FR2771627A1 - Adhesive and elastic strap - Google Patents

Abstract

The strap, made from an adhesive and elastic material with lengthwise slits along the middle of its two end portions, has additional lengthwise slit along the middle of its central portion between its end portions and in line with the end slits. The strap, made from an adhesive and elastic material with lengthwise slits (20, 20') along the middle of its two end portions (2, 2'), has an additional lengthwise slit (30) along the middle of its central portion (3) between its end portions and in line with the end slits. The central and end portions of the strap are separated by transverse sections which have no adhesive coating or are covered by non-adhesive strips (5). The adhesive surface of the strap is protected by a peel-off film layer in two or three separate sections. After manufacture it is enclosed in sterile packaging.

Description

ADHESIVE AND ELASTIC TAPE FOR CONTAINING THE
ANKLE OR TENDON OF ACHILE AND SET OF
CONTENT WITH SUCH A BAND
The present invention relates to an elastic and adhesive tape for restraining the ankle or Achilles tendon.

 It also relates to a compression assembly comprising such a band. Such an assembly is commonly designated in the medical community by the Anglo-Saxon term "strapping".

 Contention sets consisting of a set of adhesive and elastic bands are already known. These are simple pieces of tape, adhesive and elastic, rectangular in shape, which are taken from a roll. We understand that such a maneuver is tedious, due to the different cuts that it is necessary to make.

 The pieces of tape are fixed, according to the very particular methodology known to physiotherapists, around the member that it is necessary to immobilize, after removal of a protective film. During this operation, it is necessary to guard against untimely sticking of the pieces of tape.

 In particular in the case of a sprained ankle, two bands are fixed transversely under the sole of the foot and the opposite ends are positioned on either side of the foot, at the level of the calf. Other bands, rigid and / or elastic, are put in place in order to immobilize and hold in place the bands already laid.

 In practice, such an installation does not completely eliminate the risk of varus of the foot, that is to say the lateral movement of the foot inward, whereas it is precisely a movement that one seeks to to counter. This is explained by the fact that the forces of resistance to varus movement opposed by the ends of the bands, nc are exerted only longitudinally along the leg.

 Even if such a "strapping" is applied conscientiously, without sc presscr, it still has a tendency to relax.

 When the problem to be resolved is acute tendinitis or a partial rupture of the Achilles tendon, it is then necessary to have recourse to a particular and adapted "strapping" which, like the previous one, tends to relax.

 In such a case, the heel is covered with at least one band, so that discomfort, irritation or even pain may occur in this area. In addition, with such an arrangement, the foot does not necessarily form with the foot the ideal angulation for a normal and rapid restoration of the usual functions of the tendon.

 The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks.

 More specifically, it aims to provide a compression band which allows the implementation of a "strapping" which correctly ensures its compression function even after several days, without significant relaxation.

 It also aims to provide a band and a set of compression which are adapted as well to the compression of the ankle as that of the Achilles tendon.

 It also aims to provide a strip and a set whose installation is simple and effective, without having to require any particular learning.

 The strip according to the invention, for restraining the ankle or Achilles tendon, is adhesive and elastic. Its opposite ends have a partial median and longitudinal cut which delimits a pair of fixing wings.

 According to a fundamental characteristic of the invention, its central part which is framed by said pairs of wings, has a longitudinal and median slot aligned with said cutouts.

 The central part is fixed transversely on the sole of the foot, while the opposite wings are glued on either side of the foot or the calf, after having been previously crossed.

 In this way, when it comes to immobilizing the ankle, the said band completely prevents the movement of the varus, without however excessively opposing the dorsal and plantar flexions.

 The strip thus posed carries out a "guying" along and around the leg, due to the glued and crossed wings one on the other. The forces of resistance to varus movement are exerted this time obliquely to the sole.

 When it comes to immobilizing the Achilles tendon, the fitting of the band allows the achievement of a correct and adequate angulation between the foot and the leg.

 In any event, this same band makes it possible to carry out the ankle restraint as well as that of the Achilles tendon.

 In the latter case, the edges of the slot, present longitudinally on the central part of the strip, are separated from one another to come to be placed on either side of the heel, releasing the latter.

 In the situation of an ankle compression, the central part of the band comprising said slot is positioned under the sole of the foot, and does not in any way interfere with the positioning and the good performance of the band.

According to other advantageous characteristics of this strip:
such is protected by a peelable film which also covers said wings;
said film is formed of several sections independent of each other;
said sections are two in number and have an identical surface;
said sections are five in number, namely a first section which covers said central part and four sections which each cover a wing;
such comprises, in the contact zone of two neighboring sections, a non-adherent transverse surface;
said surface is made non-adherent by the absence of adhesive in this area or by the presence of a material whose external face is non-adhesive.

According to another aspect of the invention, it also relates to an ankle or Achilles tendon compression assembly. It is characterized by the fact that it includes:
- at least one strip conforming to one of the characteristics listed above;
- at least one adhesive and elastic band called "circular";
- at least one adhesive and non-elastic band called "reinforcement".

In particular embodiments:
said reinforcing adhesive strip comprises, approximately over half of its length, a central cutout which laterally delimits two wings;
- the whole is packaged in sterile packaging.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the description which follows of a preferred embodiment. This description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a strip according to the invention;
- Figure 2 is a top view of the strip of Figure 1, protected by a peelable film in five separate sections;
- Figure 3 is a top view of the strip of Figure 1, protected by a peelable film in two separate sections;
- Figure 4 is a side view of the strip of Figure 2.

- Figures 5 A and 5 B are top views of two other strips forming part of the compression assembly according to the invention;
- Figure 6 is a view intended to illustrate a first step of setting up a strip according to the invention, for restraining an ankle;
- Figures 7, 8, 10 and 11 illustrate the different stages of fitting the bands of the compression assembly;
- Figures 9A and 9B are diagrams intended to explain how the different forces exerted in the presence during a displacement of the ankle in varus;
- Figures 12 and 13 are views of the rear and front of a foot on which it is desired to restrain the Achilles tendon, using a strip according to the invention.

 The compression band shown in perspective in FIG. 1 is a band of known type made of elastic and hypoallergenic woven material. Such a strip has, for information only, a longitudinal elasticity greater than 50%.

 Its length is for example 45 cm, while its width is approximately 10 cm.

 One of its faces is coated with an adhesive material, either over its entire surface, or in the form of deposits forming for example parallel and longitudinal ridges.

 In FIG. 1, the longitudinal edges of the strip bear the reference numeral 10, while its transverse edges, of smaller size, bear the reference numeral 11.

 In known manner, the opposite ends 2 and 2 'of this strip 1 each have a central and longitudinal cut 20, 20' respectively. As an indication, each of these cutouts extends approximately over a third of the length of the strip, or approximately 15 cm.

 Each of the cutouts 20 and 20 'delimits, with the associated longitudinal edges 10, a pair of fixing wings 21, respectively 21'. The particular function of these wings will be explained later.

 In accordance with a particularly remarkable characteristic of the invention, the central part 3 of the strip, which is framed by the above-mentioned pairs of wings 21 and 21 ′, has a longitudinal and median slot 30 aligned with said cutouts. Again, we will explain later in the description the particular function of this slot.

 In order to prevent the strip 1 from adhering to any support before being placed on a limb to be immobilized, the latter is provided coated with a peelable protective film. This is what has been shown more particularly in FIGS. 2 to 4.

 This film is for example made of a plastic sheet.

 In the embodiment of Figure 2, this peelable film 4 consists of five sections 40, 41 and 41 'independent of each other.

 The section 40 covers the central part 3 of the strip including the slot 30, while the sections 41 and 41 'respectively cover the wings 21 and t> 21'.

 As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4, the strip 1 comprises, in the contact zone of two neighboring sections, a non-adherent transverse surface.

 In the embodiment shown here, this surface is made non-adherent by affixing to the strip a strip of material 5, the external face of which is non-adhesive. It is for example a piece of fabric or other material.

 In another embodiment, the surface can be made non-stick simply because of the absence of adhesive on the strip 1 in this region.

 Therefore, the removal of sections 40, 41 and 41 'is facilitated. Indeed, as shown by arrow f in FIG. 2, it suffices to pull on one of the edges of said sections to remove it from the strip 1. The separation of this edge is easily effected at the level of the banner 5.

 In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the strip 1 is protected by two sections of peelable film 42 of identical surface, which each cover one half of said strip.

 These sections each have a cut which is superimposed on those 20 and 20 'of the strip. Again, a pull on one of the sections 42 is sufficient to separate it from the corresponding part of the adhesive strip.

 Here also, the removal of the sections 40 and 41 of peelable film is facilitated by the fact that a non-adhesive material 5 is provided.

 As specified above in the description, the present invention also relates to a compression assembly, otherwise called a "kit", particularly intended for the compression of the ankle or Achilles tendon. This assembly comprises at least one strip such as that which has just been described, as well as two other types of strips represented respectively in FIGS. 5 A and 5 B.

 The strip 6 of FIG. 5 A is a rectangular strip of known type called "circular", for example having a width dc 10 cm for a length of 30 cm. It is an elastic and adhesive strip. It comprises transversely at one of its ends, a strip 5 'of non-adhesive material.

 The strip 7 of FIG. 5 B, also of known type, is a non-elastic adhesive strip, called "reinforcing tape", having for example a width of 4 cm for a length of 40 cm.

 According to a characteristic of the invention, the strip 7 comprises, approximately over half of its length, a central cutout which laterally delimits two wings 70 and 70 '.

 Of course, the strips 6 and 7 can be protected, before use, by a peelable film 4.

 We will now explain, with reference to FIGS. 6 to 11, how the ankle is restrained (for example for a sprain of the lateral lateral ligament), using bands 1 such as that described above, and also to using the "reinforcement" and "circular" bands described above.

 It can be a curative pose ("fresh" sprain) or preventive (chronic sprain or hyperlaxite ligament).

 In a first stage (Figure 6), the strip 1 is fixed to the foot P to be immobilized, so that the central part 3 is glued transversely under the sole of the foot. This installation is done so that the strip is well centered with respect to the malleoli. Of course, care will have been taken beforehand to partially remove the peelable film section 40 to have direct access to the adhesive surface of said central part.

 Once this preliminary positioning has been carried out, each of the sections 41 or 41 ′ of peelable film located on the side of the inner face of the leg is completely removed and a slight traction directed upwards is produced on each of the wings 21 ′. or 21. This is what has been represented by the arrows g in FIG. 7.

 Simultaneously, said wings are fixed along the leg in such a way that they cross one over the other. We are then in the position of FIG. 8.

 The same operation is carried out for the wings situated against the external face of the leg, by exerting a slightly stronger upward pull than previously, in order to bring the foot into neutral position.

 The fact of pulling on each of the wings and crossing them around the leg makes it possible to make varus movement completely impossible, without limiting the flexions of the foot too much. In addition, such a laying of the strip is carried out once and for all, without the risk of it becoming loose.

 FIGS. 9A and 9B show very schematically the forces present at the level of a foot P and a calf M.

 In the position of FIG. 9A, that is to say foot placed flat, the tensile force F which is exerted, with the "strapping" already known, is directed longitudinally and upwards, along the leg. According to the invention, this force F 'is exerted at an angle.

 During a varus movement symbolized by the arrow G in FIG. 9B, the retaining or pulling force F ′ is directed substantially along the same axis, but in the opposite direction, hence better retention.

 In a subsequent step (FIG. 10), one or more non-elastic reinforcing bands 7 are positioned under the soles of the feet, spreading the wings 70 and 70 ′, disposed on the external face side of the leg, on either side of ankle.

 This pose enhances the anti-varus effect of band 1.

 If necessary, the installation of a second strip 1 is then carried out according to the methodology described above.

 Finally, in a final step (FIG. 11), a first "circular" band is placed around the calf, to surround the ends of the wings 21 and 21 'of the bands 1. This band is intended to secure said ends so that 'they don't tend to come off.

 The grip of the strip is facilitated by the presence of the strip 5 '. The strip is applied under tension, taking care to lay the coated end of the 5 'strip first.

 Likewise, a second circular strip 6 is positioned around the forefoot in order to prevent the formation of edema.

 It will be noted that in the operating mode which has just been described, the slit 30 of the bands 1 in no way thwarts the placement of the "strapping", since it extends under the sole of the foot, say outside the area to be immobilized.

 It should be noted that maximum traction should not be achieved on the wings 21 and 21 'of the bands 1, since the role of the latter is not to set foot in the valgus position, but to prevent the movement of varus.

 As a general rule, the application of a "strapping" with two bands 1 and reinforcing bands 7 is sufficient.

 A third strip 1, with or without reinforcing strip (s), can be applied for example three days after the first installation, only in the event that a slight relaxation has occurred.

 The procedure is the same as described above for the containment of a sprained ankle for damage to the internal lateral ligament, but by reversing the order of fitting of the wings 21 and 21 'of the strip 1.

 Referring to Figures 12 and 13 is shown the establishment of a band 1 for the containment of the Achilles tendon.

 As shown in Figure 12, the band 1 is fixed longitudinally under the patient's foot and the edges 31 of the slot 30 of the central part are spaced from each other so as to completely release the heel T. thus an opening O under the heel, which avoids any pain or irritation at this level.

 When the central part 3 of the strip is correctly placed, it suffices to fix the wings 21 'around the calf, crossing them, according to the methodology described above.

 The opposite wings 21 are fixed and crossed on the top of the foot, as shown in FIG. 12.

 Of course, such a "strapping" is supplemented by reinforcing and circular bands, as has been described above with reference to FIGS. 7 to 11.

 Preferably the compression set according to the invention is sold in the form of a packaging having an appropriate number of bands 1, 6 and 7. As an indication, this packaging may include three bands 1, three bands 6 and four bands 7.

 The implementation of the "strapping" can obviously be carried out by a doctor or a physiotherapist. However, due to its simplicity of installation, it can be put in place by the patient himself, in particular an athlete, as a preventive measure.

 The packaging of said strips may have the form of a conventional packaging of parallelepiped shape, inside which the strips are placed, wound on one another.

 In a different embodiment, this packaging can be in the form of a sterile blister in which the strips are placed flat on top of each other.

 The particular dimensions of the different bands are adapted to the particular morphology of the patient. As an indication, one can envisage three series of bands having different dimensions, respectively intended for people whose size is less than 36, between 36 and 44, or greater than 44.

 It will be noted that the removal of the different strips is facilitated by the presence of the non-adhesive strips 5 and 5 ′ on the strips 1 and 6. Indeed, their presence allows the passage without difficulty of a pair of scissors blade, in view cutting strips.

Claims (9)

 1. Adhesive and elastic band for restraining the ankle or Achilles tendon, the opposite ends (2, 2 ') of which have a median and longitudinal cut (20, 20') which delimits a pair of fixing wings (21; 21 '), characterized in that its central part (3), which is framed by said pairs of wings (21; 21'), has a longitudinal and median slot (30) aligned with said cutouts (20 , 20 ').  2. Strip according to claim 1, characterized in that it is protected by a peelable film (4) which also covers said wings (21, 21 ').  3. Strip according to claim 2, characterized in that said film is formed of several sections independent of each other (40, 41, 41 '; 42).  4. Strip according to claim 3, characterized in that said sections (42) are two in number and have an identical surface.  5. Strip according to claim 3, characterized in that said sections (40, 41, 41 ') are five in number, namely a first section (40) which covers said central part (3) and four sections (41 , 41 ') which each cover a wing (21; 21').  6. Strip according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that it comprises, in the contact area of two neighboring sections (40, 41, 41 '; 42), a non-adherent transverse surface.  7. Strip according to claim 6, characterized in that said surface is made non-adherent by the absence of adhesive in this area or by the presence of a material (5) whose external face is non-adhesive.  8. Compression assembly for the ankle or Achilles tendon, characterized in that it comprises:  - at least one strip (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6;  - at least one elastic and adhesive tape (6) called "circular";  - at least one non-elastic adhesive strip (7) called "reinforcement".  9. The assembly of claim 8, characterized in that said reinforcing adhesive strip (7) comprises, approximately over half of its length, a central cutout which laterally delimits two wings (70, 70 ').  1 0. An assembly according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that it is packaged in sterile packaging.