Abstract
A kit for creating and healing a simulated wound includes a fabric patch that can be saturated with a liquid to become translucent. The patch includes an image of a simulated wound, such as a cut, scratch, or abrasion. Water is applied to a person's skin. The patch is applied to the wetted skin and is saturated by the water, causing the fabric forming the patch to become translucent so that the color of the user's skin is at least partially visible through the patch. This creates the illusion that the simulated wound image is an actual injury. The kit also includes a simulated bandage. The bandage has a gripping portion, such as a patch of hook materials from a hook-and-loop fastener, on its bottom surface. When the gripping portion of the bandage is contacted with the patch, the gripping portion engages with the fabric so that when the bandage is pulled away from the skin, the patch and the simulated wound are also pulled away from the skin, creating the illusion that the wound has been healed.
Claims
1. A patch adapted to display a simulated wound, the patch comprising: a fabric layer having a first translucency when dry and a second, greater translucency when saturated with a liquid; and a simulated wound applied to the fabric layer, wherein, when the fabric layer is applied to a skin of a user and is saturated to achieve the second translucency, a color of the user's skin is visible through the patch, and wherein the simulated wound is visible on the patch to display the simulated wound.
2. The patch of claim 1, further comprising a gripping layer on a top surface of the fabric layer.
3. The patch of claim 2, wherein the gripping layer comprises fibers that protrude from the upper surface of the patch.
4. The patch of claim 3, wherein the fibers form loops protruding from the top surface.
5. The patch of claim 1, wherein the fabric layer is white or a neutral color.
6. The patch of claim 1, wherein the fabric layer comprises one or more of a woven textile, a non-woven textile, a natural textile, a synthetic textile, cotton, wool fabric, gauze, muslin, linen, polyethylene, or polypropylene.
7. The patch of claim 6, wherein the fabric layer comprises non-woven polypropylene.
8. The patch of claim 1, wherein the simulated wound image is applied to the fabric layer by one or more of printing, screen printing, thermal transfer printing, and hand drawing.
9. The patch of claim 1, wherein the liquid comprises one or more of water, sea water, an aqueous dye solution, a non-aqueous material, mineral oil, petroleum jelly, baby oil, hand lotion, and sunscreen.
10. A kit for creating a simulated wound comprising: the patch of claim 1; and a liquid dispenser adapted to deliver the liquid to the skin.
11. The kit of claim 10, wherein the dispenser comprises a reservoir and a dispensing opening in fluid connection with the reservoir, wherein a limited flow of the liquid flows from the reservoir, through the opening, and onto the user's skin.
12. The kit of claim 11, wherein the dispenser includes a cap removably connected with the dispenser and adapted to close the opening to prevent the liquid from flowing from the reservoir.
13. A simulated bandage comprising: a thin, flexible body having a bottom side, wherein the body is adapted to at least partially conform to a three-dimensional shape; and a gripping portion on at least a portion of the bottom side.
14. The bandage of claim 13, wherein the gripping portion comprises a plurality of hooks.
15. The bandage of claim 14, wherein the gripping portion comprises a hook component of a hook-and-loop fastener.
16. The bandage of claim 13, further comprising a patch adapted to create a simulated wound, the patch comprising: a fabric layer having a first translucency when dry and a second, greater translucency when saturated with a liquid; a simulated wound applied to the fabric layer, wherein, when the fabric layer is placed on a skin surface and is saturated to achieve the second translucency, a color of the skin surface is visible through the patch, and wherein the simulated wound is visible on the patch when the patch is saturated; and a gripping layer on a top surface of the fabric layer, wherein the gripping portion of the flexible body engages with the gripping layer of the patch, and wherein movement of the flexible body away from the skin pulls the patch from the skin to remove the simulated wound.
17. The bandage of claim 16, wherein the gripping portion of the flexible body comprises a plurality of hooks, wherein the gripping layer of the patch comprises a plurality of loops, and wherein engagement of the body with the patch comprises interengagement of at least a portion of the hooks with at least a portion of the loops.
18. A method for creating a simulated wound comprising, providing a patch comprising a fabric layer having a first translucency when dry and a second, greater translucency when saturated with a liquid, wherein a simulated wound is applied to the fabric layer; providing a simulated bandage comprising a thin, flexible body having a bottom side, wherein the body is adapted to at least partially conform to a three-dimensional shape and wherein the body includes a gripping portion on at least a portion of the bottom side; applying the liquid to a skin surface to create a liquid layer; applying the patch to the liquid layer, wherein liquid in the liquid layer saturates the fabric layer to achieve the second translucency, wherein a color of the skin is visible through the patch, and wherein the simulated wound is visible on the patch when the patch is saturated with the liquid; applying the simulated bandage to the patch with the gripping portion in contact with fabric layer, wherein the gripping portion engages with the fabric layer.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising applying an additional amount of the liquid to the patch after the step of applying the patch to the liquid layer.
20. The method of claim 18, further comprising moving the bandage away from the skin, wherein the patch remains engaged with the bandage and the patch is removed from the skin.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The above and/or other aspects of the disclosure will be more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments of the disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0013] FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C illustrate a patch for creating a simulated wound according to embodiments of the disclosure and the steps for applying the patch to the skin of a user to create the simulated wound;
[0014] FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C show exemplary embodiments of patches, such as the one illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, according to embodiments of the disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 3 shows a patch according to an embodiment of the disclosure applied to a user's skin;
[0016] FIG. 4 shows a dispenser pen according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 5 shows a cap for the dispenser pen of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 6 shows the cap of FIG. 5 connected with the dispenser pen of FIG. 4;
[0019] FIGS. 7A and 7B show the top side and bottom side, respectively, of a simulated bandage according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 8 show bandages according to embodiments of the disclosure with decorative images applied to top surfaces thereof;
[0021] FIG. 9 show a simulated bandage according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0022] FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C show steps for applying a patch according to embodiments of the disclosure to a user's skin to create a simulated wound, for applying a simulated bandage according to an embodiment of the disclosure, and for removing the bandage and the patch from the skin;
[0023] FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D, and 11E show steps for applying a patch according to a further embodiment of the disclosure to a user's skin to create a simulated wound, for applying a simulated bandage according to a further embodiment of the disclosure, and for removing the bandage and the patch from the skin; and
[0024] FIGS. 12A and 12B show a kit including a plurality of patches for creating simulated wounds, a plurality of simulated bandages, and a dispenser pen according to embodiments of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0025] Exemplary embodiments of the disclosure will now be described below by reference to the attached Figures. The described exemplary embodiments are intended to assist the understanding of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.
[0026] FIG. 1A shows a patch 10 according to embodiments of the disclosure. Patch 10 is formed by a fabric layer 12. A simulated wound image 14 is applied to the fabric layer. Fabric layer 12 is formed from a thin flexible material that can be wetted with water or other liquid. The material forming fabric layer 12 is selected to be relatively opaque when dry and that becomes translucent when wetted. According to one embodiment, fabric layer 12 is white or a neutral color. According to another embodiment, fabric layer 12 is formed from a material known to be safe for contact with human skin. According to one embodiment, fabric layer 12 is formed from a woven or non-woven textile, for example, a natural or synthetic textile such as a cotton or wool fabric, gauze, muslin, linen, or a synthetic material such as polyethylene, polypropylene or the like. According to a preferred embodiment, fabric layer 12 is formed from non-woven polypropylene. Fabric layer 12 is preferably thin and flexible to allow patch 10 to conform to curved surfaces, such as the skin on a person's limb. According to a preferred embodiment, fabric layer has a thickness of about 0.2 millimeters (mm).
[0027] According to one embodiment, simulated wound image 14 is applied to fabric layer 12 by printing, such as screen printing, thermal transfer printing, hand drawing, or other technique for applying images to fabric or other sheets of material know to those of skill in the field of the disclosure.
[0028] FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C show use of patch 10 according to one embodiment of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1A, a layer of liquid 18 is applied to a user's skin 100. Liquid layer 18 may be applied by spraying, by brushing, by application using a fingertip or from an applicator, or by immersing the limb in water, for example, while bathing. Once the skin surface 100 is wetted, patch 10 is applied to the skin 100.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 1B, additional water may be applied to patch 10 to assure that it is fully saturated. This additional liquid, as well as liquid layer 18, shown in FIG. 1A, could be applied using dispenser pen 50, shown in FIG. 4 and described below. According to one embodiment, the liquid is water. According to other embodiments, other liquids may be used to saturate patch 10 within the scope of the disclosure. The liquid may be an aqueous solution, for example, sea water, or may include a dye solution to simulate blood associated with a simulated wound. The liquid may be a non-aqueous material, for example, mineral oil, petroleum jelly, baby oil, hand lotion, sunscreen, and the like that can safely be applied to a user's skin. According to further embodiments, the liquid may be a combination of liquids.
[0030] FIG. 1C shows patch 10 applied to a user's skin 100. Because liquid has permeated patch 10, fabric layer 12 becomes translucent so that the color of the user's skin 100 is at least partially visible through patch 10. As a result, simulated wound image 14 appears to be an actual wound on the skin 100. Surface tension of the liquid layer causes patch 10 to adhere to the skin in the same manner that wet clothing sticks to wet skin. This effect allows patch 10 to remain adhered to skin 100 as long as patch 10 remains saturated. According to one embodiment, the user can apply additional liquid to patch 10, such as shown in FIG. 1B, to maintain adhesion.
[0031] FIGS. 2A to 2C show exemplary embodiments of patches 10 with different simulated wound images 14, for example, a cut or scratch (FIG. 2A), stiches (FIG. 2B), or a thorn puncture (FIG. 2C). These are exemplary images and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Other images might also be applied to patch 12, for example, of a simulated tattoo or body piercing, or of a different kind of wound.
[0032] FIG. 3 shows a patch 10 according to a further embodiment of the disclosure. Patch 10 includes a gripping layer 16 on its upper surface. According to one embodiment, gripping layer 16 is formed by the material forming fabric layer 12. According to this embodiment, fabric layer 12 includes fibers that protrude from the upper surface of patch 10 that will facilitate the removal of the patch form the skin, as will be explained more fully below. According to another embodiment, gripping layer 16 is a layer of material, such as the material forming the loop portion or a hook-and-loop fastener. Gripping layer 16 is selected to be translucent when wetted so that it allows a user's skin to be seen below the patch surrounding the simulated wound image 14.
[0033] FIG. 4 shows dispenser pen 50 according to embodiments of the disclosure. Dispenser 50 includes a reservoir 54 for holding a quantity of water or other liquid. A dispensing orifice 52 is provided at one end of dispenser 50. The size of orifice 52 is selected so that liquid from reservoir 54 can flow outward, for example, to apply liquid layer 18, shown in FIG. 1A and to wet or re-wet patch 10 to maintain the patch 10 in a saturated state. According to one embodiment, dispenser pen 50 is provided with a removable cap 56, shown in FIG. 5. According to one embodiment, cap 56 forms a friction fit over the end of dispenser pen 50 including orifice 52, closing orifice 52 to prevent liquid from unintentionally flowing out from reservoir 54. FIG. 6 shows cap 56 applied to pen 50. According to one embodiment, cap 56 includes a pintle (not shown) on its inside surface that is positioned to align with orifice 52 when the cap is fitted onto the dispenser. The pintle is shaped to extend into and plug orifice 52 to form a secure seal to prevent liquid from seeping out from reservoir 54.
[0034] FIGS. 7A and 7B show a simulated bandage 20 according to a further embodiment of the disclosure. Bandage 20 is formed from a flexible body 28. Body 28 has a top side 22, shown in FIG. 7A and a bottom side 23, shown in FIG. 7B. Top side 22 may include printing or other decoration to simulate the appearance of a real bandage. According to a further embodiment, shown in FIG. 8, top surface 22 may include decorative, colorful, or fanciful images.
[0035] Body 28 of bandage 20 is formed from a flexible material that can bend to at least partially conform to a three-dimensional shape such as the shape of a body part, such as a human limb. Body 28 may be formed from one or more of a natural or synthetic fabric, a polymer or elastomer sheet, leather, or other flexible material. According to a preferred embodiment, body 28 is formed from 2 mm thick white tricot fabric. According to one embodiment, the edges of body 28 include stitching to prevent the tricot fabric from fraying.
[0036] On the bottom surface 23 of bandage 20, as shown in FIG. 7B, a gripping portion 24 is provided. According to one embodiment, gripping portion 24 is formed from the same material that forms the hook portion of a hook-and-loop fastener. According to a preferred embodiment, gripping portion 24 is formed from nylon hook material. According to a more preferred embodiment, gripping portion 24 is formed from soft nylon and is selected to be safe in contact with human skin.
[0037] Bottom surface 23 of bandage 20 may also include retaining portion 26. According to one embodiment, retaining portion 26 is formed from hook material, such as the material forming gripping portion 24. The material forming retaining portion 26 is selected to removably engage with fibers of the fabric forming body 28 so that, when bandage 20 is wrapped around a body part, such as the user's finger, retaining portion 26 releasably connects with top surface 22 to temporarily hold bandage 20 onto the body part.
[0038] FIG. 9 shows the bottom side 23 of bandage 20 according to a further embodiment of the disclosure. In this embodiment, bandage 20 may be longer than in the previous embodiment. One or more gripping portions 24 and one or more retaining portions 26 are provided. As with the previous embodiment, retaining portions 26 interact with the top surface of the bandage to temporarily hold bandage 20 on the user's body. By providing a longer bandage 20, the embodiment in FIG. 9 can be affixed to a large body part, such as by being wrapped around an arm or leg.
[0039] The disclosure is not limited to bandages 20 that are rectangular. Other shapes are included within the scope of the disclosure, including, but not limited to round, square, oval, polygonal, star-shaped, or that are cut into a selected profile, for example, Mickey Mouse Ears.
[0040] FIGS. 10A to 10C show a patch 10 and bandage 20 according to a further embodiment of the disclosure and steps for applying and removing the patch. FIG. 10A shows patch 10 adhered to skin 100 by a liquid layer 18. As discussed above, when fabric layer 12 forming patch 10 is saturated, it becomes translucent, allowing the color of skin 100 to be visible through the fabric. Patch 10 includes simulated wound image 14, such as one shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C. While patch 10 is saturated and adhered to skin 100, simulated wound image 14 creates the illusion that there is an actual wound on the skin.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 10B, bandage 20 is placed on top of patch 10. Gripping portion 24 contacts the top surface of patch 10. Fibers 16 on the top of patch 10 engage with hook fasteners on gripping portion 24, forming a temporary bond between patch 10 and bandage 20. As shown in FIG. 10C, when bandage 20 is lifted away from skin 100, patch 10 adheres to bandage 20, lifting the patch away from the skin and giving the appearance that the wound has healed. Because the surface tension forces holding the saturated patch 10 against the skin 100 are relatively weak, bandage 20 easily lifts patch 10 from the skin.
[0042] FIGS. 11A to 11E show steps for applying and removing patch 10 to create a simulated wound and to give the appearance of having healed the wound. As shown in FIG. 11A, a user applies a layer of water 18 to the skin. According to one embodiment, water is applied using a dispenser, such as dispenser pen 50, discussed above. According to other embodiments, water is applied using a brush, a spray bottle, a fingertip, a sponge, and the like. According to another embodiment, water is applied by immersing the user's limb in a container of water, such as in a bathtub while a child is bathing.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 11B, patch 10 is applied to the moistened skin. According to one embodiment, additional water may be applied to patch 10, as shown in FIG. 11C, to ensure that patch 10 is saturated so that the patch adheres to the skin and becomes translucent. As shown in FIG. 11D, saturated patch 10 adheres to the skin and displays simulated wound image 14 or other artwork surrounded by skin 100 surrounding the image. As shown in FIG. 11E, the user applies bandage 20 to patch 10. Gripper portion 24 of bandage 20 engages with gripping layer 16 of patch 10. When bandage 20 is pulled away from the skin, patch 10, along with the simulated wound image 14, revealing a healed wound.
[0044] According to one embodiment of the disclosure, patches 10, bandages 20, and dispenser pen 50 are provided as components of kit 60. FIG. 12A shows the outside of kit 60 that includes housing 62 and lid 64 that form a convenient carrying case. Carrying handle 66 is provided. Handle 66 may be a loop of cord, a knob, a grip, a wooden handle, or other structure known in the field of the disclosure that facilitates carrying portable objects. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 12A, lid 64 is fitted onto housing 62 by a clearance fit. One or more closures 68 connect with housing 62 and extend over the top surface of lid 64. Closures 68 may be elastic cords connected with housing 62 that are resiliently pulled over lid 64 to hold it to the housing. According to other embodiments, lid 64 is connected to housing 62 by one or more hinges so that the lid can swing away from housing 62 to expose the contents of the housing.
[0045] FIG. 12B shows kit 60 with lid 64 removed. Kit 60 includes one or more patches 10, one or more bandages 20, and a dispenser pen 50, such as those described above. Housing 62 may include one or more dividers 69 that define compartments to house components of the kit. Kit 60 includes a plurality of patches 10 in one such compartment. Patches 10 may have a variety of simulated wounds printed thereon as described above. Kit 60 includes a plurality of simulated bandages 20 held in another compartment. Kit 60 also includes dispenser pen 50 held in another compartment. According to some embodiment, kit 60 also includes other objects that relate to providing first aid, for example, tweezers 70a and a hot/cold pack 70b.
[0046] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, the invention is not limited to these embodiments. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. Therefore, the description should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.
