NZ598438B - Adhesive bandage - Google Patents

Abstract

Patent 598438 An adhesive bandage has a backing layer with an absorbent pad attached to it with adhesive. The pad has raised tufted regions separated by lower channel regions of a greater density than the raised regions. Each of the tufted regions is not a polygon of four to eight sides.

Description

Received by IPONZ 25 June 2012 NEW ZEALAND PATENTS ACT, 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION ADHESIVE E We, jOHNSON &]OHNSON CONSUMER COMPANIES, INC, a corporation of the State of Newjersey, United States of America, of Grandview Road, Skillman, New Jersey 08558, United States of America, do hereby declare the invention for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be ularly described in and by the following statement: Received by IPONZ 25 June 2012 ADHESIVE BANDAGE FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an adhesive e to be applied onto the skin, particularly an ve bandage with an absorbent pad having tufied regions surrounded and separated by a network of interconnecting channels recessed in the surface of the absorbent pad.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION There are many types of wounds to the human body. They may be open or . Open wounds include incisions or incised wounds, lacerations, abrasions, puncture wounds and penetration wounds. Closed wounds include contusions (bruises), mas and crushing injuries. Depending on the severity of the wound, certain wounds may require g via sutures and the like, followed by l application of a wound dressing to protect the wound from dirt and further damage by contact.

Similarly, wounds due to medical surgical procedures typically require application of a wound dressing subsequent to surgery to t the wound.

As there are different types of wounds to the body, so are there different types of dressings for application to such wounds. In certain dressings, absorbent structures, e. g. pads, may be used to absorb exudates fiom the wound. Other wound dressings may be free of such absorbent pads. For e, US 3,053,252 discloses bandages where non—absorbent support surfaces or edges project beyond the absorbent surface towards the wound site to form an embossed pattern of absorbent areas and non-absorbent support surfaces. US 4,781,710 discloses bandages that utilize pads having tufted regions nded by channels. The channels require both a transport region and a storage region, where density of the ort region is greater than that of the storage region. US 4,259,387 relates to absorbent products adapted to absorb body fluids. Such ts utilize a loosely compacted osic fibrous batt having a plurality of spaced, relatively narrow, dense lines in the general plane of the batt. The batts have a non- uniform density where the areas of the batt adjacent the lines cover or obscure the lines ed by IPONZ 25 June 2012 due to modified batt regions of lesser density adjacent the lines than the average density ofthe batt.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention s to bandages for application to abrasions or cuts in the skin, where the bandage includes a backing layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; and an absorbent pad associated with the backing layer. The absorbent pad es a first e facing the g layer and that has a first e area, and a second surface opposite the first surface and that has a second surface area. The absorbent pad comprises a plurality of tufted regions surrounded and separated by a first k of interconnecting channels ed in the second surface of the absorbent pad. The channels comprise and are defined by channel sidewalls extending away from the second surface and into the core body ofthe absorbent pad and terminating in a first surface of a channel base region extending between the channel sidewalls. The absorbent pad has a thickness defined by the distance between the first and second surfaces of the absorbent pad. The tufted regions have a substantially m first density, while the channel base region has a substantially uniform second density that is greater than the ntially uniform first density of the tufted regions. The channel base region has a thickness defined by the distance between the first surface of the channel base region and a second surface of the channel base region opposite the first surface. The network of interconnecting channels is visible to the user of the bandages.

Accordingly, in a first aspect the invention provides an ve bandage for application to abrasions or cuts in the skin, comprising: a backing layer comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite said first surface; an adhesive layer applied to at least a portion of said second surface of said backing layer; and an absorbent pad associated with said backing layer, said ent pad comprising, a first surface facing said second surface of said backing layer and having a first surface area, ed by IPONZ 25 June 2012 a second surface opposite said first surface and having a second surface area; and a core body bounded by said first and second surfaces; said absorbent pad comprising a plurality of tufted s surrounded and separated by a first network of interconnecting channels recessed in said second surface of said absorbent pad, said ls comprising channel sidewalls extending away from said second surface of said absorbent pad and into said core body of said absorbent pad and terminating in a first surface of a channel base region extending between said channel sidewalls; wherein the absorbent pad is free of slits or perforations uniformly buted throughout the absorbent pad that would allow the adhesive layer to contact the wound surface; wherein said tufted regions have a substantially uniform first density, said channel base region has a substantially uniform second y greater than said substantially uniform first density of said tufted regions and said network of interconnecting ls is Visible; and with the o that the shape of each of the tufted regions is not a polygon having from four to eight sides.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will now be bed in greater detail with reference to embodiments ented in the drawings. is a perspective View of an embodiment of an ve bandage of the present invention; is a cross-sectional View of the adhesive bandage illustrated in taken along line 2a~——2a; is a cross—sectional side View of an adhesive bandage similar to the bandage as shown in where the second surface of the absorbent pad comprises a covering layer; is a View of a first embodiment of the absorbent pad depicted in taken perpendicular to the second surface of the bandage; Received by IPONZ 25 June 2012 is a cross-sectional side view taken along line 3b—--3b of the pad embodiment illustrated in ; is a cross-sectional side View of a second embodiment of an absorbent pad used in bandages of the present invention; is a cross—sectional side View of one embodiment of a bandage ing to the t ion utilizing the absorbent pad depicted in ; is a cross—sectional side View of another embodiment of a bandage ing to the present invention utilizing the absorbent pad depicted in ; is a perspective view of the bandage depicted in as seen from the first side of the backing layer of the bandage; is a View of another embodiment of an absorbent pad used in bandages ofthe present invention; is a sectional side View of another embodiment of an ve bandage ofthe present invention; and. is a view of another embodiment of an absorbent pad used in bandages of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Bandages according to the present invention include a backing layer having a first surface facing away from the skin and a second surface, opposite the first surface, and facing the skin. The backing layer may have various shapes, e. g. rectangular, , oval, circular, ovoid, oblong, etc. The shape of the bandage is defined by the shape ofthe backing layer. The backing layer may be thin, highly e or deformable, impervious, and clear or opaque. In general, the backing s thickness should fall within the range of 0.05 to 0.20 millimeter to achieve the forming and flexing characteristics desired.

A polyethylene film may be used as the backing layer, and particularly effective results may be achieved with stretchable, elastomeric films formed ofpolyurethane, which has the further advantage of gas (including water vapor) transmissibility. It is to be understood, however, that other flexible, water insoluble polymeric films known in ed by IPONZ 25 June 2012 the art may be used. Furthermore, the g layer may be formed from closed-cell polymeric foam, particularly one with an integral skin covering the side facing away from the skin of the user. Foam layers formed ofpolyurethane or polyethylene are suitable, while other ric foams having similar properties may be used. In addition, the backing layer may be made from other polyolefins, vinyl polyethylene acetate, textile non-woven fabrics, rubber, or other materials known in the bandage art. rs used to make backing layers used in bandages of the present invention may t Viscosity of about 500 to 500,000 centipoises at temperatures of about 190°C, or about 1,000 to 30,000 centipoises at temperatures of about 190°C, or about 3,000 to 15,000 centipoises at temperatures of about 190°C. The backing layer may be impermeable to liquid, but permeable to gas, which allows the wound and the skin to which the bandage of the present invention is adhered to breathe. In one embodiment, the backing layer may have pores of such a size that will allow only the passage of gases, which have molecules of extremely small size. Finally, one can conceive of a backing layer that is perforated for more ventilation of the skin. Perforations may be circular in area and have a range of diameters, such as from about 0.1 to about 0.8 eters. However, the backing layer may be totally impermeable to gases, when necessary.

Bandages ofthe present invention comprise an absorbent pad associated with the backing layer. As used herein, “associated with the backing layer” means that the absorbent pad is affixed either directly or indirectly to the backing layer so that it will not become separated fiom the backing layer during normal use. Association may be accomplished by applying an adhesive layer between the second surface ofthe backing layer and first surface of the absorbent pad, thereby adhesively bonding the absorbent pad directly to the backing layer. The absorbent pad also may be associated with an intermediate layer, which in turn is associated with the backing layer, thus indirectly ating the absorbent pad to the backing layer via the intermediate layer.

Association also may be accomplished by other known means such as ultrasonic welding.

The ent pad includes a first e facing the second surface of the g layer, and that has a first surface area, and a second e opposite the first e and facing the skin, and that has a second surface area. The absorbent pad used in bandages ofthe present invention may have various shapes, e.g. rectangular, square, Received by IPONZ 25 June 2012 oval, circular, ovoid, oblong, etc., and is sized to cover less area than the backing layer so that, in use, the adhesive layer on the g layer is in contact with the user’s skin, but preferably does not contact the wound surface. As can be seen in s 1-6, the absorbent pad is free of slits or perforations mly distributed throughout the absorbent pad that would allow the adhesive layer to t the wound surface. In certain embodiments, the absorbent pad is free of slits or perforations that would allow the adhesive layer to contact the wound surface. The absorbent pad may be a fibrous matrix comprising materials ed from the group consisting of s, yarns, nets, laces, felts and ens. The basis weight ofthe materials selected as the ent pad in bandages of the present invention may be any of those used conventionally to make absorbent pads for bandages utilized in applications similar to those of the present invention. For example, the basis weight of the material may be from about 3.0 oz/yd2 to about 5.5 oz/ydz, although the invention is not limited as such.

The absorbent pad may be made from any type of material cormnonly used in the art in forming such pads for use in bandages. Materials that may be used include cellulose fiber gauzes, lightly cross—linked tissue structures, and other fibrous pads comprising natural or synthetic materials such as cotton, polyethylene terepthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), or blends of viscose rayon and polyolefins, or other materials that are absorbent and that are capable ofbeing embossed to form the network of interconnecting channels recessed in the surface of the absorbent pad. In certain embodiments, the absorbable pad is not degradable in water.

The absorbent pad comprises a plurality of tufted regions surrounded and separated by a first k of interconnecting channels recessed in the second surface of the absorbent pad. Tufted s are understood to be substantially undensified, i.e. relatively low density regions compared to the density of the channel base regions. The term “channels” refers to those recessed s which separate and surround the tufted regions. The first and second surfaces ofthe tufted regions are coincident with the first and second surfaces of the absorbent pad, respectively. The ent pad has a thickness defined by the maximum distance between the first and second surfaces of the absorbent pad. Typically, the thickness of the absorbent pad may range from about 0.3 millimeters to about 2.5 millimeters.

The interconnecting channels recessed in the second surface of the absorbent pad comprise and are defined by channel lls extending away from the second Received by IPONZ 25 June 2012 surface and into the core body of the absorbent pad and terminating in a first surface of a channel base region extending between the channel sidewalls. The channel base region fiirther has a second surface opposite the first surface, and a ess defined by the distance between the first and second surfaces of the channel base region. In certain embodiments, a second network of interconnecting channels is recessed into the first e of the absorbent pad. The second network of onnected channels may be in alignment with the first network of interconnecting channels found in the second surface ofthe ent pad. The channels in the first surface of the absorbent pad se and are defined by channel sidewalls extending away from the first e and into the core of the absorbent pad and terminating in the second surface of the channel base region, which s between the channel sidewalls in the first surface of the absorbent pad.

The tufted regions have a substantially uniform first density. By “substantially uniform first density”, it is meant that the density of the tufted region adjacent the channels is ntially the same as the average density of the tufted region across the entire area of the tufted region, such that the channels are not obscured by the tufted region adjacent the channel. The channel base region has a substantially uniform second y that is greater than the substantially uniform first density of the tufted regions. By “substantially uniform second density”, it is meant that the density of the channel base regions is substantially the same throughout the channel base . In some embodiments, the second density ofthe channel base region is about 12 times or less greater than the first density of the tufted region, or from 1.1 to about 10 times greater than the y of the tufted regions. In some embodiments, the substantially uniform first density of the tufted regions is from about 0.082 grams/cubic centimeter to about 0.17 grams/cubic centimeter. In some embodiments, the substantially uniform second density of the l base regions is from about 0.11 grams/cubic centimeter to about 0.96 cubic centimeter. The network of recessed, interconnecting channels may comprise from about 5 to about 20 percent of the surface area of the surface of the absorbent pad, or from about 10 to about 15 percent of the surface area of the surface of the absorbent pad. This is whether the channels are present on one surface or both es of the pad.

The shape of each of the tufted regions of the absorbent pads of the bandages claimed herein is other than a polygon having from four to eight sides. In some ed by IPONZ 25 June 2012 embodiments, the shape of each of the tufted s is polygonal, ical, ovoid or circular.

However, tufied regions in the shape of a polygon having four to eight sides are also described herein. This information is retained for technical information.

The thickness of the channel base region may vary from about 0.1 millimeters to about 1.5 millimeters, depending on the depth of the channels and whether both surfaces or only one surface of the absorbent pad comprise channels recessed therein.

In addition to the substantially m first density of the tufied regions, the channels have a width and depth such that the network of interconnecting channels is Visible to the user. By “visible”, it is meant that the network of interconnecting channels is distinguishable from the tufted s when the bandage is observed by the user at distances normally encountered when applying the bandage to the skin or wound, e.g. from about 6 to about 24 , or from about 6 to about l2 inches.

Interconnecting channels in the absorbent pad serve a number of functions.

Interconnecting channels function to transport low Viscosity fluid, e. g. wound es, away from the wound surface by wicking action. As used herein, low viscosity fluids are those with viscosities of less than 50,000 centipoises. The channel base s, due to their high density ve to the tufied regions, have smaller capillaries between their fibers and are not able to absorb as much fluid as the lower density tufted regions.

Thus, channel base regions provide relatively fast wicking.

The tufted regions have a density less than the density of the channel base regions and, therefore, have larger capillaries between their fibers than the channel base regions. This gives the tufted regions the cy to absorb more liquid than the channel base regions. In use, low viscosity liquid which is deposited onto the absorbent pad is absorbed to some degree by the tufied regions. In bandages of the present invention, tufted regions adjacent to the area where the low Viscosity liquid is deposited may not be able to absorb all liquid fast enough to prevent “puddling” of the liquid on the ent pad, which resultantly may give the user an uncomfortably wet feeling or cause skin irritation. The excess liquid may enter the interconnecting channels, which may then direct the liquid to other tufted regions of the absorbent pad that may be less saturated, such that they will accept and absorb the excess low viscosity liquid.

Another function of the interconnecting channels is to serve as a storage depot for high viscosity fluids. As used herein, high viscosity fluids are those with viscosities Received by IPONZ 25 June 2012 of greater than 50,000 centipoises. If a user places a high viscosity ointment, balm, emollient, t, cream or salve on the wound site, and then places a rd pad with a uniform density hout its structure in contact with the high viscosity fluid, the fluid may spread from the wound site to portions of the pad that do not cover the wound. If, however, a user places a high viscosity ointment, balm, emollient, unguent, cream or salve on the wound site, and then places bandages of the present ion in contact with the high viscosity fluid, the fluid may flow from the lower density tufted regions to the relatively higher density channel base regions in the interconnecting channels. In this way, the high viscosity fluid may be maintained at the site of the wound.

Yet another function ofthe k of interconnecting channels is to provide a visual cue to the user. The term “visual cue”, as used herein, refers to visual information, e.g. the way a product or portion of a product appears to the user, which is used in connection with identifying a function or functions of the product. With respect to bandages ofthe present invention, the visual cue is as to the on of the channels in transporting low viscosity fluid away from the wound surface by wicking action, and/or in serving as a storage depot for high viscosity fluids. Accordingly, the network of interconnecting ls is e, as defined above. In some embodiments, the width ofthe channels is from about 0.2 millimeters to about 0.6 millimeters or from about 0.3 millimeters to about 0.45 eters, and the depth is from about 0.02 to about 2.0 millimeters, or from about 0.04 to about 1.1 millimeters. In certain embodiments, at least the first network of interconnecting channels recessed in the second surface of the absorbent pad is visible to the user when observed from the second surface of the absorbent pad. In other embodiments, both first and second networks of interconnecting channels recessed in the first and second surfaces of the ent pad, respectively, are visible to the user when observed from the respective surface. In one embodiment, the second network of onnecting channels recessed in the first surface of the absorbent pad may be visible to the user through the backing layer, where the backing layer is transparent or translucent. In another embodiment, the backing layer may conform to the network of interconnecting channels due to the process for making the e. In this embodiment, the backing layer itself comprises the network of onnecting channels recessed in the first surface of the backing layer, as shown herein.

Received by IPONZ 25 June 2012 In certain embodiments of the present invention the bandage may r comprise an intermediate layer disposed between the backing layer and the absorbent pad. The intermediate layer typically may be used where the backing layer is transparent or translucent. In such bandages, the intermediate layer may be of a color r to skin of the user and may be used to mask the appearance of the absorbent pad to the user, which pad may include exudates from the wound, including blood. When used, such intermediate layers may be made from materials known to those skilled in the art for similar use. The intermediate layer can be made from any type of material commonly used in the art in fonning adhesive bandages. In some embodiments, the intermediate layer can be made from, for example, plastic netting materials such as those sold under the tradename Delnet, available from Delstar Technologies, Inc., Middletown, DE.

In certain ments of the present invention, the second surface, ie. the skin~facing e, of the absorbent pad comprises a covering layer affixed thereto.

When present, the ng layer is considered as an integral component of the second surface of the absorbent pad and the k of interconnected channels is embossed into the absorbent pad after application of the covering layer to the absorbent pad. As such, the covering layer also comprises the network of interconnecting channels recessed in the skin-facing e. The covering layer provides additional protection to the wound and, where the ent pad is fibrous, prevents fibers from sticking to the wound or obscuring the channels. The covering layer is permeable to es to allow passage of the exudates from the wound to the ent pad. Thus, the covering layer may e perforations. The covering layer may be made of, for example, plastic netting materials such as those sold under the tradename Delnet, available from Delstar Technologies, Inc., Middletown, DE.

In general, any of a variety of pressure-sensitive adhesives can be utilized in the present ion as the adhesive layer to bond the absorbent pad to the backing layer and to adhere the e to the skin. In ular, pressure-sensitive adhesives that are biocompatible with human skin are typically utilized. Moreover, an adhesive used in the present invention may be either generally water soluble, or generally insoluble or dispersible in an aqueous environment. For instance, one commercially available dispersible pressure—sensitive adhesive is sold under the trade name of HL—94l S—X and is available from H.B. Fuller y. Another suitable adhesive includes about 10- Received by IPONZ 25 June 2012 75% by weight of a polyalkyloxazoline polymer, 10-75% by weight of a functional t comprising a hydroxy compound or a carboxylic acid compound, and 5-50% by weight of a tackifier.

The water-dispersible ric component can include, for example, surfactants such as poly(ethylene oxide) alkylphenyl , such as those sold under the trade names IGEPALCO and IGEPAL.CA (available from Rhone—Poulenc, Inc.); poly(ethylene oxide) lauryl, cetyl, and oleyl ethers such as those sold under the trade name BRIJ (available from ICI Americas, Inc.); poly(ethylene oxide) laurate; poly(ethylene oxide) oleate; sorbitan oleate; ethylene propylene oxide block copolymers such as those sold under the trade names PLURONIC and TETRONIC (available from BASF Corporation); and organic ate esters, such as those sold under the trade name GAFAC PE-SlO (available from International Specialty Products). Examples of other components include, but are not limited to, poly(acrylic acid); poly(vinyl alcohol); —vinyl pyrrolidone); poly(acrylamide); poly(alkoxyalkyl (meth)acrylates), such as 2—ethoxy ethyl te, 2-ethoxy ethyl methacrylate, 2—(2—ethoxyethoxy) ethyl acrylate, and 2-methoxy ethyl acrylate (available from SARTOMER Company, Inc.); poly(vinyl methyl ether); poly(vinyl methyl ether: maleic anhydride), sold under the trade name GANTREZ (available from International lty Products); poly(ether polyols), such as poly(propylene glycol) and the like, such as those sold under the trade name SANNIX able from Sanyo Chemical ries); copolymers f, and the like. Copolymers of these and alkyl (meth)acrylate esters or vinyl esters are also suitable. Gums such as those derived from okra and guar may also be used.

Still another suitable pressure—sensitive adhesive includes about 10% to about 80%, by weight, of an alkali e polymer; about 0 to about 30%, by weight, of a poly(vinyl methyl ether); about 30% to about 70%, by weight, of a tackifying resin; and about 5% to about 30%, by weight, of a suitable plasticizer. Still other examples of suitable adhesives include HX 923 6—01 or HX 9237—01 hot melt adhesives, which are obtainable from ATO Findley, Inc.

The adhesive layer used in the present invention may comprise hydrocolloids.

The hydrocolloid element used may be any substance that exhibits good performance in this utilization, as for example, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, pectin, xanthan gum, Received by IPONZ 25 June 2012 polysaccharides, sodium or calcium alginates, chitosan, seaweed extract (cageenan), polyaspartic acid, polyglutamic acid, hyaluronic acid or salts and derivatives thereof, among others.

Hydrocolloids, just as sodium carboxymethylcellulose and pectin, among others, are agents that form gels as soon as they come into contact with the bodily fluids fiom the wound. When used in adhesive bandages, these hydrocolloids are combined with elastomers and/or adhesives. Preferably, the adhesive bandage should provide a humid environment suitable for acceleration of the healing, but without saturation or cicatrisation.

Pectin is a complex-structure polysaccharide ted from vegetable s, for example, peels from citric fruits or apple pulp, which has a highly hydrophilic structure. As a result, pectin associates easily with the water les of the bodily fluids from the wound, forming a viscous gel on the injury bed. Its chemical similarity with alginates causes the physical properties of absorption and gel formation to resemble each other. ymethylcellulose, in turn, is a ose derivative formed by reaction of cellulose with s, such as, for example, sodium, potassium, calcium, etc, hydroxide. It is the nature of combined alkali that imparts the ionic characteristic of carboxymethylcellulose. When sodium hydroxide is used, sodium carboxymethylcellulose is formed. Just as in the case of pectin, carboxymethylcellulose dissolves rapidly in the water coming from the liquids that emanate from the wound, forming a gel on the wound with lled viscosity.

As an additional advantage of the use of olloids, it should be noted that both pectin and carboxymethylcellulose form a gel with acidic characteristics (pH of about 4), functioning as a bactericidal agent.

The ve element used may be any conventional adhesive know for such use, as for example pressure acrylic adhesives, among others. Additionally, such an adhesive may contain a resin for increasing on, a cohesion increasing agent, an absorption agent, preferably a polyacrylate superabsorbent, a polyacrylate salt bsorbent or a e thereof, a plasticizer and optionally a pigment. The adhesive layer may further be configured in discontinuous patterns, arranged on the Received by IPONZ 25 June 2012 e of the backing layer in lines, screen, spray or any other pattern which a person skilled in the art understands to be discontinuous.

FIGS. 1 and 2a illustrate a first embodiment of an adhesive bandage of the present invention. Adhesive bandage 10 comprises backing layer 20 having first surface 22 and opposing second surface 24 and a core body bounded by first 22 and second 24 surfaces. Adhesive layer 30 is disposed on at least a portion of second surface 24 of backing layer 20. FIGS. 1 and 2a show adhesive layer 30 disposed on the entirety of second surface 24 ofbacking layer 20. Absorbent pad 40 is disposed on adhesive layer such that absorbent pad 40 is associated with, e.g. by ve bonding, backing layer 20. While adhesive layer 30 is shown covering the entirety of second surface 24 ofbacking layer 20, it is to be understood that the adhesive layer may be disposed on a portion ofthe second surface of the backing layer, provided that the amount of adhesive applied, the location of the adhesive layer on the backing layer and the surface area of the n of the second surface covered by the adhesive layer is sufficient to associate the absorbent pad to the backing layer, as discussed herein above, and to adhere the bandage to the skin. is an embodiment similar to that ed in FIGS. 1 and 2a, except that the first e of absorbent pad 40 comprises covering layer 43 affixed thereto.

Covering layer 43 is applied to absorbent pad 40 prior to embossing, such that the network of interconnecting channels is recessed and Visible in ng layer 43. illustrates a view of absorbent pad 40 as shown in as Viewed perpendicular to second e 24 of absorbent pad 40. Pad 40 comprises tufted regions 44 surrounded and ted by a network of interconnecting channels 46 recessed in second surface 42 ofpad 40, thus providing a first embodiment of a densification pattern, e. g. a hexagon, used in bandages of the present invention. is a cross—sectional side view of absorbent pad 40 taken along line 3b-—- 3b of Absorbent pad 40 has first surface 41, second surface 42, core body 45, a plurality of tufted regions 44, and a network of onnecting channels 46 recessed in second e 42 of pad 40. The thickness (tr) of absorbent pad 40 is defined by the distance between first 41 and second 42 surfaces of ent pad 40.

Tufted regions 44 have a ess of tt and a substantially m first density.

As shown, first and second surfaces of tufted regions 44 coincide with first 41 and second 42 surfaces ofpad 40. As such, the thickness ofpad 40 and tufted regions 44 are Received by IPONZ 25 June 2012 the same. Interconnecting channels 46 have channel sidewalls 47 extending away from second surface 42 and into core body 45 of absorbent pad 40 and terminating at first surface 48a of channel base region 48 extending between channel sidewalls 47 .

Channel base regions 48 have a thickness (tc) defined by the distance between first surface 48a and second surface 48b of base region 48 and a substantially uniform second density greater than the substantially m first y of tufted regions 44.

As used herein, the terms “low density, intermediate density, and high density” are relative terms that are used in comparison to each other and unless specifically quantified herein, are not intended to refer to any specific density or any degree of density. is a cross—sectional side View of a second embodiment of an absorbent pad used in bandages of the present invention. In this embodiment, absorbent pad 80 has first e 81, second surface 82 comprising a covering layer affixed thereto, core body 85, tufted regions 84, and onnecting channels 86 recessed in second surface 82. The ess (tt) of absorbent pad 80 is defined by the distance between first 81 and second 82 surfaces of absorbent pad 80. Tufted regions 84 have a thickness of tt and a substantially uniform first y. Interconnecting ls 86 recessed in second pad surface 82 have channel sidewalls 87 ing away from second pad surface 82 and into core body 85 of absorbent pad 80 and terminating at first e 883 of channel base region 88 ing between channel sidewalls 87.

Interconnecting channels 83 recessed in first pad surface 81 have channel sidewalls 89 extending away from first pad surface 81 and into core body 85 of absorbent pad 80 and terminating at second surface 88b of channel base region 88 extending between channel sidewalls 89. Channel base regions 88 have a thickness (tc) defined by the distance between first 882 and second 88b surfaces of channel base region 88 and a substantially uniform second density greater than the substantially uniform first density of tufted regions 84.

FIGS. 4b-4d are embodiments ofbandages of the present invention comprising absorbent pad 80 depicted in . As shown in , ent pad 80 is associated to backing layer 90 via adhesive layer 92. Interconnecting channels 83 and tufted regions 84 are shown, tively. In this embodiment, the network of interconnected channels 83 may be Visible to the user through second surface 94 of backing layer 90, for example where g layer 90 is arent or translucent, Received by IPONZ 25 June 2012 although such Visibility is not required. As shown in , absorbent pad 80 is ated to backing layer 90 via adhesive layer 92. Channels 83 and tufted s 84 are shown, respectively. In this embodiment, backing layer 90 conforms to recessed channels 83 such that backing layer 90 includes the network of interconnecting channels 83 recessed in second surface 94 ing layer 90. As such, the k of interconnected channels 83 recessed in backing layer 90 is visible to the user. is a View of the ment depicted in as viewed perpendicular to surface 94 ofbacking layer 90. In this embodiment, the densification pattern formed by tufted regions 84 and channels 83 is e to the user.

FIGS. 5 and 7 ent additional embodiments ofpad densification patterns of absorbent pads used in bandages ofthe present invention. In absorbent pad 50 has tufted regions 54 separated by a network of recessed, interconnecting channels 56.

Tufted regions 54 have a diamond shape when viewed perpendicular to the second surface of the absorbent pad. In ent pad 60 has tufted regions 64 separated by a network ofrecessed, interconnecting channels 66. Tufied regions 64 have a circular shape when viewed perpendicular to the second surface ofthe absorbent pad.

Though the tufted regions of ent pad ments shown have hexagonal, diamond, or circular shapes, it is to be understood that the shape of the tufted regions may be selected from the group consisting of elliptical, ovoid, circular and polygonal. Polygonal includes shapes which have 4 to 8—sides. Where tufted regions are polygonal in shape the channels are linear. When tufted regions are elliptical, ovoid, or circular the channels are non—linear. Though shown as uniform in FIGS. 3 and 5, the length of the sides of the polygonal tufted region may .

Yet another embodiment of an adhesive bandage of the present invention is shown in cross—sectional side View in Adhesive bandage 110 comprises backing layer 120 having a first surface 122 and opposing second surface 124. Adhesive layer 130 is disposed on second e 124 ofbacking layer 120. Intermediate layer 150 is disposed on adhesive layer 130 so as to achieve bonding between backing layer 120 and intermediate layer 150. Absorbent pad 140 is associated with intermediate layer 150.

Received by IPONZ 25 June 2012 Though shows adhesive layer 130 disposed on the entirety of second surface 124 ofbacking layer 120, it is to be understood that ve layer 130 may be disposed on a portion of second surface 124 ofbacking layer 120, as discussed herein above. Absorbent pad 140 is disposed on a portion of intermediate layer 150 and ated with intermediate layer 150 so as to e bonding between intermediate layer 150 and absorbent pad 140, thus also associating pad 140 to g layer 120 via intermediate layer 150. The bond may be in the form of an adhesive, or may be any other known means ofbonding, such as by ultrasonic welding. Though shows absorbent pad 140 disposed on the entirety of intermediate layer 150, it is to be tood that absorbent pad 140 may be disposed on a portion of intermediate layer 150. ent pad 140 and intermediate layer 150 may have various shapes, e.g. rectangular, square, oval, circular, ovoid, oblong, etc, and be sized to cover less area than backing layer 120 so that, in use, adhesive layer 130 is in contact with the user’s skin, but preferably does not contact the wound surface.

The absorbent pad may be a fibrous matrix comprising an organized network selected from the group consisting of threads, yarns, nets, laces, felts and nonwovens. A preferred method of making the absorbent pad is known to one skilled in the art as the wet lay process of forming nonwovens.

Embossing may be performed ultrasonically through an ultrasonic system which includes a nip roll for providing tension to the web, an engrave/machined roll constructed ofhardened steel, and an ultrasonic horn. The ultrasonic horn and engrave/machined roll are set to a positioned so that the roll and horn would have no gap if the material being embossed was not between the rolls. The web would have a consistent and maintained tension, embossing the web with an ultrasonic system. atively, embossing may be performed using heat and pressure through a heated roll system which includes a nip roll for providing tension to the web, an engrave/machined roll constructed of hardened steel, and an anvil roll. Heat is applied in this area to raise the ature of the substrate. The anvil roll and engrave/machined roll are set to a position so that the roll and anvil would have no gap if the material being ed was not between the rolls. The web would have a consistent and maintained tension, embossing the web with an engrave/machined roll and anvil.

Received by IPONZ 25 June 2012 The process of manufacturing the adhesive bandage of the present invention may be any ofthose conventionally known to produce ve bandages. The backing layer, absorbent pad, and adhesive layer can be obtained by any s available at present. For example, an extrusion process may be used for obtaining the backing layer.

In the same way, the adhesive layer can be made in any known manner. A backing layer as described herein is obtained and an adhesive layer as described herein is applied to the second surface of the support layer. The ent pad is then associated with the adhesive bonding layer, thus bonding the absorbent pad to the backing layer.

The adhesive bandages of the invention are y suited to deliver one or more active ingredients such as therapeutics to the surface of the skin. When ned in the adhesive bandages ofthe invention, one or more active ients may be contained primarily or exclusively in the absorbent pad of the adhesive bandage. rative classes of active ingredients that may be delivered to the skin via the adhesive bandages of the invention include, but are not limited to, antibiotics, analgesics, retics, antimicrobials, antiseptics, lergics, anti—acne, anesthetics, anti-inflammatories, hemostats, cosmetics, vitamins, vasodilators, emollients, pH regulators, antipruritics, counterirritants, stamines and steroids. Specific active ingredients that may be delivered to the skin via the dressings of the invention include exidine, neomycin sulfate, polymyxin—B sulfate, zinc bacitracin, benzalkonium chloride, cetylpyridinium de, caine, tetracaine, cincaine, lidocaine, benzocaine, silver sulfadiazine, hydrocortisone, metandienone, trypsin, tolazoline, heparin, pramoxine, aloe vera, tretinoin, retinol, retinaldehyde, menthol, capsaicin, alpha hydroxy acids and vitamins such as Vitamin E.

While various embodiments of the invention have been set forth above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present ion cover such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

While not intending to limit the scope of the invention or claims appended to the specification, the present invention may be better tood with reference to the following examples.

Received by IPONZ 25 June 2012 EXAMPLE 1: Production of Embossed Pads and Bandages.

Absorbent pads were made from 3.7 oz/yd2 polypropylene (PP) and 3.7 oz/yd2 polyethylene terephthalate (PET) pad stock, respectively. The pads were embossed with a hexagonal pattern of interconnecting channels. Embossing was performed at slower and faster speeds. Some of the absorbent pads were then adhered to polyethylene g layers to form ve bandages. A total of four different pads and four different bandages were formed.

The thickness of tufted regions (tt), the thickness of the channel base regions (tc) and the width of the channel base regions (We), were measured optically using a o PH—A14 Profile tor with a QM—Data 200. Specimens were razor cut orthogonally to the hexagonal pattern. Five measurements were taken for each of the four different pads and four different es formed. The depth of the channel base regions (he) were calculated based upon the thickness of the tufted and channel base regions.

Table 1 shows the maximum and minimum thickness of tufted regions (tt), the maximum and minimum thickness ofthe channel base regions (tc), the width of the l base regions (we), and the depth of the channel base regions (he).

Table 1: Dimensions ofEmbossed Pads and Bandages.

Material Min t. Max tc Min t. Max 1. h. (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) 1 w.(mm) ‘ (mm) PP Pad (slow) 1.004 1.080 1.570 1.967 PP Pad (fast) 1.092 1.204 1.228 1.296 PET Pad 0.149 0.192 0.927 1.253 (slow) PET Pad 0.824 0.916 0.918 1.293 (fast) PP Bandage 0.268 0.306 0.804 0.993 (slow) PP Bandage 0.701 0.884 1.064 1.470 (fast) ‘ 0.3560 ' 0.769 PET Bandage 0.142 0.152 1.119 1.309 (slow) [0.302 ' 1.167 PET Bandage 1.165 1.097 1.133 .323 0.205 (fast) “I .__..L_—..__.

Received by IPONZ 25 June 2012 EXAMPLE 2: Fluid Absorption of Embossed and Non-Embossed Pads: ent 1 inch by 1 inch pads were made from 3.7 02/de polypropylene (PP) non-woven pad stock and 3.7 02/de polyethylene terephthalate (PET) non-woven pad stock, as in Example 1. Some absorbent pads were embossed at a speed intermediate to those of Example 1 with a hexagonal pattern of onnecting channels for testing. A total of four different pads were tested.

Each pad was placed over a SOuL drop of synthetic blood having viscosity less than 50,000 centipoise. A glass slide and weight (200 grams) were placed on each pad for 10 seconds. After 3 minutes, the blood spread area was then measured using image analysis and recorded as the percentage of the pad area. Three specimens were measured for each sample.

Table 2 shows the spread area for pads having a network of interconnecting channels embossed into the surface versus bossed pads.

Table 2: Fluid Spread Area.

PP embossed 48 O 2 PET non-embossed 32 | 21 PET embossed 47 t 7.2 ‘ The table shows that embossing ent pads according to the present invention significantly increases the spread area ofthe synthetic blood.

EXAMPLE 3: Ointment Spread of Embossed and Non-Embossed Pads. ent pads made according to Example 2 were tested for Ointment Spread as described below.

A tinted anti-bacterial ointment (0.1 g) was placed on each pad. A glass slide and weight (200 grams) were placed on each pad for 10 seconds. The ointment spread area was then measured using image is and recorded as the tage of the pad area. Three specimens were measured for each sample.

Table 3 shows the spread area for pads having a network of interconnecting channels embossed into the surface versus non-embossed pads.

Table 3: Ointment Spread Area.

Received by IPONZ 25 June 2012 en Spread Area % Std. Dev.

PP non-embossed PP embossed —I_ PET non-embossed —E_ The table shows that embossing absorbent pads ing to the present invention significantly decreases the spread area of the tinted ointment.

EXAMPLE 4: Fluid Absorption of ed and bossed Pads on Adhesive Bandages.

Absorbent pads made according to Example 2 were placed on a polyethylene laminate backing layer comprising a pressure sensitive adhesive applied thereto. The bandages were tested for fluid absorption as described below.

Each bandage was placed over a 30uL drop of synthetic blood. A glass slide and weight (200 grams) were placed on each bandage for 10 seconds. After 3 s, the blood spread area was then measured using image analysis and recorded as the percentage of the bandage area. Three specimens were measured for each sample and compared to a comparative bandage that did not include a pad having a network of interconnecting channels embossed therein. Table 4 shows the spread area for adhesive bandages according to the present invention versus comparative es that do not include a pad having a network of interconnecting channels embossed therein.

Table 4: Fluid Spread area.

Specimen I Spread Area % I Std. Dev.

Control Bandage with non-embossed Pad I 27 I 1.6 Bandage with PET Embossed Pad I 68 I 3.1 Bandage with PP Embossed Pad I 78 I 5.3 The table shows that embossing absorbent pads on adhesive bandages according to the present invention significantly increases the spread area of the synthetic blood ed to the comparative bandage. ed by IPONZ 25 June 2012 EXAMPLE 5: Ointment Spread of Embossed and Non—Embossed Pads on Adhesive Bandages.

Absorbent pads made according to Example 2 were placed on a polyethylene laminate backing layer comprising a pressure sensitive adhesive applied thereto. The es were tested for nt spread area as described below.

A tinted anti-bacterial ointment (0.05g) was placed on each bandage. A glass slide and weight (200 grams) were placed on each bandage for 10 seconds. The ointment spread area was then measured using image analysis, and recorded as the percentage ofthe pad area. Three specimens were measured for each sample and compared to a comparative bandage that did not include a pad having a network of onnecting channels embossed therein. Table 5 shows the spread area for adhesive bandages according to the present invention versus comparative adhesive bandages utilizing pads that do not have a network of interconnecting channels embossed therein.

Table 5: Ointment Spread Area.

Spread Area % Std Dev Control Bandage with non-embossed Pad —_ e with PET Embossed Pad Bandage with PP Embossed Pad ] 26 The table shows that ing pads on bandages according to the t invention significantly decreases the spread area of the tinted ointment versus the comparative adhesive bandage that does not include a pad having a k of interconnecting channels embossed therein. ed by IPONZ 25 June 2012

Claims (19)

What We Claim is:

1. An adhesive bandage for application to abrasions or cuts in the skin, comprising: a backing layer comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite said first surface; an adhesive layer applied to at least a n of said second surface of said backing layer; and an absorbent pad associated with said backing layer, said absorbent pad sing, a first surface facing said second surface of said backing layer and having a 10 first surface area, a second surface opposite said first surface and having a second surface area; and a core body bounded by said first and second surfaces; said absorbent pad comprising a plurality of tufted regions surrounded and 15 separated by a first network of interconnecting channels recessed in said second surface of said absorbent pad, said channels comprising channel sidewalls extending away from said second e of said absorbent pad and into said core body of said absorbent pad and terminating in a first surface of a channel base region extending n said channel sidewalls; 20 wherein the absorbent pad is free of slits or perforations uniformly distributed throughout the absorbent pad that would allow the adhesive layer to contact the wound surface; wherein said tufted regions have a ntially uniform first density, said channel base region has a substantially uniform second density greater than said substantially 25 uniform first density of said tufied regions and said network of onnecting channels is e; and with the proviso that the shape of each of the tufted regions is not a polygon having from four to eight sides.

2. The bandage of claim 1 wherein said second y of said channel base region 30 is about 12 times or less greater than said first density of said tufted regions. Received by IPONZ 25 June 2012

3. The bandage of claim 1 wherein said substantially uniform second density of said channel base region is from about 0.11 g/cc to about 0.96 g/cc.

4. The bandage of claim 1 wherein said ntially uniform first density of said tufted regions is from about 0.082 g/cc to about 0.17 g/cc.

5. The bandage of claim 1 wherein said channels have a width of from about 0.2 to about 0.6 millimeters and a depth from about 0.02 to about 2 millimeters. 10

6. The bandage of claim 1 n said absorbable pad is not degradable in water.

7. The bandage of claim 1 wherein said first k of interconnecting channels comprises from about 5 to about 20 percent of said second surface area of said second surface of said absorbent pad.

8. The bandage of claim 1 wherein said absorbent pad comprises fibers selected from the group consisting of l and synthetic materials.

9. The bandage of claim 1 further comprising an intermediate layer disposed 20 between said g layer and said absorbent pad.

10. The bandage of claim 1 wherein the shape of said tufted regions is selected from the group consisting ofpolygonal, elliptical, ovoid and circular. 25

11. The bandage of claim 1 wherein said channels are non-linear and the shape of said tufted regions is selected from the group consisting of elliptical, ovoid and circular.

12. The e of claim ll wherein said channels are linear and the shape of said tufted regions is polygonal.

13. The e of claim 1 r comprising a second network of interconnecting channels recessed in said first surface of said absorbent pad, said tufted regions being surrounded and separated by said second network of interconnecting channels recessed Received by IPONZ 25 June 2012 in said first surface of said absorbent pad, said channels in said second network of interconnecting ls comprising channel sidewalls extending away from said first surface and into said core body of said absorbent pad and terminating in a second surface of said channel base region te said first surface of said channel base region and extending between said channel sidewalls of said second network.

14. The bandage of claim 1 wherein said thickness of said absorbent pad is from about 0.3 eters to about 2.5 millimeters. 10

15. The bandage of claim 1 n the thickness of said base channel region is from about 0.1 millimeters to about 1.5 millimeters.

16. The bandage of claim 13 n said second network of interconnecting channels is visible.

17. The bandage of claim 1 wherein said second surface of said absorbent pad comprises a covering layer.

18. The bandage of claim 13 wherein said second surface of said absorbent pad 20 comprises a covering layer.

19. A bandage according to claim 1 substantially as herein described with reference to any e thereof and/or any embodiment shown in the accompanying figures. ed by IPONZ 25 June 2012