WO1999024341A1

WO1999024341A1 - Dispenser for a sterile adhesive bandage

Info

Publication number: WO1999024341A1
Application number: PCT/US1998/023915
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christina Turngren
Original assignee: Christina Turngren
Priority date: 1997-11-10
Filing date: 1998-11-10
Publication date: 1999-05-20
Also published as: AU1392799A

Abstract

A bandage or strip (12) encapsulated in a protective sterile covering is disclosed, whereby the bandage or strip may be removed from its sterile covering and applied with one hand without contaminating any portion of the bandage. A plurality of bandages may form a continuous roll (10) of bandages or may be dispensed individually. A dispenser (33) is provided that allows the user to remove a bandage or strip (12) from the dispenser and apply the bandage or strip (12) to a selected site with only one hand and without contaminating any portion of the bandage or strip.

Description

DISPENSER FOR A STERILE ADHESIVE BANDAGE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present application is a Continuation-In-Part of co-pending application Serial No. 08/557,950, filed on November 14, 1995, allowed on March 28, 1997, and entitled "STERILE ADHESIVE BANDAGE AND ASSOCIATED METHODS".

I. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a container for enclosing a sterile device and dispensing the device therefrom. More particularly, this invention relates to a dispenser for dispensing a sterile adhesive bandage or strip encapsulated in a protective covering. The sterile bandage or strip may be removed from the dispenser and applied by a user with just one hand without contaminating any portion of the sterile bandage or strip. The sterile bandage or strip may be packaged individually or as a continuous, interconnected roll.

II. DISCUSSION OF THE RELATED ART

Over the years, continued refinements have been made to dispensing bandages and other sterile devices. For exemplary purposes, discussion will be directed to the manufacture and application of a commonly packaged sterile adhesive bandage. The conventional bandage includes a gauze or wound pad attached to an adhesive coated strip. Typically, adhesive bandages are contained within sterile packaging that may be assembled as individual packets or an interconnected series. Removing the sterile adhesive bandage from the package typically requires two hands and user contact with either the sterile gauze or a portion of the adhesive strip. This contact either contaminates the gauze pad or reduces the tactile adhesion of the adhesive strip. Protective gloves may be worn during the removal and handling of the sterile bandage, thereby avoiding contamination of the gauze pad, however, the use of sterile gloves is often times neither economical nor efficient and does not avoid the reduction of tactile adhesion when contacting the adhesive strip.

Delivery systems have also been provided to deliver the package from a container. Various delivery systems have been described that assist the user in removing the package from the container with only one hand. Representative examples of such delivery systems that dispense a package and sterile device requiring only one hand by the user include: Ko et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,271,522 (the '522 patent); Etheredge, III et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,133,477 (the

'477 patent); Taulbee, deceased et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,993,586 (the '586 patent); Goldstein, U.S. Pat. No. 4,807,753 (the 753 patent); Moshel, U.S. Pat. No. 3,520,403 (the '403 patent); and Adams IV, U.S. Pat. No. 3,835,992 (the '992 patent). Although these disclosed delivery systems dispense the sterile device, requiring only one hand, the user must use two hands in the later application of the sterile device. Hence, there is a need for a dispenser and delivery system that requires only one hand to both dispense and apply the sterile device.

Both the '586 patent and the '992 patent disclose an adhesive bandage and dispenser. Taulbee discloses a plurality of adhesive bandages sandwiched between an upper and lower protective strip. The continuous strip is contained within a dispenser. A free end of the strip is pulled from the container a distance slightly greater than the length of the bandage. The adhesive side of the bandage is mounted facing downward on the lower protective strip. One end of the adhesive strip preferably attaches to a mounting pad. The mounting pad facilitates removal of the bandage from the lower protective strip, however, two hands are required to remove the mounting pad from the adhesive strip, and a portion of the sterile bandage must be contacted by the user. Hence, a need exists for a sterile device, such as a bandage, that may be dispensed and applied with one hand without contaminating any portion of the sterile device.

Adams, IV, discloses a bandage dispensing package similar to Taulbee, which dispenses a bandage from a continuous roll. A similar mounting pad separates one end of the adhesive strip from the lower protective strip. In use, the user must use two hands to separate the mounting pad from the adhesive strip. Hence, there is a need for a bandage or strip that may be dispensed and applied with only one hand. Heinecke et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,160,315 discloses a combined adhesive strip and transparent dressing delivery system. As shown in Figure 1 the adhesive strip 22 is applied to the outside of a carrier 18 and 20. Apparently, the adhesive strip is removed from the carriers and then is later applied to a transparent backing 12 as shown in Figures 2a-2d. Similar to the prior devices, the Heinecke et al. system requires two hands for the removal and application. Hence, there is a need for a bandage that may be dispensed and applied with only one hand. The present invention overcomes these and other disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The purpose of the present invention is to provide a dispenser that allows the user to remove a sterile package or bandage device from the dispenser without contaminating any portion of the contents. In the preferred embodiment, the sterile package includes a sterile adhesive bandage or strip. The bandage or strip is enclosed in the sealed sterile package, whereby the bandage or strip may be removed from the package and applied to a desired surface with only one hand. The sterile package, including the bandage or strip, comprises a flexible strip, a carrier member, at least one pull tab, a release backing, and a wound pad (if desired).

The flexible strip has a coating of adhesive deposited on at least the lower planar surface of the strip. A wound pad may be attached to the lower planar surface of the strip and centered such that a portion of the adhesive strip extends from each end of the wound pad. The wound pad and strip are die cut in a predetermined shape, thereby separating the wound pad and strip into an outer surrounding frame and inner bandage. The pull tab is attached to the lower planar surface of the carrier member (or outer surrounding frame when present), proximate an end of the flexible strip.

The flexible strip, wound pad, and pull tab are sandwiched between a carrier member and a release backing. During the manufacturing process, the outer surrounding frame may be removed before the inner strip, wound pad (if present), and pull tab are sandwiched between the carrier member and release backing. The carrier member has a light tack adhesive, thereby attaching to an upper surface of both the inner adhesive strip and outer surrounding frame (if present). The release backing adheres to the adhesive formed on the lower surface of the flexible adhesive strip, and also adheres to the light tack adhesive on the exposed portion of the carrier member.

Alternatively, the carrier member has a tab attached to each end of the carrier member. The bandage is positioned between the carrier member and release backing with the adhesive side of the bandage contacting the release backing. One of the tabs has a portion of its exposed surface coated with an adhesive. Each end of the adhesive bandage may overlap with the respective tabs, whereby one end of the bandage overlaps the tab having a portion of its exposed surface coated with adhesive. The adhesive on the tab holds the bandage to the carrier member as the release backing is removed. The carrier member has a light tack adhesive coated on the lower surface of the carrier member, wherein the carrier member separates from the bandage when the bandage adheres to a desired surface. In one embodiment a plurality of bandages, outer surrounding frames, tab and carrier member are attached in series to a continuous roll of release backing to form a continuous roll of sterile packages or bandage devices. The continuous roll of bandage devices may be contained within a dispenser. The roll is rotatably aligned and engaged on a spindle that is attached to the interior of the dispenser. As a free end of the roll and tab are pulled out of the dispenser, the tab, bandage, outer frame and carrier member separate from the release backing. The release backing remains associated with the dispenser and is routed away from the bandage, outer frame, and carrier member. A serrated edge is formed on a portion of the dispenser such that the user can cut a desired amount of release backing extending from the dispenser. The user may then continue to hold the tab and apply the bandage to a desired surface. Once the bandage has been applied to the desired surface, the user again pulls on the tab, thereby peeling the carrier member and outer surrounding frame from the bandage.

In an alternate embodiment, a dispenser is provided that dispenses individual packaged sterile adhesive bandages or strips. The dispenser includes at least one peg extending from an interior wall of the dispenser, wherein a plurality of bandages or strips are hung on the pegs.

A portion of the release backing extends beyond the carrier member and include apertures that are adapted for receiving the pegs. A tab is attached to the outer surrounding frame and allows the user to pull/separate the outer frame, bandage, and carrier member from the release backing. The release backing and an end of the outer surrounding frame and carrier member remain attached to the pegs extending from an interior wall of the dispenser. A surface of the peg is serrated to allow the user to easily remove the remaining release backing from the pegs. Additionally, the release backing may have a die cut that extends inward from an outer edge thereof to the apertures. The die cut in the release backing further assists the easy removal of release backing from the pegs. When applying the bandage, the user centers the wound pad over the desired location and presses the tab and an adjacent portion of the adhesive strip against the desired surface. The remaining portion of the adhesive strip is pressed against the desired surface. By holding onto the pull tab, the user avoids any contaminating contact with the wound pas or lower adhesive coated surface of the bandage, including cross-contamination of the upper surface of the bandage. The pull tab is then pulled away from the surface, separating the pull tab and outer frame of the adhesive strip from the bandage. The outer frame of the bandage and carrier member separates from the bandage leaving the bandage affixed to the desired surface. In this manner only one hand is required to dispense the bandage and apply the bandage to the desired surface.

During the manufacture of the continuous roll of adhesive strips or bandages, a thin film coated with an adhesive may be used to form in rows and columns a plurality of interconnected bandages or strips. The columns of bandages or strips formed on the sheet may be separated, to thereby form a plurality of continuous rolls. In the alternative, the columns and rows of bandages or strips may be divided to form a plurality of individually packaged bandages or strips. Thus, each bandage or strip and outer frame are attached to an independent release backing. A plurality of these bandages or strips may be indexed and dispensed independently. The pull tab may only adhere to the carrier member and is easily separated from the release backing, thereby allowing the user to easily remove the release backing from the carrier member, bandage or strip, and outer frame (if present).

In another alternate embodiment, the flexible strip is constructed of a litmus paper, thereby eliminating the need for a wound pad. The litmus paper may be removed from its package in a manner similar to the removal of the bandage, thereby avoiding any contaminating contact to the paper.

In still another alternate embodiment, the sterile delivery device includes an adhesive strip, carrier member, at least one tab, a release backing, and a blocking member. The blocking member is sandwiched between the carrier member and adhesive strip. The blocking member has an adhesive layer having a tactile less than that of the carrier member, allowing easy removal of the adhesive strip from the blocking member, while holding the adhesive strip in place as the release backing is removed from the carrier member and adhesive strip. Also, the blocking member is constructed of a slightly thicker and suffer material than the adhesive strip and carrier, thereby preventing curling of the thin film carrier and adhesive strip.

OBJECTS It is accordingly a principal object of the present invention to provide a container for dispensing a sterile adhesive bandage or strip, such that the bandage or strip may be removed from its outer packaging and applied with a single hand without any contaminating contact to the adhesive strip or bandage. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of dispensing a continuous roll of interconnected bandages that may be separated individually, dispensed, and applied by the user using only one hand.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of dispensing an individual adhesive bandage or strip that may be dispensed and applied by the user using only one hand.

These and other objects, as well as these and other features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from a review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment in conjunction with the accompanying claims and drawings in which like numerals in the several views refer to corresponding parts.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of a plurality of interconnected adhesive bandages, forming a continuous roll of bandages; Figure 2 is a partial exploded perspective view of interconnected adhesive bandages;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a dispenser suitable for dispensing a continuous roll of adhesive bandages or strips with only one hand;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a plurality of individually indexed adhesive bandages; Figure 5 is an enlarged partial perspective view of interconnected adhesive bandages having the release backing partially removed;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of an individual bandage being applied to a patient's wrist;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of an individual bandage applied to a user's wrist; Figure 8 is a bottom plan view of an inner adhesive bandage removed from the outer surrounding frame and carrier member;

Figure 9 is a perspective view, partially in block, of the apparatus for manufacturing the sterile adhesive bandage or strip;

Figure 10 is a flow diagram of the steps necessary to manufacture a plurality of continuous rolls of bandages or strips that may be dispensed and applied with one hand; Figure 11 is a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the dispenser, showing a plurality of individual sterile adhesive bandages contained within the dispenser; Figure 12 is a perspective view of the dispenser of the type shown in Figure 11, showing the bandage removed;

Figure 13 is back perspective view of the dispenser of the type shown in Figure 11; Figure 14 is a back perspective view of the dispenser of the type shown in Figure 11, showing an alternate mounting means;

Figure 15 is a back perspective view of the dispenser of the type shown in Figure 11, showing an alternate mounting means;

Figure 16 is a partially exploded perspective view of an individual adhesive bandage; Figure 17 is a partially exploded perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the adhesive strip; and

Figure 18 is a partially exploded perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the adhesive bandage of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring first to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown generally the sterile delivery device 10 of the present invention formed as a continuous roll of bandages 12. Each bandage 12 consists generally of a flexible adhesive strip 14, an outer surrounding frame 16, a carrier member 18, a wound pad 20, a pull tab 22, and a release backing 24. The wound pad 20 and pull tab 22 are attached to the lower planar surface 28 of the adhesive strip 14 (see also Figures 2 and 8). The bandage 12 is die cut from the adhesive strip 14 and separated from the outer surrounding frame 16. A carrier member 18 is attached to the upper planar surface 26 of the bandage 12 and outer surrounding frame 16. For illustrative purposes, the die cut defining the shape of the bandage 12 is depicted as visible through the carrier member 18. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the carrier member may be manufactured from either an opaque or transparent material. The lower planar surface 28 of the bandage 12 and outer surrounding frame 16 are shown attached to a continuous roll of release backing 24, thereby forming a continuous roll of interconnected bandages 12.

The flexible strip 14 has an adhesive suitable for medical applications bonded, coated, formed, or otherwise affixed to the lower planar surface 28 of the strip 14, Without limitation, the flexible strip 14 may be of a transparent or opaque: vinyl, woven fabric, non-woven fabric, thin film, urethane, polyester, or other material of suitable known construction. An adhesive may be formed on the upper surface 26 of the flexible strip 14 or the lower surface 30 of the carrier member 18. In the preferred embodiment, a low tactile adhesive is bonded to the lower surface 30 of the carrier member 18. The adhesive is formulated so that when the bandage 12 is removed from the carrier member 18, the adhesive remains on the carrier member 18. Without limitation, this adhesive is a nontransferable light tack adhesive commonly known in the industry as high tack/low tack adhesive, and is available from Minnesota Mining and

Manufacturing, Inc., St. Paul, Minnesota. Without any limitation intended, the release backing 24 is preferably manufactured from a polymer, easily removable from the flexible strip's adhesive. Also, the carrier member is preferably manufactured from a transparent polymer film. The pull tab 22 does not adhere to the release backing 24, thereby allowing the user to easily separate an end of the release backing and carrier member 18 and remove the release backing from an individual bandage 12. When the bandage 12 and outer surrounding frame 16 are sandwiched between the carrier member 18 and the release backing 24, an air tight seal is formed, whereby the wound pad 20 and bandage 12 remain sterile. If the surrounding frame 16 is removed during the manufacturing process, a portion of the carrier member 18 and release backing 24 overlap the bandage, such that an outer portion of the carrier member and release backing engage each other and form the air tight seal.

Referring next to Figure 3, a continuous roll of bandage devices is positioned within a dispenser 32, whereby the bandage 12 may be dispensed with only one hand. The bandage 12 is shown partially dispensed. As the user pulls on the pull tab 22, the bandage 12, outer surrounding frame 16, and carrier member 18, together, exit an opening or first slot 34 in the dispenser while the release backing 24 separates from the flexible adhesive strip 14 and is guided away through a guide channel or second slot 36. Each remaining bandage 12, outer surrounding frame 16 and carrier member 18 may be subsequently separated from the continuous roll 10 in a similar fashion.

An alternate preferred embodiment of the bandage device is shown in Figure 4. Each bandage 12 and outer frame 16 are attached to an independent strip of release backing 24. A plurality of bandages 12 are shown indexed and dispensed independently, whereby the arrows aligned with the longitudinal axis of the bandage 12 indicate the dispensing motion and direction. When the user dispenses an individually indexed bandage 12, the pull tab 22 assists the user in easily removing the release backing 24 from the bandage 12 and outer frame 16. Figures 11 and 12 show a dispenser 80 suitable for dispensing individual bandage devices. The dispenser 80 comprises a housing 82 having an opening 84 formed by a cavity 86. The cavity 86 extends into the housing 82, wherein the opening 84 of the cavity 86 is at least partially enclosed by a door 88. The door 88 is hingedly attached to the front of the housing 82. Of course, other known means of attaching the door are contemplated. The door

88 includes extensions 90 that interlock in notches 92 when the door 88 is engaged in the opening 84. Pegs 94 are attached to an interior wall of the housing 82 and are adapted for retaining a plurality of individual bandage devices within the cavity 86 of the housing 82. At least a portion of the outer surface of the peg 94 is serrated, thereby providing a cutting edge to cut the release backing from the peg. The free end of the peg 94 has a conical, hook like end that allows the bandage devices to be easily pushed onto the pegs but inhibits the bandage devices from slipping off the pegs.

Figures 16-18 further illustrates individual adhesive bandages or strips suitable for hanging on pegs 94. The bandage shown in Figure 16 includes a strip 14, a carrier member 18, a pull tab 22, a wound pad 20, and a release backing 24. The carrier member 18 is removably attached to the upper planar surface 28 of the strip 14 and the release backing 24 is removably attached to the lower planar surface 26 of the strip 14. The pull tab 22 is attached to a portion of the lower planar surface of the strip 14 and serves as a non-adhesive spacer between the strip 14 and release backing 24. The strip 14 has a die cut to separate the strip into an inner strip or bandage 12 and outer surrounding frame 16. Bores 100 extend through an end of the release backing, strip and carrier member, wherein the bores are adapted for receiving the pegs 94. A die cut 96 is made on the strip 14 and carrier member 18 below the bores 100, thereby dividing the strip 14 and carrier member 18 and defining a tear away portion 102 of the strip and carrier member. The die cut in the carrier member 18 extends past the tear away portion 102 of the strip to thereby form a second tab 98. The second tab

98 provides a gripping surface for the user to grip onto the carrier member and peel away the carrier member from the inner strip or bandage.

When removing the bandage from the dispenser 80, the user first disengages the extensions 90 and rotates the door 88 open. The user then pulls on tab 22 near die cut 96, tearing away a portion of the strip and carrier from the remaining strip, carrier, and release backing. The stubs 104 and release backing 24 may be removed from the pegs 94 by pulling outward and using the serrated edge of the pegs 94 to cut through the release backing 24, strip 14, and carrier member 18.

Figure 17 illustrates another embodiment of a sterile delivery device that may both be dispensed from a dispenser 80 of the type shown in Figure 12 and applied to a desired surface with just one hand. The delivery device comprises a transparent carrier member 150, transparent adhesive strip 152, transparent blocking member 154, release backing 156, and pull tabs 158 and 160. Tabs 158 and 160 are positioned on opposing respective ends of the carrier member 150 and sandwiched between the carrier member 150 and release backing 156. Alternatively, tab 160 may be eliminated. Tab 158 and corresponding ends of the carrier member 150 may be die-cut/kiss-cut to the release backing 156, wherein the die-cut is represented by dotted line 162. The inner portion of the tab may then be pulled by the user to separate the strip and carrier member from the release backing. Apertures 164 are punched through the outer end of the tab 158, carrier member 150, and release backing 156 and are adapted for receiving the pegs 94 of the dispenser 80. A cut 166 may be made from an outer edge of the tab 158, carrier member 150 and release backing 156 and inward to the apertures

164. In this manner, the stub portion of the tab 158, carrier member 150 and release backing 156 may easily be removed from the peg 94.

The adhesive strip 152 may be constructed from thin films of suitable known construction and the carrier member 150 and release backing 156 may be manufactured from the materials as described above in the discussion of other embodiments of the sterile delivery system. Likewise the adhesives that are bonded, coated, formed, or otherwise affixed to the carrier 150, and blocking member 154 may be of a low tactile adhesive formulated so that when the adhesive strip 152 is removed from the blocking member 154, the blocking member remains affixed to the carrier member 150 and the adhesive remains on the blocking member 154. Without any limitation intended, the adhesives may be selected from a group of nontransferable light tack adhesives commonly known in the industry as high tack/low tack adhesive, available from Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing, Inc., St. Paul, Minnesota. Further, the blocking member 154 is preferably manufactured from a multi-layer polyethylene film of known suitable construction and having the low tactile adhesive layer formed on at least one planar surface thereof. The blocking film 154 is stiffer than the films used to form -l ithe carrier member 150 and release backing 156 whereby the stiffer blocking film prevents curling and assists in retaining a planar shape of the delivery device.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the blocking member may be eliminated when the adhesive strip 152 is constructed from a more rigid film such as vinyl, for example (see Figure 18). The adhesive bandage or strip 152 is formed from vinyl, woven fabric, non- woven fabric, polyester or other material suitable for use as an adhesive bandage, wherein the bandage 152 has an adhesive coated on the bottom surface thereof. The bandage 152 is sandwiched between the carrier member 150 and release backing 156, wherein a low tactile adhesive is coated on the lower planar surface of the carrier member 150. First tab 158 is attached to one end of the carrier member 150 and second tab 160 is attached to the opposite end of the carrier member 150. The ends or tips 168 and 170 of the bandage 152 overlap with the respective tabs 158 and 160. Alternatively, it may be desirable that only tip 168 overlap with tab 158. An adhesive is applied to tab 158, wherein the overlapping portion of tip 168 adheres to the tab 158. In use, the user pulls on the inner portion of tab 158, thereby separating the carrier member 150 and bandage 152 from the release backing 156. The difference in tactile between the adhesive on the carrier member 150, tab 158, and strip 152 allows the strip 152 to separate from the release backing 156 while adhering to the carrier member 150 and inner portion of tab 158. The user then applies the bandage to a desired surface, pressing against the upper planar surface of the carrier member 150. Once the bandage is in place, the user then pulls on tab 158 to thereby peel the carrier member 150 and tab 158 from the bandage 152. In this manner, the need for a blocking member 154 is eliminated. When a dispenser 80 is utilized, the user pulls on the inner portion of tab 158 to separate the bandage and carrier member from the release backing, whereby the release backing remains hanging in the dispenser 80. During the manufacture of a continuous roll of delivery devices, wound pads (not shown) may be selectively placed on a continuous roll of adhesive coated thin film suitable for use as the adhesive strip or bandage 152. A continuous roll of the blocking film 104 is positioned over an upper surface of the continuous roll of adhesive strips 152. Then a continuous roll of release backing 156 is positioned against the lower surface of the continuous roll of adhesive strips 152. A die cut/kiss cut is then made through the blocking film 154 and adhesive film 152. The die may be formed in any of a variety of desired shapes. The outer frame of the blocking film and adhesive film are then stripped away and a continuous roll of carrier film 150 is positioned over the top of the cut out blocking members 154 and adhesive strips 152. The carrier film is die cut at preselected intervals to thereby define the length of the bandage or strip. Of course, the cut may extend through all the layers of film to thereby create a plurality of individual delivery devices. The continuous carrier 150 and release backing 156 may then be rolled onto a spindle to form a continuous roll of sterile delivery devices.

Figures 13-15 illustrate several alternate preferred mounting means for mounting the dispenser 80 to a desired surface, for example, a wall. Two sided tape 1 10, a magnet or other adhesive of known suitable construction may be applied to a side of the dispenser 80 opposite the door 88 (see Figure 13). Alternatively, a hook 1 12 may extend from the back of the dispenser 80, wherein the hook 1 12 is suitable for engaging a back plate mounted on the desired surface (see Figure 14). In yet another alternate preferred embodiment, bores 114 extend through the back of the dispenser and are adapted for receiving fasteners of known suitable construction (see Figure 15).

Figures 5-7 further illustrate how the bandage 12 is separated from the release backing 24, carrier member 18 and outer frame 16. The release backing 24 is first removed from the lower planar surface 28 of the bandage 12 and outer surrounding frame 16 (see Figure 5). The user then aligns the wound pad 20 over the desired surface and presses the adhesive strip 14 against the desired surface. The user then pulls the pull tab 22 away from the desired surface, towards the other end of the adhesive strip 14. The bandage 12 separates from the carrier member 18, while adhering to the desired surface. The outer surrounding frame 16 remains attached to the carrier member 18, when the pull tab 22 is used to peel the outer frame 16 and carrier member 18 from the desired surface. In this manner only one hand is required to dispense and apply the bandage 12 to a desired surface.

Referring next to Figures 9 and 10, an apparatus for manufacturing a plurality of continuous rolls of bandages or strips is generally shown and described. The apparatus includes several stations that perform various functions on a thin film adhesive strip 14 or web roll 38 being continuously fed therethrough, thereby forming continuous rolls of bandages or strips. After obtaining a thin film sheet or web roll 38 of material having adhesive deposited on at least one planar surface (see block 40), the continuous web roll 38 is fed past a first station 42, wherein a vacuum placing system 44, of known construction, systematically places strips of wound pad 20 in spaced relation on the adhesive surface of the web roll 38 (see block 46). Without any limitation intended, the bandages may be oriented such that a continuous roll of wound pad may be applied to the web roll 38 (see Figure 18). In an alternate preferred embodiment, individual wound pads 20 are systematically placed on the adhesive surface of the web roll 38 and arranged in island placement. When the wound pad 20 is arranged on the web by island placement, a portion of the adhesive strip extends from the wound pad 20 from all sides of the wound pad.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the step of applying wound pads 20 may be omitted, thereby producing a sterile adhesive strip 14 enclosed by the release backing 24 and carrier member 18. The web roll 38 continues forward to a second station 48, where strips of pull tab 22 are systematically positioned and attached to the web roll 38. The pull tab 22 is positioned on the web roll 38 a predetermined distance from each wound pad 20 or a predetermined distance from an end of each adhesive strip 14 (see block 50). Of course, an additional pull tab 22 may be attached and positioned a predetermined distance from each wound pad 20 or end, such that a pull tab 22 will be attached at each end of the adhesive strip 14.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the vacuum placing system 44 may either simultaneously or individually place the wound pad 20 and pull tab 22 on the adhesive surface of the web roll 38. The vacuum placing system as shown, has two independent vacuum plates of known construction, however, those skilled in the art will recognize that one vacuum plate may be used to place the wound pad 20 and pull tab 22 on the adhesive surface of the web roll 38 in spaced relation, either simultaneously or independently. Alternatively, the bandages or strips may be oriented such that continuous rolls of tabbing and wound pads may be aligned and applied to the web roll 38.

Guide rollers 52 direct the web roll 38 over a sheet roll of release backing 24, whereby the release backing 24 is pressed against the lower adhesive surface of the adhesive strip 14 or web roll 38. The release backing 24 is thereby attached to the web roll 38, sealably covering a the wound pad 20 and pull tab 22 between the release backing and adhesive strip (see block 54). A first die 56 of known construction having a predetermined shape die cut/kiss cuts through the wound pad 20 and web roll 38 but short of the release backing to thereby form a plurality of bandages having predetermined shapes (see block 58). The planar outer surrounding frame and inner strip are thus defined. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that once the web is die cut/kiss cut, the web may be directed away from the release backing thereby removing the outer surrounding frame and leaving the plurality of inner adhesive strips affixed to the sheet of release backing.

The sheet or roll of carrier member 18 is then guided into contact with the web roll 38 (if present) and overlapping portions of the release backing 24 (if any) by guide roller 60 (see block 62). The carrier member 18 adheres to the upper surface 26 of the web roll 38, thereby sealing the adhesive strips and web roll 38 (if present) between the carrier member 18 and the release backing 24. A second die-cutter 64 of known construction die cut/kiss cuts through the carrier and web roll to the release backing, thereby defining rows of bandage strips (see block 66). Finally, as the compressed web roll 38, carrier member 18 and release backing 24 are rolled onto a spool 68, a slitter 72 slits the compressed web roll 38, carrier member 18 and release backing 24 along their longitudinal axis, thereby forming several continuous rolls of interconnected bandages 12 (see block 70). Those skilled in the art will recognize that the various stations of the apparatus may be connected to a central frame 74 or connected to several integral frames. Once a desired length of the continuous roll is rolled onto the spool 68 which rotates on a spindle, a sheer or cutter separates the roll, and the several continuous rolls are removed from the spindle. This invention has been described herein in considerable detail in order to comply with the patent statutes and to provide those skilled in the art with the information needed to apply the novel principles and to construct and use such specialized components as are required. However, it is to be understood that the invention can be carried out by specifically different devices, and that various modifications, both as to the equipment details and operating procedures, can be accomplished without departing from the scope of the invention itself.

What is claimed is:

Claims

1. A dispenser for dispensing a sterile delivery system without contaminating an adhesive bandage or strip contained therein, wherein the delivery system includes a strip, a removable carrier member attached to the upper planar surface of the strip, a pull tab attached to a lower planar surface of the carrier member, and a removable release backing attached to the lower planar surface of the strip, thereby compressing the strip between the release backing and the carrier member, said dispenser comprising:

(a) a housing having an opening formed by a cavity that extends into said housing from an outer surface of said housing;

(b) a door member for at least partially enclosing the opening of the housing;

(c) a support attached to an interior of said housing, said support adapted for retaining a plurality of delivery systems within the interior of said housing; and

(d) means for separating the release backing from the strip, whereby when a user pulls on the tab, the strip and carrier separate from the release backing while the release backing remains associated with the housing.

2. The dispenser as recited in claim 1 , wherein the door has a first slot through which the strip and carrier are pulled.

3. The dispenser as recited in claim 2, wherein the door has a second slot through which the release backing travels.

4. The dispenser as recited in claim 3, wherein the second slot has a serrated edge to assist in cutting the release backing.

5. The dispenser as recited in claim 1, wherein the support comprises a spindle adaptable for receiving a roll of delivery systems.

6. The dispenser as recited in claim 1 , wherein the support comprises at least one peg on which a plurality of individual delivery systems are retained.

7. The dispenser as recited in claim 6, wherein at least a portion of an outer surface of the peg includes a serrated edge.

8. The dispenser as recited in claim 1, further including a mounting means for attaching the housing to a desired surface.

9. The dispenser as recited in claim 8, wherein the mounting means comprises a magnetic strip attached to the housing.

10. The dispenser as recited in claim 8, wherein the mounting means comprises a hook attached to the housing.

11. The dispenser as recited in claim 8, wherein the mounting means comprises an adhesive affixed to a preselected surface of the housing

12. A dispenser for dispensing a bandage device without contaminating a selected portion of the bandage device, wherein the bandage device includes a strip being die cut to separate the strip into a planar inner strip and outer surrounding frame, a removable carrier member attached to the upper planar surface of the strip, a pull tab attached to a lower planar surface of the outer surrounding frame, and a removable release backing attached to the lower planar surface of the strip, thereby compressing the inner strip and the outer surrounding frame between the release backing and the carrier member, said dispenser comprising:

(b) a door for at least partially enclosing the opening of the housing;

(c) a spindle attached to an interior of said housing, said spindle adaptable for receiving a roll of bandage devices within the interior of said housing; and

13. The dispenser as recited in claim 12, wherein the door has a first slot through which the strip and carrier pulled and a second slot through which the release backing travels.

14. The dispenser as recited in claim 13, wherein the second slot has a serrated edge to assist in cutting the release backing.

15. - The dispenser as recited in claim 12, further including a mounting means for attaching the housing to a desired surface.

16. The dispenser as recited in claim 15, wherein the mounting means comprises a magnetic strip attached to the housing.

17. The dispenser as recited in claim 15, wherein the mounting means comprises a hook attached to the housing.

18. The dispenser as recited in claim 15, wherein the mounting means comprises an adhesive affixed to a preselected surface of the housing.

19. A dispenser for dispensing a sterile delivery system without contaminating an adhesive bandage or strip contained therein, wherein the delivery system includes a strip, a removable carrier member attached to the upper planar surface of the strip, a pull tab attached to a lower planar surface of the carrier member, and a removable release backing attached to the lower planar surface of the strip, thereby compressing the strip between the release backing and the carrier member, said dispenser comprising:

(b) a door for at least partially enclosing the opening of the housing;

(c) at least one peg attached to an interior of said housing, said peg adapted for retaining a plurality of individual delivery systems within the interior of said housing; and (d) means for separating the release backing from the strip, whereby when a user pulls on the tab, the strip and carrier separate from the release backing while the release backing remains associated with the housing.

20. The dispenser as recited in claim 19, wherein at least a portion of an outer surface of the peg includes a serrated edge.

21. The dispenser as recited in claim 19, further including a mounting means for attaching the housing to a desired surface.

22. The dispenser as recited in claim 21 , wherein the mounting means comprises a magnetic strip attached to the housing.

23. The dispenser as recited in claim 21 , wherein the mounting means comprises a hook attached to the housing.

24. The dispenser as recited in claim 21 , wherein the mounting means comprises an adhesive affixed to a preselected surface of the housing.