WO1998002120A1

WO1998002120A1 - Non-slip bandage

Info

Publication number: WO1998002120A1
Application number: PCT/GB1997/001861
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark Julian Bernhard
Original assignee: Recorde Limited
Priority date: 1996-07-12
Filing date: 1997-07-10
Publication date: 1998-01-22
Also published as: AU740464B2; CA2260236C; EP0914074A1; AU3454797A; CA2260236A1; NZ333665A

Abstract

In the field of bandages it is known to provide a non-slip coating to one surface of a bandage. However, previous such bandages have suffered numerous disadvantages. The disclosure relates to a bandage (1) having a resiliently stretchable, non-slip coating (3) applied to it in wavy lines extending along the length of the bandage (1). The non-slip coating is such as to provide slip resistance between the bandage (1) and human skin, to which the bandage (1) may be applied in a compressive manner. An advantageous feature of the invention is the use of a barb hook-type fastener (5, 13) the shear force of which acts in a plane approximately coinciding with that of the outer surface of the bandage (1), thereby reducing the tendency of the bandage to peel apart as a result of forces arising from the compressive application of the bandage to e.g. a human limb.

Description

NON-SLIP BANDAGE

The present invention relates to a novel bandage or wrap and to a novel textile material useful as a bandage or wrap.

When a limb suffers internal d∑unage to tissue other than bone, it is common to wrap the limb in a bandage material to provide .support or compression, in order to aid healing and/or to help prevent further damage. Such damage often arises in sports injuries. Some sportsmen or women bandage a limb joint for prophylactic purposes, ie. to prevent injury.

One known type of bandage is an adhesiveless elastic tube. Such a tubular bandage provides limited .support and the compressive force cannot be varied. Tubular bandages are therefore of limited benefit and are not normally used, for example, by sportsmen and women.

A more effective bandage is an elasticated adhesive bandage. Such a bandage comprises an elongate strip of longitudinally semi-stretchable fabric, one major surface of which is adhesively coated. The fabric contains no elastomer or rubber. The bandage can be wrapped around a limb section as desired, in particular the compression applied and the arrangement of the bandage can be selected by the person applying the bandage, who is often a physiotherapist. An adhesive elasticated bandage therefore overcomes some of the disadvantages of a tubular bandage. Nevertheless, adhesive elasticated bandages suffer disadvantages:

(i) they are painful to remove, because they adhere to hair,

(ii) mey are often uncomfortable to wear and possibly restrict blood flow,

(iii) they can be difficult to apply,

(iv) they are not reusable,

(v) they are not necessarily adjustable after use, because they .are normally unusable after removal from the skin.

French Patent No. 2 609 889 discloses a bandage having undulating lines of an anti-slip material adhered to one surface thereof.

However, the stated object of the invention of French Patent No. 2 609 889 is to provide a coated bandage the coating of which does not adversely affect the elasticity of the bandage fabric, and that permits adequate ventilation of eg. skin enclosed by the bandage.

French Patent No. 2 609 889 fails to address the problem of providing a bandage having anti-slip characteristics relative to eg. human skin, that does not rely on adherence of the bandage material to the skin.

W095/ 12370 discloses a bandage having regions of .anti-slip material applied to at least one surface, and preferably both surfaces, of a bandage fabric.

However, the stated aim of the invention of W095/ 12370 is to provide a non-slip layer that prevents slipping of overlapping bandage layers. In the preferred embodiment, the non-slip materials are applied in patterns that facilitate this effect. Again, there is no detailed disclosure of a means by which the bandage can be rendered anti-slip relative to human skin when the bandage is applied in a compressive manner.

In one a-spect, the invention provides a bandage which enables the disadvantages of prior art bandages which have been appreciated by the inventor to be overcome or reduced. The bandage is resiliently stretchable and a non-adhesive surface thereof resists slipping when the bandage is wrapped around a limb under tension.

A bandage of the invention may be applied to a limb by placing a first end of the b.andage on the limb with its slip-resistant surface facing the skin.

The bandage is then wound around the limb under tension, the first end of the bandage being held in place by an at least partially overlying bandage layer. The second end of the bandage may conveniently be secured to an underlying bandage layer, suitably by means of an adhesive strip or, more preferably, by means of a tab secured to the bandage and attachable to the underlying .surface by means of barbs removably engageable with material of the underlying layer. Suitable removably engageable barb/material combinations are available under the registered trade mark Nelcro. Other b.arb/material fasteners may alternatively be used.

The elasticity (resiliency) of the bandage wrapped around the limb under tension (ie. extended from its relaxed state) causes the bandage to exert a compressive force on the limb. The applied bandage is subject to contractile forces but it does not slip against the skin, at least not to a significant extent, but because it is not stuck to the skin by adhesive, can be painlessly removed for repositioning or re-use. Unlike a tubular bandage, however, the compressive force applied by the bandage can be chosen by applying chosen tension to the bandage as it is being wrapped around the limb; similarly the arrangement of the bandage on the limb can be chosen as desired.

The bandage may in principle comprise .any resiliently stretchable material. A fabric is preferred for comfort, such as a knitted fabric. The bandage is normally stretchable only in the longitudinal direction, since significant transverse stretchability detracts from the stability and support which the bandage can provide. The bandage normally is capable of a measured maximum extension of at least 50% of its relaxed length (ie. is capable of extending by at least 50% of its relaxed length) and often of at least 80%, and more desirably of 100% or more, eg. about 120%. The term "maximum extension" is discussed later in this specification.

The elastic modulus of a bandage may be expressed as the weight with which the bandage is required to be loaded to extend by 40% of the additional length of the bandage when extended from its rest state to substantially its maximum extended length. This is a standard test in the UK. Typically , a bandage of the invention has an elastic modulus of from 400 to 1300g and more usually of from 700 to HOOg. Preferably the modulus is between 800 and lOOOg .and most preferably about 900g.

As already stated, the bandage preferably comprises a fabric, for example a knitted fabric. Elasticity (resiliency) is suitably provided by incorporating in the knitted fabric longitudrnal resilient strands, normally made of an elastomer.

A conventional fabric alone would not resist contraction of an extended (stressed) bandage wrapped around a limb. Such resistance may be provided by applying a slip-resistant material to one of the major surfaces of the bandage. The application of slip-resistant material to both sides of the bandage fabric, as proposed in WO95/ 12370, would reduce the usefulness of the device as a bandage.

Normally the applied slip-resistant material is elastic; in any event, the anti-slip surface of the fabric is capable of broadly elastic behaviour. As suitable slip-resistant materials mere may be mentioned materials having rubber-like properties, especially silicones.

Complete covering of the surface to be made slip-resistant with the slip resistant material has been found to be undesirable. In preferred embodiments, therefore, the coverage with the slip resistant material contains discontinuities. The invention includes bandages having the slip resistant material arranged in spots or patches but the slip resistant material is preferably formed as one or more generally longitudinally extending lines. There are preferably a plurality of such longitudinal lines of slip resistant material, suitably separated by a distance of between 5 .and 15mm and more preferably of between 8 and 12mm, eg. about 10 or 11mm. Most preferably the longitudinal lines of slip-resistant materi.al are not straight but undulating, so that any notional straight line extending along the length of the bandage would intersect at least one line of the slip resistant material . This construction advantageously accommodates flexing of the slip-resistant material during elongation of the bandage, and also confers a desirable "power" characteristic in the sense that the forces resulting from extension of the bandage are evenly distributed, and increase at a desirable rate, across the range of extension.

In a preferred aspect, the invention provides a bandage which comprises elongate fabric, resiliently stretchable in the longitudinal direction but substantially unstretchable in the transverse direction and having a rubber or rubber-like material applied to a major surface of the fabric. The rubber or rubber-like material is preferably a silicone. The fabric is preferably a crotchet knitted fabric having longitudinally oriented resiliently stretchable strands, eg. elastomeric strands, laid between the warp threads of the fabric.

The bandage is preferably provided at one end with a removable and re- attachable fastener to fasten the end of the bandage to an underlying bandage layer when the bandage is wrapped around a limb.

The invention includes the use of a skin-compatible, non-adhesive slip resistant material to provide a bandage resiliently stretchable in the longitudinal direction with a slip-resistant surface, the bandage preferably being stretchable exclusively in the longitudinal direction .and the slip- resistant material preferably being a silicone or other rubber. (A slip- resistant material is skin-compatible if it does not cause irritation or dϊunage to the skin or pain in performing its function.)

The invention .also provides a novel fabric, useful as a wrap or support. The fabric is a resiliently stretchable fabric having applied to a .surface thereof a rubber or rubber-like material in a discontinuous arrangement. In one class of embodiments the fabric is unidirectionally stretchable and the rubber or rubber-like material is arranged in one or more continuous lines oriented generally in the stretchable direction. The fabric is preferably elongate in the stretchable direction. In a second class of embodiments, the rubber or rubber-like material is a silicone. The fabric is desirably a .knitted fabric, especially a crotchet-knitted fabric; such fabric normally contains resiliently stretchable strands, usually of elastomer, arranged in the stretchable direction. The knitted fabric may be made of polyester.

The novel fabric desirably has a maximum extension and an elastic modulus as described above in relation to the bandage.

The fabric of the invention may be bandage material, that is material to be cut to length and optionally to have a fastener added, in order to form a bandage. However, the fabric is generally useful as a wrap. The invention includes the use of the fabric to form a bandage.

The present invention is further described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which:

Figure 1 is .an exemplary illustration of a bandage of toe invention; Figure 2 is a graph showing the forces generated during extension of a bandage according to the invention;

Figure 3 shows in perspective view, a variant on the Figure 1 embodiment; .and

Figure 4 is a side elevational view of the Figure 3 embodiment.

Figure 1 illustrates an end portion of a resiliently stretchable bandage or wrap 1, a surface 2 of which resists slipping when the bandage 1 is wrapped around a limb under tension. The illustrated bandage therefore has applied thereto a slip-resistant material 3. The surface 2 forms the inside surface of the bandage when wrapped around a limb and is conveniently referred to as the inside surface.

The illustrated bandage 1 is stretchable only in the longitodinal direction, ie. it resists significant transverse stretching. A transversely stretchable bandage would be unlikely to provide commercially-acceptable support but would provide some support, for which reason such less preferred bandages are not excluded from the invention. The physical properties of the bandage are not critical, so long as, in the case of a limb support, it can function to provide support to a limb when wrapped therearound. However, we have found certain values of elastic modulus and maximum extension to be desirable, as well as the anti-slip property of a particular anti-slip coating. More particularly, the characteristics represented by a combination of such preferred values and property are especially desirable.

The bandage normally has a maximum extension of at least 50% of its relaxed length, preferably of at least 80% and more desirably of 100% or more. Usually the maximum extension is not more than 200% and is more usually not more th.an 150% . Most desirably the m.aximum extension is between 110 and 130%, eg. about 120% . By the teπn

"maximum extension" is meant the extra length of a substantially fully stretched bandage as a percentage of the length of a fully relaxed bandage.

It is common in testing textiles not to determine the true maximum extension at breaking point but to apply a standard force at which the test sample is close to its extension at breaking point, the extension at breaking point typically being within approximately 10 % of the measured maximum extension. Thus, we measured maximum extension of a 3 inch (76mm) wide bandage by applying to the free end of the bandage secured at its other end a force correφonding to that applied by a mass of 6.25kg,

6.25g being the load applied to 76mm fabrics in a standard test.

As used herein, the term "elastic modulus" refers to the force required to be applied to a bandage to extend it by 40% of the extra length of the bandage when extended from a relaxed to a fully stretched state. The force is conveniently expressed as the mass which would have to be hung from the bandage to apply that force. The elastic modulus is generally at least 400g; normally it is no more than 1300g. More preferred minimum and maximum modulus values are 700 and HOOg, particularly preferred maximum and minimum values being 800 and lOOOg.

The slip-resistance preferably corresponds to that provided by a silicone. Thus preferred bandages have a silicone on at least one major surface thereof and normally only one surface thereof. Room temperature vulcanising (RTN) silicone is preferred, since the uncured silicone may be applied cold to the fabric surface and allowed to cure at ambient temperature. Instead of silicone, another rubbery material may be used. The invention therefore includes a support bandage having a silicone on a surface thereof. Instead of a silicone an alternative anti-slip material may be used.

The invention also includes a method of making a fabric product or bandage, comprising applying a room temperature vulcanising silicone to a surface of a resiliently stretchable fabric.

A continuous slip-resistant surface is not necessary and, indeed, has been found to be undesirable. In preferred embodiments, the bandage therefore has a discontinuous coating of slip-resistant material 3. The invention includes bandages having the slip-resistant material 3 arranged in spots or patches but we prefer it be arranged in one or, preferably, a plurality of, lines oriented generally in a longitudinal sense. In the illustrated embodiment the lines are continuous and extend .substantially the length of the bandage. The lines are preferably undulating. If there are three or more transversely spaced lines they are preferably at substantially equidistant mean spacing; the mean distance between each lateralmost line from the adjacent side edge of the fabric is preferably substantially the same as the mean spacing between the lines. The bandage preferably comprises a fabric, and more usually a knitted fabric, especially a crotchet knitted fabric. In preferred embodiments the yarn of the fabric is polyester yarn. Resiliency is suitably provided by longitudinal elastic (resilient) strands, preferably elastomer strands; these strands are suitably laid between the warp threads of a knitted fabric.

Thus, a preferred class of bandages comprise a fabric of crotchet knitted polyester, especially textured polyester, containing elastomer strands laid between the w.arp threads, one surface of the fabric having a plurality of continuous, generally longitodinal and preferably undulating lines of silicone. Preferred and most preferred characteristics of such bandages are approximately as shown in the following Table:

TABLE 1

Preferred Most Preferr.ed

Characteristic V.alue V.alue

Width 1-4 inches 1 inch (25-100mm) (76mm)

Thickness l-3mm 2mm

Weight per 100m 2-4kg 2.9kg

Elastomer content in 8-9cm 8.6cm manufacture per 10cm of fabric

Elastomer strand diameter 1/40-1/65 inch 1/50 inch (0.64-0.39mm) (0.5mm)

Number of elastomer strands 45-65 54 across the bandage

Warp content (wt% of fabric) 20-25% 23%

Weft content (wt% of fabric) 42-48% 45%

Elastomer content (wt% of 29-35% 32% fabric) Number of silicone* lines 2-6 4

Distance between edges of 5-15mm 10-11mm adjacent silicone lines

Separation between peaks of 13-23mm 18mm adjacent silicone lines

Preferably, Silicone RTV 118, a one-part, moisture-curing, translucent, self-levelling, acetoxy silicone from G E Silicones.

Normally, the bandages of said class have values for all the characteristics of the Table which are preferred or most preferred, (eg. a combination of preferred values for some characteristics and most preferred for others), but one or more characteristics may fall outside the preferred value range, especially the width.

Reverting now to the drawing, the bandage 1 has at one end a fastener 4 for fastening the end of the b.andage to an underlying layer of the bandage when it is wrapped around a limb. The fastener 4 is shown to comprise a tab, usually of fabric, extending from the end of the body of the bandage and fastenable to such an underlying bandage layer by entrapment of a plurality of minute barbs 5 on one of the tab 4 and the outside surface of the bandage in a fibrous mat on the other thereof; such "barb fasteners" are commercially available under the trade mark Velcro^®. Similar fasteners sold under other names may equally readily be used. Of course, the fastening material or device (e.g. barbs or fibrous mat) need not be provided on a tab but alternatively may be provided on the body of the bandage 1. If a barb fastener is used, then the part complementary to the barbs or mat on the tab 5 or inside surface 2 of the bandage is suitably provided on the outside surface of the bandage, e.g. in a region between 4.25 inches and 6.75 inches (11 and 17 cm) from the bandage end (i.e. the end of the bandage at which the inside-facing barbs or matting are/is located) in the case of an ankle support. For example, a plurality of .spaced mats may be attached to the outside surface of an ankle support bandage over such a region.

Although the fabric forming part of the inventive bandage may be manufactured in a variety of sizes, its has been found desirable for the thickness of the crocheted or knitted fabric to be no greater than 1mm in its unstretched state. This ensures that on stretching by eg. 50% the fabric thickness decreases to approximately 0.8mm. When stretched by 100%, the fabric thickness typically is 0.65mm. This ensures that the bandage of the mvention does not signific.antly increase the thickness of a limb around which it is wrapped, even in cases where there .are several layers of the bandage wrapped around the limb.

Also, as illustrate by the tlήckness values herein, the fabric does not significantly change its thickness on stretching, thereby rendering it p.articul.arly suitable as a bandage since there it does not significantly limit a user's ability to wear clothing over the bandage.

Furthermore, the use of preferred "50s" rubber strands (ie. strands of a thickness such that 50 of them lain side by side have a width of 25.4mm (1 inch)) to confer elasticity on the fabric, together with use of a crocheted fabric, ensures that the bandage exhibits continuous elasticity throughout the range of its extension. This in turn means that the compressive force applied by the bandage may be predictably adjusted, regardless of the degree (up to m-aximum extension) of extension already conferred during initial application of the bandage.

This effect is illustrated in Figure 2, which is a graph showing the force generated in the fabric of the bandage of the invention in N (y-axis) against percentage extension of the fabric sample (x-axis). (Details of the fabric sample tested appear in Table 2.) As is evident from Figure 2, the fabric exhibits progressive increases in the force generated, over the entire range of extension tested (i.e. from zero extension to a maximum in the test shown of approximately 105% using a 6.25 kg test load). This means that the compressive force applied by the bandage may be finely adjusted, regardless of the extent to which the bandage has already been extended.

TABLE 2

Quality Number DB765

Width 76mm

Shade WHITE

Weight (grams) 45.5

Machine Number

Date 18 June 1996

WITH 4 WAVY STRIPES OF SILICONE

Test Report Extension/Modulus Test

Extn @ 6.25kg Load @ 40% Extn

% g

115 979 113 979 114 979

Mean Std. Day. 114 979 1 0

Another weight of the rubber strands that may be suitable for use in the fabric of the bandage of the invention is "65s", ie. strands of a thickness such that 65 of them lain side by side have a width of 25.4mm (1 inch). Referring now to Figure 3, there is shown an alternative means of attaching the barbed portion of the barb fastener referred to hereinabove.

In Figure 3, the b.arbs 5 are secured to and extend inwardly from a fabric portion 11 that is in turn secured to or integral with the fabric of the bandage.

The region of the barbs 5 terrninates at the boundary of the bandage fabric 1 having the anti-slip material applied thereto, so that the barbs 5 project from substantially the same plane as the outer surface of the bandage fabric having the anti-slip material applied thereto, so that the bond betw-een the barbs and the fibrous mat is generally coplanar with approximately the mid-point of the fabric portion la in Figure 2. This construction may be achieved through forming or attachment of the barbs 5 on approximately half of one surface of a strip of fabric, the barb free part 12 of which is secured to the bandage fabric in the manner of a lap joint. The lap joint may be secured eg. by stitching, radio frequency (or other) welding or through use of adhesive materials acting between fabric 1 and portion 12.

Thus .any tensile forces experienced by the fabric to which the barbs are secured are generally coplanar with the bandage fabric. This eliminates almost entirely the tendency that would otherwise occur for the free end of the fabric strip 11 supporting the b∑trbs 5 to lift when placed in tension (eg. by virtue of compressive wrapping of the bandage of the invention about a limb). Such lifting is strongly undesirable since it tends to cause peeling of the b∑irbs 5 from the fibrous mat secured to the bandage, with the result that the fastener may become undone or may protrude from the bandage, causing discomfort. In other words, the positioning of the barbs and fibrous mat creates a bond that has powerful shear characteristics combined with π-inimal lift characteristics and eliminates to a great extent the lift characteristics normally to be experienced by the hook and loop fasteners.

The resulting bond is shown more clearly in Figure 4, which shows the fastening of Figure 2 in its closed condition. The shear forces tend to act in the plane signified by arrow A.

As is shown in Figures 3 and 4, the fibrous matting of the hook/loop fastener may be applied to the outer surface of the portion lb of bandage fabric 1 in p.arallel bands 13a, 13b, 13c, thereby giving a range of securing positions of the barb fastener, by means of which the compressive force applied by the bandage of the invention may be adjusted.

It is not essential that the bandage have an integral fastener. For example, the free end of a bandage wrapped around a limb could be secured to an underlying bandage layer by a length of adhesive tape; if necessary fresh adhesive tape could be used when the bandage was re-arranged or re-used.

The illustrated bandage is very supportive, comfortable to wear, easy to use and re-usable as well as unlikely to restrict blood flow.

The invention includes not only a bandage or wrap as described above but also a resiliently stretchable or elastic fabric having applied thereto a rubber or rubber-like material in a discontinuous arrangement. Preferred features of the fabric are described above in relation to the bandage.

Claims

1. A resiliently stretchable bandage having a non-adhesive surface which resists slipping when the bandage is wrapped around a limb under tension.

2. A bandage of claim 1 which is capable of extending by at least 50 % of its relaxed length.

3. A bandage of claim 2 which is capable of extending by at least 80 % of its rel-axed length.

4. A b.andage of claim 3 which is capable of extending by at least 100% of its relaxed length.

5. A bandage of any of claims 1 to 4 which, when extended to a maximum, is no more than 200% longer than when in its relaxed state.

6. A bandage of any of claims 1 to 5 which, when extended to a maximum, is no more than 150% longer tiian when in its relaxed state.

7. A bandage of claim 1 which, when extended to a maximum, is between 110 and 130% longer than when in its rel.axed state.

8. A bandage of any of claims 1 to 7 which has an elastic modulus of at least 400g, the elastic modulus being expressed as the mass which would have to be hung from the bandage to extend it by 40% of the additional length of the bandage when extended from its retaxed state to substantially its maximum extended length.

9. A bandage of claim 8, wherein the modulus is at least 700g.

10. A bandage of claim 9, wherein the modulus is at least 800g.

11. A bandage of claim 10, wherein the modulus is no more than 1300g.

12. A bandage of claim 11, wherein the modulus is no more than HOOg.

13. A bandage of claim 12, wherein the modulus is no more titan lOOOg.

14. A bandage of claim 13, wherein the modulus is about 900g.

15. A bandage of any of claims 1 to 14 which is stretchable in a longitodinal direction but substantially unstretchable in a transverse direction.

16. A bandage of any of claims 1 to 15 which is stretchable in a longitudinal direction but -mbstantially unstretchable in a transverse direction.

17. A bandage of claim 16, wherein the fabric is a crotchet knitted fabric.

18. A bandage of claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the fabric is a polyester fabric.

19. A bandage of any of claims 16 to 18, wherein the fabric contains longitudinally oriented resiliently stretchable strands.

20. A bandage of claim 19, wherein the stretchable strands are elastomer strands.

21. A b.andage of claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the strands are laid between die warp threads of the fabric.

22. A bandage of any of claims 1 to 21, wherein the slip resistant surface comprises a rubber or rubber-like material.

23. A bandage of claim 22, wherein the rubber or rubber-like material is a silicone.

24. A bandage of claim 23, wherein the silicone is a room temperature vulcanising silicone.

25. A bandage of any of claims 22 to 24, wherein the slip resistant surface has a discontinuous coverage of said material.

26. A bandage of claim 25, wherein said material is formed as one or more generally longitodinal lines.

27. A bandage of claim 26, wherein the line or lines undulate(s).

28. A bandage of claim 26 or claim 27, wherein there are a plurality of the lines, spaced apart transversely.

29. A bandage of claim 28, wherein the lines are separated by a distance of from 5 to 15 mm.

30. A bandage of claim 29, wherein the lines .are separated by a distance of from 8 to 12 mm.

31. A bandage of any of claims 1 to 30 which is provided at one end with a reusable fastener to fasten the end of die bandage to an underlying bandage layer when the bandage is wrapped around a limb.

32. A bandage according to any preceding claim the thickness of the fabric of which lies in the range 0.8mm - 1.7mm when in its unstretched state.

33. A bandage according to any preceding claim the thickness of the fabric of which lies in the range 0.5 - 0.9mm when in its fully stretched state.

34. A bandage according to any preceding claim including a barb-type fastener the barbs of which .are secured on a piece of fabric having a barb- free portion secured to the fabric of the bandage so that the barbs project from a plane substantially coplanar with the outer surface of the bandage.

35. A bandage according to Claim 34 wherein the barb-free portion is secured to the bandage fabric by welding.

36. A bandage according to Claim 34 wherein the barb-free portion is secured to the bandage fabric by stitching.

37. A bandage according to Claim 34 wherein the barb-free portion is secured to the bandage fabric by means of an adhesive compound.

38. A bandage according to any preceding claim, tiiat is continuously elastic over substantially its entire range of extension.

39. An elongate fabric bandage which is resiliently stretchable in a longitodinal direction but substantially unstretchable in a transverse direction and has a rubber or rubber-like material applied to a major surface of the fabric.

40. A bandage of claim 39, which further includes the specific feator ) of one or more of claims 2 to 14, 16 to 21 , and/or 23, 24 or 26 to 38.

41. A bandage of claim 39, which does not include the specific features of any of claims 26 to 30 but the major .surface of which has a discontinuous covering of said material.

42. A stretchable fabric bandage having a non-slip , or rubber or rubber- like material applied to a .surface thereof and substantially as hereinbefore described.

43. The use of a skin-compatible, non-adhesive, slip-resistant material to provide a bandage resiliently stretchable in its longitodinal direction with a slip-resistant surface.

44. The use to provide slip-resistance of a silicone applied to a surface of an elastically stretchable bandage for supporting injured limbs or joints or for helping to prevent injury to healthy limbs or joints.

45. An elastically stretchable fabric bandage for supporting injured limbs or joints or for helping to prevent injury to healthy limbs or joints which has a silicone applied to a face thereof .

46. A bandage of claim 45, wherein the silicone is applied in a plurality of longitodinal lines extending substantially the length of the bandage.

47. A resiliendy stretchable fabric having applied to a surface thereof a rubber or rubber-like material in a discontinuous arrangement.

48. A fabric of claim 47, which is further characterised by the specific feature(s) or one or more of claims 2 to 21, 23, 24 or 26 to 38.

49. A method of making a fabric product or bandage, comprising applying a room temperature vulcanising silicone to a surface of a resiliently stretchable fabric.

50. A method of supporting an injured limb or joint or for helping to prevent injury to healthy limbs or joints, comprising wrapping around the limb or joint a bandage of any of claims 1 to 31, 32 to 38, 42, 45 or 46.