Medical dressings with multiple adhesives and methods of manufacturing

Abstract

Medical dressings are disclosed that include multiple exposed pressure sensitive adhesives. One of the pressure sensitive adhesives includes a bioactive agent and is substantially contact transparent. In some embodiments, all of the adhesives are substantially contact transparent. Also provided are methods of manufacturing the medical dressings. By providing multiple exposed pressure sensitive adhesives, the pressure sensitive adhesive formulations can be varied to provide desired properties in different areas of the dressing. A pressure sensitive adhesive that exhibits relatively high tack to skin may be provided around the periphery of the dressing while a pressure sensitive adhesive incorporating a bioactive agent is provided in the center of the dressing. Alternatively, a higher tack pressure sensitive adhesive may be provided at two opposing sides of the dressing with a bioactive adhesive located in between the opposing portions of higher tack adhesive. The present invention also provides methods of transferring adhesives using a mask such that the adhesive is transferred to selected areas of a receiving surface. The mask may be provided in the form of a liner including a plurality of voids formed therein.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A medical dressing having top and bottom surfaces comprising: 
 a substantially contact transparent backing;    a first pressure sensitive adhesive exposed on the bottom surface of the dressing; and    a second pressure sensitive adhesive exposed on the bottom surface of the dressing, wherein the second pressure sensitive adhesive comprises at least one bioactive agent and is substantially contact transparent.    
     
     
         2 . The medical dressing of  claim 1 , wherein the second pressure sensitive adhesive is located on the first pressure sensitive adhesive.  
     
     
         3 . The medical dressing of  claim 1 , wherein the second pressure sensitive adhesive is in direct contact with the backing.  
     
     
         4 . The medical dressing of  claim 1 , wherein the exposed first pressure sensitive adhesive forms a border around a perimeter of the bottom surface of the dressing.  
     
     
         5 . The medical dressing of  claim 1 , wherein the exposed second pressure sensitive adhesive is located in a plurality of distinct areas on the bottom surface of the dressing.  
     
     
         6 . The medical dressing of  claim 1 , wherein the exposed second pressure sensitive adhesive is located in a single distinct area on the bottom surface of the dressing.  
     
     
         7 . The medical dressing of  claim 1 , wherein the exposed second pressure sensitive adhesive is located in a single distinct area on the bottom surface of the dressing, and further wherein the exposed first pressure sensitive adhesive forms a border around the distinct area of the exposed second pressure sensitive adhesive.  
     
     
         8 . The medical dressing of  claim 1 , wherein the first pressure sensitive adhesive has a higher tack to skin than the second pressure sensitive adhesive.  
     
     
         9 . The medical dressing of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one bioactive agent comprises an antimicrobial agent.  
     
     
         10 . A method of manufacturing a medical dressing having top and bottom surfaces comprising: 
 providing a substantially contact transparent backing;    providing a first pressure sensitive adhesive that is exposed on the bottom surface of the dressing; and    providing a second pressure sensitive adhesive that is exposed on the bottom surface of the dressing, wherein the second pressure sensitive adhesive comprises at least one bioactive agent and is substantially contact transparent.    
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein providing the second pressure sensitive adhesive comprises locating the second pressure sensitive adhesive on the first pressure sensitive adhesive.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein providing the second pressure sensitive adhesive comprises locating the second pressure sensitive adhesive in direct contact with the backing.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the exposed first pressure sensitive adhesive forms a border around a perimeter of the bottom surface of the dressing.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the exposed second pressure sensitive adhesive is located in a plurality of distinct areas on the bottom surface of the dressing.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the exposed second pressure sensitive adhesive is located in a single distinct area on the bottom surface of the dressing.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the exposed second pressure sensitive adhesive is located in a single distinct area on the bottom surface of the dressing, and further wherein the exposed first pressure sensitive adhesive forms a border around the distinct area of the exposed second pressure sensitive adhesive.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the first pressure sensitive adhesive has a higher tack to skin than the second pressure sensitive adhesive.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the at least one bioactive agent comprises an antimicrobial agent.  
     
     
         19 . A method of transferring an adhesive to a substrate comprising: 
 providing a mask liner comprising a plurality of voids formed therein;    locating a receiving surface proximate a first side of the mask liner, wherein at least a portion of the receiving surface is exposed through at least one of the plurality of voids in the mask liner;    providing transfer adhesive on a transfer liner; and    transferring at least a portion of the transfer adhesive to the portion of the receiving surface exposed through the void in the mask liner.    
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the transferring comprises laminating the receiving surface, mask liner, transfer adhesive, and transfer liner together, and wherein the receiving surface contacts the transfer adhesive through the voids in the mask liner.  
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the transfer adhesive is substantially continuous over a release surface of the transfer liner.  
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the receiving surface comprises a first adhesive, and further wherein a major surface of the mask liner facing the first adhesive comprises a release coating.  
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein a major surface of the mask liner facing the transfer adhesive is substantially free of a release coating.  
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the transfer liner, mask liner and receiving surface each comprise a substantially continuous web, and further wherein the transferring comprises laminating the receiving surface, mask liner, transfer adhesive, and transfer liner together in a nip, whereby the receiving surface contacts the transfer adhesive through the voids in the mask liner.  
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein the transfer adhesive is substantially continuous over a release surface of the transfer liner.  
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein the receiving surface comprises a first adhesive, and further wherein a major surface of the mask liner facing the first adhesive comprises a release coating.  
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein a major surface of the mask liner facing the transfer adhesive is substantially free of a release coating.  
     
     
         28 . A method of transferring an adhesive to a substrate comprising: 
 providing a mask liner comprising a plurality of voids formed therein;    locating a receiving surface proximate a first side of the mask liner, wherein a portion of the receiving surface is exposed through at least one void of the plurality of voids in the mask liner;    providing transfer adhesive on a transfer liner; and    transferring at least a portion of the transfer adhesive to the portion of the receiving surface exposed through the at least one void in the mask liner.    
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein the transferring comprises laminating the receiving surface, mask liner, transfer adhesive, and transfer liner together, and wherein the receiving surface contacts the transfer adhesive through the at least one void.  
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein the transfer adhesive is substantially continuous over a release surface of the transfer liner.  
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein the receiving surface comprises a first adhesive, and further wherein a major surface of the mask liner facing the first adhesive comprises a release coating.  
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the transfer adhesive is located on the first adhesive.  
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the transfer adhesive is in direct contact with the receiving surface.  
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein a major surface of the mask liner facing the transfer adhesive is substantially free of a release coating.  
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein the transfer liner, mask liner and receiving surface each comprise a substantially continuous web, and further wherein the transferring comprises laminating the receiving surface, mask liner, transfer adhesive, and transfer liner together in a nip, whereby the receiving surface contacts the transfer adhesive through the plurality of voids in the mask liner.  
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the transfer adhesive is substantially continuous over a release surface of the transfer liner.  
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the receiving surface comprises a first adhesive, and further wherein a major surface of the mask liner facing the first adhesive comprises a release coating.  
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein a major surface of the mask liner facing the transfer adhesive is substantially free of a release coating.  
     
     
         39 . A method of transferring an adhesive to a medical dressing comprising: 
 providing a mask liner comprising a plurality of voids formed therein;    locating a receiving surface proximate a first side of the mask liner, wherein a portion of the receiving surface is exposed through at least one void of the plurality of voids in the mask liner;    providing transfer adhesive on a transfer liner; and    transferring at least a portion of the transfer adhesive to the portion of the receiving surface exposed through the at least one void in the mask liner.    
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the transferring comprises laminating the receiving surface, mask liner, transfer adhesive, and transfer liner together, and wherein the receiving surface contacts the transfer adhesive through the at least one void.  
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the transfer adhesive is substantially continuous over a release surface of the transfer liner.  
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the receiving surface comprises a first adhesive, and further wherein a major surface of the mask liner facing the first adhesive comprises a release coating.  
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 42 , wherein the transfer adhesive is located on the first adhesive.  
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 42 , wherein the transfer adhesive is in direct contact with the receiving surface.  
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 42 , wherein a major surface of the mask liner facing the transfer adhesive is substantially free of a release coating.  
     
     
         46 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein the transfer liner, mask liner and receiving surface each comprise a substantially continuous web, and further wherein the transferring comprises laminating the receiving surface, mask liner, transfer adhesive, and transfer liner together in a nip, whereby the receiving surface contacts the transfer adhesive through the at least one void in the mask liner.  
     
     
         47 . The method of  claim 46 , wherein the transfer adhesive is substantially continuous over a release surface of the transfer liner.  
     
     
         48 . The method of  claim 46 , wherein the receiving surface comprises a first adhesive, and further wherein a major surface of the mask liner facing the first adhesive comprises a release coating.  
     
     
         49 . The method of  claim 48 , wherein a major surface of the mask liner facing the transfer adhesive is substantially free of a release coating.  
     
     
         50 . A method of manufacturing a medical dressing, comprising: 
 providing a mask liner comprising a plurality of voids formed therein;    providing a medical dressing backing comprising a receiving surface on a first major side of the medical dressing backing, wherein the receiving surface comprises a backing adhesive;    locating the receiving surface proximate a first major side of the mask liner, wherein a portion of the receiving surface is exposed through at least one void of the plurality of voids in the mask liner;    providing transfer adhesive on a transfer liner; and    transferring at least a portion of the transfer adhesive to the portion of the receiving surface exposed through the at least one void in the mask liner.    
     
     
         51 . The method of  claim 50 , wherein the transfer adhesive is located on the backing adhesive.  
     
     
         52 . The method of  claim 50 , wherein the transfer adhesive is in direct contact with the medical dressing backing.  
     
     
         53 . The method of  claim 50 , wherein the medical dressing backing comprises a second major surface, and further wherein a carrier layer is attached to the second major surface of the medical dressing backing.  
     
     
         54 . The method of  claim 50 , wherein the carrier layer comprises a plurality of windows formed therein.  
     
     
         55 . The method of  claim 50 , wherein the transferring comprises laminating the backing, backing adhesive, mask liner, transfer adhesive, and transfer liner together, and wherein the receiving surface contacts the transfer adhesive through the at least one void in the mask liner.  
     
     
         56 . The method of  claim 50  further comprising: 
 providing a product liner; and  
 laminating the backing, backing adhesive, transfer adhesive, and product liner together.  
 
     
     
         57 . The method of  claim 56 , wherein the backing and product liner each comprise a substantially continuous web.  
     
     
         58 . The method of  claim 57  further comprising separating the substantially continuous web into individual dressings.  
     
     
         59 . The method of  claim 50 , wherein the transfer adhesive is substantially continuous over a release surface of the transfer liner.  
     
     
         60 . The method of  claim 50 , wherein the first major surface of the mask liner comprises a release coating.  
     
     
         61 . The method of  claim 60 , wherein the mask liner further comprises a second major surface that faces the transfer adhesive, and further wherein the second major surface of the mask liner is substantially free of the release coating.  
     
     
         62 . The method of  claim 50 , wherein the backing adhesive has a higher tack to skin than the transfer adhesive.  
     
     
         63 . The method of  claim 50 , wherein the transfer adhesive comprises at least one bioactive agent and is substantially contact transparent.  
     
     
         64 . The method of  claim 50 , wherein the backing adhesive forms a border around a perimeter of the receiving surface.  
     
     
         65 . A medical dressing comprising: 
 a substantially contact transparent backing comprising first and second major surfaces;    a first pressure sensitive adhesive; and    a second pressure sensitive adhesive;    wherein the first pressure sensitive adhesive is located on substantially all of the first major surface of the backing and the second pressure sensitive adhesive is located on a portion of the first pressure sensitive adhesive; whereby substantially all of the second pressure sensitive adhesive is exposed on the medical dressing and only a portion of the first pressure sensitive adhesive is exposed on the medical dressing;    and further wherein the first pressure sensitive adhesive has a higher tack to skin than the second pressure sensitive adhesive.    
     
     
         66 . The medical dressing of  claim 65 , wherein the second pressure sensitive adhesive comprises at least one bioactive agent.  
     
     
         67 . The medical dressing of  claim 65 , wherein the portion of the first pressure sensitive adhesive exposed on the medical dressing forms a border around a perimeter of the backing.  
     
     
         68 . The medical dressing of  claim 65 , wherein the second pressure sensitive adhesive is located in a plurality of distinct areas on the first pressure sensitive adhesive.  
     
     
         69 . The medical dressing of  claim 65 , wherein the first pressure sensitive adhesive is substantially contact transparent.  
     
     
         70 . The medical dressing of  claim 65 , wherein the second pressure sensitive adhesive is substantially contact transparent.  
     
     
         71 . A method of manufacturing a medical dressing comprising: 
 providing a substantially contact transparent backing comprising first and second major surfaces;    providing a first pressure sensitive adhesive on substantially all of the first major surface of the backing; and    providing a second pressure sensitive adhesive on a portion of the first pressure sensitive adhesive;    wherein substantially all of the second pressure sensitive adhesive is exposed on the medical dressing and only a portion of the first pressure sensitive adhesive is exposed on the medical dressing;    and further wherein the first pressure sensitive adhesive has a higher tack to skin than the second pressure sensitive adhesive.    
     
     
         72 . The method of  claim 71 , wherein the second pressure sensitive adhesive comprises at least one bioactive agent.  
     
     
         73 . The method of  claim 71 , wherein the portion of the first pressure sensitive adhesive exposed on the medical dressing forms a border around a perimeter of the backing.  
     
     
         74 . The method of  claim 71 , wherein the second pressure sensitive adhesive is provided in a plurality of distinct areas on the first pressure sensitive adhesive.  
     
     
         75 . The method of  claim 71 , wherein the first pressure sensitive adhesive is substantially contact transparent.  
     
     
         76 . The method of  claim 71 , wherein the second pressure sensitive adhesive is substantially contact transparent.  
     
     
         77 . A medical dressing comprising: 
 a substantially contact transparent backing comprising first and second major surfaces;    a first pressure sensitive adhesive on a portion of the first major surface of the backing; and    a second pressure sensitive adhesive located directly on a portion of the first major surface of the backing;    wherein the first pressure sensitive adhesive forms a border around the second pressure sensitive adhesive on the first major surface of the backing, and further wherein the first pressure sensitive adhesive has a higher tack to skin than the second pressure sensitive adhesive.    
     
     
         78 . The medical dressing of  claim 77 , wherein the second pressure sensitive adhesive comprises at least one bioactive agent.  
     
     
         79 . The medical dressing of  claim 77 , wherein at least a portion of the second pressure sensitive adhesive overlaps a portion of the first pressure sensitive adhesive.  
     
     
         80 . The medical dressing of  claim 77 , wherein the first pressure sensitive adhesive is substantially contact transparent.  
     
     
         81 . The medical dressing of  claim 77 , wherein the second pressure sensitive adhesive is substantially contact transparent.  
     
     
         82 . The medical dressing of  claim 77 , wherein the second pressure sensitive adhesive is located in a single distinct area on the first major surface of the backing, and further wherein the first pressure sensitive adhesive forms a border around the distinct area of the second pressure sensitive adhesive on the first major surface of the backing.  
     
     
         83 . The medical dressing of claim  82 , wherein substantially all of the second pressure sensitive adhesive is exposed on the first major surface of the backing, and further wherein at least a portion of the first pressure sensitive adhesive is exposed on the first major surface of the backing.