the stretchability or extensibility in the z-axis of the material layer 11 (or along the z-axis) (or in a direction perpendicular to the xy plane), the pattern unit (or slit pattern unit) 15 is 4 to 14 pattern units / in 2 optionally 10 to 14 pattern units / in 2 or optionally 12 pattern units / in 2 is formed on the material layer 11 having dimensions that provide a pattern surface density of.

[0060] In certain embodiments, the material layer 11 having the S-shaped slit pattern unit 15 meets any one, any combination, or all of the above stretch parameters using the stretch test described below.

[0061] Stretch test: The directional stretchability of the hand-held article of the present invention is measured using the following stretch test procedure, which includes a test procedure for testing the stretchability or extensibility of the material layer along the longitudinal, transverse, and 45° diagonal direction D 45 of the material layer: Stretch test xy - A test for measuring the displacement of the material layer under a force F along the direction of the xy plane of the material layer.

[0062] Stretch test xy is modeled after ASTM D882, Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic Sheeting (ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2016). The procedure of ASTM D882 was slightly modified and performed as follows: The sample material layer was clamped between two gripping planes, attached to a load cell, and tension was applied at a constant rate. A force was applied to the sample, and both clamps were extended in both directions (including both directions oriented longitudinally and transversely with respect to the sample, and both directions oriented along the 45° diagonal direction D 45 inclined negatively and positively to the sample) until breakage occurred in the sample. The sample was measured three times. The test was performed at 23°C and 50% relative humidity.

[0063] A. Apparatus: The test apparatus used is an Instron 1122 (Instron Corporation, Union, NJ 07083) with Instron Pneumatic Wedge Action Grips.

[0064] B. Procedure: a) Prepare a sample (a sample with a material - free slit pattern unit) by cutting a layer material having a slit (or material - free region) of the present invention into 5 - inch×1 - inch strips. i. The material layer used to prepare the sample is a two - layer base material consisting of the following. · Pass the fibers through a dry carding process to form a blanket roll, and then through a needle punching process to produce a non - woven fabric layer from 100% PET fibers having a fiber length of about 38 mm. The non - woven fabric has a weight of 3.7 oz / square yard. · Heat - laminate a non - sticky layer HDPE net onto the non - woven fabric base material. This net has the following characteristics: - Thickness = 102 - 127 microns - Number of bosses: in the longitudinal direction: 22 - 28 bosses / inch, in the transverse direction: 27 - 33 bosses / inch - Opening (hole) size of about 300 μm - Basis weight = 0.48 - 0.59 oz / square yard - Geometric shape = hexagonal. Such an HDPE net is the Delnet® AC530WHT net and is available from Delnet Technologies (Del.). The above two - layer material can be obtained from Delstar Technologies, DEL under the name Stratex® 3.7NPET - E (this incorporates the Delnet® AC530WHT net). ii. The slit pattern units formed in the material layer are incorporated using a 90 - watt CO2 laser (Full Spectrum Laser [NV], model P2012) with a laser thickness of 406 μm such that the slit pattern units are arranged as parallel rows of slit pattern units having the following measurements: · The slit pattern units provide a surface density of 12 slit pattern units / in 2 (counting only the complete pattern units). · The slit pattern unit covers 100% of the surface area of the surface of the material layer. b) Prepare a control sample (i.e., a sample having no slit [or no material region]) by cutting a layer material without slits into 5-inch × 1-inch strips. i. The material layer used in this step is the same as the material layer in step a). c) The test sample and the control sample are conditioned by placing the samples in a room at 23 ± 1°C and 50 ± 2% relative humidity for 24 hours. d) The grips of the test apparatus are 2” apart. e) Place the control sample to be tested into the grips of the test apparatus and fasten securely. f) It is necessary that there be no tension on the sample. g) The force is applied to the sample in the machine direction (or longitudinal direction B), keeping one grip stationary and moving the other grip in the opposite direction at a constant rate (12 inches / minute) specified in the internal test standard. h) Continue applying the force until the sample yields (i.e., a break occurs somewhere in the sample). i) Record the applied force at 2%, 5%, 10%, 25%, and 50% percent displacement (or elongation) of the length of the sample (along each direction of the force) using the MTS Test Works 4.12F software application (Instru-Met Corporation, NJ). j) Test the test sample according to steps e) - i). k) Using different test samples and control samples, repeat steps e) - i) above two more times respectively. l) Then, average and record the data recorded in the MTS Test Works 4.12F software for each control sample and test sample at increments of 2%, 5%, 10%, 25%, and 50%. m) Calculate the percent difference in the directional elongation in the longitudinal (or machine) direction between the test sample and the control sample at a given force and force direction from the data recorded in the MTS Test Works 4.12F software. n) Repeat steps a) through n) for each of the transverse direction A (or cross direction), and (as illustrated in Figure 8) both “45°” diagonal directions D. 45 Repeat steps a) through n) for each of these.

[0065] Elasticity Test z - A test for measuring the displacement of the material layer under a force F along the z-axis (or direction) of the material layer.

[0066] Elasticity Test z is modeled after ASTM D3787-16, Standard Test Method for Bursting Strength of Textiles (ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2016). The ASTM D3787-16 procedure was slightly modified and performed as follows: The sample was clamped between two grooved circular plates. A second part (ball attachment) was fixed to the load cell, and a compressive force was applied by a constant speed testing machine. A polished and hardened steel ball was used to apply force to the nonwoven portion of the material until rupture occurred. The test of the material was conducted to show displacement under a specific range of loads. Both nonwovens and nonwovens with laminates were tested. The tests were conducted at 23 °C and 50% relative humidity.

[0067] A. Apparatus: The test apparatus used is an Instron 1122 & 5543 (Instron Corporation, Union, NJ 07083) with an ASTM D3787 Burst Fixture that includes a 44.5 mm ID ring clamp and a 25.4 mm spherical plunger. The throat of the Burst Fixture was modified by extending its original length of 2.5” to a length of 3.75”, and the spring under the clamp screw was removed to ensure the clamping force.

[0068] B. Procedure: a) Prepare a test sample (a sample with a material-free slit pattern unit) by cutting the layer material into circular cutouts with a diameter of 3×3 / 4. i. The material layer used to prepare the sample is a two-layer substrate consisting of the following: · Pass the fibers through a dry carding process to form a blanket roll, and then through a needle punching process to produce a non-woven layer from 100% PET fibers with a fiber length of approximately 38 mm. The non-woven fabric has a weight of 3.7 oz / square yard. · Heat laminate the non-stick layer HDPE net onto the non-woven substrate. This net has the following characteristics: - Thickness = 102 - 127 microns - Number of bosses: in the longitudinal direction: 22 - 28 bosses / inch, in the transverse direction: 27 - 33 bosses / inch - Aperture (hole) size of approximately 300 μm - Basis weight = 0.48 - 0.59 oz / square yard - Geometric shape = hexagonal. Such an HDPE net is the Delnet® AC530WHT net and is available from Delnet Technologies (Del.). The above two-layer material can be obtained from Delstar Technologies, DEL under the name Stratex® 3.7NPET-E (this incorporates the Delnet® AC530WHT net). ii. The slit pattern units formed in the material layer are incorporated using a 90-watt CO2 laser (Full Spectrum Laser [NV], model P2012) with a laser thickness of 406 μm such that the slit pattern units are arranged as parallel rows of slit pattern units having the following measurements: ■ The slit pattern units are 12 slit pattern units / in 2 (counting only the complete pattern units) to provide the surface density of the slit pattern units. ■ The slit pattern unit covers 100% of the surface area of the material layer. b) A control sample (i.e., a sample without slits [or material-free regions]) was prepared by cutting a layer material without slits into 5 inches with a 1-inch strip. i. The material layer used in this step is the same as the material layer in step a). c) The test sample and the control sample are conditioned by placing the samples in a room at 23 ± 1 °C and 50 ± 2% relative humidity for 24 hours. d) The sample to be tested is placed in the ring clamp of the test apparatus and securely fastened. e) It is necessary that there is no tension on the sample. f) The force is applied to the sample in the z-direction (i.e., perpendicular to the xy-plane of the sample) by a spherical plunger at a constant rate (25.4 mm / min) specified in the internal test standard, and then the rate is reduced to 5.08 mm / min. g) Continue applying the force until the sample yields (i.e., a break occurs somewhere in the sample). h) The applied force at displacements (or elongations) of the sample lengths of 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, and 20 mm (along the z-direction of the force) was recorded (as kgf) in the MTS Test Works 4.12F software application (Instru-Met Corporation, NJ). i) Test the test sample according to steps d) to h). j) Using different test samples and control samples, repeat the above steps d) to i) two more times respectively. k) Then, average and record the data recorded in the MTS Test Works 4.12F software at displacement increments of 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, and 20 mm.

[0069] Furthermore, the above-described S-shaped slit pattern unit 15 also provides a dressing article 10 that readily conforms to, or is applied over, tissue that is in contact with or covered by the dressing article 10, such that the dressing article 10 moves with the tissue but still enables coverage of or contact with the skin and / or wound.

[0070] Detachable layer In certain embodiments, the dressing article 10 (optionally including any additional layer 20, discussed in more detail below) also comprises a detachable layer 17 that is removably disposed on (or in contact with) i) the material layer 11, or ii) the dressing article 10 comprising the material layer 11. In certain embodiments, the detachable layer 17 removably contacts and covers any adhesive that may be disposed on the material layer 11. In some embodiments, the detachable layer 17 contacts (or is removably attached to) the material layer 11 or the dressing article 10 while the non-material region 15 is in the closed position (or at that time). In some embodiments, the detachable layer 17 removably contacts (or is removably attached to) the material layer 11 or the dressing article 10 such that the non-material region 15 is removably held in the closed position until the detachable layer 17 is removed from the material layer 11 or the dressing article 10, thereby enabling the non-material region 15 to readily open (and correspondingly close upon release of such force F) upon application of the force F as described above. In certain embodiments, the detachable layer 17 can comprise or be made from polyethylene, polypropylene, kraft paper, polyester, or a composite of any of these materials.

[0071] Optional component In certain embodiments, the dressing article 10 further incorporates an adhesive (not shown) on at least one of the surfaces 12 and / or 13 and disposes it between the detachable layer and the material layer to provide adhesion of the dressing article 10 to the skin and / or wound. When incorporated onto the dressing article 10, the adhesive is applied so as not to limit or suppress the openness of the individual material-free regions that open and close freely. Generally, any of various pressure-sensitive adhesives can be utilized as the adhesive. Specifically, typically, a pressure-sensitive adhesive that is biocompatible with human skin is utilized. In some embodiments, the adhesive of the present invention may also be generally water-soluble, generally water-insoluble, or dispersible in an aqueous environment. For example, a commercially available pressure-sensitive adhesive is sold under the trade name HL-9415-X and is available from the H.B. Fuller Company. (Margin). Another suitable adhesive includes a functional diluent containing about 10 to 75% by weight of a polyalkyl oxazoline polymer, 10 to 75% by weight of a hydroxy compound or a carboxylic acid compound, and 5 to 50% by weight of a tackifier.

[0072] The adhesive can include a hydrocolloid. The hydrocolloid component used can be, for example, among others, any substance having good performance in this application, such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, pectin, xanthan gum, polysaccharides, sodium or calcium alginate, chitosan, seaweed extract (carrageenan), polyaspartic acid, polyglutamic acid, hyaluronic acid, or salts and derivatives thereof.

[0073] In particular, hydrophilic colloids such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and pectin are substances that form gels as soon as they come into contact with body fluids from the wound. When used in a bandage, these hydrocolloids are combined with an elastomer and / or an adhesive. Preferably, the bandage needs to provide a moist environment without infiltration or scar formation, which is a situation suitable for accelerating healing.

[0074] The adhesive may be any conventional adhesive known for such use, particularly, for example, an acrylic adhesive. Further, such an adhesive may contain a resin for enhancing adhesion, an aggregation strengthening agent, an absorbent (preferably a polyacrylate superabsorbent, a polyacrylate salt superabsorbent, or a mixture thereof), a plasticizer, and optionally a pigment. The adhesive layer may further be configured in a discontinuous pattern and disposed in lines, screens, sprays, or any other that those skilled in the art understand as discontinuous, and can be constituted by an elastomer substrate.

[0075] Optionally, one or more additional layers (or substrate layers) 20, which comprise a single layer or multiple layers (or substrate layers), are disposed on top of the material layer 11, either on the surface side of the material layer 11 opposite to the detachable layer 17, or between the material layer 11 and the detachable layer 17. In such an embodiment, the material layer 11 is not attached to any of the additional layers 20, whereby the additional layers 20 significantly limit or suppress the opening and closing of the material-free regions 15. In certain embodiments, the additional layer 20 may or may not incorporate the material-free region 15. In embodiments where the additional layer 20 incorporates the material-free region 15, the material-free region 15 of the additional layer 20 forms the same or a similar pattern unit as the pattern unit formed by the material-free region 15 of the material layer 11, and in certain such embodiments, the pattern unit of the additional layer 20 is also aligned with the pattern unit of the material layer 11. As shown in FIG. 7, the additional layer 20 can be incorporated in the form of a single layer or multiple layers to act as a protective backing layer for the material layer 11. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6, such an additional layer 20 can act as or include a pad layer, providing absorption properties and / or swelling properties. In certain embodiments, the additional layer 20 comprises the material-free region 15 of the present invention (optionally in the form of a slit pattern). In certain embodiments, the additional layer 20 does not include or substantially does not include the material-free region of the present invention, and in such an embodiment, the additional layer 20 acts as a protective non-adhesive layer (regardless of the presence or absence of openings) disposed on the surface of the material layer 11 facing the user's skin (and / or a wound on such skin).

[0076] In certain embodiments, when the additional layer 20 acts as a pad layer, the additional layer 20 includes a first surface facing a first side of the material layer 11 and having a first surface area, and a second surface on the opposite side of the first surface and facing the skin and having a second surface area. The pad layer can be formed from an open-work fiber material, a porous fiber material, a natural fiber material, or a synthetic fiber material, such as a material used to form gauze. Suitable pad layer materials include, but are not limited to, fiber PET. The pad layer typically contacts the skin surface and / or the wound and absorbs exudate or secretions from the wound. In certain embodiments, when the additional layer 20 acts as a pad layer, the additional layer 20 can be fixed directly or indirectly to the material layer 11 so that the additional layer does not separate from the material layer 11 during normal use.

[0077] When used as a backing layer, the additional layer 20 can have various shapes including, but not limited to, rectangular, oval, egg-shaped, or oblong. In such embodiments, the shape of the dressing and tape 10 is defined by the shape of the additional layer 20. In some such embodiments, the additional layer 20 can be thin, highly flexible or deformable, water-repellent, and transparent or opaque. Generally, in some such embodiments, the thickness of the additional layer 20 is about 0.05 - 0.2 millimeters ("mm") to achieve the desired forming and flexural properties.

[0078] In certain such embodiments where the additional layer 20 acts as a backing layer, the material used to form the additional layer 20 must have both conformity and flexibility to the body contour so as to allow free movement of the body part on which the product is worn. In certain embodiments, this can be a film or a foam. Useful polymeric materials for forming the backing layer include polyolefins (such as polyethylene), polyurethanes, and polyvinyl chloride. Other examples of backing materials include, but are not limited to, non-woven fabrics, woven fabrics, or knitted fabrics such as cotton, polyester, polyurethane, rayon, etc.

[0079] When the additional layer 20 acts as a backing layer, the polyethylene film can be optionally used to form the additional layer 20. In such cases, particularly effective results can be achieved by a stretchable elastomeric film made of polyurethane, which has the further advantage of gas (including water vapor) permeability. However, it is understood that in such cases, other flexible water-insoluble polymer films known in the art can be used. Further, when the additional layer 20 is used as a backing layer, the additional layer 20 can be formed from an open-cell polymer foam. In particular, the integrated skin can cover the side of the open-cell polymer foam facing away from the user's skin. In certain such embodiments, a foam layer made of polyurethane or polyethylene is suitable, but other polymer foams having similar properties can be used. In other embodiments, when the additional layer 20 is used as a backing layer, the additional layer 20 can be made from other polyolefins, vinyl polyethylene acetate, non-woven fabric for textiles, rubber, or other materials known in the art of adhesive articles. In a particular embodiment, when the additional layer 20 acts as a backing layer, the polymer used to form the additional layer 20 generally has a viscosity of about 500 to 500,000 centipoises at a temperature of about 190 °C, or about 1,000 to 30,000 centipoises at a temperature of about 190 °C, or about 3,000 to 15,000 centipoises at a temperature of about 190 °C.

[0080] In a particular embodiment, when the additional layer 20 acts as a backing layer, the additional layer 20 can be liquid-impermeable but gas-permeable, which allows the wound and skin to which the bandage and tape 10 of the present invention are adhered to breathe. In one embodiment, when the additional layer 20 acts as a backing layer, the additional layer 20 can have pores sized to allow only the passage of gases having molecules of a very small size.

[0081] Finally, when the additional layer 20 acts as a backing layer, the additional layer 20 can be perforated for further ventilation of the skin. In certain such embodiments, the perforations can be in the form of circular regions and can have a diameter range such as from about 0.1 to about 0.8 millimeters. However, in certain other embodiments, when the additional layer 20 acts as a backing layer, the additional layer 20 can be gas-impermeable as required.

[0082] The present invention is further illustrated by the following examples presented for purposes of illustration and comparison.

Examples

[0083] Comparative Example 1: The extensional displacement of a material layer having the slit pattern unit of FIG. 9 under forces along various directions in the xy plane.

[0084] The test samples and control samples were prepared and measured according to the stretch test xy to determine the percent difference (% difference) in extensibility along a given direction in force F between the sample with the slits presented in the present invention (test sample) and the sample without slits (control sample). The test sample incorporates the slit pattern unit of FIG. 9. In FIG. 8, the vertical direction, horizontal direction, and diagonal directions D45 and D'45 are shown as the vertical direction, horizontal direction, and 45° diagonal directions (B, A, D 45 , and D' 45 ). The data are summarized in Tables 1 to 4 and Tables 1a to 4a, respectively, for various elongation directions and stretch directions, for extensibility or elongation data, and the calculated percent difference

[0085]

Number

[0086]

Table 1

[0087]

Table 2

[0088]

Table 3

[0089]

Table 4

[0090]

Table 5

[0091]

Table 6

[0092]

Table 7

[0093]

Table 8

[0094] Table 1a, Table 2a, Table 3a, and Table 4a show that the slit pattern units of FIG. 9 provide a certain degree of extensibility of the material layer that exceeds the extensibility of the material layer without any slits.

[0095] Example 2 of the present invention: The extension displacement of the material layer having the slit pattern unit of FIG. 2 under forces along various directions in the xy plane.

[0096] The test samples and the control samples were subjected to a stretchability test xyPrepared and measured according to, the percent difference in extensibility along a given direction with a force F was determined between a sample with the slit presented in the present invention (test sample) and a sample without a slit (control sample). The test sample incorporates the slit pattern unit of FIG. 2. In FIG. 8, the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, and the diagonal directions D45 and D’45 are shown as the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, and the 45° diagonal directions (B, A, D 45 , and D’ 45 ). The data are summarized as extensibility or elongation data and the calculated percent differences for various elongation and stretch directions in Tables 5 to 8 and Tables 5a to 8a, respectively.

[0097]

Table 9

[0098]

Table 10

[0099]

Table 11

[0100]

Table 12

[0101]

Table 13

[0102]

Table 14

[0103]

Table 15

[0104]

Table 16

[0105] When comparing Table 5a and Table 6a of Example 2 of the present invention with Table 1a and Table 2a of Comparative Example 1, it is shown that the material layer having the slit pattern unit of FIG. 2 provides a greater extension in at least one of the longitudinal or transverse directions with a force of 0.1 to 0.4 kgf and in the other (or remaining) longitudinal or transverse direction with a force of 0.1 to 0.3 kgf than the material layer having the slit pattern unit of FIG. 9.

[0106] In addition, Table 7a shows the following regarding two patterns related to extensibility in at least one of the 45° diagonal directions as compared with Table 3a. · Table 7a shows that the slit pattern unit of FIG. 2 provides a greater extension than the material layer having the slit pattern unit of FIG. 9 in at least one of the 45° diagonal directions with a force of 0.1 to 0.4 (as shown in Table 3a). (Margin)

[0107] Example 3 To compare the z-direction extensibility of the prepared test samples and control samples of the slit pattern unit of FIG. 2, test samples and control samples were prepared for a stretchability test z and measured at forces of 0.1 kgf and 0.5 kgf according to. The results are summarized in Table 9 and 9a respectively.

[0108]

Table 17

[0109] Table 9 shows that the material layer having the slit pattern unit of FIG. 2 enables a greater degree of movement in the z-direction (or along the z-axis) than a material layer without any slits at the same force of 0.1 kgf.

[0110]

Table 18

[0111] Table 9a shows that the material layer having the slit pattern unit of FIG. 2 allows for a greater degree of movement in the z - direction (or along the z - axis) at a force of 0.5 kgf than a material layer without any slits at the same force.

[0112] Those skilled in the art will understand that modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments shown and described above without departing from the broad inventive concept. Accordingly, it is understood that the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown and described, but is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims. For example, certain features of the exemplary embodiments may or may not be part of the claimed invention, and the features of the disclosed embodiments may be combined.

[0113] It is understood that at least some of the drawings and descriptions of the present invention are simplified to emphasize elements relevant to a clear understanding of the present invention.

[0114] Furthermore, unless any method depends on a specific order of the steps described herein, the specific order of the steps should not be construed as a limitation on the claims. The claims directed to the method of the present invention should not be limited to the execution of the steps in the recited order, and those skilled in the art can readily recognize that the steps may be changed but still remain within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0115] Embodiments of the Invention Embodiment 1. An indemnity article comprising a material layer, the layer comprising a plurality of non - material regions, the non - material regions being in the form of an S - shaped pattern unit, the pattern unit having a pattern surface density of 4 pattern units / in on the surface of the material layer 2~14 pattern units / in 2 A hand care article having dimensions such that it is in the range of

[0116] Embodiment 2. The hand care article according to Embodiment 1, wherein the material-free region is a slit in the material layer.

[0117] Embodiment 3. The hand care article according to Embodiment 1 and / or 2, wherein the pattern units do not intersect and are arranged adjacent to each other to form one or more straight lines.

[0118] Embodiment 4. The pattern surface density of the pattern units on the surface of the material layer is 12 pattern units / in 2 The hand care article according to any one or combination of Embodiments 1 to 3.

[0119] Embodiment 5. The hand care article according to any one or combination of Embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the straight lines are parallel to each other.

[0120] Embodiment 6. Each pattern unit has a top and a bottom, and further, the top and bottom of any pattern unit in a row are aligned with the top and bottom of the other similarly oriented pattern units in that row. The hand care article according to any one or combination of Embodiments 1 to 5.

[0121] Embodiment 7. The pattern unit has a length l, and optionally, the length l of at least one pattern unit is oriented perpendicular to the length l of the adjacent pattern unit. The hand care article according to any one or combination of Embodiments 1 to 6.

[0122] Embodiment 8. The length l of each pattern unit in a row is oriented perpendicular to the length l of the adjacent pattern unit in that row. The hand care article according to any one or combination of Embodiments 1 to 7.

[0123] Embodiment 9. The comfort item according to any one or combination of Embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the pattern unit has a width w, and further, the length l of the pattern unit is about 1 to about 6 times the width w of the pattern unit.

[0124] Embodiment 10. When a force from about 0.1 kgf is applied along at least one of the 45° diagonal directions of the material layer, the stretchability test described herein xy When measured by, the material layer extends at least about 425% more in the 45° diagonal direction than the same material layer without a material-free region, and the comfort item according to any one or combination of Embodiments 1 to 9.

[0125] Embodiment 11. When a force from about 0.2 kgf is applied along at least one of the 45° diagonal directions of the material layer, the stretchability test described herein xy When measured by, the material layer extends at least about 1125% more in the 45° diagonal direction than the same material layer without a material-free region, and the comfort item according to any one or combination of Embodiments 1 to 10.

[0126] Embodiment 12. When a force from about 0.1 kgf is applied along at least one of the longitudinal or transverse directions of the material layer, the stretchability test described herein xy When measured by, the material layer extends at least about 100% more in the longitudinal or transverse direction than the same material layer without a material-free region, and the comfort item according to any one or combination of Embodiments 1 to 11.

[0127] Embodiment 13. When a force from about 0.2 kgf is applied along at least one of the longitudinal or transverse directions of the material layer, the stretchability test described herein xy When measured by, the material layer extends at least about 150% more in the longitudinal or transverse direction than the same material layer without a material-free region, and the comfort item according to any one or combination of Embodiments 1 to 12.

[0128] When a force of about 0.3 kgf is applied along at least one of the longitudinal or transverse directions of the material layer, the stretchability test described herein xy When measured by, the material layer extends at least about 425% more in the longitudinal or transverse direction than the same material layer without a material-free region, and the hand care article according to any one or combination of Embodiments 1 to 13.

[0129] When a force of about 0.1 kgf is applied along the other longitudinal or transverse direction of the material layer, the stretchability test described herein xy When measured by, the material layer extends at least about 75% more in the other longitudinal or transverse direction than the same material layer without a material-free region, and the hand care article according to any one or combination of Embodiments 12 to 1473 to 75.

[0130] When a force of about 0.2 kgf is applied along the other longitudinal or transverse direction of the material layer, the stretchability test described herein xy When measured by, the material layer extends at least about 150% more in the other longitudinal or transverse direction than the same material layer without a material-free region, and the hand care article according to any one or combination of Embodiments 12 to 14.

[0131] When a force of about 0.5 kgf is applied along the z direction of the material layer, the stretchability test described herein z When measured by, the material layer extends away from the xy plane of the material layer and at least about 1 mm to about 8 mm in the z direction, and the hand care article according to any one or combination of Embodiments 1 to 16.

[0132] The hand care article according to any one or combination of Embodiments 1 to 17, further comprising an adhesive disposed between the detachable layer and the material layer.

[0133] Embodiment 19. The hand-held article according to any one or a combination of Embodiments 1 to 18, wherein the detachable layer contains polyethylene, polypropylene, kraft paper, polyester, or a composite thereof.

[0134] 〔Embodiment〕 (1) A hand-held article having a material layer, the layer having a plurality of non-material regions, the non-material regions being in the form of S-shaped pattern units, the pattern units having dimensions such that the pattern surface density of the pattern units on the surface of the material layer is in the range of 4 pattern units / in 2 to 14 pattern units / in 2 of the hand-held article. (2) The hand-held article according to Embodiment 1, wherein the non-material region is a slit in the material layer. (3) The hand-held article according to Embodiment 1, wherein the pattern units do not intersect and are arranged adjacent to each other to form one or more straight lines. (4) The hand-held article according to Embodiment 1, wherein the pattern surface density of the pattern units on the surface of the material layer is 12 pattern units / in 2 of the hand-held article. (5) The hand-held article according to Embodiment 3, wherein the straight lines are parallel to each other.

[0135] (6) The hand-held article according to Embodiment 3, wherein each pattern unit has a top and a bottom, and the top and bottom of any pattern unit in a row are aligned with the top and bottom of the other similarly oriented pattern units in the row. (7) The hand-held article according to Embodiment 1, wherein the pattern unit has a length l, and optionally, the length l of at least one pattern unit is oriented perpendicular to the length l of an adjacent pattern unit. (8) The hand-held article according to Embodiment 7, wherein the length l of each pattern unit in a row is oriented perpendicular to the length l of the adjacent pattern unit in the row. (9) The hand care article according to Embodiment 7, wherein the pattern unit has a width w, and further, the length l of the pattern unit is about 1 to about 6 times the width w of the pattern unit. (10) When a force from about 0.98 N (about 0.1 kgf) is applied along at least one of the 45° diagonal directions of the material layer, the stretchability test described herein xy When measured by, the material layer stretches at least about 425% more in the 45° diagonal direction than the same material layer without a material-free region, the hand care article according to Embodiment 1.

[0136] (11) When a force from about 1.96 N (about 0.2 kgf) is applied along at least one of the 45° diagonal directions of the material layer, the stretchability test described herein xy When measured by, the material layer stretches at least about 1125% more in the 45° diagonal direction than the same material layer without a material-free region, the hand care article according to Embodiment 1. (12) When a force from about 0.98 N (about 0.1 kgf) is applied along at least one of the longitudinal or transverse directions of the material layer, the stretchability test described herein xy When measured by, the material layer stretches at least about 100% more in the longitudinal or transverse direction than the same material layer without a material-free region, the hand care article according to Embodiment 1. (13) When a force from about 1.96 N (about 0.2 kgf) is applied along at least one of the longitudinal or transverse directions of the material layer, the stretchability test described herein xy When measured by, the material layer stretches at least about 150% more in the longitudinal or transverse direction than the same material layer without a material-free region, the hand care article according to Embodiment 1. (14) When a force from about 2.94 N (about 0.3 kgf) is applied along at least one of the longitudinal or transverse directions of the material layer, the stretchability test described herein xyThe hand care article according to Embodiment 1, wherein when measured by [reference], the material layer extends at least about 425% more in the longitudinal or transverse direction than the same material layer without a material-free region. (15) A stretchability test as described herein, when a force from about 0.98 N (about 0.1 kgf) is applied along the other longitudinal or transverse direction of the material layer xy The hand care article according to Embodiment 12, wherein when measured by [reference], the material layer extends at least about 75% more in the other longitudinal or transverse direction than the same material layer without a material-free region.

[0137] (16) A stretchability test as described herein, when a force from about 1.96 N (about 0.2 kgf) is applied along the other longitudinal or transverse direction of the material layer xy The hand care article according to Embodiment 13, wherein when measured by [reference], the material layer extends at least about 150% more in the other longitudinal or transverse direction than the same material layer without a material-free region. (17) A stretchability test as described herein, when a force of about 4.90 N (about 0.5 kgf) is applied along the z-direction of the material layer z The hand care article according to Embodiment 1, wherein when measured by [reference], the material layer extends at least about 1 mm to about 8 mm in the z-direction away from the xy-plane of the material layer. (18) The hand care article according to Embodiment 1, further comprising an adhesive disposed between the detachable layer and the material layer. (19) The hand care article according to Embodiment 1, wherein the detachable layer comprises polyethylene, polypropylene, kraft paper, polyester, or a composite thereof.

Claims

1. A hand-held article, comprising a material layer, the material layer comprising a plurality of material-free regions, the material-free regions being in the form of S-shaped pattern units, the pattern units having a pattern surface density on the surface of the material layer in the range of 4 pattern units / in ２ to 14 pattern units / in ２ such that each pattern unit has a top and a bottom, each pattern unit has a length l and a width w, and the length l is the same as or greater than the width w The pattern unit includes a plurality of first pattern units oriented in the same direction and a plurality of second pattern units oriented in a direction different from that of the first pattern units, and the plurality of second pattern units are oriented in the same direction. The first pattern unit is oriented such that the length l extends along the lateral direction of the hand-held article, and the second pattern unit is oriented such that the length l extends along the longitudinal direction of the hand-held article, and the lateral direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The first pattern unit includes a first portion extending laterally from the top, a second portion extending laterally from the bottom, and an inclined portion connecting the first portion and the second portion, and defines the width w in the longitudinal direction. The second pattern unit includes a third portion extending longitudinally from the top, a fourth portion extending longitudinally from the bottom, and an inclined portion connecting the third portion and the fourth portion, and defines the width w in the lateral direction. When a force from about 1.96 N (about 0.2 kgf) is applied along at least one of the 45° diagonal directions of the material layer, the material layer extends at least about 1125% more than the same material layer without a material-free region as measured by the stretchability test xy described herein in the 45° diagonal direction, a hand-held article.

2. The hand-held article according to claim 1, wherein the material-free region is a slit in the material layer.

3. The hand-held article according to claim 1, wherein the pattern units do not intersect and are arranged adjacent to each other to form one or more straight lines.

4. The pattern surface density of the pattern unit on the surface of the material layer is 12 pattern units / in ２ The hand-held article according to claim 1, which is such that.

5. The hand-held article according to claim 3, wherein the straight lines are parallel to each other.

6. The hand-held article according to claim 3, wherein the top and bottom of any of the pattern units in a row are aligned with the top and bottom of the other similarly oriented pattern units in the row.

7. The hand-held article according to claim 1, wherein the length l of at least one of the pattern units is oriented perpendicular to the length l of the adjacent pattern unit.

8. The hand-held article according to claim 7, wherein the length l of each of the pattern units in a row is oriented perpendicular to the length l of the adjacent pattern unit in the row. Claim 9 The hand care article according to claim 7, wherein the length l of the pattern unit is about 1 to about 6 times the width w of the pattern unit. Claim 10 When a force from about 0.98 N (about 0.1 kgf) is applied along at least one of the 45° diagonal directions of the material layer, the stretchability test described in this specification ｘｙ The hand-held article according to claim 1, wherein when measured by, the material layer extends in the 45° diagonal direction by at least about 425% more than the same material layer without a material-free region. Claim 11 When a force from about 0.98 N (about 0.1 kgf) is applied along at least one of the longitudinal or transverse directions of the material layer, the stretchability test described herein ｘｙ The hand-held article according to claim 1, wherein when measured by, the material layer extends at least about 100% more in the longitudinal or transverse direction than the same material layer without a material-free region. Claim 12 When a force from about 1.96 N (about 0.2 kgf) is applied along at least one of the longitudinal or transverse directions of the material layer, the stretchability test described herein ｘｙ The hand-held article according to claim 1, wherein when measured by, the material layer extends at least about 150% more in the longitudinal or transverse direction than the same material layer without a material-free region. Claim 13 When a force from about 2.94 N (about 0.3 kgf) is applied along at least one of the longitudinal or transverse directions of the material layer, the stretchability test described herein ｘｙ The prosthetic device according to claim 1, wherein when measured by, the material layer stretches at least about 425% more in the longitudinal or transverse direction than the same material layer without a material-free region. Claim 14 When a force from about 0.98 N (about 0.1 kgf) is applied along the other longitudinal or transverse direction of the material layer, the stretchability test described herein ｘｙ The prosthetic device according to claim 11, wherein when measured by, the material layer extends at least about 75% more than the same material layer without a material-free region in the other longitudinal or transverse direction. Claim 15 When a force from about 1.96 N (about 0.2 kgf) is applied along the other longitudinal or transverse direction of the material layer, the stretchability test described herein ｘｙ The hand-held article according to claim 12, wherein when measured by, the material layer extends at least about 150% more than the same material layer without a material-free region in the other longitudinal or transverse direction. Claim 16 When a force of about 4.90 N (about 0.5 kgf) is applied along the z-direction of the material layer, the stretchability test described in this specification ｚ The hand-held article according to claim 1, wherein when measured by, the material layer extends at least about 1 mm to about 8 mm in the z-direction away from the xy-plane of the material layer. Claim 17 The hand care article according to claim 1, further comprising a detachable layer and an adhesive disposed between the detachable layer and the material layer. Claim 18 The hand care article according to claim 17, wherein the detachable layer comprises polyethylene, polypropylene, kraft paper, polyester, or a composite thereof. Claim 19 The hand care article according to claim 17 or 18, further comprising an additional layer, the additional layer including a first surface facing the material layer and a second surface on the opposite side of the first surface facing the skin, the additional layer contacting the skin surface and / or the wound to absorb exudate or secretion of the wound.

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