KNITTED FABRIC

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a knitted fabric, in particular to a compressive knitted fabric, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Such knitted fabrics, preferably in the form of compression stockings, are used particularly in the medical field but also for use in sporting activities. When the knitted fabrics are designed as compressive knits, they serve to exert targeted pressure on a patient's body. The pressure exerted on a patient's body is referred to as compression. The aim of compression stockings, for example, is, among other things, to relieve a patient's damaged venous and / or lymphatic system. The applied pressure prevents increasing swelling of the limbs, improves the drainage of venous blood and lymph, and increases blood supply. When compression stockings are used in sports, they lead to improved performance and improved regeneration.These effects are achieved in particular by the calf muscles (gastrocnemius muscle), which press against the compressive stocking with high support from the inside during every activity.

[0003] To create these knitted fabrics, they are flat-knitted or circularly knitted using a circular knitting machine or a flat knitting machine with a front and a rear needle bed. The RAL-GZ 387 standard of the Quality Mark Association exists for the production, particularly for measurement and quality assurance, of compressive arm or leg stockings for medical use. The RAL test specifications specify how the pressure of a compression stocking on a leg is to be determined. The HOSY measuring device (Hohenstein Institute) is recommended as a measuring instrument, particularly a compression test device. The test is carried out by measuring the tension at several measuring points, which varies depending on the respective extensibility of the knitted fabric, i.e., the elasticity of the knitted fabric. The compression is calculated from the tension.The greater the elasticity of a knitted fabric in the cross-sectional direction, the lower the compression exerted on the patient. Conversely, the lower the elasticity of the knitted fabric, the greater the compression exerted on the patient.

[0004] A variety of knitted fabrics, particularly compressive knits, are known from the prior art for medical applications or for use in sports activities. A knitted fabric, particularly in the form of a compression stocking with temperature-regulating properties, which particularly takes into account and improves the transport of moisture into the knitted fabric, is known, for example, from DE 20 2010 013 665 U1.

[0005] This well-known medical compression stocking is made from an elastic knitted thread with a core made up of multiple wraps. The multiple wraps create spaces, particularly between the multiple filaments or fibers, which create a suction effect and thus transport moisture. At the same time, this well-known structure of the elastic knitted thread and the resulting knit improves the storage of moisture in the thread and thus in the knit. By creating multiple wraps, at least the inner wrap stores the moisture, i.e. the moisture is not completely transported away. The aim of this well-known knit is therefore to store moisture in the knit so that the wearer's skin does not dry out.

[0006] DE 4234379 C1 discloses a knitted sports sock in which a yarn consisting of moisture-wicking fibers is used as the base yarn to improve the transport of moisture into and through the knit. At the same time, the knit comprises plush pieces knitted with one or more additional yarns to provide ball protection and prevent the formation of blisters on the ball of the foot.

[0007] US Pat. No. 5,319,807 discloses a moisture-regulating sock knitted from a base yarn onto which a first yarn with hydrophobic properties and a second yarn with hydrophilic properties are plated on opposite sides of the base yarn. This ensures not only good moisture transport through the knit but also good moisture absorption.

[0008] US 5,555,565 and WO2005 / 094738 A2 disclose the use of a blended yarn, in particular the combination of cotton and / or wool fibers with moisture-wicking fibers, antibacterial silver fibers, and Lycra fibers, for the production of knitted fabrics for socks in order to improve moisture transport into or through the knitted fabric. Here, the blended yarn is also knitted, at least in some areas, to form plush loops, in particular to improve moisture absorption, but also to impart cushioning properties to the knitted fabric.

[0009] US 2008 / 0286513 A1 also discloses a knitted fabric, particularly in the form of a sock, which uses a yarn, particularly a blended yarn consisting of moisture-transporting fibers, to transport moisture into or through the knitted fabric. The blended yarn preferably consists of nylon in combination with polyester or wool. One or more additional threads are plated onto the blended yarn to further improve the durability of the sock.

[0010] A disadvantage of the knitted fabric designs known from the prior art, in particular of the elastic knitting thread used to form the knit, is the very limited moisture transport through the knit. In particular, when the knitted fabrics are designed as garments for use in the sports sector, the need to transport moisture away from the wearer's skin, in particular from the soles of their feet, is much greater. In this case, the known designs of the knitting thread and thus of the knitted fabric, in particular with spaces between several fibers of a wrapping yarn of a knitting thread to form channels for moisture absorption, are not sufficient to ensure adequate moisture transport. As a result, even when using the measures known from the prior art, in particular for the sports sector, only inadequate moisture management is provided.

[0011] A further disadvantage of the prior art approaches to providing climate-regulating knitted fabrics is the high moisture retention capacity of the knitted fabric. As already mentioned, there is a much greater need for moisture transport, particularly when using knitted fabrics in sports, since the wearer's physical exertion produces significantly more moisture, which must be transported away from the wearer's skin into and, preferably, through the knitted fabric to the outside. The moisture retention capacity therefore represents a significant disadvantage and is undesirable, especially in sports.

[0012] Consequently, the lack of consideration or improvement of the release of moisture absorbed in the knitted fabric also represents a disadvantage. In addition to the absorption of moisture in the knitted fabric and the transport of moisture through the knitted fabric, the release of moisture in particular represents an essential component of the moisture management of a knitted fabric.

[0013] The present invention is therefore based on the object of creating a knitted fabric, in particular a climate-regulating and preferably compressive knitted fabric, which avoids the disadvantages of the prior art, in particular which improves the absorption of moisture, the transport of moisture through the knitted fabric, and the release of moisture to the outside.

[0014] According to the invention, the knitted fabric consists of at least one stitch-forming basic knitting thread, with at least one plush thread forming a plush loop plated onto the basic knitting thread, wherein the at least one basic knitting thread consists of a plurality of profile fibers spun together, which have a structured surface with elevations and grooves, in order to form channels for the transport of moisture between the plurality of fibers and wherein the plush thread extends through the knitted fabric and protrudes on both sides of the knitted fabric.

[0015] According to a further embodiment of the knitted fabric, the at least one stitch-forming basic knitting thread consists of a plurality of profile fibers spun together and the at least one plush thread, as well as an optional reinforcing thread, consists of a plurality of fibers with essentially round cross-sections, wherein the threads are knitted together in such a way that the plush thread essentially forms both sides of the knitted fabric.

[0016] The plush thread extends through the knitted fabric and protrudes on both sides, particularly with the plush loops on one side and the stitch feet on the other. This further optimizes the moisture absorption of the knitted fabric.

[0017] Due to this multi-layered structure of the knitted fabric

[0018] Furthermore, the at least one plush thread is preferably incorporated into the knitted fabric only in sections, running in the circumferential direction, so that the moisture-regulating effect of the knitted fabric is only used locally, particularly where it is needed. In other areas, the knitted fabric can, for example, be formed only with the base knitted thread, resulting in a significantly thinner knitted fabric there.

[0019] According to a further embodiment, at least one elastic weft thread is inserted and / or knitted into the knitted fabric. Preferably, the at least one weft thread is knitted with the multiple threads of the knitted fabric in such a way that it protrudes in every nth wale on one of the two sides of the knitted fabric in the circumferential direction of the knitted fabric.

[0020] Preferably, the profile fibers of the stitch-forming base knitting thread are made of plastic, in particular polyamide, polyester, polypropylene, or polyurethane. Alternatively, the fibers with essentially round cross-sections of the plush thread may be made of natural fibers, in particular wool, cellulose, or viscose.

[0021] According to a further embodiment, the profile fibers of the stitch-forming base knitting thread are provided with a yarn twist, preferably greater than 80 turns per meter (T / m), particularly preferably greater than 150 turns per meter (T / m). This significantly increased exposure of the fibers to more yarn twists results in a significantly better formation of channels in the profile fibers, as the fibers are brought closer together. This results in a significantly improved suction effect of the fibers and thus of the knitted fabric.

[0022] According to a further embodiment, the at least one stitch-forming basic knitting thread, the elastic weft thread, the reinforcing thread and / or plush thread has an elastic thread core, preferably made of elastane.

[0023] The knitted fabric is preferably designed as a stocking, in particular as an arm or leg stump, sock, leg warmer, arm warmer, leggings or pants, bandage, or as a knitted part of an orthosis. It is particularly preferably designed as a compressive knitted part, with the compression strength preferably decreasing or increasing in the longitudinal direction of the knitted fabric.

[0024] When the knitted fabric is designed as legwear, in particular as a leg stocking or sock, the at least one plush thread forming the plush loops is knitted into the knitted fabric in such a way that, when the knitted fabric is worn, it is arranged on the inside of the knitted fabric in the area of ​​the Achilles tendon, heel, toes, and / or sole of the foot. In the case of a compressive legwear, the compressive pressures generated by the knitted part are preferably between 10 and 40 mmHg in an ankle region of the legwear, preferably between 5 and 30 mmHg in the calf region, and preferably between 10 and 30 mmHg in a midfoot region.

[0025] This legwear item is characterized by a number of significant advantages.

[0026] The formation of the preferably compressive knitted fabric with or without a weft thread, as well as with multiple knitting threads, at least one of which consists of several profile fibers spun together to form channels for moisture transport between the multiple fibers, ensures significantly improved moisture transport. In particular, the elevations and depressions in the surfaces of the multiple fibers or filaments, preferably in combination with the increased yarn twist, give the thread optimal moisture transport properties.

[0027] A further advantage is the combination of a thread consisting of profiled fibers with one or more threads consisting of fibers with essentially rounded cross-sections. The latter thread has a very large contact surface for contact with the wearer's skin, thus ensuring not only good conductivity due to the thread with profiled fibers, but also particularly good moisture absorption by the knitted fabric. The interplay between moisture absorption and transport through the knitted fabric is particularly important for the climate-regulating design of the knitted fabric, which is preferably designed for sports.

[0028] Particularly good moisture regulation is also achieved by an additional thread with fibers that have a rounded cross-section and are preferably arranged on the outer side of the knitted fabric, as seen from the wearer, thereby forming an additional layer in the multi-layered structure of the knitted fabric. The outer thread has good moisture absorption and release properties. It effectively absorbs the moisture conducted through the knitted fabric and the profile fibers and can easily release it to the environment.

[0029] A further advantage of the invention is the incorporation of an elastic weft thread into the knitted fabric, which, in addition to imparting increased compressive properties, is incorporated into the knitted fabric in such a way that it particularly preferably presses all three threads, at least partially, against the wearer's skin. This ensures particularly good contact between the multiple threads and between the knitted fabric and the wearer's skin, which gives the knitted fabric particularly high moisture regulation.

[0030] In addition to moisture regulation, another advantage of the knit is its excellent temperature-regulating properties. The multi-layered structure and the multiple channels in the threads create a breathable knit.

[0031] The invention is explained below using several embodiments and in conjunction with the attached drawings.

[0032] It shows: Figure 1an embodiment of the knitted fabric according to the invention, wherein the knitted fabric is designed as a stocking, in particular as a leg stump, Figure 2 a stitch pattern, in particular a first section of the Figure 1 shown embodiment of the knitted fabric, Figure 3 a stitch pattern, in particular a second section of the Figure 1 shown embodiment of the Gestricks, Figure 4A a basic knitting thread, reinforcement thread and / or plush thread made of several fibers spun together, in an enlarged detailed view, as well as Figure 4B the thread Figure 4A in a sectional view showing the several channels formed by the profile fibers for transporting moisture.

[0033] In Figure 11 shows a first exemplary embodiment of the knitted fabric 1 according to the invention, wherein the knitted fabric 1 is designed as a stocking 8, in particular as a leg stump. The stocking 8, in particular a sports stocking, consists of at least a first and second knitted section 16, 17, preferably knitted using a circular knitting machine. At the upper end of the first section 16, the stocking 8 has a two-layer waistband 18. The compressive pressures generated by the knitted fabric 1 are preferably between 10 and 40 mmHg in an ankle region 13 of the leg garment, between 5 and 30 mmHg in the calf region 14, and between 10 and 30 mmHg in a metatarsal region 15. The values ​​are measured using the measuring methodology and measuring device presented at the beginning, in particular by testing on the HOSY measuring device (Institut Hohenstein).

[0034] On the inside, the stocking 8 has a first padding 19. The padding 19 preferably extends, viewed in the circumferential direction, only between the two muscle heads of the calf muscles without overlapping them. The padding 19 serves to compensate for a leg geometry that deviates from a circular cross-section. Furthermore, as shown, when the stocking 8 is worn, the at least one padding 19 also extends at least partially along the Achilles tendon 9 toward the heel 10 and overlaps the tendon.

[0035] Furthermore, the stocking 8 has a foot part consisting of a second, preferably compressive, knitted part 17. This foot part 17 comprises further padding 20 for the toe area 11, the heel 10, and the sole 12. In this embodiment, the padding 20 extends from the sole 12 up to the sides of the foot part 17. The padding 20 can also be arranged only in individual sections of the aforementioned areas.

[0036] In this exemplary embodiment, the multiple paddings 19 and 20 are formed by a knitted section in the knitted fabric 1, which differs in terms of its weave from an area of ​​the base knitted fabric 1 adjacent to the padding 19, 20. According to the invention, the multiple paddings 19, 20 are designed as sandwich plush. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the knitted fabric 1 and the first padding 19 have a gradual compression profile in the longitudinal direction of the knitted fabric. The compression strength decreases from the lower end towards the calf muscles. The gradual pressure profile is determined by the manner in which the weft thread 7 is inserted, in particular by the number of consecutive stitch rows into which the weft thread 7 is inserted. Alternatively, it is of course possible for the knitted fabric 1 according to the invention to be designed as an arm stump, sock, bandage, or a knitted part of an orthosis.

[0037] A stitch pattern, in particular a first section 21 from the Figure 1 shown embodiment of the knitted fabric 1, is in Figure 2shown. The stitch pattern shows a basic knitting thread 2, which is knitted to form stitches over several knitting rows R1-R4 and wales M1-M7, into which at least one compression-providing weft thread 7 is inserted. In this exemplary embodiment, the highly elastic weft thread 7 is inserted in each stitch row R1-R4. This can also be done selectively in any row. Furthermore, this thread 7 can be knitted to form stitches, at least in sections in the circumferential direction, in one or more rows M1-M7. In addition to the basic knitting thread 2 and the weft thread 7, the stitch pattern shows a reinforcing thread 3 plated onto the basic knitting thread 2. According to this exemplary embodiment, this reinforcing thread 3 is present in each stitch row R1-R4 and each wale M1-M7. This thread 3 can also only be knitted into the knitted fabric 1 in any row of stitches and only in sections in the circumferential direction.In the drawing, the reinforcing thread 3 is shown next to the base knitting thread 2, but this is only for illustrative purposes. Depending on the knitting technique, namely the plating of the reinforcing thread 3 onto the base knitting thread 2, the reinforcing thread 3 is located essentially in front of or behind the base knitting thread 2, when viewed from above the knitted fabric 1. The threads 2, 3 are therefore located essentially, i.e. for the most part, one above the other or one behind the other in the knitted fabric 1, so that the at least two threads 2, 3 are knitted together in such a way that the base knitting thread 2 essentially forms one side, preferably the side facing the wearer's skin, and the reinforcing thread 3 essentially forms the other side of the knitted fabric 1. Depending on the stitch formation, the stitch heads 22 and stitch feet 23 of the base knitting thread 2 and of the reinforcing thread 3 are preferably each facing the wearer's skin. The stitch legs 24 are located inside the knitted fabric.

[0038] By knitting or inserting the weft thread 7, in particular via tuck and float, the base knitting thread 2 and the reinforcing thread 3 are pressed particularly strongly against the skin of a wearer, so that particularly good contact is achieved between the multiple threads 2, 3 and between the knitted fabric 1 and the wearer, which additionally improves the function of the knitted fabric 1. The weft thread 7 emerges in every nth wale on one of the two sides of the knitted fabric 1, viewed in the circumferential direction of the knitted fabric.

[0039] In the preferred embodiment, the fibers of the plurality of threads 2, 3 are preferably made of plastic, in particular polyamide, polyester or polyurethane.

[0040] In Figure 3 is now a second section 25, in the form of a mesh pattern, from which in Figure 1shown stocking 8, in particular sports stocking. In addition to the reinforcing thread 3, in a section 26 of the knitted fabric 1, i.e. additionally compared to section 21, a plush thread 4 is plated onto the base knitted thread 2. This means that the plush thread 4 is incorporated into the knitted fabric 1 in addition to the base knitted thread 2, the reinforcing thread 3 and the weft thread 4. This thread 4 is also shown next to the several threads for illustrative purposes. In reality, the at least three threads 2, 3, 4 are knitted together in such a way that the plush thread 4 essentially forms one side of the knitted fabric 1, i.e. the inside of the stocking 8, as well as the outside. The plush is in this case designed as so-called sandwich plush. The plush loops 27, which are arranged on the inside of the knitted fabric 1, extend from there through the knitted fabric 1 to its outside.There, as described, the stitch feet 28 of the plush stitches 29 emerge. The base knitting thread 2 and the reinforcing thread 3 are thus located between the knitted layers formed by the plush thread.

[0041] The threads 2, 3, 4, 7 used, which are particularly at least partially highly elastic, can differ not only in the fibers themselves, particularly in terms of fiber material and geometry, but also in that they optionally have a thread core. The number of fibers can also vary. Furthermore, the fibers can form one or more wraps for a thread core. They can also optionally be textured threads.

[0042] Figure 4A shows a thread made of several interwoven fibers, suitable for use as a basic knitting thread 2, in an enlarged detail view. The fibers are formed as profile fibers 5. .

[0043] Profile fibers 5 can, for example, have triangular, trilobal, or star-shaped cross-sections, particularly preferably in the form of a trilobal. Other shapes are conceivable. If the thread has several profile fibers 5, it preferably contains more than 50 individual fibers, which are subjected to a yarn twist, preferably greater than 80 turns per meter (T / m), particularly preferably greater than 150 turns per meter. This influences not only the durability of the thread 3, but also, in particular, the position of the fibers 5 relative to one another. The so-called protective twist, with the significantly increased number of yarn twists (turns per meter) than is commonly known, leads to particularly good cohesion of the fibers 5, but also to the fibers 5 moving significantly closer together and, consequently, due to the multiple elevations 30 and / or depressions 31 in the profile fibers 5, to a significantly better formation of channels 6.As a result, the suction effect of the fibers 5 and thus of the knitted fabric 1 is significantly improved by the increased yarn twist.

[0044] The fibers 5 can, as previously described, consist of plastic, in particular polyamide, polyester or polyurethane.

[0045] To better illustrate the channels 6 formed by the multiple profile fibers 5 for transporting moisture, Figure 4B the thread 2 Figure 4A, when it is formed as a thread consisting of several profile fibers 5, in a sectional view with the several channels 6 formed by the profile fibers 5 for transporting moisture. It can be seen that the random arrangement of the several fibers 5 relative to one another and the yarn twist create the channels 6 for transporting moisture. These are formed in particular by the fact that the surface of the fibers 5 has a structure, namely elevations 30 and / or depressions 31, for example in the form of a trilobal as shown. The resulting cavities 6 have different diameters and cross-sections, depending on how the neighboring fibers 5 lie against one another. The higher the yarn twist, the better the contact between the fibers 5, i.e. the more closed channels 6 are created.With a low yarn twist, there is a risk that, viewed in the circumferential direction, many open channels 6 will arise because the fibers 5 do not lie close enough against one another. Ultimately, the channels 6 exhibit a particularly good suction effect or capillary effect due to their geometric shape and increased yarn twist. However, it proves to be disadvantageous that threads with such profile fibers 5 have little contact surface with a patient's skin due to the elevations 30 and / or depressions 31. Therefore, it is particularly advantageous to combine such threads with threads that have a rounded cross-section.

Claims

1. Knitted fabric (1) consisting of at least one stitch-forming base knitting thread (2) and at least one plush thread (4) forming plush loops plated onto the base knitting thread (2), wherein the at least one base knitting thread (2) consists of a plurality of profile fibres (5) spun together, which have a structured surface with elevations (30) and / or depressions (31) in order to form channels for transporting moisture between the plurality of profile fibres (5) and the at least one plush thread (4) consists of a plurality of fibres with substantially round cross-sections, characterized in that a sandwich plush is formed with the plush threads (4), wherein the plush loops formed by the at least one plush thread (4) extend through the knitted fabric (1) so that the plush thread (4) protrudes on both sides of the knitted fabric (1) and the plush thread (4) substantially forms the inner side and the outer side of the knitted fabric (1).

2. Knitted fabric (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the plush thread (4) is introduced into the knitted fabric (1) in each case only in sections, running in the circumferential direction.

3. Knitted fabric (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one elastic weft thread (7) is laid and / or knitted into the knitted fabric (1), which is preferably knitted with the plurality of threads (2, 4) in such a manner that this protrudes in the knitted-fabric (1) circumferential direction in every n-th stitch wale on one of the two sides of the knitted fabric (1).

4. Knitted fabric (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the profile fibres (5) have a structured surface in the form of a trilobal.

5. Knitted fabric (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the profile fibres (5) of the stitch-forming base knitted thread (2) consist of plastic, in particular polyamide, polyester or polyurethane.

6. Knitted fabric (1) according to Claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the fibres having substantially round cross-sections of the plush thread (4) consist of natural fibres, in particular wool.

7. Knitted fabric (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plurality of profile fibres (5) are provided with a yarn twist, preferably greater than 80 turns per metre (T / m), particularly preferably greater than 150 turns per metre (T / m).

8. Knitted fabric (1) according to Claim 3, characterized in that the at least one stitch-forming base knitting thread (2), the elastic weft thread (7) and / or plush thread (4) have an elastic thread core, preferably of elastane.

9. Knitted fabric (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the knitted fabric (1) is a stocking (8), in particular an arm sleeve or leg stocking, a sock, a bandage or a knitted part of an orthesis.

10. Knitted fabric (1) according to Claim 9, characterized in that the at least one plush thread (4) forming the plush loop is knitted in the knitted fabric (1) formed as a legwear item (8) in such a manner that in the worn state of the knitted fabric (1), the plush loops are arranged in the area of the Achilles tendon (9), heel (10), toe (11) and / or the sole of the foot (12) on the inner side of the knitted fabric.

11. Knitted fabric (1) according to Claim 10, characterized in that the compressive pressures generated by the knitted fabric (1) in an ankle region (13) of the legwear item (1) are between 10 and 40 mmHg, in the calf region (14) between 5 and 30 mmHg and in a metatarsal region (15) between 10 and 30 mmHg.