Flexible support for gel wraps

• US 7,101,349 B2
• Filed: 04/16/2004
• Issued: 09/05/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 08/21/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Gelzone, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Gelzone, Inc.
• Inventors: Leicht, Edward C., Binder, William J., Binder, David M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Zalukaeva, Tatyana
• Assistant Examiner(s): GIBSON, KESHIA L
• Application Number:
  US10/825,766
• Publication Number:
  US 20050027228A1
• Time in Patent Office: 872 Days
• Field of Search: 602 41- 77
• US Class Current: 602/75
• CPC Class Codes: A61D 9/00 Bandages, poultices, compresses specially adapted to veterinary purposes fetlock-joint protecting rings A01K13/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/0269 Tapes for dressing attachment for stoma bags A61F5/443; for nappies or sanitary towels A61F13/58; wound closure tapes A61B17/085; for surgical drapes A61B46/00; attaching catheters A61M25/02
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/0273 Adhesive bandages for winding around limb, trunk or head, e.g. cohesive
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/0283 for making adhesive or cohesive tape or fabrics therefor, e.g. coating or mechanical treatments
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/062 Openable readjustable
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/10 specially adapted for fingers, hands, or arms; Finger-stalls; Nail-protectors restraining devices for arms A61F5/37; shoulder bandages A61F13/14
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 15/002 dispensers for web or tape like bandages
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 15/006 Bandage fasteners
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/00119 elastic
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/00174 possibility of applying pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/00251 with macroscopic openings
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/00565 with hook and loop-type fastener connecting means
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/00638 Gel
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/00702 silicon-based
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/00727 means for wound humidity control
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/00859 with macroscopic openings
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/0104 without articulation
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/34 Pressure pads filled with air or liquid valves specially adapted for medical use A61M39/00; connection of valves to inflatable elastic bodies B60C29/00; valves per se F16K
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 439/926 within machine casing or motor housing, connector within casing wall

Abstract

A two-ply bandage for treatment of skin while providing orthopedic support having a first layer of gel for contacting the skin and a second layer of an elastic and supportive loop portion of a hook and loop fastener. The product is economically manufactured in the form of long rolls or as a sheet and is easily cut to any desired shape.

Claims

1. A method for providing musculo-skeletal support, which comprises the steps of:

(a) wrapping a stretchable, supportive laminate wrap around a portion of a body in need of musculo-skeletal support, wherein the laminate wrap comprises a silicone gel having a skin contacting surface, said silicone gel being laminated to an elastic carrier wherein said carrier is the loop portion of a hook and loop fastener, said laminate wrap forming an integrated structure configured to have elasticity sufficient to provide compression against a body surface without substantial fragmentation of said silicone gel;

(b) stretching the laminate wrap around the portion to be supported; and

(c) securing the laminate wrap in a closed position with one or more closure strips.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the elastic carrier has a modulus of elasticity of about 50%.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the laminate wrap is a bandage for a joint or a muscle.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the joint is a knee, an ankle, a wrist, or an elbow.

5. The method of claim 4, for use in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.

6. The method of claim 4, for use in the treatment of arthritis.

7. The method of claim 4, for use in the treatment of tennis elbow.

8. The method of claim 3, for use in a veterinary application.

9. The method of claim 3, wherein the closure strip is approximately the width of the bandage.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the silicone gel is a cured polydiorganosiloxane resin.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the gel contains an additive.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the additive is a topical medication or an emollient.

13. A method for providing musculo-skeletal support, which comprises the steps of:

(a) wrapping a stretchable, supportive laminate wrap around a portion of a body in need of musculo-skeletal support, wherein the laminate wrap comprises a gel having a skin contacting surface, said silicone gel being laminated to an elastic carrier wherein said carrier is the loop portion of a hook and loop fastener, said laminate wrap forming an integrated structure configured to have elasticity sufficient to provide compression against a body surface without substantial fragmentation of said gel;

(b) stretching the laminate wrap around the portion to be supported; and

(c) securing the laminate wrap in a closed position with one or more closure strips;

wherein the closure strip is the hook portion of a hook and loop fastener.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the gel is a silicone gel.

15. A method for providing a skin treatment, which comprises the steps of:

(a) wrapping a stretchable, supportive laminate wrap around a portion of a body having skin in need of treatment, wherein the laminate wrap comprises a gel having a skin contacting surface, said silicone gel being laminated to an elastic carrier wherein said carrier is the loop portion of a hook and loon fastener, said laminate wrap forming an integrated structure configured to have elasticity sufficient to provide compression against a body surface without substantial fragmentation of said gel;

(b) stretching the laminate wrap around the portion of the body to be treated; and

(c) securing the laminate wrap in a closed position with one or more closure strips.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the gel is a silicone gel.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the carrier has a modulus of elasticity of about 50%.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the closure strip is the hook portion of a hook and loop fastener.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the laminate wrap is a bandage and wherein the skin treatment reduces the appearance of scarring.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein the silicone gel is a cured polydiorganosiloxane resin.

21. The method of claim 15, wherein the gel contains an additive.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the additive is a topical medication or an emollient.

23. The method of claim 19, wherein the closure strip is approximately the width of the bandage.