Kinesiology tape

Abstract

Kinesiology tape may include a first layer of fabric with an adhesive on a first side of the first layer of fabric. The kinesiology tape may also include a second layer of fabric that may be coupled to the first layer of fabric. The first layer of fabric and the second layer of fabric may form a receiving portion. A support may be disposed in the receiving portion.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . Kinesiology tape, comprising:
 a first layer with an adhesion surface, an outer surface opposite from the adhesion surface, and an adhesive on the adhesion surface;   a second layer coupled to the outer surface of the first layer in a manner that defines a receptacle between the first layer and the second layer; and   a support including:
 an elongated spine; 
 a plurality of teeth extending across the elongated spine and spaced apart from each other. 
   
     
     
         2 . The kinesiology tape of  claim 1 , wherein the first layer is elastic along a first axis and inelastic along a second axis, the first axis and the second axis. 
     
     
         3 . The kinesiology tape of  claim 1 , wherein an arrangement of the plurality of teeth causing the support to facilitate flexion of the support in a plane extending through the spine and the teeth 
     
     
         4 . The kinesiology tape of  claim 3 , wherein the elongated spine resists flexion out of the plane. 
     
     
         5 . The kinesiology tape of  claim 3 , wherein the arrangement of the plurality of teeth enables flexion of the support in the plane. 
     
     
         6 . The kinesiology tape of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of teeth are substantially parallel to one another when the support is in a relaxed configuration. 
     
     
         7 . The kinesiology tape of  claim 1 , wherein the receptacle extends along lengths of the first layer and the second layer. 
     
     
         8 . The kinesiology tape of  claim 1 , wherein the support is removable from the receptacle. 
     
     
         9 . The kinesiology tape of  claim 1 , wherein the receptacle opens to at least one of the first layer and the second layer. 
     
     
         10 . The kinesiology tape of  claim 1 , wherein the support is completely enclosed within the receptacle. 
     
     
         11 . The kinesiology tape of  claim 1 , wherein the first layer and the second layer are interwoven. 
     
     
         12 . The kinesiology tape of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a backing removably secured to the adhesive.   
     
     
         13 . Kinesiology tape, comprising:
 a first layer with an adhesive on an adhesive surface of the first layer;   a second layer coupled to an outer surface of the first layer;   a receptacle defined by the first layer and the second layer; and   a support within the receptacle, the support including:
 an elongated spine oriented to flex along a plane parallel to the first layer and the second layer but resist flexion outside of the plane; and 
 a plurality of teeth extending across the elongated spine, parallel to the plane to maintain an orientation of the elongated spine relative to the plane, the first layer, and the second layer. 
   
     
     
         14 . The kinesiology tape of  claim 13 , wherein the plurality of teeth enable flexion of the support in the plane. 
     
     
         15 . The kinesiology tape of  claim 13 , wherein adjacent teeth of the plurality of teeth are spaced apart from each other. 
     
     
         16 . The kinesiology tape of  claim 13 , wherein adjacent teeth of the plurality of teeth are parallel to each other. 
     
     
         17 . A method for supporting natural motion in a body part including a joint while limiting unnatural motion in the body part, comprising:
 securing kinesiology tape to the body part, including positioning a support carried by the kinesiology tape, including:
 placing a spine of the support in an orientation that flexes in a plane that substantially parallels a plane in which the natural motion occurs while resisting flexion outside of the plane; and 
 orienting teeth of the support, which extend across the spine, to maintain the orientation of the spine; 
   supporting the natural motion in the plane during movement of the body part around the joint; and   resisting the unnatural motion outside of the plane during movement of the body part around the joint.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein supporting the natural motion and resisting the unnatural motion include holding the support in place with the kinesiology tape during movement of the body part around the joint. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein securing the kinesiology tape to the body part comprises securing kinesiology that stretches lengthwise to the body part. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein securing the kinesiology tape to the body part comprises securing to the body part kinesiology tape including a first layer, a second layer superimposed with the first layer, and the support between the first layer and the second layer.