MXPA00001822A

MXPA00001822A - Disposable elastic thermal uniaxial joint wrap

Info

Publication number: MXPA00001822A
Application number: MXPA/A/2000/001822A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Kristine Davis Leane; Louis Barone Daniel; Robert Ouellette William; Dean Cramer Ronald
Original assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
Priority date: 1997-08-21
Filing date: 2000-02-21
Publication date: 2001-11-21

Abstract

The present invention relates to disposable elastic thermal uniaxial joint wraps having an elastic laminate structure formed from a polymeric mesh and two fabric carrier layers, and one or more heat cells, preferably one or more thermal packs comprising a plurality of individual heat cells, wherein heat is applied to specific areas of the user's body, preferably for the knee and/or elbow, preferably for pain relief. These wraps provide good conformity to user's body to deliver consistent, convenient and comfortable heat application.

Description

ELASTIC PATCH FOR ARTIG§1ILJ NES UNIAXIAL, THERMAL AND DISPOSABLE TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to elastic patches for uniaxial, thermal and disposable joints having an elastic laminated structure formed of a polymeric mallet and two fabric carrier layers, and one or more heat cells, such that heat apply to specific areas of the user's body, preferably to relieve pain. Very particularly, the present invention relates to elastic patches for uniaxial, thermal and disposable joints, preferably for the knee and / or the elbow, having an elastic laminated structure and one or more thermal packages comprising a plurality of heat cells.

Individuals that provide adequate comfort to the user's body to provide a consistent, convenient and comfortable heat application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A common method for treating temporary or chronic pain is by applying heat to the affected area. Such heat treatments are used as a means of therapy for conditions in which they include -.?ft&JÉr-; pains, stiffness in muscles and joints, nerve pain, rheumatism and the like. The human knee and elbow are two of the joints most vulnerable in the human body to injuries due to excess tension. Although elastic compression bandages have been used to help stabilize the movement of the knee during healing of the injury, heating pads, vortices, hot towels and hydrocollators have commonly been used to apply heat to the knee and relieve pain of the knee. the knee injury. However, these pain relief and stabilization devices typically provide one function or the other, but not both. In general, the beneficial therapeutic effects of heat management decrease after the heat source is removed. Therefore, depending on the temperature, it is desirable to provide a sustained source of heat to the affected area for as long as possible to achieve the desired therapeutic benefits. Many of the current heating devices that require the thermal source to be refilled, such as the devices mentioned above or those employing reusable thermal packs containing water and / or microwavable gels, are inconvenient to use on a regular and extended basis. because heat energy may not be immediately available when required or not released in a controllable manner. Disposable heat packs based on iron oxidation have been developed, such as those described in the U.S. Patents. Us. 4,366,804, 4,649,895, 5,046,479 and Re. 32,026, however, said devices have proven not to be totally satisfactory. Many of these devices are bulky, can not maintain a consistent and controlled temperature and / or have unsatisfactory physical dimensions that affect their effectiveness, and therefore, provide an application of inconsistent, inconvenient and / or uncomfortable heat to the body. The proper placement of thermal energy could also not be maintained during flexion of the knee or elbow with current heating devices. Elastic laminated structures have previously been used in a variety of products including elastic absorbent structures such as sweat bands, bandages, diapers and incontinence devices. There are also currently several methods for producing these laminated structures, such as those described in the U.S.A. Nos. 4,522,863, 4,606,964 and 4,977,011. However, although these elastic laminated structures may be suitable for the purposes for which they were designed, they have strands that come out on the cutting sides of the structure, so they can be a source of irritation when used close to the body. In addition, if an elastic laminated structure having a large modulus value (i.e. stress to stress ratio) is desired, elastic threads having a large cross-sectional area are generally required. However, large strands of this type can produce a rough or "scratchy" feeling when placed in contact with the body.

The present inventors have developed elastic patches for uniaxial, thermal and disposable joints that retain adequate positioning during use on a user's knee or elbow, while providing both understanding and thermal energy in a controlled and sustainable manner. These patches comprise one or more thermally bonded elastic laminated structures, which preferably comprise two carrier layers and a thermally bonded elastic element integrally therebetween, and one or more heat cells, preferably one or more thermal packages, wherein each The thermal package comprises a plurality of individual heat cells, which typically comprise an exothermic composition preferably comprising specific iron oxidation chemistry, and specific physical dimensions and filling characteristics, separated and fixedly bound through the thermal package. Thermally bonded elastic laminated structures, when incorporated into the knee and / or elbow patches of the present invention, substantially reduce the delamination of the mixed structure of the patches during use, substantially reducing the rough and "scratchy" feel. and irritation caused by strands coming out of the cut edges, and provide patches for knee and / or elbow with excellent conformability to the knee and / or elbow of the wearer for uniform heat coverage and increased comfort. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide elastic patches for uniaxial, thermal and disposable joints that have excellent conformability to the knee and / or elbow of the wearer for uniform heat coverage and increased comfort, which comprise a or more thermally bonded laminated elastic structures, and one or more heat cells, which provide a controlled and sustained temperature and which reach their relatively fast operating temperature scale. A further object of the present invention is to provide elastic patches for uniaxial and disposable joints comprising one or more thermally bonded elastic laminated structures, which comprise two carrier layers and an elastic element integrally connected therebetween and one or more thermal packages comprising a plurality of individual heat cells. Said elastic laminate structures substantially reduce the delamination of the mixed structure of the patches, substantially reduce the harsh or "scratchy" feeling and irritation caused by the strands coming out of the cut edges, and provide a consistent, convenient heat application. comfortable, preventing at the same time easy access to the contents of the heat cell. Still another object of the present invention is to provide elastic patches for uniaxial and disposable joints, preferably for the knee and / or elbow, which comprise one or more thermally bonded laminated elastic structures, which preferably comprise two carrier layers and a bonded elastic element. integrally therebetween, and one or more thermal packages having a unified structure of at least one continuous layer of semirigid material having different stiffness characteristics on a temperature scale, and a plurality of separate and fixedly attached individual heat cells through the unified structure of the thermal packaging, providing an adequate overall coverage capacity while maintaining sufficient stiffness to maintain the structural support of the heat cells and to avoid unacceptable stretching of the continuous layer or layers during processing or use These additional objectives and objectives will become readily apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Elastic patches for uniaxial joints, thermal and disposable of the present invention comprise a piece of flexible material having an outer surface, a surface that gives the body, a first end, a second end, a body portion, a first belt portion, a second portion of belt, wherein at least one of the body portion, the first belt portion and the second belt portion comprise a stretch elastic portion along a longitudinal axis of the piece of flexible material, and one or more cells of heat comprising an exothermic composition, which preferably substantially fills the cell volume available within the cell. teaÃ? * S .Üf > * & t. r Siim * - ** fc ^ Hi The elastic portion of the flexible material comprises a laminated structure having a first carrier layer, a second carrier layer and a mesh disposed between the first and second carrier layers. The mesh is preferably elastic in at least one direction and comprises a plurality of first strands crossing a plurality of second strands, wherein the first and second strands have softening temperatures, at an applied pressure, such that at least 10% of the first strands are integrally joined to the first and second carrier layers by applying a bonding pressure to the softening temperature of the first strands. The piece of flexible material has a length large enough to surround the knee and / or elbow of a user, such that the first and second ends overlap when the flexible material is in a relaxed or stretched state. The first and second ends comprise a reclosable fastening means, preferably a hook-and-loop fastening system, for attaching the first end to said flexible material part in order to be able to maintain said piece of flexible material around the knee or elbow of the user. More preferably, the fastening means comprises a two-part fastening means further comprising a plurality of hook elements that engage loop fibers of a receiving area attached to, or forming part of, the piece of flexible material. to adjust the patch to a variety of user sizes and to obtain a comfortable level of elastic tension.

The piece of flexible material preferably comprises an opening therein that is designed to be aligned with the patella (knee) or olecranon (elbow) of the user to establish a convenient location point to place the patch for uniaxial articulation around the knee or elbow of the user. The piece of flexible material preferably comprises a groove extending substantially longitally from the opening to enable the piece of flexible material to be stretched transverse to the longital axis in the opening to receive flexion of the user's knee or elbow. . Elastic patches for uniaxial, thermal and disposable joints preferably comprise one or more thermal packages, preferably included in the piece of flexible material, for applying thermal energy to the user's knee or elbow. The packaging or thermal packaging comprises a unified structure containing at least one continuous layer of a co-extruded film, which preferably comprises a first side of polypropylene and a second side containing a polymer of low melting temperature, which has characteristics of stiffness different on a scale of temperatures. The thermal package or packages further comprise a plurality of individual heat cells that provide a controlled and maintained temperature, and which reach their operational temperature scale rapidly. The heat cells are separated and fixedly fixed inside each thermal package. Each thermal package provides adequate coverage capacity while maintaining sufficient stiffness to maintain the structural support of the heat cells and to prevent unacceptable stretching of the continuous layer or layers during processing or use, providing a consistent application of heat, convenient and comfortable. Preferably, the heat cells comprise a mixture of powdered iron, carbon powder, water and metal salt, which when exposed to oxygen provides heat for several hours. The present invention further comprises methods for manufacturing elastic patches for uniaxial, thermal and disposable joints, wherein the elastic laminated structure is formed prior to the assembly of the flexible material, and comprises the steps of: a) providing a first carrier layer; b) providing a second carrier layer; c) providing a mesh arranged between the first and second carrier layers, which has a plurality of first strands crossing a plurality of second strands, the first and second strands have softening temperatures at an applied pressure, wherein the softening temperature of the second strands, at the applied pressure, is greater than the softening temperature of the first strands at the applied pressure; d) heating the mesh to the softening temperature of the first strands and less than the softening temperature of the second strands; e) applying a bonding pressure to the first strands and f) integrally bonding about 10% to about 100% of the first strands to the first and second carrier layers. All percentages and ratios used herein are by weight, and all measurements are made at 25 ° C, unless otherwise specified.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Although the description concludes with claims that particularly point out and distinctly claim the present invention, it is believed that the present invention will be better understood from the following description of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers identify identical elements, and wherein: Figure 1 is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the preferred pattern of heat cells and / or thermal packages; Figure 2 is a sectional side elevational view of Figure 1, which describes the laminated structure of the present invention; Figure 3 is an exploded view of a mesh and first and second carrier layers before forming a laminated structure, made in accordance with the present invention; tt .. Figure 4 is a partial perspective view of a laminated structure made in accordance with the present invention, wherein a portion of the carrier layers has been removed to show the first integrally attached strands; Figure 4A is an enlarged partial perspective view of a first integrally attached strand of the laminated structure of Figure 4; Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a preferred method according to the present invention for forming the laminated structure of Fig. 4 and Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of a plate method according to the present invention for forming the laminated structure from figure 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The elastic patches for uniaxial, thermal and disposable joints of the present invention comprise at least a resilient portion of flexible material having at least one elastic laminated structure, wherein the laminated structure comprises at least one elastic element thermally bonded in shape. integral between a first carrier layer and a second carrier layer, and at least one heat cell. Preferably, the thermal, elastic and disposable knee patch of * < -? .t & the present invention comprises at least one elastic laminated structure and one or more packages having at least one continuous layer of a material, which exhibits specific thermophysical properties, and a plurality of separate individual heat cells and unit fixedly through the thermal packaging, which provides adequate overall coverage capacity while maintaining sufficient rigidity to maintain the structural support of the heat cells and to prevent unacceptable stretching of the continuous layer or layers during processing or use. The elastic, uniaxial, thermal and disposable joint pad of the present invention provides a consistent, convenient and comfortable heat application, as well as excellent conformability to the user's knee or elbow, while maintaining sufficient rigidity to prevent access easy to the contents of the heat cell. The term "disposable", as used herein, means that, although the thermal and elastic patches of the present invention may be stored in a resealable container and substantially impermeable to air and may be reapplied to the user's body as frequently as required to alleviate the pain, they are designed to be thrown away, that is, deposited in a suitable trash receptacle after the heat source, ie the heat cells or thermal packaging have been completely consumed.

The term "heat cells", as used herein, means a unified structure comprising an exothermic composition, preferably a specific iron oxidation chemistry, enclosed within two layers, wherein at least one layer may be permeable to oxygen, capable of providing long-term heat generation with improved temperature control, and having specific physical dimensions and filling characteristics. These heat cells can be used as individual heating units, or in a thermal package comprising a plurality of individual heat cells that can also be easily incorporated into disposable body pads and pads and the like. Body patches that incorporate heat cells or thermal packaging adapt to a wide variety of body contours, thus providing consistent, convenient and comfortable heat application. The term "direct compaction", as used herein, means a mixture of dry powder which is combined, compressed and given the form of pellets, tablets or sticks without the use of wet binders / typical solutions to adhere to the particles to each other. As an alternative, the dry powder mixture is combined and compacted or rolled, followed by spraying and sieving, creating directly compacted granules. Direct compaction can also be known as dry compaction.

The term "filling volume", as used herein, means the volume of the particulate composition or of the heating element compacted and swollen with water in the full heat cell. The term "void volume", as used herein, means the volume of the cell left unfilled by the particulate composition or the compacted heating element in a finished heat cell. The term "cell volume", as used in the present, means the filling volume plus the empty volume of the heat cell. The term "continuous layer or layers", as used herein, means one or more layers of a material that can be uninterrupted or partially, but not completely interrupted by other material, holes, perforations and the like, throughout its length and / or width. The term "semi-rigid material", as used herein, means a material that is rigid to some degree or in some parts, and exhibits a rigidity to maintain the structural support of the heat cells in an unsupported format, and / o to prevent unacceptable stretching of the material structures during processing or use and / or to prevent easy access to the contents of the heat element, while maintaining adequate general coverage characteristics when heated. ^^ jj ^ yj ¡j $ ^^ - ^ SB ^ ¿SSa? i? ir f.ii hffi ^ Referring now to the drawings, and very particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, a preferred embodiment of the present invention, which provides an elastic patch for uniaxial, thermal and disposable joints and is generally indicated with 10. The patch 10 comprises a piece of flexible material 12 having a longitudinal axis 18. The flexible material 12 comprises a first end 14 and a second end 16, a body portion 81 and preferably a first belt portion 80 and a second belt portion 82, wherein at least one of the body portion 81, first belt portion 80 and second belt portion 82 it comprises an elastic portion 20 capable of being stretched along the longitudinal axis 18. The flexible material 12 has a length, when in a relaxed or stretched state, measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 18 from the first end. hast to the second end 16, which is large enough to encircle the knee or elbow of a user in such a manner that first end 14 overlaps the second end 16. The flexible material 12 has a body-facing material 62, which comprises the surface is to the body 28, and an outer surface material 64, which comprises the outer surface 30, which extends from the first end 14 to the second end 16. As used herein, "elastic" refers to the property of a material with which the same, when subjected to a tensile force, will stretch or expand in the direction of the force and will essentially return to its original unstressed dimension after withdrawal of force. More specifically, the term "elastic" is designed to include a directional property in which an element or structure has a recovery up to about 10% of its original longitudinal L0 after having been subjected to a percentage stress and% more than fifty%. As used herein, the percentage stress e% is defined as: e% = [(Lf-Lo) / Lo] * 100 where Lf = Longitude L0 = Original length For consistency and comparison, the recovery of an element or structure is preferably measured 30 seconds after releasing it from its elongated length Lf. All other elements or structures shall be considered non-elastic if the element or structure is not recovered up to approximately 10% of its original length L0 at 30 seconds after having been released from a percentage stress of 50%. The non-elastic elements or structures could also include elements or structures that fracture and / or deform permanently / plastically when subjected to a percentage stress of% 50%. Referring now to Figures 1-4, the elastic portion 20 of the flexible material 12 comprises a first elastic member 36. The first elastic member 36 is preferably thermally bonded to the first carrier layer 37 and the second carrier layer 38 before the assembly of the flexible material 12 to form the first elastic laminate. thermally bonded 66. The first thermally bonded elastic laminate 66 is then fixedly attached to the material-giving material% 62, by the layer of heat-melt adhesive 60, to form the laminate that the body 92 gives. Preferably, the elastic portion 20 of flexible material 12 further comprises a second elastic element 39. The second elastic member 39 is preferably thermally bonded to a third carrier layer 40 and a fourth carrier layer 41 prior to assembly of flexible material 12 to form the second elastic layer thermally bonded 67. The second thermally bonded elastic laminate 67 is then fixedly attached to the to the outer surface 64, by means of the heat-melt adhesive layer 60, to form the outer-surface laminate 93. The laminate that gives the body 92 is then fixedly attached to the outer-surface laminate 93 with one or more cells individual heat 75, preferably one or more thermal packages 22, interposed therebetween, by the heat-melt adhesive layer 60, to form the patch 10. Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the elastic elements 36 and 39 comprise a plurality of first strands 24 traversing or crossing (with and without joining) a plurality of second strands 26 at nodes 31 at a predetermined angle a, thereby forming a network-like open structure having a plurality of openings 33. Each opening 33 is defined by at least two adjacent first strands (ie, 42 and 43) and at least two adjacent second strands (ie, 44 and 45) whereby the openings 33 have an unsupported shape. essentially rectangular (preferably square). Other aperture configurations may also be provided, such as parallelograms or circular arc segments. Said configurations can be useful to provide non-linear elastic structural directions. It is preferred that the first strands 24 be substantially straight and substantially parallel to each other, and, most preferably, that the second strands 26 are also substantially straight and substantially parallel to each other. Most preferably, the first strands 24 cross second strands 26 at nodes 31 at a predetermined angle to approximately 90 degrees. Each knot 31 is a knot superposed, wherein the first strands 24 and the second strands 26 are preferably joined or joined together (although it is contemplated that the joint may not be necessary) at the point of intersection with the strands still distinguishable individually in the knot. However, it is believed that other knot configurations such as fused or a combination of fused and superimposed. Although it is preferred that the first and second strands 24 and 26 be substantially straight, parallel and intersect at an angle a of about 90 degrees, it is noted that the first and second strands 24 and 26 can intersect at other angles a, and that the first strands 24 and / or the second strands 26 may be aligned relative to one another in circular, elliptical or otherwise non-linear patterns. Although to facilitate manufacturing it is contemplated that the first strands 24 and the second strands 26 have a substantially circular transverse shape In the case of laminated structures 66 and / or 67, the first and second strands 24 and 26 can also have other transverse shapes such as elliptical, square, triangular or combinations thereof. the same. The material of the first strands 24 is chosen such that the first strands 24 can hold the second strands 26 in relative alignment before forming the laminated structures 66 and / or 67. It is also desirable that the materials of the first and second strands 24 and 26 are capable of being deconfigured (or initially configured) in predetermined ways after the application of a predetermined pressure or of a pressure in combination with a heat flow, as described in more detail below. These unconfigured forms (i.e., elliptical second strands, first substantially flat strands, and the like) provide laminated structures 66 and 67 that can be conveniently worn around the body without irritation or other discomfort. It is also desirable that the material chosen for the first strands 24 provide an adhesive type property for joining a second outer surface portion 49 of second deformed strands 27 to a portion of the inner surface 50 of the first carrier layer and to the inner surface 52 of the second carrier layer. The material of the first strands 24 must also be capable of integrally joining with the layers 37, 38, 40 and / or 41 as part of the formation of the laminated structure 66 and / or 67. As will be described in more detail herein , the first strands 24 can be integrally joined to the 2T the carrier layers 37, 38, 40 and / or 41 by the application of a pressure or a pressure in combination with a heat flow. As used herein, the phrase "integrally joined" and its derivatives is designed to mean that a portion of a strand outer surface (i.e., the first outer surface of strand 47) of an integrally bonded strand (i.e. first integrally bonded strands 25) has penetrated and been joined with the carrier layer 37, 38, 40 and / or 41. The portion of the outer strand surface of an integrally bonded strand penetrating the carrier layer 37, 38, 40 and / or 41 can be joined mechanically (i.e., such as by encapsulation, encirculation or other form of enclosure) and / or chemically (i.e., polymerizing, melting or otherwise chemically reacting) with fibers 51 of the carrier layers 37, 38, 40 and / or 41, as shown in Figure 4A. With respect to penetration, integrally attached means that a portion of the outer thread surface has penetrated at least about 10%, preferably at least about 25%, most preferably at least about 50%, still more preferably at least about 75%, most preferably about 100% of the structural thickness of the carrier layer T of the carrier layers 37, 38, 40 and 41 in the laminated structure 66 and / or 67. In addition, since the integrally bonded strands increase the comfort of the laminated structures 66 and / or 67 when worn around the body, at least about 10%, preferably at least about 50%, most preferably at least about 90% and more preferably about 100% -e the first strands 24 are integrally joined to the carrier layers 37, 38, 40 and 41 of the laminated structures 66 and / or 67. The benefits described above can be achieved by selecting a first strand material having a softening temperature that is lower than the softening temperature of the second strands 26 in relation to the processing pressures used to form the laminated structures 66 and / or 67. As used herein, the phrase "softening temperature" is designed to mean the minimum temperature at which the material begins to flow under an applied pressure to facilitate the integral union of the material to a carrier layer or layers. Typically, heat is applied to a material to achieve a softening temperature. This generally results in a decrease in the viscosity of the material which may or may not include a "melting" of the material, the melting being associated with a latent heat of fusion. Thermoplastic materials tend to exhibit a decrease in viscosity as a result of an increase in temperature, allowing them to flow when subjected to an applied pressure. It will be understood that by increasing the applied pressure, the softening temperature of a material decreases and therefore a certain material can have a plurality of softening temperatures because the temperature will vary with the applied pressure. To facilitate manufacturing and processing, and when using generally polymeric materials for strands 24 and 26, it is preferred that the softening temperature of the strands 24 be lower, at least about 10 ° C lower, most preferably at least about 20 ° C lower, than the softening temperature of the second strands 26 when both materials are subjected to the same applied pressure (for example, the processing pressure). As used herein, the phrase "joint pressure" is designed to mean the pressure that facilitates the integral bonding of the first strands 24 to the carrier layers 37 and 38, without integrally joining the second strands 26 to the carrier layers. 37 and 38, when both strands are at the softening temperature of the first strands 24 but below the softening temperature of the second strands 26. In addition to the section of the first and second strand materials for the temperature point of After the softening, the second strands 26 are preferably formed of a material which makes the second strands 26 suitably elastic so that the laminated structures 66 and / or 67 provide a structural direction, along the direction of the second strands 26, which also be suitably elastic as desired. It has been found that polymers such as polyolefins, polyamides, polyesters and rubbers (ie, styrene-butadiene rubber, polybutadiene rubber, polychloroprene rubber, nitrile rubber and the like) are suitable, but are not limited to, the materials for forming the first and second strands of elastic element 36 and / or 39. Other materials or composites (ie, first adhesive strands) having g | g ß relative softening temperatures or different elasticity, as long as the material provides the previously described benefits. In addition, auxiliary materials may be added to the base materials comprising the first and second strands (ie, mixtures of pigments, dyes, brighteners, heavy waxes and the like) to provide other desirable visual, structural or functional characteristics. The elastic elements 36 and / or 39 can be formed from one of a variety of procedures well known in the art. A material particularly suitable for use as first and / or second elastic member 36 and / or 39 is an elastic fabric available as T50018 from Conwed Plastics, Minneapolis, MN. Alternatively, the first and second elastic elements 36 and 39 can each be selected from synthetic or natural rubber, or from any number of polymeric materials that are capable of elongation and recovery. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, styrene block copolymers, rubber, Lycra ™, Krayton ™, polyethylene including metal catalyst PE, foams including polyurethane and polyesters, and the like. The first and second elastic elements 36 and 39 may be in the form of films, strands, fabrics, tapes, bands, structural elastic type film and the like. To facilitate manufacturing and cost efficiency, the carrier layers 37, 38, 40 and / or 41 are preferably formed from, but not limited to, a non-woven fabric having fibers formed, for example, from A polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, nylon, rayon, cotton or wool. These fibers may be bonded by adhesives, thermal bonding, needling / matting or other methods known in the art to form the carrier layers 37, 38, 40 and / or 41. Although it is preferred that the carrier layers 37, 38, 40 and / or 41 are formed from a non-woven fabric, other fabrics, such as fabrics, may be suitable. The softening temperature of the carrier layers 37, 38, 40 and / or 41 (at the processing pressures subjected) must be greater than any of the processing temperatures applied to the elastic member 36 and / or 39 in the formation of the structures laminates 66 and / or 67. Furthermore, the carrier layers 37, 38, 40 and / or 41 of the present invention preferably have a modulus of less than about 100 gm force per centimeter at a unit voltage eμ of at least about 1 ( that is, Lf = 2 x Lo) in one direction along the second strands 26 when configured to create the laminated structure 66 and / or 67. As used herein, the term "module" is designed to mean the ratio of a voltage applied to the resulting unit voltage eμ, where the voltage s and the voltage eμ are: s = Fa / W eμ = (Lf - Lo) / L0 where Fa = applied force W = orthogonal dimension of the element or structure subjected to force to applied Fa (typically the width of the structure) Lf = Length elongated Lo = original length For example, a force of 20 grams applied orthogonally through a fabric 5 cm wide would have a tension s of 4 grams force per cm. Further, if the original length Lo in the same direction as the applied force Fa were 4 cm and the resulting elongated length Lf were 12 cm, the resulting unit voltage eμ would be 2 and the modulus would be 2 grams force per cm. It is believed that a carrier layer having a modulus of less than about 100 grams force per cm in a fabric direction will provide, when the fabric direction is juxtaposed co-directionally with the second elastic strands 26 in the laminated structures 66 and / or 67, a laminated structure 66 and / or 67 with a module along the direction of the second strands 26 which will be largely a function of material properties, size and arrangement of the second strands 26. In other words, the module of the carrier layers 37, 38, 40 and / or 41 will be sufficiently low so that the modulus of the second strands 26 largely determines the modulus of the laminated structures 66 and / or 67 in the indicated direction. This configuration is especially useful if it is desired that the laminated structure 66 and / or 67 provide an elastic structural direction along the direction of the second laminated strands 27. If the carrier layers 37, 38, 40 and / or 41 do not provide inherently the desired module, the carrier layers 37, 38, 40 and / or 41 can be subjected to an activation process before or after forming the laminated structures 66 and / or 67. As taught for example in the US patent No. 4,834,741, issued to Sabee on May 30, 1989, incorporated herein in its entirety by way of reference, subjecting the carrier layers 37, 38, 40 and / or 41 to an activation procedure (either separately or as part of the laminated structures 66 and / or 67) will plastically deform the carrier layers 37, 38, 40 and / or 41 in a manner to provide the desired module. An activation procedure, such as that taught by Sabee, the carrier layer 37, 38, 40 and / or 41 (or laminated structure 66 and / or 67 incorporating it) is passed between corrugated rolls to impart extensibility thereto by stretching laterally the carrier layers 37, 38, 40 and / or 41 in the transverse direction of the machine. The carrier layers 37, 38, 40 and / or 41 are stretched in increments and removed to impart a permanent elongation and a fabric fiber orientation in the transverse direction of the machine. This method can be used to stretch the carrier layers 37, 38, 40 and / or 41 before or after the joining of the laminated structures 66 and / or 67. This preferably provides a laminated structure that can be extended in an elastic structural direction with minimum force while the carrier layers 37, 38, 40 and / or 41 (and any additional layers) have been initially "activated" or separated in this direction, thereby providing a low modulus in the given direction, such that the The structure of the laminated structure is mainly a function of the second laminated strands 27. ¥ * - * "i Laminated structures 6tiry / or 67 are preferably formed by juxtaposing carrier layers 37, 38, 40 and / or 41 and elastic elements 36 and / or 39 and applying a predetermined pressure or a predetermined pressure and heat flow , depending on the materials selected for the carrier layers 37, 38, 40 and / or 41 and elastic elements 36 and / or 39, so that the first strands 24 are integrally joined to the carrier layers 37, 38, 40 and / or 41 In addition to integrally joining the first strands 24 to the carrier layers 37, 38, 49 and / or 41, it is desirable that the above-described process deforms the first strands 24 so that the shape of the first-strand outer surface 47 integrally bonded substantially flat The phrase "substantially planar" and its derivatives, as used herein, means that the first integrally attached strands 25 have a larger dimension M (ie, the larger dimension parallel to the major axis of the transverse section). sversal of the strand as shown in Figure 4) at least about 2 times the length of a smaller dimension N (ie, the smallest dimension parallel to the minor axis of the cross section of the strand as shown in Figure 4) ). Thus, it should be clear that a first integrally bonded strand 25 may have irregularities in the outer surface 47 (ie, peaks and valleys, and the like, as shown in Figure 4A) and still be within the meaning of substantially planar . Most preferably, it is desirable that a portion of the outer surface 47 of the first integrally bonded strands 25 is also substantially coplanar with the inner surfaces of the carrier layer 50 and 52 so that the dimension i enbr N is almost equal to or less than a structural thickness T of the carrier layers 37, 38, 40 and / or 41 and substantially all of the dimension N is located within the structural thickness T, as generally shown in Figure 4. It is further contemplated that variations in the substantially planar and coplanar shapes of the first integrally attached strands 25 may occur along the length of the first strands 25 without deviating from the scope of these definitions. In other words, due to the processing variations, it is noted that the portions of the first integrally attached strands 25 may be substantially planar and / or coplanar, while other portions along the same strand may not be. These configurations are still considered within the definitions of substantially planar and coplanar as described above. The previously described shapes of the first integrally bonded strands 25 advantageously provide laminated structures 66 and / or 67, wherein the strands 25 do not exit in a manner that would cause irritation or other discomfort when the laminated structures 66 and / or 67 were cut (thus exposing the ends of the first integrally attached strands 25) and worn around the body. Thus, at least about 25%, preferably at least about 50%, most preferably at least about 75% and more preferably about 100% of the first integrally attached strands 25 are substantially planar and coplanar. 2 Unlike the flatly planar and coplanar shape of the first integrally bonded strands 25 of the laminated structures 66 and / or 67, the second laminated strands 27 are preferably bonded (as opposed to integrally bonded) only to the inner layer surfaces. carrier 50 and 52, as shown in Figure 4, by applying the pressure and heat flow described above. However, it is contemplated that the second strands 26 may also be integrally joined to the carrier layers 37, 38, 40 and / or 41 if so desired. The integral bonding of the first strands 24 to the carrier layers 37, 38, 40 and / or 41 can also be carried out in such a way that the first strands 24 act as an adhesive to intermittently join the second strands 26 to the inner surfaces of the strands 24. carrier layer 50 and 52 at the nodes 31. As an alternative, the second strands 26 may comprise a self-adhering material that helps to bind a portion of the second strand outer surfaces 49 to the inner surfaces of the carrier layer 50 and 52. As shown in Figure 5, the laminated structures 66 and / or 67 are preferably manufactured by a process comprising a first substantially non-elastic surface 148 (ie, formed of steel or the like), a second substantially non-elastic surface 150 and a third substantially elastic surface 152 (i.e. formed of a silicone) or another deformable rubber), where these surfaces are provided in the form of rollers. The first surface 148 is separated adjacent to the second surface 150, whereby a space 156 is formed between them, while the second surface 150 and the third surface 152 are placed in surface contact with each other thus forming the grip of interference 154. The space 156 preferably has a size such that the first strands 24 and the second strands 26 easily pass through it. Alternatively, the space 156 may be sized such that the second strands 26 are deformed as they pass through it. The first carrier layer 37 is juxtaposed adjacent the first elastic member 36 which is juxtaposed adjacent to the second carrier layer 38 so that when it is fed around the first surface 148, as seen in Figure 5, the first elastic element 36 is disposed between the first carrier layer 37 and the second carrier layer 38. Preferably, the first strands 24 of the first elastic member 36 are juxtaposed adjacent to the surface 50 of the first carrier layer 37 and the second strands 26 are juxtaposed adjacent to the inner surface 52 of the second carrier layer 38. The first carrier layer 37 is preferably oriented adjacent the first surface 148. The first surface 148 is heated to a temperature Ti which, in combination with the feed rate of the first layer juxtaposed carrier 37, first elastic member 36 and second carrier layer 38 on the first surface 148, raises the temperature of the first strands 24 a, or above, its softening temperature. Thanks to the low applied pressure Pd in the space 156, the first strands 24 and the second strands 26 undergo very little deformation there.

After the first juxtaposed carrier carrier 37, first elastic member 36 and second carrier layer 38 pass through the space 156, the second carrier layer 38 is preferably oriented adjacent to the second carrier layer 38. the second surface 150 and disposed between the second surface 150 and the first elastic member 36 and the first carrier layer 37. The second surface 150 is preferably heated to a temperature T2, which in combination with the feed rate of the first carrier layer juxtaposed 37, the first elastic element 36 and the second carrier layer 38 on the second surface 150, raises the temperature of the second strands 26 to its softening temperature. The first juxtaposed carrier layer 37, first elastic member 36 and second carrier layer 38 then passes through the interference grip 154, wherein the first strands 24 are integrally joined to the first carrier layer 37 and the second carrier layer 38 by the application of the first strand joining pressure Pb from the second and third surfaces 150 and 152 in the grip 154. The third elastic surface 152 provides joint pressure Pb that is applied uniformly to the first strands 24 between the second strands 26 to the forming nature the third elastic surface 152. Most preferably, the application of pressure Pb from the third surface 152 and the heat flow from the second surface 150 to the temperature T2 is sufficient to deform the first strands 24 and create first threads 25 integrally joined and substantially flat. Most preferably, the application of pressure and heat flow is 3 *. ? sufficient to deform the strands 24 by creating first integrally bonded strands that are substantially coplanar with the inner surface 50 of the first carrier layer 37 and the second carrier layer 38. In contrast, at least about 25%, preferably at least about 50%, most preferably at least about 75%, more preferably about 100% of the second strands 26 are deformed to create a substantially elliptical shape in the grip 154 because pressure P is applied completely to the second strands 26 by the second surface 150. The elliptical cross-sectional shape of the second strands 27 is desirable if the undistorted cross section of the second strands 26 could otherwise produce a rough or "raspy" feel when the laminated structures 66 and / or 67 They will be worn around the body. Preferably, the structural thickness after the grip I of the laminated structures 66 and / or 67 is approximately 50% of the structural thickness before the grip S of the first juxtaposed carrier layer 37, first elastic elastic 36 and second carrier layer 38. The speed of the first juxtaposed carrier layer 37, the first elastic member 36 and the second cutting layer 38 through the first, second and third surfaces 148, 150 and 152 can be adjusted in such a way that the first and second strands 24 and 26 have a sufficient residence time adjacent to the strands 24 and 26. first and second heated surfaces 148 and 150 for eg these strands can soften and deform as described herein. Based on the grip procedure described above, it has been found that the following will form satisfactory laminated structures 66 and / or 67 having an elastic structural direction along the direction of the second laminated strands 27: first, second, third and third. fourth carrier layers 37, 38, 40 and / or 41 preferably comprise a carded non-woven material formed from thermally bonded polypropylene and having a basis weight of 32 grams per m2, a fiber size of approximately 2.2 denier per filament, a gauge of between about 0.01 cm to about 0.03 cm, a modulus of about 100 grams force per cm at a unit tension eμ of 1 (such as a cloth sold by Fibertech, Landisville, NJ, as Phobic Q-1); and the first and second elastic elements 36 and 39 comprise a mesh in which the first strands 24 are formed from polyethylene and the second strands 26 are formed from a block copolymer of styrene or butadiene (such as a mesh that it is manufactured by Conwed, Minneapolis, MN and marketed as T50018). Specifically, the Phobic Q-1 fabric, T50018 mesh and Phobic Q-1 fabric juxtaposed having a preformed structural grooves S of about 0.09 cm to about 0.13 cm, preferably about 0.10 cm to about 0.12 cm, most preferably around 0.11 cm, they are fed at a speed of approximately 6 to approximately 4, very . * preferably about 7 to about 12, more preferably about 8 to about 10 meters per minute, on the first surface 148 which is heated to a temperature Ti of about 71 ° C to about 141 ° C, preferably about 130 ° C at about 141 ° C, most preferably around 137 ° C to about 139 ° C. In a preferred arrangement, the space 156 is preferably greater than, or approximately 0.13 cm. Preferably, the second surface 150 is heated to a temperature T2 of about 71 ° C to about 141 ° C, preferably about 130 ° C to about 141 ° C, most preferably around 137 ° C to about 139 ° C, while the juxtaposed fabrics and mesh pass over the second surface 150 and through the interference grip 154. The pressure Pb in the grip 154 is preferably about 55 to about 85 kilograms per centimeter, most preferably about 70 to about 75 kilograms per centimeter . After the juxtaposed fabrics and mesh exit the grip 154, the thermally bonded elastic laminates 66 and / or 67 have a thickness I of about 0.05 cm to about 0.09 cm, preferably about 0.06 cm to about 0.08 cm, most preferably about 0.07 cm. In addition to forming a laminated structure of the present invention by means of the gripping method described above, said laminated structures can also be formed by a method that provides a first plate 150 and a second plate 160, such as those shown in Figure 6. A Unlike the procedure described above, the first plate surface 149 is preferably inelastic, while the second plate surface 151 is substantially elastic. The first plate surface 149 is preferably heated to the temperature T1. A joining pressure Pf is applied to the fabrics and juxtaposed mesh by suitably moving the first plate surface 149 towards the second plate surface 151. Since the temperature Ti heats the first strands 24 to its softening temperature for the pressure of applied union Pf, the application of the joint pressure Pf integrally joins the first strands 24 to the carrier layers 37 and 38. Most preferably, the application of the joint pressure Pf also deforms the first strands 24 into a substantially flat shape which also it is coplanar with the inner surfaces of carrier layer 50 and 52. Most preferably, the application of the joining pressure Pf also deforms the second strands 26 in a substantially elliptical form. Using the combination of Phobic Q-1 fabrics and T50018 mesh described above, satisfactory laminated structures 66 and / or 67 can be provided having first strands 24 integrally joined to first and second carrier layers 37 and 38 if the first plate 158 is heated to a temperature Ti of about 110 ° C to about 130 ° C and a bonding pressure Pf of between 350 to 700 grams force per cm2 3ß is applied between the first plate 158 and the second plate 160 for about 10 to about 20 seconds. Although the above description details the process for manufacturing the first thermally bonded elastic laminate 66 (ie, comprising the first carrier layer 37, first elastic member 36 and second carrier layer 38), an identical procedure can be used to manufacture the second elastic laminate. thermally bonded 67 (ie, comprising the third carrier layer 40, second elastic member 39 and fourth carrier layer 41). It is believed that it is necessary to properly select the strand density, the strand cross-sectional area and / or the melt index of the first strands 24 (if the first strands 24 are formed of a polymer) to provide laminated structures 66 and / or 67 having an elastic structural direction along the direction of the second strands 27. Inadequate selection of strand density, the cross-sectional area of strand and / or the melt index of the first strands 24 can result in a laminated structure in which the portions of the first integrally joined strands 25 can overlap or fuse together into laminated structures 66 and / or 67. Said melting or overlap of the first integrally attached strands 25 can result in only small portions of second laminated strands 27 that are capable of extending or lengthening when subjected to a tensile force, unlike the elongation that is distributed throughout of substantially the full length of almost all the second laminated strands 27 absent in this overlap. To minimize this condition, the strand density, the strand cross-sectional area and / or the melt index of the first strands 24 should be selected such that the first integrally attached strands 25 have a strand coverage Sc of less than approximately 50%. As used herein, the phrase "strand coverage" is designed to be a measurement of the amount of surface area of the first inner surface of the carrier layer 50 and the second inner surface of the carrier layer 52 that is in contact with the first integrally attached strands 25 of the present invention. The strand coverage Sc is defined as: SC = (EF) / E * 100 where E = distance from the centerline of the strand between any first adjacent integrally joined strands 25, as shown in Figure 4. F = distance of the edge of the strand F between any first integrally attached first strands 25, as shown in Figure 4. The measurements of E and F can be taken in any cross section along the laminated structure 66 and / or 67 between any first adjacent integrally joined strands. The phrase "thread density", as used herein, attempts to say the number of strands exposed per centimeter along a strand transverse to the exposed strands. For example, the first strands 25 have a strand density that can be measured over a predetermined length A of a second strand 26; as shown in Figure 3. Also, the second strands 26 have a strand density that can be measured over a predetermined length B of a first strand 24. The phrase "strand cross-sectional area", as used herein, attempts say the cross sectional area of any first strand 24 when measured according to techniques known in the art. The melt index of a polymer measures the ability of the polymer to flow when subjected to a certain temperature or pressure. A polymer that has a low melt index will be more viscous (and therefore will not flow as easily) at a certain temperature than a polymer that has a higher melt index. In this way, it is believed that the first strands 24 comprising a polymer having a high melt index will have a greater tendency to fuse or overlap during the application of certain pressure and heat flow than the first strands 24 comprising a polymer that It has a lower melt index and they undergo the same pressure and heat flow. Thanks to this variability, the polymer forming the first strands 24 can be selected selectively, in conjunction with the strand density and the strand cross-sectional area, to provide a predetermined melt index for the first strands 24 to be integrally joined to the strands 24. the first and second carrier layers 37 and 38 with a strand coverage Sc of approximately 50 percent. In addition, the variation of the melt index of the polymer can also be especially useful when it is desired to increase the density of the first and second carrier layers 37 and 38 while maintaining the same processing conditions. In this situation, the polymer of the first strands 24 can be changed to provide a higher melt index so that the first strands 24 can more easily penetrate and join the carrier layer 37, 38, 40 and / or 41 when subjected to The default pressure and heat flow. Accordingly, the same level of integral bonding can be achieved without changing the processing conditions despite the increased density of the carrier layers 37, 38, 40 and / or 41. Based on the above, it is believed that the first strands 24 they should preferably be aligned to provide a strand density of about 2 to about 10 strands per centimeter in conjunction with a strand cross-sectional area of about 0.0005 cm2 to about 0.03 cm2, most preferably about 3 to about 6 strands per centimeter in conjunction with a yarn cross-sectional area from about 0.001 cm2 to about 0.005 cm2, so that melting or overlapping of the first integrally bonded strands 25 can be prevented in laminated structure 66 and / or 67. A melting index of about 2 to approximately 15 (measured by ASTM D1238) in conjunction with the values of strand density and cross-sectional area of h ebra described above. With respect to the second strands 26, it is believed that the strand density, the strand cross-sectional area and the modulus of the second strands 26 can also affect the elastic properties of the laminated structures 66 and / or 67 (ie the module of the laminated structures 66 and / or 67) in the direction along the second strands 26 (ie, along the direction D of Figure 4). For example, by increasing the strand density and / or the strand cross-sectional area of the second strands 26, the modulus of the laminated structures 66 and / or 67 will decrease. So that the laminated structures 66 and / or 67 are incorporated into the structures. patches of the present invention, it is desirable that a modulus of about 100 to about 200 grams force per cm is provided, at a tension of μ of about 1. It is believed that providing second strands 26 having a strand density of about 2 to about 5, a transverse area of about 0.003 cm2 to about 0.02 cm2 and comprising a styrene-butadiene block copolymer will provide laminated structures 66 and / or 67 having the preferred modulus in one direction along the second strands 26. The module of the laminated structures 66 and / or 67 can be measured by techniques known in the art. For example, the modulus of the laminated structures 66 and / or 67 can be measured using a universal constant speed of elongation stretching tester, such as the Instron model # 122, manufactured by Instron Engineering Corp., Canton, MA. Laminated structures 66 and / or 67 may also be subjected to various post-forming procedures known in the art. For example, a laminated structure made in accordance with the present invention may comprise additional fabric layers (i.e., bulking layers) that are bonded to the laminate structure to further improve the usability and comfort of the structure. Additional fabric layers can be secured to the laminated structure by adhesive, thermal bonding, pressure bonding, ultrasonic bonding, dynamic mechanical bonding or any other suitable method known in the art. To improve the elastic performance of the patch 10, the elastic portion 20 can be subjected to an activation procedure after assembly and before use. This activation method stretches and deforms permanently on a very small scale the non-elastic layers of the patch 10. This activation process also allows the first and / or second thermally bonded elastic laminates 66 and / or 67 to be stretched or expanded in the direction of an applied force and essentially return to their original dimensions after withdrawal of force, not impeded by the non-elastic layers of the elastic portion 20. Alternatively, the elastic portion 20 can be assembled while the first and / or second thermally bonded elastic laminates 66 and / or 67 remain in an extended state. After assembly, the first and / or second thermally bonded elastic laminates 66 and / or 67 are allowed to return to their relaxed state causing the non-elastic layers of the elastic portion 20 to bend and bend creating roughness. The subsequent stretching of the elastic portion 20 will result in the unfolding of these rugosities.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is a second elastic portion 56 located intermediate to the heat cells 75 and / or heat packs 22. The materials and methods used to provide the elastic portion 20 described hereinbefore may also be used to provide a second elastic portion 56. A particular embodiment of the patch 10 is described having two thermally bonded elastic laminates 66 and 67, which are the body-facing material 62 and the outer surface material 64 coextensive. Preferably, the first and second thermally bonded elastic laminates 66 and 67 extend from the first end 14 to the second end 16 of flexible material 12. Alternatively, the first and second thermally bonded elastic laminates 66 and 67 may extend from the first end 14 to interfacial center line 54 of flexible material 12 to provide elastic properties to the first and second belts 80 and 82. The interfacial center line 54 is preferably aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 18 located between the first end 14 and the second end 16. A particular embodiment of the patch 10 is described using a number of layers. Alternatively, the patch 10 may comprise a single elastic element. The first carrier layer 37 and the second carrier layer 38 are used during the thermal bonding of the first elastic member 36, and the third carrier layer 40 and fourth carrier layer 41 are employed during the thermal bonding of the second elastic member 39. If the passage of thermal bonding is not used for any number of reasons, then the first carrier layer 37, second carrier layer 38, third layer 40 and fourth carrier layer 41 can be omitted. The material that gives the body 62 of flexible material 12 comprises the surface that gives to the body 28 coextensive from the first end 14 to the second end 16. The material that gives the body 62 comprises a plurality of loop elements 102 which are formed of fibers of material 62. Similarly, the outer surface material 64 of flexible material 12 comprises an outer surface 30 coextensive from the first end 14 to the second end 16. The outwardly facing material 64 comprises a plurality of loop elements 104 which are formed of material fibers 64. The plurality of loop elements 102 and 104 serve as one half of a reclosable hook and loop fastening system. As used herein, the term "reclosable" refers to the property of a fastening system that provides for the initial closure of the fastening system, a subsequent opening of the fastening system, followed by at least one additional closure thereof. fastening system. The subsequent closure of the fastening system may either return the closure to the original position or may result in a repositioning of the closure from the initial configuration. The body-facing surface 28 comprises at least one hook element 34 that is permanently attached to the surface that faces the body 28 near the first end 14. Similarly, the surface ..Zi.i-í s. '- ^ iS'a. exterior 30 comprises at the mencí? The hook element 32 is permanently attached to the outer surface 30 near the second end 16. The plurality of hooks on the hook elements 32 and 34 serves as the second half of a reclosable hook and loop fastening system. As used herein, the term "permanently attached" is defined as the union of two or more elements that remain attached during desired use. The hook element 32 with loop elements 102 and the hook element 34 with loop elements 104, provide a reclosable hook and loop fastening system for securing the patch around the user's knee or elbow. Alternatively, the reclosable fastening system of the patch 10 can be a single hook and loop fastening system comprising either a hook element 32 and loop elements 102 or a hook element 34 and loop elements 104. The material which gives the body 62 and the outer surface material 64 can be any of a number of different materials that include, but are not limited to, knitted and knitted fabrics, carded non-woven fabrics, non-woven fabrics joined by spinning and the like. A material that has been found is particularly suitable for the body-facing material 62 and the outer surface material 64 is a thermally bonded and carded non-woven fabric of polypropylene with a basis weight of 32 grams per square meter (gsm). This material is ^ ft onf le as grade # 9327786, from Veratec, Walpole, MA. The hooks of the hook elements 32 and 34 can have any number of styles, shapes and / or densities depending on the use. The hooks of the hook elements 32 and 34 can be bent arrows, mushroom shaped caps, harpoon shaped or any other suitable, unidirectional, bi-directional or omni-directional shape, depending on the application and the elements of loop of the loop elements 102 and 104. The hooks of the hook elements 32 and 34 should be chosen in conjunction with the associated loop elements of the loop elements 102 and 104 to provide the peeling and shearing forces required for different applications. The fixing of the layers to form the laminate facing the body 92, the outer surface laminate 93 and, finally, the patch 10 can be achieved by any number of fixing means known in the art. These include, but are not limited to, heat fusion adhesive, which includes spiral sprays, meltblowing, control coatings and the like, latex adhesives applied by spray, print etching and the like, thermal bonding, ultrasonic bonding, bonding with pressure and similar. One particular method that has been used successfully is the heat fusion adhesive layer 60 available as 70-4589 from National Starch and Chemical Co., Bridgewater, NJ, applied by a hot spiral fusion system at a rate of approximately 0.5. at approximately 25 mg / cm2. The flexible material 12 preferably comprises a first belt portion 80 and a second belt portion 82, each having at least one hook element 34 that can be independently attached to loop elements 104. After application of the belt 10 , the first end 14 of the upper strap portion 80 surrounds the back of the user's knee or the front of the user's elbow, preferably over the knee or elbow, and the first end 14 of the second strap portion 82 surrounds the back of the user's knee or the front of the user's elbow, preferably below the knee or elbow. The first end 14 of the first and second belt portions 80 and 82 overlap the second end 16, such that the hook elements 32 on the outer surface 30 near the second end 16 engage loop elements 102 on the surface that gives to the body 28. The engagement of the hook members 32 with the loop elements 102 forms the first part of the two-part hook and loop fastening system. Continuing with the application, the hook members 34 on the body-facing surface 28 near the first end 14 come into contact with the loop elements 104 of the outer surface 30, forming the second part of a hook fastening system and two-part loop. The first belt portion 80 and the second belt portion 82 allow easier application and an effective tension of the material 12 during use. Optional belt portions may optionally be included. Preferably, the first and second belt portions 80 and 82 contain the elastic portion 20 of flexible material 12. That is, the first and second belt portions 80 and 82 preferably exhibit an elastic behavior when stretched in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 18. The flexible material 12 preferably comprises a portion of body 81. The body portion 81 has a first edge 83 and a second edge 84. The distance between the first edge 83 and the second edge 84 measured in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis 18 is the width of the body portion 81 of flexible material 12. The first belt portion 80 of flexible material 12 has a first edge 85 and a second edge 86. The distance between the first edge 85 and the second 86 measured in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis 18 is the width of the first portion of strap 80 of flexible material 12. The second portion of strap 82 of flexible material 12 has a first edge 87 and a second edge 88. The distance between e The first edge 87 and the second edge 88 measured in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis 18 is the width of the second strap portion 82 of flexible material 12. The flexible material 12 preferably comprises an opening 46 between the interfacial center line 54 and the second end 16. The opening 46 is designed to be aligned with the patella or olecranon of the user, and serves to assist in properly positioning the patch 10 during use. Preferably, the flexible material 12 has at least one slot 48, most preferably two slots, which extend from the opening 46, one towards the second end 16 and the other towards the interfacial center line 54. The slots 48 allow the Flexible material 12 expands and closes respectively while the user flexes and straightens his elbow or knee. The slots 48 may have any shape, however, the rectangular shape is preferred as illustrated in Figure 1. Alternatively, the flexible material 12 may comprise the slot 48 without the opening 46. The patch 10 may further comprise reinforcements 100. The reinforcements 100 are preferably inserted transverse to the longitudinal axis 18 and internally in the layers of flexible material 12 of the patch 10, and are positioned adjacent the interfacial center line 54 and / or the second end 16 of flexible material 12. The reinforcements 100 are preferably glue strips that are placed to allow the patch 10 to bend with the knee or the elbow, but minimize the bulge of the flexible material 12, which could otherwise occur after several cycles of bending of knee or elbow. The reinforcements 100 serve as resilient reinforcements to cause the patch 10 to keep its flat character against the wearer's leg or arm. Alternatively, the reinforcements 100 may be placed on the outer surface 30 of the patch 10. Typically, the reinforcements 100 extend very close to the perimeter edges of the patch 10 such that the rigid ends of the reinforcements 100 never come in contact with the leg or arm of the user.

However, in a second alternative the reinforcements 100 can be placed on the surface of the body 28 to increase the friction between the patch 10 and the user's leg or arm to reduce the slippage of the patch 10 during use. A glue that is preferred for reinforcements 100 is HL1460-X made by Fuller, Minneapolis, MN. Spheres of approximately 5 mm in diameter are extruded onto the flexible material 12 with a conventional heat fusion glue gun. The glue spheres are then calendered or flattened by means of a compression roll to a thickness of about 0.3 mm to about 5 mm, which determines the desired stiffness of the reinforcements 100. Alternatively, the reinforcements 100 can be made of rigid plastic or metal, because these materials can be applied more easily and are less expensive to include. With rigid plastic and metal reinforcements, cavities are typically sewn into the patch 10, and then individual reinforcements are formed and installed. The surface of the body 28 may optionally comprise foam polymer strips aligned transversely to the longitudinal axis 18 of flexible material 12 to increase the friction between the patch 10 and the knee or the user's elbow. Presently, the foamed polymer strips are typically located adjacent the second end 16 and the interfacial line 54. The increased friction provided by the foamed polymer strips serve to reduce the slippage or relative movement f * between the patch 10 and the user. If present, the foam strips typically measure around 2.5 mm in width and approximately 0.5 mm in thickness. High tack polymers such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer can be used in place of the foam polymer strips. The polymer strips can also serve as reinforcements 100 and can be glued, thermally bonded or printed on the surface of the body 28. The patch 10 also comprises one or more heat cells 75, preferably arranged in a pattern, as indicated in FIG. Figure 1. Heat cells 75 apply heat energy to the sides and top of the knee or elbow when the flexible material 12 is secured around the user's knee or elbow. The heat cells 75 are typically constructed by forming a cavity 76 in the base material 70. The cavity 76 in the base material 70 is then filled with an exothermic composition 74. After filling the cavity 76 in the base material 70 with an exothermic composition 74, a cover material 72 is placed over the cavity 76 and heat sealed to the base material 70 around the periphery of the cavity 76, encapsulating the exothermic composition 74 and thereby forming the heat cell 75 The heat cells 75 are separated from each other, and each heat cell 75 operates independently of the rest of the heat cells 75. Each heat cell 75 preferably comprises a densely packed, particulate exothermic composition 74, which fills preferably and substantially the volume of cell available within the cell, reducing any excess empty volume and thereby minimizing the capacity of the cell. exothermic position 74 to move inside the cell. Alternatively, the exothermic composition 74 may be compressed to form direct compaction articles before being placed in each cell. Because the heat generating material is densely packed or compressed into direct compaction articles, the heat cells 75 are not easily flexible. Therefore, the separation of the heat cells 75 and the materials selected for the base material 70 and the cover material 72 between the heat cells 75 allows the patch 10 to be easily adapted to the user's knee or elbow. Preferably, the patch 10 comprises one or more thermal packs 22 comprising a plurality of individual heat cells 75, preferably inserted into the laminated structure of the heat pack 22. The heat pack 22 can be made of any number of thermoplastic materials; however, it is preferred that the base material 70 and / or cover material 72 be made of thermoplastic materials that are semi-rigid at a temperature of about 25 ° C and below, and that they soften, i.e., become substantially less rigid. , at a temperature above about 25 ° C. Different materials may be able to meet the specified requirement, as long as the thickness is adjusted accordingly. Such materials include, but are not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, polyester, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyurethane, polystyrene, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer saponified, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, natural rubber, reclaimed rubber, synthetic rubber and mixtures thereof. These materials can be used alone or co-extruded with a low melting temperature polymer that includes, but is not limited to, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, low density polyethylene and mixtures thereof. Said materials are also capable of containing the exothermic composition 74 and of limiting the flow of oxygen into the cavity 76, and provide sufficient stiffness to prevent the patch 10 from bending or bulking during use, preventing unacceptable stretching of the material. the structures of the layer continue during processing or use, and preventing easy access to the contents of the heat cell. A particular base material 70 and cover material 72 which have proven to be satisfactory, preferably comprise a co-extruded film, having a first side of polypropylene and a second side of EVA, and having a combined thickness of about 20 μm to about 30 μm, preferably around 25 μm. The polypropylene comprises from about 10% to about 90%, preferably from about 40% to about 60%, from the thickness of the base material 70 and the cover material 72. When using the co-extruded films of the type just described for the material of base 70 and cover material 72, the EVA sides are preferably oriented relative to each other to facilitate thermal bonding of the cover material 72 to the base material 70.

SaSÉz? Zík ^ HH ^^^ I '& & amp; & amp; amp; 5 ~ 3 The exothermic composition 74 may comprise any composition capable of providing heat. However, the exothermic composition 74 preferably comprises a particulate mixture of chemical compounds that undergo an oxidation reaction during use. The exothermic composition 74 can also be formed into agglomerated granules, compacted directly into compaction articles such as granules, pellets, tablets and / or pellets, and mixtures thereof. The mixture of compounds typically comprises iron powder, carbon, metal salts and water. Mixtures of this type react when exposed to oxygen, providing heat for several hours. Exothermic compositions suitable for inclusion in the patch 10 of the present invention can be found in WO9701313, published on January 16, 1997 to Burkertt et al., Incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The heat cells 75 may comprise any geometric shape, i.e., disk, triangle, pyramid, cone, sphere, square, cube, rectangle, rectangular parallelepiped, cylinder, ellipsoid and the like. The preferred form of the heat cell 75 comprises a disk-shaped geometry having a cell diameter of about 0.2 cm to about 10 cm, preferably about 0.5 cm to about 8 cm, most preferably about 1 cm to about 5 cm and more preferably about 1.5 cm to about 3 cm. The heat cell 75 may comprise a height of l-'VI? ' * ^ 4 about 0.08 cm to about 1 cm, preferably about 0.15 cm to about 0.9 cm, most preferably more than about 0.2 cm to about 0.8 cm, and more preferably about 0.4 cm. The ratio of the fill volume to the heat cell volume 75 is from about 0.7 to about 1.0, preferably from about 0.75 to about 1.0, most preferably from about 0.8 to about 1.0, more preferably from about 0.85 to about 1.0, and still more preferably from about 0.9 to about 1.0. Oxygen permeability can be provided by selecting materials for the base material 70 and / or cover material 72 having specifically desired permeability properties. The desired permeability properties can be provided by microporous films or by films having pores or holes formed therein. The formation of these holes / pores can be by extrusion casting / vacuum forming or by hot needle opening. Oxygen permeability can also be provided by drilling at least one of the base material 70 and cover material 72 with holes for air using, for example, an arrangement of pins having tapered points and diameters from about 0.2 mm to about 2 mm, preferably about 0.4 mm to about 0.9 mm. The diffusion of oxygen into the heat cell 75 during the oxidation of the exothermic composition 74 * typically ranges from about 0.01 cc O2 / min./5 cm2 to about 15.0 cc O2 / min./5 cm2 (at 21 ° C, 1 ATM), preferably about 0.9 cc O2 / min. / 5 cm2 to about 3 cc O2 / min. / 5 cm2 (at 21 ° C, 1 ATM). The speed, duration and temperature of the thermogenic oxidation reaction of the exothermic composition 74 can be controlled as desired to change the contact area with air, very specifically, by changing the oxygen diffusion / permeability. The elastic patch for uniaxial and thermal joints 10 may optionally comprise a layer of material preferably located on the surface of the body 28 of flexible material 12. The material layer is generally coextensive flexible material 12 from the second end 16 to the center line interfacial 54. The layer of material has theability in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis 18 of the flexible material 12 and preferably, has an elastic recovery force that is as low as possible to reduce as much as possible the forces transverse to the longitudinal axis 18. The layer of material is typically attached to the surface that faces the body 28 along the perimeter of the material layer using an adhesive The layer of material provides coverage of the knee or elbow when the user's knee or elbow is bent and the flexible material is expanded by separating the slots 48. Said material may comprise a flexible thermal laminate, such as those described herein. the first and second elastic laminates joined by fusion 66 and 67.

Alternatively, the cap of the material can have elasticity in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 18 in addition to elasticity in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis 18. When the patch 10 for a knee is assembled, the width of the body portion 81 of material flexible 12 is preferably from about 15 cm to about 25 cm, most preferably about 18 cm to about 23 cm and more preferably about 19 cm to about 21 cm. The width of the first belt portion 80 and the second belt portion 82 of flexible material 12 is typically less than the width of the body portion 81 of flexible material 12, preferably about 2.5 cm to about 13 cm, most preferably around from 4 cm to about 8 cm, and more preferably from about 5 cm to about 7 cm. When the patch 10 is assembled for an elbow, the dimensions described above are preferably adjusted appropriately to fit a user's elbow. Preferably, the finished patch 10 is typically enclosed within a substantially oxygen-impermeable package. To be used, the patch 10 is removed from the oxygen impermeable package allowing oxygen to enter the heat cell 75 and react with the exothermic composition 74. Although particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art. the technique that can make several changes and modifications "without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and which attempts to cover all the modifications that come within the scope of the invention in the appended claims.

Claims

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - A uniaxial, thermal and disposable elastic joint patch comprising: a) a piece of flexible material having a first end and a second end, a body portion fixed between said first end and said second end, a first portion of a strap and a second belt portion, wherein at least one of said body portion, first belt portion and second belt portion comprise one or more elastic laminate structures, said laminated structures comprising a first carrier layer, a second carrier layer and a mesh disposed between said carrier layers, said mesh having a plurality of first strands crossing a plurality of second elastic strands, said first and second strands having softening temperatures at an applied pressure, at least about 10% of said first strands being integrally joined to said first carrier layer and said second carrier layer by means of application of a binding pressure to said softening temperature of said first strands, wherein at least one of said body portion, first strap portion and second strap portion is stretchable along a longitudinal axis of said piece of flexible material; b) one or more heat cells comprising a separate exothermic composition "9" and fixedly attached through said body portion; and c) a fastening means for holding said piece of flexible material around the knee or elbow of a user.

2. An uniaxial, thermal and disposable elastic patch for joints according to claim 1, further characterized in that said heat cells comprise one or more thermal packages fixedly attached to said body portion, each thermal package having a unified structure comprising at least one continuous layer of material and a plurality of individual heat cells separated and fixedly attached to said continuous layer of material.

3. A uniaxial, thermal and disposable elastic patch for joints according to claim 2, further characterized in that said thermal pack comprises at least one continuous layer of a co-extruded material having a first side of polypropylene and a second side of a low melting temperature copolymer, wherein said continuous layer is semi-rigid at a temperature of about 25 ° C and less, and substantially less rigid at a temperature of more than about 25 ° C.

4. An uniaxial, thermal and disposable elastic patch for joints according to any preceding claim, further characterized in that said softening temperatures of said first and second strands are different from said joint pressure, -X * If softening temperature of said first strands being lower than the softening temperature of said second strands.

5. An uniaxial, thermal and disposable elastic patch for joints according to any preceding claim, further characterized in that said first carrier layer and said second carrier each have an outer surface and at least about 50% of said first integrally attached strands they have a substantially flat shape and coplanar with said outer surfaces.

6. An uniaxial, thermal and disposable elastic patch for joints according to any preceding claim, further characterized in that at least 25% of said second strands have a substantially elliptical transverse shape.

7. An uniaxial, thermal and disposable elastic patch for joints according to any preceding claim, further characterized in that said heat cells comprise a densely packed particulate composition comprising iron powder, carbon, a metal salt and water, said composition substantially fills the volume of cell available within said heat cell, reducing any excess void volume and thereby reducing to a maximum the capacity of said particulate composition to move within said heat cells.

8. An uniaxial, thermal and disposable elastic patch for joints according to any preceding claim, further characterized in that said strap portions comprise said elastic laminated structures.

9. An uniaxial, thermal and disposable elastic patch for joints according to any preceding claim, further characterized in that said body portion further comprises an opening designed to be aligned with the patella or olecranon of the user to establish a convenient location point for wrap the patch around the knee or the user's elbow.

10. An uniaxial, thermal and disposable elastic patch for joints according to claim 9, further characterized in that said body portion further comprises at least one groove extending substantially longitudinally from said opening, to enable said piece of flexible material is stretched transverse to said longitudinal axis in said opening to support bending of the user's knee or elbow. APPENDIX SHEET SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to elastic patches for uniaxial, thermal and disposable joints having a laminated structure formed of a polymeric mesh and two fabric carrier layers, and one or more heat cells, preferably one or more thermal packages comprising a plurality of individual heat cells, wherein heat is applied to specific areas of the user's body, preferably the knee and / or the elbow, preferably to relieve pain; these patches provide adequate conformability to the user's body to provide a consistent, convenient and comfortable heat application. P00 / 177F - =? £ '