Drug – bio-affecting and body treating compositions – Preparations characterized by special physical form – Wearing apparel – fabric – or cloth
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-06
2001-01-09
Page, Thurman K. (Department: 1615)
Drug, bio-affecting and body treating compositions
Preparations characterized by special physical form
Wearing apparel, fabric, or cloth
C424S489000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06171606
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains to topical application of the naturally occurring element copper to the body for therapeutic effect. In particular the invention pertains to methods and devices for incorporating copper into braces and wraps to be placed about a human limb.
Topical or dermal application of metallic copper and copper complexes as a therapeutic treatment has been recognized for many years (see U.S. Pat. No. 4,680,309 to Maurer and U.S. Pat. No. 4,961,933 to Campos Pino). Application of copper to the skin is believed to provide minute amounts of copper to the body to provide an anti-inflammatory effect in the treatment of conditions such as arthritis. The anti-inflammatory effects of topical copper are also beneficial to individuals who suffer from sore muscles and joints due to athletic training or endeavor. In general, application of copper for this type of treatment is of two forms: either 1) elemental copper (or other forms) in a fluid medium rubbed directly onto the skin or 2) metallic copper maintained in contact on the skin for a prolonged time. Examples of the first form are provided in the above referenced patents. A well known example of the second form is the copper bracelet, which is a solid copper metal band worn about the wrist. Other methods of applying copper to the skin have been developed to provide particular advantages. One of these is a elastic fabric support worn tightly about a region of an arm or leg. Copper threads are woven through the fabric so as to be retained against the skin of the user when the support is worn. Typical of these products are those marketed by Sabona of London, Incorporated.
Prior methods and products for topical copper application have significant disadvantages for the user. Topical creams and ointments are inconvenient and messy and do not provide copper for a prolonged time period. Solid copper is difficult to apply due to the inherent rigid nature of solid metals. It is difficult to maintain a significant contact area between a solid and the complex contours of the human body. Although the woven support mentioned above is capable of maintaining solid copper in contact with the skin, the contact surface area is small due to the limited size and number of the copper threads.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a method and device for applying and retaining copper on the skin in a form which is conformable to the contours of human limbs.
One object of the invention is a flexible patch compatible with human skin and in which copper particles have been imbedded or intermixed.
Another object of the invention is a fabric or elastic brace including a flexible patch containing copper particles.
A further object of the invention is a method of applying copper to the skin in which a flexible matrix material compatible with human skin is embedded with copper particles. The matrix is formed into a patch which is held in a conforming manner to the targeted skin region.
Solid metallic copper is rigid and not conformable to the human body. The objective of the present invention is to bring into contact with a skin region a sufficient amount of copper, in the form of a multitude of small pieces, to gain a therapeutic effect. The present invention is a patch, spot or area of conformable matrix material in which a large number of copper pieces or particles have been introduced to form a copper containing contact area. The conformable nature of the patch is essential to allowing the patch, and copper, to be molded into maximum contact with a targeted skin region. Although an individual copper particle's contact area may be small, the total contact area of copper over the patch is sufficient to provide the desired therapeutic effect. The matrix material used is also selected to be compatible with skin to ensure that irritation does not result from continuous contact. One example of an acceptable matrix material is substantially common silicon rubber.
One therapeutic patch according to the invention is formed by mixing copper powder with liquid uncured silicone. This mixture is then applied to form a thin patch on an elastic sleeve such as a common spandex athletic knee support. In use the sleeve acts as a means of biasing and conforming the flexible patch to the targeted skin area. Various amounts of copper may be used. The thickness of the patch is selected for durability and comfort.
The present invention has several advantages over prior methods as a means of delivering topical copper to the body. As discussed, it conforms well to the complex shapes of the human body, particularly as exists around joints such as the elbow and knee. A brace according to the present invention is durable and may be easily cleaned. The surface of the patch when eroded through use uncovers additional copper ensuring that effective copper surface is always present. The cushioning of the patch materials provide protection from incidental impact against the covered body parts. The invention includes methods of therapeutic treatment in which a conforming copper containing patch is retained against the skin. The benefit of the device as a protective device may also be provided by a patch containing no copper. A soft silicon patch provides protection from impact to the covered body region while the overlying sleeve retains the patch in place and protects abrasion protection to the patch.
The advantages and novel aspects of invention are best understood from the following drawings, detailed examples and claims.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4680309 (1987-07-01), Maurer
patent: 4961933 (1990-10-01), Campos Pino
patent: 8505221 (1996-02-01), None
patent: 0002341 (1979-06-01), None
patent: 9204061 (1993-02-01), None
Text and graphics distributed electronically at the internet locatio “www.sabona.com” copies of which were submitted by applicant copies dated-Sep. 16, 1999.
Text and graphics distributed electronically at the Internet location “www.sabona.com” copies of which are attached, regarding fabric supports including copper thread. (copies dated Sep. 16, 1999).
Fubara B.
Hanson Sven W.
Page Thurman K.
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