SECUREMENT STRIP WITH ENHANCED THICKNESS

Abstract

The instant invention relates to a multipurpose glueless securement means for fastening/sealing applications which traditionally are accomplished by the use of a disposable adhesive bearing tape/or a disposable tape utilizing mechanical fastening devices. More particularly, the invention relates to the use of a high tensile strength polyvinyl chloride (PVC) strip which possesses self-adhesive properties and can be reused virtually indefinitely. The elongated rectangular strips of tape are comprised of 14.1 to 16-gauge double pressed polished PVC. This thickness provides enhanced strength. Due to the unique chemical properties of the invention it has a wide range of useful applications from traditional sealing or binding applications to applications involving contact or application with external skin surfaces.

Claims

1. An all purpose securement strip, comprising: an elongated rectangular strip of 14.1 to 16-gauge double pressed polished polyvinyl chloride, said strip further characterized as possessing physical and chemical properties that instill into said strip self-binding properties and allow for said strip to be applied and removed rapidly for reuses.

2. The strip of claim 1 wherein said double pressed polished polyvinyl chloride is transparent.

3. The strip of claim 1 wherein said strip is between ½ inch and 2½ inches in width.

4. The strip of claim 1 wherein said strip possesses antifungal and anti-microbial properties.

5. A method of securing an article, comprising: application of a strip of double pressed polished polyvinyl chloride to an article and overlapping the ends of said strip to form a self-binding seal, said strip further comprising a rectangular elongated strip of 14.1 to 16-gauge double pressed polished polyvinyl chloride, said strip further characterized as possessing physical and chemical properties that instill into said strip self-binding properties that allow for said strip to be applied and removed rapidly for reuse.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein said strip is transparent.

7. A method of securing a limb of a patient to a support surface to immobilize said limb during medical procedures by securing said limb to said support surface by wrapping a strip of double pressed polished polyvinyl chloride around said limb and said support surface and overlapping the ends of said strip to form a self-binding seal, said strip comprising: a rectangular elongated strip of 14.1 to 16-gauge perforated double pressed polished polyvinyl chloride, said strip being between ½ and 2½ inches in width and in customizable lengths, said strip being transparent.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein said strip is sterilizable by traditional non-heat-based methodologies.

9. The method of claim 7 wherein said strip possesses antifungal and anti-microbial properties.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the strip of the present invention;

[0012] FIG. 2 is a side view of the strip shown in FIG. 1; and

[0013] FIGS. 3a and 3b show the strip of the invention used to secure a stack of books and to secure a person's finger to a support, respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0014] As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the tape 10 of the present invention comprises an elongated rectangular inelastic strip 12 of double pressed polished PVC. The double pressed polished finishing procedure utilized in the manufacture of the instant invention, as described herein, results in a vinyl strip that is capable of performing a multitude of fastening, sealing and/or securement applications such as sealing packages, boxes, binding books and papers and other articles. Additionally, the tape 10 (as shown in FIG. 3b where the tape is used to secure a person's finger to a support S) of the instant invention is capable of skin contact as it does not produce the trauma to the skin surface that adhesive bearing tapes, strips or bandages cause, especially upon removal and attempted reuse.

[0015] FIG. 3a shows the tape of the instant invention applied about the exterior surface of the package or article 24 (shown in FIG. 3a to comprise plural layers of material) that is to be sealed or secured in such a manner that the ends of the strip overlap one another resulting in a strong self-seal or securement. The strips of PVC may be in any desired width and length but in a preferred embodiment the strips are from ½ inch to 2½ inches in width and between 50 inches and 500 inches in length. Additionally, due to the inherent tensile strength of the double pressed polished PVC and because of the enhanced intra-molecular electrostatic self-clinging properties of the invention only one layer of the instant invention is required for most sealing and/or securement applications.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment the elongated rectangular strips of tape are comprised of 14.1 to 16-gauge double pressed polished PVC. This thickness provides enhanced strength.

[0017] The tape of the instant invention may be transparent but can also be in any solid color. Additionally, the tape can be sterilized by traditional non-heat-based methodologies.

[0018] The tape, when used in medical applications, such as for securing a person's finger to a support (FIG. 3b), can possess antifungal and antimicrobial properties due to the invention's ability to be treated with traditional antifungal and anti-microbial agents without the loss of any structural or functional properties or capabilities.

[0019] The use of double pressed polished PVC for this invention, with its enhanced electrostatic self-clinging/binding properties, results in the ability of the user to apply the invention with the peace of mind that he will not have to utilize excessive amounts of it and that he will be able to quickly and easily remove and reuse it. The economic and related environmental advantages of the instant invention are thus self-evident.

[0020] It will be apparent that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and that variations and modifications may be made thereto within the scope of the invention.