Pressure applying bandage or drsssing for superficial wounds

#This invention relates to pressure applying bandages or dressings for superficial wounds, and in particular to self adhesive disposable bandages. The invention also relates to the applying of pressure to a wound.

#Disposable bandages, particularly of the self adhesive type, are used widely to cover and protect superficial wounds. In many cases the conventional form of such bandages is adequate. However, in some instances, flow of blood or other fluids from wounds, such as cuts and abrasions, is more serious than can be stopped by these bandages.

#The general form of disposable bandage generally comprises a pad for positioning on and over the wound, being generally sterile and non-sticking. This is backed by a piece of pressure adhesive material which holds the pad on the wound. The shape can vary, being square, elongate, circular and other. In some circumstances a separate pad is placed over the wound and then a piece of pressure adhesive material placed over the pad and into contact with the patient's skin to hold the pad in place.

#The invention will be readily understood by the following description of certain embodiments, by way of example, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one form of bandage in accordance with the invention;

#FIG. 2 is a side view of the bandage in FIG. 1 in the pre applied form;

#FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 illustrate an embodiment of the invention in which the various items are pre assembled into a dressing, such as are provided in boxes and packages for emergency home, hospital and other needed usage.

#As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a disposable pressure applying bandage 10 comprises a pad 12, generally sterile and of non-stick material, for example gauze folded to form the pad. On the rear surface of the pad is a thin arcuate member, in the form of a strip of flexible material, 14, for example of plastic. The strip 14 has its convex surface 16 positioned against the pad 12. Backing the plastic strip 14 is a strip of self adhesive material 18. The adhesive material extends beyond the strip 14, in opposite directions, forming attachment members 20. Normally such a bandage will be supplied with a covering member comprising two overlapping strips of material 22 and 24, shown in dotted outline in FIG. 2. The strips 22 and 24 are adhered to the attachment members 20 and also adhere to each other for part of the overlap, an end of the outer strip, for example 24, being free for removal.

#FIG. 3 illustrates a bandage of the form as in FIGS. 1 and 2, applied to a part of the body 30. A wound area is indicated at 32. To apply, the covering member strips 22 and 24 are removed and the pad 12 positioned over the wound. The two attachment members 20 are then pulled apart and pushed down to adhere to the skin of the body part. In so doing the arcuate strip 14 is straightened to a greater or lesser extent, depending on how firmly the members 20 are pulled outwards as they are also applied to the skin. On release of pressure on the covering member 18 and members 20, the strip 12 attempts to regain its original shape. This results in pressure being applied, through the pad, to the wound area.