WO2011139544A2 - Revêtement de réduction de frottement à contour et son procédé d'utilisation - Google Patents

Revêtement de réduction de frottement à contour et son procédé d'utilisation Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2011139544A2
WO2011139544A2 PCT/US2011/032979 US2011032979W WO2011139544A2 WO 2011139544 A2 WO2011139544 A2 WO 2011139544A2 US 2011032979 W US2011032979 W US 2011032979W WO 2011139544 A2 WO2011139544 A2 WO 2011139544A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
patch
skin
low friction
layer
compound curved
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2011/032979
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2011139544A3 (fr
Inventor
J. Martin Carlson
Bryan P. Flood
Mark J. Payette
Original Assignee
Tamarack Habilitation Technologies, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Tamarack Habilitation Technologies, Inc. filed Critical Tamarack Habilitation Technologies, Inc.
Publication of WO2011139544A2 publication Critical patent/WO2011139544A2/fr
Publication of WO2011139544A3 publication Critical patent/WO2011139544A3/fr

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B7/00—Layered products characterised by the relation between layers; Layered products characterised by the relative orientation of features between layers, or by the relative values of a measurable parameter between layers, i.e. products comprising layers having different physical, chemical or physicochemical properties; Layered products characterised by the interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/02—Physical, chemical or physicochemical properties
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/02—Adhesive bandages or dressings
    • A61F13/023—Adhesive bandages or dressings wound covering film layers without a fluid retention layer
    • A61F13/0233—Adhesive bandages or dressings wound covering film layers without a fluid retention layer characterised by the oclusive layer skin contacting layer
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/02—Adhesive bandages or dressings
    • A61F13/0276—Apparatus or processes for manufacturing adhesive dressings or bandages
    • A61F13/0289—Apparatus or processes for manufacturing adhesive dressings or bandages manufacturing of adhesive dressings
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B1/00—Layered products having a non-planar shape
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/06—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
    • B32B27/065—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material of foam
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/12—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin next to a fibrous or filamentary layer
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/32—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising polyolefins
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/32—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising polyolefins
    • B32B27/322—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising polyolefins comprising halogenated polyolefins, e.g. PTFE
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B5/00—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts
    • B32B5/02—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by structural features of a fibrous or filamentary layer
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B5/00—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts
    • B32B5/02—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by structural features of a fibrous or filamentary layer
    • B32B5/022—Non-woven fabric
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B5/00—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts
    • B32B5/18—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by features of a layer of foamed material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B7/00—Layered products characterised by the relation between layers; Layered products characterised by the relative orientation of features between layers, or by the relative values of a measurable parameter between layers, i.e. products comprising layers having different physical, chemical or physicochemical properties; Layered products characterised by the interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/04—Interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/06—Interconnection of layers permitting easy separation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B7/00—Layered products characterised by the relation between layers; Layered products characterised by the relative orientation of features between layers, or by the relative values of a measurable parameter between layers, i.e. products comprising layers having different physical, chemical or physicochemical properties; Layered products characterised by the interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/04—Interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/12—Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F2013/00089—Wound bandages
    • A61F2013/00165—Wound bandages not touching the wound
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F2013/00361—Plasters
    • A61F2013/00365—Plasters use
    • A61F2013/00387—Plasters use skin protection
    • A61F2013/00395—Plasters use skin protection from skin abrasion
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2262/00—Composition or structural features of fibres which form a fibrous or filamentary layer or are present as additives
    • B32B2262/02—Synthetic macromolecular fibres
    • B32B2262/0276—Polyester fibres
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2262/00—Composition or structural features of fibres which form a fibrous or filamentary layer or are present as additives
    • B32B2262/06—Vegetal fibres
    • B32B2262/062—Cellulose fibres, e.g. cotton
    • B32B2262/067—Wood fibres
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/50—Properties of the layers or laminate having particular mechanical properties
    • B32B2307/51—Elastic
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/50—Properties of the layers or laminate having particular mechanical properties
    • B32B2307/546—Flexural strength; Flexion stiffness
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/70—Other properties
    • B32B2307/732—Dimensional properties
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/70—Other properties
    • B32B2307/746—Slipping, anti-blocking, low friction

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to low friction materials formed into patches with compound curvature. These patches can lower the magnitude of frictional loads acting against the skin of a living being. These patches can reduce the likelihood of tissue damage in a living being.
  • Loads to the skin can be either static or dynamic.
  • a static load is a nonvarying load typically caused by the weight of a mass at rest.
  • a paralyzed patient whose body mass is frequently at rest could experience a high static load on the skin.
  • a dynamic load is a load that varies over time. A runner would experience high dynamic skin loads as each foot alternatively hitting the ground and then being lifted.
  • a load acting perpendicular to the surface of the skin is called a normal load.
  • the normal load In everyday practice we might refer to the normal load as the pressure or compressive load.
  • the normal load plays a role in understanding the effects of friction loading.
  • shear stress is a force applied parallel to a face of a material over a given area.
  • a friction load which acts parallel to the surface of the skin, results in shear stress on the body. While friction acts on the surface of the skin, shear stresses, also known as shear loadings, also act on the tissues below the skin.
  • shear loading can also be static or dynamic.
  • a person with paralysis positioned on a high friction surface may experience high static shear loadings.
  • a runner whose foot was contacting a high friction surface would experience high dynamic shear loadings on the tissues in the bottom of the foot.
  • Removing pressure from areas of the body such as the bottoms of the feet can be particularly troublesome as it can reduce the mobility of the patient.
  • a Total Contact Cast (TCC), Charcot Restraint Orthotic Walker (CROW) or other therapeutic footwear can reduce mobility.
  • TCC Total Contact Cast
  • CROW Charcot Restraint Orthotic Walker
  • the reduction in mobility then leads to further medical problems. This is known in medical circles as a downward spiral.
  • a common approach to reducing localized pressure load is the use of a material such as shaped foam to redistribute the pressure load to another area of the body.
  • a material such as shaped foam
  • many materials such as certain types of foam can have a very high coefficient of friction, especially when wet.
  • Unappreciated by medical professionals is that while they may be reducing the pressure load locally they may be inadvertently increasing friction and shear loads.
  • pressure loads can be surprisingly well tolerated by the skin and underlying tissue, unless the load becomes very high. This can be especially true when the pressure loads are of short enough duration to avoid occlusion of blood flow in the underlying tissue. Shear on the other hand can be more problematic. [0015] Even low to moderate dynamic shear loadings can be very damaging when the number of repetitions is high. Worse, tissue damage can occur in just a few repetitions when the shear load is high. Shear loadings by definition can be very distortional and cause tearing in biological tissues. A blister can be nothing more than tears in a layer of the skin which are then filled with fluid.
  • Static shear loads are also a problem. For example a person who is comatose or suffers from paralysis, even if positioned carefully, may experience high static shear stresses in some tissues. These shear stresses can stretch, weaken and eventually tear tissue microstructures. Shear stresses can also occlude blood flow much more easily than can pressure loads alone. The occlusion of blood flow can lead to damage of tissue.
  • bony minimizing friction becomes more important.
  • the tissue underlying the skin is thinner and shear stresses are more concentrated than in an area with a greater amount of soft tissue.
  • These bony areas are much less tolerant of high shear stresses and much more susceptible to skin and tissue damage. This is true in the case of both static and dynamic loadings.
  • these "bony" areas also known as bony prominences, have highly contoured surfaces. These highly contoured surfaces can be reflected in the configuration of footwear, insoles, orthotic and prosthetic devices.
  • Typical areas of bony prominences are: the bones in the heel, the elbow, shoulder blades, the head, toes, sacrum, coccyx, ischial tuberosities and the greater trochanters.
  • other areas may also have bony prominences especially in persons with amputations or deformities.
  • Creams and oils have also been used to reduce friction. Unfortunately they tend to reduce friction over a wide area and degrade stability and control, especially in use on the feet. After a period of use creams and oils tend to "dry up" and can actually have the undesirable effect of increasing the coefficient of friction which leads to further tissue damage.
  • Gel inserts for prosthetic sockets and footwear insoles are also available and can reduce frictional and shear loads only to a limited extent. These inserts are typically very thin and can have limited effectiveness as they can only accommodate limited motions before they reach the limit of their travel. Thicker gel inserts become unattractive due to weight and bulk.
  • Prior art devices can work well in some applications.
  • prior art patches with a very thin layer of film material can work well on flatter surfaces, such as surfaces found on some standard footwear insoles.
  • Many prosthetic devices, orthotic devices and the human body often have highly contoured surfaces that these patches have difficulty accommodating. This is especially true in the highly contoured areas around bony prominences where friction and shear relief can be needed most.
  • a wrinkled prior art patch can be a problem functionally as it can have greater friction in the areas of wrinkling.
  • a wrinkled prior art patch with a high coefficient of friction may have the unexpected result of increasing frictional and shear loads.
  • Prior art patches with wrinkles also can have poor aesthetic qualities. End users tend to perceive wrinkled prior art patches as incorrectly or poorly applied. Poor aesthetics and degraded performance tend to cause users, including medical professionals, to forgo application of prior art patches.
  • Prior art patches tend to wrinkle and cause a great deal of difficulty in the fabrication of orthotic and prosthetic devices. Often prior art patches wrinkle so badly when applied that they must be removed leaving no protection from damaging friction and shear loads. Various methods of applying prior art patches, including ironing, to highly contoured surfaces have been attempted, with limited success. Prior art patches can be cut into small strips or have wrinkles cut and flattened to help the patch conform better to highly contoured surfaces. These methods can be difficult, time consuming and leaves edges in the areas needing the greatest friction reduction.
  • the present invention relates to using a layer of material that has very low friction to provide an interface with a support surface.
  • the support surface normally would support the skin either directly or through a covering, such as sock fabric.
  • the present invention provides a low friction interface even if a support surface is highly contoured.
  • a layer of low-friction material could be placed, preferably, on the surface of the object that bears on the skin and faces the skin, although applying the layer with an adhesive directly on the skin is also contemplated.
  • the purpose of the low friction material is to lower the frictional loads that the surface of the object can exert against the skin.
  • the patch of the present invention has compound curvature.
  • a small compound curved patch may be pre-cut or custom cut to desired size.
  • the compound curved patch can have a pressure sensitive adhesive on one surface.
  • An adhesive layer, foam backing layer or stretch fabric backing can be bonded to the low friction material.
  • a release liner can be placed upon the exposed adhesive.
  • Many types of release liners can be used but a polyethylene release liner could be used due to its ability to easily conform to a compound curve.
  • the compound curved patch could be configured in many ways.
  • a compound curved patch could be small so as to cover an area of damaged tissue on a toe or large enough to cover a bed mattress or wheelchair seat.
  • a compound curved patch may have one or more compound curves, especially when configured for placement on a larger surface such as a wheelchair seat.
  • Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and some other low friction materials may behave as ductile materials; these materials can exhibit both elastic and plastic deformation characteristics. A material that is deformed plastically does not return to its original shape but undergoes irreversible deformation retaining its deformed shape. It is possible to plastically deform a low friction material, such as PTFE, so that the low friction material will retain its deformed shape.
  • PTFE polytetrafluoroethylene
  • a compound curved patch can be less susceptible to wrinkling.
  • Compound curved patches can have a differing number of layers.
  • the present invention can have a layer of PTFE bonded to a fabric layer.
  • the fabric layer can be a somewhat elastic, flexible material such as Lycra or a Lycra blend.
  • One side of the fabric can be covered with a pressure sensitive adhesive and a release liner.
  • Using a pressure sensitive adhesive layer with a release liner or a fabric backing may not always be preferable.
  • a compound curved patch might be bonded to an object by another means.
  • One example would be the use of a dry melt adhesive to bond PTFE to a foam footwear insole.
  • Another example would be the use of a pressure sensitive adhesive placed directly on a PTFE layer.
  • thermoforming process can be used to plastically deform a patch and create the desired compound curvature.
  • a mold can be used during thermoforming.
  • a mold can be made from many different materials, for example the mold could be a plaster model of a foot or a prosthetic device. The mold could also be made from other materials such as plastic, wood, steel or aluminum as needed.
  • the materials that make up the patch can be supported approximately around their perimeter during a thermoforming process.
  • a material holder can be used to support the patch materials around their perimeter.
  • the material holder could be configured to have many shapes and/or be made of differing materials such as plastic or aluminum.
  • the material holder can be two concentric rings approximately seven inches in diameter, but could be almost any diameter.
  • the material holder might be two inches in diameter or 2 yards in diameter.
  • a material holder closely configured to the desired patch size can reduce material waste.
  • the concentric rings of the material holder can be designed such that the layers of the patch are supported between the outside diameter of the first ring and the inside diameter of the second ring.
  • the material holder can support the patch materials in a manner similar to how a needlepoint hoop supports needlepoint fabric.
  • the compound curved patch materials could be supported during the forming process by other means. For example, materials in the compound curved patch could be supported by squeezing them between the bottom surface of a first material holder and a top surface of a second material holder.
  • the compound curved patch materials can be heated during the thermoforming process to a temperature that allows the materials to easily plastically deform.
  • the materials of the patch could be heated separately and then assembled into a patch. Temperatures between 200°F and 400°F could be used depending on the materials used in the patch. Some release liners start to degrade above 300°F.
  • the materials of the patch can be heated at 300°F using hot air.
  • a patch using PTFE as the low friction material and using other higher temperature materials may heated at a higher temperature, for example 550°F.
  • the disclosed temperatures are not intended to serve as a limitation but only as a guide to enable one skilled in the art to easily thermoform patches.
  • the materials of the compound curved patch can be heated before or during the deformation process.
  • One method of heating the materials in the compound curved patch can be to heat the mold itself and then stretch the materials over the heated mold.
  • Another method could be to heat the materials by radiant heat, convection or adding a layer of heated thermal material to the forming process.
  • a vacuum process can be used to draw the compound curved patch materials to the shape of a mold.
  • the process of drawing the compound curved patch materials to the mold causes plastic deformation in the materials. After cooling the compound curved patch materials retain approximately the shape of the mold.
  • Other methods of deforming the compound curved patch materials can also be used. For example a compliant rubber stamp or pressure chamber could be used to deform the compound curved patch materials over a mold.
  • the compound curved patch materials could be deformed by a mold with two halves.
  • a mold with two halves may be configured such that when the mold halves come together only a thin space exists between them.
  • the space between the mold halves could be approximately the same as the thickness as the compound curved patch materials being formed.
  • the materials can deform plastically.
  • the compound curved patch materials could be deformed by many different processes. For example using a rigid mold is not required, the materials could be deformed using a high pressure gas in a process similar to blow molding.
  • FIG. 1 is a plan view of a layer of materials according the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken on line 2-2 in FIG. 1 showing the layers used.
  • FIG. 3 is a sectional view according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view with shading showing a highly contoured surface in an orthotic device.
  • FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a patch with compound curvature according to the present invention and an orthotic device.
  • FIG. 6 is a plan view of a prior art low friction patch placed on a highly contoured surface.
  • FIG. 7 is a plan view of a compound curved patch according to the present invention placed on a highly contoured surface.
  • FIG. 8 is perspective view showing a foot and ankle indicating areas of sensitive skin.
  • FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a foot in footwear showing possible placement of the present invention.
  • FIG. 10 is a plan view according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 11 is an exploded sectional view taken on line 11-11 in FIG.10 showing the layers used.
  • FIG. 12 is an exploded sectional view according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 13 is a plan view according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken on line 14-14 in FIG.13 showing the layers used.
  • FIG. 15 is a plan view according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 16 is a sectional view taken on line 16-16 in FIG.15 showing the layers used.
  • FIG. 17 is a perspective view according to the present invention. DETAILED DECRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a simple form of the invention which includes a composite sheet 10 of suitable size which can be used to cut into patches or pieces with a compound curved area 26.
  • the purpose of the compound curved area 26 is to cover/engage protuberances that have come under or may come under load or stress.
  • protuberance is meant a lump, nodulation, outgrowth, bulge, prominence, projection, or protrusion that may be found on the human body.
  • protuberances are typically covered with a skin portion that may come under load or stress due to friction or shear forces or both by engaging a surface of an object.
  • compound curved shape is meant that the patch has been physically conformed to a three dimensional surface having curvatures defined by at least two radii. The center of the different radii being located in any one of the three dimensions.
  • the compound curved shape conforms generally to the protuberance without wrinkles or folds between the compound curved shape and the protuberance.
  • the composite sheet 10 can include a thin layer of PTFE as a low friction material 20.
  • the layer of PTFE in this example can be approximately 3 mils in thickness.
  • the low friction material 20 can be bonded to a thin fabric layer 22.
  • the fabric layer 22 can be a Lycra of approximately 5 mils thickness.
  • the fabric layer 22 can be made from any number of materials including a non-woven cellulose based material made from fifty percent wood pulp and fifty percent polyester.
  • the fabric layer 22 can be bonded to the low friction material 20 by an adhesive 21.
  • the adhesive 21 can be a dry melt adhesive.
  • the adhesive 21 could also be many other adhesives including a pressure sensitive adhesive.
  • the sheet 10 can be used for cutting out various configurations of patches with a compound curved area 26, such as shown in dotted lines at 15.
  • Compound curved patches can be configured for use with various devices or parts of the body of a living being.
  • Sheet 10 can be used in large areas or can be cut for small areas as desired.
  • a pressure sensitive adhesive 23 with a release liner 24 can be placed on the compound curved patch.
  • a release liner 24, such as Permaprint MAC-IP2000 made by the MACtac Company, can be generally conformed to the compound curved area 26.
  • a compound curved patch may be placed on an object with the low friction material 20 facing the skin.
  • the compound curved patch may be placed on a number of surfaces such as a footwear insole, orthotic or prosthetic device.
  • the compound curved area 26 can be located proximate a highly contoured surface on the body of a living being. The purpose of applying the compound curved patch is to lower the frictional loads an object can exert against the skin.
  • the compound curved patch with compound curved area 26 does not need to have a certain number of layers.
  • FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the current invention with two layers.
  • a compound curved patch 30 comprises a layer of low friction material 31 and a layer of adhesive 32. It is further contemplated in another embodiment of the current invention only one low friction layer could be used.
  • FIG. 4 shows an orthotic device 40 with a highly contoured surface 41.
  • a compound curved patch could be placed on the highly contoured surface 41 of the orthotic device 40.
  • FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a compound curved patch 53 and an orthotic device 52.
  • the compound curved patch 53 can be configured in the shape of a partial sphere having a first radius 54.
  • the compound curved patch 53 can be placed on a prosthetic or orthotic device 52.
  • the prosthetic or orthotic device 52 has a highly contoured surface.
  • the highly contoured surface of the prosthetic or orthotic device 52 approximates a partial sphere with a second radius 55.
  • the second radius 55 is greater than the first radius 54.
  • the compound curved patch 53 generally has a smaller cross sectional radius than the prosthetic or orthotic device 52 on which it is placed.
  • the compound curved patch 53 has a low friction layer 50 made from PTFE film.
  • a second layer 51 can be a pressure sensitive adhesive.
  • the compound curved patch 53 is configured to have a smaller curvature than the prosthetic or orthotic device 52, i.e., the compound curved patch 53 has a smaller cross sectional first radius 54 than the prosthetic or orthotic device 52 second radius 55.
  • the difference in curvature between the compound curved patch 53 and the prosthetic or orthotic device 52 greatly reduces wrinkling of compound curved patch 53 after placement.
  • a compound curved patch according to the present invention does not need to have a smaller radius in all cross sections than the surface onto which it is to be placed. It is only necessary that a compound curved patch generally have a smaller or equal curvature than the surface to which it is to be placed for the compound curved patch to remain wrinkle free after application.
  • FIG.6 shows a flat prior art patch 60 placed on a highly contoured surface. The surface 62 of prior art patch 60 tends to buckle and form wrinkles 61.
  • FIG. 7 shows a compound curve patch 70 placed on a highly contoured surface. Before application the compound curved patch 70 had a smaller curvature than the surface on which it was placed. The surface 71 of compound curved patch 70 remains wrinkle free after application.
  • the compound curved patch may take various configurations to suit different applications.
  • a compound curved patch can be cut to an oval shape.
  • the compound curved patch could also be configured to have a slightly smaller curvature than a prosthetic or orthotic device.
  • Compound curved patches can also be configured for application to surfaces having different highly contoured surfaces. For example differently sized footwear can have various highly contoured surfaces. A compound curved patch could be configured for said footwear.
  • One method of configuring a compound curved patch for application to various highly contoured surfaces can be to assure that the compound curved patch has a smaller amount of curvature than any surface on which it would be placed.
  • FIG. 8 shows a human foot 80 with areas of sensitive skin 81, 82 on the heel 84 and the toe 83.
  • the present invention could be configured to provide a low friction surface with compound curvature for reducing shear and friction loads proximate a toe 83 or heel 84.
  • a compound curved patch 30 with a low friction surface 31 could be configured to fit proximate an area of sensitive skin 81.
  • FIG. 9 shows configurations of the present invention.
  • Bony prominences can be located in areas proximate the metatarsal heads 98, heel bone 94 and bones in the toe 95, 97. It is contemplated that the present invention could reduce shear and friction loads in highly contoured areas such as around a bony prominence in the heel 93.
  • a compound curve patch 99 could be configured to reduce shear and friction loads proximate a bony prominence in the heel 93.
  • a compound curved patch 96 could also be configured to reduce shear and friction loads proximate bony prominences associated with the bones in the toes 95, 97.
  • FIG. 10 illustrates a compound curved patch 100 in a rectangular configuration.
  • An exploded section view of compound curved patch 100 is shown in FIG. 11.
  • FIG. 10 omits release liner layer 103.
  • the low friction layer 101 has compound curvature configured to accommodate features of a living being.
  • the compound curved patch 100 shown in FIG. 10 could be placed over an area of sensitive skin 82.
  • the compound curved patch 100 comprises a low friction layer 101, such as PTFE, bonded to a foam layer 105.
  • the foam layer 105 could be substantially thicker than the low friction layer 101.
  • the low friction layer 101 can be bonded to the foam layer 105 by an adhesive 104.
  • the foam layer 105 could be one quarter inch thick, but could be practically any thickness desired.
  • a pressure sensitive adhesive layer 102 can be placed, on the periphery of the top surface of the compound curved patch 100 as shown in FIG. 10.
  • a release liner layer 103 may overlay the adhesive layer 102. When placed proximate an area of sensitive skin, the low friction layer 101 reduces shear and friction loads against the skin.
  • the pressure sensitive adhesive 102 in this embodiment can be in contact with the skin.
  • FIG. 12 shows an exploded sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention.
  • a low friction layer 120 having compound curvature can be bonded to a foam layer 123 by an adhesive 122.
  • the low friction layer 120 could be ultra high molecular weight polyethylene or PTFE.
  • Low friction layer 120 provides a low friction surface for reducing shear and friction loads against the skin.
  • the low friction layer 120 has compound curvature that can be configured to accommodate highly contoured surfaces on the body of a living being.
  • adhesive 122 could be a dry melt adhesive.
  • Foam layer 123 can have a pressure sensitive adhesive 124 and a release liner layer 125 attached.
  • Adhesive layer 124 can be configured for attachment to a surface other than the skin, for example footwear, an orthotic or prosthetic device.
  • the pressure sensitive adhesive 124 could alternatively be configured for attachment to the skin. In this embodiment the pressure sensitive adhesive 124 can extend across the foam layer 123.
  • FIGS. 13 and 14 show another embodiment of the present invention.
  • the invention can be configured to fit footwear 92 shown in FIG. 9.
  • a compound curved patch 135 can be configured to fit proximate the heel between footwear 92 and a foot.
  • a low friction material layer 130 can be bonded by an adhesive layer 131 to foam layer 132. The low friction material 130 can be placed proximate a heel.
  • FIG. 15 Another embodiment of the present invention, shown in FIG. 15 can be a compound curved patch 160 configured to fit footwear 92 and reduce shear and friction loads against the toes.
  • the compound curved patch 160 can be configured to fit proximate the toes between the footwear 92 of a living being and a foot.
  • Compound curved patch 160 could be configured with layers similar to the previous embodiments.
  • Compound curved patch 160 can have a low friction material layer 165 bonded to foam 163 by a dry melt adhesive 164.
  • a pressure sensitive adhesive 162 can be configured to help compound curved patch 160 maintain position in footwear 92.
  • a release liner layer 161 can cover a pressure sensitive adhesive 162. The release liner layer 161 has been omitted from FIG. 15.
  • FIG. 16 can have five layers, a different number of layers could be used. Additional rigidity can help retain the shape and/or position of compound curved patch 160 proximate footwear 92. A thin layer of a more rigid material such as polypropylene could be bonded to the foam material 163 to provide additional rigidity for the compound curved patch 160. Compound curved patch 160 could also be configured with additional rigidity by other methods such as using more rigid foam material 163.
  • Fig. 17 shows another embodiment of the present invention.
  • This embodiment can be a compound curved patch 170 configured to reduce shear and friction loads against a toe 83.
  • a low friction layer 172 with compound curvature can be bonded to foam 171 by an adhesive.
  • a dry melt adhesive could be used.
  • the patch 170 can be configured to slip over the distal end of toe 83.
  • the purpose of the patch 170 can be to relieve the frictional loads on a portion of the skin. For example patch 170 could reduce frictional loads against sensitive skin 82 on a toe 83.
  • Compound curved patch 170 could be configured in many different ways.
  • the compound curved patch 170 could be configured with different layers such that the low friction material 172 faced away from the skin and the foam 171 was proximate the skin.
  • the compound curved patch 170 could also be configured with perforations, notches, holes, etc. as needed.
  • the present invention also encompasses the following.
  • a film with a compound curve is plastically deformed; is positioned proximate a part of the body with a highly contoured surface; and curvature of the film is less than the curvature of the part of the body.
  • Low friction materials of various dimensions, shapes, and locations could be employed.
  • the low friction material can be configured for other people or for animals other than humans.
  • different areas of sensitive skin and/or damaged skin than those depicted above may exist.
  • low friction materials can be configured to meet the needs of the person or animal.
  • the present invention should not be considered limited to the particular examples described above, but rather should be understood to cover all aspects of the invention as fairly set out in the claims arising from this application.
  • suitable sizes, materials, fasteners, and the like have been disclosed in the above discussion, it should be appreciated that these are provided by way of example and not of limitation as a number of other sizes, materials, fasteners, and so forth may be used without departing from the invention.
  • Various modifications as well as numerous structures to which the present invention may be applicable will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art to which the present invention is directed upon review of the present specifications.
  • the claims, which arise from this application are intended to cover such modifications and structures.
  • the present invention can be configured to reduce friction and shear loads against the skin, including sensitive and/or damaged skin.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Vascular Medicine (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Dermatology (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)
  • Medicinal Preparation (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur une pièce et sur un procédé de fabrication d'une pièce pour réduire un frottement entre une partie peau sur une protubérance d'une personne et un objet devant venir en contact avec la partie peau. La pièce comprend une zone de matériau à faible frottement 20, la zone de matériau à faible frottement 20 ayant été conformée à au moins une forme incurvée composite. La forme incurvée composite est destinée à venir en contact avec la protubérance. Une couche adhésive 102 fixe la pièce soit à la peau soit à l'objet.
PCT/US2011/032979 2010-04-29 2011-04-19 Revêtement de réduction de frottement à contour et son procédé d'utilisation WO2011139544A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US32914010P 2010-04-29 2010-04-29
US61/329,140 2010-04-29

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Publication Number Publication Date
WO2011139544A2 true WO2011139544A2 (fr) 2011-11-10
WO2011139544A3 WO2011139544A3 (fr) 2012-02-02

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2540478A (en) * 2015-07-15 2017-01-18 Vincent Waters Leonard Sheer force negating plaster

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2006053222A2 (fr) * 2004-11-12 2006-05-18 Zars, Inc. Patch instantane pour administration par la peau d'un medicament
US20060195053A1 (en) * 2003-03-31 2006-08-31 Jakob Oelund Adhesive patch
US20070043316A1 (en) * 1998-06-15 2007-02-22 Tamarack Habilitation Technologies, Inc. Self-adhering friction reducing liner and method of use
US20080301860A1 (en) * 2007-06-08 2008-12-11 Hasan Iqbal Friction reducing barrier

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20070043316A1 (en) * 1998-06-15 2007-02-22 Tamarack Habilitation Technologies, Inc. Self-adhering friction reducing liner and method of use
US20060195053A1 (en) * 2003-03-31 2006-08-31 Jakob Oelund Adhesive patch
WO2006053222A2 (fr) * 2004-11-12 2006-05-18 Zars, Inc. Patch instantane pour administration par la peau d'un medicament
US20080301860A1 (en) * 2007-06-08 2008-12-11 Hasan Iqbal Friction reducing barrier

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2540478A (en) * 2015-07-15 2017-01-18 Vincent Waters Leonard Sheer force negating plaster
GB2540478B (en) * 2015-07-15 2019-09-18 Vincent Waters Leonard Sheer force negating plaster

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2011139544A3 (fr) 2012-02-02

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