GB2104558A

GB2104558A - A retention band

Info

Publication number: GB2104558A
Application number: GB08219517A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert G Delannoy
Original assignee: Molinier SA
Current assignee: Molinier SA
Priority date: 1981-07-10
Filing date: 1982-07-06
Publication date: 1983-03-09
Also published as: GB2104558B; DE3225124C2; CA1198603A; NL8202798A; FR2509169A1; FR2509169B1; DE3225124A1

Abstract

The band has a reticulated structure and is elastic in all directions. It is made on needle knitting looms of the Raschel type. Chains are formed on all needles of the loom by providing longitudinally a combination of chains of reticulated inextensible yarns (1) and of elastic warp threads (2) which are not reticulated but are interwoven with the inextensible chains. Elastic yarns (3) which are covered with an inextensible yarn are used transversely and extend over at least two chains which are connected and assembled by these transverse yarns. The elastic warp threads (2) are woven in a stretched condition so that a retraction of the inextensible chains will take place after manufacture to give an embossed appearance to the band. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION A retention band The invention relates to a retention band which is elastic in all directions and which is particularly but not exclusively for use in the field of medical aid, hygiene, bandages for the human body and for animals.

Some reticulated bands which are called "elastic in all directions", in spite of the interest and of the advantages they offer, are more often capable, in a manner which corresponds better to the reality, of being deformed at some determined angles by the addition of the multiple deformation effects of the meshes. Such bands are elastic in some determined directions or at some determined angles of stretching, and are capable of being deformed in the other directions.

In accordance with the invention, there is provided a retention band which is elastic in all directions, which has a reticulated structure and which is made on needle knitting looms of the Raschel type, wherein chains are formed on all needles of the loom by providing longitudinally a combination of chains of reticulated inextensible yarns and of elastic warp threads which are not reticulated but are interwoven with the inextensible chains, and by using, transversely, elastic yarns which are covered with at least one inextensible yarn, the transverse yarns extending over at least two chains which are connected and assembled by these transverse yarns.

Hence, there is provided a band which is effectively elastic in all directions, i.e. a band in which the stretching capacity of the elastic yarns is called to play the main part, regardless of the angles of stress to which the band is subjected. However, a band in accordance with the invention has a limited extensibility which cannot be exceeded, and this extensibility can be designed and organized according to the therapeutic requirements.

Preferably, the elastic warp threads are woven in a stretched condition when the meshes or stitches are formed, so that a retraction of the inextensible chains will take place after manufacture.

The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing which is an enlarged view of part of a retention band according to the invention.

The band is denoted in general by the reference letter A and is manufactured by stitch looms of the Raschel type by the following combination of yarns considered in their nature and in their function: ~the yarns are inextensible yarns which work with all the needles of the looms for constituting longitudinal chains 1 a. These yarns can be of cotton, viscose, or other convenient inextensible material.

~the yarns 2 are extensible longitudinal non reticulated yarns, interwoven with the chains 1 a.

These elastic yarns are of rubber or elastomer of any well-known type which are generally not covered.

~the yarns 3 are extensible transverse yarns which extend over two chains 1 a at least, and over three chains in the embodiment illustrated. These yarns work and are tied and assembled with the chains 1 a in a known manner. In an important manner, and as may be seen in the right hand bottom corner of the drawing, the extensible yarns 3 consist of an extensible thread or web 3a covered with at least one inextensible yarn 36. The threads or webs 3a are elastic yarns of rubber or elastomer, and the non-extensible yarns 3b are of cotton, viscose or the like.

In the embodiment illustrated there is shown a pattern of squares the vertical lines B of which illustrate schematically the general work of the needles (not shown) of the loom, while the horizontal lines C illustrate schematically the rows of meshes or stitches and the movements of the heddle-hook bars. The points shown at D at the intersections of these lines illustrate the passage of the needles at certain intervals of time during the action thereof.

With reference to the pattern of squares as illustrated, and to the numbering at the bottom of the pattern of squares, the numerals of which denote, in a manner known per se, the right hand or left hand overthrows relative to the lines, it is possible to define the technical data of the interlacing and the knotting of the yarns of embodiment in accordance with the chart shown hereinafter, for the yarns considered from the first chain on the right hand side: Yarns 1 relative to the Yarns 2 relative to the Yarns 3 relative to the lines B and C lines B and C lines B and C 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 2 6 0 2 6 It is contemplated to weave the extensible longitudinal yarns 2 in a stretched condition, so that after manufacture, when leaving the loom, the chains of extensible yarns 1 will be retracted, whereby an embossed, granular appearance, promoting the adhesiveness, will be given to the band.

In the meshed structure of this band, by modifying the sectional dimension (denier) of the yarns, the type and the quality thereof, it is possible to make retention bands which correspond to various therapeutic applications and possibilities.

The following advantages and possibilities are provided by the retention band described above.

(a) On account of the uniformity and of the characteristics of the meshed structure, the pressure imparted by the band is uniform over its entire width so that localized contractions are prevented.

(b) By virtue of its particular meshed structure, the band is aerated and any soaking is prevented beneath the band, the latter meeting all comfort and temperature requirements. The band is flexible regardless of its strength, and it does not interfere with the free play of the joints (which is important in order to prevent an increased risk of anchylosis, concerning the ankle for instance). The band is fine and not heavy, making footwear easier for ambulatory patients, as excessive thicknesses are avoided.

(c) The band is actually elastic in all directions thanks to the stretching of the yarns. The band is deformed when it is positioned, and has a configuration mating quite well with the anatomical surface.

After removing the band, the distortions which could result from the slipping of some stitches are eliminated by stretching the band.

(d) On account of the characteristics of the band and of the various possibilities of embodiment which have been described, it is possible to provide a very convenient range covering the retention requirements from a very slight retention up to a quite strong one. Bands can be made in order to have, within the application range of each band design, very gradual increments of tension, and therefore of pressure. There is a positional safety, as besides the extreme extensions, pressures can be obtained which remain in close relation to the desired retentions for each band strength.

Claims

1. A retention band which is elastic in all directions, which has a reticulated structure and which is made on needle knitting looms of the Raschel type, wherein chains are formed on all needles of the loom by providing longitudinally a combination of chains of reticulated inextensible yarns and of elastic warp threads which are not reticulated but are interwoven with the inextensible chains, and by using, transversely, elastic yarns which are covered with at least one inextensible yarn, the transverse yarns extending over at least two chains which are connected and assembled by these transverse yarns.

2. The band of Claim 1, wherein the elastic warp threads are woven in a stretched condition when the meshes or stitches are formed, so that a retraction of the inextensible chains will take place after manufacture.

3. The band of Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the inextensible yarns which constitute the reticulated chains and the covering of the transverse yarns are of cotton, or viscose.

4. The band of any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the longitudinal extensible yarns merely interlaced with the chains and the transverse yarns are elastic yarns of rubber or elastomer.

5. The band of any one of Claims 1 to 4, adapted for various therapeutic applications and possibilities, by modifying and combining in various ways the denier of the yarns, and the type and quality thereof.

6. A retention band substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.