ELASTIC BANDAGE OR HOSIERY, AND TEXTILE MATERIAL FOR USE IN SUCH AN ELASTIC BANDAGE OR HOSIERY

Abstract

An elastic hosiery formed of a stretchable elastic textile material, wherein the elastic textile material has the elastic property that when a length of unstretched material is stretched to different circumferential lengths, with different yield rates, the pressure exerted by such different circumferential lengths having the same length of unstretched elastic material varies less than 30% over a range of approximately circular circumferences providing a range of yield rates from λ.sub.1 to λ.sub.2, wherein λ.sub.2/λ.sub.1>1.8. The elastic textile material may be a weft knitted material, and including elastic threads or yarns of an elastic material arranged as inlays in weft direction.

Claims

1. An elastic hosiery formed of a stretchable elastic textile material, wherein the elastic textile material has the elastic property that when a length of unstretched material is stretched to different circumferential lengths, with different yield rates, the pressure exerted by such different circumferential lengths having the same length of unstretched elastic material varies less than 30% over a range of approximately circular circumferences providing a range of yield rates from λ.sub.1 to λ.sub.2, wherein λ.sub.2/λ.sub.1>1.8.

2. The elastic hosiery of claim 1, wherein the pressure exerted by such different circumferential lengths having the same length of unstretched elastic material varies less than 20% over a range of circumferences providing a range of yield rates from λ.sub.1 to λ.sub.2.

3. The elastic hosiery of claim 1, wherein the pressure exerted by such different circumferential lengths having the same length of unstretched elastic material varies less than 10% over a range of circumferences providing a range of yield rates from λ.sub.1 to λ.sub.2.

4. The elastic hosiery of claim 1, wherein the λ.sub.2/λ.sub.1>2.0.

5. The elastic hosiery of claim 1, wherein the λ.sub.2/λ.sub.1>2.5.

6. The elastic hosiery of claim 1, wherein the textile material comprises synthetic fibers selected from the group consisting of polyester, polyamide, polypropylene and PLA (polylactic acid).

7. The elastic hosiery of claim 1, wherein the textile material comprises natural fibers, such as cotton or regenerated fibers such as viscose or a mixed spun yarn with multifilament synthetic fibers and natural staple fibers or other mixtures thereof.

8. The elastic hosiery of claim 1, wherein the textile material comprises threads or yarns of at least one elastic material, said elastic material comprising at least one of: elastomeric polymers such as natural rubber, polyisoprene, synthetic rubber, a mix of polyisoprene rubber and styrene butadiene copolymer or a mix of thermoplastic and elastomeric polymers such as polyurethane-polyurea copolymer, and other mixtures thereof.

9. The elastic hosiery of claim 1, wherein the elastic hosiery is a compression stocking or compression sock.

10. The elastic hosiery of claim 1, wherein the elastic textile material is a knitted material, and comprising elastic threads or yarns of an elastic material arranged as inlays in warp or weft direction.

11. The elastic hosiery of claim 10, wherein the elastic threads have a thickness in the range of 0.5-1.0 mm.

12. The elastic hosiery of claim 10, wherein the knitted material has a gauge of wales/inch in the range of 8-25.

13. The elastic hosiery of claim 10, wherein the knitted material has a gauge of wales/inch in the range of 8-15.

14. The elastic hosiery of claim 10, wherein the elastic threads or yarns are inlayed into the knitted structure under tension, with a yield rate in the range of 1.8-4.0.

15. The elastic hosiery of claim 10, wherein the number of elastic threads or yarns per inch is in the range 8-25.

16. The elastic hosiery of claim 10, wherein the number of elastic threads or yarns per inch is in the range 8-15.

17. The elastic hosiery of claim 10, wherein the elastic threads or yarns comprises synthetic rubber.

18. The elastic hosiery of claim 10, wherein the elastic threads or yarns comprises a synthetic elastodiene rubber.

19. An elastic hosiery formed of a stretchable elastic textile material, wherein the elastic textile material is a weft knitted material, and comprising elastic threads or yarns of an elastic material arranged as inlays in weft direction, and wherein elastic textile material has the elastic property that when a length of unstretched material is stretched to different circumferential lengths, with different yield rates, the pressure exerted by such different circumferential lengths having the same length of unstretched elastic material varies less than 30% over a range of approximately circular circumferences providing a range of yield rates from λ.sub.1 to λ.sub.2, wherein λ.sub.2/λ.sub.1>1.8.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0071] For exemplifying purposes, the invention will be described in closer detail in the following with reference to embodiments thereof illustrated in the attached drawings, wherein:

[0072] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates the elastic and mechanical property of an elastic bandage material in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0073] FIG. 2 illustrates the elastic and mechanical properties for some exemplary elastic bandage materials in accordance with the invention, and, as a comparison, for some previously used elastic bandage materials.

[0074] FIGS. 3-20 show an elastic bandage with markings in accordance with different embodiments of the present invention.

[0075] FIG. 21 shows an exemplary embodiment of a warp knitted textile material structure, particularly useful for an elastic bandage material in accordance with the present invention.

[0076] FIG. 22 shows an exemplary embodiment of an elastic hosiery in the form of a compression stocking.

[0077] FIG. 23 shows an exemplary embodiment of an elastic hosiery in the form of short compression leggings.

[0078] FIG. 24 shows an exemplary embodiment of an elastic hosiery in the form of a compression sock.

[0079] FIG. 25 shows an exemplary embodiment of an elastic hosiery in the form of long compression leggings.

[0080] FIG. 26 shows an exemplary embodiment of a weft knitted textile material structure, particularly useful for an elastic hosiery material in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0081] In the following detailed description, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described. However, it is to be understood that features of the different embodiments are exchangeable between the embodiments and may be combined in different ways, unless anything else is specifically indicated. It may also be noted that, for the sake of clarity, the dimensions of certain components illustrated in the drawings may differ from the corresponding dimensions in real-life implementations. Even though in the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known constructions or functions are not described in detail, so as not to obscure the present invention. Further, the same reference signs are used to designate equal or similar parts throughout the drawings.

[0082] Further, the details discussed in relation to elastic bandages are equally applicable to elastic hosiery, and vice versa.

[0083] In FIG. 1, the elastic and mechanical properties of the elastic bandage material in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention are illustrated schematically. The diagram shows the longitudinal force divided by the product of the stretched elastic bandage material width and the stretch ratio 2 as a function of the stretch ratio 1. The stretch ratio 1 is defined as the stretched ratio of the elastic material divided by the unstretched length. An optimal elastic textile material has a range 3, determined by two stretch ratios 7, 8, where the quantity 2 is close to a constant 6. As has been discussed in the foregoing, slight deviations from such a constant can be tolerated, and still provide a highly useable elastic material. The quotient of 8 and 7 determines the possible variation in circumference of the body parts—including how tapered they may be—where the elastic bandage is applied, and it should preferably exceed 1.8, more preferably exceed 1.9, and most preferably exceed 2.0. How close the quantity 2 is to a constant 6 when the elongation is between 7 and 8 determines the precision of the pressure applied by the bandage, and preferably 2 varies less than 30 percent from 6 in the interval, more preferably less than 20 percent, and most preferably less than 10 percent. The behavior 4, 5 outside of the interval determined by 7 and 8 is of less interest.

[0084] FIG. 2 shows experimentally determined values of the quantity in FIG. 1 for the commercially available Dauerbinde K 9 (produced by Lohmann & Rauscher), Refit Band XX-Light 10 (made from natural latex rubber and sold by Mediband AB, Nacka, Sweden), Synthetic rubber threads 2L39 11 (produced by Fulflex Elastomeric Worldwide, USA), and SuperElastic 13 (of 10 cm width, sold by Invivo Trade AB, Ängelhom, Sweden under the brand Masita Sports Medical). As 12 an elastic bandage corresponding to the present invention is illustrated. The textile material of the elastic bandage 12 in this case comprises synthetic rubber threads 2L39.

[0085] Notably, only items 9, 12 and 13, i.e. the Dauerbinde K, the bandage of the present invention and the SuperElastic are bandages. The Refit Band XX-Light 10 is a homogeneous natural latex rubber tape, which is not useable as a bandage. Instead, such tapes are used for rehabilitation and training exercises. This material is included only as a comparative example. Further, the synthetic rubber threads 2L39 are threads, not per se useable as bandages. Instead, these threads are useable e.g. for manufacturing clothes and technical textiles.

[0086] In a further experiment, two conventional bandages and a bandage in accordance with the invention were applied on a model of a human leg. The bandages used were the same bandages as discussed above in relation to FIG. 1, viz. Dauerbinde K, SuperElastic and a bandage in accordance with the present invention. In the following, the Dauerbinde K is referred to as CEA (Comparative Example A), the SuperElastic as CEB (Comparative Example B), and the bandage of the present invention as IE (Inventive Example).

[0087] The bandages were applied in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. The Dauerbinde K and the SuperElastic do not have any markings or the like to guide during application. Instead, the overlap and stretching are continuously controlled and guided by the experience of the bandage applier. The bandage in accordance with the present invention comprised longitudinally displaced markings at 21 cm marking distance, and was applied with 3/5 overlap. The bandages were made applied by two independent bandage appliers, each having sufficient medical training and experience of applying bandages on patients.

[0088] The pressure in various parts of the leg was determined by PicoPress pressure sensors. Three PicoPress sensors were placed at the back (dorsal) of the leg. The first was placed at a thigh position, at a circumference of 47 cm. The second was placed at the calf, at a circumference of 35.5 cm. The third was placed at the wrist, positioned 8 cm above lateral malleolus, at a circumference of 24 cm. The measured pressure at the various parts are presented in the following table (the values being the pressure in mmHg):

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Bandage applier 1 Bandage applier 2 IE CEA CEB IE CEA CEB Thigh 38 53 58 38 27 24 Calf 36 72 78 35 34 18 Wrist 31 55 55 32 44 30 Mean 35 60 64 35 35 24 Variance 13 109 156 9 73 36

[0089] Thus, this experiment shows that by using a bandage in accordance with the present invention, the pressure obtained at various leg parts, having various diameters, is essentially uniform, whereas in the conventional bandages used as comparative examples, the pressure varies very significantly. The result obtained by means of the bandage in accordance with the invention is also highly predictable—almost identical results were obtained by the two independent bandage appliers—whereas the results differed significantly between the two bandage appliers when using the bandages of the comparative examples. Notably, combining the results of the two bandage appliers, the total variance of the inventive example is 9, compared to 260 for comparative example A (the Dauerbinde) and 549 for comparative example B (the SuperElastic).

[0090] Thus, it has been shown that bandages according to the present invention provide much lower pressure variations in different parts of the leg, and thus are more insensitive to variations in circumference, and also provide improved predictability and controllability, compared to bandages of the prior art.

[0091] FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of the elastic compression bandage 14, when unstretched (to the left) and when wrapped around a body part L in a stretched state (to the right). Repeated markings 15 and 16 are here provided as lines extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the elastic bandage. The lines extend over the whole, or almost the whole width of the elastic bandage. At every turn except the first, the elastic bandage is stretched so that the transversal markings 15 and 16—from the previous and current turn, respectively—become translates of each other in the longitudinal direction 17 of the body part L. In another embodiment, the transversal markings could instead align.

[0092] The transversal markings could be printed on both sides or on one side of the elastic bandage 14, and the markings need not be the same on both sides. The transversal markings could also be embedded into the textile material of the elastic bandage. In one embodiment markings are printed on the skin-side of the bandage 14 and the elastic bandage is at least partly transparent when stretched. In another embodiment markings are printed on the skin-side of a bandage 14 which is opaque when stretched, but still serve a purpose as they are visible when the elastic bandage is applied.

[0093] In yet another embodiment the markings are invisible to the human eye and have to be read by different means, such as tactilely, electrically, by x-ray, under ultraviolet light, or magnetically. In still another embodiment the markings are present when the elastic bandage is applied, but fade away over time, for instance due to withering, a chemical reaction, or for some other reason initiated by the stretching of the elastic bandage.

[0094] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment—similar to that in FIG. 3—where the transversal markings 18 and 19 only extend partly across the elastic bandage 14. In this embodiment it is easier to estimate the overlap between different turns.

[0095] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment—similar to that in FIG. 3—where the transversal markings are reduced to marks 21 and 22 near the edge 20 of the elastic bandage 14.

[0096] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment similar to that in FIG. 5, but having also transversal markings 23 and 24 near the opposite edge. In this embodiment the elastic bandage can be wrapped in any direction around the body part L without hiding the markings.

[0097] FIG. 7 shows an embodiment where there are several transversal markings 15, 25, 27 (first turn shown), 16, 28 (second turn shown) for every turn. As the elastic bandage 14 is wrapped around the body part, the pairs 15, 16 and 25, 28 are matched as in FIG. 3. Labels 26, 29, 30, 31, 32 aid in finding the corresponding transversal markings. Having several transversal markings for every turn makes it easier to apply the elastic bandage with a consistent force during the turns.

[0098] In the embodiment in FIG. 7 there are three transversal markings for every turn, and the longitudinal distance between the two adjacent markings 15 and 25 is shorter than the distance between 25 and 27. In other embodiments there could be any number of transversal markings for every turn, and the distances between any pair of adjacent transversal markings may all be different. In another embodiment the markings 26, 29, 30, 31, 32 may be omitted. Yet another embodiment could instead of labels, or as a complement to labels, use transversal markings that are visually distinct, such as being of different color or of varying stroke width, or comprising different symbols.

[0099] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 a scale 35 is printed in the longitudinal direction of the elastic bandage 14. The elastic bandage is then wrapped around the body part L in such a way that the difference between the scale elements 33, 34, matched as in FIG. 3, is given by a constant. Different constants correspond to different pressures, and the scale can be normalized so that the inverse of the constant yields the applied pressure in a customary pressure unit such as Pascal (Pa) or millimeter of mercury (mmHg). In one embodiment the scale 35 is monotonically and equidistantly increasing throughout the elastic bandage 14. In another embodiment the scale repeats itself at some interval longer than a desired shortest possible difference, and the difference between two scale elements 33, 34 is calculated modulo the length of the scale. In yet another embodiment the scale splits after some interval with one branch repeating itself, whereas the other only continues to increase monotonically for some distance and then ends.

[0100] The markings of this embodiment allow the user to use different constants when applying the elastic bandage, thereby using different lengths of unstretched elastic bandage material for each turn. Hereby, the application of the elastic bandage can easily be used for application of different pressures on different patients, and it may also be used to apply different pressure at different sections and the like.

[0101] FIG. 9 shows an embodiment, similar to that in FIG. 8, where both transversal marking lines 36 and scales 35 are repeated in the longitudinal direction of the elastic bandage 14. As the elastic bandage is wrapped around the body part L at a specified overlap, the applied pressure can be read where the transversal marking line 36 intersect the scale 35, which may show the applied pressure in a customary unit such as Pascal (Pa) or millimeter of mercury (mmHg). In another embodiment, several scales may occupy the same longitudinal section of the elastic bandage.

[0102] FIG. 10 shows an embodiment, similar to that in FIG. 9, but where the scale 35 and reference mark 36 have switched order. In this embodiment, the reference mark 36 can be reduced to a single marking near the edge 20 of the elastic bandage 14. Different overlaps are handled by including more than one scale 35a, 35b and reading the scale closest to the edge 20 that is not covered by the elastic bandage 14.

[0103] FIG. 11 shows an embodiment where the elastic bandage 14 is to be wrapped in a specified direction around the body part L, with the edge 20 aligning with a longitudinal marking 39, 40 depending on the desired overlap. The markings 37, 38 indicate the pressure resulting from that overlap, and also form transversal markings, similar to 15 and 16 in FIG. 3, that indicate the desired elongation of the elastic bandage. In other embodiments there could be any number of longitudinal markings 39, 40 and markings 37, 38.

[0104] It is also possible to use non-longitudinal lines, as is per se known from WO 98/47452, said document hereby being incorporated by reference.

[0105] The embodiment in FIG. 12 is similar to that in FIG. 11, but has longitudinal markings 41, 42 that are present only at certain longitudinal sections of the elastic bandage. In another embodiment the labels 37, 38 are omitted, and instead the longitudinally confined markings 41, 42 indicate also the desired elongation; or vice versa in yet another embodiment. In other embodiments, those labels and markings 37, 38, 41, 42 that do not indicate the desired elongation may be longitudinally shifted or omitted.

[0106] FIG. 13 shows an embodiment similar to that in FIG. 11, where the correct elongation is instead indicated by matching the transversal markings 15, 16 as in FIG. 3.

[0107] FIG. 14 shows an embodiment where one longitudinal marking 40 is transversally centered at the elastic bandage with the other longitudinal markings 39, 43 symmetrically distributed around it. In this case it is not necessary to wrap the elastic bandage in any specified direction around the body part.

[0108] FIG. 15 shows an embodiment where the elastic bandage 14 has overlap markings 37, 38, 45, corresponding to different pressures, and holes/openings 44, 46. As the elastic bandage is wrapped around the leg L the markings 37, 38, 45 from the previous turn become visible through the hole 46 when the elastic bandage is wrapped with the correct elongation and overlap. In a similar embodiment the elastic bandage is sufficiently transparent to allow a reading through the fabric, and the hole 44, 46 is replaced by a marking on the elastic bandage itself. In another similar embodiment, the elastic bandage at large is not sufficiently transparent to allow a reading through the textile material, but the material used inside of the markings 44, 46 is. In all of the embodiments the markings 37, 38, 45 may be shifted in the longitudinal direction of the elastic bandage to facilitate the reading at the corresponding overlap.

[0109] FIG. 16 shows an embodiment similar to FIG. 13 where the elastic bandage 14 consists of visually, tactilely, or otherwise distinct longitudinal sections 47, 48, 49. As the elastic bandage is wrapped around a body part, each turn consists of the same number of longitudinal sections, or alternatively varied in a consistent fashion. In another embodiment, the sections 47, 48, 49 have different longitudinal length. In yet another embodiment the sections are repeated in a regular fashion, and in still another embodiment the sections do not repeat in a regular fashion and are, for instance, instead permutated or all different. In all embodiments there are at least two, but otherwise any number of longitudinal sections.

[0110] FIG. 17 shows an embodiment that is particularly suitable for different target pressures. The elastic bandage 14 has two sets of distinct markings 15 and 50. Wrapping the bandage 14 around a body part in such a way that 15a is matched with 15b and 15b with 15c—as in FIG. 3—yields one specific pressure, and if instead 50a matches 50b which in turn matches 50c , then a different specific pressure is applied to the body part. In one embodiment, the distance between the marks within the different sets of indicators 15 and 50 is chosen as integer multiplies of each other, allowing transversal markings to be shared. In another embodiment, the markings of the different sets are instead shifted in the longitudinal direction with respect to each other in order to minimize the overlap between the sets.

[0111] FIG. 18 shows an embodiment that yields a graduated pressure when wrapped around a body part with constant overlap. As in FIG. 3, the elastic bandage 14 is stretched so that the transversal markings 15 match, but in this embodiment the longitudinal distance between the transversal markings increase. For instance, the pressure applied by the bandage between 15a and 15b is higher than that between 15b and 15c , as the latter to markings are separated by a larger longitudinal distance.

[0112] Alternatively, the markings per se known from U.S. Pat. No. 5,195,950 may be used, said document hereby being incorporated in its entirety by reference. FIG. 19 shows an embodiment, similar to that in FIG. 3, where slanted transversal markings 51, 52 are at a constant non-right angle to the elastic bandage edge 20. The angle is chosen so that the transversal markings 51, 52 align in the longitudinal direction of the body part L, as the elastic bandage is stretched around a body part L with a specific circumference and a specific overlap. For other circumferences or overlaps, the markings 15, 16 will no longer align in the longitudinal direction of the body part, but the angle to the longitudinal direction will typically be smaller than in the embodiment in FIG. 3.

[0113] FIG. 20 shows an embodiment similar to that in FIG. 19, but where slanted and curved transversal markings 53, 54 are provided. The marking lines are here curved in such a way that the parts of 53, 54 that are closest to the edge 20 align in the longitudinal direction of the body part L when the elastic bandage is wrapped at any overlap around the body part with a specific circumference. For other circumferences, the parts of 53, 54 that are closest to the edge 20 will no longer align, but the distance between the parts will be smaller than in FIG. 3 and, for general overlaps, smaller than in FIG. 19.

[0114] The elastic material discussed in the foregoing in relation to an elastic bandage may also be used for elastic hosieries. Some exemplary embodiments of such elastic hosieries are illustrated in FIGS. 22-25.

[0115] FIG. 22 shows an exemplary embodiment of an elastic hosiery in the form of a compression stocking. Here, the compression stocking covers both the foot and the lower leg, and extends up over the knee.

[0116] FIG. 23 shows an exemplary embodiment of an elastic hosiery in the form of short compression leggings, extending from the ankle, over the lower leg and calf, and up to the knee.

[0117] FIG. 24 shows an exemplary embodiment of an elastic hosiery in the form of a compression sock, covering the foot and extending up to the ankle.

[0118] FIG. 25 shows an exemplary embodiment of an elastic hosiery in the form of long compression leggings, extending over the whole legs, and up over the hip to the waist.

[0119] The elastic material having the above-discussed elastic and mechanical properties may be realized in many various ways, as would be obvious for the skilled addressee. In the following, some presently preferred realizations will be discussed in more detail.

[0120] An elastic textile bandage and an elastic textile hosiery as discussed above may be composed of a warp knitted construction, as illustrated schematically in FIG. 21, including both inelastic yarns—weft inlay 55 and warp (ground yarn) 56—and elastic threads 57. Here, the warp 56 extends in the wale direction, i.e. vertically in the illustrative figure, and the weft inlay 55 extends perpendicularly to the wale direction, in the weft direction, i.e. horizontally in the illustrative figure. The elastic threads 57 here extends in the wale direction, i.e. vertically in the illustrative figure, and generally perpendicular to the weft inlay. The textile bandage in this example may be produced on a Standard Raschel warp knitting machine, with various numbers of warp bars on the knitting machine. The gauge (wales/inch) could be varied depending on the desired mesh size of the textile material and could range from E 8 to E 30 and preferably between E 10 and E 20.

[0121] The gauge can be calculated by dividing the total number of needles in a knitting machine with the length of the needle bed. For example, a 7.5-inch diameter circular stocking machine may have 235 needles. The circumference of a circle is the diameter times π, and for a 7.5 inch diameter, the circumference is 23.55 inches. The gauge in this example is then 235/23.55, which is approximately 10 needles per inch. Thus, in this example, the gauge is E 10. “E” here stands for the number of needles per inch.

[0122] In a preferred embodiment, the gauge is in the range E 8-E25, and preferably in the range of E 8-E 20, and most preferably in the range of E 8-E 15, such as E 10.

[0123] The warp knitting machine preferably has thread guides for a weft inlay system over the whole fabric width. The thread guides inserts the weft threads in parallel with the machine's needle bed. The mesh forming warp system performs an open pillar stitch into which the elastic threads and the inelastic weft yarns are placed.

[0124] The warp (open pillar stitch) is knitted on every needle, one could also knit the open pillar stitch on every second needle to get a wider mesh or use a machine with a different gauge.

[0125] The preferred warp in this example may be a multifilament yarn of 100% polyester. One could also use a mixed spun yarn with multifilament polyester fibers and cotton or viscose fibers.

[0126] The weft inlay is preferably a weave spun yarn, of 100% cotton or spun polyester. However, other fiber materials may also be used. For example, weave spun yarn of viscose or a mixed fiber yarn may also be used, for example cotton/viscose or cotton/polyester or viscose/polyester or other mixtures thereof.

[0127] The elastic threads can be either monofilament or multifilament yarn, where monofilament is preferred as they are more suitable to use in the machine's inlay system. The elastic threads in the example that are inlayed in the warp direction are preferably elastomeric polymer monofilament threads. The elastomeric polymers could be of natural rubber, but preferably synthetic rubber is used, and most preferably synthetic elastodiene rubber.

[0128] In the exemplary embodiment, the elastic threads have a rectangular cross section, with dimensions preferably ranging from 0.2 millimeter to 1.0 millimeter, or 0.5 millimeter to 1.0 millimeter. However, other dimensions may also be used. The cross section of the elastic threads could also be circular with different dimensions as mentioned above.

[0129] The elastic threads are preferably inlayed into the knitted structure under a certain elongation (tension). The elastic threads may e.g. be inlayed into the knitted structure with a yield rate exceeding λ=1 (i.e. no tension) by a factor of 1.8 or more, and preferably 1.9 or more, and more preferably 2.0 or more, and more preferably 2.4 or more, 2.5 or more, 2.7 or more, such as 3.0 or more. The elastic threads may be inlayed into the knitted structure with a yield rate in the range of 1.8-4.0, and preferably in the range of 2.0-3.5, and more preferably in the range of 2.5-3.5.

[0130] The weft inlay over the whole fabric width binds the wales together, causing less stiffness or impact on the stretch properties in the warp direction. The weft inlay can be inserted on both sides of the warp, using a fine yarn or inserted only on one side, using a thicker yarn. However the weft inlay gives a very form stable and a non-stretchable construction in the weft direction hence minimizing the impact on the elasticity in the warp direction, also the width decrease of the bandage in the longitudinal direction is very limited when stretched. In addition, one of the weft inlays may preferably be arranged between two needles, in order to fixate the wales.

[0131] Each wale of open pillar stich preferably includes an elastic thread. The number of elastic threads/inch in the construction is hereby preferably equal to the gauge.

[0132] In a preferred hosiery embodiment, the number of elastic threads/inch in the horizontal direction is in the range 10-35, and preferably in the range of 20-30, and most preferably in the range of 22-28, such as 25.

[0133] The mesh density (number of courses/cm) can be varied, and can for example range from 4 to 14 courses/cm, depending on the desired properties.

[0134] Another technique to produce an elastic textile bandage material is to use weaving. In a plain weave, the warp could include the elastic threads. Hereby, the elastic properties would be in the longitude direction as is commonly preferred in a bandage. The weft could be of the same material as described for the weft in the warp knitting technique. One could also wary the woven structure using plain weave with an interlacement at every thread, one over—one under, or the related variants such as: two over—two under, or three over—three under.

[0135] A technique particularly suited to produce an elastic hosiery, such as a tubular bandage or a compression sock or stocking, is weft knitting, using a circular knitting machine, i.e. circular weft knitting. To this end, it is possible to incorporate the elastic threads together with the yarn that forms the stitches, giving the tubular bandage elastic properties in both directions.

[0136] The elastic threads could also be laid into the knitting tube as weft inlay, similar to the incorporation of the elastic threads in the warp knitting technique. Such an embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 26. The material here comprises a weft knitted material, with weft 55′ extending in horizontal courses, and forming wales extending in the vertical direction. The elastic threads 57′ are here provided as inlays in the weft direction, i.e. in the coarse direction, and perpendicular to the wale direction. In the illustrative figure, the elastic threads 55′ extends in a horizontal direction.

[0137] The number of elastic threads/inch in the horizontal direction is preferably in the range 10-35, and preferably in the range of 20-30, and most preferably in the range of 22-28, such as 25.

[0138] The circular weft knitting machine may have a double needle bed and at least two knitting systems. An additional preferable device is a positive yarn feeder for the elastic weft inlay.

[0139] As before, the ground yarn that performs the stitches, i.e. the weft 55′, could be either a spun multifilament yarn of cotton, polyamide, polyester, viscose or a spun multifilament yarn with mixed fibers for example cotton/polyester, cotton/viscose, or polyester/viscose or other mixtures thereof.

[0140] The elastic inlay threads can, as in previous examples, be either monofilament or multifilament yarn. The elastic threads are preferably elastomeric polymer monofilament threads. The elastomeric polymers could be of natural rubber, but preferably synthetic rubber is used, and most preferably synthetic elastodiene rubber.

[0141] In the exemplary embodiment, the elastic threads have a rectangular cross section, with dimensions preferably ranging from 0.2 millimeter to 1.0 millimeter. However, other dimensions may also be used. The cross section of the elastic threads could also be circular with different dimensions as mentioned above.

[0142] The elastic threads are preferably inlayed into the knitted structure under a certain elongation (tension). The elastic threads may e.g. be inlayed into the knitted structure with a yield rate exceeding λ=1 (i.e. no tension) by a factor of 1.8 or more, and preferably 1.9 or more, and more preferably 2.0 or more, and more preferably 2.4 or more, 2.5 or more, 2.7 or more, such as 3.0 or more. The elastic threads may be inlayed into the knitted structure with a yield rate in the range of 1.8-4.0, and preferably in the range of 2.0-3.5, and more preferably in the range of 2.5-3.5.

[0143] Preferably, the number of elastic threads/inch in the horizontal direction is in the range 10-35, and preferably in the range of 20-30, and most preferably in the range of 22-28, such as 25.

[0144] The mesh density (number of courses/cm) can be varied, and can for example range from 4 to 14 courses/cm (10-35 courses/inch), depending on the desired properties.

[0145] Another weft knitting technique that may be used to make a tubular bandage or a stocking is flat weft knitting. A flat weft knitting machine also has the possibility to add the elastic threads as weft inlay. The elastic material could be flat knitted and at the finishing process sewn together as a tubular bandage or a stocking. This technique also allows for whole-garment knitting, i.e. seam-free hosiery.

[0146] Another example to make a tubular bandage or a sock could be to use warp knitting technique. This could be done either on a circular warp-knitting machine or a flat warp-knitting machine. By using a circular warp-knitting machine with a weft inlay system to incorporate the elastic treads in the ground stitches one could create a tubular bandage or a sock that corresponds to the above described criteria. Using a flat warp-knitting machine, the width could be extended by increasing the number of working needles, thereby producing a wider fabric that could be sewn together to form a tube. The seam could for example be a flatlock seam, avoiding seam allowance that could cause marks on the skin. Another technique instead of a seam could be welding, using either thermoplastic material in the yarns or by using a thermoplastic tape that would work as the adhesive between the two fabric surfaces that has to be welded together to form a tube.

[0147] An example of an elastic bandage material fulfilling the above-discussed elastic properties has been manufactured and tested. This elastic material corresponds to the material 12 discussed in the foregoing in relation to FIG. 2. The material was warp knitted, with a gauge of E10 (i.e. with 10 wales or needles per inch). The material comprised warp of polyester. The material further comprises a weft inlay of cotton or spun polyester, arranged as illustrated in FIG. 21, and possibly with another inlay of cotton on the opposite side, between two needles, and with elastic threads arranged as inlays perpendicular to the weft inlay, as also illustrated in FIG. 21. The elastic threads are here monofilament threads of the synthetic rubber named 2L39, which is a synthetic elastodiene rubber produced by Fulflex Elastomeric Worldwide, USA. The elastic threads had a rectangular cross section, with dimensions within the range from 0.2 millimeter to 1.0 millimeter. In a preferred embodiment, the elastic threads may have the cross-sectional dimensions 0.30×0.56 mm or 0.34×0.97 mm. The elastic threads were inlayed into the warp knitted structure under a certain elongation (tension), corresponding to a yield rate of about 3. The number of elastic threads/inch was about 10. The mesh density (number of courses/cm) was about 5 courses/cm.

[0148] As discussed in the foregoing, in relation to FIG. 2, this material was found to provide a very uniform pressure between yield rates from about 1.4 to about 3.4.

[0149] As an example of an elastic hosiery, a compression ankle sock and a compression knee-high stocking were manufactured and tested. The material was made by weft knitting, using a circular knitting machine, i.e. circular weft knitting. The machine was a double-bed circular knitting machine, equipped with two series of needles, one that fits in the cylinder, while the other series fits in the plate or “dial”. The knitting pattern used was a 1×1 rib knit, i.e. with every other face loop and every other back loop. The elastic threads were laid into the knitting tube as weft inlay, as illustrated in FIG. 26. The material was weft knitted, with a gauge of E10 (i.e. with 10 wales or needles per inch). The material comprised weft of polyamide. The material comprised elastic threads arranged as weft inlays in every course along the shaft and in every second course in the cuff, as also illustrated in FIG. 26. The elastic threads were here monofilament threads of the synthetic rubber named 2L39, produced by Fulflex Elastomeric Worldwide, USA. The elastic threads had a rectangular cross section, with dimensions within the range from 0.5 millimeter to 1.0 millimeter. In a preferred embodiment, the elastic threads may have the cross-sectional dimensions 0.30×0.56 mm or 0.34×0.97 mm. The elastic threads were inlayed into the knitted structure under a certain elongation (tension), corresponding to a yield rate of about 3. The number of elastic threads/inch in the shaft was the same as the stitch density, of 10 stitches/cm, i.e. 25.4 elastic threads/inch. However, the number of elastic threads/inch could be less in some parts of the stocking, such as in the toe part and the cuff, thereby providing these parts with lower pressure.

[0150] It was found that this material had the same advantageous properties, in particular the elastic properties, as the elastic bandage material 12 discussed in relation to FIG. 2.

[0151] The elastic threads or yarns as discussed in the foregoing may be formed essentially only of the elastic material, such as being made essentially only of synthetic rubber, and preferably synthetic elastodiene rubber. In such embodiments, the elastic threads or yarns may be referred to as bare or naked threads. However, in other embodiments, the elastic threads or yarns may be covered with a covering material, such as covering yarn. This may e.g. be used to increase the abrasion resistance. The covering material/yarn may e.g. be of polyamide. The covered threads/yarns may e.g. be in the form of a core-spun thread/yarn, with the elastic material arranged as a core covered by one, two or more covering yarn(s), e.g. wound as a helix around the core.

[0152] The invention has now been disclosed by reference to preferred embodiments. However, it is to be acknowledged by the skilled addressee that several further modifications are feasible. For example, other elastic materials, and combinations of in-elastic and elastic materials may be used, other production technologies may be employed, etc. Further, the repeated markings allowing the turns to use a predetermined amount of unstretched elastic bandage material may be realized in many different ways, some of which have been disclosed in the foregoing. However, many other alternative embodiments would be feasible to the same or similar ends.

[0153] Such and other obvious modifications must be considered to be within the scope of the present invention, as it is defined by the appended claims. It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting to the claim. The word “comprising” does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed in the claim. The word “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.