TEXTILE PART

Abstract

A textile part, in particular a textile orthopedic aid, including a textile main panel as well as at least one functional element from plastics material which is disposed on the main panel, wherein the functional element is connected either in a form-fitting or a form-fitting and materially integral manner to at least one fastening element, and the fastening element is connected in a materially integral manner to the main panel.

Claims

1. A textile part, in particular a textile orthopedic aid, comprising a textile main panel as well as at least one functional element from plastics material which is disposed on the main panel, wherein the functional element is connected either in a form-fitting or a form-fitting and materially integral manner to at least one fastening element, and the fastening element is connected in a materially integral manner to the main panel.

2. The textile part according to claim 1, wherein the fastening element is flexible or rigid.

3. The textile part according to claim 1, wherein the fastening element is a plastics-material element or has a carrier having a plastics-material coating on one side or both sides, or in that a fused intermediate tier which establishes the materially integral connection is provided between the fastening element and the main panel.

4. The textile part according to claim 1, wherein the functional element and/or the fastening element or the plastics-material coating or the intermediate tier are/is composed of polyamide, polyvinylchloride, polyurethane, polyethylene, or a thermoplastic elastomer, in particular a urethane-based thermoplastic elastomer.

5. The textile part according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of functional elements are disposed either in a form-fitting or a form-fitting and materially integral manner on a common fastening element.

6. The textile part according to claim 1, wherein a functional element which is composed of a plurality of parts that are able to move relative to one another is provided, wherein one part is connected either in a form-fitting or a form-fitting and materially integral manner to a first fastening element, and one further part is connected either in a form-fitting or a form-fitting and materially integral manner to a second fastening element, and both fastening elements are fastened in a materially integral manner to the main panel joint.

7. The textile part according to claim 1, wherein at least one groove which is undercut on one side or both sides and in which the functional element is received is provided on the fastening element.

8. The textile part according to claim 1, wherein at least one L-shaped or T-shaped protrusion which is received in a groove that is undercut on one side or both sides on the functional element is configured on the fastening element.

9. The textile part according to claim 1, wherein one through hole or a plurality of through holes is/are provided on the fastening element.

10. The textile part according to claim 1, wherein the functional element or elements and the fastening element or elements are joined by a plastic coating method, in particular a two-component plastic coating method.

11. The textile part according to claim 1, wherein the main panel is an in particular compressive knitted panel.

12. The textile part according to claim 1, wherein said textile part is a bandage, an orthotic, or a stocking, in particular a compression stocking, on which an elongate or curved rod-type functional element, a joint-type functional element, a functional element configured as a belt loop, a functional element configured as a traction aid that is able to be manually gripped, or a functional element configured as a pad is provided.

13. A method for producing a textile part according to claim 1, wherein at least one functional element which is connected either in a form-fitting or a form-fitting and materially integral manner to at least one fastening element is disposed on a textile main panel, whereupon a materially integral connection between the fastening element and the main panel is established by an input of energy.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein a materially integral connection between the functional element and the fastening element is also established by the input of energy.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein the fastening element, or the fastening element and the functional element, or an intermediate tier disposed between the fastening element and the main panel, is/are locally fused in order for the connection to be established.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0032] In the drawing:

[0033] FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration in the form of an exploded view of a textile part according to the invention, having a separate functional element, a separate fastening element having a separate main panel;

[0034] FIG. 2 shows the assembly from FIG. 1 having a fastening element placed on the main panel, having a functional element already fixed thereto in a form-fitting manner;

[0035] FIG. 3 shows the assembly from FIG. 2 in the welded final state;

[0036] FIG. 4 shows a schematic illustration of a second embodiment of a textile part according to the invention in a partial view;

[0037] FIG. 5 shows a schematic illustration of a third embodiment of a textile part according to the invention in a partial view;

[0038] FIG. 6 shows a schematic illustration of a fourth embodiment of a textile part according to the invention in a partial view;

[0039] FIG. 7 shows a schematic illustration of a first specific form of implementation of a textile part in the form of a bandage;

[0040] FIG. 8 shows a schematic illustration of a second specific form of implementation of a textile part in the form of an orthotic;

[0041] FIG. 9 shows a schematic illustration of a third specific form of implementation of a textile part in the form of a stocking; and

[0042] FIG. 10 shows a fourth specific design embodiment of a textile part in the form of a stocking having a belt loop.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] FIG. 1 in the form of an exploded view shows a textile part 1 according to the invention, comprising a main panel 2, preferably a textile knitted panel, in particular having compressive properties. The main panel 2 has an external side 3 onto which a fastening element 4 as well as a functional element 5, which is fixed to the fastening element 4, are subsequently placed. Alternatively to the disposal on the external side 3, there is of course also the possibility of placing the functional element 5 and the fastening element 4 on the opposite internal side of the main panel 2.

[0044] The fastening element 2 presently is a plastics-material element, for example, in the manner of an elongate, comparatively flexible or rather comparatively stiff plastics-material film, for example, which has a corresponding element base 6 having a lower side 7, wherein a form-fit contour 9 is configured on the opposite upper side 8 in the example shown, said form-fit contour 9 comprising two legs 10 which define a groove 11 which is undercut on both sides and into which the functional element 5, embodied so as to be compatible in terms of shape, can be inserted, or snap-fitted, respectively.

[0045] To this end, the functional element 5 which is likewise composed of plastics material likewise has a corresponding form-fit contour 12 on both sides, said form-fit contour 12 comprising two rebates 13, the transversely running portions of the legs 10 in the snap-fit position engaging into said rebates 13, see FIG. 2.

[0046] The functional element 5, for example a stabilizing splint, is likewise from plastics material, as described. This herein can be the same plastics material as that of the fastening element 4, or can be another plastics material, as long as said functional element 5 and said fastening element 4 can both be connected in a materially integral manner to one another by a plastics welding method, should this be desired. However, a materially integral bond is not mandatory since a form-fitting bond is provided.

[0047] The fastening element 4 and the functional element 5 can also be of identical color; alternatively, it is however also conceivable for the functional element 5 to have a different color than the fastening element. In the case of a black main panel 2, thus a black textile knitted panel, for example, the fastening element is also embodied so as to be black in order for said fastening element to be as inconspicuous as possible. In contrast, the functional element 5 can have a significantly different color, wherein this other color can be chosen for design reasons, on the one hand, or else in order to indicate herewith which mechanical properties the functional element 5 has, thus for example how stiff the latter is, on the other hand, if the functional element 5 is a stabilizing stiffener.

[0048] In the next step shown in FIG. 2, the functional element 5 is first snap-fitted or latch-fitted into the groove 11 of the fastening element 4 such that said functional element 5 is fixed and received in a form-fitting manner in said groove 11. A reliable fastening is provided by way of this form-fit, just like it is also ensured herewith that the mechanical properties, thus the functional properties of the functional element 5, are mandatorily transmitted to the fastening element 4. Since the fastening element 4 is fixedly connected to the main panel 2, as will yet be discussed hereunder, these properties in this instance are herewith also mandatorily transmitted to the main panel 2 and thus also to the part of the body which is engaged across by said main panel 2.

[0049] It can be seen in FIG. 2 that the fastening element 4 by way of the lower side 7 bears on the external side 3 of the main panel 2, thus providing contact across a large area.

[0050] While the fastening element 4 and the functional element 5 in FIGS. 1 and 2 are shown as separate piece parts, it is to be noted that said fastening element 4 and said functional element 5 can already be produced as a two-component piece part by a two-component injection-molding method at the factory or the production facility such that both piece parts after the injection-molding are already connected in a form-fitting manner to one another. Separate joining, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, is not required in this instance; rather, the two-component piece part composed of the fastening element and the functional element can be placed directly on the main panel and subsequently be welded, this being discussed hereunder in the next step which is likewise shown in FIG. 2.

[0051] In the next step, likewise illustrated in FIG. 2, a materially integral connection at least between the fastening element 4 and the main panel 2, or else between the functional element 5 and the fastening element 4 in the example shown, is now established, this however not being mandatory since the functional element 5 by way of the form-fit is already firmly fixed to the fastening element 4. In order for the materially integral welded connection to be established, an input of energy takes place in a single process step, as is illustrated by the arrows P1. The energy is preferably supplied in the form of high-frequency or ultrasonic vibrations, plastics welding thus being performed. The input of energy has the effect that local fusing of the fastening element on the surface takes place in the region where said fastening element bears on the main panel, thus in the region of the lower side 7 of said fastening element. On account thereof, wetting of the surface of the main panel 2 arises on account of the fused plastics material, the latter optionally also somewhat penetrating the textile structure of the main panel 2 such that a fixed, materially integral bond arises after the fused plastics material has cured.

[0052] In the example shown, a materially integral connection between the functional element 5 and the fastening element 4 is implemented in the region of the form-fitting connection. This means that fusing of the material of the fastening element 4 as well as of the functional element 5 takes place in the respective neighboring boundary region on account of the input of energy such that a materially integral connection is also provided there upon curing.

[0053] The completed fixed final state is shown in FIG. 3. It can be seen that a materially integral connection 14 is provided between the fastening element 4 and the main panel 2, as is illustrated by the serrated lines, as is also a materially integral connection 15 between the functional element 5 and the fastening element 4 in the region of the groove, this likewise being illustrated by the serrated lines.

[0054] FIG. 4 shows a further alternative of a textile part 1 according to the invention, wherein the same reference signs are used for identical elements. Provided again are a fastening element 4 as well as three functional elements 5 and one main panel 2 in the example shown, said main panel 2 again preferably being a textile knitted panel. Three different fastening points are presently provided on the fastening element 4, specifically a centric fastening point which corresponds to that from FIGS. 1 to 3 and is implemented by way of the two L-shaped legs 10 which define the groove 11 undercut on both sides. The functional element which has the two rebates 13 is already snap-fitted into said groove 11 in a form-fitting manner; this form-fitting connection here is final, that is to say that no materially integral connection is provided in this exemplary case.

[0055] Furthermore provided are two legs 16 which are in each case embodied so as to be L-shaped but in a stand-alone manner. Two further functional elements 5 which have a reversed form-fit contour, each in the form of a rebate 13, are assigned to said two legs 16 and fixed thereon. Said further functional elements 5 are pushed below the respective L-shaped leg 16, so to speak, such that said L-shaped leg by way of the transverse leg thereof engages in the rebate 13. A form-fit is provided there. In order for the functional elements 5 to be additionally fixed, an input of energy has taken place in the region of said two lateral functional elements 5 such that corresponding materially integral connections 15 are configured there, just like a corresponding materially integral connection 14 between the fastening element 4 and the main panel 2 is of course also established by way of the input of energy. FIG. 4 serves as a schematic illustration showing that, apart from a combined bond of a materially integral bond and a form-fitting bond, only a purely form-fitting bond can also be provided.

[0056] Furthermore shown here are through holes 25 which are configured on the fastening element. The bearing face between the fastening element 4 and the main panel 2 is somewhat reduced by way of said through holes 25 such that the flexibility or elasticity of the main panel 2 is somewhat less affected by the welding of the fastening element 4, this being particularly expedient when the fastening element 4 per se is a flexible element.

[0057] FIG. 5 shows a third exemplary embodiment of a textile part 1 according to the invention. Provided again are the main panel 2 as well as the fastening element 4 on which three receptacles for three functional elements 5 are again provided, said functional elements 5 having in each case two L-shaped legs 10 which define in each case one groove 11 undercut on both sides. The three functional elements 5 (of course, only two or more than three functional elements 5 may also be provided, as in the other examples) have in each case one shape-compatible T-shaped geometry having in each case two rebates 13 such that said functional elements 5 can engage in a form-fitting manner in the respective groove 11, as is shown by way of the central functional element 5.

[0058] In the exemplary embodiment shown, besides the materially integral welded connection 14 between the fastening element 4 and the main panel 2, a materially integral connection 15 is again implemented between the central functional element 5 and the fastening element 4, or the legs 10 of the latter, respectively, as is shown there by way of the serrated lines. The two functional elements 5 provided in a neighboring manner are able to be inserted into the corresponding grooves 11 but can also be retrieved therefrom, as is illustrated by the double arrows P2. This means that the user has the potential choice of inserting one neighboring functional element or both neighboring functional elements in addition to the centric functional element 5, and on account thereof of varying the properties of the textile part 1.

[0059] If the functional elements 5 are stabilizing stiffeners, for example, the textile part thus has first basic stabilizing by way of the centric stabilizing stiffener. Said first basic stabilizing can be enhanced when one additional functional element 5 or both additional functional elements 5, thus stabilizing stiffeners, are snap-fitted. Said additional functional elements 5 can also be retrieved again when required, since only a form-fit is provided.

[0060] The corresponding functional elements 5, or stabilizing stiffeners, respectively, herein can run so as to be mutually parallel or at a mutual angle; said functional elements 5 can have dissimilar lengths or else dissimilar mechanical stiffnesses, etc., such that a large bandwidth of variation is provided.

[0061] FIG. 6 shows a design embodiment of a textile part 1 having a main panel 2, again preferably a textile knitted panel, a fastening element 4, as well as three functional elements 5 here too. Corresponding form-fit contours 9, 12 are configured on the fastening element 4 as well as on the functional elements 5 here too. As opposed to the undercut grooves on the fastening element 4, T-shaped form-fit contours 9 which as elongate T-shaped splints extend along the fastening element 4, for example, are configured here on the fastening element 4. The form-fit contour 9 is embodied as a T-shaped protrusion 26.

[0062] Each functional element 5 has a corresponding form-fit contour 12 by way of which said functional element 5 can be snap-fitted to the T-shaped form-fit contours 9, as is shown in the case of the central functional element 5. A corresponding materially integral connection 15 is again also established on said central functional element 5, as is indicated by the serrated line, that is to say that, besides the form-fit, a non-releasable materially integral connection is additionally also provided. The form-fit contour 12 is as a T-shaped groove 27 undercut on both sides.

[0063] The two neighboring functional elements 5 however can be disposed or removed depending on the requirement, see the double arrows P3, to which end said functional elements 5 are only to be snap-fitted onto the corresponding T-shaped form-fit contours 9.

[0064] In a manner similar to that according to FIG. 4, a large bandwidth of variation in terms of the basic design of the properties of the textile part, in particular with a view to the therapeutic task to be met exists only in the case of this exemplary embodiment. This herein can be functional elements of dissimilar stiffnesses or functional elements having identical mechanical properties. Said functional elements can differ in terms of the length thereof, just like said functional elements can run so as to be mutually parallel or at a mutual angle, etc. The form-fitting connection 14 of the fastening element 5 toward the main panel 2 is of course also provided here, as is illustrated by the serrated line, said materially integral connection 14 being provided in all variants of the invention.

[0065] FIG. 7 shows a first specific exemplary implementation of a textile part 1 in the form of a bandage 17. Shown is the main panel 2, preferably again a textile main panel in the form of a knitted fabric, a woven fabric, or a warp-knitted fabric. A compressive knitted fabric in the form of a circular-knitted or flat-knitted fabric is preferably used. Furthermore shown is the fastening element 4 which is welded in a materially integral manner to the external side 3 of the main panel 2, as well as a functional element 5 which here is received on the form-fit contour 9 of the fastening element 4, thus is snap-fitted in the groove undercut on both sides. Said functional element 5 is fixed in a form-fitting manner in said groove, wherein the fixing here, since the form-fit contour 9 is open on both sides, is a fixing by clamping. This assembly thus corresponds to that as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0066] FIG. 8 shows a textile part 1 in the form of an orthotic 18. Two fastening elements 4 are fixed in a materially integral manner to said orthotic 18, a common functional element 5, here in the form of a joint 19, being disposed on said fastening elements 4. The joint 19 is composed of two articulated stiffeners 20, 21 which by way of an articulated connection 22 are pivotally connected to one another. Each articulated leg 20, 21 is received in a form-fitting manner in a corresponding form-fit contour 9 which again corresponds to that according to FIGS. 1 to 3, for example, and is optionally also fixed in a materially integral manner in said form-fit contour 9.

[0067] FIG. 9 finally shows a textile part 1 in the form of a stocking 23, preferably a compression stocking. One fastening element 4 is in each case disposed on both sides on the main panel 2 here too, and the functional element 5, here in the form of a handle 24 to be manually gripped, is preferably disposed in a form-fitting and materially integral manner on said fastening element 4, said handle 24 serving as dressing aids for pulling up the stocking 23. Since a relatively great force is to be transmitted here, the handles 24 are fixed in a form-fitting and materially integral manner.

[0068] FIG. 10 finally shows a textile part 1 in the form of a stocking 23 on which the functional element 5 in the form of a belt-guiding component 28 having a through hole is disposed by means of the fastening element 4, a belt 29 by way of which restraining can take place being guided through said belt-guiding component 28.

[0069] The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiment shown, neither in terms of the design embodiment of the form-fit contours nor the disposal and number of the latter, and neither in terms of the specific variants of implementation in the form of a bandage, an orthotic, or a stocking. Rather, other design embodiments are also conceivable.

[0070] While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in detail to illustrate the inventive principles, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles.