Small-sized patch

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a patch which is produced in a state where small-sized patches are connected to each other in a production process, which can be produced by the same accumulation device as that for a conventional-sized patch, and in which no thread pulling occurs in a base fabric when the patch is manually torn into the small-sized patches. Also, to provide a cutting method in which, even when a cutting line corresponding to a conventional half cut is formed during the production process, a gap is not created between liners at the cutting line. [Solution] A quadrangular patch comprising a base fabric, a plaster layer that is applied to the base fabric, and a release liner that is adhered to the plaster layer, said patch having a dividing line portion that allows the patch to be separated into small-sized patches and a cutting line portion that forms, in each small-sized patch, a cut extending through the entire thickness of the release liner.

Description

Small size patch

[0001] The present invention relates to a patch that can be cut into a size smaller than conventional sizes depending on the intended use, and further to a method for cutting said small-sized patch.

[0002] Many anti-inflammatory and analgesic patches are available on the market, but most are 10 cm x 14 cm or 7 cm x 10 cm in size (see Figure 10). However, users are hoping for the development of smaller patches, as these are suitable for application to small affected areas such as the fingers.

[0003] Although it is possible to manufacture small-sized patches on a dedicated manufacturing line, this entails high costs. When attempting to manufacture small-sized patches on a manufacturing line for conventional-sized patches, problems arise in the process of stacking a certain number of patches after cutting them to a specified size in order to bag the cut pieces. The stacking equipment is designed to fit the size of conventional-sized patches, and it is difficult to stack small-sized patches on the same stacking equipment. This necessitates the establishment of new manufacturing processes after the stacking process, which is not economical.

[0004] Therefore, it has been disclosed that conventional-sized patches are perforated so that they can be used on production lines for conventional-sized patches as is, and that the patches are torn along the perforations at the time of use into smaller-sized patches (Patent Document 1). However, because the base fabric is connected in several places, the fibers of the base fabric do not cut cleanly when torn along the perforations, and stringiness may occur.

[0005] Furthermore, because patch tape preparations are thinner than poultices, there is a problem that the release liner is difficult to peel off. Therefore, conventional-sized patches often have a cut line called a half-cut formed on the liner, and the liner is peeled off along the cut line. It has also been proposed to form a cut line on the liner of small-sized patches to facilitate liner peeling (Patent Document 2). However, when small-sized patches are manufactured in a connected state, if a half-cut is made across the flow direction of the manufacturing process, the tension applied during the manufacturing process causes gaps between the half-cut liners, resulting in a problem. Furthermore, if a half-cut is made across the flow direction, the same half-cut liners also cause gaps when the liners are separated for use. This has led to the problem that it is difficult to manufacture small-sized patches with half-cuts formed across the patch, either vertically or horizontally.

[0006] Design Registration No. 1763327 Design Registration No. 1763329

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a double or multiple patch that can be cut into small sizes depending on the intended use, and in particular to provide a double or multiple small patch that is produced in a connected state during the manufacturing process, can be manufactured using the same assembly equipment as conventional size patches, and does not cause stringiness in the base fabric when torn into small size patches by hand, and further to provide a patch and a manufacturing method thereof that does not leave gaps at the cutting line even when a cutting line corresponding to a conventional half cut is formed during the manufacturing process.

[0008] The present inventors have made intensive efforts to achieve this object, and as a result have found that the above object can be achieved by producing a patch having dividing lines and intermittent dividing lines that cut the entire adhesive layer and backing fabric, and that form slits through the entire thickness of the release liner, and have thus completed the present invention. Specifically, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a rectangular patch comprising a backing fabric, a adhesive layer applied to the backing fabric, and a release liner attached to the adhesive layer, the patch having dividing lines that enable the patch to be separated into two left and right small-sized patches, the dividing lines extending from the center of one side to the center of the other side on two opposing sides of the rectangle, and comprising line portions that cut the entire backing fabric and adhesive layer and intermittently cut the release liner, the portions of the release liner that are not cut along the dividing lines being intermittent joint portions, and further comprising cutting lines that form slits through the entire thickness of the release liner on each of the two left and right small-sized patches. The present invention relates to a double-section small-sized patch having a line portion, the line portion comprising line portion A that starts at a certain portion of the dividing line and extends to a portion that does not reach the peripheral edge of the patch, or line portion B that starts at a certain portion of the dividing line and returns without reaching the peripheral edge of the patch, and terminates at another portion of the dividing line or at that starting point, or line portion C that starts at a portion that does not reach either the peripheral edge of the patch or the dividing line and terminates at another portion that does not reach either the peripheral edge of the patch or the dividing line, or a combination of at least two of line portion A, line portion B, and line portion C. In a second aspect, the present invention relates to the double-section small-sized patch according to the first aspect, wherein line portion A, line portion B, and line portion C are straight line portions, curved line portions, or line portions consisting of a combination of straight and curved shapes. In a third aspect, the present invention relates to the double-sectioned small-sized patch according to the second aspect, in which the linear shape is a broken line shape. In a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to the double-sectioned small-sized patch according to the first aspect, in which the line segments A, B, and C are broken lines.In a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to the double-section small patch according to the first aspect, wherein the dividing line comprises a straight line connecting the midpoint of one side and the midpoint of the other side of two opposing sides of the rectangle, and is capable of dividing small patches of the same dimensions. In a sixth aspect, the present invention relates to the double-section small patch according to the first aspect, wherein the dividing line comprises two to eight intermittent joints, each of which has a uniform width of 0.5 mm to 5.0 mm in the direction along which the dividing line extends. In a seventh aspect, the present invention relates to the double-section small patch according to the first aspect, wherein the dividing line comprises four to six intermittent joints, each of which has a uniform width of 0.5 mm to 3.5 mm in the direction along which the dividing line extends. In an eighth aspect, the present invention relates to a double-ream small-sized patch according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, or a multiple-ream small-sized patch formed by connecting one or more double-ream small-sized patches and one or more of the constituent small-sized patches via an interrupted dividing line at any side of the double-ream small-sized patch and / or the small-sized patch. In a ninth aspect, the present invention relates to a multiple-ream small-sized patch according to the eighth aspect, wherein the interrupted dividing line is formed by cutting the entire backing fabric and the adhesive layer and by intermittently cutting the release liner. In a tenth aspect, the present invention relates to a multiple-ream small-sized patch according to the ninth aspect, wherein the uncut portions of the release liner along the interrupted dividing line are intermittent joints, and there are two to eight intermittent joints in the intermittent dividing line, each of which has a uniform width of 0.5 mm to 5.0 mm in the direction in which the intermittent dividing line extends. In an eleventh aspect, the present invention relates to the multi-section small-sized patch according to the ninth aspect, wherein the uncut portion of the release liner at the interrupted dividing line is an intermittent joint, there are four to six intermittent joints in the dividing line, and each intermittent joint has a uniform width of 0.5 mm to 3.5 mm in the direction along which the dividing line extends. In a twelfth aspect, the present invention relates to a small-sized patch obtained by dividing the double-section small-sized patch according to any one of the first to seventh aspects into two, left and right, at the dividing line.In a thirteenth aspect, the present invention relates to a small-sized patch obtained by dividing the multiple small-sized patch according to the eighth aspect at the interrupted dividing line portion and the dividing line portion. In a fourteenth aspect, the present invention relates to a small-sized patch obtained by dividing the multiple small-sized patch according to the ninth aspect at the interrupted dividing line portion and the dividing line portion. In a fifteenth aspect, the present invention relates to a method for producing a double-section small-sized patch according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the method comprising: Step 1 of forming a laminated bulk by laminating a base fabric, a paste layer thereon, and a release liner thereon; Step 2 of cutting the formed laminated bulk to a predetermined side width of the double-section small-sized patch to produce a long patch bulk, and simultaneously or subsequently cutting the obtained long patch bulk into the predetermined shape of the double-section small-sized patch; and Step 3 of simultaneously forming a dividing line and a cutting line in the laminated bulk or the long patch bulk, or forming a dividing line and then a cutting line, or forming a cutting line and then a dividing line, using a knife member during or after Step 2. In a sixteenth aspect, the present invention provides a method for producing the small-sized multiple patch according to the eighth aspect, comprising: step 1 of forming a laminated bulk by laminating a backing fabric, a paste layer thereon, and a release liner thereon; step 2 of cutting the formed laminated bulk to a predetermined side width of the small-sized multiple patch to produce a long patch bulk, and simultaneously or subsequently cutting the obtained long patch bulk into the predetermined shape of the small-sized multiple patch; and step 3 of cutting the long patch bulk into the predetermined shape of the small-sized multiple patch using a knife member during or after step 2. and step 3 of simultaneously forming an intermittent dividing line portion, a dividing line portion, and a cutting line portion in the laminated base material or the long patch base material using a sheet of adhesive tape or adhesive tape. Alternatively, the formation of the intermittent dividing line portion, the dividing line portion, and the cutting line portion is carried out in such an order that when the formation of one portion is completed, the formation of the next portion begins. Alternatively, one of the intermittent dividing line portion, the dividing line portion, and the cutting line portion is formed and then the remaining two are formed simultaneously, or two are formed simultaneously and then the remaining one is formed.In a seventeenth aspect, the present invention provides a method for producing the small-sized multiple patch according to the ninth aspect, comprising: step 1 of forming a laminated bulk by laminating a backing fabric, a paste layer thereon, and a release liner thereon; step 2 of cutting the formed laminated bulk to a predetermined side width of the small-sized multiple patch to produce a long patch bulk, and simultaneously or subsequently cutting the obtained long patch bulk into the predetermined shape of the small-sized multiple patch; and step 3 of cutting the long patch bulk into the predetermined shape of the small-sized multiple patch using a knife member during or after step 2. and step 3 of simultaneously forming an intermittent dividing line portion, a dividing line portion, and a cutting line portion in the laminated base material or the long patch base material using a sheet of adhesive tape or adhesive tape. Alternatively, the formation of the intermittent dividing line portion, the dividing line portion, and the cutting line portion is carried out in such an order that when the formation of one portion is completed, the formation of the next portion begins. Alternatively, one of the intermittent dividing line portion, the dividing line portion, and the cutting line portion is formed and then the remaining two are formed simultaneously, or two are formed simultaneously and then the remaining one is formed.

[0009] The small-sized patch of the present invention can be applied economically, especially to small areas such as the joints of the fingers or the trunk of an infant, without waste, unlike the use of regular-sized patches. Furthermore, the small-sized patch of the present invention is less noticeable due to its small application area, and can cover the affected area while minimizing visual disturbance. Furthermore, because it is more compact than regular-sized patches, it is easy to carry and ideal for first aid while traveling or on the go. The double- or multi-strip patch of the present invention can be cut into small-sized patches according to the affected area, and because the backing and plaster layer are pre-cut by the dividing lines and intermittent dividing lines, the backing does not become stringy when the double- or multi-strip patch of the present invention is cut into small sizes. Furthermore, because the size is smaller than conventional patches, the plaster layers are less likely to stick together even if the release liner is peeled off. Furthermore, the production of the double or multi-strip small-sized patches of the present invention can be achieved using the same production line for conventional-sized patches, eliminating the need for a new production process for accumulating small-sized patches, which is advantageous in terms of production costs. Furthermore, by forming cutting lines in the production process so that the start and end points of the cut do not reach the peripheral edge of the patch, the problem of gaps occurring due to opening along the cutting line is solved, reducing the occurrence of defective products and, as a result, improving the production efficiency of patches.

[0010] FIG. 1(A) is a perspective view showing the configuration of a substantially rectangular double-ream small-sized patch 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1(B) is a perspective view showing the configuration of a small-sized patch S of the double-ream small-sized patch 1 shown in FIG. 1(A). FIG. 1(C) is a plan view of the double-ream small-sized patch 1 shown in FIG. 1(A). FIG. 2(A) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' in FIG. 1(C). FIG. 2(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' in FIG. 1(C). FIG. 2(C) is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC' in FIG. 1(C). FIG. 3(A) is a plan view of a multiple (six-ream) small-sized patch 11 (22) according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3(B) is a plan view of a small-sized patch S constituting the patch 11 shown in FIG. 3(A). FIG. 3(C) is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D' in FIG. 3(A). 5A is a plan view of a double-piece small-sized patch 1 showing a cutting line 53 made up of various line segments. FIG. 5A is a plan view of a double-piece small-sized patch 1 showing a cutting line 53 made up of line segment A. FIG. 5B is a plan view of a double-piece small-sized patch 1 showing a cutting line 53 made up of line segment B. FIG. 5C is a plan view of a double-piece small-sized patch 1 showing a cutting line 53 made up of line segment C. FIG. 5D is a plan view of a double-piece small-sized patch 1 showing a cutting line 53 made up of a combination of line segments. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a part of a method for producing a double-piece small-sized patch 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The double-piece small-sized patch 1 is approximately rectangular. FIG. 6A is a diagram showing step 2 in which the double-piece small-sized patch 1 is cut at a predetermined long side width to produce a long patch bulk. Fig. 6(B) is a diagram showing step 3 of forming dividing lines 53 on the long patch base material. Fig. 6(C) is a diagram showing that step 3 of forming dividing lines 51, step 2 of cutting the long patch base material at the predetermined short side width of the double small-sized patch 1 to form a predetermined approximately rectangular shape, and step 4 of cutting the four corners of the small-sized patch S into rounded corners consisting of curves are carried out simultaneously. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a portion of a method for producing a multi- (six-) small-sized patch 11 (33) according to one embodiment of the present invention. The double small-sized patch 1 included in the multi-small-sized patch 11 is trapezoidal. The small-sized patch S that constitutes the double small-sized patch 1 is a right-angled trapezoid.7A is a diagram showing step 2 in which a multi-ream small-sized patch 11 is cut at a predetermined side width to produce a long patch bulk. The side width is the height of the double-ream small-sized patch 1. FIG. 7B is a diagram showing step 3 in which interrupted dividing line portions 52, dividing line portions 51, and cutting line portions 53 are simultaneously formed in the long patch bulk. FIG. 7C is a diagram showing step 2 in which the long patch bulk is cut into the predetermined approximately rectangular shape of the multi-ream small-sized patch 11, and step 4 in which the four corners of the small-sized patch S are cut into rounded corners consisting of curves, simultaneously. This diagram shows a method of using the double-ream small-sized patch 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8A is a diagram showing a step in which the double-ream small-sized patch 1 is torn at dividing line portions 51, particularly at intermittent joint portions 6, by hand to obtain the small-sized patch S. (B) of Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a step of removing a portion of the release liner 2 of the small-sized patch S along the cutting line 53. (C) of Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the small-sized patch S applied to the affected area. It is a plan view showing an example of a double-section small-sized patch 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. (A) of Fig. 10 is a plan view showing a conventional-sized patch. (B) of Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a conventional-sized patch.

[0011] The patch of the present invention may be in the form of various patches such as poultices, plasters, tapes, etc., depending on the application.

[0012] [Double or multi-section small-sized patch] Details of the double-section small-sized patch and the multi-section small-sized patch will be described below with reference to Figs. 1 to 7. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0013] (Double-section small-size patch 1) Like conventional patches, the double-section small-size patch 1 of the present invention comprises a base fabric, a paste layer applied to the base fabric, and a release liner attached to the paste layer. The double-section small-size patch 1 of the present invention is quadrangular, such as an approximately square, an approximately rectangular, or an approximately trapezoid. An approximately rectangular shape is preferred. The periphery of the quadrangular double-section small-size patch 1 is composed of four sides and four corners. The four corners have rounded corners consisting of at least curved edges. The width of the side is referred to as the side width. The side width varies depending on the shape of the double-section small-size patch 1. For example, if the double-section small-size patch 1 is approximately square or rectangular, the side width is the same as the side length of the approximately square or rectangular. If the double-section small-size patch 1 is approximately trapezoidal, the side width corresponds to the height of the trapezoid. Here, the word "approximately" used in descriptions such as "approximately" square, "approximately" rectangle, and "approximately" trapezoid means that the shape is not an exact square, rectangle, or trapezoid, but that there is a slight difference. Even if the specification describes a square, rectangle, or trapezoid, this means that the slight difference is within an acceptable range.

[0014] Furthermore, when the double-section small-sized patch 1 of the present invention is substantially rectangular, the longitudinal direction refers to the direction in which the long sides extend, and the lateral direction refers to the direction in which the short sides extend.

[0015] A dividing line 51, which will be described later, is provided so that the double-piece small-size patch 1 of the present invention can be separated into small-size patches S. Furthermore, the small-size patch S created by separating the double-piece small-size patch 1 at the dividing line 51, which will be described later, is also quadrangular, with its periphery consisting of four sides and four corners. The small-size patch S is preferably approximately rectangular. The four corners are preferably rounded corners consisting of curved edges.

[0016] (Dividing line 51) Dividing line 51 is formed on two opposing sides of the rectangular double-section small-size patch 1, extending from the center of one side to the center of the other side, and consists of a line portion along which the base fabric 4 and the paste layer 3 described below are entirely cut and the release liner 2 described below is intermittently cut, and the portion of the release liner 2 along dividing line 51 where the release liner 2 is not cut is an intermittent joint 6. In other words, the small-size patches S of the double-section small-size patch 1 are all cut apart except for the intermittent joint 6. Because the paste layer 3 and base fabric 4 are also completely cut, no stringiness occurs in the base fabric 4 when the intermittent joint 6 is torn off by hand. The center portion of the side refers to a portion that is not an end of the side. In one embodiment of the double-section small-sized patch of the present invention, it is also possible to use a knife member during the manufacturing process to cut the base fabric 4, the plaster layer 3, and a portion of the plaster layer 3 side of the intermittent joint 6 at the dividing line 51 so that the intermittent joint 6 does not completely become stringy with the base fabric 4.

[0017] 1 shows a substantially rectangular double-section small-sized patch 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the double-section small-sized patch 1, a dividing line 51 is a straight line connecting the midpoint of one long side of the double-section small-sized patch 1 to the midpoint of the other long side, and the double-section small-sized patch 1 is divided into small-sized patches S of the same dimensions by the dividing line 51 (FIG. 1(B)).

[0018] Figures 2A and 2B show cross-sectional views taken along lines A-A' and B-B' in Figure 1C, respectively. Line A-A' in Figure 1C passes through the intermittent joint 6 where the backing fabric 4 and paste layer 3 have been cut but the release liner 2 has not. That is, the cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' in Figure 2A shows the intermittent joint 6 where the release liner 2 has not been cut at the dividing line 51. In contrast, line B-B' in Figure 1C passes through the dividing line 51 where the backing fabric 4, paste layer 3, and release liner 2, i.e., all layers of the patch, have been cut. That is, as shown in the cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' in Figure 2B, the dividing line 51 is completely cut.

[0019] Figure 2(C) shows a cross-sectional view taken along line CC' (division line 51) in Figure 1(C). As shown in this figure, the intermittent joints 6 indicated by diagonal lines have not been cut. In line with Figures 2(A) and (B), the release liner 2, backing fabric 4, and paste layer 3 have been completely cut apart except for the intermittent joints 6.

[0020] The intermittent adhesive portions 6 of the release liner 2 are not particularly limited as long as they can be easily torn by hand, but the width of the intermittent adhesive portions 6 in the direction along which the dividing line 51 extends is preferably 0.5 mm to 5.0 mm, and more preferably 0.5 mm to 3.5 mm. In a double-section small-sized patch 1, for example, two to eight intermittent adhesive portions 6 are formed, and preferably four to six intermittent adhesive portions 6 are formed.

[0021] The intervals between the intermittent joints 6 in the direction in which the dividing line 51 extends are not particularly specified. The intervals may be equal or may vary.

[0022] (Cutting line 53) Cutting line 53 is provided so that after the double small-sized patch 1 is cut along dividing line 51 into small-sized patches S, the release liner 2 of the small-sized patch S can be easily peeled off.

[0023] In the double-section small-size patch 1, each of the two left and right small-size patches S has a cutting line 53 that forms a slit across the entire thickness of the release liner 2, which will be described later. To enable easy peeling of the release liner 2, there are no particular restrictions on the shape of the cutting line 53, but the starting and ending points of the cutting line 53 are designed so that they do not reach the peripheral edges of the double-section or multiple-section small-size patch, which will be described later, so that gaps do not form between the release liners 2 during the manufacturing process or when the small-size patches are separated. The cutting line 53 consists of a line portion A that is formed by extending from a certain portion of the dividing line 51 as a starting point and ending at a portion that does not reach the peripheral edge of the patch, or a line portion B that is formed by extending from a certain portion of the dividing line 51 as a starting point and returning without reaching the peripheral edge of the patch, and ending at another portion of the dividing line 51 or at that starting point, or a line portion C that is formed by extending from a portion that does not reach either the peripheral edge of the patch or the dividing line 51, and ending at another portion that does not reach either the peripheral edge of the patch or the dividing line 51, or at that starting point, or a combination of at least two of the line portions A, B and C.

[0024] As a result, the start and end points of cutting line 53 do not reach the peripheral edge of the double or multiple small-sized patch described below, which solves the problem of gaps occurring between the release liners 2 after cutting line 53 is applied during the manufacturing process, reduces the occurrence of defective products, and leads to improved production efficiency.

[0025] Regarding the above line segments, for example, line segments A, B, and C may be straight lines, curved lines, or combinations of straight and curved lines, and the straight lines may be polygonal lines. Furthermore, line segments A, B, and C may be dashed lines.

[0026] FIG. 1 shows a cutting line 53, which is a line segment A that extends from the center of the dividing line 51 as a starting point and terminates at a point that does not reach the peripheral edge of the patch. Furthermore, FIG. 5 shows a plan view of a double-section small-size patch 1, showing the cutting line 53 made up of various line segments. Note that while the double-section small-size patch 1 in FIG. 5 is substantially rectangular, this shape is not limiting. In FIG. 5A, a cutting line 53 made up of line segment A is shown. In FIG. 5B, a cutting line 53 made up of line segment B is shown. In FIG. 5C, a cutting line 53 made up of line segment C is shown. In FIG. 5D, a cutting line 53 made up of a combination of line segment A and line segment B is shown. Needless to say, the shapes of the cutting line 53 shown in the figures are merely examples.

[0027] (Multiple Small-Size Patches 11) In response to market demand, not only double small-size patches but also multiple double small-size patches 1 can be joined at any side via an interrupted dividing line 52 to form an even-numbered small-size patch. Alternatively, one or more double small-size patches 1 and one or more small-size patches S that make up the double small-size patches 1 can be joined at any side via an interrupted dividing line 52 to form a multiple small-size patch consisting of even-numbered or odd-numbered small-size patches. These multiple small-size patches are referred to as multiple small-size patches 11 and are also the subject of the present invention. The shape of the multiple small-size patches 11 is not limited to a rectangle and can also be a polygon. For example, a four-part small patch having a convex shape formed by connecting two small patches 1 to one on each side of the two small patches 1 is octagonal.

[0028] Examples of multiple small-sized patches 11 include those shown in Figures 3(A) and 7(C). In Figure 3(A), the double-connected small-sized patches are approximately rectangular, and three double-connected small-sized patches are connected at the long sides of the double-connected small-sized patches via interrupted dividing line portions 52 to form a substantially rectangular sextuplet small-sized patch 22. In Figure 7(C), the double-connected small-sized patches are trapezoidal, and a substantially rectangular sextuplet small-sized patch 33 is formed, consisting of two trapezoidal double-connected small-sized patches and two right-angled trapezoidal small-sized patches S that make up the double-connected small-sized patch 1.

[0029] (Intermittent dividing line 52) The interrupted dividing line 52 consists of line portions where the backing 4 and the paste layer 3 are entirely cut and the release liner 2 is intermittently cut. Portions of the release liner 2 that are not cut by the interrupted dividing line 52 are intermittent joints 7. In one embodiment of the small-sized multiple patch of the present invention, it is also possible to use a knife during the manufacturing process to cut the backing 4, the paste layer 3, and a portion of the paste layer 3 side of the intermittent joint 7 at the intermittent dividing line 52 so that stringiness does not completely occur in the backing 4.

[0030] The configuration of the intermittent joints 7 is not particularly limited as long as the user can easily tear them apart by hand. For example, the width of the intermittent joints 7 in the direction in which the intermittent dividing line 52 extends is preferably 0.5 mm to 5.0 mm, and more preferably 0.5 mm to 3.5 mm. In addition, the intermittent dividing line 52 of each adjacent pair of small-sized patches 1 has, for example, 2 to 16 intermittent joints 7, and preferably 4 to 8 intermittent joints 7.

[0031] The intervals between the intermittent joints 7 in the direction in which the intermittent dividing line portions 52 extend are not particularly limited. The intervals may be uniform or may vary.

[0032] When using the multiple small-sized patch 11, the intermittent joints 6 and the intermittent joints 7 are torn along the dividing lines 51 and the intermittent dividing lines 52 until the small-sized patch S (see FIG. 3B) is obtained. Because the base fabric 4 and the paste layer 3 are completely cut, the base fabric 4 does not become stringy.

[0033] Figure 3(A) is a plan view of a six-piece small-sized patch 22. Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line DD' (intermittent dividing line 52). It shows that the release liner 2, backing fabric 4, and paste layer 3 are completely cut apart, except for the intermittent joints 7 shown with diagonal lines.

[0034] [Backing Fabric 4] Materials commonly used in the field of patch use are used for the backing fabric 4 of the patch. The backing fabric 4 is appropriately selected according to the purpose, taking into account flexibility, stretchability, thickness, and other factors, as well as conformability to the affected area and self-supporting properties during application. Furthermore, it is preferable for the backing fabric to be breathable and water-permeable. Generally, plastic films, knitted fabrics, woven fabrics, or nonwoven fabrics are used. Examples of plastic films that are preferred include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, and other plastic films. Examples of knitted fabrics that are preferred include polystyrene elastomers, polyolefin-based, vinyl chloride-based, polyurethane-based, polyester-based, polyamide-based, and polybutadiene-based resins. Preferred woven or nonwoven fabrics include woven fabrics such as thick weave, yarn weave, and gauze made from natural fibers such as hemp or silk, or synthetic fibers such as polyester fibers, polyethylene fibers, polypropylene fibers, polyamide fibers, polyvinyl chloride fibers, polyurethane fibers, rayon, and cupra, as well as nonwoven fabrics made by methods such as spunlace, spunbond, thermal bond, chemical bond, and needle punch. Polyester-based knitted fabrics are particularly preferred. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0035] The stretchability of the base fabric 4 is appropriately considered. A base fabric 4 is preferably used that has sufficient stretchability to follow the movement of the joint when attached to a joint such as a finger, and sufficient stretch recovery to return the base fabric to its original state when the joint is returned to its original state.

[0036] [Plaster layer 3] The plaster layer 3 is an adhesive layer that optionally carries various active ingredients such as a drug, a transdermal absorption enhancer, etc. The plaster layer may consist of only a single layer, or may consist of multiple layers if desired, in which case it can have a laminated structure in which, for example, a layer containing a drug and an adhesive and a layer containing an adhesive (but not a drug) are laminated together.

[0037] When a cataplasm is used as the patch formulation, the plaster layer 3 is preferably a layer made of an adhesive hydrogel or the like, and its thickness and gel viscosity are appropriately selected depending on the purpose. The adhesive hydrogel can be one that has been used as a plaster for conventional patches, such as sodium alginate, gum arabic, gelatin, pullulan, pectin, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, polyacrylic acid, sodium polyacrylate, acrylic acid copolymer, maleic anhydride copolymer, or methyl vinyl ether, mixed with a hardener, hardening regulator, mineral powder, fragrance, colorant, and water. The amounts of these ingredients are appropriately blended to achieve the desired effect without causing deterioration in quality, deterioration in usability, or difficulty in handling during manufacturing due to excessive blending.

[0038] The various active ingredients are preferably transdermally absorbable drugs such as analgesics or anti-inflammatory agents, cooling agents, moisturizers, etc. These ingredients may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The amount of each of these active ingredients is appropriately blended so that the medicinal effect of the blend is sufficient and so that excessive blending does not cause skin irritation.

[0039] Furthermore, when a plaster formulation is adopted as the patch dosage form, the paste layer 3 can be configured to contain an adhesive or tackifying resin selected from synthetic rubber adhesives such as styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymers, natural rubber adhesives, hydrogenated petroleum resins, rosin, hydrogenated rosin, terpene resins, acrylic adhesives, silicone adhesives, etc. Furthermore, the paste layer can be blended with liquid rubbers such as polybutene and polyisobutylene, softeners (plasticizers) such as liquid paraffin, vegetable oil, and lanolin, transdermal absorption enhancers such as fatty acid esters and higher alcohols, ultraviolet absorbers, etc. Furthermore, the various active ingredients listed above in the description of poultices can be blended as appropriate.

[0040] [Release Liner 2] The release liner 2 is appropriately selected depending on the purpose, taking into consideration easy releasability from the plaster layer 3, the effect of preventing the volatilization of the active ingredient in the plaster layer, etc. Generally, colorless or colored materials such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene or other plastic films, silicone-treated paper obtained by silicone-treating synthetic resin, synthetic paper, synthetic fiber, etc., aluminum foil, laminated paper obtained by laminating polyethylene or the like onto kraft paper, etc. are preferred. The above liner materials may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0041] The thickness of the release liner 2 is selected appropriately depending on the material, etc. If the thickness is too thick, the release liner will be difficult to cut when manufacturing the dividing lines and cutting lines, and this is uneconomical. Conversely, if the thickness is too thin, the patient will have difficulty peeling the liner, so care must be taken when setting the thickness. Preferably, the thickness of the release liner 2 is 10 μm to 100 μm.

[0042] Furthermore, it is more preferable that the thickness of the release liner 2 at the intermittent joints 6 and intermittent joints 7 be 45 μm to 95 μm so that the double or multiple small-sized patches (1, 11) can be easily cut into small-sized patches S. When there are cuts on the paste layer 3 side of the intermittent joints 6 and intermittent joints 7, for example, the thickness of the release liner 2 at the intermittent joints 6 and intermittent joints 7 is 75 μm, the thickness of the cut portions is 15 μm to 35 μm, and the thickness of the non-cut portions is 30 μm to 60 μm.

[0043] The shape of the release liner 2 is preferably the same as that of the base fabric 4 on which the paste layer 3 is provided. Its size is the same as or slightly larger than that of the base fabric 4.

[0044] Furthermore, the release liner 2 may be subjected to a surface treatment such as embossing in order to facilitate the release from the paste layer 3 .

[0045] The release liner 2 may be printed with arrows or other figures, characters, symbols, or other indications to indicate the peeling marker and / or the type of patch and how to apply it, or may be colored.

[0046] [Method of Manufacturing the Patch of the Present Invention] (Double-Section Small-Size Patch) The double-section small-size patch of the present invention comprises, first, step 1 of forming a laminate bulk by a manufacturing method known in the art, for example, by laminating a backing fabric, a paste layer thereon, and a release liner thereon. Thereafter, the formed laminate bulk is cut to the predetermined side width of double-section small-size patch 1 to prepare a long patch bulk, and simultaneously or subsequently, step 2 of cutting the obtained long patch bulk into the predetermined shape of double-section small-size patch, and then, during or after step 2, step 3 of simultaneously forming dividing lines and cutting lines in the laminate bulk or the long patch bulk, or forming dividing lines and then cutting lines, or forming cutting lines and then forming dividing lines.

[0047] As an example of steps 2 and 3 in the method for producing a double-section small-sized patch, after step 1, step 2 of forming a long patch bulk can be carried out, followed by step 3 of forming cutting line 53 and then dividing line 51, and then step 2 of cutting the long patch bulk into the predetermined shape of the double-section small-sized patch can be carried out simultaneously with the formation of dividing line 51. Alternatively, after step 1, steps 2 and 3 can be carried out simultaneously, and cutting line 53, dividing line 51 and the predetermined shape of the double-section small-sized patch can be formed all at once.

[0048] Furthermore, if necessary, step 4 may be included in step 3 or after step 3, in which the four corners of the small-sized patch S are cut into rounded corners consisting of curved lines. For example, step 4 may be performed simultaneously with the formation of the dividing line portions 51 in step 3.

[0049] Furthermore, in consideration of manufacturing convenience, in step 2 of producing a long patch base, the patch base is not limited to a single row of double-ream small size patches, but also includes cases where multiple rows of double-ream small size patches form a long patch base.

[0050] Here, the predetermined shape of the double-ream small-sized patch 1 refers to a shape in which two small-sized patches S are connected together. As described above, the double-ream small-sized patch 1 of the present invention is rectangular. The predetermined side width of the double-ream small-sized patch 1 refers to the width of a certain side of the double-ream small-sized patch 1. However, in step 2, cutting the formed laminate base at the predetermined side width of the double-ream small-sized patch 1 means cutting it at a side width that matches the number of rows so that one or multiple rows of double-ream small-sized patches 1 can be formed (e.g., for two rows, twice the predetermined side width). For example, in the case of a rectangular double-ream small-sized patch 1 with a long side of 10 cm and a short side of 7 cm, the predetermined side width is 10 cm or 7 cm. In step 2, when multiple rows of double-ream small-sized patches are formed into a long patch base, the predetermined side width changes depending on the number of rows.

[0051] Figure 6 is a diagram showing a portion of a manufacturing method for a double-section small-size patch 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The double-section small-size patch 1 is substantially rectangular. (A) of Figure 6 is a diagram showing step 2 in which the double-section small-size patch 1 is cut at a predetermined long-side width to produce a long patch bulk. (B) of Figure 6 is a diagram showing step 3 in which cutting lines 53 are formed in the long patch bulk. (C) of Figure 6 is a diagram showing the simultaneous execution of step 3 in which dividing lines 51 are formed, step 2 in which the long patch bulk is cut at a predetermined short-side width of the double-section small-size patch 1, and step 4 in which the four corners of the small-size patch S are cut into rounded corners consisting of curves.

[0052] (Multiple Small Size Patch) The method for producing the multiple small size patch is basically the same as the method for producing a double small size patch, and first includes step 1 of forming a laminate base. Thereafter, the method includes step 2 of cutting the formed laminated bulk body to the predetermined side width of multiple small-sized patches 11 to prepare a long patch bulk body, and simultaneously or subsequently cutting the obtained long patch bulk body into the predetermined shape of multiple small-sized patches 11; and step 3 of simultaneously forming, during or after step 2, intermittent dividing line portions 52, dividing line portions 51 and cutting line portions 53 in the laminated bulk body or the long patch bulk body using a knife member, or forming intermittent dividing line portions 52, dividing line portions 51 and cutting line portions 53 in an order in which the formation of one is completed and the formation of the next begins, or forming one of intermittent dividing line portions 52, dividing line portions 51 and cutting line portions 53 and then simultaneously forming the remaining two. Specifically, step 3 can be divided into, for example, a sub-step of forming the cutting line portion 53 and a sub-step of simultaneously forming the parting line portion 51 and the interrupted parting line portion 52. Note that the order of these sub-steps is not limited.

[0053] In the method for producing multiple small-sized patches, one example of steps 2 and 3 is that after step 1, step 2 of forming a long patch bulk is carried out, followed by step 3 of simultaneously forming interrupted dividing line portions 52, dividing line portions 51, and cutting line portions 53, and then step 2 of cutting the long patch bulk into the predetermined shape of multiple small-sized patches. Alternatively, steps 2 and 3 can be carried out simultaneously after step 1, and interrupted dividing line portions 52, cutting line portions 53, dividing line portions 51, and the predetermined shape of multiple small-sized patches can be formed all at once.

[0054] Furthermore, as in the manufacturing method of the double-section small-sized patch 1, if necessary, step 4 can be included in or after step 3, in which the four corners of the small-sized patch S are cut into rounded corners consisting of curves. For example, step 4 can be performed simultaneously with the formation of the dividing line 51 and the interrupted dividing line 52 after the formation of the cutting line 53 in step 3.

[0055] Furthermore, in consideration of manufacturing convenience, in step 2 of producing a long patch base, the patch base is not limited to a single row of multiple small size patches, but also includes cases where multiple rows of multiple small size patches are made into a long patch base.

[0056] Here, the predetermined shape of the multiple small-sized patch 11 refers to the shape of the multiple small-sized patch 11 to be manufactured. It is not limited to a rectangle, but may also be a polygon. The predetermined side width of the multiple small-sized patch 11 refers to the width of one side of the multiple small-sized patch 11 or the combined width of one or more sides, in accordance with the shape of the multiple small-sized patch 11.

[0057] For example, the predetermined shape of the multiple small size patches 11 is a substantially rectangular shape when the multiple small size patches 11 are formed by connecting one small size patch S to the short side of a double small size patch 1 at the long side of the small size patch S. Then, when a single row of patch base materials for the triple small size patches is produced, the predetermined side width of the laminate base material is the side width of the short side of the double small size patch 1 (i.e., the long side of the small size patch S).

[0058] For example, the predetermined shape of the six-ream small-sized patch 33 shown in Figure 7 below is a substantially rectangular shape. When the six-ream small-sized patch 33 is manufactured, the width of the side of the trapezoidal two-ream small-sized patch 1 (corresponding to the height of the trapezoid) is a predetermined side width, and the laminated base is cut to match the height of the trapezoid to produce a long patch base (Figure 7(A)).

[0059] However, in step 2, cutting the formed laminate base at the predetermined side width of multiple small-sized patches 11 means cutting at a side width that matches the number of rows so that one or multiple rows of multiple small-sized patches 1 can be formed (for example, for two rows, the predetermined side width is twice the predetermined side width). For example, in the case of a rectangular quadruple small-sized patch 11 whose predetermined shape is 14 cm long and 10 cm short, the predetermined side width is 14 cm or 10 cm. In step 2, when multiple rows of multiple small-sized patches are formed into a long patch base, the predetermined side width changes according to the number of rows.

[0060] Figure 7 shows, as an example, some of the steps in manufacturing a rectangular six-ream small patch 33 composed of two trapezoidal double-ream small patches 1 and two right-angled trapezoidal small patches S. Figure 7 (A) is a diagram showing step 2 in which a multi-ream small patch 11 is cut at a predetermined side width to produce a long patch bulk. This side width is the height of the double-ream small patch 1. Figure 7 (B) is a diagram showing step 3 in which interrupted dividing line portions 52, dividing line portions 51, and cutting line portions 53 are simultaneously formed in the long patch bulk. Figure 7 (C) is a diagram showing the simultaneous execution of step 2 in which the long patch bulk is cut into the predetermined rectangular shape of the multi-ream small patch 11, and step 4 in which the four corners of the small patch S are cut into rounded corners consisting of curves. The multiple small size patches 11 are a substantially rectangular six-piece small size patch 33 made up of two trapezoidal double small size patches 1 and two right-angled trapezoidal small size patches S.

[0061] Since the patch of the present invention is in direct contact with the affected area, it can be sterilized after being produced as described above. The sterilization method is not particularly limited as long as it is a method commonly used in the sterilization of conventional pharmaceuticals, and examples of the sterilization method that can be used include gamma ray sterilization, electron beam sterilization, high-pressure steam sterilization, and ethylene oxide gas sterilization.

[0062] [Usage of the Patch of the Present Invention] Figure 8 shows a method of using a double-section small-sized patch 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The double-section small-sized patch 1 of the present invention is separated into small patches S by manual pulling (Figure 8(A)). Then, for each small-sized patch S, a portion of the release liner 2 is peeled off along the cutting line 53 of the release liner 2 (Figure 8(B)). While holding the portion of the small-sized patch S where the release liner 2 has not been peeled off, the exposed paste layer 3 is applied to the affected area. Next, the remaining release liner 2 is peeled off, and the remaining paste layer is applied to the affected area (Figure 8(C)). Further, specific usage patterns for peeling off the release liner 2 and applying it to the affected area include a usage pattern in which, when peeling off the release liner 2 along the cutting line 53, the extension of the cutting line 53 (the uncut release liner 2) is torn off by hand, and the exposed part of the plaster layer 3 is then applied to the affected area; and a usage pattern in which, when peeling off the release liner 2 along the cutting line 53, the extension of the cutting line 53 (the uncut release liner 2) is not torn off, and the exposed part of the plaster layer 3 is applied to the affected area, and the remaining release liner 2 is then peeled off and the remaining plaster layer 3 is then applied to the affected area.

[0063] Double-section small-sized patches were prepared for Examples 1 to 3 (see FIG. 9 ). The common features of the double-section small-sized patches of Examples 1 to 3 are that they all comprise a base fabric, a paste layer applied to the base fabric, and a release liner applied to the paste layer. They are rectangular, measuring 70.62 mm x 100 mm, with rounded corners. Each dividing line 51 is a linear line segment connecting the midpoint of the 100 mm long side, cutting the entire base fabric and paste layer and intermittently cutting the release liner. The dividing line 51 has four intermittent joints 6 that are not cut. Furthermore, the cutting line 53 is a linear segment that starts at the midpoint of the dividing line 51, extends parallel to the long side of the patch, and terminates just short of the short side of the patch, forming a slit through the entire thickness of the release liner. Table 1 below shows the differences between the double-section small-sized patches of Examples 1 to 3. L: width of intermittent joint 6 D1: distance between the center of an intermittent joint 6 and the center of an adjacent intermittent joint 6 (no cutting line 53 passes between them) D2: distance from the center of the nearest intermittent joint 6 to the long side of the double small-sized patch D3: distance from the cutting line 53 to the center of the adjacent intermittent joint 6 D4: shortest distance from the end point of cutting line 53 to the short side of the patch

[0064] In Examples 1 to 3, when producing double-section small-sized patches, no gaps were formed between the release liners 2 at the cutting line 53. Furthermore, when dividing the double-section small-sized patches of Examples 1 to 3 into small-sized patches, it was confirmed that the intermittent joint 6 was easily torn off and no stringiness occurred. Furthermore, the release liner 2 could be removed smoothly along the cutting line 53, and the paste layers did not stick together.

[0065] 1. Double-stranded small patch 11. Multi-stranded small patch 22. Six-stranded small patch 33. Six-stranded small patch 10. Conventional size patch S. Small patch 2. Release liner 3. Plaster layer 4. Backing fabric 50. Half cut 51. Parting line 52. Intermittent parting line 53. Cutting line 6. Intermittent joint 7. Intermittent joint L. Width of intermittent joint 6

Claims

1. A rectangular patch comprising a base fabric, a paste layer applied to the base fabric, and a release liner attached to the paste layer, the patch having a dividing line that allows the patch to be separated into two smaller patches, one on the left and one on the right; the dividing line extending from the center of one side to the center of the other side on two opposing sides of the rectangle, the base fabric and the paste layer being entirely cut and the release liner being intermittently cut; the uncut portion of the release liner along the dividing line is an intermittent joint; Furthermore, each of the two left and right small-sized patches has a cutting line portion that forms a slit across the entire thickness of the release liner, and the cutting line portion consists of line portion A that starts from a certain portion of the dividing line portion and ends at a portion that does not reach the peripheral edge of the patch, or line portion B that starts from a certain portion of the dividing line portion and returns without reaching the peripheral edge of the patch, and ends at another portion of the dividing line portion or at that starting point, or line portion C that starts from a portion that does not reach either the peripheral edge of the patch or the dividing line portion and ends at another portion that does not reach either the peripheral edge of the patch or the dividing line portion or at that starting point, or a combination of at least two of line portion A, line portion B, and line portion C.

2. The double-section small-sized patch according to claim 1, wherein the line segments A, B, and C are linear, curved, or a combination of linear and curved shapes.

3. The double-section small-sized patch according to claim 2, wherein the linear shape is a broken line shape.

4. The double-section small-sized patch according to claim 1, wherein the line segments A, B, and C are dashed lines.

5. The double-section small-sized patch according to claim 1, wherein the dividing line portion is a straight line portion connecting the midpoint of one side and the midpoint of the other side of two opposing sides of the rectangle, and is capable of dividing small-sized patches of the same dimensions.

6. The double-section small-sized patch according to claim 1, wherein the dividing line portion has two to eight intermittent joints, and the width of each intermittent joint in the direction in which the dividing line portion extends is uniform and is 0.5 mm to 5.0 mm.

7. The double-section small-sized patch according to claim 1, wherein the dividing line portion has four to six intermittent joints, and the width of each intermittent joint in the direction in which the dividing line portion extends is uniform and is 0.5 mm to 3.5 mm.

8. A multiple small-sized patch formed by connecting a plurality of double-linked small-sized patches according to any one of claims 1 to 7, or one or more of said double-linked small-sized patches and one or more of the small-sized patches that make it up, via interrupted dividing line portions at any side of said double-linked small-sized patches and / or small-sized patches.

9. The small-sized multiple patch according to claim 8, wherein the intermittent dividing line portion comprises line portions where the backing fabric and the adhesive layer are entirely cut and the release liner is intermittently cut.

10. The small-sized multi-section patch according to claim 9, wherein the uncut portions of the release liner in the interrupted dividing line sections are interrupted joints, there are two to eight interrupted joints in the interrupted dividing line sections, and the width of each of the interrupted joints in the direction in which the interrupted dividing line sections extend is uniform and is 0.5 mm to 5.0 mm.

11. The small-sized multi-section patch according to claim 9, wherein the uncut portions of the release liner at the interrupted dividing line sections are interrupted joints, there are four to six interrupted joints at the dividing line sections, and the width of each of the interrupted joints in the direction in which the dividing line sections extend is uniform and is 0.5 mm to 3.5 mm.

12. A small-sized patch obtained by dividing the double-section small-sized patch according to any one of claims 1 to 7 into two halves at the dividing line.

13. A small-sized patch obtained by dividing the multiple small-sized patch according to claim 8 at the interrupted dividing line portions and the dividing line portions.

14. A small-sized patch obtained by dividing the multiple small-sized patch according to claim 9 at the interrupted dividing line portions and the dividing line portions.

15. A method for producing a double-piece small-sized patch according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising: step 1 of forming a laminated base by laminating a base fabric, a paste layer thereon, and a release liner thereon; step 2 of cutting the formed laminated base to the specified side width of the double-piece small-sized patch to produce a long patch base, and simultaneously or subsequently cutting the obtained long patch base into the specified shape of the double-piece small-sized patch; and step 3 of using a knife element during or after step 2 to simultaneously form a dividing line and a cutting line in the laminated base or the long patch base, or to form a dividing line and then a cutting line, or to form a cutting line and then a dividing line.

16. A method for producing a multi-piece small-sized patch according to claim 8, comprising: step 1 of forming a laminated base by laminating a base fabric, a paste layer thereon, and a release liner thereon; step 2 of cutting the formed laminated base to the predetermined side width of a multi-piece small-sized patch to prepare a long patch base; and simultaneously with or subsequent to this, step 2 of cutting the obtained long patch base into the predetermined shape of a multi-piece small-sized patch. a step 3 in which, during or after step 2, a knife member is used to simultaneously form an intermittent dividing line portion, a dividing line portion, and a cutting line portion in the laminated raw material or the long patch raw material, or the formation of the intermittent dividing line portion, the dividing line portion, and the cutting line portion is carried out in such an order that when the formation of one is completed, the formation of the next begins, or one of the intermittent dividing line portion, the dividing line portion, and the cutting line portion is formed and then the remaining two are formed simultaneously, or two are formed simultaneously and then the remaining one is formed.

17. A method for producing a multi-piece small-sized patch according to claim 9, comprising: step 1 of forming a laminated base by laminating a base fabric, a paste layer thereon, and a release liner thereon; step 2 of cutting the formed laminated base to the predetermined side width of the multi-piece small-sized patch to produce a long patch base; and simultaneously with or subsequent to this, step 2 of cutting the obtained long patch base into the predetermined shape of the multi-piece small-sized patch. a step 3 in which, during or after step 2, a knife member is used to simultaneously form an intermittent dividing line portion, a dividing line portion, and a cutting line portion in the laminated raw material or the long patch raw material, or the formation of the intermittent dividing line portion, the dividing line portion, and the cutting line portion is carried out in such an order that when the formation of one is completed, the formation of the next begins, or one of the intermittent dividing line portion, the dividing line portion, and the cutting line portion is formed and then the remaining two are formed simultaneously, or two are formed simultaneously and then the remaining one is formed.

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