Abstract:
An epidermal lifting mechanism ( 10 ) comprising at least one strip of flexible material ( 50 ), first and second end portions ( 60 ), a middle portion ( 70 ), adhesive material ( 40 ), a plurality of resilient spring structures ( 20, 22, 24 ) extending through the at least one strip of flexible material, and a flap mechanism ( 80 ) integral with the middle portion.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/616,426, filed on 14 Jul. 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,067,710, which is a divisional of application Ser. No. 09/180,572, filed on 11 Jan. 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,470,883, which claims the benefit of prior co-pending PCT Application No. PCT/US97/00868, filed on 17 Jan. 1997, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/017,258, filed on 10 May 1196. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to devices that may be used in the healing arts and arts generally related thereto. More specifically, the present invention relates to devices which may be used for a variety of purposes including but not limited to dressings for wounds, bandages, drug delivery systems, epidermal lifting mechanisms, and positioning mechanisms for positioning epidermal layers of skin on humans and/or animals in a predetermined manner. The present invention is thus believed to have application in the medical and veterinary sciences. 
   Several forms of the present invention relate to epidermal lifting mechanisms and methods for increasing the flow of gases into the human body and more specifically to an epidermal lifting mechanism and method for allowing more oxygen to pass through the nasal cavity thus increasing both the flow of oxygen into the lungs and the flow of air exhaled from the lungs. Consequently, embodiments of the present invention are also related to a group of devices which are sometimes called nasal dilators. The present invention provides a comfortable and effective device for allowing increased gas flow rates through the nasal passages and into the lungs. 
   Additionally, the present invention is an improvement in the field of bandages and suturing aids in that a person may use the present invention to hold the ends of a wound together or apart for the purposes of suturing or cleaning the wound and/or incision. Further, the device of the present invention may be used to apply medicine or anti-bacterial, agents to a wound or incision. Also, some embodiments of the present invention may be used isolate a wound or burn in a sterile environment while allowing access to the wound area for purposes such as irrigating the wound. Further, some embodiments of the present invention may be used to stabilize the wound or burn area so that the skin around the wound or burn does not stretch with the movement of an individual and thus prevents further damage to the wound during the healing process and allows for more effective healing of the wound or burn. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention has many applications. The present invention may be generally described as a structure for aiding in the following activities: as an epidermal lifting mechanism for providing a lifting force to a predetermined area of the epidermis, such as the area located to either side of the bridge of a persons nose to provide an increased flow rate of gas through (inhaled and exhaled) the nasal passage, e.g., a nasal dilator; a structure for aiding in keeping an incision open; a structure for aiding in keeping a wound open for cleansing; a structure for aiding in keeping the ends or edges of an incision or wound in close, neat, even, alignment by the application of an even pressure across the wound, burn, or incision, so that the area requiring treatment may heal, or be sutured and closed, neatly and thus develop minimal scar tissue; or as an epidermal positioning mechanism as a device for applying medicine to a wound or other desired place on the epidermis of a human or animal. 
   With respect to the invention&#39;s applications as a dressing the invention may be generally described as comprising: a first section, a second section, and a third section. Of these three sections, the first section is coupled to the second section and the second section is coupled to the third section. The second section comprising an elastic material with the first section and the third section each having a first side; and a predetermined portion of the first side including an adhesive located thereon. The second section of the invention may include a plurality of openings of a predetermined size and predetermined shape. It should be noted that the predetermined shape or shapes of the openings may be spatially organized in a predetermined manner respective to each other. 
   This is because in one embodiment of the present invention the second section is located between the first and third sections and is preferably composed of an elastic material. By placing openings in the elastic material at predetermined locations the strength of the elastic material, when the elastic material is stretched, may be varied and the distribution of force across the elastic material may by varied. Also, the openings can be used to provide a visual reference to a user of the amount of stress being placed upon the second section and whether or not that section has been stretched sufficiently or been stretched too much since the shape of the openings will change in response to the degree to which the elastic material is stretched. Such a visual reference would be useful to medical personnel where, e.g., it is desirable for a predetermined amount of pressure to be applied to a wound. 
   Further, the second section includes a first margin (if the second section is round then there is structurally just one annular margin near at least a portion of the perimeter of the second section) a second margin. The first section may be integral or coupled to the second section at the first margin; and the third section may be integral or coupled to the second section at the second margin. 
   Preferably, but not necessarily, the first section and the third section are laminated materials comprising a first layer, a second intermediate layer, and a third layer; with the third layer including the first side coated with adhesive and protected prior to use by a silicone release liner. The second section includes a first margin and a second margin. The first section includes a first channel located between the first layer and the third layer of the first section for receiving the first margin. The second section includes a second channel located between the first layer and the third layer of the second section for receiving the second margin. The second intermediate layer comprising an adhesive material. The first margin and the second margin of the second section respectively including at least one opening and the first margin engaging the second intermediate layer in the first channel and the adhesive material extending through the opening of the first margin; and the second margin engaging the second intermediate layer in the second channel and the adhesive material extending through the opening of the second margin. 
   The first and third layer of the first section and the first and third layer of the third section preferably being an inelastic material in some embodiments. The inelastic material may be of any suitable material such as a TYVEC brand type of material. 
   Alternatively, the dressing mechanism may be described as comprising: a first section, a second section, and a third section such that the first section is coupled to the second section and the second section is coupled to the third section. The first section and the third section comprising an elastic material and the first section and the third section each having a first side; and a predetermined portion of the first side including an adhesive located thereon. 
   Further, the second section includes at least one opening of a predetermined size and the first section and the third section each include at least one opening comprising a predetermined shape. As previously noted the openings of predetermined shape are spatially organized in a predetermined manner respective to each other. 
   Also, the second section may include at least one margin and the first section and the third section each have a respective margin area. The first section margin is coupled to the second section at a first predetermined portion the margin of the second section. The third section margin being coupled to the second section at a second predetermined portion of the margin of the second section. 
   Preferably, the second section is a laminated material comprising at least a first layer, a second intermediate layer, and a third layer; the third layer including the first side. The first section and the third section including a first section margin and a third section margin. Both the first section margin and the third section margin being composed of an elastic material. The second section including at least one channel located between the first layer and the third layer of the second section at the second section margin for receiving the margins of the first and third sections. The second intermediate layer comprising an adhesive material. The first section margin and the third section margin respectively including at least one opening and the margins of the first and third sections engaging the second intermediate layer in the channel at the respective first predetermined margin area and second predetermined margin area so that the adhesive material extends through the openings formed in the material which makes up the first and third section margins. The first and third layer of the second section may, in this embodiment, comprises an inelastic material. The inelastic material may be a polyester. 
   Further, the second section includes at least one opening or at least one generally transparent section to either allow the wound or burn to be exposed to the air to be observed visually. Additionally, the second section could be modified to include a mechanism for irrigating the wound or burn under the bandage so that the wound or burn could be cleaned or treated without having to remove the dressing. Also, at least one side of the second section could be designed so that it is capable of isolating the wound in a clean environment by creating a solid antiseptic barrier around the wound through the use of a colloid type adhesive or be capable of contacting a wound or burn so that medicine could be applied to the wound or burn directly. 
   With respect the features of the present invention as an epidermal lifting mechanism, the epidermal lifting mechanism may be generally described as comprising at least one strip of material having a first side and a second side, the strip further including a first end portion and a second end portion. Between the first side and the second side are preferably one or more layers of predetermined materials. 
   These layers of materials include without limitation, a silicone coated release liner, an adhesive system to adhere the epidermal lifting mechanism to the nose, a top layer of material, and a spring mechanism. Obviously, the release liner is removed prior to placing the epidermal lifting mechanism on the bridge of the nose. The adhesive system, just like the adhesive system for the dressing mechanism, can include a pressure sensitive hypo-allergenic acrylic or a hydrocolloid material but any suitable adhesive system may be used. The top layer of material can be either a non-woven material or a material with some stretch characteristics such as a three mil polyurethane film. The spring mechanism may comprise a polyester film (usually 2 mils to 8 mils in thickness but any suitable thickness range may be used, e.g., 1-15 mils would be suitable as an alternative thickness range but any thickness range can be used depending upon the desired use and durability) laminated to a spun bonded polyester material. The spun bonded polyester material may or may not be coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive. The spring mechanism may be a plurality of materials which are laminated together. 
   Although unitary, the mechanism has the following components: a pair of nose pods and a bridge section. The nose pods include an exposed adhesive surface which is bonded to the skin on the sides of the nose. The bridge section of the device has at least one fulcrum point, located at the bridge of the nose when it is applied to the bridge of a nose, and lies across the bridge of the nose. 
   However, it should also be noted that the present invention could be applied to simply one side of the nose with the bridge section of the device ending at the top of the bridge of the nose and being adhered thereto. Alternatively, the bridge section could simply be a strip of resilient or elastic material which is connected to the cheek of the wearer at one end by use of an adhesive material and the nose pod being connected to the side of the nasal passage at the other end. 
   It should be noted that it is preferable for the nose pods to include horseshoe shaped slits or cuts which are made in the top layer of the material through the adhesive layer which, when applied to the nose, allows the spring action to generate a uniform lifting force in a suction cup like manner while at the same time applying a shearing force to the adhesive itself due to the presence of the slit structures, rather than a lifting force thereby creating flexibility from the lift point to the adhesion point. By decreasing the lifting (peel) force on the adhesive, the stability of the bond between the adhesive and the skin is greatly increased and allows more flexibility of the dilator during facial movement. Thus the dilator will stay comfortably in place even during vigorous movement by the wearer; even when used in applications other than a nasal dilator. 
   A pair of flaps attached adjacent to the bridge section of the epidermal lifting mechanism create another pair of fulcrum points (fulcrum point  2 ) between the bridge of the nose (fulcrum point  1 ) and the adhesive material thereby increasing the dilation force of the outer epidermis of the nasal passages. The additional fulcrum points are accomplished by folding of the flaps adjacent to the bridge section underneath the epidermal lifting mechanism allowing the adhesive area of each flap to adhere to the bottom adhesive area of the bridge section of the epidermal lifting mechanism securing it in place. The flaps include perforations for ease of folding. 
   As discussed above, the pair of flaps create an additional fulcrum point. Further, when folded they provide a cushioned area for the bridge of the nose to cover the adhesive on the underside of the epidermal lifting mechanism so when applied for several hours and then removed discomfort to the skin tissue on the bridge of the nose is eliminated. 
   When the top and bottom spring laminates are laminated together and the epidermal lifting mechanism is applied to the nose, the bending of the multi-level springing increases the opening force to the nasal passages over a single level spring. Adding a layer of spring material on top of another layer of spring material creates a leaf spring action. Because there is a stretching force introduced into the top layer when bent over a fulcrum point, a stronger spring action is created as compared to a single layer spring of equal of thickness. Furthermore, bending over a fulcrum point or at multiple fulcrum points further improves the spring action. 
   Additionally, various pod configurations may be used to allow for flexibility of the bottom spring and/or to allow the pods to conform to the irregular surfaces of the nose or epidermal layer to which they are applied. 
   A key advantage of this mechanism is that anytime a person engages in physical activity that increases his or her heart rate, this mechanism allows for the delivery of more oxygen to the lungs. Further, the mechanism allows for more air to be effectively exhaled and thus both inhalation and exhalation are enhanced so overall breathing efficiency is enhanced. 
   Alternatively, this invention may be described as a method for increasing the flow rate of gas through the nasal passages, the method comprising the steps of applying the epidermal lifting mechanism by bending the spring material over the bridge of the nose so that the adhesive material of the nose pods comes into positive contact with the sides of the nose and releasing the nose pods thus allowing the springs to mechanically lift the epidermal surface of the nose and increase the size of the nasal passage openings. 
   Alternatively, the present invention may be structure which may be used as a nasal dilator wherein the nasal dilator comprises two separate pieces each capable of acting independently of the other. Each piece having at least one nose pod and an elastic member or strip attached to that nose pod. The elastic member or strip having a first end and a second end with the nose pods being attached to the first end. The elastic member having a second end attached to an anchor mechanism. The anchor mechanism having a first side and an adhesive material included thereon. The nose pod having the previously described structure for a nose pod. The anchor mechanism being applied to a predetermined area on a persons cheek a sufficient distance away from the side of the persons nose so that the nose pod, coupled to the elastic member, may be applied to the outside surface or epidermis surrounding the nasal passage of a persons nose and the elastic member retracting between the anchor mechanism and the nose pod causing lifting of the epidermis on the side of the nose and thereby increasing the opening of the nasal passage way. 
   Accordingly, the present invention may be considered an epidermal positioning mechanism having an elastic material coupled to a first end piece and a second piece. The first and second end pieces each having at least one side including an adhesive material. Preferably, but not necessarily, depending upon the application of the present invention, at least one of the end pieces would be the anchoring structure or mechanism while the other end piece acts as a lifting end piece. 
   Additionally the present invention need not solely be used as a nasal dilator but, as previously noted, may also be used as an epidermal positioning system for treatments of wounds and incisions by either keeping the wound or incision open for the purpose of medical treatment such as surgical procedures or cleansing of the wound or incision or by positioning the ends of the wound together in close proximity to aid in suturing of a wound or simply to be used as a suture mechanism in and of itself to hold the ends of a wound together or to hold the ends of an incision together. 
   Further, when the device of the present invention is used over a wound it may also have application as a bandage. For example, the elastic or resilient material will have at least one side positioned over and adjacent the wound or incision area. This side positioned over or adjacent the wound or incision area may have a medicinal material applied thereto. This medicinal material may be, for example, zinc chromate or an alginate like calcium or sodium alginate; each of those materials respectively having anti-bacterial and clot enhancing capabilities. Other medicinal materials or even non-medicinal materials could also be applied using the device of the present invention depending upon the goals and results desired of the particular user. 
   If the epidermal positioning mechanism of the present invention is used as a bandage it should be noted that a bandage structure could be combined with the present invention such that the bandage structure would have at least a first end and second end and elastic material would be coupled to the first end and to the second end with an anchoring structure coupled to a portion of the elastic material as well. This would provide at least two anchor points at the ends of the resilient elastic material not coupled to the bandage structure. In this manner one of the anchor structures could be adhered to the skin at a predetermined position and the bandage structure positioned over the wound or incision by stretching the resilient or elastic material and then applying the other anchor structure could be to the skin at another predetermined position. In this manner, the elastic material will contract and this will have the effect of forcing the bandage material into more positive contact with the wound and thereby enhance the effectiveness of the bandaged material. If desired a medicinal compound could be applied to the surface of the bandage material which is adjacent to the surface of the wound or incision. 
   The anchoring structure in such a use would of course comprise at least two end pieces coupled to the elastic material at predetermined positions and the end pieces would include an adhesive material attached to a side of the anchoring end pieces adjacent to the epidermis or skin to which they are to be attached. The bandage structure could also have a medicinal material applied to it as previously noted with respect to the elastic material. 
   Additionally, the mechanism of the present invention could be described as epidermal lifting mechanism having anchor/lifting portions, connected via an elastic or stretchable material, and include an adhesive surface. The anchor/lifting portions being such that each portion, depending upon where it is applied, may act as either an anchor portion or a lifting portion. The anchor/lifting portions having a plurality of incisions or cuts of predetermined shape which divide each anchor/lifting portion into a plurality of adhesive areas. This division of the anchor/lifting portion into a plurality of adhesive areas allows the anchor/lifting portion adhesive areas to be divided such that after a first anchor/lifting portion is applied to the desired epidermal location a first predetermined portion of that first anchor/lifting mechanism may be peeled away and leave a second predetermined portion, having a predetermined shape due to the plurality of cuts or incisions, in place on the epidermal location. Subsequently, a second anchor/lifting portion, connected to the first anchor/lifting portion via the elastic material, may be applied to a second predetermined or desired epidermal location so that the elastic material is stretched a desired amount. The second anchor/lifting portion, if it is substantially similar to the first anchor/lifting portion may be applied to the epidermis so that it may be peeled away and leave a second predetermined portion, having a predetermined shape due to the plurality of cuts or incisions, in place on the epidermal location. Accordingly, the first and second anchor/lifting portions may act as a separate anchor point and lifting point or as separate anchor points or as separate lifting points and the elastic material may simply be used to supply tension between the points or it may be used to apply a material such as a medicine to the epidermis located between the two points or it may be used to supply tension and apply a material between the two points, etc. 
   Further, the present invention may be described as a method for using a dressing mechanism where the dressing mechanism comprises a first section, a second section, and a third section; the first section being coupled to the second section and the second section being coupled to the third section; the first section and the third section comprising an elastic material; the first section and the third section each having a first side; and a predetermined portion of the first side including an adhesive located thereon. The method consequently comprising: First, 
   applying the first section to a first predetermined location on an epidermis. Second, pulling the third section toward a second predetermined location on the epidermis. Third, applying the third section to the second predetermined location on the epidermis. 
   Alternatively, the method could be described as a method for using a dressing comprising a plurality of anchor structures, a treatment section, and an elastic material. The elastic material extending from the anchoring structure to the treatment section. The elastic material being coupled to at least one anchoring structure at a first coupling section and to the treatment section at a second coupling section. The method comprising the steps of positioning the treatment section over a first predetermined area of an epidermis; applying at least one anchor structure to a second predetermined area of the epidermis; and applying at one other anchor structure to a third predetermined area of the epidermis. 

   
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a top plan view of a prior art nasal strip. 
       FIG. 1A  is a top plan view of the prior art nasal strip of  FIG. 1  including the flaps of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of a relaxed multi-level spring. 
       FIG. 3  is a side elevational view of a tensioned multi-leveled spring bent over a fulcrum point. 
       FIG. 4  is a side elevational view of the epidermal lifting mechanism showing its layered components. 
       FIG. 5  is a schematic side elevational view of the epidermal lifting mechanism wherein the arrows depict the sheer force and peeling forces. 
       FIG. 6  is a top plan view of an end portion of the epidermal lifting mechanism. 
       FIG. 7  is a bottom plan view of the epidermal lifting mechanism. 
       FIG. 8  is a side elevational view depicting the primary layers of the epidermal lifting mechanism. 
       FIG. 9  is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the epidermal lifting mechanism. 
       FIG. 10  is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the epidermal lifting mechanism. 
       FIG. 11  is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the epidermal lifting mechanism. 
       FIG. 12  is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the epidermal lifting mechanism. 
       FIG. 13  is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the epidermal lifting mechanism. 
       FIG. 14  is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the epidermal lifting mechanism. 
       FIG. 15  is a side elevational view showing the epidermal lifting mechanism properly positioned on the bridge of the nose. 
       FIG. 16  is a side elevational view showing the epidermal lifting mechanism improperly positioned too high on the bridge of the nose. 
       FIG. 17  is a side elevational view showing the epidermal lifting mechanism improperly positioned too low on the bridge of the nose. 
       FIG. 18  is an exploded view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 19  is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention including an elastic strip. 
       FIG. 20  is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention showing an embodiment having application for only one side of a persons nose or for raising a predetermined portion of an epidermal layer. 
       FIG. 21  is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention showing the elastic member having a first end coupled to a pod and a second end coupled to an anchor mechanism for application to a selected area of a person or animal epidermis. For example, the anchor mechanism could be applied to a persons cheek and the pod applied to the epidermis of a persons nose to enhance opening of the nasal passage. 
       FIG. 22  is a side elevational view illustrating embodiment of  FIG. 21  with the anchor mechanism applied to a persons cheek and the pod applied to a side of a persons nose. 
       FIG. 23  top plan view which illustrates the embodiment of  FIG. 21  in use to hold an incision open. 
       FIG. 24  top plan view which illustrates the embodiment of  FIG. 19  in use to keep an incision closed. 
       FIG. 25  top plan view which illustrates the embodiment  FIG. 19  in use to keep an incision closed with the ends of the incision kept in proper alignment to add in suturing the incision. 
       FIG. 26  is a side elevational view showing the embodiment of either  FIG. 21  or  FIG. 19  being used on persons nose as a nasal dilator to enhance breathing. The embodiment of  FIG. 19  is believed to be preferable to the embodiment of  FIG. 21  for this purpose although either could be used. 
       FIG. 27  is a perspective view generally showing a human nose. 
       FIG. 28  is a cross sectional view of the nose in  FIG. 27  with the nose shown absent any nasal dilator. 
       FIG. 29  is a cross sectional view of the nose in  FIG. 27  with the nose shown being in a state of relatively little air flow through the nasal passages. 
       FIG. 30  is a cross sectional view of the nose in  FIG. 27  with a nasal dilator of the present invention applied illustrating an appreciable air flow through the nasal passages. 
       FIG. 31  is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment of the proposed invention. 
       FIG. 32  is a top plan view of an additional proposed embodiment of the present invention shown as the embodiment would be manufactured and illustrating the area that is removed to expose the adhesive and then bent backwards and applied as shown in  FIG. 33 . 
       FIG. 33  is a top plan view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 32  applied to an epidermal surface and illustrating the shear point, the adhesive, and the elastic or stretchable material. 
       FIG. 34  is a top plan view of an alternative structure to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 19 . 
       FIG. 35  is a perspective view of an another alternative structure of the present invention. 
       FIG. 36  is a top plan view of the embodiment disclosed in  FIG. 35 . 
       FIG. 37  is a perspective view of an another alternative structure of the present invention. 
       FIG. 38  is a top plan view of the embodiment disclosed in  FIG. 37 . 
       FIG. 39  is a perspective view of an another alternative structure of the present invention. 
       FIG. 40  is a top plan view of the embodiment disclosed in  FIG. 39 . 
       FIG. 41  is a top plan view another embodiment of the present invention illustrating an embodiment of the present invention by supper-imposing two views of the embodiment; the phantom lines showing the embodiment at rest without the latex sections being stretched and the solid lines illustrating the latex sections being stretched while the center or second section maintains position over the treatment area despite the uneven tension applied to the various anchor sections. 
       FIG. 42  is a top plan view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 41  illustrating how the second center section may be positioned and various anchoring sections positioned to adjust the stress or pressure applied at the center section. 
       FIG. 43  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 44  is a top plan view of the embodiment disclosed in  FIG. 43 . 
       FIG. 45  is a perspective view of an another alternative structure of the present invention. 
       FIG. 46  is a top plan view of the embodiment disclosed in  FIG. 45 . 
       FIG. 47  is a top plan view illustrating how force may be distributed in two directions in a particular embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 48  is a top plan view illustrating how force may be distributed in four directions in a particular embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 49  is a perspective view of an another alternative structure of the present invention. 
       FIG. 50  is a top plan view of the structure disclosed in  FIG. 49 . 
       FIG. 51  is a perspective view of an another alternative structure of the present invention. 
       FIG. 52  is a top plan view of the structure disclosed in  FIG. 51 . 
       FIG. 53  is a perspective view of an another alternative structure of the present invention. 
       FIG. 54  is a top plan view of the an alternative embodiment to the structure disclosed in  FIG. 53 . 
       FIG. 55  is a perspective view of an another alternative structure of the present invention. 
       FIG. 56  is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the alternative structure shown in  FIG. 55 . 
       FIG. 57  is a top plan view showing the structure disclosed in  FIG. 55  applied over the incision of a wound and acting as a guide for suturing the wound. 
       FIG. 58  is a top plan view showing the two of the structures disclosed in  FIG. 55  being used to hold a wound open. 
       FIG. 59  is a perspective view showing the structure disclosed in  FIG. 55  being used for guiding an intravenous tube and holding the tube in a predetermined position. 
       FIG. 60  is a top plan view showing the structure disclosed in  FIG. 55  holding the edges of a wound or incision together. 
       FIG. 61  is a perspective view of an another alternative structure of the present invention. 
       FIG. 62  is a top plan view of the structure disclosed in  FIG. 61 . 
       FIG. 63  is a perspective view of an another alternative structure of the present invention. 
       FIG. 64  is a top plan view of the structure disclosed in  FIG. 63 . 
       FIG. 65  is a perspective view of an another alternative structure of the present invention. 
       FIG. 66  is a top plan view of the structure disclosed in  FIG. 65 . 
       FIG. 67  is a perspective view of an another alternative structure of the present invention. 
       FIG. 68  is a view from line  68 - 68  of  FIG. 69 . 
       FIG. 69  is a top plan view of the structure disclosed in  FIG. 67 . 
       FIG. 70  is a perspective view of an another alternative structure of the present invention. 
       FIG. 71  is a top plan view of the structure disclosed in  FIG. 70 . 
       FIG. 72  is a perspective view of an another alternative structure of the present invention. 
       FIG. 73  is a top plan view of the structure disclosed in  FIG. 74 . 
       FIG. 74  is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 75  is a perspective view of an another alternative structure of the present invention. 
       FIG. 76  is a top plan view of the structure disclosed in  FIG. 75 . 
       FIG. 77  is a cross-sectional view from line  77 - 77  of  FIG. 84 . 
       FIG. 78  is a cross-sectional view from line  78 - 78  of  FIG. 86 . 
       FIG. 79  is a cross-sectional view from line  79 - 79  of  FIG. 86 . 
       FIG. 80  is a cross-sectional view of a structure similar to the structure disclosed in  FIG. 86  illustrating the use of input and output ports which may be used to irrigate a wound or deliver medicine to a predetermined area. 
       FIG. 81  is a view taken from line  81 - 81  of  FIG. 39 . 
       FIG. 82  is a view taken from line  82 - 82  of  FIG. 40   
       FIG. 83  is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 84  is a perspective view of the alternative structure of the present invention disclosed in  FIG. 83 . 
       FIG. 85  is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 86  is a perspective view of the alternative structure of the present invention disclosed in  FIG. 85 . 
       FIG. 87  is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 88  is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 89  is an illustration showing how the embodiment disclosed in  FIG. 70  may be used on an area of the human body that is subject to a high degree of movement. 
       FIG. 90  is an illustration showing how another alternative embodiment of the present invention may be used on an area of the human body that is subject to a high degree of movement. 
       FIG. 91  illustrates how another alternative embodiment of the present invention may be used as a nasal dilator. 
       FIG. 92  illustrates another method by which the alternative embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 91  may be used as a nasal dilator. 
       FIG. 93  illustrates how the embodiment shown in  FIG. 91  may be used to hold a flap of skin, in this case a human ear flap, in a predetermined position. This is useful where its is desired to have easy access to an area that might otherwise be blocked by a fold or flap of skin thus making work on that area difficult or cumbersome. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention which may be embodied in other specific structure. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims. 
   The invention comprises an epidermal lifting mechanism for providing a lifting force to a predetermined epidermal area, such as the bridge of the nose, to provide an increased flow rate of gas through the nasal passage and will be referred to generally as  10  in the following detailed description. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 1A , a prior art device is shown. The prior art device shown in  FIG. 1  is currently marketed by CNS, Inc. of Chanhassen, Minn. and sold under the trademark BREATHE RIGHT. The same device is shown in  FIG. 1A , however the device in  FIG. 1A  includes the flaps of the present invention whose structure and advantages are discussed in detail below. 
   The present invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral  10 , includes a two part multi-level leaf spring  20  as shown in  FIG. 2 . The two part multi-level leaf spring  20  comprises a pair of spring laminates  22  and  24 . Each spring laminate  22  and  24  is manufactured from a 2 mil to 8 mil polyester film laminated to a spun bonded polyester material. The spun bonded polyester material may or may not be coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive. The spring laminates  22  and  24  are laminated together. 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , when the top  24  and bottom  22  spring laminates are laminated together and the invention  10  is applied to the bridge of the nose, represented by the fulcrum point  26 , the bending of the multi-level spring  20  increases the opening force to the nasal passages over a single level spring. 
   Adding a layer of spring material  24  on top of another layer  22  of spring material creates a leaf spring action. Because there is a stretching force introduced into the top layer  24  when bent over a fulcrum point, a stronger (compound) spring action is created as compared to a single layer spring of equal thickness. Furthermore, bending over a, fulcrum point creates a stronger yet spring action. 
   Now referring to  FIGS. 4 and 18 , the material layers of the invention  10  include a silicone coated release liner  30 , an adhesive system  40  to adhere the epidermal lifting mechanism  10  to the nose, a top layer of material  50 , and the two part spring laminate  20 . The top layer  50  is composed of two layers of material  50 A and  50 B and contains the springs  24  and  22  there between, as shown in  FIG. 18 . The release liner  30  is removed prior to placing the mechanism  10  on the bridge of the nose. The adhesive system  40  can either be a pressure sensitive hypo-allergenic acrylic or a hydrocolloid system. The top layer of material  50  can be either a non-woven material or a material with some stretch characteristics such as a 3 mil polyurethane film. 
   The preferred embodiment of the invention  10  is shown in  FIG. 7 . Although unitary in construction, it has the following components: a pair of pods  60  and a bridge section  70 . The pods  60  include an exposed adhesive surface  62  which is bonded to the skin on the sides of the nose. The pod  60  configurations allow for flexibility of the bottom spring  22  to conform to the irregular surfaces of the nose. The bridge section  70  of the device has at least one fulcrum point as shown in  FIG. 3  and lies across the bridge of the nose as shown in  FIG. 15 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 6 , the pods  60  include horseshoe shaped cuts or incisions  64  in the top layer of material  50  through the adhesive layer  40  which, when applied to the nose, allows the spring action Lo generate a uniform lifting force in a suction cuplike manner while at the same time applies a shearing force to the adhesive itself rather than a peeling force thereby creating flexibility from the lift point to the adhesion point. This principle is demonstrated in  FIG. 5 . By decreasing the peel force  42  on the adhesive  40  the bond between the adhesive  40  and the skin is greatly increased and allows more flexibility of the epidermal lifting mechanism  10  during facial movement. The shearing forces are shown at  44 . 
   Referring back to  FIG. 7 , the present invention  10  may be further improved by including a pair of flaps  80  which are attached adjacent to the bridge section  70  of the invention  10 . The flaps  80 , when folded underneath or over the adhesive layer  40  of the bridge section  70 , create another pair of fulcrum points along lines  82  between the bridge of the nose (fulcrum point  2 ) and the pods  60  when the invention  10  is applied to the wearer&#39;s nose. Thus, the flaps  80 , when folded, function to increase the dilation force to the outer epidermis of the nasal passages. 
   More specifically, the additional fulcrum points  82  are accomplished by folding the flaps  80  underneath the bridge section  70  thereby allowing the adhesive area of each flap  84  to adhere to the bottom of the bridge section  70  thus securing it in place. The flaps  80  further include perforations  86  for ease of folding. 
   As discussed above, the pair of flaps  80  add fulcrum points. Accordingly, when the flaps  80  are folded they form end sections along lines  82  which will be located to either side of the bridge of the nose. Each of the end sections along lines  82  will act as a fulcrum point in addition to the bridge of the nose thereby increasing the number of fulcrum points and the mechanical lifting ability of the present invention. Further, when folded they provide a cushioned area for the bridge of the nose and cover the adhesive  40  on the underside of the bridge section  70  so when applied for several hours and then removed, discomfort to the skin tissue on the bridge of the nose is greatly reduced or eliminated since no adhesive has been in contact with the bridge of the nose due to the barrier created by the flaps. 
   The material layers of the invention  10  are shown in  FIG. 8 . Again, the layers include a silicone coated release liner  30 , an adhesive system  40  to adhere the epidermal lifting mechanism  10  to the nose, a first spring laminate  22 , a second spring laminate  24 , and a top layer of material  50 . 
   Alternative embodiments of the invention  10  are shown in  FIGS. 9 through 14 . In  FIG. 9 , the shape of the pods  60  is shown to be rectangular instead of round. In  FIG. 10 , the horseshoe shaped cuts or incisions  64  have been removed and additional slits  66  and  66 A have been added. In this embodiment, when the flaps  80  are not folded over, slits  66 A mechanically adjust the peeling action to a shear action thereby allowing greater adhesion over the predetermined epidermal area. Additionally, in this embodiment a cut could be made along line  100  to divide the invention  10  into sections  13  and  15  whereby section  13  could be discarded and section  15  could be used as a dilator for only one side of a person&#39;s nose. Additionally, two section  15 &#39;s could be combined to apply to either side of a persons nose and thereby dilate each nasal passage independent of the other. Additionally, this embodiment includes springs  24  and  22  which are of different lengths as shown in the  FIGS. 3 and 18 . The ends of springs, shown by lines  83  and  83 A, provide the main lifting force as the springs  24  and  22  attempt to spring back into position. Therefore, due to the mechanical relationship of springs  24  and  22  compound the lifting force applied at their ends  83  and  83 A. 
   The embodiment shown in  FIG. 11  includes slits  66  and further includes a two-part pod  60 . Pod  60  comprises an upper pod half  68  and a lower pod half  69 . Pod halves  68  and  69  and slits  66  allow for greater flexibility of the pod  60  on the nose of the wearer. 
   The embodiment shown in  FIG. 12  is similar to that shown in  FIG. 10  with the exception that the bridge section  70  has been widened. The embodiment of  FIG. 13  includes the wider bridge section  70  in combination with rectangular pods  60 . Additional slits  67  have also been added near the outer sides of the pods  60 . Slits  67  change the direction of the force applied to the pods  60  so that instead of a peel force (a force which tends to peel away the pods  60  from the epidermis to which they are applied) to a sheer forces (a force which tends to drag the pods  60  across the epidermis to which they are applied). 
   The embodiment depicted in  FIG. 14  demonstrates the principal that different pod  60  configurations can be used on the same epidermal lifting mechanism  10 . The pod  60  shown on the left side has a sloping side to allow for better adhesion to the side of the nose. 
   The application of the invention  10  to the nose of the wearer is shown in  FIGS. 15 through 17 . Preferred installation of the epidermal lifting mechanism  10  on the bridge of the nose is shown in  FIG. 15  while in  FIG. 16 , the epidermal lifting mechanism  10  is applied too high on the nose and is applied too low in  FIG. 17 . However, while the positions shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17  are not preferred they are functional since the structure of the present invention  10  allows a user the ability to apply the invention  10  over a relatively large epidermal area and thus effectiveness of the present invention is greatly enhanced. The present invention will generally work effectively in all the positions shown in  FIGS. 15-17 . 
   Alternatively, this invention  10  may be described as a method for increasing the flow rate of gas through the nasal passages, the method comprising the steps of removing the release liner  30 , and positioning the invention  10  as shown in  FIG. 15  or as shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , depending upon the comfort of the wearer. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 19 , a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention  10  may be seen to comprise an elastic midsection  110  having ends  111  and  112 . Ends  111  and  112  are coupled to pod sections  60 . This embodiment does not include any spring mechanism other than the elastic section  110 ; The elastic section  110  taking the place of the spring mechanism. The resiliency of the elastic section  110  will cause the two nasal pods  60  to be drawn together when the elastic member contracts. If this is done over a fulcrum point such as the bridge of the nose it will cause a lifting of the nasal passages and thus may be used as a nasal dilator as illustrated in  FIG. 26 . 
   Additionally the mechanism of  FIG. 19  may be used as shown in  FIGS. 24 and 25  to aid in holding a wound or incision  17  closed either for the purposes of healing as illustrated in  FIG. 24  or for the purpose of aiding in suturing as illustrated in  FIG. 25 . The pods  60  adhering to the epidermis to either side of the wound and the elastic member  110  being stretched across the wound so that it will contract and draw the two pods  60  towards each other thereby closing the wound in an effective manner. Additionally, when the wound is closed in this manner a surgeon or physician may have both hands free to apply sutures  115  along the wound or incision  17 . This is believed particularly helpful when dealing with a large wound or incision. 
   With respect to the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 19  it should be noted that U shaped cuts or incisions  64  are also illustrated. Again, these cuts or incisions may be of any shape although the U or horseshoe shape is preferred, however the embodiment disclosed in  FIG. 19  could function without these U shaped cuts or incisions  64 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 20  an alternative embodiment of the present invention for use as a nasal dilator is shown. In this embodiment the spring sections are included as shown in  FIG. 18  although they are not shown in  FIG. 20 . This embodiment functions in a manner similar to the embodiment  FIG. 10  and is simply meant to illustrate once again that the nasal dilator of the present invention could be applied to only one side of a persons nose  19 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 21  another alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in a top plan view illustrating the elastic member  110  coupled at its end  112  to pod  60  and coupled at its end  111  to an anchor  120 . The anchor  120  has an adhesive layer applied to it in the same manner as the adhesive layer which is applied to the pod  60 . The embodiment of the invention  10  shown in  FIG. 21  has application for maintaining an incision opening or wound opening for either a surgical procedure or cleansing purposes as illustrated in  FIG. 23  or for use as a nasal dilator for application to only side of a persons nose as illustrated in  FIG. 22 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 22  pod  60  may be seen applied to the side of a persons nose  19  and elastic member  110  is stretched so that anchor  120  may be applied to the side of persons face  19 A. Thus, elastic member  110  will contract and pull pod  60  and anchor  120  toward one another but since anchor  120  is positioned on a substantially stationary epidermal area of the persons face the majority of the movement will occur at pod  60  causing the epidermal area to which it is applied to be pulled outward and thus open the nasal passage. 
   Referring to  FIG. 23 , the incision  17  may be seen to be held open by the action of the embodiment disclosed in  FIG. 21 . The anchors  120  are applied to a substantially stationary epidermal area and the elastic members  110  are stretched and the pods  60  are positioned to either side of the wound or incision to hold it open so that the wound may be cleansed or a surgical procedure may be performed through the incision thus freeing the physician&#39;s hands for this purpose. 
   It should be noted that the U shaped cuts  64  are disclosed in the embodiment of the present invention  10  shown in  FIG. 21 . While these U shaped cuts are preferred they are not considered necessary to practice the present invention. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 28 ,  29  and  30 ;  FIG. 28  shows the nose  19  and the nasal passages  119  in cross sectional view. The nasal passages in  FIG. 28  being shown open but absent the use of any nasal dilator. In  FIG. 29  the same cross sectional view is shown but the nose  19  and in particular the nasal passages  119  are shown being in a state of relatively little airflow through the nasal passages  119 .  FIG. 30  illustrates a cross sectional view using a nasal dilator of the present invention  10  wherein the nasal passages  119  of the nose  19  are held substantially open for airflow through the nasal passages  119 . 
   Clearly, the alternative embodiments shown in  FIGS. 19 and 21  could also be practiced according to the methods previously disclosed. Specifically, the embodiment of  FIG. 19  could be practiced as a method using the structure previously described wherein the embodiment disclosed in  FIG. 19  is applied by first applying one nose pod section  60  to one side of a wound  17  and stretching the elastic member  110  over the wound  17  and then applying the nose pod section  60  to the other side or opposite side of the wound or incision  17  whereby the wound or incision  17  is held closed. Additionally, it should be noted that a medicinal material could be applied to the elastic member  110  over the portion of its surface which would be adjacent to the wound or incision  17  and thus aid in healing of the wound. Medicinal materials such as zinc chromate or calcium alginate or sodium alginate are possible such compounds. 
   Alternatively, the embodiment of  FIG. 21  could be used in a method wherein the pod  60  is applied to an epidermal area which is desired to be pulled or raised. This epidermal area could be an area immediately adjacent an incision or wound  17  or the side epidermis of a persons nose  19 . The elastic member  110  being stretched and the anchor portion  120  being applied with its adhesive side to an epidermal area which is relatively stationary and the elastic material  110  contracting and thereby raising or pulling or lifting the skin to which the pod  60  has been attached to via its adhesive side. 
   Alternatively, as illustrated in  FIGS. 31 ,  32 , and  33 , the mechanism of the present invention could be described as epidermal lifting mechanism having anchor/lifting portions  120 , connected via an elastic or stretchable material  110 , and include an adhesive surface  121 . The anchor/lifting portions  120  being such that each portion  120 , depending upon where it is applied, may act as either an anchor portion  120  or a lifting portion  120 . The anchor/lifting portions  120  having a plurality of incisions or cuts  64  of predetermined shape (e.g., U shaped as illustrated in  FIGS. 31-33 ) which divide each anchor/lifting portion  120  into a plurality of adhesive areas  121   a  and  121   b . This division of the anchor/lifting portion  120  into a plurality of adhesive areas  121  allows the anchor/lifting portion adhesive areas  121  to be divided such that after a first anchor/lifting portion  123  is applied to the desired epidermal location a first predetermined portion  121   c  of that first anchor/lifting portion  120  may be peeled away and leave a second predetermined portion  121   d , having a predetermined shape due to the plurality of cuts or incisions  64 , in place on the epidermal location. Subsequently, a second anchor/lifting portion  125 , connected to the first anchor/lifting portion  123  via the elastic material  110 , may be applied to a second predetermined or desired epidermal location so that the elastic material  110  is stretched a desired amount. The second anchor/lifting portion  125 , if it is substantially similar to the first anchor/lifting portion  123  may be applied to the epidermis so that it may be peeled away and leave a second predetermined portion  121   d , having a predetermined shape due to the plurality of cuts or incisions  64 , in place on the epidermal location. Accordingly, the first and second anchor/lifting portions  123  and  125  may act as a separate anchor point and lifting point or as separate anchor points or as separate lifting points and the elastic material  110  may simply be used to supply tension between the points  123  and  125  or it may be used to apply a material such as a medicine to the epidermis located between the two points or it may be used to supply tension and apply a material between the two points, etc. The purpose of this alternative embodiment to take advantage of the multiple shear points  200  created using this design to enhance the adhesion of this embodiment to the desired epidermal location so that the anchor/lifting portions  120  maintain proper adhesion at their desired locations. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 35 and 36  another alternative embodiment of the present invention may be observed. The dressing structure  300  is comprised of a multiple layer or laminated material  302  at its anchor sections  301  and  303  and a latex rubber  321  at its center section  325 . The laminated material includes a top surface  315  made of TYVEC brand material and a bottom surface  319  also made of the same material but coated with a hypo-allergenic acrylic adhesive  327  and covered with a silicone release liner. The anchor sections  301  and  303  have an adhesive bottom layer  311  for adhering to an epidermis  11 . The laminated material  302  has a channel or slit  313  into which margins  317  of the latex rubber  321  are engaged. The margins  317  include openings  304  and the channel  313  includes the adhesive  327  which extends through the openings  304  from the bottom  319  to the top  315 . This creates a series of adhesive openings  304  which act as plugs which extend through the openings  304  and couple the upper layer  315  to the lower layer  319  effectively holding the non-elastic TYVEC material together so that the latex material  321  is effectively locked into the channel  313  and cannot easily be removed by tension when stretched. Accordingly, margins  317  are secured to the anchor sections  301  and  303  at locking section  317   a.    
   Still referring to  FIG. 35  and  FIG. 36  the center section  325  may be observed to include a TYVEC brand material stabilizing section  323  which is bonded to a gauze pad  314  via openings  316 , in the latex  321  which contain adhesive  327 . The adhesive  327  extending in a plug like manner from the pad  314  to the stabilizing section  323 . This creates a bandage or dressing structure which is suspended by the latex  321  between the anchoring sections  301  and  303 . Further, as illustrated by  FIGS. 51 and 52  the shape of the TYVEC top layer  323  need not be rectangular but can be of any design, e.g., round. When this embodiment is applied over a wound or other predetermined area of the epidermis  11  the latex material  321  is stretched between the two anchoring sections  301  and  303  which causes the latex  321  to act much like a leaf spring and apply a positive pressure downward through the pad  314 . Accordingly, the wound to which this device  300  is applied will have a positive pressure against it. It is well known in first aid that pressure applied to a wound will help reduce bleeding. The present invention thus provides an effective bandage which will also effectively limit bleeding from the wound. Further, the positive down pressure will effectively maintain contact of the pad  314  with the wound or other predetermined area despite movement of the surrounding epidermis  11 . 
   Still referring to  FIGS. 35 and 36  it should be noted that stability strips  310  are included to illustrate that it is presently believed that in commercial utilization of the present invention that it is believed to be desirable to provide material to keep the dressing structure  300  relatively rigid prior to use. The strips  310  are removed prior to use by tearing the material  302  along the perforations  308 . The strips  310  are separated from the latex  321  by gap  318 . Also, shown in  FIG. 36  is curve  320  which is believed to provide strain relief when the present dressing structure  300  is applied so that even pressure is exerted across the latex  321 . 
   The openings  312 , also shown in  FIGS. 37 and 38 , should also be noted. The openings  312  are located in a tension adjustment section  412  of the latex  321 . Depending upon the number of openings  312  or whether they are present at all the tension applied to the latex section  321 . Further, as the tension adjustment section  412  of the latex  321  is stretched to apply the dressing structure  300  the openings  312  will become distorted. The greater the stretching the greater the tension applied to the latex section  321 . Consequently, a person applying the dressing structure disclosed herein may visually see the amount of tension applied to the latex section  321 . This allows a person applying a dressing  300  or series of dressings  300  to apply the dressings  300  in a manner so that the pressure and exerted by the stretching of the latex  321  is kept relatively constant. Alternatively, it allows the user to apply dressings  300  which will apply a variety of pressures across the desired treatment area. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 37 and 38  an alternative embodiment from that shown in  FIGS. 35 and 36  may be seen wherein the pad  314  and inelastic material  323  are not incorporated so that only an elastic section  322  remains. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 41 and 42 , and  FIGS. 45 and 46 , another alternative embodiment to the present invention is illustrated. This embodiment is substantially the same structurally as the embodiments disclosed in  FIGS. 35 and 36  with the exception that two additional anchors sections  305  and  307  have been added. Also, the stabilizing section  323  is round rather than rectangular in shape. The pad  314  is coupled to the stabilizing section as previously described.  FIGS. 40 and 41  illustrate that tension adjustment sections  412  need not all apply the same level of tension or be stretched equally. Further, the anchor sections  301 , 303 ,  305 , and  307  may be moved relative to each other while the center section  325  is maintained in position over the desired treatment area. Accordingly, when the present invention is applied over an area of the body that is subject to movement such as an elbow, knee, or hand the center section  325  will maintain its position over the wound or area to which it is desired to apply treatment. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 39 and 40  another alternative embodiment may be observed. In this alternative the openings  312  have been eliminated to illustrate that they are optional and not necessary structures to practice the present invention. 
   Additionally, the stabilizing section disclosed in  FIG. 40  may be seen in  FIG. 82  to be composed of a top layer  323  of TYVEC brand material, a layer of adhesive  327 ; a layer of latex  321  having openings  304  and a pad  314  to which an ointment  390  has been applied. The pad  314  being coupled to the material  323  via the adhesive  327  which extends through the openings  304  in the latex  321 . 
   The stabilizing section disclosed in  FIG. 39  may be seen in  FIG. 81  to be composed of a top layer  323  of TYVEC brand material, a layer of adhesive  327 , a layer of latex  321  having openings  304 , and a pad  314 . The pad  314  being coupled to the material  323  via the adhesive  327  which extends through the openings  304  in the latex  321 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 43 and 44  another alternative embodiment of the present invention may be seen. In this embodiment four anchor sections are again shown coupled via respective locking sections  317   a . In this embodiment just a latex material  321  extends between the anchor sections  301 , 303 , 305 , and  307 . A curvature  330  is provided in the latex material  321  to allow for uniform stretching of the material. Also, a perforation  308  is provided to connect the anchor sections  303 , 305 , 307  and  301  to each other prior to use of the dressing  300 . The perforations are broken when it is desired to use this embodiment of the dressing  300 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 47 and 48  it is again illustrated that the latex section  321  of the dressing  300  may be stretched or extended in a plurality of directions. This allows for versatility of use on a variety of surfaces. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 49 and 50  another alternative embodiment of the present invention is disclosed showing that the openings  312  may be deleted from the tensioning section  312   a  if desired without detracting from the principles of the invention disclosed herein. 
   Referring to  FIG. 53  a very simple version of the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment the dressing  300  is composed of a piece of latex  321  having two ends to which anchors  301  and  303  are respectively attached using an adhesive. The ends of the latex  321  are simply sandwiched between the layers  315  and  319 . A piece of stiffening material  323  is glued across the mid-section of the latex  321  and pad  314  is glued to the underside of the latex  321  as illustrated. The bottom side of each respective anchor section  301  and  303  having an adhesive  327  applied thereto. 
   Referring to  FIG. 54  illustrates the embodiment of  FIG. 53  with the addition of a series of openings  383  being applied to the entire dressing  300 . Depending upon the material through which the opening  383  is made the function of the opening will vary. Openings  312  in the latex  321  will act to vary the elasticity of the latex. Openings  383   a  will create stress points and help maintain the dressing  300  in a straight alignment between its anchors  301  and  303 . Openings  383   b  will allow air access to the treatment area. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 55 ,  56 ,  57 ,  58 ,  59 , and  60  another embodiment of the dressing  300 , similar to the embodiment disclosed in  FIGS. 37 and 38  is disclosed. In this embodiment the entire latex section  321  is essentially comprised of tensioning section  412  having openings  312 . The anchors  301  and  303  function as previously described. The latex  321  in  FIG. 55  is held in place as described in  FIG. 53  while the latex  321  in  FIG. 56  is held in place as described in reference to  FIGS. 35 and 36  by adhesive  327  extending through openings  304 .  FIGS. 57-60  illustrate that this embodiment may be placed over an incision  17  to act as a guided for applying stitches  17   a , see  FIG. 57 , or embodiments may be placed to either side of an incision  17  to hold the incision open, see  FIG. 58 , or the openings  312  may be used to hold an intravenous tube  307  in place, see  FIG. 59 , or the dressing  300  simply be used to hold an incision  17  closed without resorting to the application of stitches  17   a , see  FIG. 60 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 61 through 66  and  FIGS. 70 through 76  a variety of alternative designs of the dressing  300  may be seen. All the dressings  300  disclosed operate on the same principles previously disclosed but they are shown to illustrate that shape of the latex  321  and the openings  312  may varied without departing from the invention described herein. Also, illustrated is the fact that the pad  314  and the material  323  may vary in size and shape. Further, the radius or arcuate section  330  may be varied in shape to provide for uniform distribution of tension across the latex  321 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 67 through 69  another embodiment of the present invention may be seen wherein the latex  321  includes a ring section  347  of material  323 . Coupled to the ring section  347  is the latex  321  and a clear urethane material  345  of the type commonly suitable for medical applications; alternative materials may be used such as any suitable breathable material depending upon the application desired. As illustrated by  FIG. 68  the ring section  347  is comprised of a layer of TYVEC brand material  323 , a layer of adhesive  327 , a layer of latex  321  having openings  316  which function in the same manner as openings  304 , another layer of adhesive  327 , another layer of TYVEC brand material  323 , the clear material  345 , and a colloid adhesive  349 . This structure creates a stable space  351  over the desired area and the colloid  349  isolates the area and prevents stretching of the epidermis  11  under the space  351  so that the wound or other desired area is kept in an isolated environment which may be observed through the material  345 . The colloid  349  and the material  345  isolating the wound from external sources of infection. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 85 and 86  another alternative design of the present invention may be observed. In this embodiment the center section is a breathable membrane  372  of a type commonly used for dressing applications. Perforations  308  allow the dressing to be broken apart to form a plurality of anchor sections  301 . 
   Openings  373  are provided in the member  372  to prevent tearing of the membrane  372 . A locking section  317   a , previously described, is provided. Referring to  FIGS. 78 and 79  the cross-sectional construction may be seen to include at top layer of material  323 , a layer of adhesive  327 , latex  321  including openings  304 , adhesive  327 , material  323 , adhesive  327 , the breathable membrane  372 , and a colloid adhesive  349 . The dressing  300  capable of covering a desired area of an epidermis  11  and substantially isolating that area from external contamination. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 83 ,  84 , and  77  the same structures as shown in  FIGS. 85 and 86 ,  78  and  79  are shown with the exception that the breathable membrane  372  has been eliminated so that there is only an opening  370 . This dressing  300  is believed to have application where it is desired that the wounded or burnt area of the epidermis be exposed to air. Since the spring action of the latex  321  will press down on the epidermal area surround the wound or burn within the opening  370  this is believed to cause the wound or burn to well up and thus receive maximum exposure. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 80  another alternative embodiment similar to the structure disclosed in  FIG. 78  with the exception that the breathable membrane  372  has been replaced with an sealed membrane  399  such as a urethane commonly used to hold IV type fluids. Extending through this membrane  399  is an input port and an output port. This dressing  300  could be used to seal a wound from external contamination but allow the wound to be irrigated or medicine applied or tissue samples taken. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 87 and 88  another embodiment is illustrated showing a resealable closure  380 . The closure or zipper  380  may bisect the dressing or extend only partially across the dressing  300 . The closure  380  is provided to allow access to the wound or burn or other area without having to remove and reapply the bandage. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 89-93  various applications of the dressings  300  described herein may be seen to be illustrated in use on a human being. 
   The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.