Bandage having a tab portion for facilitating easy removal from the skin

• US 5,772,623 A
• Filed: 08/10/1995
• Issued: 06/30/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 08/10/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Stephen Conte
• Original Assignee: Stephen Conte
• Inventors: Conte, Stephen
• Primary Examiner(s): Apley, Richard J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): LEWIS, KIM M
• Application Number:
  US08/513,455
• Time in Patent Office: 1,055 Days
• Field of Search: 206/440, 206/441, 220/270, 220/354, 220/793, 220/805, 215/232, 215/341, 215/349, 215/308, 602/41-59
• US Class Current: 602/57
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/0206 with absorbent fibrous layers, e.g. woven or non-woven absorbent pads or island dressings
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/0246 characterised by the skin-adhering layer

Abstract

A flat, adhesive bandage having a lower, skin contacting surface coated with a first adhesive, and an upper surface partially coated with a second adhesive. At least one tab integrally extends from one edge of the bandage and is releasably adhered to the upper surface in complete covering relation to the second adhesive and in covering relation to an uncoated portion of the upper surface. When it is desired to remove the bandage from the skin, the tab may be grasped and lifted away from the upper surface. The tab may then be pulled in a direction to effectively remove the bandage. Therefore, it is not necessary to pry between the skin and the bandage'"'"'s lower surface to effect removal of the bandage.

Claims

1. An adhesive flat bandage having at least one edge defining a predetermined periphery, each of said at least one edge having a respective axis extending therealong, said bandage used to cover a wound to the skin, said bandage comprising:

a) a lower surface having a coating of first adhesive thereon, said first adhesive being of a first adhesive strength;

b) an upper surface having a partial coating of a second adhesive thereon, said second adhesive being of a second adhesive strength; and

c) at least one tab integrally extending outwardly from said at least one edge, said tab being foldable backwardly upon itself about said respective axis extending along said at least one edge and positioned in releasably adhered relation to said upper surface in covering relation to said second adhesive, whereby said tab may be detached from said upper surface and manipulated to pull said bandage away from said skin.

2. The invention according to claim 1 wherein said first adhesive is stronger than said second adhesive.

3. The invention according to claim 2 wherein said second adhesive is from 5% to 70% as strong as said first adhesive.

4. The invention according to claim 1 wherein said bandage is substantially rectangular in shape, thereby said bandage includes four edges and four corners.

5. The invention according to claim 4 wherein each of said four corners are obliquely cut along a straight edge, thereby said bandage includes four sides and four obliquely cut corners having a respective oblique axis extending along said corners.

6. The invention according to claim 5 wherein said second adhesive is coated on a portion of said upper surface adjacent at least one of said four corners.

7. The invention according to claim 6 wherein said at least one tab integrally extends from at least one of said four obliquely cut corners, said at least one tab being foldable about a said respective oblique axis, and is removably adhered to said upper surface in covering relation to said second adhesive.

8. The invention according to claim 7 wherein said at least one tab is removably adhered to said upper surface in covering relation to said second adhesive and to a predetermined non-adhesive area of said upper surface, whereby said tab is adhered to said upper surface in a manner conducive for unobstructed grasping thereof.

9. The invention of claim 7 wherein said at least one tab is substantially triangular in shape.

10. The invention according to claim 4 wherein said bandage includes first and second edges of a first length, and third and fourth edges of a second length, said first length being longer than said second length.

11. The invention according to claim 9 wherein said at least one tab integrally extends from at least one of said first and second edges, said tab being releasably adhered to said upper surface in covering relation to said second adhesive.

12. The invention according to claim 11 wherein said at least one tab is removably adhered to said upper surface in covering relation to said second adhesive and to a predetermined, non-adhesive area of said upper surface, whereby said at least one tab is adhered in a manner conducive for unobstructed grasping thereof.

13. The invention according to claim 11 wherein said at least one tab is elongated in shape.

14. The invention according to claim 8 wherein said second adhesive is coated on a portion of said upper surface adjacent at least one of said first and second short edges.

15. The invention according to claim 1 wherein said bandage is longitudinally elongated in shape and said periphery is defined by first and second, opposed, long edges and first and second, opposed, curvi-linear, short edges.

16. The invention according to claim 15 wherein at least one of said first and second opposed, curvi-linear edges includes a linear, oblique edge forming a portion thereof.

17. The invention according to claim 16 wherein said second adhesive is coated on a portion of said upper surface adjacent said at least one, linear, oblique axis.

18. The invention according to claim 17 wherein said at least one tab integrally extends from said at least one linear, oblique edge, said at least one tab being removably adhered to said upper surface in covering relation to said second adhesive.

19. The invention according to claim 18 wherein said at least one tab is removably adhered to said upper surface in covering relation to said second adhesive and to a predetermined, non-adhesive area of said upper surface in a manner conducive for unobstructed grasping thereof.