Thermally conductive, metal-based bandages to aid in medical healing and methods of use

摘要

The inventive disclosure contained herein is generally directed to a class of medical bandages that in many embodiments are effective in the treatment of various types of tissue burns, whether be burns due to thermal burns, sun exposure, or rashes. Such products can include a plurality of specialized bandages and wraps that incorporate an extremely thin layer of thermally conductive metal (often aluminum) at the base of a substrate adapted to be in direct contact with a burn wound, while manufacturing the top side of the aluminum substrate to have a heat-dissipation-enhancing topography to help cool burns faster by enhancing thermal-convection properties. The bandage can also feature a thermochromic indicator for users to realize the thermal-cooling status of a burn to which a bandage has been applied.

主权项

1. A bandage comprising:
(a) a first layer comprised of a thin thermally conductive metal substrate, having a first surface and a second surface, wherein said metal substrate's first surface has a profile, when viewed from a side, that is substantially flat and adapted to make direct contact with a burn wound, and wherein said metal substrate's second surface has a non-flat, heat-dissipation-enhancing surface topography, when viewed from the side, that rises above a base plane of said thermally conductive metal substrate, and is adapted to be directly exposed to air; (b) a second layer comprised of a polymeric material, said second layer having a first surface and a second surface and (c) a third layer comprised of absorbent material disposed between said first layer and said second layer, said third layer having a first surface and a second surface,
wherein the first surface of said third layer is coupled to the second surface of said first layer and covers at least two perimeter edges of the second surface of said first layer, leaving at least a portion of the second surface of said first layer uncovered and exposed to the air,wherein the first surface of said second layer is coupled to the second surface of said third layer and covers at least two perimeter edges of the second surface of said third layer, leaving at least a portion of the second surface of said first layer uncovered and exposed to the air,wherein said second layer and said third layer each extend beyond said at least two perimeter edges of said first layer,wherein said second layer extends beyond said at least two perimeter edges of said third layer,wherein said at least two perimeter edges of said first layer are bonded to a portion of the first surface of said third layer,wherein said at least two perimeter edges of said third layer are bonded to a portion of the first surface of said second layer, andwherein the remainder of the first surface of said second layer is coated with adhesive adapted for use on skin.