Abstract: An elastic web of material has a multiplicity of stems extending from at least one side of the web. The web includes a first continuous layer of elastic material having a first side and a second side and a second layer of material. The second layer of material has a first side which faces the first side of the first layer and a second side from which the stems extend. The first and second layers of material are joined together. The second layer of material can be formed of thermoplastic material or melt processable polymeric material. The first and second layers of material are melt formed. They are joined by coextrusion or lamination to form a multiple layer sheet on which a multiplicity of stems are formed on at least the second layer by a process such as embossing the stems into the heated web using a patterned roll or mold.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cold seal package that includes constructions wherein two substrates, or two portions of one substrate, are sealingly engaged to one another using a substantially natural latex rubber-free contact adhesive. The two substrates can be easily peeled apart without substantial damage to the substrates. Furthermore, the substrates cannot typically be resealed, or refastened, once peeled apart. That is, the cold seal formed by the adhesive between the substrates is substantially non-refastenable. Advantageously, a cold seal package of the present invention is particularly well suited for aseptic delivery of packaged goods, such as bandages, dressings, and the like.

Abstract: An organic particulate-filled adhesive is provided comprising ionomeric particulate dispersed in a polymer matrix containing water-soluble polymer or water-dispersible polymer. The adhesive preferably contains a plasticizer. If desired, in some formulations, the adhesive can contain additives, such as opacifying agents, skin cleansers, skin moisturizers, vitamins, and herbal extracts. The adhesive can have pressure sensitive adhesive properties, although such properties are not necessary. The adhesive can be formulated so as to be useful as a repulpable adhesive and as a cosmetic adhesive.

Abstract: An organic particulate-filled adhesive is provided comprising ionomeric particulate dispersed in a polymer matrix containing water-soluble polymer or water-dispersible polymer. The adhesive preferably contains a plasticizer. If desired, in some formulations, the adhesive can contain additives, such as opacifying agents, skin cleansers, skin moisturizers, vitamins, and herbal extracts. The adhesive can have pressure sensitive adhesive properties, although such properties are not necessary. The adhesive can be formulated so as to be useful as a repulpable adhesive and as a cosmetic adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cold seal package that includes constructions wherein two substrates, or two portions of one substrate, are sealingly engaged to one another using a substantially natural latex rubber-free contact adhesive. The two substrates can be easily peeled apart without substantial damage to the substrates. Furthermore, the substrates cannot typically be resealed, or refastened, once peeled apart. That is, the cold seal formed by the adhesive between the substrates is substantially non-refastenable. Advantageously, a cold seal package of the present invention is particularly well suited for aseptic delivery of packaged goods, such as bandages, dressings, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cold seal package that includes constructions wherein two substrates, or two portions of one substrate, are sealingly engaged to one another using a substantially natural latex rubber-free contact adhesive. The two substrates can be easily peeled apart without substantial damage to the substrates. Furthermore, the substrates cannot typically be resealed, or refastened, once peeled apart. That is, the cold seal formed by the adhesive between the substrates is substantially non-refastenable. Advantageously, a cold seal package of the present invention is particularly well suited for aseptic delivery of packaged goods, such as bandages, dressings, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel casting tapes incorporating water soluble liners. The liners of the present invention may be used for a number of purposes including: use as an interlayer film liner in a casting tape article to prevent undesirable resin pooling; use as an interlayer liner to lubricate a casting tape when immersed in water, use in a method of producing a decorative casting tape either by retarding layer-to-layer migration of a colored resin or by transferring a design preprinted on the liner to an adjacent casting tape; use as an interlayer liner in a casting tape article to prevent adhesion between adjacent layers of the article; and use as a release liner to facilitate removal of a roll of casting tape from its package. The liners employed in this invention are rapidly soluble in water and may be provided as a continuous or semi-continuous sheet structure.

Abstract: An orthopedic casting article containing a fibrous backing stabilized with a water soluble binder and having a hardenable material applied thereto is described. Methods of making and using such orthopedic casting articles are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wound dressing 10 that is a porous, self-adhering elastic 14 bandage which may be compressively wrapped around a wound and which is capable of absorbing fluids and wound exudate. A preferred embodiment of the wound dressing 10 is a self-adhering elastic substrate 14 which does not adhere to clothing, hair or skin having a compressive force when extended that provides a therapeutic benefit and which is flexibly attached or fixed to an absorbent layer 12.

Abstract: The present invention provides an orthopedic casting article having soft edges. In one embodiment, the article comprises a flexible sheet material impregnated or coated with two different resins. In an alternative embodiment, the article comprises an extruded sheet material comprising two different extruded materials. One of the resins or extruded materials is soft or resilient compared to the other resin or material. By selectively providing the softer materials at defined regions of the article the hardness of the region can be adjusted. The article may be in the form of an orthopedic casting tape comprising a fabric backing that is longitudinally impregnated or coated with two different curable resins. A harder, first curable resin is used to coat a longitudinally extending center region of the fabric backing; and a softer, second curable resin is used to coat at least one longitudinally extending edge region of the fabric backing.

Abstract: A die for use in extrusion or coating processes includes an insert that is releasably received in a chamber of a die housing, and the insert has one or more flow-controlling peripheral surfaces that extend in an arc about its central axis. In one embodiment of the invention, the insert has ribs that separate the chamber into distinct parts for passage of two or more different fluid streams. In another embodiment, the insert is movable in an arc about its central axis from a first position wherein fluid is discharged through an outlet passageway, and to a second position wherein the flow of fluid through the outlet passageway is interrupted.

Abstract: A web coating apparatus includes a supply roll of web and a wind-up spindle for receiving a discrete length of the web. Fluid is discharged from a coating die in a direction toward the wind-up spindle to coat the web as the web is wound about the wind-up spindle. A variable speed pump directs fluid through the coating die at flow rate that is proportional to the speed of advancement of the web. The apparatus is particularly useful for coating discrete lengths of orthopedic splinting and casting tape that is packaged for single patient use.

Abstract: A web coating apparatus includes a supply roll of web and a wind-up spindle for receiving a discrete length of the web. Fluid is discharged from a coating die in a direction toward the wind-up spindle to coat the web as the web is wound about the wind-up spindle. A variable speed pump directs fluid through the coating die at flow rate that is proportional to the speed of advancement of the web. The apparatus is particularly useful for coating discrete lengths of orthopedic splinting and casting tape that is packaged for single patient use.

Abstract: A kit of curable orthopedic casting/splinting materials in a substantially hermetic heat sealed pouch formed from laminate sheet-material having a heat sealable inner layer bonded to an outer layer. The pouch includes a multiplicity of fibers that facilitate tearing the laminate sheet material in a predetermined direction. The multiplicity of fibers are disposed between the inner and outer layers of the laminate sheet material, and are generally equally spaced across the entire width of the material. A notch and a friction region are also preferably provided to facilitate tearing the pouch.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of using novel casting tapes incorporating water soluble liners. The liners of the present invention may be used for a number of purposes including: use as an interlayer film liner in a casting tape article to prevent undesirable resin pooling; use as an interlayer liner to lubricate a casting tape when immersed in water; use in a method of producing a decorative casting tape either by retarding layer-to-layer migration of a colored resin or by transferring a design preprinted on the liner to an adjacent casting tape; use as an interlayer liner in a casting tape article to prevent adhesion between adjacent layers of the article; and use as a release liner to facilitate removal of a roll of casting tape from its package. The liners employed in this invention are rapidly soluble in water and may be provided as a continuous or semi-continuous sheet structure.

Abstract: A web unwinding and splicing apparatus includes two carts each supporting a plurality of web rolls, along with a first and second drive mechanism for selectively moving either cart. The carts are alternately advanced by a controller as web rolls carried by the carts are alternately depleted. The apparatus provides continuous unwinding for relatively long periods of time without operator attention.

Abstract: A die useful in coating and extrusion processes has a housing and an insert removably received in a chamber of the housing. The insert controls to some extent the characteristics of fluid flow in the die as well as the fluid flow exiting the die. The insert is elongated and is round in sections perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, so that it may be inexpensively made by a lathe. As such, a number of inserts of varying configurations may be retained on hand and used as needed to vary the flow characteristics when desired.

Abstract: A casting tape comprising a fabric substrate with pigment bound thereto is provided. The preferred fabric substrate comprises inorganic material such as fiberglass. The preferred pigments are selected such that they will not interfere with shelf stability of the orthopedic casting tape. The preferred pigments are those selected from the group consisting of Colour Index Pigments Blue 15.3; Red 202; Green 7; Red 166; Red 178; Yellow 109; Violet 23; Red 242; Red 122; Red 124; Black 7; White 6; Violet 19; Violet 42; and, mixtures thereof. Methods for preparing preferred orthopedic casting tapes are also provided.