NON-PERMANENT LOW-TACK SELF-ADHESIVE PRESSURE-SENSITIVE GAUZE

Abstract

The invention consists of a gauze provided with a structural non-permanent low-tack self-adhesive pressure-sensitive layer on one side, which facilitates the attachment of that side of the gauze to a surface, while the opposite side of the gauze is exposed and available for operator to use. The low-tack self-adhesive pressure-sensitive layer allows the non-permanent low-tack self-adhesive pressure-sensitive gauze to be easily attached to a surface and, after use, to be easily removed in one motion, without altering the surface on which it is temporarily attached.

Claims

1. A non-permanent low-tack self-adhesive pressure-sensitive gauze comprising: a gauze pad centered and secured on a non-permanent low-tack self-adhesive pressure-sensitive structural layer, one side of the gauze pad being attached to the non-permanent low-tack self-adhesive pressure-sensitive structural layer and the opposite side of the gauze pad being exposed and available to the operator; a non-permanent low-tack self-adhesive pressure-sensitive structural layer conforming to the shape of the gauze pad and slightly larger than the gauze pad permitting equal exposure of its margins while the gauze pad is centrally located on it, which has a non-permanent low-tack self-adhesive pressure-sensitive surface facing away from the gauze pad covered by the peel-off layer and has the function to attach the invention onto a surface after removing the peel-off layer, while the opposite surface of the non-permanent low-tack self-adhesive pressure-sensitive structural layer which is attached to the gauze pad, may or may not be adhesive; an anchoring frame conforming to the shape of the gauze pad which secures the gauze pad centered onto the non-permanent low-tack self-adhesive pressure-sensitive structural layer, the inside dimension of the anchoring frame being smaller than the outside dimensions of the gauze pad and the outside dimensions of the anchoring frame being identical with the outside dimensions of the non-permanent low-tack self-adhesive pressure-sensitive structural layer, the anchoring frame including adhesive on the surface of the anchoring frame that overlaps and adheres to both, the perimeter of the gauze and the exposed margins of the non-permanent low-tack self-adhesive pressure-sensitive structural layer after the gauze pad is centered on it; a peel-off layer of identical shape and size with the non-permanent low-tack self-adhesive pressure-sensitive structural layer, which has a low-tack adhesive surface which faces, adheres to, covers and preserves the entire self-adhesive surface of the non-permanent low-tack self-adhesive pressure-sensitive structural layer without altering the self-adhesive properties of the non-permanent low-tack self-adhesive pressure-sensitive structural layer and is easily removable in one motion to expose the adhesive side of the non-permanent low-tack self-adhesive pressure-sensitive structural layer, while the opposite surface of the peel-off layer is adhesive free, open to environment.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the non-permanent low-tack self-adhesive pressure-sensitive gauze in accordance with the invention.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the non-permanent low-tack self-adhesive pressure-sensitive gauze in accordance with the invention.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the non-permanent low-tack self-adhesive pressure-sensitive gauze in accordance with the invention.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the non-permanent low-tack self-adhesive pressure-sensitive gauze in accordance with the invention.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of joined pieces of non-permanent low-tack self-adhesive pressure-sensitive gauze delivered in the form of a roll dispenser.

[0034] FIG. 6 is a schematic functional view of a non-permanent low-tack self-adhesive pressure-sensitive gauze in a potential position of use (on a gloved hand).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] In FIG. 1 through FIG. 6, reference numbers denote the components of the invention, as follows: [0036] 10=gauze [0037] 20=anchoring frame [0038] 30=non-permanent low-tack self-adhesive pressure-sensitive structural layer [0039] 40=peel-off layer [0040] 50=perforation [0041] 60=roll dispenser [0042] 70=gloved hand

[0043] FIG. 1 through FIG. 4 illustrate the concept, the principles, and the embodiment of the invented non-permanent low-tack self-adhesive pressure-sensitive gauze.

[0044] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the invention, which comprises a piece of gauze 10, an anchoring frame 20, a non-permanent low-tack self-adhesive pressure-sensitive structural layer 30, and a peel-off layer 40.

[0045] The gauze 10 is centered on the non-permanent low-tack self-adhesive pressure-sensitive structural layer 30, on which it is anchored by the frame 20, as visible in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

[0046] As illustrated in the cross sectional view in FIG. 2, the non-permanent low-tack self-adhesive pressure-sensitive structural layer 30 is slightly but reasonably larger than the gauze 10. The outside dimensions of the anchoring frame 20 are identical with the dimensions of the non-permanent low-tack self-adhesive pressure-sensitive structural layer 30, as illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The inside dimensions of the anchoring frame 20 are slightly but reasonably smaller than the outside dimensions of the gauze 10, also visible in FIG. 2. The anchoring frame is adhesive on the downward surface that faces the gauze 10 and the non-permanent low-tack self-adhesive pressure-sensitive structural layer 30, and is positioned such way that it retains the gauze 10 centered on the non-permanent low-tack self-adhesive pressure-sensitive structural layer 30 by adhering to both. The inside and outside dimensions of the anchoring frame 20 and dimensions of non-permanent low-tack self-adhesive pressure-sensitive structural layer 30 are not restrictive, and they can be determined during the manufacturing process, according to the materials, supplies and machinery at hand. However, the outside dimensions of the anchoring frame 20 and the outside dimensions of the non-permanent low-tack self-adhesive pressure-sensitive structural layer 30, as well as the dimensions of the peel-off layer 40, must be identical and reasonably larger than the outside dimensions of the gauze 10, as shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. As an alternative to the anchoring frame 20, if the existing materials and the manufacturing processes permit, the gauze can be directly and permanently glued to the non-permanent low-tack self-adhesive pressure-sensitive structural layer 30. In this case, the anchoring frame 20 is optional, or the outside dimensions of the anchoring frame 20 and dimensions of non-permanent low-tack self-adhesive pressure-sensitive structural layer 30 may or may not be identical. This alternative is to be considered only if the materials and the manufacturing processes do not alter the consistency, flexibility and absorbent properties of the gauze 10.

[0047] The non-permanent low-tack self-adhesive pressure-sensitive side of the non-permanent low-tack self-adhesive pressure-sensitive structural layer 30 faces away from the gauze and is covered and preserved by a peel-off layer 40 until the moment of use, as shown in FIG. 4. When removed, the peel-off layer 40 exposes the non-permanent low-tack self-adhesive pressure-sensitive side of the non-permanent low-tack self-adhesive pressure-sensitive structural layer 30 (the opposite side of this layer faces and it is attached to the gauze), and the gauze modified according to the present invention is ready to be attached to the intended surface. The low-tack self-adhesive glue permits easy attachment and removal of the modified gauze in one single piece, in one single motion, without causing any damage to the surface on which it is attached.

[0048] The representation of the embodiment of the invention is based on the square shaped gauze 10, the most common common shape of gauze in the industry. The invention is designed for use in a non-sterile environment.

[0049] The invention could be dispensed individually wrapped or in bulk. Another suggested way to dispense the invention is a roll dispenser. In this case, each piece of the non-permanent low-tack self-adhesive pressure-sensitive gauze becomes a unit, a determined number of units being placed on a continuous strip and separated by perforations for quick and easy tearing. The units could be placed on the roll dispenser facing upward or downward. The ensemble of non-permanent low-tack self-adhesive pressure-sensitive 30 and its protective peel-off layer 40 could function as the continuous strip. FIG. 5 illustrates a suggested roll dispenser 60 on which the units face upward and are separated by perforations 50.

[0050] FIG. 6 illustrates a suggested use. By attaching a non-permanent low-tack self-adhesive pressure-sensitive gauze on the gloved hand 70, the gauze is easily available in the immediate work area.

[0051] The invention described in this patent may be embodied in other forms without departing from the essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are to be considered in all aspects illustrative and unrestrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency are, therefore intended to be embraced therein.

[0052] With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationship for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, manner of operation, assembly and use, manner of packaging and delivery, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specifications.

[0053] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. 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, and, accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalencies may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

[0054] The terms “gauze” and “gauze pad” are equivalent and interchangeable.