Barrier means

摘要

A barrier means (2) for connection to a body part to prevent wetting of the body part when liquid is externally applied to or near the body part comprising a web (4) formed of flexible and liquid impervious material and a strip (6) of liquid impervious adhesive extending about the periphery (8) on one side (10) of the web (4) for connecting and sealing the periphery (8) to the body part. The web (4) is dimensioned and shaped so that the surface area of one side (10) of the web (4) is greater than the area of the footprint of the web. This can be achieved by providing corrugations (12), pleats (20), folds (22), or a receptacle (24) in the web (4). Because the surface area of side (10) is greater than that of the footprint of the web, slack is formed in the web. The provision of this slack reduces the magnitude of tensile forces created in the web in response to movement of the body part and adjacent body parts to a level below that required to pull the periphery (8) away from the body. This ensures that a seal about the web (4) is always maintained thereby preventing the body part from becoming wet on the external application of liquid, for example, when bathing or showering.