WO2006130594A2

WO2006130594A2 - Bandages with break lines

Info

Publication number: WO2006130594A2
Application number: PCT/US2006/020944
Authority: WO
Inventors: John K. Lampe; William G. Heegaard; Roger W. Heegaard; Kelly Mcgurran; Thomas A. Diehl
Original assignee: Medtreo, Llc
Priority date: 2005-05-31
Filing date: 2006-05-30
Publication date: 2006-12-07
Also published as: WO2006130594A3

Abstract

A bandage with (i) a supple backing, and (ii) a layer of padding attached to a major surface of the backing. Break lines are provided on one or both of the backing and the padding.

Description

BANDAGES WITH BREAK LINES

[0001] This application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Applications Nos. 60/685,154 filed May 31, 2005, 60/690,442 filed June 15, 2005, and 60/777,233 filed February 28, 2006.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Bandages serve many functions. These functions include shielding a wound from contact with germs and contaminants, protection of a wound from additional trauma, immobilization or restriction of motion at the wound site to promote healing, compression to reduce swelling, wicking of moisture and/or wound exudate from a wound, introduction of medicaments to a wound site, concealment of a wound for cosmetic purposes, etc.

[0003] However, it can be difficult to apply bandages to and retain bandages on many parts of the body. Body movement, body shape, moisture and heat can all adversely affect the application and retention of a bandage over a wound.

[0004] Wounds at the joints are one category of wounds that illustrate the many problems confronted when applying bandages to and retaining bandages on the body. Joints are often flexed in daily activities, thereby changing the dimensions of the surface to which the bandage is adhered. This can make bandage retention difficult.

[0005] Other portions of the body that can be problematic are those that have a rounded shape. For example, the heel and the chin are parts of the body on which it can be difficult to apply and retain bandages. Oftentimes the pad portion of the bandage will not conform well to such rounded shapes and parts of the pad may flair out, potentially exposing parts of a wound and making bandage retention difficult. [0006] The prior art is replete with attempts to overcome these problems. An early primary bandage for placement on fingertips is disclosed in United States Patent No. 2,875,758 to Fuzak et al. The bandage discussed therein has adhesive flaps and a sterile pad for placement over a wound. The flaps are wrapped around the fingertip in sequence and either stuck to the fingertip itself or to another one of the flaps. A bandage sold under the Band- Aid® brand by Johnson & Johnson called Water Block Plus® Finger-Care™ resembles the bandage disclosed in the Fuzak patent.

[0007] Another bandage for digits (and other extremities) is tubular gauze. Most tubular gauze is sold as a non-sterile dressing. Tubular gauze is sold in a variety of diameters for different sized digits or appendages. To apply tubular gauze, most clinicians use specialized applicators that apply several layers to a finger or toe. United States Patent Nos. 2,715,903 and 2,739,587, both to Scholl, teach tubular gauze applicators and methods for applying tubular gauze. Applicators similar to the one described in the patents to Scholl are still in use in hospitals and clinics today.

[0008] United States Patent No. 5,437,621 to Andrews et al. reveals a medical dressing that could be in the form of a glove or a bootie. The glove could have three layers including a non-adherent first layer, an absorbent second layer, and a waterproof third layer. The dressing could have an adjustable opening and closure means.

[0009] United States Patent No. 6,139,514 discloses a tubular device with a closed distal end for use as a finger bandage. A pad on the closed distal end could maintain medication. Adhesive at the open end of the device could secure the bandage to the finger.

[0010] United States Patent No. 6,307, 118 to Reich teaches a digit wound dressing. The device consists of a wrap made of a loose weave material with an "ear" for folding over the tip of the finger and another portion which wraps around the circumference. The wrap is secured with hook and loop fasteners. The wrap could secure a sterile gauze pad on a wound. [0011] United States Patent Application Publication US 2003/0093024 (May 15, 2003) by Falleiros et al. discloses a bandage intended to protect wounds near "areas that bend, e.g., finger joints." The bandage is tapered on each end.

[0012] United States Patent Application Publication US 2003/0055369 (March 20, 2003) by Siegwart et al. discloses a bandage that has a tapered portion and an untapered portion on either end of the bandage. The pad could be offset on the backing material. The bandage is intended to "be more comfortable when worn over wounds in areas that bend, e.g., finger joints."

[0013] Despite the plethora of bandages designed for use over joints and ridges on the body, a continuing need exists for improved bandages for use over such areas of the body.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] A first aspect of the invention is a bandage. The bandage includes (i) a supple backing having first and second major surfaces, and (ii) a layer of padding attached to the first major surface of the backing. At least one break line is provided on at least one of the backing and the padding.

[0015] A first embodiment of a second aspect of the invention is a method of applying a bandage over a joint. The method includes (a) obtaining a bandage and (b) adhesively applying the bandage over the joint. The bandage includes (i) a supple backing having first and second major surfaces, and (ii) a layer of padding attached to the first major surface of the backing. At least one break line is provided on at least one of the backing and the padding. The bandage is applied so that at least one of the at least one break line extends in the direction of the pivot axis about which the joint pivots.

[0016] A second embodiment of the second aspect of the invention is a method of applying a bandage over a ridge. The method includes (a) obtaining a bandage and (b) adhesively applying the bandage over the ridge. The bandage includes (i) a supple backing having first and second major surfaces, and (ii) a layer of padding attached to the first major surface of the backing. At least one break line is provided on at least one of the backing and the padding. The bandage is applied so that at least one of the at least one break line extends in the direction of the ridge line defined by the ridge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention.

[0018] FIG. 2 is an enlarged end view of the invention shown in FIG. 1.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the invention shown in FIG 1 applied over a knuckle on a straight pointer finger.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the invention as shown in FIG 3 with the pointer finger bent about the knuckle.

[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention.

[0022] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the invention.

[0023] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the invention.

[0024] FIG. 8 is an interior view of a fifth embodiment of the invention.

[0025] FIG. 9 is an interior view of a sixth embodiment of the invention.

[0026] FIG. 10 is an interior view of a seventh embodiment of the invention.

[0027] FIG. 11 is an interior view of an eighth embodiment of the invention. [0028] FIG. 12 is an interior view of a ninth embodiment of the invention.

[0029] FIG. 13 is an interior view of a tenth embodiment of the invention.

[0030] FIG. 14 is an interior view of an eleventh embodiment of the invention.

[0031] FIG. 15 is an interior view of a twelfth embodiment of the invention.

[0032] FIG. 16 is plan view of the invention shown in FIG 15 applied over an elbow.

[0033] FIG. 17 is an interior view of a thirteenth embodiment of the invention.

[0034] FIG. 18 is an exterior view of a fourteenth embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Nomenclature

100 Bandage

101 Interior Side of Bandage

102 Exterior Side of Bandage

110 Backing

111 Interior Major Surface of Backing

112 Exterior Major Surface of Backing

113 Tabs

113a First Tab

113b Second Tab

113c Third Tab

113d Fourth Tab

119 Break Line in Backing

120 Adhesive Layer 130 Padding

139 Break Line in Padding

200 Body

201 Finger

202 Elbow

210 Joint

X Longitudinal Direction y Transverse Direction

Z Lateral Direction

L Longitudinal Center Axis

T Transverse Center Axis

Definitions

[0035] As utilized herein, including the claims, the term "break line" means a straight, curved or wavy line formed by a cut, incision, crack, fissure, fracture, split, slit, slot, aperture, opening, cleft, crevice, niche, gap, space, fold line, score line, nock, channel, or similar break. Break lines can be provided as single break lines forming straight, curved or wavy break lines, or can be "connected" to form a cutout of various shapes including specifically, but not exclusively, squares, rectangles, parallelograms, rhomboids, pentagons, hexagons, four-point stars, five-point stars, circles, ovals, ellipses, etc.

Construction

[0036] The invention generally concerns a bandage 100 and in particular a bandage 100 with an articulating backing 110 and/or an articulating pad 130. Such a bandage 100 can be used for bandaging parts of the human body 200 to help heal and protect wounds (not shown). However, the invention is not limited to such uses. The structure of the bandage 100 may be useful for other purposes. Other purposes might include use as a protective pad for use in sports, or any other use where a flexible, protective bandage 100 or pad might be usable and beneficial. First Embodiment

[0037] A first embodiment of the bandage 100 is shown in FIGs 1-4. The bandage 100 defines a longitudinal center axis L generally bisecting the bandage 100. The term "longitudinal" refers to a line, axis, or direction in the plane of the bandage 100 that is aligned with an x axis. The bandage 100 also defines a transverse center axis T that refers to a line, axis, or direction aligned with a y axis orthogonal to the longitudinal x axis. The bandage 100 further defines a lateral axis (not shown) in the z direction, which is orthogonal to the x-y plane (defined by the longitudinal and transverse center axis), and generally corresponds to the direction associated with the thickness dimension of the bandage 100.

[0038] The length (unnumbered) of the bandage 100 is the maximum dimension measured parallel to the longitudinal center axis L in the longitudinal direction y. The width (unnumbered) of the bandage 100 is the maximum dimension measured parallel to the transverse center axis T in the transverse direction y. The thickness (unnumbered) of the bandage 100 is the maximum dimension measured parallel to the lateral center axis (not shown) in the lateral direction z.

[0039] When a range or interval is disclosed, the disclosure is intended to disclose both the endpoints and the intervals within the range. For example, a range of 0.005 to 0.010 includes 0.005, 0.006 and 0.009 within that range.

[0040] The bandage as shown in FIGs 1-4 has an interior side 101 that generally faces toward the body 200 of the wearer (not shown) of the bandage 100. The bandage 100 also has an exterior side 102 that generally faces away from the body 200. The bandage 100 has a backing 110, an adhesive layer 120 and padding 130. The backing 110 and padding 130 could be affixed to each other during manufacture.

[0041] The interior side 101 of the padding 130 can face the body 200 and a wound (not shown) on the body 200. The padding 130 can be made of many different materials. For most applications the interior side 101 of the padding 130 can preferably be non-adherent, non-absorbent, and air and liquid permeable. Such a bandage 100 can prevent the bandage 100 from sticking to a wound (not shown), can allow wound exudate (not shown) to pass through to absorbent materials (not shown) in the padding 130 and can regulate the level of moisture present at or near a wound site. One suitable material for a film (not shown) on the padding 130 is Delnet® Apertured Film from Delstar Technologies, Inc., of Middleton, Delaware. Other materials could also be suitable.

[0042] The padding 130 can also have absorbent characteristics allowing it to absorb moisture and wound exudate (not shown). For many applications nonwoven blends of rayon and polyester can be preferable because of cost and manufacturing ease. Other materials could also be suitable.

[0043] The padding 130 includes break lines 139, in this case slots, cut through the entire thickness of the pad 130. In this embodiment, the break lines 139 do not extend completely to the edges of the padding 130. The slots can be cut during the manufacturing process such as during a web converting process as discussed below.

[0044] The backing 110 has an interior major surface 111 and an exterior major surface 112. The backing 110 can be made of many materials. The backing 110 can be made of many materials. For most applications a flexible, supple, stretchable, elastic, resilient backing 110 is preferred. A suitable material can be a tape with a polyurethane backing and an acrylate adhesive such as elastic nonwoven tape, Part No. 9907, from 3M®, Inc., of St. Paul, Minnesota. As discussed below, other materials can also be suitable.

[0045] An adhesive 120 can bond the padding 130 to the backing 110 (or can bond other layers if there are more than two). Adhesive 120 can be applied to the backing 110 (or other layers) before final assembly. For example, an acrylate adhesive can be applied by 3M® to its elastic nonwoven tape No. 9907. The adhesive 120 can then be exposed in final assembly to bond the padding 130 to the backing 110. The padding 130 can be made of more than one layer (not shown). Such layers can be bonded together before final assembly. For example, a vendor such as Delstar Technologies can bond a non-adherent film onto an absorbent material to make the padding 130. [0046] As shown in FIGs 1, 3 and 4, fastening tabs 113a, 113b, 113c and 113d, collectively referenced as tabs 113, can be formed as lateral extensions of the backing 110. An adhesive layer 120 can be coated on the interior side 101 of the bandage 100 on the fastening tabs 113. As is common in the art, the same adhesive 120 used to bond the padding 130 to the backing 110, can also serve as the adhesive 120 coated onto the fastening tabs 113. The adhesive 120 on the fastening tabs 113 can be protected before use by the end user with a release liner (not shown).

[0047] The overall size and shape of the bandage 100 can vary depending on the application. For example, a bandage 100 for covering the area around a joint 210 of a finger 201 such as the proximal joint 210 of a typical adult can have an outside dimension approximately 1.5 inches wide with a length of 3 inches. It can have a thickness, including the padding 130, of approximately 0.010 inch to 0.200 inch (although it could be thicker depending on the application). A bandage 100 of a similar shape but with a width of 2.5 inches and a length of 5 inches could be used for other applications such as an elbow 202 or a knee (not shown). Other sizes might be appropriate for other applications.

[0048] The shape of the bandage 100 can also vary depending on the application. The bandage 100 shown throughout the Figures can be employed for many applications such as a bandage 100 for a joint 210 such as the proximal joint 210 on a finger 201. However, other embodiments could include the various other shapes suited for use over other joints 210 such as other knuckles on other fingers 201, knuckles on the toes (not shown), elbow joints 202, knee joints (not shown), ankle joints (not shown), spinal joints (not shown), etc.

[0049] For many applications, it can be preferable to have the final assembly of the bandage 100 completed using a web converting process. The backing 110 and the padding 130 can be cut and bonded to each other in such a process. Adhesives 120 are a common means of bonding layers of bandages 100 in a web converting process. The cutting of the bandage 100 can be done using a rotary die cutter (not shown). [0050] FIGS. 3 and 4 show the bandage 100 worn on an index finger 201 and show how the bandage 100 can articulate. The padding 130 has generally been centered over the proximal joint 210. FIG. 3 shows the finger 201 in an extended position. FIG. 4 shows the finger 201 in a bent position. When the finger 201 is bent from the extended position shown in FIG. 3 to the bent position shown in FIG. 4, the width of the gap created by the break lines 139 in the padding 130 can increase. When a supple backing 110 material is employed, the entire bandage 100 can flex with the bending of the finger 201 without forming ripples or wrinkles in the backing 110, adhesive 120 or padding 130.

[0051] The bandage 100 can offer several advantages. The bandage 100 can be more comfortable. The break lines 139 in the padding 130 prevent the padding 130 from wrinkling and rippling when the bandage 100 is articulated about a joint 210 or a ridge line (not shown). The break lines 139 in the padding 130 also provide the padding 130 with a degree of stretch. Both of these features reduce the amount of strain placed upon the backing 110 and thereby reduce the tendency of the bandage 100 to pull on the skin (unnumbered) each time the joint 210 is bent.

[0052] The bandage 100 can better protect the wound (not shown). The break lines 139 in the padding 130 allow the padding 130 to more closely conform to irregular or moving surfaces near the wound area. This can prevent contaminants from infiltrating underneath the padding 130 and into the wound (not shown).

[0053] The bandage 100 can provide better regulation of the wound environment such as by increasing or decreasing ventilation. This can be done, for example, by widening or narrowing the break lines 139. Moisture can be controlled and wound exudate dried.

[0054] The break lines 139 permit use of thicker padding 130 as wrinkling and rippling is controlled by the break lines 139. Thicker padding 130 allows for increased absorption of wound exudate, and increased protection of the wound (not shown) from external blows, etc. Thicker padding 130 also allows the bandage 100 to be used for general protective purposes even when a wound may not be present. [0055] The break lines 139 also improve retention of the bandage 100 on the skin (unnumbered) by reducing the compression and expansion forces experienced by the backing 110 and the adhesive 120 each time the joint 210 is articulated.

[0056] The above discussion discloses certain materials, construction techniques, and methods of application. However, in other embodiments, other materials, construction techniques, or methods could be used. For example, different materials can be used from those discussed above for the backing 110, adhesive 120 or padding 130. The backing 110 can be made of a variety of materials including polyurethane films; polyolefin films; polyvinylchloride films; ethylene vinyl acetate films; woven fabrics; or nonwoven fabrics. Other non adherent materials such as Mylar® or other film materials or coatings can be used for the interior side 101 of the padding 130. Other materials can be used for any absorbent material in the padding 130 including natural fibers such as cotton or woven materials or absorbent foams. Such a bandage 100 can still be within the scope of this invention.

[0057] Alternatively, other embodiments can have other features. For example, the padding 130 can have various additives (not shown) incorporated into it. These additives can aid in healing in various ways. Such embodiments can still fall within the scope of this invention.

[0058] Other means of bonding the padding 130 to the backing 110 and attaching the bandage 100 to the body 200 can be used in other embodiments. These could range from permanent bonds to bonds releasable and reclosable by hand. Moreover, the bonds could range from mechanical bonds such as hook and loop, to chemical bonds such as adhesive, to thermal bonds such as heat sealing. Such embodiments can still fall within the scope of this invention.

[0059] Moreover, other embodiments can encompass bandages 100 of different sizes and thicknesses with components of different sizes and thicknesses than those described above. For example, a bandage 100 for use on a knee (not shown) or the head (not shown) might be eight inches or longer. Moreover, a bandage 100 for use as a protective device such as on an arm (not shown), a leg (not shown), etc., could have much different dimensions and be much thicker. Such embodiments can still fall within the scope of this invention.

Second Embodiment

[0060] FIG. 5 shows a bandage 100 according to a second embodiment. The bandage 100 can substantially resemble the first embodiment of the bandage 100 shown in FIGs 1-4, but with paired break lines 139 forming x-shaped slits in the padding 130. The x-shaped slits can penetrate partially or completely through the padding 130 and can be arranged in uniform or random fashion throughout the padding 130. The x-shaped slits may have the advantage of enhancing conformability of the padding 130 in multiple directions.

Third Embodiment

[0061] FIG. 6 shows a bandage 100 according to a third embodiment. The bandage 100 can substantially resemble the first embodiment of the bandage 100 shown in FIGs 1-4, but with perforated break lines 139 in the padding 130. The perforations can penetrate partially or completely through the padding 130 and can be arranged in uniform or random fashion throughout the padding 130. The perforations can be constructed so that the padding 130 will separate along the lines of perforation when the bandage 100 is stressed (e.g., when the bandage 100 is adhered over a joint 210 on a finger 201 and the finger 201 is pivoted about that joint 210).

Fourth Embodiment

[0062] FIG. 7 shows a bandage 100 according to a fourth embodiment. The bandage 100 can substantially resemble the first embodiment of the bandage 100 shown in FIGs 1-4, but with a break line 139 constituting a cutout in the padding 130 resulting in the formation of two separate and distinct padding segments (not separately numbered). Additional break lines 139 can be employed to form any number of padding segments (not separately numbered). Fifth Embodiment

[0063] FIG. 8 shows a bandage 100 according to a fifth embodiment. The bandage 100 can substantially resemble the fourth embodiment of the bandage 100 shown in FIG 7, but with a rectangular shaped backing 110 (i.e., no tabs 113) and two orthogonal break lines 139 in the padding 130 constituting cutouts in the padding 130 which form four separate and distinct padding segments (not separately numbered).

Sixth Embodiment

[0064] FIG. 9 shows a bandage 100 according to a sixth embodiment. The bandage 100 can substantially resemble the fifth embodiment of the bandage 100 shown in FIG 8, but with a plurality of equally spaced longitudinally L extending parallel slits forming break lines 139 in the padding 130 which do not extend the full length x of the padding 130.

Seventh Embodiment

[0065] FIG. 10 shows a bandage 100 according to a seventh embodiment. The bandage 100 can substantially resemble the sixth embodiment of the bandage 100 shown in FIG 9, but with slits extending across the full length x of the padding 130. When the slits extend completely through the thickness z of the padding 130, the padding 130 is effectively divided in a plurality of padding segments.

Eighth Embodiment

[0066] FIG. 11 shows a bandage 100 according to an eighth embodiment. The bandage 100 can substantially resemble the sixth embodiment of the bandage 100 shown in FIG 9, but with the addition of a plurality of equally spaced transversally T extending parallel slits forming break lines 139 in the padding which do not extend the full width y of the padding 130 so as to form a checkerboard pattern on the padding 130.

Ninth Embodiment

[0067] FIG. 12 shows a bandage 100 according to a ninth embodiment. The bandage 100 can substantially resemble the sixth embodiment of the bandage 100 shown in FIG 9, but with break lines 139 grouped to form a plurality of square brackets "[" and "]" in the padding 130. Tenth Embodiment

[0068] FIG. 13 shows a bandage 100 according to a tenth embodiment. The bandage 100 can substantially resemble the sixth embodiment of the bandage 100 shown in FIG 9, but with a generally oval shaped backing 110 and padding 130, and an oval break line 139 constituting a cutout in the padding 130 resulting in the formation of two separate and distinct oval-shaped concentric padding segments (not separately numbered). Such a bandage 100 could be especially suitable for locations such as the chin (not shown).

Eleventh Embodiment

[0069] FIG. 14 shows a bandage 100 according to an eleventh embodiment. The bandage 100 can substantially resemble the tenth embodiment of the bandage 100 shown in FIG 13, but with two orthogonal break lines 139 in the padding 130 constituting cutouts in the padding 130 which form four separate and distinct sector-shaped padding segments (not separately numbered).

Twelfth Embodiment

[0070] FIG. 15 shows a bandage 100 according to a twelfth embodiment. The bandage 100 can substantially resemble the first embodiment of the bandage 100 shown in FIGs 1-4, but significantly smaller tabs 113 and slits forming break lines 119 in the backing 110 rather than the padding 130. The slits shown in FIG 15 are provided only around the periphery of the padding 130, but may also be provided through that portion of the backing 110 attached to the padding 130. The slits can penetrate partially or completely through the backing 110 and can be arranged in uniform or random fashion throughout the backing 110. The slits can conveniently be cut during the manufacturing process.

[0071] FIG 16 shows the bandage 100 applied to an elbow 202. The padding 130 has generally been centered over the elbow joint 210. The elbow 202 is shown in a slightly bent position. When the elbow 202 is bent from an extended position to the bent position, the width of the gap created by each of the break lines 139 in the backing 110 can increase. When break lines 139 are also provided in the padding 130, the entire bandage 100 can flex with the bending of the elbow 202 without forming ripples or wrinkles in the backing 110, adhesive 120 or padding 130.

[0072] Providing break lines 119 in the backing 110 provides essentially the same advantages and benefits achieved by providing break lines 139 in the padding 130.

Thirteenth Embodiment

[0073] FIG. 17 shows a bandage 100 according to a thirteenth embodiment. The bandage 100 can substantially resemble the twelfth embodiment of the bandage 100 shown in FIGs 16 and 17, but with paired break lines 119 forming x-shaped slits in the backing 110. The x- shaped slits can penetrate partially or completely through the backing 110 and can be arranged in uniform or random fashion throughout the backing 110. The x-shaped slits may have the advantage of enhancing conformability of the backing 110 in multiple directions.

Fourteenth Embodiment

[0074] FIG. 18 shows a bandage 100 according to a fourteenth embodiment. The bandage 100 can substantially resemble the twelfth embodiment of the bandage 100 shown in FIGs 15 and 16, with additional break lines 119 in that portion of the backing 110 directly overlying the padding 130.

[0075] When break lines 119 and 139 are provided in both the backing 110 and the padding 130, the break lines 119 and 139 may be laterally aligned or offset.

Modifications

[0076] The present invention should not be considered limited to the particular examples or embodiments described above, but rather should be understood to cover all aspects of the invention as fairly set out in the claims arising from this application. For example, while suitable sizes, materials, packaging and the like have been disclosed in the above discussion, it should be appreciated that these are provided by way of example and not of limitation as a number of other sizes, materials, packaging, and so forth may be used without departing from the invention. Various modifications as well as numerous structures to which the present invention may be applicable will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art to which the present invention is directed upon review of the present specifications. The claims which arise from this application are intended to cover such modifications and structures.

Claims

We claim:

1. A bandage, comprising:

(a) a supple backing having first and second major surfaces, and

(b) a layer of padding attached to the first major surface of the backing,

(c) wherein at least one of the backing and the padding includes at least one break line.

2. The bandage of claim 1 wherein the backing includes at least one break line.

3. The bandage of claim 1 wherein the padding includes at least one break line.

4. The bandage of claim 1 wherein the backing and the padding each include at least one break line.

5. The bandage of claim 4 wherein the break lines in the backing and the padding are laterally aligned.

6. The bandage of claim 4 wherein the break lines in the backing and the padding are laterally offset.

7. The bandage of claim 1 further comprising a layer of a pressure sensitive adhesive on the first major surface of the backing.

8. The bandage of claim 1 wherein the backing is resilient.

9. The bandage of claim 1 wherein the padding is absorbent.

10. The bandage of claim 1 wherein at least one of the backing and the padding includes a plurality of break lines.

11. The bandage of claim 10 wherein the backing includes a plurality of break lines.

12. The bandage of claim 10 wherein the padding includes a plurality of break lines.

13. The bandage of claim 10 wherein the backing and the padding each include a plurality of break lines.

14. The bandage of claim 13 wherein the break lines in the backing and the padding are laterally aligned.

15. The bandage of claim 13 wherein the break lines in the backing and the padding are laterally offset.

16. The bandage of claim 13 wherein the break lines in the backing and the padding are laterally aligned.

17. The bandage of claim 10 wherein the break lines form a uniform pattern.

18. The bandage of claim 10 wherein the break lines form a random pattern.

19. The bandage of claim 10 wherein the break lines form a line of perforation whereby the backing or padding can separate along the line of perforation when the bandage is subject to an expansion force across the line of perforation.

20. The bandage of claim 11 wherein the break lines in the backing form a line of perforation whereby the backing can separate along the line of perforation when the backing is subject to an expansion force across the line of perforation.

21. The bandage of claim 12 wherein the break lines in the padding form a line of perforation whereby the padding can separate along the line of perforation when the padding is subject to an expansion force across the line of perforation.

22. The bandage of claim 2 wherein the break line extends completely through the backing.

23. The bandage of claim 3 wherein the break line extends completely through the padding.

24. The bandage of claim 4 wherein the break lines extends completely through the backing and the padding.

25. The bandage of claim 22 wherein the break line extends completely across the padding so as to define separate and distinct padding sections.

26. The bandage of claim 24 wherein the break line extends completely across the padding so as to define separate and distinct padding sections.

27. A method of applying a bandage over a joint, comprising:

(a) obtaining a bandage, comprising:

(i) a supple backing having first and second major surfaces, and (ii) a layer of padding attached to the first major surface of the backing, (iii) wherein at least one of the backing and the padding includes at least one break line, and

(b) adhesively applying the bandage over a joint pivotable about a pivot axis, with at least one of the at least one break line extending in the direction of the pivot axis.

28. The method of claim 27 wherein the backing includes at least one break line.

29. The method of claim 27 wherein the padding includes at least one break line.

30. The method of claim 27 wherein the backing and the padding each include at least one break line.

31. The bandage of claim 30 wherein the break lines in the backing and the padding are laterally aligned.

32. The bandage of claim 30 wherein the break lines in the backing and the padding are laterally offset.

33. The method of claim 27 further comprising a layer of a pressure sensitive adhesive on the first major surface of the backing.

34. The method of claim 27 wherein the backing is resilient.

35. The method of claim 27 wherein the padding is absorbent.

36. The method of claim 27 wherein at least one of the backing and the padding includes a plurality of break lines.

37. The method of claim 36 wherein the backing includes a plurality of break lines.

38. The method of claim 36 wherein the padding includes a plurality of break lines.

39. The method of claim 36 wherein the backing and the padding each include a plurality of break lines.

40. The method of claim 39 wherein the break lines in the backing and the padding are laterally aligned.

41. The method of claim 39 wherein the break lines in the backing and the padding are laterally offset.

42. The method of claim 39 wherein the break lines in the backing and the padding are laterally aligned.

43. The method of claim 36 wherein the break lines form a uniform pattern.

44. The method of claim 36 wherein the break lines form a random pattern.

45. The method of claim 36 wherein the break lines form a line of perforation whereby the backing or padding can separate along the line of perforation when the bandage is subject to an expansion force across the line of perforation.

46. The method of claim 37 wherein the break lines in the backing form a line of perforation whereby the backing can separate along the line of perforation when the backing is subject to an expansion force across the line of perforation.

47. The method of claim 38 wherein the break lines in the padding form a line of perforation whereby the padding can separate along the line of perforation when the padding is subject to an expansion force across the line of perforation.

48. The method of claim 27 wherein the joint is a knuckle on the fingers.

49. The method of claim 27 wherein the joint is a knuckle on the toes.

50. The method of claim 27 wherein the joint is an elbow joint.

51. The method of claim 27 wherein the joint is a knee joint.

52. The method of claim 27 wherein the joint is an ankle joint.

53. The method of claim 27 wherein the joint is a spinal joint.

54. The method of claim 28 wherein the break line extends completely through the backing.

55. The method of claim 29 wherein the break line extends completely through the padding.

56. The method of claim 30 wherein the break lines extends completely through the backing and the padding.

57. The method of claim 55 wherein the break line extends completely across the padding so as to define separate and distinct padding sections.

58. The method of claim 56 wherein the break line extends completely across the padding so as to define separate and distinct padding sections.

59. A method of applying a bandage over a ridge, comprising:

(a) obtaining a bandage, comprising:

(b) adhesively applying the bandage over a ridge having a ridge line, with at least one of the at least one break line extending in the direction of the ridge line.

60. The method of claim 59 wherein the backing includes at least one break line.

61. The method of claim 59 wherein the padding includes at least one break line.

62. The method of claim 59 wherein the backing and the padding each include at least one break line.

63. The bandage of claim 62 wherein the break lines in the backing and the padding are laterally aligned.

64. The bandage of claim 62 wherein the break lines in the backing and the padding are laterally offset.

65. The method of claim 59 further comprising a layer of a pressure sensitive adhesive on the first major surface of the backing.

66. The method of claim 59 wherein the backing is resilient.

67. The method of claim 59 wherein the padding is absorbent.

68. The method of claim 59 wherein at least one of the backing and the padding includes a plurality of break lines.

69. The method of claim 68 wherein the backing includes a plurality of break lines.

70. The method of claim 68 wherein the padding includes a plurality of break lines.

71. The method of claim 68 wherein the backing and the padding each include a plurality of break lines.

72. The method of claim 71 wherein the break lines in the backing and the padding are laterally aligned.

73. The method of claim 71 wherein the break lines in the backing and the padding are laterally offset.

74. The method of claim 71 wherein the break lines in the backing and the padding are laterally aligned.

75. The method of claim 68 wherein the break lines form a uniform pattern.

76. The method of claim 68 wherein the break lines form a random pattern.

77. The method of claim 68 wherein the break lines form a line of perforation whereby the backing or padding can separate along the line of perforation when the bandage is subject to an expansion force across the line of perforation.

78. The method of claim 69 wherein the break lines in the backing form a line of perforation whereby the backing can separate along the line of perforation when the backing is subject to an expansion force across the line of perforation.

79. The method of claim 70 wherein the break lines in the padding form a line of perforation whereby the padding can separate along the line of perforation when the padding is subject to an expansion force across the line of perforation.

80. The method of claim 69 wherein the ridge is formed by an ear.

81. The method of claim 59 wherein the ridge is formed by a chin.

82. The method of claim 59 wherein the ridge is formed by a spine.

83. The method of claim 59 wherein the ridge is formed by a side of a hand.

84. The method of claim 59 wherein the ridge is formed by a shin.

85. The method of claim 59 wherein the ridge is formed by a heel.

86. The method of claim 59 wherein the ridge is formed by a side of a foot.

87. The method of claim 60 wherein the break line extends completely through the backing.

88. The method of claim 61 wherein the break line extends completely through the padding.

89. The method of claim 62 wherein the break lines extends completely through the backing and the padding.

90. The method of claim 87 wherein the break line extends completely across the padding so as to define separate and distinct padding sections.

91. The method of claim 88 wherein the break line extends completely across the padding so as to define separate and distinct padding sections.