Patent Description:
Adhesive bandages, also known as plasters or sticking plasters, are widely used for dressing of small cuts, wounds, blisters, burns etc. Adhesive bandages are sold under many brands including Bandaid, Elastoplast etc..

Adhesive bandages are often manufactured as individual bandages, each in its own sterile package. Adhesive bandages are also available in roll form, with the user cutting individual plasters from the roll as needed.

Adhesive bandages are often made of plastic materials with an adhesive layer attached to the plastic. This structure tends to trap moisture at the skin surface, which can create an uncomfortable or irritating skin environment.

Further, art plasters are typically made from materials that are not sustainable, not environmentally friendly and are not biodegradable e.g. plastics. Also, the growing negative market perceptions about unnecessary use of plastic lead to art products being of reduced perceived value or integrity.

While attempts have been made to provide breathable adhesive bandages (e.g. some Elastoplast fabric plasters are said to be breathable), the Applicant has found that further improvements are possible.

It would be desirable to provide an improved adhesive bandage, or at least to provide the public with a useful choice. Adhesive dressings are disclosed in <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a breathable adhesive bandage. The breathable adhesive bandage comprises: a fabric layer substantially formed from wool; an adhesive layer applied to the fabric layer, the adhesive layer providing only partial coverage of the fabric layer; a pad attached to the fabric layer or adhesive layer; and a removable backing covering the pad and removably attached to the adhesive layer.

The fabric layer is a woven layer or a non-woven layer. The fabric layer may be substantially formed from merino wool.

The fabric layer may be moisture absorbent.

The fabric layer may be a brushed fabric layer. The fabric layer may be brushed only on its outer surface. The fabric layer is substantially formed from wool fibres with fibre thicknesses in the range <NUM> to <NUM> microns. The fabric layer may be substantially formed from wool fibres with fibre thicknesses in the range <NUM> to <NUM> microns.

The fabric layer may be substantially formed from wool fibres with fibre thicknesses in the range <NUM> to <NUM> microns.

The fabric layer has a weight in the range <NUM> to <NUM> ounces per square yard, i.e. <NUM> to <NUM>/m<NUM>. The fabric layer may have a weight in the range <NUM> to <NUM> ounces per square yard, i.e. <NUM> to <NUM>/m<NUM>.

The pad may be substantially formed from wool. The pad may be substantially formed from merino wool.

Alternatively, the pad may be a non-woven fabric pad.

The pad may be formed from a fabric with a weight in the range <NUM> to <NUM> ounces per square yard, i.e. <NUM> to <NUM>/m<NUM>.

The pad may be a moisture absorbent pad.

The adhesive is applied in a discontinuous layer. The adhesive may be applied in a pattern of stripes. The adhesive may be applied in a pattern of wavy stripes. The adhesive may be applied in a pattern of contour or fingerprint stripes.

The adhesive may be a PVA-based adhesive.

The backing may be a paper backing. The paper may be stone paper.

Alternatively, the backing may be a biodegradable plastic material.

Alternatively, the backing may be a cotton or recycled cotton backing.

An inner surface of the backing may be coated to limit adhesion between the backing and adhesive layer.

The adhesive layer provides <NUM> to <NUM>% coverage of the base layer.

In a further embodiment, the invention provides a method of manufacturing a breathable adhesive bandage according to claim <NUM>.

The method may further include sterilising the pad.

The method may further include sterilising the fabric layer.

The sterilising may be performed by irradiation.

Insofar as the term embodiment is used in the following, or features are presented as being optional, this should be interpreted in such a way that the only protection sought is that of the invention claimed. Reference(s) to "embodiment(s)" throughout the description which are not under the scope of the appended claims merely represent possible exemplary executions and are not part of the present invention.

The adhesive bandages or plasters described herein will be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:.

<FIG> shows a breathable adhesive bandage product <NUM> according to one embodiment. The product <NUM> may include a breathable adhesive bandage <NUM> (also known as a sticking plaster or plaster) contained within a sealed package <NUM>. For clarity of illustration, <FIG> shows the various components and layers of the product in schematic form.

The adhesive bandage <NUM> may include a base layer <NUM>, an adhesive layer <NUM>, a pad <NUM> and a backing <NUM>.

In some embodiments the base layer <NUM> may be a fabric layer. The fabric layer may be formed substantially or entirely from wool. In some embodiments the base layer <NUM> may be formed substantially or entirely from merino wool. Wool has the advantages of being breathable, moisture absorbent and with natural beneficial properties. These include being naturally anti-bacterial and anti-microbial, which is beneficial in the environment of a wound. Further, wool is thought to provide some wicking and/or transport by absorption of moisture away from the skin. Wool is also biodegradable and comes from a sustainable raw material source.

The fabric layer <NUM> may be woven from suitable fibres. Merino wool fibres with fibre thickness around <NUM>-<NUM> microns, or <NUM> to <NUM> microns, or <NUM> to <NUM> microns may be suitable. The merino wool fibre thickness may be around <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM> microns. The fabric layer may have a weight in the range 1oz to 15oz per square yard. In one embodiment the weight range may be 1oz to 10oz per square yard, wherein <NUM> oz/yd<NUM> = <NUM>. <NUM>/m<NUM>.

The fabric layer may have a weight of around <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM>, or 15oz per square yard, wherein <NUM> oz/yd<NUM> = <NUM>. <NUM>/m<NUM>.

This weight was found by the applicant to provide an acceptable stretch, comfort and strength.

In other embodiments, the fabric layer may be a non-woven fabric layer, such as a felt or other non-woven fabric. A non-woven fabric layer may be formed from any suitable material including those discussed elsewhere in this specification.

In alternative embodiments the fabric layer may be formed substantially or entirely from other natural fibres such as sphagnum moss, cashmere, alpaca or yak fibres.

The pad <NUM> is intended to be applied topically over small cuts, wounds, blisters, burns etc (hereafter "wound"). The pad will generally be in contact with the wound. The pad <NUM> may be formed from any suitable material. In some embodiments, the pad <NUM> may be a fabric pad. The fabric pad may be formed substantially or entirely from wool. In some embodiments the pad <NUM> may be formed substantially or entirely from merino wool.

Wool has the advantages of being breathable, moisture absorbent and with natural beneficial properties. These include being naturally anti-bacterial and anti-microbial, which is beneficial in the environment of a wound. Further, wool may provide some wicking of moisture away from the skin. Wool is also biodegradable and sustainable.

The pad <NUM> may be woven from suitable fibres. Merino wool fibres with fibre thickness around <NUM>-<NUM> microns, or <NUM> to <NUM> microns, or <NUM> to <NUM> microns may be suitable. The pad merino wool fibre thickness may be around <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM> microns.

The fabric pad may have a weight in the range <NUM> to 100z per square yard, wherein <NUM> oz/yd<NUM> = <NUM>. <NUM>/ m<NUM>. The fabric pad may have a weight of around <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM>, or 10oz per square yard, wherein <NUM> oz/ yd<NUM> = <NUM>. <NUM>/m<NUM>.

In other embodiments the fabric pad may be a non-woven fabric pad, such as a felt or other non-woven fabric pad. A non-woven fabric pad may be formed from any suitable material including those discussed elsewhere in this specification. A non-woven merino wool felt pad may be used in some embodiments. In alternative embodiments the pad may be formed substantially or entirely from other natural fibres such as sphagnum moss, cashmere, alpaca, yak, bamboo, cotton, sugar cane or eucalyptus fibres.

The pad and/or the base layer may be treated with any suitable agents, for example aloe vera, activated charcoal, manuka honey or cannabinoid agents. Treatment agents may promote healing. Antiseptic treatment agents may be used. Treatment agents may be used to promote absorption of moisture and/or transport of moisture. One possible treatment is the 'Woolchemy' process described in <CIT>.

The pad may be coated or treated to reduce the tendency of the pad to stick to the wound. The coating or treating may occur on or about at least the wound facing side of the pad and/or to the whole of the pad.

The pad <NUM> may be adhered to the base layer <NUM>. The pad <NUM> may be adhered to the base layer <NUM> by the adhesive layer <NUM>, or by a separate adhesive.

The adhesive layer <NUM> may be formed from a polyvinyl acetate (PVA) adhesive. Alternatively, other suitable adhesives such as those previously used in adhesive bandages (e.g. acrylate adhesives, methacrylate adhesives or epoxy diacrylates adhesives) may be used. In some embodiments natural adhesives may be used.

Dry physical adhesive layers may alternatively be used. These are layers in which the structure of the layer surface, generally through the use of very small fibres, provides an adhesive effect. At the time of writing dry adhesives are believed to be available under the brand names nanoGriptech, Setex, GeckoGrip etc. Dry adhesive effects incorporated into the base layer are intended to fall within the scope of the adhesive bandages or plasters described herein.

The adhesive layer provides only partial coverage of the base layer <NUM>. For example, the adhesive layer provides (by area) <NUM> to <NUM>% coverage, of the base layer. In selected embodiments, the adhesive layer may provide (by area) around <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM>% coverage. In the applied product this means that the skin is allowed to breathe through those parts of the adhesive bandage in which no adhesive is situated between the skin and base layer <NUM>. Some air may flow, but importantly moisture is able to be moved away from the skin in these regions. In general, sufficient coverage of the adhesive should be provided such that the adhesive bandage sticks well to the skin and does not tend to peel at the edges. However, too great a coverage may limit breathability.

The partial coverage of adhesive on the base layer is achieved by applying the adhesive layer <NUM> in any suitable pattern of discontinuous adhesive regions. For example, <FIG> is a schematic plan view of an adhesive bandage <NUM> in which the adhesive layer <NUM> is applied in a series of parallel wavy stripes <NUM>. The base layer <NUM> is exposed between the stripes <NUM>. <FIG> shows an alternative pattern in which the adhesive layer <NUM> is applied in a series of parallel diagonal straight stripes <NUM>. <FIG> shows an alternative pattern in which the adhesive layer <NUM> is applied in a series of dashed parallel diagonal straight stripes <NUM>. In further alternatives, adhesive may be applied in a pattern of contour lines, lines forming a fingerprint pattern, other stripes or lines, dots, dashes, patches of any shape, checked patterns, hashed patterns or any other suitable pattern of discontinuous adhesive regions.

The backing <NUM> covers the adhesive before application of the adhesive bandage to a user's skin. The backing <NUM> may be formed from any suitable material. The backing may be formed from a biodegradable material. The backing may be formed from paper, such as stone paper. Alternatively, the backing may be formed from a biodegradable or compostable plastic, cotton, recycled cotton or other suitable material. The backing may be waxed or otherwise coated to prevent excessive sticking of the backing to the adhesive. The backing may be formed in two pieces, as shown in <FIG>, or in one piece, in two pieces of different sizes, or in any other suitable configuration.

The sealed package <NUM> may be formed from any suitable material. The sealed package may be formed from a biodegradable material. The sealed package may be formed from paper, including stone paper. Alternatively, the sealed package may be formed from a biodegradable or compostable plastic, cotton, recycled cotton or other suitable material.

In other embodiments, no sealed package may be included. The adhesive bandages may be sold without sealed packages. Adhesive bandage may also be sold in roll form, with the user cutting a strip from the end of the roll when needed. All of these alternatives are intended to fall within the scope of the adhesive bandages or plasters described herein.

It is desirable to modify the outer surface <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the base layer. The outer surface <NUM> is brushed or otherwise distressed after weaving, or after formation of a non-woven fabric. This brushed outer surface provides some extra thickness and padding or cushioning. The brushed surface is expected to be beneficial in adhesive bandages used on the feet, for example in covering blisters etc. The brushed outer surface is also believed to bind somewhat to the inside of a sock worn over the bandage, reducing rubbing and potential blister formation.

In some embodiments the adhesive bandage may be substantially or entirely formed from biodegradable materials.

The adhesive bandage is manufactured by providing a base layer, applying an adhesive layer in any suitable pattern, attaching a pad and applying a backing. The adhesive bandage or any layers or components of the adhesive bandage (including the pad and/or base layer), may be sterilised, for example by irradiation. Optionally, for example in the case of adhesive bandages to be applied to the foot, the outer surface of the base layer may be brushed at any suitable stage of the manufacturing process. In one embodiment the base layer fabric may be brushed before application of adhesive. Adhesive bandages may be formed individually, or many bandages may be formed together before cutting into separate bandages. Optionally the adhesive bandage may be packaged in a sealed package. The components of the adhesive bandage may be as described above.

While the adhesive bandage has been shown as generally rectangular in shape, any suitable shape may be made. Adhesive bandages may be rectangular, square, round, elliptical, polygonal, or any other suitable shape.

Claim 1:
A breathable adhesive bandage (<NUM>), comprising:
a fabric layer (<NUM>) substantially formed from wool with wool fibres, wherein the wool fibres are woven or non-woven and comprise a fibre thickness in a range of <NUM> to <NUM> microns;
wherein the fabric layer (<NUM>) comprises a weight in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>/m<NUM> and includes a first surface (<NUM>) oppositely disposed from a second surface,
wherein the first surface (<NUM>) is a brushed outer surface that is formed by brushing or distressing the first surface (<NUM>) after formation of the fabric layer (<NUM>) to provide extra thickness and padding or cushioning to the fabric layer (<NUM>);
an adhesive layer (<NUM>) applied to the second surface of the fabric layer (<NUM>) in a discontinuous pattern (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) such that, the adhesive layer (<NUM>) is configured to cover <NUM>% to <NUM>% of the second surface of the fabric layer (<NUM>);
a pad (<NUM>) attached to the second surface of the fabric layer (<NUM>) or to the adhesive layer (<NUM>);
a removable backing (<NUM>) covering the pad (<NUM>) and
removably attached to the adhesive layer (<NUM>).