Patent Publication Number: US-2016220440-A1

Title: Therapeutic tape

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present subject matter generally relates to medical and therapeutic devices. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to therapeutic tape adapted for kinesiotherapy and other medical uses. 
     BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY 
     Therapeutic taping the skin of a person or animal in order to provide therapeutic action is a medically useful process. Some such therapeutic taping may be kinesiotherapeutic taping which may provide support, may stimulate neuro-muscular tissues proximate to the taped region, and may dilate, open, or otherwise facilitate flow in blood or lymphatic vessels. 
     Existing therapeutic tape is not adapted to provide elastic response in more than one direction. Existing therapeutic tape is not adapted to provide a substantially therapeutic force in more than one dimension. It remains desirable to develop therapeutic tape which improves therapeutic action through adaptations to provide elastic response and a substantially therapeutic force in more than one direction. 
     Provided is a therapeutic tape comprising a substantially planar woven fiber layer, an adhesive layer engaged with the first side of the woven fiber layer, and a protective layer engaged with the first side of the adhesive layer. The woven fiber layer comprises a first side, and a second side opposite said first side; extends in a first therapy direction; extends in a second therapy direction substantially perpendicular to the first therapy direction; and is composed of a weave of fibers comprising a first set of fibers extending in a first fiber direction changeable with respect to the first therapy direction and a second set of fibers interwoven with the first set of fibers and extending in a second fiber direction changeable with respect to the first therapy direction. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a view depicting one embodiment of a section of therapeutic tape. 
         FIG. 1B  is view of the embodiment of the section of therapeutic tape of  FIG. 1 , wherein the tape has been pulled in the vertical direction as shown. 
         FIG. 1C  is view of the embodiment of the section of therapeutic tape of  FIG. 1 , wherein the tape has been pulled in the horizontal direction as shown. 
         FIG. 1D  is cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the section of therapeutic tape of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 2A  is a view of one embodiment of a weave in a first stress state. 
         FIG. 2B  is a view of the weave of  FIG. 2A  in a second stress state. 
     
    
    
     The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative aspects of the claimed subject matter. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the innovation may be employed and the claimed subject matter is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features of the claimed subject matter will become apparent from the following detailed description of the innovation when considered in conjunction with the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1A-1D, and 2A-2B , shown are non-limiting embodiments of a therapeutic tape adapted for kinesiotherapy and other applications. 
     In a first non-limiting embodiment as shown in  FIGS. 1A-1D  a therapeutic tape  100  is shown. As used herein, unless otherwise noted, the therapeutic tape refers to tape which may be used for kinesiotherapy, sometimes also referred to as “kinesiotape”, or certain other medical purposes as disclosed herein. These certain other medical purposes may be directed to skin and the tissues proximate thereto and may include, without limitation, dermal lifting, affecting blood flow, affecting lymphatic drainage, edema reduction, pain inhibition, muscle facilitation, proprioceptive facilitation, support, and healing. The therapeutic tape  100  comprises a woven fiber layer  110 , an adhesive layer  170 , and a protective layer  180 . 
     The woven fiber layer  110  is substantially planar comprising a first side  112  and a second side  114  opposite the first side. The adhesive layer  170  may be engaged with the first side  112  of the woven layer  110 . The protective layer  180  may be engaged with the adhesive layer. The woven fiber layer  110  may extend in a first therapy direction  122  and in a second therapy direction  126  that is substantially perpendicular to the first therapy direction  122 . 
     As used herein, the term “therapy direction”, as in the first therapy direction  122  and second therapy direction  126 , refers to the direction along which an application force is applied to the therapeutic tape  100  when in use and to the direction of action of therapeutic force reactively produced by the therapeutic tape  100  when in use. In certain embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 1A-1D , the therapeutic tape  100  is elongated along the first therapy direction  122 . The therapeutic tape  100  may elongated along the first therapy direction  122  and may be provided either as a very long strap of material extending in the first therapy direction  122  which is cut to usable lengths prior to use, or as pre-cut straps which may be used in the pre-cut length or further cut to length by a user. 
     The woven fiber layer  110  may be composed of a weave of fibers  140  in which the weave comprises a first set of fibers  142  extending in a first fiber direction  132 , and a second set of fibers  144  interwoven with the first set of fibers  142  and extending in a second fiber direction  134 . In certain embodiments, the first fiber direction  132  is directed along some first bias angle, θ, with respect to the first therapy direction  122  wherein the first bias angle, φ, is changeable with respect to the first therapy direction  122 . In certain embodiments, the second fiber direction  134  is directed along some second bias angle, θ, with respect to the first therapy direction  122  wherein the second bias angle, θ, is changeable with respect to the first therapy direction  122 . The first bias angle, φ, and the second bias angle, θ, may be changed when the first set of fibers  142  and the second set of fibers  144 , rotate with respect to one another. 
     In the non-limiting embodiment of  FIGS. 2A and 2B , shown are a first set of fibers  242  extending in a first fiber direction  232 , and a second set of fibers  244  interwoven with the first set of fibers  242  and extending in a second fiber direction  234 , where either the first fiber direction  232  or the second fiber direction  234 , or both directions  232 ,  234  are changeable. In a first stress state, such as without limitation, an unstressed state or in a state absent externally applied stress or force, as shown in  FIG. 2A , the first set of fibers  242  extend in a first fiber direction  232  along first bias angle, φ, with respect to the first therapy direction  222  and the second set of fibers  244  extend in a second fiber direction  234  along second bias angle θ with respect to the first therapy direction  222 . In a second stress state, such as without limitation, a state with externally applied stress or force  252 , as shown in  FIG. 2B , the first set of fibers  242  extend in a first fiber direction  232  along modified first bias angle, φ′, with respect to the first therapy direction  222  and the second set of fibers  244  extend in a second fiber direction  234  along modified second bias angle θ′ with respect to the first therapy direction  222  where φ differs from φ′ (by some angle Δφ), or where θ differs from θ′ (by some angle Δθ), or both.  FIG. 2B  shows pairs of external force vectors  250  indicating that the tensile application force  252  applied to the weave as indicated by the horizontal vectors  250  produces a reactive force  254  in the vertical direction as indicated by the vertical vectors  250 . That is, the tensile application force  252  strains the interweave cells  260 , each of which is defined by the bordering fibers  242 ,  244 , elongating the cell  260  in first therapy direction  222 , and, in reaction, the cell  260  shrinks in the second therapy direction  226 . Stated in a different way, a tensile application force  252  applied along the first therapy direction  222  produces a contractile force  254  in the second therapy direction  226 . Similarly and analogously, a tensile force (not shown) applied along the second therapy direction  226  produces a contractile force (not shown) in the first therapy direction  222 . 
     Without limitation, in certain embodiments, the angle φ between first fiber direction  232  and the first therapy direction  222  may be changed by application of an externally applied stress or force such as, without limitation force  252 . Without limitation, in certain embodiments, the angle φ between first fiber direction  232  and the first therapy direction  222  is between 15 and 75 degrees and the angle φ between first fiber direction  232  and the first therapy direction  222  may be changed by application of an externally applied stress or force such as, without limitation force  252 . Without limitation, in certain embodiments, the angle φ between first fiber direction  232  and the first therapy direction  222  is between 30 and 60 degrees and the angle φ between first fiber direction  232  and the first therapy direction  222  may be changed by application of an externally applied stress or force such as, without limitation force  252 . 
     The first set of fibers  142 ,  242  may be substantially rigid, substantially elastomeric, or somewhere therebetween. The first set of fibers  142 ,  242  may comprise polymers, copolymers, metal fibers, nylon, latex, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, styrenic block copolymers, polyether ether ketone, thermoplastics, such as, without limitation, ABS, PC and PET, aramid, other materials chosen with good engineering judgment, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the first set of fibers  142 ,  242  or the material of which the first set of fibers  142 ,  242  are comprised or both, have a modulus of elasticity of 2 GPA or greater. In some embodiments, the first set of fibers  142 ,  242  or the material of which the first set of fibers  142 ,  242  are comprised or both, have a modulus of elasticity of 58 GPA or greater. 
     Without limitation, in certain embodiments, the angle θ between second fiber direction  234  and the first therapy direction  222  may be changed by application of an externally applied stress or force such as, without limitation force  252 . Without limitation, in certain embodiments, the angle θ between second fiber direction  234  and the first therapy direction  222  is between 15 and 75 degrees and the angle θ between second fiber direction  234  and the first therapy direction  222  may be changed by application of an externally applied stress or force such as, without limitation force  252 . Without limitation, in certain embodiments, the angle θ between second fiber direction  234  and the first therapy direction  222  is between 30 and 60 degrees and the angle θ between second fiber direction  234  and the first therapy direction  222  may be changed by application of an externally applied stress or force such as, without limitation force  252 . 
     The second set of fibers  144 ,  244  may be substantially rigid, substantially elastomeric, or somewhere therebetween. The second set of fibers  144 ,  244  may comprise polymers, copolymers, metal fibers, nylon, latex, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, styrenic block copolymers, polyether ether ketone, thermoplastics, such as, without limitation, ABS, PC and PET, aramid, other materials chosen with good engineering judgment, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the second set of fibers  144 ,  244  or the material of which the second set of fibers  144 ,  244  are comprised or both, have a modulus of elasticity of 2 GPA or greater. In some embodiments, the second set of fibers  144 ,  244  or the material of which the second set of fibers  144 ,  244  are comprised or both, have a modulus of elasticity of 58 GPA or greater. 
     The therapeutic tape  100 ,  200  as applied to the skin of a human or animal will also be subject to a restorative force opposite an applied tensile application force. In some embodiments, the natural elastic character of the skin and underlying tissue imparts a restorative force to the therapeutic tape applied thereto. In some embodiments, the therapeutic tape may comprise one or more elastomeric materials such as, without limitation, elastic fibers  290 . While in some embodiments elastic fibers  290  may extend in any direction, in one non-limiting embodiment, the therapeutic tape  100 ,  200  comprises elastic fibers extending parallel to the first therapy direction  122 ,  222  or the second therapy direction  126 ,  226  or both directions  122 ,  222 ,  126 ,  226 . In some embodiments, the elastic fibers  290  or the material of which the elastic fibers  290  are comprised or both, have a modulus of elasticity of 0.5 GPA or greater. 
     The adhesive layer  170  may comprise any medical adhesive chosen with good engineering judgment. In some embodiments the adhesive layer  170  may comprise epoxy, cyanoacrylate, silicone, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the adhesive layer  170  may offer water resistance, such as, and without limitation, resistance to sweat and submersion, when applied correctly. 
     The protective layer  180  may comprise any protective material chosen with good engineering judgment. In some embodiments the protective layer  180  may comprise a coated polymer. 
     Referring now to the non-limiting embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1A-1D and 2A-2B , the therapeutic tape  100 ,  200  may be applied to the skin of a subject human or animal. There are a variety of acceptable methods of application of the therapeutic tape  100 ,  200  to the skin of a subject human or animal and the methods of application chosen may depending on factors including desired dermal lift, injury type, body part size, etc. As will be discussed further below, proper application of the therapeutic tape  100 ,  200  requires little or no medical knowledge, but a user with substantial medical knowledgeable may be able to select amongst the various acceptable methods of application of the therapeutic tape  100 ,  200  to more finely tailor the resulting benefits. Application of the therapeutic tape  100 ,  200  to the skin of the subject may comprise a user of the therapeutic tape  100 ,  200  exposing at least a first part  172  of the adhesive layer  170  by disengaging all or a portion of the protective layer  180  therefrom to expose the adhesive layer  170  thereunder; engaging the first part  172  of the adhesive layer  170  with the skin of the subject; pulling the therapeutic tape  100 ,  200  in the first therapy direction  122 ,  222  to create a substantially therapeutic tensile force  252  in the therapeutic tape  100 ,  200  in the first therapy direction  122 ,  222 ; and engaging a second part  174  of the adhesive layer  170 , opposite from the first part  172  of the adhesive layer  170  in the first therapy direction  122 ,  222 , with the skin of the subject. It should be understood that the step of pulling the therapeutic tape  100 ,  200  in the first therapy direction  122 ,  222  to create a substantially therapeutic tensile force  252  in the therapeutic tape  100 ,  200  in the first therapy direction  122 ,  222  will also, by the above described nature of the therapeutic tape  100 ,  200  cause a compressive strain in the therapeutic tape  100 ,  200  in the second therapy direction  126 ,  226  as shown in  FIG. 1C . In  FIG. 1C  the therapeutic tape  100  of  FIG. 1A  has been subjected to an applied tensile force in the first therapy direction  122  and as, a result of this applied tensile force, the therapeutic tape  100  has elongated in the first therapy direction  122  and contracted in the second therapy direction  126  compared to its state as shown in  FIG. 1A . It should also be understood that application of the therapeutic tape  100 ,  200  which has been subjected to a tensile stress to the skin of the subject will induce a reactive compressive stress in the skin and the other local tissues of the subject. The nature of this reactive compressive stress will be discussed below. In addition to the above steps, application of the therapeutic tape  100 ,  200  to the skin of the subject may also comprise a user of the therapeutic tape  100 ,  200  pulling the therapeutic tape  100 ,  200  in the second therapy direction  126 ,  226  to create a substantially therapeutic tensile force in the therapeutic tape  100 ,  200  in the second therapy direction  126 ,  226 ; engaging a third part  176  of the adhesive layer  170  with the skin; and engaging a fourth part  178  of the adhesive layer  170  opposite from the third part  176  of the adhesive layer  170  in the second therapy direction  126 ,  226 , with the skin. It should be understood that the step of pulling the therapeutic tape  100 ,  200  in the second therapy direction  126 ,  226  to create a substantially therapeutic tensile force  256  in the therapeutic tape  100 ,  200  in the second therapy direction  126 ,  226  will also, by the above described nature of the therapeutic tape  100 ,  200  cause a compressive strain in the therapeutic tape  100 ,  200  in the first therapy direction  126 ,  226  as shown in  FIG. 1B . In  FIG. 1B  the therapeutic tape  100  of  FIG. 1A  has been subjected to an applied tensile force  256  in the second therapy direction  122  and as, a result of this applied tensile force  256 , the therapeutic tape  100  has elongated in the second therapy direction  126  and contracted in the first therapy direction  122  compared to its state as shown in  FIG. 1A . In another method, application of the therapeutic tape  100 ,  200  to the skin of the subject may comprise a user of the therapeutic tape  100 ,  200  exposing first part  172 , second part  174 , third part  176 , and fourth part  178  of the adhesive layer  170  by disengaging the protective layer  180  therefrom to expose the adhesive layer  170  thereunder; pulling the therapeutic tape  100 ,  200  in the first therapy direction  122 ,  222  to create a substantially therapeutic tensile force  252  in the therapeutic tape  100 ,  200  in the first therapy direction  122 ,  222 ; and engaging the pulled therapeutic tape  100 ,  200  with the skin of the subject. In another method, application of the therapeutic tape  100 ,  200  to the skin of the subject may comprise a user of the therapeutic tape  100 ,  200  exposing at least a first part  172  of the adhesive layer  170  by disengaging all or a portion of the protective layer  180  therefrom to expose the adhesive layer  170  thereunder; engaging the first part  172  of the adhesive layer  170  with the skin of the subject; pulling the therapeutic tape  100 ,  200  in the first therapy direction  122 ,  222  to create a substantially therapeutic tensile force  252  in the therapeutic tape  100 ,  200  in the first therapy direction  122 ,  222 ; engaging a second part  174  of the adhesive layer  170 , opposite from the first part  172  of the adhesive layer  170  in the first therapy direction  122 ,  222 , with the skin of the subject; exposing a third part  176  of the adhesive layer; exposing a fourth part  178  of the adhesive layer; either a) not applying tension in the second therapy direction  126 ,  226  or b) apply tension in the second therapy direction  126 ,  226  by the pulling the third part  176  without pulling on fourth part  178 , or c) apply tension in the second therapy direction  126 ,  226  by the pulling the third part  176  and subsequently pulling on fourth part  178 , or d) apply tension in the second therapy direction  126 ,  226  by the pulling the third part  176  and simultaneously pulling on fourth part  178 ; and engaging the third part  176  and the fourth part  178  with the skin of the subject. It should be understood that the present subject matter encompasses methods in which engagement of the parts  172 ,  174 ,  176 ,  178  may be done in any desired order and with any desired tension. 
     It should be understood that the provided subject matter requires no or very little anatomical knowledge to use. That is, rather than requiring some knowledge of kinesiology, muscular origin, muscular insertion, and muscular action for proper application and benefits, the present subject matter can be used successfully in kinesiology applications by a user with very little knowledge of kinesiology, muscular origin, muscular insertion, and muscular action for proper application and benefits. The present subject matter provides ease of application and relief simply by stretching the tape and adhering to the site of injury. 
     In some embodiments the protective layer  180  has one or more parting lines or perforations or separations. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1A  the protective layer  180  has one or more parting lines or perforations or separations indicated by the dashed marks  182 ,  184 ,  186 . 
     The biaxial nature of the therapeutic tape  100 ,  200  allows the tape  100 ,  200  to be subjected to a tensile force in the first therapy direction  122 ,  222 , or the second therapy direction  126 ,  226 , or both the first therapy direction  122 ,  222  and the second therapy direction  126 ,  226  simultaneously. Application of therapeutic tape  100 ,  200  having a tensile force applied thereto to the skin of a subject human or animal creates a compressive force in the skin to which the therapeutic tape  100 ,  200  is applied as well as creating a compressive force in the local tissues. This compressive force in the skin and local tissue can buckle the skin and local tissue in the relevant therapeutic directions  122 ,  222 ,  126 ,  226  direction creating dermal tenting or dermal doming in the local region. This dermal tenting or dermal doming can dramatically increase medical response including, but not limited to, blood flow, lymphatic flow, or other circulation in the local tissue as well as promoting pain relief and healing. When the therapeutic tape  100 ,  200  as applied is subjected to a tensile force in both the first therapy direction  122 ,  222  and the second therapy direction  126 ,  226  simultaneously, the resulting compressive forces can buckle the skin and local tissue in both therapeutic directions simultaneously creating dermal lifting or dermal doming in both therapeutic directions; that is biaxial dermal lifting or dermal doming. This biaxial dermal lifting or dermal doming can increase medical response over that of uni-axial dermal lifting or dermal doming. The therapeutic tape  100 ,  200  may also be used to provide support. 
     The present subject matter may be embodied in other forms without departing from the spirit and the essential attributes thereof, and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing specification, as indicating the scope of the subject matter.