Therapeutic tape

Abstract

The invention relates to a therapeutic tape (1) to be adhered to human skin (H), the tape comprising a substrate layer (2), an adhesive layer (3) arranged on the substrate layer (3), and a cover layer (4) arranged on the adhesive layer (3). The therapeutic tape (1) has a longitudinal direction (L). The cover layer (4) is divided into at least three cover-layer strips (5, 6), which extend substantially in parallel with the longitudinal direction (L) of the therapeutic tape (1) and can be individually detached from the adhesive layer (3).

Description

[0001] THERAPEUTIC BAND

[0002] The invention relates to a therapeutic tape for adhering to human skin, comprising a carrier layer, an adhesive layer arranged on the carrier layer and a cover layer arranged on the adhesive layer, wherein the tape has a longitudinal direction.

[0003] So-called "kinesiology tapes" have been used for many years, particularly for the treatment of sports injuries. These therapeutic tapes are also known as "kinesiology tapes", "kinesiotapes", "physio tapes" and "muscle tapes". These are essentially elastic plasters made of textile adhesive tape that are applied to the skin to stabilize muscles / ligaments, etc. (e.g., after sports injuries). In addition, treatment with the tapes is said to cause tissue irritation (skin shifts against underlying tissue), which is said to have a positive effect on lymphatic flow. There are also different types of application for different therapeutic applications.

[0004] For certain applications, it is considered advantageous if the tissue can also be moved manually along the applied tape (therapeutic band) (e.g. to increase lymph flow or to treat scar tissue).

[0005] For this purpose, for example, kinesiology tapes with attached tabs (also made of textile fabric, for example) that extend away from the tape have already been developed. These tabs serve as a type of "handle" that can be held in place to move the tape parallel to or away from the skin surface. US 1,109,6817 A and JP 7007388 A1 describe tapes with attached "handles." The disadvantage of such tapes is that they are expensive to produce and only allow the tape to be held in place at certain predefined locations, namely where the "handles" are provided.

[0006] Another option that allows the tissue to be moved manually along the tape is to fold or cut "normal" kinesiology tape in order to create a tape application with a "handle" for holding and moving the tape. The disadvantage of this is that the production of such a folded or cut tape application with a "handle" (usually consisting of several manually prepared pieces of kinesiology tape glued together) is relatively complex and is often carried out incorrectly.

[0007] The invention is based on the object of providing a therapeutic band that does not have the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, a therapeutic band is to be provided in which a holding device for manually grasping and moving the band can be formed particularly quickly, easily, and precisely.

[0008] This object is achieved according to the invention with a therapeutic band having the features of claim 1.

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

[0010] According to the invention, the cover layer is divided into at least three cover layer strips running essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the tape, which can be detached or removed independently of each other from the adhesive layer. As long as the therapeutic tape is not applied as intended, the cover layer is arranged on the adhesive layer and covers it against unwanted adhesion.

[0011] The structure of the therapeutic band according to the invention enables the formation of a "handle" running along the longitudinal direction of the applied therapeutic band.

[0012] To form the "handle", before applying, i.e. sticking (or adhering) the tape to the skin of a person, first a middle of the at least three cover layer strips of the cover layer is detached from the adhesive layer. A middle carrier layer strip of the carrier layer provided with the adhesive layer is thus exposed, i.e. is freed from the cover layer. Subsequently, the therapeutic tape is folded along a fold edge, so that the lateral cover layer strips of the tape running on both sides of the fold edge lie flat against one another. The fold edge runs longitudinally and centrally through the middle carrier layer strip, which is freed from the cover layer and which is exposed between the adjacent lateral cover layer strips of the cover layer that have not yet been detached. By folding the therapeutic tape along the fold edge, the arranged on both sides of the fold edge (i.e.The exposed areas of the middle carrier layer strip (adjacent to the fold edge) are glued together over the entire surface (since there is no longer any cover layer covering the adhesive layer in the middle carrier layer strip), but not the side carrier layer strips of the therapeutic band that border on both sides of the middle carrier layer strip, as these are still covered with the cover layer, which prevents the side carrier layer strips from sticking together over the entire surface. The therapeutic band is then unfolded again so that the side carrier layer strips of the carrier layer essentially run in a common plane again and the middle carrier layer strip that is glued to itself forms a folded flap that projects away from the plane of the side carrier layer strips.The therapeutic tape prepared in this way now has the flap running longitudinally and over the entire length of the previously folded therapeutic tape. By detaching the lateral cover layer strips of the cover layer still attached to the adhesive layer, the adhesive layer of the lateral carrier layer strips is exposed, so that the therapeutic tape with its lateral carrier layer strips can be applied, i.e., adhered or glued, to or on the skin of a person.

[0013] The simple construction of the therapeutic band according to the invention enables a particularly quick, easy, and precise formation of a "handle" (formed by the tab) running longitudinally along the therapeutic band for holding and moving the applied therapeutic band. Furthermore, since the tab extends over the entire length of the therapeutic band, the therapeutic band can be grasped and moved at any desired position.

[0014] According to the invention, the cover layer is divided into three cover layer strips that can be removed independently of the adhesive layer, essentially over the entire length of the tape, while the carrier layer remains essentially undivided. This is necessary so that the "handle" can be formed.

[0015] Another advantage is that the flap running lengthwise along the therapeutic band can be precisely aligned with the scar to be treated on the skin, so that even with curved scars, a "handle" can be positioned directly over the scar along its entire length. This allows every area along a scar to be treated and treated precisely and specifically.

[0016] Within the scope of the invention, it is particularly provided that the carrier layer of the therapeutic band according to the invention is elastic. Elasticity is considered to be particularly elastic extensibility (i.e., without plastic deformation) of the carrier layer up to 120%, in particular 130% or 140%, or even up to 180% of its original length.

[0017] The carrier layer preferably consists of a textile fabric, in particular comprising cotton threads, elastane threads, viscose, and / or other synthetic threads. The carrier layer can also comprise other natural and / or synthetic threads (or fibers), such as hemp, rayon, or polyester threads (or fibers).

[0018] In particular, the carrier layer consists of a cotton fabric into which elastane threads (or fibers), viscose and / or other synthetic threads (or fibers) are incorporated to improve elasticity.

[0019] Alternatively, the carrier layer may not consist of a fabric, but of another textile (such as a knitted fabric, a nonwoven, etc.) or of a film, in particular an elastic plastic film or a tape.

[0020] The covering layer is preferably not elastic, but tears when it is stretched or shear forces act on it.

[0021] The adhesive layer can, for example, consist of an acrylate adhesive or another suitable, skin-friendly adhesive, and the cover layer preferably consists of a coated paper or film (at least on the side facing the adhesive layer). It is particularly preferred if the therapeutic band has a central axis running parallel to the longitudinal direction and at least one of the independently detachable cover layer strips, which runs between at least two other cover layer strips, runs essentially axially symmetrically along the central axis. With such a therapeutic band, the tab serving as a "handle" can be formed particularly easily and precisely, since by folding the therapeutic band along its central axis, the folding axis automatically runs centrally in the middle carrier layer strip.

[0022] Embodiments are also conceivable in which the cover layer strip, which runs between at least two other cover layer strips of the cover layer, and thus also the central carrier layer strip of the carrier layer, are not axially symmetrical to the central axis, i.e., in which the lateral carrier layer strips next to the central carrier layer strip are not of equal width. Such therapeutic bands can also offer certain advantages, but they are more difficult to fold precisely, since the therapeutic band cannot simply be folded in half so that the folding axis runs exactly in the center of the central carrier layer strip.

[0023] The cover layer preferably has exactly three cover layer strips running essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the therapeutic tape, which can be detached from one another independently of the adhesive layer. In such therapeutic tapes, the cover layer consists of a central cover layer strip and two lateral cover layer strips adjacent to it on both sides. In preparation for applying the therapeutic tape as intended, the central cover layer strip of the cover layer is first detached from the adhesive layer to form the tab. The lateral cover layer strips can only be detached afterwards. The risk of application errors is greatly reduced with such therapeutic tapes.

[0024] However, embodiments with more than three, for example with four, five or more than five covering layer strips of the covering layer (i.e. with more than one central covering layer strip and / or more than two lateral covering layer strips) are also conceivable.

[0025] It is preferred if at least one of the independently detachable cover layer strips, which runs between at least two further cover layer strips (in particular the middle cover layer strip in the case of

[0026] Embodiments with three cover layer strips) are visually distinguishable from the adjacent cover layer strips. Such visual differentiation can be achieved, in particular, by a different color, but also by a different structuring, and also helps to reduce the risk of application errors.

[0027] Particularly preferred are embodiments in which the cover layer strips of the cover layer are detachably connected to one another, in particular by forming a perforation or perforations between adjacent cover layer strips. Due to the perforation, two adjacent cover layer strips separate very easily from one another when one of the cover layer strips is peeled off the adhesive layer - like a plaster - (by tearing through the extremely narrow material webs formed between the cover layer strips along the perforation). It is also conceivable for the cover layer to be scored or thinner between adjacent cover layer strips, but also for the cover layer to consist of several separate cover layer strips that are arranged essentially next to one another or overlap along their border regions and are, for example, detachably glued in the border regions.

[0028] The therapeutic band is primarily designed for use on humans, but can also be used on animals, i.e. it can be stuck to or adhered to the skin of animals.

[0029] Further details, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments are illustrated. It shows:

[0030] Fig. 1 is an isometric schematic view of a portion of a therapeutic band according to the invention,

[0031] Fig. 2 to 9 show the therapeutic tape according to the invention in different stages of preparation for the intended application of the therapeutic tape to the skin of a person.

[0032] Fig. 1 shows a section of the therapeutic band 1 according to the invention in a detailed view, in which the layer structure of the therapeutic band 1 is visible. The individual layer thicknesses are shown disproportionately large for better illustration.

[0033] The therapeutic band 1 according to the invention extends along a longitudinal direction L and comprises a carrier layer 2, on which an adhesive layer 3 is arranged. The adhesive layer 3 adheres essentially indetachably to the carrier layer 2. A cover layer 4 is arranged on or at the adhesive layer 3. The cover layer 4 adheres essentially detachably to the adhesive layer 3 and can be removed (i.e., detached) therefrom with relatively little force.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, the cover layer 4 consists of three cover layer strips 5, 6, namely a central cover layer strip 5 arranged between two adjacent lateral cover layer strips 6. The cover layer strips 5, 6 run adjacent to one another and in the longitudinal direction L (or parallel to the longitudinal direction L) of the therapeutic band 1.

[0035] The cover layer strips 5, 6 of the cover layer are detachable, i.e., removable, from the adhesive layer 3 independently of one another. In the illustrated embodiment, this is achieved by perforations 7, which are formed in the cover layer 4 between the central cover layer strip 5 and the adjacent and connected lateral cover layer strips 6.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the lateral cover layer strips 6 are of equal width, so that a central axis M running parallel to the longitudinal extension L of the therapeutic band runs exactly in the center of the central cover layer strip 5. This means that the central cover layer strip 5 runs axially symmetrically to the central axis M.

[0037] Figures 2 to 9 show isometric views of the therapeutic band 1 according to the invention in different stages or stages of preparation necessary to be able to apply the therapeutic band 1 as intended.

[0038] In Fig. 2, the therapeutic band 1 is shown with its cover layer 4 pointing upwards, wherein the cover layer 4 in the illustrated embodiment consists of exactly three cover layer strips 5, 6 running in the longitudinal direction L, namely the two lateral cover layer strips 6 and the middle cover layer strip 5 arranged therebetween. The middle cover layer strip 5 has a different structure or pattern or coloring than the lateral cover layer strips 6, so that it can be visually distinguished from them.

[0039] In Fig. 3, the central cover layer strip 5 is detached, specifically peeled off, from the underlying adhesive layer 3. Since the cover layer strips 5, 6 of the cover layer 4 can be detached independently of one another from the adhesive layer 3, the lateral cover layer strips 6 remain adhered to the adhesive layer 3 when the central cover layer strip 5 is detached.

[0040] Fig. 4 shows the therapeutic band 1 with the central cover layer strip 5 detached, so that a central carrier layer strip 8 of the carrier layer 2 provided with the adhesive layer 3 is exposed. On both sides of the central carrier layer strip 8, two lateral carrier layer strips 9 of the carrier layer 2 run, the adhesive layer 3 of which is still covered in Fig. 4 by the lateral cover layer strips 6 of the cover layer 4.

[0041] Fig. 5 shows how the therapeutic band 1 is folded along a central axis M, which runs centrally through the middle carrier layer strip 8 (and previously also through the middle cover layer strip 5).

[0042] In Fig. 6, the therapeutic band 1 is shown folded along its central axis M. The therapeutic band 1 is essentially folded in half. Since the central carrier layer strip 8 no longer contains a cover layer 4 (namely, no central cover layer strip 5 of the cover layer 4), the regions of the central carrier layer strip 8 extending on both sides of the central axis M adhere to one another, but not the lateral carrier layer strips 9, which are still covered with the cover layer 4 (namely, the lateral cover layer strips 6 of the cover layer 4).

[0043] Fig. 7 shows how the therapeutic band 1 is unfolded again until the lateral carrier layer strips 9 of the carrier layer 2 are again arranged essentially in a common plane. The glued central carrier layer strip 8 now forms a tab 10 that protrudes from the lateral carrier layer strips 9, or from the plane in which the lateral carrier layer strips 9 are arranged. The tab 10 is arranged on the side of the therapeutic band 1 whose surface is formed by the carrier layer 2.

[0044] Fig. 8 shows how one of the remaining lateral cover layer strips 6 of the cover layer 4 is detached, i.e., peeled off, from the adhesive layer 3 of the underlying lateral carrier layer strip 9 of the carrier layer 2. The lateral cover layer strip 6 covering the second lateral carrier layer strip 9 is then also peeled off, or detached, from the adhesive layer 3.

[0045] Fig. 9 shows the therapeutic band 1 according to the invention turned upside down (in comparison to Fig. 8) and applied to the skin H of a person, i.e. adhered to the skin H or stuck thereon via the adhesive layer 3 of the lateral carrier layer strips 9 of the carrier layer 2, which do not form the tab 10. When the therapeutic band 1 is applied or stuck on or stuck on as intended, the tab 10 protrudes away from the skin H of the person and thus forms a type of "handle" by which the therapeutic band 1 can be held and moved in order to be able to stimulate the underlying tissue (the skin H, the subcutaneous tissue, the connective tissue and the underlying muscles and vessels).

[0046] Before sticking the therapeutic tape 1, the corners of the lateral carrier layer strips 9 at the respective ends of the therapeutic tape 1 can be cut into a rounded shape.

[0047] Contrary to what is shown, the longitudinal direction L of the therapeutic band 1 according to the invention can also be shorter than a transverse direction of the therapeutic band 1 running normal thereto.

[0048] Reference symbol list:

[0049] 1 therapeutic band

[0050] 2 Carrier layer

[0051] 3 adhesive layers

[0052] 4 Cover layer

[0053] 5 middle cover layer strip

[0054] 6 side cover layer strips

[0055] 7 Perforation

[0056] 8 middle carrier layer strip

[0057] 9 lateral carrier layer strip

[0058] 10 tabs

[0059] L longitudinal direction

[0060] M central axis

[0061] H Skin

Claims

Claims:

1. Therapeutic tape (1) for adhering to the human skin (H), comprising a carrier layer (2), an adhesive layer (3) arranged on the carrier layer (2) and a cover layer (4) arranged on the adhesive layer (3), wherein the therapeutic tape (1) has a longitudinal direction (L), characterized in that the cover layer (4) is divided into at least three covering layer strips (5, 6) running essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction (L) of the therapeutic band (1) and which are detachable from one another independently of the adhesive layer (3).

2. Therapeutic band according to claim 1, characterized in that the carrier layer (2) is elastic, in particular that the carrier layer (2) is elastically stretchable up to 120%, in particular 130% or 140%, or even up to 180% of its original length.

3. Therapeutic band according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the carrier layer (2) consists of a textile fabric which in particular comprises cotton threads, elastane threads, viscose and / or other synthetic threads.

4. Therapeutic band according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the therapeutic band (1) has a central axis (M) running parallel to the longitudinal direction (L) and that at least one of the independently detachable cover layer strips (5), which runs between at least two further cover layer strips (6), runs substantially axially symmetrically along the central axis (M).

5. Therapeutic band according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one of the independently detachable cover layer strips (5) which runs between at least two further cover layer strips (6) is optically separated from the adjacent Cover layer strip (6) is distinguishable.

6. Therapeutic band according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the cover layer strips (5, 6) of the cover layer (4) are detachably connected to one another, in particular by a perforation (7) being formed between adjacent cover layer strips (5, 6).

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