A high air permeability knee guard

Abstract

This utility model discloses a highly breathable knee brace, relating to the field of knee joint support technology. Specifically, it is a highly breathable knee brace comprising a knee brace body, an elastic support layer, and a breathable structure. The knee brace body fits against the outer side of the human knee joint, and the elastic support layer is disposed on the inner side of the knee brace body to provide lateral support for the knee joint. The breathable structure penetrates the inner and outer layers of the knee brace body to accelerate air exchange between the knee joint surface and the outside environment. Through the combination of layered structural design and multi-dimensional breathable structure, while ensuring lateral support for the knee joint, it significantly improves the efficiency of removing hot and humid air, balancing comfort and functionality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of knee joint brace technology, specifically a highly breathable knee brace. Background Technology

[0002] As the largest and most complex weight-bearing joint in the human body, the knee joint is easily subjected to impact, wear, or injury during sports, labor, or age-related degenerative diseases. Therefore, knee braces (such as knee supports) are widely used in sports protection, postoperative rehabilitation, and daily joint protection. Traditional knee supports are usually made of elastic fabrics (such as spandex or rubber) or simple layered structures (such as an inner cotton layer and an outer abrasion-resistant material), and their core functions are to provide lateral support, cushion impact, or keep warm.

[0003] However, existing patents have the following drawbacks:

[0004] (1) Simple breathable structure design: Traditional knee braces rely on the breathability of the fabric itself (such as mesh fabric), but do not optimize for the characteristics of sweat secretion on the surface of the knee joint (such as large amount of sweat in local areas and slow sweat diffusion). This causes sweat to accumulate on the inside of the knee brace, forming a humid environment that easily breeds bacteria and causes skin itching, allergies and other problems, especially during long-term exercise or in high-temperature environments.

[0005] (2) Conflict between support and breathability: In order to enhance lateral support, some knee braces are designed with thickened sponge, dense elastic yarn or rigid support strips. Although the support effect is improved, the increased density of the material will significantly reduce the air circulation efficiency, further aggravating the stuffiness, making it difficult to meet the dual needs of "support" and "breathability".

[0006] (3) Stuffy and uncomfortable fixation straps: Knee braces are usually fixed to the knee joint by fixation straps on both sides (such as Velcro straps or elastic bands). Due to the lack of ventilation design in the area where the fixation straps contact the skin, sweat cannot be discharged in time, which can easily lead to local skin adhesion or stuffiness. Long-term wear can easily cause pressure marks or dermatitis.

[0007] (4) Insufficient functional expansion: Existing knee braces mostly focus on basic protection and lack real-time monitoring of joint conditions (such as temperature), and cannot provide users with health management data (such as early warning of joint overheating caused by excessive exercise), making it difficult to meet the development needs of intelligent protective gear. Utility Model Content

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a highly breathable knee brace. By combining a layered structure design with a multi-dimensional breathable structure, it can significantly improve the efficiency of expelling hot and humid air while ensuring lateral support of the knee joint, thus balancing comfort and functionality.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a highly breathable knee brace, comprising a knee brace body, an elastic support layer, and a breathable structure. The knee brace body fits against the outer side of the human knee joint, and the elastic support layer is disposed on the inner side of the knee brace body to provide lateral support for the knee joint. The breathable structure penetrates the inner and outer layers of the knee brace body to accelerate the exchange of air between the knee joint surface and the outside environment.

[0010] Furthermore, the knee brace body is divided into a skin-friendly inner layer, a functional middle layer, and a protective outer layer from the inside out; the skin-friendly inner layer is woven from moisture-wicking and quick-drying fibers, the functional middle layer is the carrier of the elastic support layer, and the protective outer layer is made of wear-resistant and waterproof fabric.

[0011] Furthermore, the breathable structure includes multiple breathable micropores formed on the surface of the skin-friendly inner layer, and a moisture-guiding channel communicating with the breathable micropores; the diameter of the breathable micropores is 0.1-0.3 mm, distributed in a diamond array, and the spacing between adjacent breathable micropores is 0.5-1.0 mm; the moisture-guiding channel extends longitudinally along the knee brace body, with a wavy cross-section, and is used to guide the sweat adsorbed by the skin-friendly inner layer to the protective outer layer.

[0012] Furthermore, the elastic support layer is composed of memory foam and elastic yarn; the memory foam is filled in the arc-shaped area where the functional intermediate layer contacts the knee joint to cushion impact; the elastic yarn is formed into a mesh structure using a 3D weaving process, with a mesh density of 15-25 meshes / cm². 2 It extends circumferentially along the main body of the knee brace, providing radial elastic support.

[0013] Furthermore, the outer protective layer has multiple through-hole ventilation windows on its surface. The ventilation windows are rectangular or hexagonal, with dimensions of 5mm×8mm or a regular hexagon with a side length of 6mm. The spacing between adjacent ventilation windows is 8-12mm. The inner side of the ventilation windows is covered with a waterproof and breathable membrane. The pore size of the waterproof and breathable membrane is 0.2-0.5μm, allowing water vapor to pass through but blocking the penetration of external liquids.

[0014] Furthermore, the inner wall of the moisture-wicking channel is coated with a hydrophilic coating with a thickness of 0.01-0.03 mm and a contact angle of ≤30°, which is used to accelerate the migration of sweat along the moisture-wicking channel to the protective outer layer.

[0015] Furthermore, adjustable fixing straps are provided at both ends of the knee brace body. The two ends of the adjustable fixing straps are connected to the two sides of the knee brace body to fix the knee brace body to the knee joint. The adjustable fixing straps are made of elastic and breathable fabric and have multiple longitudinal ventilation slots inside. The width of the ventilation slots is 2-3mm and the spacing is 5-8mm to enhance the air circulation in the area where the fixing straps contact the skin.

[0016] This utility model provides a highly breathable knee brace with the following beneficial effects:

[0017] 1. Optimized responsiveness and fit for enhanced knee protection:

[0018] The elastic support layer on the inner side of the knee brace is composed of memory foam and elastic yarn: the memory foam fills the curved area where the knee joint contacts, adapting to the knee contour and cushioning impact during movement; the elastic yarn uses a 3D weaving process to form a mesh structure (mesh density 15-25 meshes / cm). 2 It provides radial elastic support along the circumferential direction, which not only ensures a close fit between the knee brace and the knee joint, but also avoids the problem of limited movement caused by excessive rigidity in traditional knee braces, thus balancing protection and flexibility.

[0019] 2. Multi-layer breathable structure design enables rapid heat and moisture exchange:

[0020] Inner layer microporous moisture wicking: The breathable micropores on the skin-friendly inner layer surface (0.1-0.3mm in diameter, diamond array distribution, spacing 0.5-1.0mm) can quickly diffuse the humid and hot air on the skin surface, increasing the contact area between air and skin;

[0021] Longitudinal moisture-wicking channels: The wavy moisture-wicking channels, connected to the micropores, extend longitudinally along the knee brace. Combined with the hydrophilic coating on the inner wall (contact angle ≤30°), they can guide sweat to the outer protective layer, preventing sweat from accumulating on the skin surface and keeping the knees dry.

[0022] Outer ventilation window auxiliary: The outer layer of the protective rectangular / hexagonal ventilation window (5mm×8mm or a regular hexagon with a side length of 6mm and a spacing of 8-12mm) is combined with the inner waterproof and breathable membrane (pore size of 0.2-0.5μm) to allow the exhaust of hot and humid air while preventing the infiltration of external liquids (such as rainwater and sweat), making it suitable for humid or dusty environments;

[0023] Enhanced ventilation in the fixation strap: The adjustable longitudinal ventilation grooves inside the fixation strap (2-3mm wide, 5-8mm spaced) further accelerate air circulation in the area where the fixation strap contacts the skin, avoiding local discomfort caused by stuffiness from the fixation strap.

[0024] 3. Optimized materials and processes enhance comfort and durability:

[0025] The skin-friendly inner layer is woven with moisture-wicking and quick-drying fibers, which are soft to the touch and can quickly absorb sweat from the skin surface, reducing friction and irritation to the skin.

[0026] The outer protective layer is made of wear-resistant and waterproof fabric, which extends the service life of the knee brace. At the same time, the waterproof and breathable membrane takes into account both waterproof and breathable requirements.

[0027] The elastic yarn is a blend of spandex fiber and bamboo fiber (each accounting for 40%-60%). The bamboo fiber is treated with nano silver ions to give the elastic yarn antibacterial properties, reducing the risk of bacterial growth during long-term use.

[0028] The functional intermediate layer serves as the carrier of the elastic support layer. Its stable structure ensures the bonding strength between the support components and the main body of the knee brace, preventing the support layer from falling off or deforming due to repeated bending.

[0029] 4. Expanded intelligent monitoring functions enhance user experience:

[0030] The temperature-sensing layer between the elastic support layer and the functional intermediate layer integrates a flexible temperature sensor, which can monitor the surface temperature of the knee joint in real time and display the data on a miniature display screen. Users can adjust the tightness of the knee brace or change the usage scenario in a timely manner according to temperature changes (such as warming up after exercise or cooling down after being exposed to cold), further enhancing the intelligence and practicality of the knee brace. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art can derive other embodiments based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the breathable structure of this utility model;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the elastic support layer of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses consistent with some aspects of this disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.

[0036] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0037] Example 1: Basic High-Breathability Knee Brace Structure

[0038] This embodiment provides a basic, highly breathable knee brace suitable for everyday activities (such as jogging and fitness), with the following specific structure:

[0039] Knee brace body 100: Employs a three-layer composite structure with a total thickness of approximately 8mm. The skin-friendly inner layer 110 is made of... Moisture-wicking and quick-drying fiber (fineness 1.5D, weight 120g / m²) 2 The surface is brushed to improve the feel; the functional middle layer 120 is the carrier of the elastic support layer 200, and is made of elastic knitted fabric (lateral elastic elongation ≥150%, longitudinal elongation ≥120%); the protective outer layer 130 is made of wear-resistant and waterproof fabric of polyester fiber (PET) coated with polyurethane (PU) (hydrostatic pressure ≥5000mm, coefficient of friction ≤0.3).

[0040] Elastic support layer 200: composed of memory foam 210 and elastic yarn 220. Memory foam (density 40kg / m³) 3 A 3mm thick elastic yarn (20 Shore A hardness) is used to fill the arc-shaped area in contact with the knee joint of the functional intermediate layer 120 (covering the patella and medial and lateral collateral ligament areas); the elastic yarn 220 is a blend of spandex fiber (50%) and bamboo fiber (50%, treated with nano-silver ions) (20 count), which is formed into a mesh structure through 3D weaving technology (mesh density 20 / cm). 2 The mesh size is 2mm×2mm, and it is sewn and fixed along the circumference of the knee brace (circumference of about 40cm) to provide radial elastic support (elasticity ≥80%, resilience ≥90%).

[0041] Breathable structure 300: The skin-friendly inner layer 110 has rhomboid breathable micropores 310 with a diameter of 0.2mm on the surface, the side length of the rhombus is 0.15mm, and the spacing between adjacent micropores is 0.8mm (array density 15 micropores / cm). 2 The micropores connect downwards to a wave-shaped moisture-wicking channel (320) (with a peak-to-trough height difference of 0.5 mm and a wavelength of 5 mm), extending longitudinally (lengthwise) along the knee brace to the outer protective layer 130; rectangular ventilation windows 330 (5 mm × 8 mm, 10 mm spacing) are opened on the surface of the outer protective layer 130, and the inner side is covered with a PTFE waterproof and breathable membrane 340 (pore size 0.3 μm, moisture permeability ≥ 10000 g / (m³)). 2• 24h) Effect verification: Tests showed that after 30 minutes of exercise in an environment of 30℃ and 70% humidity, the surface temperature of the knee joint was 2-3℃ lower than that of traditional knee braces, the amount of sweat residue was reduced by 60%, and there was no stuffy or damp feeling on the inside of the knee brace; lateral support tests showed that it could withstand a 50N lateral pulling force (equivalent to 80% of the lateral impact force on the knee joint during running) without deformation.

[0042] Example 2: Sports knee brace with enhanced moisture-wicking and fixation functions

[0043] This embodiment is designed for high-intensity sports (such as basketball and soccer), focusing on optimizing sweat wicking efficiency and the breathability of the support strap. Specific improvements are as follows:

[0044] Moisture-wicking channel 320: Based on the wavy cross section, the inner wall is coated with a polyurethane hydrophilic coating 321 (thickness 0.02mm, contact angle 25°). The surface of the coating is micro-etched to form nano-scale grooves (width 5μm, spacing 10μm), which further enhances the ability of sweat to migrate in a directional manner (tests show that the migration rate of sweat along the channel is 40% higher than that of the uncoated structure).

[0045] Adjustable fixing strap 400: Made of elastic breathable mesh fabric (a blend of nylon and spandex, with a mesh density of 30 meshes / cm). 2 The internal longitudinal ventilation groove 410 (2.5mm wide, 6mm spaced) runs through the length of the fixing strap (20% longer than the main body of the knee brace), and a silicone anti-slip strip (3mm wide, 30 Shore A hardness) is added to the inside of the fixing strap (skin contact side) to prevent the fixing strap from slipping during exercise; the two ends of the fixing strap are connected to the sides of the main body of the knee brace (100) by Velcro (50mm wide), and the tightness can be adjusted from 80% to 120% of the original circumference.

[0046] Breathable micropores 310: Adjust the micropore diameter to 0.15mm (diamond array distribution, spacing 0.6mm), increasing the number of micropores per unit area (20 pores / cm²). 2 Combined with the efficient migration of moisture-wicking channels, it further enhances the sweat-wicking efficiency of the inner layer. Performance verification: During basketball (frequent stops and changes of direction), sweat on the inner side of the knee brace migrates within 5 minutes via micropores, moisture-wicking channels, and the outer protective layer. The humidity in the area where the brace contacts the skin (such as above the patella and on the outer side of the tibia) is reduced by 50% compared to traditional braces, with no stuffiness or redness from friction. The adjustable function meets the wearing needs of users with different leg circumferences (45-60cm), and the Velcro connection stability was tested with 20 repeated adhesion tests without detachment.

[0047] Example 3: Waterproof, antibacterial, and highly breathable knee brace

[0048] This embodiment is suitable for users in humid environments (such as after running or swimming in the rain) or those who sweat a lot, with a focus on enhancing waterproof performance and antibacterial capabilities:

[0049] Skin-friendly inner layer 110: uses The fiber is blended with silver fiber (silver fiber accounts for 10%, fineness 1.0D), which utilizes the natural antibacterial properties of silver ions to inhibit bacterial growth (tested to have an inhibition rate of ≥99% against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli).

[0050] Elastic support layer 200: Memory foam 210 density increased to 50kg / m³ 3 (Hardness 25 Shore A), enhancing cushioning and protection for the knee joint; the proportion of bamboo fiber in the elastic yarn 220 is increased to 60% (40% spandex), and the bamboo fiber is treated with nano silver ions (silver loading 0.5%), further improving the antibacterial efficacy (the antibacterial rate is still ≥95% after 30 days of continuous use).

[0051] Outer protective layer 130: Selected Abrasion-resistant fabric (200g / m²) 2 Tear strength ≥50N), surface ventilation windows 330 adopt a hexagonal design (side length 6mm, spacing 12mm), inner side covered with ePTFE waterproof and breathable membrane 340 (pore size 0.2μm, moisture permeability ≥15000g / (m³)). 2 • 24h) It can block the penetration of liquids such as rainwater and sports drinks (tested to withstand 100mm / h rain for 30 minutes without leakage). • Moisture-wicking channel 320: The wave-shaped cross-section has a peak-to-trough height difference of 0.8mm (wavelength 6mm), combined with the hydrophilic coating 321 (thickness 0.03mm, contact angle 20°), which can ensure that internal sweat can quickly migrate outward even under the impact of external liquids (tests show that the humidity on the inside of the knee pad drops from 90% to 60% within 10 minutes after exercise).

[0052] Performance Verification: In a simulated rainy environment (temperature 25℃, humidity 90%, continuous water spray for 30 minutes), no liquid seeped into the outer side of the knee brace, while the inner side remained dry. After 4 hours of continuous wear by users with excessive sweating, no obvious sweat stains were observed on the knee joint surface, and bacterial culture showed a colony count ≤10 CFU / cm³. 2 (Complies with textile hygiene standards).

[0053] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A highly breathable knee brace, comprising a knee brace body (100), an elastic support layer (200), and a breathable structure (300), characterized in that: The knee brace body (100) fits against the outside of the human knee joint, and the elastic support layer (200) is disposed on the inside of the knee brace body (100) to provide lateral support for the knee joint; the breathable structure (300) penetrates the inner and outer layers of the knee brace body (100) to accelerate the exchange of air between the knee joint surface and the outside world.

2. The highly breathable knee brace according to claim 1, characterized in that: The knee brace body (100) is divided into a skin-friendly inner layer (110), a functional intermediate layer (120) and a protective outer layer (130) from the inside out. The skin-friendly inner layer (110) is woven from moisture-wicking and quick-drying fibers. The functional intermediate layer (120) is the carrier of the elastic support layer (200). The protective outer layer (130) is made of wear-resistant and waterproof fabric.

3. The highly breathable knee brace according to claim 2, characterized in that: The breathable structure (300) includes a plurality of breathable micropores (310) formed on the surface of the skin-friendly inner layer (110) and a moisture-guiding channel (320) communicating with the breathable micropores (310); the breathable micropores (310) have a diameter of 0.1-0.3 mm, are distributed in a diamond array, and the spacing between adjacent breathable micropores (310) is 0.5-1.0 mm; the moisture-guiding channel (320) extends longitudinally along the knee brace body (100) and has a wavy cross section, and is used to guide the sweat adsorbed by the skin-friendly inner layer (110) to the protective outer layer (130).

4. The highly breathable knee brace according to claim 2, characterized in that: The elastic support layer (200) is composed of memory foam (210) and elastic yarn (220); the memory foam (210) is filled in the arc-shaped area of ​​the functional intermediate layer (120) that contacts the knee joint to cushion the impact; the elastic yarn (220) is formed into a mesh structure by 3D weaving process with a mesh density of 15-25 meshes / cm², and extends circumferentially along the knee brace body (100) to provide radial elastic support.

5. A highly breathable knee brace according to claim 2, characterized in that: The outer protective layer (130) has multiple through-hole ventilation windows (330) on its surface. The ventilation windows (330) are rectangular or hexagonal, with dimensions of 5mm×8mm or a regular hexagon with a side length of 6mm. The spacing between adjacent ventilation windows (330) is 8-12mm. The inner side of the ventilation windows (330) is covered with a waterproof and breathable membrane (340). The pore size of the waterproof and breathable membrane is 0.2-0.5μm, which allows water vapor to pass through but blocks the penetration of external liquids.

6. A highly breathable knee brace according to claim 3, characterized in that: The inner wall of the moisture-wicking channel (320) is coated with a hydrophilic coating (321), the thickness of which is 0.01-0.03 mm and the contact angle is ≤30°, which is used to accelerate the migration of sweat along the moisture-wicking channel (320) to the protective outer layer (130).

7. The highly breathable knee brace according to claim 1, characterized in that: The knee brace body (100) has adjustable fixing straps (400) at both ends. The adjustable fixing straps (400) are connected to both sides of the knee brace body (100) to fix the knee brace body (100) to the knee joint. The adjustable fixing straps (400) are made of elastic and breathable fabric and have multiple longitudinal ventilation slots (410) inside. The ventilation slots (410) are 2-3 mm wide and 5-8 mm apart to enhance air circulation between the adjustable fixing straps (400) and the skin contact area.

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