DE202018006466U1 - Support garment or band - Google Patents

Abstract

A variable compression garment made from a base fabric having a first stretch and memory characteristic, the variable compression garment having a first garment area having a desired second stretch and memory characteristic, the first garment area having at least two layers of an elastomer which attached to the base fabric in the first garment area and baked to cure the elastomer layers.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a compression garment. In particular, although not exclusively, the present invention relates to a compression support garment intended for use in exercise and for supporting the joints by applying variable compression to a corresponding part of the body. The invention also relates to braces.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In our daily life, many activities place a heavy load on our muscles and joints. Examples are sports and exercises such as jogging and cycling, standing and walking, and carrying and lifting heavy objects for long periods of time. These physical exertions can lead to fatigue and, in excess, damage to muscles and joints.

There are a number of products available to provide muscle and joint support during exercise or daily activities, including compression garments, sleeves, bandages, and ligaments. A common feature of such products is an elastic element or feature that holds one or more muscles and / or joints firmly in place and / or is designed to stretch with the muscles and joints as they move supports. The goal of such products is to prevent injury, improve athletic performance, and / or aid healing or recovery.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses a variable compression garment as set out in claim 1. Preferred embodiments are disclosed by the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

To explain the invention, a method for producing a garment or tape with variable compression is described, comprising: applying a first layer of an elastomer to a base fabric with a first stretch and memory characteristic in a first area of the base fabric; Drying the first layer of elastomer to attach it to the base fabric; Applying at least a second layer of the elastomer to the base fabric in the first area; Drying the second layer of elastomer to secure it to the first layer or to the base fabric; and baking the first and second layers of elastomer to cure the first and second layers of elastomer. The method preferably also includes the identification that the first area in the base textile is to be given a desired second elongation and memory characteristic. The method can additionally or alternatively comprise the provision of the basic textile before the identification step.

The method can also include: determining a number of layers of elastomer to obtain the second strain and memory characteristic; and after drying the second elastomer layer, applying an additional number of elastomer layers and drying each additional layer before applying a next additional layer.

The method can also comprise the following: determining a desired direction and / or a desired gradient of the second strain and memory characteristic; Determining a pattern or patterns for the first, second and optionally the additional layers of elastomer in order to obtain the desired direction and / or the desired gradient; and applying the first, second and optionally the additional layers of the elastomer comprises applying the layers in the particular pattern or patterns. The desired direction and / or the desired gradient preferably comprise two or more directions or gradients. The pattern or patterns may include one or more of the following patterns: a pattern of interlocking shapes, a pattern of parallel lines, and / or a pattern of one or more intersecting lines.

The method may also include: identifying a second area of the base textile that is to be given a desired third stretch and memory characteristic; Determining a number of layers of elastomer to provide the third elongation and memory characteristic; and prior to the baking step, applying one or more layers of the second area of the elastomer to the base fabric in the second area and drying each layer of the second area prior to applying a next layer of the second area.

The method can also include: determining a desired direction and / or a desired gradient of the third strain and memory characteristic; Determining a pattern or patterns of the second region for the one or more layers of the second region of the elastomer; and applying the one or more layers of the second region of the Elastomer can include applying the layers of the second area in the particular pattern or patterns of the second area.

Preferably, the baking step comprises baking for at least 4 hours, and more preferably for at least 8 hours, at a temperature between 70 and 90 degrees Celsius.

The elastomer is preferably a silicone or polymer-based elastomer.

In a variant, applying the layers or the layers of the second region of the elastomer includes printing the layers, preferably using a capillary film screen printing process.

The drying of the layers or the layers of the second region of the elastomer preferably comprises a quick drying of the layers at 140 degrees Celsius for at least 6 seconds.

The method can also comprise the following: before applying the layers or the layers of the second region of the elastomer, applying a base layer of a primer material to the base textile and drying the primer layer.

One or more patterns or patterns of the second area may contain 3D patterns in order to obtain the particular desired direction and / or the gradient of the second and third stretch and memory characteristics.

The material of the basic textile preferably consists of at least 80% cotton and / or polyester and / or nylon.

The method can also include the following: before applying a first elastomer layer to the base textile in the first area, cutting the base textile to size to form part of a compression garment.

The method may also include: prior to applying a first elastomer layer to the base fabric in the first area, cutting the base fabric to form part of a compression garment, and joining the base fabric to other parts to form the compression garment.

The method may also include: after the baking step, cutting the fabric to form a part of a compression garment, the part comprising at least one of the first or second regions, and joining the part to additional parts to form the compression garment.

The method may also include: prior to applying a first layer of elastomer to the base fabric in the first area, cutting the base fabric to form part of a compression garment, and joining the part to additional parts to form the compression garment.

The variable compression garment can be one of the following: a shirt, pants, tights, sleeves, stockings, undergarments, or an ankle brace or splint.

The variable compression garment may be a medical support garment, the medical support garment comprising: a joint brace, knee, calf, ankle, shoulder, elbow, arm, wrist, hand and / or figure brace.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a variable compression garment or band made by a method as described above. The variable compression garment may e.g. a shirt, trousers, tights, sleeves, stockings, underwear or a joint brace or splint; or a medical support garment such as a joint brace, knee, calf, ankle, shoulder, elbow, arm, wrist, hand and / or figure brace.

Furthermore, means can be provided in order to apply a first layer of an elastomer to a base textile with a first elongation and memory characteristic in a first area of the base textile; Means for drying the first layer of elastomer to secure it to the base fabric; Means for applying at least a second layer of the elastomer to the base fabric in the first area; Means for drying the second layer of elastomer to adhere it to the first layer or to the base fabric; and means for baking the first and second layers of elastomer to cure the first and second layers of elastomer.

Figure list

• ist die Vorderansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Kompressionsweste,
• ist eine Rückansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Kompressionsweste,
• ist die Vorderansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Kompressionsleggings,
• ist eine Rückansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Kompressionsleggings,
• ist eine Seitenansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Kompressionsleggings,
• ist die Vorderansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Kompressionshose,
• ist eine Rückansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Kompressionshose,
• ist eine Seitenansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Kompressionshose,
• ist eine Rück- und Seitenansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Stütze oder -schiene,
• ist eine Rück- und Seitenansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Rückenstütze oder -schiene,
• ist eine Ansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Kniestütze oder -schiene,
• ist eine Ansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Armstütze oder -schiene,
• ist eine Ansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Ellbogenstütze oder -schiene,
• ist eine Ansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Knöchelstütze oder -schiene,
• ist eine Ansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Handgelenkstütze oder -schiene,
• ist eine Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen, multidirektionalen Stütz- und/oder Kompressionsmusters,
• ist eine zweite Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen gerichteten Stütz- und/oder Kompressionsmuster, und
• ist eine schematische Darstellung eines Verfahrens zur Herstellung eines Stützkleidungsstücks oder -bandes.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

• is the front view of a compression vest according to the invention,
• is a rear view of a compression vest according to the invention,
• is the front view of a compression leggings according to the invention,
• is a rear view of a compression leggings according to the invention,
• is a side view of a compression leggings according to the invention,
• is the front view of a compression pant according to the invention,
• is a rear view of a compression pant according to the invention,
• is a side view of a compression pant according to the invention,
• is a rear and side view of a support or rail according to the invention,
• is a rear and side view of a back support or splint according to the invention,
• is a view of a knee brace or splint according to the invention;
• is a view of an armrest or splint according to the invention;
• is a view of an elbow brace or splint according to the invention;
• is a view of an ankle brace or splint according to the invention;
• is a view of a wrist brace or splint according to the invention;
• is a representation of a multidirectional support and / or compression pattern according to the invention,
• Figure 3 is a second illustration of a directional support and / or compression pattern according to the invention, and
• Figure 13 is a schematic illustration of a method of making a support garment or tape.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Unless the context otherwise requires, the term compression garment includes a joint or muscle brace or splint that could compress or support only a joint or part of a limb or torso of a person.

Regarding the and Figure 12 is a first embodiment of the present invention in the form of a compression garment 10 shown configured to exert at least a localized compressive effect on an area or body part of the wearer. The compression garment 10 is a shirt, but can also be pants or shorts in other embodiments. The compression shirt 10 includes a basic textile 11 consisting of sleeve parts, a front part 12 and a back 13 that are sewn or otherwise connected in a known manner. The basic textile of the shirt has an initial stretch and memory characteristic. The first stretch and memory characteristics of the basic textile 11 is achieved by using a combination of fibers, filaments and / or yarns with different elasticity characteristics such as cotton, polyester, nylon and various highly elastic fibers, which are commonly referred to as SPANDEX, LYCRA, elastane and their variants, in the textile. The basic textile is preferably made 11 95% of cotton, polyester or nylon fibers, with the remaining fibers being SPANDEX, LYCRA or a variant thereof. The first stretch of the basic textile 11 can be done in any direction. In one setting, it can stretch in the vertical direction. In other settings it can stretch in a horizontal or oblique / diagonal direction. The basic textile 11 also has a memory characteristic that allows the base fabric to essentially return to its original shape before stretching.

The compression shirt 10 further comprises one or more areas 14th , 15th with a different elongation characteristic than that of the basic textile. The elastomer material is applied to a first area, for example 14th applied to the base textile in order to give the first area a desired second elongation and memory characteristic which differs from the elongation characteristic of the base material. The first area 14th is an area that gives a local compression effect to the wearer and varies from position to position, depending on the different parts of the target body. In this example, the first is area 14th the entire chest area on the shirt. One or more layers of an elastomer are applied in a pattern to the base textile in the first area 11 applied and attached so that the first area has a desired second stretch. The second stretch is preferably shorter than the first stretch in order to achieve the greater local compression effect. She also has a memory to the first area 14th essentially returning to its original shape before stretching.

The one or more layers of elastomer can take on various patterns, shapes, and / or configurations in order to achieve the desired elongation characteristics. The pattern can be a striped pattern, an intersecting line pattern, a network pattern, or any combination thereof. Depending on the desired body part, different shapes and designs can be used to achieve an optimal effect. In the and In the chest area, the elastomer takes the form of a pattern of interlocking shapes that stretch evenly in orthogonal directions. Regarding , in particular, the pattern of interlocking shapes is a knuckle lock pattern that includes a network of hourglass or dumbbell shapes evenly spaced across the chest area. The hourglass or dumbbell shapes are tightly packed together with the two circular ends 31 , 32 of each fit into the concave part of the other. The knuckle lock pattern can elongate in four directions - vertical, horizontal, 45 °, and -45 ° from vertical. This pattern has the advantage of being able to stabilize the pectoral muscle groups by preventing them from being stretched in random directions and providing lateral support by the sides.

The compression shirt 10 can also have a second area 15th on the basic textile 11 comprise, which has a third stretch and memory characteristic. The second area can be similar to the first area 15th be positioned in a different location depending on the targeted body part. In this embodiment, the second area 15th on the triceps and biceps area of the upper arm. One or more elastomer layers are in a second, in shown pattern that differs from that of the first area 14th differs, on the basic textile 11 applied and attached to create a different stretch pattern. The number of layers can vary within the same range. For example, a first line in this area contains two layers of elastomer and a second line can contain three layers of elastomer. The resulting crossed portion of the first and second lines has five layers of elastomer.

Figure 13 shows an enlarged view of the second area 15th of the compression shirt 10 the and . The second area includes a cross-lock pattern 42 from one or more intersecting lines and is formed by the contouring of the elastomer. Specifically, a pattern is made up of two groups of three parallel lines 44 contoured and continued in a criss-cross pattern to create a power-up zone 40 who have favourited Cross-Lock Zone 42 and to form a lateral support zone. The power-up zone 40 covers the triceps; the cross-lock zone 42 extends just above the elbow to hold and support the muscles and joint. In addition, a third area can be identified and it is a cross-lock pattern 15th intended to support the waist muscles.

In the to is a pair of compression leggings or thights 20th shown in one embodiment. Similar to the compression shirt 10 pass the compression tights 20th from a basic textile 16 and at least one compression area which has a different stretch than the base textile in order to achieve a local compression effect. The areas are identified and different patterns are selected based on the targeted muscle group or joint. For example, a high compression force may be desired for the extremities, where the main muscle groups and joints are located, and a lower compression force for the core muscles or muscle groups close to the core.

In detail includes the compression tights 20th four compression areas with two cross-lock patterns 15th on each leg part. A first cross-lock pattern 15th is on the anterior thigh muscles and a second cross-lock pattern 15th positioned on the calf muscles. Since the thighs and calves are the main muscle groups in the legs, you can use the cross-lock pattern 15th Limit and support individual muscle groups and minimize the risk of muscle tears. The heavy strain placed on the knees can be alleviated by supporting the cross-lock zone on the side. The ones from the cross-lock pattern 15th Compression force exerted on the hamstrings may differ from the compression force exerted by the cross-lock pattern 15th exercised on the calf muscles, differ or be identical to them. The higher compression force can be achieved by applying additional elastomer layers.

The compression tights 20th further includes a knuckle lock pattern 14th that covers the hips and back of the thighs. In this embodiment, the knuckle lock pattern features 14th an optimal stabilization of the hamstrings and gluteal muscles by limiting the compression area to a stretch in four directions.

In the to is a pair of compression pants 21st shown in one embodiment. In this embodiment, the compression pants 21st thigh or knee length pants. Similar to the compression tights 21st the compression pants exist 21st from a basic textile, a cross-lock pattern on the front thigh on each leg and a knuckle-lock pattern on the hip and back thigh.

While the above description provides specific examples of the compression garments, it should be noted that the invention can also be applied to other types of garments (casual or sportswear) or parts of these garments (casual or sportswear). The compression garment can be, for example, tights, shorts, a sleeve, a stocking, Be underwear, a joint brace or splint, or a sports brace.

In the to a medical support garment is shown in one embodiment. In this embodiment the medical support garment is an armrest. In other embodiments, the medical support garment can be an elbow, knee, calf, ankle, shoulder, wrist, hand and / or figure support. The armrest in consists of a basic textile that has one or more patterns of areas with different elongation characteristics. The basic textile is preferably made of neoprene, which exerts a first compression force on a specific joint and / or a specific muscle group. The armrest further comprises one or more layers of elastomer that generate an additional, localized compression force. The elastomeric layer may be a strip with intersecting lines shaped to compress and support the joints and / or muscles concerned.

Figure 3 shows a back support in one embodiment of the invention which is carried on the back. The back support has the shape of a loop and consists of an elastic base material that has a memory characteristic. The base material is preferably neoprene, for example. Multiple layers of base materials can be used or bonded together. Elastic strips 50 with a second elastic and memory characteristic are glued, attached to or otherwise connected to the base material. The strips preferably comprise longitudinal and crossing sections. In this embodiment, the strips extend generally around the loop, along the top and bottom edges, and with axial intersections. Preferably, the intersections are provided on the sides corresponding to the back and the side of the waist. The pattern can be substantially symmetrical about the center line of the base material.

shows a calf support in one embodiment of the invention. The construction of the calf support is similar to that of the back support in , with the exception that the calf support only contains a layer of the base material and strips on the side of the support that corresponds to the calf. The Stripes 50 extend generally axially on the base material, with multiple intersections between the top and bottom edges of the base material.

Figure 3 shows a knee brace in one embodiment of the invention. The construction of the knee support is similar to that of the calf support in except that the pattern of the stripes 50 is arranged differently to support the knee. In this embodiment the intersections of the strips are provided on the sides of the knee.

The , , and each show an arm rest, an elbow rest, a foot rest and a wrist rest. They have a similar structure to the supports in the except that they are shaped and sized to match the corresponding body part and have different stripe patterns.

While the above description provides specific examples of compression garments, it should be noted that the invention may also be applicable to other types of garments (casual or sportswear) or parts of these garments (casual or sportswear). The base material can be another flexible material. The base material preferably provides a first elasticity (with stretch and memory) and the strips provide a second elasticity. The first elasticity is preferably different from the second elasticity. The pattern of the strips shown is only exemplary. The strips can be of different shape, configuration, width, etc., but preferably they provide crossing sections that provide improved support and / or compression of the base material. The base material can be molded with one or more openings, preferably at the bending point, to reduce constraints and allow more flexibility in movement. In a further embodiment, the base material can be an elastic sports tape material with an adhesive for sticking to the skin of a user / wearer. The band may have one or more areas of an elastomer attached thereon to provide the band with areas having a second elongation characteristic.

A variable compression garment, brace, or splint, as described above, can be made from a lower quality textile or fabric that has an elongation below that which would otherwise be suitable for the purpose. For example, an inexpensive textile can be used in a compression garment, which consists for example of up to 95% cotton, polyester or nylon and less than, for example, 30% elastane or other highly elastic synthetic fibers such as SPANDEX or LYCRA. Typical textile combinations are, for example, a textile made of 72% nylon and 28% highly elastic synthetic fibers such as LYCRA with a weight of 210 grams or a textile made of 76% polyester and 24% highly elastic synthetic fibers such as SPANDEX with a weight of 200 grams or a textile made of 92% polyester and 8% highly elastic synthetic fibers such as SPANDEX with a weight of 190 grams.

In order to give the textile or the areas of the textile that correspond to a desired compression or support zone suitable elongation and memory, the textile is printed with an elastomer with high elasticity and resilience. In one embodiment, a silicone-based elastomer is used. Alternatively, a polymer formula elastomer can be used. Other printable, highly elastic and resilient elastomers can also be used. The choice of elastomer is based on the predominant fibers of the base material which can be chosen, e.g. Cotton, polyester or nylon, and the desired elasticity of the elastomer. The elastomer is applied in two or more layers to the identified support areas of the fabric, using a screen printing process to build up layers of the elastomer in a specific 3D pattern, such as those previously described, to increase both the elongation and memory of the support area also control the support direction.

The printing of the textile with the 3D patterns of the elastomer in support areas can be done in a nested manner, with several areas of a textile web being printed before the clothing items are cut from the textile and assembled into an item of clothing. Alternatively, the printing can be done after the garments are cut but before the garment is sewn, or the finished garment can be printed. Another benefit of printing the garments with elastomer to control the stretch, memory, and support direction of the support area is that fewer parts can be used to construct a garment or support rail / sleeve. For garments where compression and support are based on the base fabric, the pieces must be cut to size taking into account the support areas and the support direction. Different fabrics must be used in areas that require different levels of compression and support. If different directional support is desired, different parts must be used. With the present method, this requirement is overcome or at least improved, since the compression, support and directional stability of the support areas is determined by the printing of the textile.

In one method, one or more supporting areas of the textile are identified in which the textile is to be provided with a stretching and memory characteristic that is higher than that of the basic textile itself. As already mentioned, such areas can be used before or after the cutting of clothing items from the textile or before or after assembling the garment. After the support areas are identified, a pattern and required number of layers of elastomer are determined or identified that will provide the desired stretch, memory, and directional support for each identified support area. The identified pattern is then printed in two or more layers on the fabric support area using a screen printing process. The screen printing process can involve the use of an emulsion coating process to apply the elastomer to the screens. Such a method, while effective, may require more layers to achieve the desired elongation characteristics because the thickness of the elastomer applied to the screens is inconsistent. The result must also be continuously tested to ensure that the elongation is within a range of consistency. In one example, a capillary film screen printing is used in which the elastomer emulsion is applied to the screen by a capillary film. The use of a capillary film of e.g. 50 to 125 µm leads to an exact and constant emulsion thickness on the screen, and as a result more accurate results can be achieved with fewer printed layers.

With reference to the elastomer is built up in layers in the support areas, including a first and perhaps optional step 50 , in which via a pressure screen 52 a primer layer 53 on the target textile 51 is applied in the support area in order to promote and improve the adhesion of the elastomer to the base textile. A quick drying step follows after each printing step 54 . The quick drying preferably comprises the brief introduction of the printed textile into a drying tunnel at about 140 degrees Celsius for about 6 seconds. The elastomer pattern is then built up by sequentially screen printing layers of elastomer and then rapidly drying each layer. So will in step 55 a first layer of elastomer 56 in the screen printing process on the primer layer 55 applied. The first layer of elastomer 56 will be in step 54 subjected to rapid drying. In the further course of the process, in a subsequent printing step 57 a second layer of elastomer 58 applied to the first layer, followed by another quick drying step 54 " the second layer 58 . Further printing steps, each followed by a quick drying step, are carried out until the required thickness and pattern of the elastomer has been applied to the support area in order to achieve the desired elongation characteristics. In a final and possibly optional printing step 59 can be a top layer 60 printed on the elastomer for an aesthetic or protective topcoat. The top layer can be a velor both for aesthetic reasons and for reasons of comfort. In step 61 the layers are then in a tunnel 62 dried at about 140 degrees Celsius for about 120 seconds.

After the 3D layer printing and drying steps are completed, the various layers of compression and support patterns are made of elastomer in a final step 63 cured or hardened. This is preferably done by baking the printed textile in an oven 62 . This baking step significantly increases the durability and effectiveness of the elastomer. The baking requirements can vary depending on the elastomer used and are sufficient to fully cure or cure the elastomer. In an embodiment with an elastomer material based on silicone, the textiles or items of clothing 4th to 8th Baked hours at 70 to 90 degrees Celsius. The baking time can vary with the temperature - the baking time may be longer at lower baking temperatures, but the temperature and time should not be so high and long that the textile is damaged. In one example, the curing step occurs 63 at 70 degrees for 8 hours, in another example the curing step takes place 63 at 90 degrees for 4 hours. Other methods can use high elongation and UV curable elastomers, and the curing step can include UV curing of the printed elastomer pattern.

• einen ersten Bereich des Grundtextils identifizieren, das eine gewünschte zweite Dehnungs- und Gedächtnischarakteristik erhalten soll,
• auf das Textil in des ersten Bereichs eine erste Schicht eines Elastomers auftragen,
• die erste Schicht des Elastomers trocknen, um es am Textil zu befestigen,
• auf das Textil im ersten Bereich mindestens eine zweite Schicht des Elastomers auftragen,
• die zweite Schicht des Elastomers trocknen, um sie an der ersten Schicht oder am Textil zu befestigen, und
• die Elastomerschichten aushärten, z.B. durch Backen der Elastomerschichten zur Aushärtung der Schichten.

The following is a summary of the basic method of making a variable compression garment in the manner described above from a base or lower quality fabric with a first stretch and memory:

• identify a first area of the basic textile that is to be given a desired second elongation and memory characteristic,
• apply a first layer of an elastomer to the textile in the first area,
• dry the first layer of elastomer to attach it to the textile,
• apply at least a second layer of the elastomer to the textile in the first area,
• drying the second layer of elastomer to attach it to the first layer or textile, and
• cure the elastomer layers, for example by baking the elastomer layers to cure the layers.

A further step can include determining a number of elastomer layers in order to obtain the second elongation and storage characteristic, and after the second elastomer layer has dried, applying an additional number of elastomer layers and drying each additional layer before applying a next additional layer.

A further step can comprise the determination of a desired direction and / or a desired gradient of the second expansion and memory characteristic; determining a pattern or patterns for the first, second and optionally additional layers of elastomer to provide the desired direction and / or gradient; and wherein applying the first, second and optionally the additional layers of the elastomer comprises applying the layers in the particular pattern or patterns. The desired direction and / or the desired gradient can comprise two or more directions or gradients. The pattern or patterns include, but are not limited to, any of the patterns discussed above with reference to the drawings or shown in the drawings.

A further step may include identifying a second area of the base textile that is to be given a desired third stretch and memory characteristic; determining a number of layers of elastomer to obtain the third elongation and memory characteristic; and prior to the curing step, applying one or more layers of the second area of the elastomer to the textile and drying each layer of the second area prior to applying a next layer of the second area. Optionally, there can be a step for determining a desired direction and / or a desired gradient of the third expansion and memory characteristic; determining a pattern or patterns of the second region for the one or more layers of the second region of the elastomer; and wherein applying the one or more layers of the second region of the elastomer comprises applying the layers of the second region in the particular pattern or patterns of the second region.

The baking of the elastomer layers can optionally include baking the layers for at least 6 hours, and more preferably for at least 8 hours, at a temperature between 50 and 90 degrees Celsius.

Applying the layers or layers of the second region of the elastomer may include printing the layers.

Drying the layers or the layers of the second region of the elastomer can include quick drying the layers at 140 degrees Celsius.

Optionally, before the layers or the layers of the second region of the elastomer are applied, a base layer made of a primer material can be applied to the textile and the primer layer can be dried.

The one or more patterns or patterns of the second area comprise 3D patterns to obtain the particular desired direction and / or gradient of the second and third strain and memory characteristics.

Optionally, before a first elastomer layer is applied to the textile in the first area, the textile is cut so that it forms part of a compression garment. Or, optionally, the textile is cut to size in the first area before a first elastomer layer is applied to the textile so that it forms part of a compression garment, and the textile part is connected to further parts in order to form the compression garment. Or optionally, after the curing / baking step, the textile is cut to form part of a compression garment, the part comprising at least one of the first or second regions, and the textile part is joined to additional parts to form the compression garment. Or, optionally, prior to applying a first layer of an elastomer to the textile in the first area, the textile is cut to form part of a compression garment, and the textile part is joined to additional parts to form the compression garment.

The method is used to make a compression garment including, but not limited to, a shirt, pant, tights, sleeves, stockings, undergarment, or an ankle brace or splint.

The method is also used to manufacture a medical support garment including, but not limited to, a joint brace, knee, calf, ankle, shoulder, elbow, arm, wrist, hand, and / or figure brace.

The method is also used to manufacture a medical support garment such as e.g. A splint or brace is used where the textile is replaced with a synthetic rubber sheet such as neoprene and uses 3-D printing of areas of the synthetic rubber sheet to improve directional stretch and memory of areas of the medical support garment and control.

The method is also used to manufacture a medical support garment such as e.g. A splint or support is used where the textile is predominantly made of elastane or other highly elastic synthetic fibers such as SPANDEX or LYCRA and uses 3D printing of areas of the synthetic rubber sheet to provide directional stretch and memory of areas of the medical support garment to improve and control.

The invention also comprises a joint or muscle support / splint, in particular a medical support or splint, which is produced according to the aforementioned method. The invention also encompasses the use of the above-mentioned method for manufacturing a compression garment and / or a joint brace or splint, which is a combination of a textile selected so that it has low elongation and memory characteristics, and an elastomer which in a pattern selected to provide stretch and memory characteristics printed on portions of the garment.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous variations and / or modifications can be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as generally described. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Any reference to the state of the art contained herein should not be construed as an admission that the information is generally known, unless otherwise stated.

Claims (16)

A variable compression garment made from a base fabric having a first stretch and memory characteristic, the variable compression garment having a first garment area having a desired second stretch and memory characteristic, the first garment area having at least two layers of an elastomer which attached to the base fabric in the first garment area and baked to cure the elastomer layers. Variable compression garment after Claim 1 , further comprising three or more layers of elastomer in the first garment area. Variable compression garment after Claim 1 or 2 wherein each of the first, second and optionally third layers of the elastomer has a pattern with a desired direction of extension and / or a desired gradient. Variable compression garment after Claim 3 , wherein the desired direction and / or the desired gradient comprise two or more directions or gradients. Variable compression garment after Claim 3 or 4th wherein the pattern or patterns comprise one or more of the following patterns: a pattern of interlocking shapes, a pattern of parallel lines, and / or a pattern of one or more intersecting lines. Variable compression garment after Claim 2 further comprising: a second garment region of the base fabric having a desired third stretch and memory characteristic, one or more layers of the second region of elastomer attached to the base fabric in the second garment region. Variable compression garment after Claim 6 wherein each of the one or more layers of the second region of the elastomer has one or more patterns of the second region. A variable compression garment according to any preceding claim, wherein the elastomer layers are baked for at least 4 hours, and more preferably for at least 8 hours, at a temperature between 70 and 90 degrees Celsius. The variable compression garment of any preceding claim, wherein the elastomer is a silicone or polymer based elastomer. A variable compression garment according to any preceding claim, wherein the layers or layers of the second region of elastomer are printed on the base fabric. Variable compression garment after Claim 10 wherein the layers are printed by a capillary film screen printing process. The variable compression garment of any preceding claim, wherein the layers or layers of the second region of the elastomer are quick dried at 140 degrees Celsius for at least 6 seconds. The variable compression garment of any preceding claim, wherein one or more patterns or patterns of the second region comprise 3D patterns to provide the particular desired direction and / or gradient of the second and third stretch and memory characteristics. The variable compression garment of any preceding claim, wherein the base textile material comprises at least 80% cotton and / or polyester and / or nylon. The variable compression garment of any preceding claim, wherein the base fabric comprises a portion of a compression garment connected to additional parts to form the compression garment. The variable compression garment of any preceding claim, wherein the garment comprises one of the following: a shirt, pants, tights, sleeves, stockings, undergarments, or an ankle brace or splint.

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