Seam structures woven on the bias and corresponding systems and methods

Abstract

This specification provides a system and method for manufacturing a woven seam structure. The method includes the steps of providing a plurality of threads parallel to the warp axis, providing a weaving thread, and then weaving the weaving thread back and forth in a direction parallel to the weft axis into the plurality of threads. The weaving thread is gradually or intermittently switched at a position along the weft axis as the weaving thread is woven in the machine direction, thereby changing the pattern, so that a first transition line and a second transition line are formed at non-zero angles with respect to the warp axis and the weft axis, respectively. This forms a woven seam structure having a central axis extending along a non-zero angle with respect to the warp axis or the weft axis, and such exemplary woven seam structures have improved elasticity and conformability.

Description

Cross-reference of related applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 507,232 (filed June 9, 2023, title “System and Method for Forming Bias-Woven Tubes”), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. [Technical Field]

[0002] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to woven seam structures in general, and more particularly to forming woven seam structures at a non-zero angle in order to achieve high elasticity that is useful for implantation in a patient's body. [Background technology]

[0003] Seam structures (e.g., structures having one or more transition lines, seams, joints, etc.) are often woven on a loom for a variety of applications, such as implantation in the body for the repair or replacement of blood vessels, heart valves, or other vascular systems or tissues. In this regard, such seam structures can form one or more conduits, openings, or chambers for holding or passing fluids such as blood or other bodily fluids. When such seam structures are woven, weaving threads are woven in a desired pattern into multiple threads stretched parallel to the warp axis. At this time, the weaving threads are woven continuously in a back-and-forth direction parallel to the weft axis, thereby forming a woven seam structure. One or more seams are formed according to the weaving design, and a body is defined between them. The body has a central axis parallel to the warp or weft axis (e.g., the central axis of one or more chambers / conduits of the body). Woven seam structures thus have limited elasticity or adaptability, and this elasticity may not be sufficient for certain applications. [Overview of the project]

[0004] As mentioned above, woven seam structures are used in a variety of applications, including implantation in the body. Depending on the desired application, elasticity or adaptability may be required. For example, when a woven seam structure is used as a vascular graft, valve skirt, or other conduit for implantation in the body, higher elasticity is desirable, which allows for an effect closer to the adaptability of the original blood vessel or tissue within the body.

[0005] However, when such grafts are implanted, their size and fit are extremely important. In particular, once implanted, the graft must be sized to function like a natural blood vessel and allow blood to flow freely. However, if the graft is excessively rigid, it may affect surrounding tissues, organs, blood vessels, or other medical devices (e.g., additional grafts). Similarly, if the graft is too long or too large, it may bend or flex easily. On the other hand, if the graft is too small, it may cause unnecessary stress to internal tissues during stretching and / or become prone to breakage or rupture. Therefore, the elasticity of such grafts is important to facilitate implantation, accommodate the characteristics of the body to which it is implanted, adjust for tolerances, and / or exhibit behavior more similar to the natural blood vessel to which it is implanted.

[0006] In particular, in addition to its usefulness as a graft, enhancing the elasticity and adaptability of the woven structure is useful in many different applications, such as connection to and use with other medical devices, such as heart valve skirts. In addition, woven structures according to various embodiments are also useful in other exemplary applications such as valve conduits, stents, bridging stents, embolic protection devices, catheters, scaffolds, connective tissue replacements, or other implantable prostheses. In this regard, similar challenges regarding the dimensions and / or fit of the woven structure become extremely important in many additional situations (e.g., heart valve skirts). Therefore, various embodiments of the present invention are also useful in such situations.

[0007] Some exemplary embodiments of the present invention include seam structures woven to have a central axis that forms a non-zero angle with respect to the warp or weft axis on a loom. Such woven seam structures may have higher elasticity in the longitudinal and circumferential directions. For example, the present disclosure describes a woven seam structure and a process for manufacturing a woven seam structure. The woven seam structure described in the present disclosure is woven by weaving a weaving yarn into a plurality of yarns, wherein certain yarns among the plurality of yarns are woven in different ways by the weaving yarn. This creates transition lines that have a non-zero angle with respect to the warp and weft axes, and these transition lines can be woven as seams and designed to form a woven seam structure on a loom. Such transition lines can be formed as any type of line, such as straight lines (e.g., linear), curves, curved lines, or meandering lines. Thus, depending on the configuration and design application, this woven seam structure forms a body that functions as a conduit or chamber (including a plurality of conduits and / or chambers). The woven seam structures and the processes for forming the woven seam structures disclosed herein may include a variety of weaving patterns and / or a variety of materials, and the woven seam structures may be woven at a variety of non-zero angles with respect to the warp axis.

[0008] In this regard, by changing the weave orientation, a complex three-dimensional fiber structure that more faithfully mimics the anatomical structure of the human body can be obtained. Desired properties such as radial expandability and flexibility can be specified, allowing for the formation of complex shapes and geometric structures, and in some embodiments, the structure can even be modified along the body according to desired specifications. For example, the woven seam structure can be connected in the central portion to form two conduits (e.g., two hollow tubes) to mimic other body parts such as tendons. Similarly, one or more ends can be closed for various purposes. In fact, in some cases, closing one or more parts of the opening or connecting one or more parts of the body of the woven seam structure can increase strength and / or resistance to unraveling. Furthermore, the entire structure is adjustable and can provide different weaves or connections depending on the purpose, thus providing flexibility and useful, for example, in orthopedic repairs. In this respect, the woven seam structure is extremely useful as it can conform to any anatomical curve and bend.

[0009] In exemplary embodiments, a method for forming a multilayer structure is provided. The method includes the steps of: providing a plurality of threads parallel to the warp axis; providing at least one weaving thread; and weaving the at least one weaving thread back and forth in a direction parallel to the weft axis, wherein the weft axis is perpendicular to the warp axis. The at least one weaving thread is configured to switch patterns between a first position at a first pick and a second position at a second pick to form a first transition line between the first and second positions. The first transition line extends at a first non-zero angle with respect to the warp axis. The first transition line is not parallel to the weft axis. The at least one weaving thread is further configured to switch patterns between a third position at a third pick and a fourth position at a fourth pick to form a second transition line between the third and fourth positions. The second transition line extends at a second non-zero angle with respect to the warp axis. The second transition line is not parallel to the weft axis. At least a portion of the woven seam structure is formed between the first and second transition lines. The woven seam structure defines a central axis, which extends between the first and second transition lines, along a third non-zero angle with respect to the warp axis, and is not parallel to the weft axis.

[0010] In some embodiments, the woven seam structure forms a body including a first seam formed from a first transition line and a second seam formed from a second transition line. In some embodiments, the body includes the same pattern. In some embodiments, the body includes multiple patterns.

[0011] In some embodiments, at least one weaving yarn is further configured to switch between a first pattern and a second pattern at a first position on a first pick and a second position on a second pick to form a first transition line, and at least one weaving yarn is further configured to switch between a third pattern and a fourth pattern at a third position on a third pick and a fourth position on a fourth pick to form a second transition line. In some embodiments, the first and second patterns are the same. In some embodiments, the first and second patterns are different. In some embodiments, the second and fourth patterns are the same. In some embodiments, the second and fourth patterns are different. In some embodiments, the first pattern is intermittently switched to the second pattern in the machine direction parallel to the warp axis. In some embodiments, the third pattern is gradually switched to the fourth pattern in the machine direction parallel to the warp axis. In some embodiments, switching between a first pattern and a second pattern, and switching between a third pattern and a fourth pattern, each includes at least one of the following steps: transitioning from a state in which every other thread of a plurality of threads is engaged to a state in which none of the threads of the plurality of threads are engaged; transitioning from a state in which every other thread of a plurality of threads is engaged to a state in which all of the threads of the plurality of threads are engaged; transitioning from a state in which none of the threads of a plurality of threads are engaged to a state in which every other thread of a plurality of threads is engaged.

[0012] In some embodiments, the third pattern is intermittently switched to a fourth pattern in the machine direction parallel to the warp axis. In some embodiments, the switching between the first and second patterns, and the switching between the third and fourth patterns, each includes at least one of the following steps: transitioning from a state in which every other thread of a plurality of threads is engaged to a state in which none of the threads of the plurality of threads are engaged; transitioning from a state in which every other thread of a plurality of threads is engaged to a state in which all of the threads of the plurality of threads are engaged; transitioning from a state in which none of the threads of a plurality of threads are engaged to a state in which every other thread of the plurality of threads is engaged.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first pattern is gradually switched to the second pattern in the machine direction parallel to the warp axis. In some embodiments, the third pattern is intermittently switched to the fourth pattern in the machine direction parallel to the warp axis. In some embodiments, the switching between the first and second patterns, and the switching between the third and fourth patterns, each includes at least one of the following steps: transitioning from a state in which every other thread of a plurality of threads is engaged to a state in which none of the threads of the plurality of threads are engaged; transitioning from a state in which every other thread of a plurality of threads is engaged to a state in which all of the threads of the plurality of threads are engaged; transitioning from a state in which none of the threads of a plurality of threads are engaged to a state in which every other thread of the plurality of threads is engaged.

[0014] In some embodiments, the third pattern is gradually switched to the fourth pattern in the machine direction parallel to the warp axis. In some embodiments, the switching between the first and second patterns, and the switching between the third and fourth patterns, each includes at least one of the following steps: transitioning from a state in which every other thread of a plurality of threads is engaged to a state in which none of the threads of the plurality of threads are engaged; transitioning from a state in which every other thread of a plurality of threads is engaged to a state in which all of the threads of the plurality of threads are engaged; transitioning from a state in which none of the threads of a plurality of threads are engaged to a state in which every other thread of the plurality of threads is engaged.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first non-zero angle, the second non-zero angle, and the third non-zero angle are identical.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first non-zero angle, the second non-zero angle, and the third non-zero angle are different.

[0017] In some embodiments, the method further includes the steps of weaving together at least one weaving yarn and a plurality of yarns along a first transition line to form a first seam, and weaving together at least one weaving yarn and a plurality of yarns along a second transition line to form a second seam.

[0018] In some embodiments, when formed, the woven seam structure has a first opening at the first end and a second opening at the second end.

[0019] In some embodiments, when formed, the woven seam structure has a first end and a second end, the first transition line is a straight line from the first end to the second end, and the second transition line is a straight line from the first end to the second end.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first non-zero angle is an angle in the range of 30 to 75 degrees.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first non-zero angle is an angle in the range of 40 degrees to 50 degrees.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first non-zero angle is 45 degrees.

[0023] In some embodiments, the method further includes cutting at least one woven thread and a plurality of threads outside the first transition line to release a first portion of the woven seam structure, and cutting at least one woven thread and a plurality of threads outside the second transition line to release a second portion of the woven seam structure.

[0024] In some embodiments, the plurality of threads and at least one woven thread are composed of the same material. In some embodiments, the same material is an elastic material.

[0025] In some embodiments, the plurality of threads are composed of a first material, and at least one woven thread is composed of a second material. In some embodiments, the first material has a first elastic modulus, and the second material has a second elastic modulus different from the first elastic modulus.

[0026] In some embodiments, at least one woven thread forms a fabric sheet woven into the plurality of threads, whereby at least a part of the woven seam structure is integrally formed with the fabric sheet.

[0027] In some embodiments, the woven seam structure includes a body including a first transition line and a second transition line, and the layer of the woven seam structure between the first transition line and the second transition line has one or more transition lines formed at a zero angle with respect to the weft axis or the warp axis, showing an increase in elasticity of at least 175% along the length direction of the body compared to another woven seam structure that is otherwise the same.

[0028] In some embodiments, the woven seam structure includes a body including a first transition line and a second transition line, and the layer of the woven seam structure between the first transition line and the second transition line shows an increase in elongation of at least 20% along the length direction of the body.

[0029] In some embodiments, the woven seam structure comprises a body including a first transition line and a second transition line, the woven seam structure is formed from yarn containing 8 to 80 denier threads, and the layer of the woven seam structure between the first and second transition lines exhibits at least 200% increased elongation along the length of the body compared to another woven seam structure having transition lines formed at zero angle with respect to the weft or warp axis, the other woven seam structure having the same yarn denier characteristics as the woven seam structure.

[0030] In some embodiments, the woven seam structure is formed from yarn containing threads of 200 denier or less. In some embodiments, the woven seam structure comprises a body containing a first transition line and a second transition line, and the body of the woven seam structure includes a portion with a fabric thickness of 2 mm or less.

[0031] In another exemplary embodiment, a woven seam structure is provided. This woven seam structure is formed by providing a plurality of threads parallel to the warp axis, providing at least one weaving thread, and weaving the at least one weaving thread back and forth in a direction parallel to the weft axis into the plurality of threads, the weft axis being perpendicular to the warp axis. The at least one weaving thread is configured to switch patterns between a first position at a first pick and a second position at a second pick to form a first transition line between the first and second positions. The first transition line extends at a first non-zero angle with respect to the warp axis and the first transition line is not parallel to the weft axis. The at least one weaving thread is further configured to switch patterns between a third position at a third pick and a fourth position at a fourth pick to form a second transition line between the third and fourth positions. The second transition line extends at a second non-zero angle with respect to the warp axis and the second transition line is not parallel to the weft axis. At least a portion of a woven seam structure is formed between the first and second transition lines, the woven seam structure defines a central axis, the central axis extends between the first and second transition lines, extends along a third non-zero angle with respect to the warp axis, and its direction of extension is not parallel to the weft axis.

[0032] In some embodiments, at least one weaving yarn is configured to switch between a first pattern and a second pattern at a first position on a first pick and a second position on a second pick to form a first transition line, and at least one weaving yarn is further configured to switch between a third pattern and a fourth pattern at a third position on a third pick and a fourth position on a fourth pick to form a second transition line. In some embodiments, the first and second patterns are the same. In some embodiments, the first and second patterns are different. In some embodiments, the second and fourth patterns are the same. In some embodiments, the second and fourth patterns are different.

[0033] In some embodiments, the woven seam structure comprises a body including a first transition line and a second transition line, wherein the layer of the woven seam structure between the first and second transition lines has one or more transition lines formed at zero angle with respect to the weft axis or warp axis, exhibiting at least a 175% increase in elasticity along the length of the body compared to another otherwise identical woven seam structure.

[0034] In some embodiments, the woven seam structure comprises a body including a first transition line and a second transition line, wherein the layer of the woven seam structure between the first transition line and the second transition line exhibits an elongation increase of at least 20% along the longitudinal direction of the body.

[0035] In some embodiments, the woven seam structure comprises a body including a first transition line and a second transition line, the woven seam structure is formed from yarn containing 8 to 80 denier threads, and the layer of the woven seam structure between the first and second transition lines exhibits at least 200% increased elongation along the length of the body compared to another woven seam structure having transition lines formed at zero angle with respect to the weft or warp axis, the other woven seam structure having the same yarn denier characteristics as the woven seam structure.

[0036] In some embodiments, the woven seam structure is formed from yarn containing threads of 200 denier or less. In some embodiments, the woven seam structure comprises a body containing a first transition line and a second transition line, and the body of the woven seam structure includes a portion with a fabric thickness of 2 mm or less.

[0037] In another exemplary embodiment, a system for weaving a woven seam structure is provided. The system comprises a plurality of threads extending parallel to the warp axis, at least one weaving thread, and a mechanical loom. The mechanical loom is configured such that at least one weaving thread is woven into the plurality of threads by moving it back and forth in a direction parallel to the weft axis, the weft axis being perpendicular to the warp axis, and in the machine direction, the pattern of at least one weaving thread is switched between a first position at a first pick and a second position at a second pick to form a first transition line between the first and second positions, the first transition line extending at a first non-zero angle with respect to the warp axis, and the first transition line not being parallel to the weft axis, and the pattern is switched between a third position at a third pick and a fourth position at a fourth pick to form a second transition line between the third and fourth positions, the second transition line extending at a second non-zero angle with respect to the warp axis, and the second transition line not being parallel to the weft axis. At least a portion of the woven seam structure is formed between the first and second transition lines. The woven seam structure defines a central axis, which extends between the first and second transition lines, along a third non-zero angle with respect to the warp axis, and whose direction of extension is not parallel to the weft axis.

[0038] In another exemplary embodiment, a method for forming a multilayer structure is provided. This method includes the steps of: providing a plurality of threads parallel to the warp axis; providing at least one weaving thread; and weaving the at least one weaving thread back and forth in a direction parallel to the weft axis, wherein the weft axis is perpendicular to the warp axis. The at least one weaving thread is configured to switch patterns between a first position at a first pick and a second position at a second pick. The first and second positions are first distinct positions along the weft axis. The at least one weaving thread is further configured to switch patterns between a third position at a third pick and a fourth position at a fourth pick. The third and fourth positions are second distinct positions along the weft axis.

[0039] In another exemplary embodiment, a woven seam structure is provided. The woven seam structure comprises a plurality of threads extending parallel to each other in a first direction; at least one weaving thread woven back and forth in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction into the plurality of threads; a first transition line extending from the first direction at a first non-zero angle, not parallel to the second direction, formed by a first pattern change occurring during the weaving of the at least one weaving thread, and extending along the edge of the woven seam structure; a second transition line extending from the first direction at a second non-zero angle, not parallel to the second direction, formed by a second pattern change occurring during the weaving of the at least one weaving thread, and extending along the edge of the woven seam structure; and a body formed from the plurality of threads and at least one weaving thread, including the first transition line and the second transition line.

[0040] In some embodiments, the body defines a central axis extending from a first direction along a third non-zero angle. In some embodiments, the first, second, and third non-zero angles are the same. In some embodiments, the first, second, and third non-zero angles are different.

[0041] In some embodiments, the body defines a tubular shape.

[0042] In some embodiments, the main body defines multiple chambers or conduits.

[0043] In some embodiments, multiple threads are woven together at one or more points between a first transition line and a second transition line.

[0044] In some embodiments, the woven seam structure has a first opening at a first end and a second opening at a second end, with a first transition line extending between the first and second ends and a second transition line extending between the first and second ends.

[0045] In some embodiments, the woven seam structure has a first opening at a first end and is closed at a second end, with a first transition line extending between the first and second ends and a second transition line extending between the first and second ends.

[0046] In some embodiments, the woven seam structure is closed at a first end and closed at a second end, with a first transition line extending between the first and second ends and a second transition line extending between the first and second ends.

[0047] In some embodiments, the first transition line forms a first seam, and the second transition line forms a second seam.

[0048] In some embodiments, the woven seam structure has a first opening at the first end and a second opening at the second end. In some embodiments, the first transition line is a straight line from the first end to the second end, and the second transition line is a straight line from the first end to the second end.

[0049] In some embodiments, the first non-zero angle is an angle in the range of 30 to 75 degrees.

[0050] In some embodiments, the first non-zero angle is an angle in the range of 40 to 50 degrees.

[0051] In some embodiments, multiple threads and at least one woven thread are made of the same material. In some embodiments, the same material is an elastic material.

[0052] In some embodiments, multiple yarns are composed of a first material, and at least one woven yarn is composed of a second material. In some embodiments, the first material has a first modulus of elasticity, and the second material has a second modulus of elasticity that is different from the first modulus of elasticity.

[0053] In some embodiments, the layer of woven seam structure between the first transition line and the second transition line exhibits at least 175% increased elasticity along the length of the body compared to another otherwise identical woven seam structure having one or more transition lines formed at zero angle with respect to the first or second direction.

[0054] In some embodiments, the layer of woven seam structure between the first transition line and the second transition line exhibits an elongation increase of at least 20% along the longitudinal direction of the body.

[0055] In some embodiments, the woven seam structure is formed from yarn containing 8 to 80 denier threads per strand, and the layer of the woven seam structure between the first and second transition lines exhibits at least 200% increased elongation along the length of the body compared to another woven seam structure having transition lines formed at zero angle to the first or second direction, and the other woven seam structure has the same yarn denier characteristics as the woven seam structure.

[0056] In some embodiments, the woven seam structure is formed from yarn containing threads of 200 denier or less. In some embodiments, the body of the woven seam structure includes a portion with a fabric thickness of 2 mm or less.

[0057] In another exemplary embodiment, a woven seam structure is provided. The woven seam structure comprises a body including a plurality of threads extending parallel to each other in a first direction, at least one woven thread woven back and forth in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction to the plurality of threads, and one or more seams formed at a first non-zero angle from the first and second directions and extending along the edge of the body. The layers of the woven seam structure exhibit at least 175% increased elasticity along the length of the body compared to another otherwise identical woven seam structure having one or more second seams formed at zero angle to the first or second direction.

[0058] In some embodiments, the layer of the woven seam structure exhibits an increase in elongation of at least 20% along the longitudinal direction of the body.

[0059] In some embodiments, the woven seam structure is formed from yarn containing 8 to 80 denier threads per strand, and the layer of the woven seam structure exhibits at least 200% increased elongation along the length direction of the body compared to another otherwise identical woven seam structure, and the other woven seam structure has the same yarn denier characteristics as the woven seam structure.

[0060] In some embodiments, the woven seam structure is formed from yarn containing threads of 200 denier or less. In some embodiments, the body of the woven seam structure includes a portion with a fabric thickness of 2 mm or less. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0061] [Figure 1A] An exemplary woven seam structure on a loom is shown, with the woven seam structure oriented at a zero-degree angle to the warp axis. [Figure 1B] Figure 1A shows the woven seam structure after it has been removed from the loom. [Figure 2] The following illustrates exemplary woven seam structures according to several embodiments described herein. [Figure 3]This specification illustrates exemplary woven seam structures on a loom, having a central longitudinal axis oriented at a 45-degree angle to the warp axis, according to several embodiments described herein. [Figure 4] This is a close-up view of multiple threads woven into an exemplary woven seam structure according to some exemplary embodiments described herein. [Figure 5A] An exemplary woven seam structure removed from a loom is shown, along with exemplary cutting marks and arrows indicating longitudinal forces, according to several embodiments described herein. [Figure 5B] Figure 5A shows an exemplary woven seam structure in an extended state according to the arrows shown in Figure 5A, according to some embodiments described herein. [Figure 5C] Figures 5A and 5B show exemplary woven seam structures according to some embodiments described herein, with arrows indicating circumferential forces. [Figure 5D] Figures 5A–5C show exemplary woven seam structures in an extended state according to the arrows shown in Figure 5C, according to some embodiments described herein. [Figure 5E] Figures 5A–5D show exemplary woven seam structures in which two conduits are formed by connecting weaves, according to some embodiments described herein. [Figure 5F] Figure 5E shows an exemplary woven seam structure in which a portion of the end is closed to form a chamber, according to some embodiments described herein. [Figure 5G] Figures 5A-5D are enlarged views of a portion of the exemplary woven seam structure showing exemplary transition lines on the body according to some embodiments described herein. [Figure 6] This specification shows exemplary woven seam structures on a loom having a central longitudinal axis oriented at an angle of 85 degrees to the warp axis, according to several embodiments described herein. [Figure 7A] This is an enlarged view of an exemplary portion of a woven seam structure on a loom, according to some embodiments described herein. [Figure 7B]This is another enlarged view of another exemplary portion of the woven seam structure of Figure 7A, according to some embodiments described herein. [Figure 8A] This is an enlarged view of an exemplary portion of a woven seam structure on a loom, according to some embodiments described herein. [Figure 8B] This is another enlarged view of another exemplary portion of the woven seam structure of Figure 8A, according to some embodiments described herein. [Figure 9A] This is an enlarged view of an exemplary portion of a woven seam structure on a loom, according to some embodiments described herein. [Figure 9B] This is another enlarged view of another exemplary portion of the woven seam structure of Figure 9A, according to some embodiments described herein. [Figure 10A] This is an enlarged view of an exemplary portion of a woven seam structure on a loom, according to some embodiments described herein. [Figure 10B] This is another enlarged view of another exemplary portion of a woven seam structure on a loom, according to some embodiments described herein. [Figure 11A] This is an enlarged view of an exemplary portion of a woven seam structure on a loom, according to some embodiments described herein. [Figure 11B] This is another enlarged view of another exemplary portion of a woven seam structure on a loom, according to some embodiments described herein. [Figure 12A] This is an enlarged view of an exemplary portion of a woven seam structure on a loom, according to some embodiments described herein. [Figure 12B] This is another enlarged view of another exemplary portion of a woven seam structure on a loom, according to some embodiments described herein. [Figure 13A] This specification shows exemplary woven seam structures on a loom woven integrally with a fabric sheet, according to several embodiments described herein. [Figure 13B] This specification shows another exemplary woven seam structure on a loom woven integrally with a fabric sheet, according to some embodiments described herein. [Figure 14A]This is an enlarged view of an exemplary portion of a woven seam structure on a loom, woven integrally with a fabric sheet, according to some embodiments described herein. [Figure 14B] This is an enlarged view of an exemplary portion of another woven seam structure on a loom, woven integrally with a fabric sheet, according to some embodiments described herein. [Figure 14C] This is an enlarged view of an exemplary portion of another woven seam structure on a loom, woven integrally with a fabric sheet, according to some embodiments described herein. [Figure 15A] This specification shows exemplary woven seam structures on a loom having irregularly shaped transition lines, according to several embodiments described herein. [Figure 15B] This is an enlarged view of an exemplary portion of a woven seam structure on a loom having irregularly shaped transition lines, according to some embodiments described herein. [Figure 15C] This is an enlarged view of an exemplary portion of another woven seam structure on a loom having irregularly shaped transition lines, according to some embodiments described herein. [Figure 16] This is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary manufacturing process for a woven seam structure according to some embodiments described herein. [Figure 17] This specification shows exemplary woven seam structures positioned within the water inlet and water outlet for leak testing, according to several embodiments described herein. [Figure 18] This graph shows the elasticity of woven structures, comparing a conventional woven structure layer in which transition lines are woven at a zero-degree angle with respect to the warp axis, a conventional woven structure layer in which transition lines are woven at a zero-degree angle with respect to the weft axis, and a woven structure layer in which transition lines are woven at a 45-degree angle as assumed in this specification. [Figure 19] This graph shows the rate of increase in the elasticity of the woven structure, comparing a conventional woven structure layer in which the transition lines are woven at a zero-degree angle with respect to the warp axis, a conventional woven structure layer in which the transition lines are woven at a zero-degree angle with respect to the weft axis, and a woven structure layer in which the transition lines are woven at a 45-degree angle as assumed in this specification. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0062] The outline of the present invention has been described above, and now we will refer to the attached drawings. Note that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0063] Several exemplary embodiments are described below in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, not all exemplary embodiments are shown. In fact, the embodiments described and illustrated herein should not be construed as limiting the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided for the purpose of satisfying the applicable legal requirements of the disclosure. Throughout, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements.

[0064] Woven seam structures are used in a variety of applications, including implantation within the body. In this regard, such seam structures can form one or more conduits, openings, or chambers for holding or passing fluids such as blood or other bodily fluids. For example, some woven seam structures may be used as vascular grafts, valve skirts, or other conduits for implantation within the body.

[0065] However, when such grafts are implanted, their length is extremely important. In particular, once implanted, the graft needs to be large enough to function like a natural blood vessel and allow blood to flow freely. However, if the graft is too long, it may affect surrounding tissues, organs, blood vessels, or other medical devices (e.g., additional grafts). Similarly, if the graft is too long, it may become prone to bending. On the other hand, if the graft is too small, it may cause unnecessary stress to internal tissues and / or become prone to breakage when stretched.

[0066] When an exemplary seam structure is woven, the weaving threads are woven in a desired pattern into multiple threads stretched parallel to the warp axis. Traditionally, in this case, the weaving threads have been continuously woven back and forth in a direction parallel to the weft axis, forming a woven seam structure. Depending on the weaving design, one or more seams are formed, and the body is defined between them. The body has a central axis parallel to the warp axis or weft axis. Seam structures woven in this way have limited elasticity or adaptability, and this elasticity may not be sufficient for certain applications.

[0067] Figure 1A shows such an exemplary woven seam structure 124 on a loom 120. The loom 120 has a feed shaft 122 and a winding shaft 123, which extend parallel to the weft axis (indicated by double arrows WE). The loom has a plurality of threads (not shown) extending parallel to the warp axis (indicated by double arrows WA) between shafts 122 and 123, and is configured to form a woven seam structure 124 by weaving weaving threads back and forth in accordance with a pattern into these threads. The weaving threads are configured to be woven in a first direction parallel to the weft axis WE (arrow D1), then in a second direction parallel to the weft axis WE (arrow D2), or vice versa. When the weaving threads are switched from moving in the first direction to the second direction, the weaving threads move in the machine direction (arrow MD). The machine direction extends from the winding shaft 123 to the feed shaft 122 and is parallel to the warp axis WA. The meridian axis WA is perpendicular to the latitude axis WE.

[0068] In the illustrated embodiment, the weaving yarn is woven in by moving back and forth directly in the first and second directions and is advanced sequentially in the machine direction to form a woven seam structure 124. As the woven seam structure is woven in the machine direction, a pattern change occurs at the same position along the weft axis WE, so the central axis A1 of the resulting woven seam structure is zero degrees with respect to the warp axis WA. Referring to Figure 1B, the woven seam structure 124 has a first end 126 and a second end 128. Figure 1B shows the woven seam structure 124 removed from the loom 120 and stretched out (as indicated by the double arrows). For example, a user can grasp the first end 126 and the second end 128 of the woven seam structure 124 and pull them apart to move the woven seam structure 124 from a relaxed state to the stretched state shown in Figure 2B.

[0069] As described above, ensuring the desired elasticity and adaptability is important for facilitating implantation, accommodating the characteristics of the body to which it is implanted, adjusting tolerances, and / or exhibiting behavior more similar to the original blood vessels to which it is implanted. Accordingly, exemplary embodiments of the present invention include a seam structure woven to have transition lines and / or a central axis that form a non-zero angle with respect to the warp axis on the loom. Such a woven seam structure has higher elasticity in the longitudinal and circumferential directions. For example, a woven seam structure is formed by weaving a weaving thread into a plurality of threads, where a particular thread among the plurality of threads is woven by the weaving thread in a different way with respect to the weft axis. This forms a transition line that has a non-zero angle with respect to the warp axis, and by designing this transition line as a seam, a woven seam structure can be formed on the loom. Thus, the woven seam structure forms a body that can function as a conduit or chamber depending on the configuration and design application.

[0070] Figure 2 shows an exemplary woven seam structure assembly 100. The woven seam structure assembly 100 includes a woven seam structure 102 in which a first transition line 112 and a second transition line 114 extend between a first opening at a first end 108 and a second opening at a second end 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the woven seam structure assembly 100 is removed from the loom with the yarn end 104 still attached to the transition line 112 and the yarn end 106 still attached to the transition line 114. As can be seen from the angles between the transition lines 112, 114 and the body 102a of the woven seam structure 102 and the yarn ends 104, 106, and as will be described later, the woven seam structure 102 is woven on the loom at a certain angle (for example, a non-zero angle with respect to the warp and weft axes, or in other words, an angle not parallel to either the warp or weft axes). As a result, the woven seam structure has greater elasticity in the longitudinal direction (e.g., along the central axis) than in conventional methods (e.g., when woven at zero angle to the warp axis or zero angle to the weft axis). In some embodiments described herein, the angled orientation of the woven seam structure is achieved by gradually or intermittently switching the pattern of the weaving yarns as the weaving yarns are woven into multiple yarns on the loom. The diameter of the woven seam structure may be constant or variable. For example, in some embodiments, the diameter of the woven seam structure may be less than 20 millimeters. However, in other embodiments, the diameter may be any other value (e.g., 100 mm or less, 50 mm or less, 40 mm or less, 2 mm or more, 4 mm or more, 10 mm or more, 2 mm to 20 mm, 4 mm to 40 mm, etc.). Although various embodiments of this specification describe a "woven seam structure," the woven seam structure may be open or closed, and may also be any multilayer structure that can form any cross-sectional shape or overall shape in one or more sections, including shapes or designs such as cones, skirts, tapers, double tapers, and multiple helices.

[0071] Figure 3 shows a loom 130 having a feed shaft 133 and a winding shaft 135 extending parallel to the weft axis WE. Multiple yarns extend parallel to the warp axis WA between shafts 133 and 135, and at least one weaving yarn reciprocates in a first and second direction and is woven into the multiple yarns. Both the first and second directions are parallel to the weft axis WE. The weaving yarn is woven in such a way that the pattern switches gradually or intermittently in the machine direction, thereby forming a woven seam structure 136 having a central axis A2 that forms a non-zero angle Φ with respect to the warp axis WA. As will be described later, the non-zero angle of the woven seam structure 136 is achieved by gradually or intermittently switching between a first pattern and a second pattern, and further gradually or intermittently switching between a third pattern and a fourth pattern, as the weaving yarn is woven into the multiple yarns. For example, within the range of a single pass (e.g., along a single pick) in which the weaving yarn moves in a first direction, the weaving yarn switches from a first pattern to a second pattern at a first position along the weft axis WE at the start of the pass, and switches from a third pattern to a fourth pattern at a second position along the weft axis WE at the end of the pass (however, in some embodiments, the switch from the first pattern to the second pattern at the first position may occur in a different pick than the switch from the third pattern to the fourth pattern). As described herein, the various patterns may be identical except for the switching portion that forms the transition line. For example, the second and third patterns may be identical in some embodiments, but different in other embodiments. Similarly, the first and fourth patterns may be identical in some embodiments, but different in other embodiments.

[0072] As the weaving threads are sequentially woven back and forth (constructed in the machine direction), the position along the weft axis WE where the pattern changes gradually or intermittently. In this regard, by gradually or intermittently changing the pattern changing position, the two transition lines 134 and 132 are configured to be formed at a non-zero angle with respect to the warp axis WA (for example, the first transition line 134 forms the same non-zero angle Φ with respect to the warp axis WA, and the second transition line 132 also forms the same non-zero angle Φ with respect to the warp axis WA). As a result, a woven seam structure such as the woven seam structure 136 is obtained, which has a central axis A2 inclined with respect to the warp axis WA at the same non-zero angle Φ as the transition lines 134 and 132. The non-zero angle Φ shown in Figure 6 is approximately 45 degrees, but the non-zero angle may be any other non-zero angle with respect to the warp axis WA (see, for example, Figure 6). For example, non-zero angles may be in the range of 30 to 75 degrees, 40 to 50 degrees, 10 to 80 degrees, 1 to 89 degrees, etc.

[0073] In particular, the woven seam structure 136 may be configured such that the first transition line 134 forms a first non-zero angle with respect to the warp axis WA, and the second transition line 132 forms a second non-zero angle with respect to the warp axis WA. It should also be noted that the first transition line 134 is at a non-zero angle with respect to the weft axis WE, and similarly, the second transition line 132 is at a non-zero angle with respect to the weft axis WE. In other words, the first transition line 134 and the second transition line 132 are not parallel to either the warp axis WA or the weft axis WE. In some embodiments, the first non-zero angle may be the same as the second non-zero angle, as shown in Figure 3. However, in some other embodiments, the first non-zero angle may be different from the second non-zero angle. In embodiments where the first non-zero angle is different from the second non-zero angle, the central axis 136 of the woven seam structure forms a third non-zero angle with respect to the warp axis WA, which lies between the first and second non-zero angles. Furthermore, the central axis 136 is at a non-zero angle with respect to the latitude axis WE (in other words, it is not parallel to either the longitudinal axis WA or the latitude axis WE). Also, although only one central axis is shown in the embodiment of Figure 3, in some configurations, such as when the main body of the woven seam structure has multiple conduits and / or chambers, multiple central axes may be provided. In such cases, one or more of these central axes may be formed at a non-zero angle with respect to the longitudinal axis WA or the latitude axis.

[0074] Figure 4 is an enlarged schematic diagram of the weaving pattern 190, showing how the weaving yarn 191 is woven into multiple threads to form a woven seam structure. The weaving yarn 191 is woven by passing through multiple times in a first direction D1 and a second direction D2 along the weft axis WE, and the weaving pattern 190 moves in the machine direction MD. The first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are parallel to the weft axis WE, and the machine direction is parallel to the warp axis WA. In the illustrated embodiment, the weaving yarn 191 is woven in such a way that the pattern is switched in the machine direction to form transition lines that form a non-zero angle with respect to the warp axis WA. The transition lines may be used to define a woven seam structure that can be cut or otherwise removed after formation (as described herein).

[0075] The transition lines are shown in Figure 4 as the first transition line L1 and the second transition line L2. To form the first transition line (indicated by line L1), the weaving yarn 191 is switched between a first pattern (e.g., all yarns are unengaged) and a second pattern (e.g., an over-and-under weaving pattern) at a position that gradually changes along the weft axis WE as it moves back and forth in the machine direction (in other embodiments, this switching may be performed intermittently or in a different manner). To form the second transition line (indicated by line L2), the weaving yarn 191 is switched between a third pattern (e.g., an over-and-under weaving pattern) and a fourth pattern (e.g., all yarns are unengaged) at a position that gradually changes along the weft axis WE as it moves back and forth in the machine direction. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the first and fourth patterns are those in which the weaving yarn 191 simply passes over or unengages each of the yarns, while the second and third patterns are over-and-under weaving patterns. In other embodiments, the first, second, third, and fourth patterns may all be different, and other patterns (plain weave, twill weave, satin weave, basket weave, or any other pattern) may be used. Furthermore, multiple threads can be engaged or disengaged at the transition point to form a non-zero angle with respect to the transition line (with respect to the warp axis WA). Similarly, by changing the number of threads engaged or disengaged at the transition point, transition lines with different angles can be formed. The number of threads engaged or disengaged can be set to be repeatable or non-repeatable depending on the transition line to be formed. Similarly, in some embodiments, there may be a difference in the timing of the transition point occurring between the first transition line L1 and the second transition line L2, resulting in the formation of different angles with respect to the warp axis WA.

[0076] With regard to the formation of the first transition line L1 in Figure 4, the weaving yarn 191 is switched in the machine direction between a state woven in a first pattern and a state woven in a second pattern. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the first pattern is simply a state in which multiple yarns are disengaged. That is, the weaving yarn 191 passes over multiple yarns when woven according to the first pattern, and then switches to an over-and-under weaving pattern according to the second pattern at different points along the weft axis WE (or vice versa). According to the illustrated embodiment, the weaving yarn 191 (working to the right along the first pick P1 in Figure 4) passes over yarns 196 and 197 (according to the first pattern), and at the first weft insertion point I1 of the first pick P1, at the first intersection with the first transition line L1, it passes over yarn 198 and under yarn 199 (according to the second pattern). In a different machine direction, the weaving yarn 191 (working leftward along the second pick P2 in Figure 4) is woven (according to the second pattern) passing under yarn 202, under yarn 201, and over yarn 200, then switched at the second weft insertion point I2 of the second pick P2, and at the second intersection with the first transition line L1, (according to the first pattern) passes over the remaining yarns with yarn 199. Thus, the first transition line L1 is formed and is shown to extend at a first non-zero angle Z1 with respect to the warp axis WA.

[0077] With regard to the formation of the second transition line L2 in Figure 4, the weaving yarn 191 is switched between being woven in a third pattern and being woven in a fourth pattern in the machine direction. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the third pattern is identical to the second pattern, and the fourth pattern is simply a state in which multiple yarns are disengaged (identical to the first pattern). That is, the weaving yarn 191 is woven in an over-and-under weaving pattern according to the third pattern, and then switched to the fourth pattern at different points along the weft axis WE to pass over multiple yarns (or vice versa). According to the illustrated embodiment, the weaving yarn 191 (working to the right along the third pick P3 in Figure 4) passes under yarn 195 and over yarn 196 (according to the third pattern), and at the third weft insertion point I3 of the third pick P3, at the third intersection with the second transition line L2, passes over the remaining yarns with yarn 197 (according to the fourth pattern). In a different machine direction, the weaving yarn 191 (working leftward along the fourth pick P4 in Figure 4) is woven in (according to the fourth pattern) passing over yarns 201, 200, and 199, then switches to the third pattern at the fourth weft insertion point I4 of the fourth pick P4, passing over yarn 198 and under yarn 197 at the fourth intersection with the second transition line L2 (and so on). Thus, the second transition line L2 is formed and extends at a non-zero angle Z2 with respect to the warp axis WA.

[0078] In particular, the switching from the first pattern to the second pattern and / or from the third pattern to the fourth pattern can be designed to vary the number of threads involved in the transition at each pass, for example, to form different non-zero angles (with respect to the warp axis WA). The number of threads used for transitions between patterns can be set to be repeatable or non-repeatable, depending on the transition line to be formed.

[0079] In particular, in the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the same pattern transition for forming the first transition line (for example, switching from a state where the weaving yarn 191 passes over each of the threads to a state where it is woven in an over-and-under pattern) is performed mirror-image to form the second transition line (for example, switching from a state where the weaving yarn 191 is woven in an over-and-under pattern to a state where it passes over each of the threads). This results in a constant diameter for the resulting woven seam structure. The resulting woven seam structure has a central axis that has the same non-zero angle with respect to the warp axis WA as the transition line. For example, referring to Figure 4, a woven seam structure is formed between the first transition line L1 and the second transition line L2, and the woven seam structure may have a central axis TA1 (for example, extending between the portions of the transition lines described above) that extends at a third non-zero angle Z3 with respect to the warp axis WA. In such exemplary embodiments, a woven seam structure is formed in which the first transition line L1, the second transition line L2, and the central axis line TA1 all define the same non-zero angle with respect to the warp axis line WA (however, in other embodiments, these angles may differ from each other). The exemplary weave pattern 190 in Figure 4 shows a pattern switching that generates a woven seam structure with linear transition lines of constant diameter, but woven seam structures with transition lines of different diameters and / or irregular shapes are also considered, as shown in Figures 15A-15C.

[0080] Figure 5A shows the woven seam structure 140 removed from the loom (e.g., cut). For example, the woven seam structure shown in Figure 5A has been cut from the loom at cutting marks 139 and 141. Because the woven seam structure 140 is woven at a non-zero angle (e.g., on the bias), it has greater elasticity than if it were woven at a zero-degree angle with respect to the warp axis, as described above with respect to the woven seam structure 136 in Figure 3. The woven seam structure 140 is further cut at cutting marks 167 and 169 (e.g., parallel cutting marks) to form a first end 146 and a second end 144, thereby defining the body 142 (together with the first side 145 and the second side 147). In this case, the first side 145 and the second side 147 may include the transition lines described above, which may be formed as seams.

[0081] When the ends 146 and 144 are pulled apart longitudinally, the woven seam structure 140 can be stretched to a longer position, as shown in Figure 5B. The length difference exhibited by the woven seam structure 140 woven at a non-zero angle is greater than the length difference exhibited by the seam structure woven at a zero angle shown in Figures 1A-1B. In some embodiments, the change in length from short to long in Figures 5A-5B may be at least 3.5%. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the change in length from short to long may be at least 5%, at least 7%, at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, or at least 30%. In other embodiments, the change in length from short to long may be any other value.

[0082] In particular, Figure 18 is Graph 1800, which shows the stretchability of woven structures, comparing a conventional woven structure layer with transition lines woven at a zero-degree angle to the warp axis, a conventional woven structure layer with transition lines woven at a zero-degree angle to the weft axis, and a woven structure layer with transition lines woven at a 45-degree angle as assumed herein. Graph 1800 shows the elongation for seven different exemplary layers of woven structures 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B. In this regard, the tests were performed on layers of woven structures without seams (for example, a formed woven structure (or a part of a formed woven structure with the corresponding angled transition line / central axis) was cut in half without seams, and the resulting fabric layers were tested corresponding to the following test numbers). Table 1 (below) shows the various properties of the exemplary woven structures for each test subject. In particular, according to tests such as those described herein, the fabric has a density of 0.480 to 0.700 g / cm², with a denier count of 8 to 80 denier per thread. 3 It has been shown that for woven structures possessing these characteristics and woven at non-zero angles such as 45 degrees, the elasticity along the longitudinal axis is significantly increased. [Table 1]

[0083] As shown in Figure 18, layers 1A to 4B of a conventional woven structure, in which transition lines were woven at a zero-degree angle with respect to the warp axis, were stretched along their longitudinal axis with different loads (low, medium, and high). In particular, the applied loads were approximately 2.5 lbf (approximately 11.1 N) for the low load, approximately 5 lbf for the medium load, and approximately 10 lbf for the high load (however, for sample ID 4B, the low load was 0.337 lbf (1.5 N), the medium load was 0.674 lbf (3 N), and the high load was 1.124 lbf (5 N), and the relatively low force was due to the problem of slippage). As shown in Table 2A, the elongation rates were approximately 1% to 3.5% for the low load, approximately 2% to 4.25% for the medium load, and approximately 6.8% to 13.5% for the high load. Similarly, layers 1A–4B of the conventional woven structure, in which transition lines were woven at a zero-degree angle to the weft axis, were stretched along the longitudinal axis at different loads (low, medium, and high). As shown with reference to 2A, the stretching rates were approximately 1.8%–4.25% at low load, approximately 2%–6.8% at medium load, and approximately 2.4%–15.25% at high load. In contrast, layers 1A–4B of the woven structure, in which transition lines were woven at a 45-degree angle, were stretched along the longitudinal axis at different loads (low, medium, and high load). As shown with reference to Table 2C, the stretching rates were approximately 6.8%–13.5% at low load, approximately 11.6%–19.4% at medium load, and approximately 15.3%–30% at high load. Therefore, it has been shown that forming a woven structure with transition lines at a 45-degree angle increases the elongation along the longitudinal axis by approximately 3.5% to 12% under low load, approximately 7% to 15.8% under medium load, and approximately 10% to 23% under high load. Such results provide significant advantages in terms of conformability and elasticity for various medical applications as described herein. [Table 2] [Table 3] [Table 4]

[0084] Figure 19 is Graph 1900, which shows the rate of increase in elasticity of a woven structure when comparing a conventional woven structure layer in which the transition lines are woven at a zero-degree angle with respect to the warp axis, a conventional woven structure layer in which the transition lines are woven at a zero-degree angle with respect to the weft axis, and a woven structure layer in which the transition lines are woven at a 45-degree angle as assumed herein. Graph 1900 shows the rate of increase in elasticity for the same seven different exemplary woven structures 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B shown in Table 1 (above).

[0085] As shown in Figure 19, layers 1A to 4B of a conventional woven structure, in which transition lines were woven at a zero-degree angle with respect to the warp axis, were stretched along their longitudinal axis at different loads (low, medium, and high). This was compared with layers 1A to 4B of a woven structure, in which transition lines were woven at a 45-degree angle. These were also stretched along their longitudinal axis at different loads (low, medium, and high). As shown, the increase in elasticity of the layers with transition lines woven at a 45-degree angle with respect to the warp axis compared to the layers with transition lines woven at a zero-degree angle was approximately 200% to 820% at low load, approximately 240% to 825% at medium load, and approximately 200% to 864% at high load. Table 3A shows these results at low load, Table 3B shows these results at medium load, and Table 3C shows these results at high load. [Table 5] [Table 6] [Table 7]

[0086] Similarly, layers 1A-4B of a conventional woven structure, in which transition lines were woven at a zero-degree angle with respect to the weft axis, were stretched along their longitudinal axis at different loads (low, medium, and high). These were compared with layers 1A-4B of a woven structure in which transition lines were woven at a 45-degree angle. These were also stretched along their longitudinal axis at different loads (low, medium, and high). As shown, the increase in elasticity of the layers with transition lines woven at a 45-degree angle with respect to the weft axis compared to the layers with transition lines woven at a zero-degree angle was 225%-650% at low load, 200%-600% at medium load, and 175%-350% at high load.

[0087] Figure 5C shows the same woven seam structure 140 removed from the loom (e.g., cut). When the sides 145 and 147 are pulled apart circumferentially, or when any radial force is applied circumferentially, the woven seam structure 140 can be stretched to a wider position, as shown in Figure 5D. The width difference shown by the woven seam structure 140 woven at a non-zero angle is greater than the width difference shown by the seam structure woven at a zero angle, as shown in Figures 2A-2B. In some embodiments, the width change from short to wide in Figures 5C-5D may be at least 2%. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the width change from short to wide may be at least 5%, at least 7%, at least 8%, at least 10%, at least 15%, or at least 20%. In other embodiments, the width change from short to wide may be any other value.

[0088] In particular, the above tests included a woven seam structure having specific yarn fineness, fabric thickness and fabric density. However, in various embodiments of the present invention, the formation of woven seam structures having other similar characteristics is also contemplated. For example, in some embodiments, the yarn may have a fineness of less than 300 denier. In some embodiments, the yarn may have a fineness of 200 denier or less. In some embodiments, the yarn may have a fineness of 100 denier or less. In some embodiments, the yarn may have a fineness of 90 denier or less. In some embodiments, the yarn may have a fineness of 85 denier or less. In some embodiments, the yarn may have a fineness of 50 denier or less. In some embodiments, the yarn may have a fineness of 40 denier or less. In some embodiments, the yarn may have a fineness of 20 denier or less. In some embodiments, the yarn may have a fineness of 10 denier or less.

[0089] Similarly, the fabric thickness of the woven seam structure may be less than 5 mm, less than 3 mm, less than 2 mm, less than 1 mm, less than 0.5 mm, less than 0.25 mm, less than 0.1 mm, or less than 0.06 mm. Similarly, the fabric density of the woven seam structure may be less than 0.5 g / cm 3 less, less than 0.6 g / cm 3 less, less than 0.7 g / cm 3 less, less than 0.8 g / cm 3 less, less than 1 g / cm 3 less, or less than 2 g / cm 3 less. Additionally or alternatively, the fabric density of the woven seam structure may be more than 0.4 g / cm 3 more, more than 0.5 g / cm 3 more, more than 0.7 g / cm 3 more, more than 0.8 g / cm 3 more, more than 1 g / cm 3 more, or more than 2 g / cm 3 more.

[0090] In the embodiments shown in Figures 5A-5D, the body 142 of the woven seam structure 140 forms a tubular shape (for example, with a conduit extending between the first end 146 and the second end 144), but many other shapes are conceivable and can be formed. In this regard, the body 142 may be formed to have one or more openings, conduits, and / or chambers, depending on the desired situation. For example, Figure 5E shows an exemplary body 142 of the woven seam structure 140', in which two conduits 175a and 175b are formed by providing a weave 179 in the center of the body 142. In this regard, one or more weaves or connections can be applied to form different structures.

[0091] In some embodiments, one or more openings may be closed by weaving and / or additional stitching. Figure 5F shows an exemplary woven seam structure 140′′, in which the second end 144 is separated into two parts 144a and 144b. Of these, the second part 144b has an opening closed by a stitch 178. In particular, this closes the conventional conduit 175b, and now a chamber 175b′ is formed. Such modifiability of configuration is important in accommodating a variety of required situations.

[0092] Figure 5G shows a side view of a portion of the woven seam structure 140 shown in Figures 5A-5D. As shown, the first transition line 145a extends between two different patterns of portions 142a and 142b of the main body 142. In this regard, in some embodiments, for example, the transition line 112 in Figure 2 separates the two different patterns of the main body 142.

[0093] In some embodiments, the woven yarn and the multiple yarns may be made of the same material, while in other embodiments, the woven yarn and the multiple yarns may be made of different materials. For example, both the woven yarn and the multiple yarns may be made of the same elastic material. Alternatively, the woven yarn may be a first material having a first modulus of elasticity, and the multiple yarns may be a second material having a second modulus of elasticity. The first and second moduli of elasticity may be the same or different.

[0094] By using different materials, the woven seam structure can vary in its longitudinal elasticity. In some embodiments, the yarn may be any fibrous strand and may include any filament, filament yarn (including single-filament or multi-filament yarn) or spun yarn. Similarly, the yarn may be a synthetic or natural material. In some embodiments, the yarn may be a synthetic biocompatible material such as polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyurethane, silicone, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyglutin, polyglycolic acid, trimethylene carbonate, poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB), polyglycolide, polyactide, and trimethylene carbonate (TMC). In other embodiments, the yarn may include a combination of synthetic and / or natural materials, such as silk. In some embodiments, one or both of the woven yarn and / or multiple yarns may be composed of polyester, ultra-high molecular weight polyolefin (UHMWP) and / or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE).

[0095] Figure 6 shows a loom 150 having a feed shaft 152 and a winding shaft 154 extending parallel to the weft axis WE. Multiple yarns extend between the shafts 152 and 154 parallel to the warp axis WA, and at least one weaving yarn reciprocates in a direction parallel to the weft axis WE (e.g., a first direction D1, then a second direction D2) and is woven into the multiple yarns. The weaving yarn is woven in such a way that, as the weaving yarn is woven in the machine direction MD parallel to the warp axis WA, the pattern of the weaving yarn is gradually or intermittently switched at positions along the weft axis WE. As a result, a woven seam structure such as a woven seam structure 155 is obtained, which has a central axis A3 that forms the same non-zero angle β as the transition lines 153 and 151 with respect to the warp axis WA. The non-zero angle β shown in Figure 6 is, for example, 85 degrees, but other non-zero angles are also possible.

[0096] Figure 7A is a magnified view of the upper edge of the woven seam structure 160 being woven on the loom 167 using the method described above, where the woven seam structure 160 is woven to have a central axis that is not at a zero angle with respect to the warp axis. In the illustrated configuration, an over-and-under pattern is used in both the main body 162 and the outer transition line portion 161 of the woven seam structure 160. The over-and-under pattern is reversed to form the transition line 163. Similarly, Figure 7B is a magnified view of the lower edge of the woven seam structure 160 being woven on the loom 167. An over-and-under pattern is used in both the main body 165 and the outer transition line portion 164 of the woven seam structure 160. The over-and-under pattern is reversed to form the transition line 166. After the woven seam structure 160 is woven, it can be cut from the loom 167. Furthermore, seams can be formed along transition lines 163, 166 before or after the woven seam structure 160 is cut from the loom 167, for example by weaving one or more threads together to form a reinforced and / or impermeable edge.

[0097] Figure 8A is a magnified view of the upper edge of the woven seam structure 170 being woven on the loom 177. In the illustrated configuration, a twill weave pattern is used for the main body 172 of the woven seam structure 170, and an over-and-under pattern is used for the outer transition line portion 171. The twill weave pattern is switched to an over-and-under pattern to form the transition line 173. Similarly, Figure 8B is a magnified view of the lower edge of the woven seam structure 170 being woven on the loom 177. A twill weave pattern is used for the main body 175 of the woven seam structure 170, and an over-and-under pattern is used for the outer transition line portion 174. The twill weave pattern is switched to an over-and-under pattern to form the transition line 176. After the woven seam structure 170 is woven, it can be cut from the loom 177. Furthermore, seams can be formed along transition lines 173, 176 before or after the woven seam structure 170 is cut from the loom 177, for example by weaving one or more threads together to form a reinforced and / or impermeable edge.

[0098] Figure 9A is a magnified view of the upper edge of the woven seam structure 180 being woven on the loom 187. In the illustrated configuration, a twill weave pattern is used for the main body 182 of the woven seam structure 180, and an inverted up-and-down cross pattern is used for the outer transition line portion 181. The twill weave pattern is switched to an inverted up-and-down cross pattern to form the transition line 183. Similarly, Figure 9B is a magnified view of the lower edge of the woven seam structure 180 being woven on the loom 187. A twill weave pattern is used for the main body 185 of the woven seam structure 180, and an inverted up-and-down cross pattern is used for the outer transition line portion 184. The twill weave pattern is switched to an inverted up-and-down cross pattern to form the transition line 186. After the woven seam structure 180 is woven, it can be cut from the loom 187. Furthermore, before or after the woven seam structure 180 is cut from the loom 187, seams can be formed along the transition lines 183, 186, for example, by weaving one or more threads together to form a reinforced and / or impermeable edge.

[0099] As described above, the woven seam structure can be removed from the loom by cutting or other means. For example, in some embodiments, the woven seam structure can be cut in the outer region of the outer transition line portion of the woven seam structure. Before or after the woven seam structure is removed from the loom by cutting or other means, in some embodiments, the outer transition line portions (shown in Figures 7A-7B, 8A-8B, and 9A-9B) can be joined together to form a seam. The resulting seam is linear, and in some embodiments, the two seams of the woven seam structure are parallel, so that the woven seam structure can maintain a constant diameter along its length.

[0100] After a woven seam structure is woven on a loom and cut from the loom, the loom can readjust the positions of several threads to form a second woven seam structure. This readjustment may include, for example, adjusting the tension and / or spacing of several threads to maintain a predetermined value, thereby ensuring that subsequent woven seam structures woven on the same loom have the same or similar elasticity. While many embodiments may include this readjustment step, it should be noted that readjusting several threads while weaving the woven seam structure is not always necessary.

[0101] In some embodiments, the weaving yarn may be configured to gradually switch patterns in the machine direction, and in other embodiments, the weaving yarn may be configured to intermittently switch patterns in the machine direction. For example, Figure 10A is an enlarged view of the lower edge of a woven seam structure being woven on a loom 400. In the illustrated embodiment, the woven seam structure is woven by intermittently switching pattern 402 to pattern 404 in the machine direction parallel to the warp axis. The intermittent nature of the pattern switching is indicated by a plurality of stepped steps 406 (e.g., 406a, 406b, 406c, 406e, 406f). For example, the weaving yarn is configured to switch between pattern 402 and pattern 404 at a first position relative to the weft axis to form a first stepped step 406a, and then to switch between pattern 402 and pattern 404 at a second position relative to the weft axis to form a second stepped step 406. The first and second positions are at different positions with respect to the weft axis, and the pattern is intermittently switched along the warp axis in the machine direction. In some further embodiments, after the woven yarn has switched between pattern 402 and pattern 404, the woven yarn may be completely disengaged from the remaining yarns along the weft axis. The edge 408 indicates the point where the woven yarn transitions from a state in which it was woven into the yarns as pattern 404 to a state in which it is completely disengaged from the yarns.

[0102] Figure 10B shows an enlarged view of the lower edge of the woven seam structure on the loom 410. The lower edge is formed by intermittently switching between the first pattern 412 and the second pattern 414. In the embodiment shown in Figure 10B, the first pattern 412 is a twill weave pattern, and the second pattern 414 is an over-and-under weave pattern.

[0103] Figure 11A is an enlarged view of the lower edge of the woven seam structure being woven on loom 420. In the embodiment shown in Figure 11A, the woven seam structure is woven by intermittently switching between a first pattern 422 and a second pattern 424 in the machine direction. Figure 11B is an enlarged view of the lower edge of the woven seam structure being woven on loom 430. In the embodiment shown in Figure 11B, the woven seam structure is woven by gradually switching between a first pattern 432 and a second pattern 434 in the machine direction. In the embodiments shown in Figures 11A-11B, the first pattern is an up-and-down crossing weave pattern, and the second pattern is an inverted up-and-down crossing weave pattern.

[0104] Figure 12A is an enlarged view of the lower edge of the woven seam structure being woven on loom 440. In the embodiment shown in Figure 12A, the woven seam structure is woven by intermittently switching between a first pattern 442 and a second pattern 444 in the machine direction. Figure 12B is an enlarged view of the lower edge of the woven seam structure being woven on loom 450. In the embodiment shown in Figure 12B, the woven seam structure is woven by gradually switching between a first pattern 452 and a second pattern 454 in the machine direction. In the embodiments shown in Figures 12A-12B, the first pattern is a twill weave pattern and the second pattern is an over-and-under weave pattern.

[0105] In some embodiments, the woven seam structure may be woven integrally with the fabric sheet. That is, at least one weaving thread is woven into a plurality of threads forming the fabric sheet, and at least one weaving thread is used to divide the fabric sheet into a multilayer woven seam structure before the plurality of threads are returned to the state that makes up the fabric sheet. In this regard, the woven seam structure can be formed simultaneously during the formation of the fabric sheet, for example, by using a lapia loom. For example, Figure 13A shows a fabric sheet 462 on a loom 460. The weaving thread interacts with the plurality of threads forming the fabric sheet 462 in a manner similar to that of the embodiments described above, and as a result, the woven seam structure 464 is formed together with the fabric sheet 462. Similarly, Figure 13B shows the body of the woven seam structure 474 being woven together with the fabric sheet 472 on a loom 470 using an over-over-over pattern.

[0106] Figures 14A-14C are enlarged views of the lower edges of various woven seam structures woven integrally with a fabric sheet. Specifically, Figure 14A shows a woven seam structure 482 formed together with a fabric sheet 484 on a loom 480. The woven seam structure 482 is woven using a first pattern (e.g., a twill weave pattern), and the first pattern is gradually or intermittently switched to a second pattern (e.g., an over-and-under weave pattern) at different positions along the weft axis as the woven seam structure is woven in the machine direction, forming transition lines. Figure 14B shows a woven seam structure 492 formed together with a fabric sheet 494 on a loom 490. The woven seam structure 492 is woven using a first pattern (e.g., an over-and-under weave pattern), and the first pattern is gradually or intermittently switched to a second pattern (e.g., an over-and-under weave pattern) at different positions along the weft axis as the woven seam structure is woven in the machine direction, forming transition lines. Figure 14C shows a woven seam structure 502 formed on a loom 500 together with a fabric sheet 504, the woven seam structure 502 is woven using a first pattern (e.g., an over-and-under weave pattern), the first pattern is gradually or intermittently switched to a second pattern (e.g., a pattern in which all threads are completely disengaged or pass through) at different positions along the weft axis as the woven seam structure is woven in the machine direction, thereby forming transition lines.

[0107] In some embodiments, at least one weaving thread may be configured to switch patterns to form transition lines that extend at a non-zero angle with respect to the warp axis and have an irregular shape. For example, Figure 15A shows a woven seam structure 510 having a first transition line 514 and a second transition line 516, the woven seam structure woven in pattern 512 between the transition lines 514 and 516. Both transition lines 514 and 516 have an irregular shape. More specifically, Figure 15B is a close-up of a portion of the irregular upper edge of a woven seam structure 520 woven by switching the weaving thread between a first pattern 524 and a second pattern 522. Similarly, Figure 15B is a close-up of a portion of the irregular lower edge of a woven seam structure 530 woven by switching the weaving thread between a first pattern 534 and a second pattern 532.

[0108] Figure 16 is a block diagram of an exemplary manufacturing process 300 for a woven seam structure. Process 300 includes a woven seam structure formation step 301, a sealing step 306, and a testing step 309. In the embodiment shown in Figure 16, the woven seam structure formation step 301 has a yarn supply unit 302 that supplies yarn to a loom 303. For example, the loom 303 may be a machine configured to weave yarns together. Specifically, in some embodiments, the loom 303 may be a machine configured to weave weaving yarns into a plurality of yarns to form a woven seam structure. As described herein, the pattern of the weaving yarns is switched at a position that changes gradually or intermittently along the weft axis as the weaving yarns move in the machine direction, and the resulting woven seam structure has a central axis that forms a non-zero angle with respect to the warp axis. The woven seam structure may then be cut from the loom 303 using a cutting unit 304. The cutting unit 304 may be omitted depending on the type of loom 303 used. Alternatively, the cutting section 304 may be incorporated into the loom 303 (for example, if the loom 303 includes the cutting section 304 within the same mechanism). The seam forming section 305 may then be used optionally. As described herein, the seam forming section 305 can be used to form a seam along the transition line, for example, by weaving one or more threads together to form a reinforced and / or impermeable edge. In some embodiments, the seam may be formed while the woven seam structure is still on the loom 303, and therefore the seam forming section 305 may not be necessary. Furthermore, in some embodiments, part of the seam may be formed while the woven seam structure is on the loom 303, and the remaining seam may be formed using the seam forming section 305. In some other embodiments, all of the seam may be formed using the seam forming section 305.

[0109] Continuing to refer to Figure 16, the optional sealing step 306 in step 300 may include a seal supply unit 307 which can be connected to one or more sealing devices 308. During the sealing step 306, the woven seam structure undergoes a sealing process that forms a seal around the woven seam structure, preventing fluid flow through the walls of the woven seam structure (e.g., from inside to outside or inward). For example, the seal supply unit 307 may contain a sealant and supply the sealant to the sealing device 308. The sealant may be applied to the woven seam structure by the sealing device 308, for example, by spraying the sealant onto the woven seam structure. In other embodiments, the sealant may be applied by any other method (e.g., immersing the woven seam structure in the sealant, applying the sealant to the walls of the woven seam structure, etc.). Step 300 may also include an optional test step 309. In test stage 309, the fluid supply unit 310 may be connected to one or more test devices 311. In some embodiments, test stage 309 may include connecting the woven seam structure to a water inlet and a water outlet, and transporting water through the woven seam structure to confirm that no fluid flows out of the woven seam structure while the water is passing through. Each element of step 300 may be optional or integrated with other elements. Furthermore, in other embodiments, certain elements may be in a different order / position. For example, the sealing stage 306 may be integrated into the woven seam structure forming stage 301 (for example, a sealant may be applied while the woven seam structure is being formed).

[0110] Figure 17 shows an exemplary woven seam structure 223 being tested in test system 220. The woven seam structure 223 is connected to a water inlet 221 and a water outlet 222. In the illustrated test configuration, the woven seam structure 223 is connected to the water inlet 221 and water outlet 222 in a manner that simulates being implanted in the body, for example, as a blood vessel. Pressurized water is pushed from the water inlet 221 through the woven seam structure 223 to the water outlet 222, and the woven seam structure 223 is tested to confirm that no leakage occurs. That is, the woven seam structure 223 is tested to confirm that the woven seam structure 223 is completely sealed and that fluid flow from inside to outside the woven seam structure 223 is prevented. The woven seam structure 223 may be tested in any other way with any other fluid. [Conclusion]

[0111] Those skilled in the art, having received the foregoing description and the associated drawings, will be able to recall many modifications and other embodiments of the invention described herein. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and other embodiments are also intended to be within the scope of the invention. Furthermore, while the foregoing description and the associated drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments in the context of specific exemplary combinations of elements and / or functions, different combinations of elements and / or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. In this regard, for example, combinations of elements and / or functions different from those explicitly described above are also intended to be within the scope of the invention. Certain terms are used herein, but these are used for general and illustrative purposes only and not in a restrictive sense.

Claims

1. A method for forming a multilayer structure, A step of providing multiple threads parallel to the warp axis, A step of providing at least one weaving yarn, A step of weaving at least one weaving thread back and forth in a direction parallel to the weft axis into the plurality of threads, wherein the weft axis is perpendicular to the warp axis, and Includes, The at least one woven yarn is configured to switch patterns between a first position on a first pick and a second position on a second pick to form a first transition line between the first position and the second position, the first transition line extends at a first non-zero angle with respect to the warp axis, and the first transition line is not parallel to the weft axis, The at least one woven yarn is further configured to switch patterns between a third position at a third pick and a fourth position at a fourth pick to form a second transition line between the third position and the fourth position, the second transition line extending at a second non-zero angle with respect to the warp axis, and the second transition line not being parallel to the weft axis. A method wherein at least a portion of a woven seam structure is formed between the first transition line and the second transition line, the woven seam structure defines a central axis, the central axis extends between the first transition line and the second transition line, extends along a third non-zero angle with respect to the warp axis, and the direction of extension is not parallel to the weft axis.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the woven seam structure forms a body including a first seam formed from the first transition line and a second seam formed from the second transition line.

3. The present invention relates to the present invention according to claim 2, wherein the main body includes the same pattern.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein the main body includes a plurality of patterns.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one woven yarn is further configured to switch between a first pattern and a second pattern at a first position on the first pick and a second position on the second pick to form the first transition line, and the at least one woven yarn is further configured to switch between a third pattern and a fourth pattern at a third position on the third pick and a fourth position on the fourth pick to form the second transition line.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the first pattern and the second pattern are identical.

7. The method according to claim 5, wherein the first pattern and the second pattern are different.

8. The method according to claim 5, wherein the second pattern and the fourth pattern are the same.

9. The method according to claim 5, wherein the second pattern and the fourth pattern are different.

10. The method according to claim 5, wherein the first pattern is intermittently switched to the second pattern in a machine direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the third pattern is gradually switched to the fourth pattern in the machine direction parallel to the meridian axis.

12. Switching between the first pattern and the second pattern, and switching between the third pattern and the fourth pattern, respectively, A step of transitioning from a state in which every other thread of the plurality of threads is engaged to a state in which none of the threads of the plurality of threads are engaged, A step of transitioning from a state in which every other thread of the plurality of threads is engaged to a state in which all of the plurality of threads are engaged, A step of transitioning from a state in which none of the plurality of threads are engaged to a state in which every other thread of the plurality of threads is engaged, A step of transitioning from a state in which all threads of the plurality of threads are engaged to a state in which every other thread of the plurality of threads is engaged. The method according to claim 11, comprising at least one of the above.

13. The method according to claim 10, wherein the third pattern is intermittently switched to the fourth pattern in the machine direction parallel to the meridian axis.

14. Switching between the first pattern and the second pattern, and switching between the third pattern and the fourth pattern, respectively, A step of transitioning from a state in which every other thread of the plurality of threads is engaged to a state in which none of the plurality of threads are engaged, A step of transitioning from a state in which every other thread of the plurality of threads is engaged to a state in which all of the plurality of threads are engaged, A step of transitioning from a state in which none of the plurality of threads are engaged to a state in which every other thread of the plurality of threads is engaged, A step of transitioning from a state in which all threads of the plurality of threads are engaged to a state in which every other thread of the plurality of threads is engaged. The method according to claim 13, comprising at least one of the above.

15. The method according to claim 5, wherein the first pattern is gradually switched to the second pattern in the machine direction parallel to the meridian axis.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the third pattern is intermittently switched to the fourth pattern in the machine direction parallel to the meridian axis.

17. Switching between the first pattern and the second pattern, and switching between the third pattern and the fourth pattern, respectively, A step of transitioning from a state in which every other thread of the plurality of threads is engaged to a state in which none of the plurality of threads are engaged, A step of transitioning from a state in which every other thread of the plurality of threads is engaged to a state in which all of the plurality of threads are engaged, A step of transitioning from a state in which none of the plurality of threads are engaged to a state in which every other thread of the plurality of threads is engaged, A step of transitioning from a state in which all threads of the plurality of threads are engaged to a state in which every other thread of the plurality of threads is engaged. The method according to claim 16, comprising at least one of the above.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the third pattern is gradually switched to the fourth pattern in the machine direction parallel to the meridian axis.

19. Switching between the first pattern and the second pattern, and switching between the third pattern and the fourth pattern, respectively, A step of transitioning from a state in which every other thread of the plurality of threads is engaged to a state in which none of the plurality of threads are engaged, A step of transitioning from a state in which every other thread of the plurality of threads is engaged to a state in which all of the plurality of threads are engaged, A step of transitioning from a state in which none of the plurality of threads are engaged to a state in which every other thread of the plurality of threads is engaged, A step of transitioning from a state in which all threads of the plurality of threads are engaged to a state in which every other thread of the plurality of threads is engaged. The method according to claim 18, comprising at least one of the above.

20. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first non-zero angle, the second non-zero angle, and the third non-zero angle are the same.

21. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first non-zero angle, the second non-zero angle, and the third non-zero angle are different.

22. The steps include weaving together the at least one weaving yarn and the plurality of yarns along the first transition line to form a first seam, The steps of weaving together the at least one weaving yarn and the plurality of yarns along the second transition line to form a second seam, The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

23. The method according to claim 1, wherein, when formed, the woven seam structure has a first opening at a first end and a second opening at a second end.

24. The method according to claim 1, wherein, when formed, the woven seam structure has a first end and a second end, the first transition line is a straight line from the first end to the second end, and the second transition line is a straight line from the first end to the second end.

25. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first non-zero angle is an angle in the range of 30 to 75 degrees.

26. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first non-zero angle is an angle in the range of 40 to 50 degrees.

27. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first non-zero angle is 45 degrees.

28. The steps include cutting the at least one woven thread and the plurality of threads outside the first transition line to release the first portion of the woven seam structure, The steps include cutting the at least one woven thread and the plurality of threads outside the second transition line to release the second portion of the woven seam structure, The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

29. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the plurality of threads and the at least one woven thread are made of the same material.

30. The method according to claim 29, wherein the same material is an elastic material.

31. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the plurality of threads are made of a first material, and the at least one woven thread is made of a second material.

32. The method according to claim 31, wherein the first material has a first modulus of elasticity, and the second material has a second modulus of elasticity different from the first modulus of elasticity.

33. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one woven yarn forms a fabric sheet woven into the plurality of yarns, and thereby at least a portion of the woven seam structure is integrally formed with the fabric sheet.

34. The method according to claim 1, wherein the woven seam structure comprises a body including a first transition line and a second transition line, and the layer of the woven seam structure between the first transition line and the second transition line has one or more transition lines formed at zero angle with respect to the weft axis or the warp axis, and otherwise exhibits at least a 175% increase in elasticity along the length direction of the body compared to another identical woven seam structure.

35. The method according to claim 1, wherein the woven seam structure comprises a body including a first transition line and a second transition line, and the layer of the woven seam structure between the first transition line and the second transition line exhibits an elongation increase of at least 20% along the longitudinal direction of the body.

36. The method according to claim 1, wherein the woven seam structure comprises a body including a first transition line and a second transition line, the woven seam structure is formed from yarn containing 8 to 80 denier yarns per strand, and the layer of the woven seam structure between the first transition line and the second transition line exhibits at least 200% increased elongation along the length of the body compared to another woven seam structure having a transition line formed at zero angle with respect to the weft axis or the warp axis, and the other woven seam structure has the same yarn denier characteristics as the woven seam structure.

37. The method according to claim 1, wherein the woven seam structure is formed from yarn containing yarn of 200 denier or less.

38. The method according to claim 37, wherein the woven seam structure comprises a body including the first transition line and the second transition line, and the body of the woven seam structure includes a portion with a fabric thickness of 2 mm or less.

39. It has a woven seam structure, Provides multiple threads parallel to the warp axis, Provide at least one weaving yarn, and The at least one weaving thread is woven into the plurality of threads by moving it back and forth in a direction parallel to the weft axis, and the weft axis is perpendicular to the warp axis. Formed by, The at least one woven yarn is configured to switch patterns between a first position on a first pick and a second position on a second pick to form a first transition line between the first position and the second position, the first transition line extends at a first non-zero angle with respect to the warp axis, and the first transition line is not parallel to the weft axis, The at least one woven yarn is further configured to switch patterns between a third position at a third pick and a fourth position at a fourth pick to form a second transition line between the third position and the fourth position, the second transition line extending at a second non-zero angle with respect to the warp axis, and the second transition line not being parallel to the weft axis. A woven seam structure is formed in part between the first transition line and the second transition line, wherein the woven seam structure defines a central axis, the central axis extends between the first transition line and the second transition line, extends along a third non-zero angle with respect to the warp axis, and its direction of extension is not parallel to the weft axis.

40. The woven seam structure according to claim 39, wherein the at least one woven yarn is configured to switch between a first pattern and a second pattern at the first position on the first pick and the second position on the second pick to form the first transition line, and the at least one woven yarn is further configured to switch between a third pattern and a fourth pattern at the third position on the third pick and the fourth position on the fourth pick to form the second transition line.

41. The woven seam structure according to claim 40, wherein the first pattern and the second pattern are identical.

42. The woven seam structure according to claim 40, wherein the first pattern and the second pattern are different.

43. The woven seam structure according to claim 40, wherein the second pattern and the fourth pattern are identical.

44. The woven seam structure according to claim 40, wherein the second pattern and the fourth pattern are different.

45. The woven seam structure according to claim 39, comprising a body including a first transition line and a second transition line, wherein the layer of the woven seam structure between the first transition line and the second transition line has one or more transition lines formed at zero angle with respect to the weft axis or the warp axis, and otherwise exhibits at least a 175% increase in elasticity along the length direction of the body compared to another identical woven seam structure.

46. The woven seam structure according to claim 39, wherein the woven seam structure comprises a body including the first transition line and the second transition line, and the layer of the woven seam structure between the first transition line and the second transition line exhibits an elongation increase of at least 20% along the longitudinal direction of the body.

47. The woven seam structure according to claim 39, comprising a body including a first transition line and a second transition line, wherein the woven seam structure is formed from yarn containing 8 to 80 denier yarns per strand, and the layer of the woven seam structure between the first transition line and the second transition line exhibits at least 200% increased elongation along the length of the body compared to another woven seam structure having a transition line formed at zero angle with respect to the weft axis or the warp axis, wherein the other woven seam structure has the same yarn denier characteristics as the woven seam structure.

48. The woven seam structure according to claim 39, wherein the woven seam structure is formed from yarn containing yarn of 200 denier or less.

49. The woven seam structure according to claim 48, wherein the woven seam structure comprises a body including the first transition line and the second transition line, and the body of the woven seam structure includes a portion with a fabric thickness of 2 mm or less.

50. A system for weaving a woven seam structure, Multiple threads extending parallel to the warp axis, At least one weaving thread, A mechanical loom, wherein the mechanical loom is The at least one weaving thread is woven into the plurality of threads by moving it back and forth in a direction parallel to the weft axis, and the weft axis is perpendicular to the warp axis. In the machine direction, the pattern of at least one weaving yarn is switched between a first position on a first pick and a second position on a second pick to form a first transition line between the first position and the second position, the first transition line extends at a first non-zero angle with respect to the warp axis, and the first transition line is not parallel to the weft axis, The pattern is switched between the third position in the third pick and the fourth position in the fourth pick to form a second transition line between the third and fourth positions, the second transition line extends at a second non-zero angle with respect to the meridian axis, and the second transition line is not parallel to the latitude axis. A mechanical loom configured in such a way Equipped with, A system in which at least a portion of a woven seam structure is formed between the first transition line and the second transition line, the woven seam structure defines a central axis, the central axis extends between the first transition line and the second transition line, extends along a third non-zero angle with respect to the warp axis, and its direction of extension is not parallel to the weft axis.

51. A method for forming a multilayer structure, A step of providing multiple threads parallel to the warp axis, A step of providing at least one weaving yarn, A step of weaving at least one weaving thread back and forth in a direction parallel to the weft axis into the plurality of threads, wherein the weft axis is perpendicular to the warp axis, and Includes, The at least one weaving yarn is configured to switch patterns between a first position in a first pick and a second position in a second pick, and the first and second positions are located at first different positions along the weft axis. The method wherein the at least one weaving yarn is further configured to switch patterns between a third position at a third pick and a fourth position at a fourth pick, the third position and the fourth position being second different positions along the weft axis.

52. It has a woven seam structure, Multiple threads extending parallel to each other in the first direction, The plurality of threads include at least one woven thread that is woven back and forth in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, A first transition line extending from the first direction at a first non-zero angle, not parallel to the second direction, formed by a first pattern switching that occurs during the weaving of the at least one weaving yarn, and extending along the edge of the woven seam structure, A second transition line extending from the first direction at a second non-zero angle, not parallel to the second direction, formed by a second pattern switching that occurs during the weaving of the at least one weaving yarn, and extending along the edge of the woven seam structure, A body formed from the plurality of threads and the at least one woven thread, including the first transition line and the second transition line. It features a woven seam structure.

53. The woven seam structure according to claim 52, wherein the main body defines a central axis extending from the first direction along a third non-zero angle.

54. The woven seam structure according to claim 53, wherein the first non-zero angle, the second non-zero angle, and the third non-zero angle are the same.

55. The woven seam structure according to claim 53, wherein the first non-zero angle, the second non-zero angle, and the third non-zero angle are different.

56. The aforementioned body is a woven seam structure according to any one of claims 52 to 55, defining a tubular shape.

57. The main body comprises a woven seam structure according to any one of claims 52 to 55, defining a plurality of chambers or conduits.

58. The woven seam structure according to any one of claims 52 to 55, wherein the plurality of threads are woven together at one or more points between the first transition line and the second transition line.

59. The woven seam structure according to any one of claims 52 to 55, wherein the woven seam structure has a first opening at a first end and a second opening at a second end, the first transition line extends between the first end and the second end, and the second transition line extends between the first end and the second end.

60. The woven seam structure according to any one of claims 52 to 55, wherein the woven seam structure has a first opening at a first end and is closed at a second end, the first transition line extends between the first end and the second end, and the second transition line extends between the first end and the second end.

61. The woven seam structure according to any one of claims 52 to 55, wherein the woven seam structure is closed at a first end and closed at a second end, the first transition line extends between the first end and the second end, and the second transition line extends between the first end and the second end.

62. The woven seam structure according to any one of claims 52 to 55, wherein the first transition line forms a first seam and the second transition line forms a second seam.

63. The woven seam structure according to any one of claims 52 to 55, wherein the woven seam structure has a first opening at a first end and a second opening at a second end.

64. The woven seam structure according to claim 63, wherein the first transition line is a straight line from the first end to the second end, and the second transition line is a straight line from the first end to the second end.

65. The woven seam structure according to any one of claims 52 to 55, wherein the first non-zero angle is an angle in the range of 30 to 75 degrees.

66. The woven seam structure according to claim 65, wherein the first non-zero angle is an angle in the range of 40 to 50 degrees.

67. The woven seam structure according to any one of claims 52 to 66, wherein the plurality of threads and the at least one woven thread are made of the same material.

68. The woven seam structure according to claim 67, wherein the same material is an elastic material.

69. The woven seam structure according to any one of claims 52 to 66, wherein the plurality of threads are composed of a first material, and the at least one woven thread is composed of a second material.

70. The woven seam structure according to claim 69, wherein the first material has a first modulus of elasticity, and the second material has a second modulus of elasticity different from the first modulus of elasticity.

71. The woven seam structure according to claim 52, wherein the layer of the woven seam structure between the first transition line and the second transition line exhibits at least a 175% increase in elasticity along the longitudinal direction of the body compared to another otherwise identical woven seam structure having one or more transition lines formed at zero angle with respect to the first or second direction.

72. The woven seam structure according to claim 52, wherein the layer of the woven seam structure between the first transition line and the second transition line exhibits at least a 20% increase in elongation along the length direction of the main body.

73. The woven seam structure according to claim 52, wherein the woven seam structure is formed from yarn containing 8 to 80 denier yarns per strand, and the layer of the woven seam structure between the first transition line and the second transition line exhibits at least 200% increased elongation along the length direction of the body compared to another woven seam structure having a transition line formed at zero angle with respect to the first or second direction, and the other woven seam structure has the same yarn denier characteristics as the woven seam structure.

74. The woven seam structure according to claim 52, wherein the woven seam structure is formed from yarn containing yarn of 200 denier or less.

75. The woven seam structure according to claim 74, wherein the main body of the woven seam structure includes a portion with a fabric thickness of 2 mm or less.

76. It has a woven seam structure, Multiple threads extending parallel to each other in the first direction, The plurality of threads include at least one woven thread that is woven back and forth in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, One or more seams formed at a first non-zero angle from the first and second directions and extending along the edge of the body Equipped with a main unit including, A woven seam structure in which the layer of the woven seam structure has one or more second seams formed at zero angle to the first or second direction, and otherwise exhibits at least a 175% increase in elasticity along the length direction of the main body compared to another identical woven seam structure.

77. The woven seam structure according to claim 76, wherein the layer of the woven seam structure exhibits at least a 20% increase in elongation along the length direction of the main body.

78. The woven seam structure according to claim 76, wherein the woven seam structure is formed from yarn containing 8 to 80 denier threads per strand, the layer of the woven seam structure exhibits at least 200% increased elongation along the length direction of the main body compared to another otherwise identical woven seam structure, and the other woven seam structure has the same yarn denier characteristics as the woven seam structure.

79. The woven seam structure according to claim 76, wherein the woven seam structure is formed from yarn including 200 denier or less.

80. The woven seam structure according to claim 79, wherein the main body of the woven seam structure includes a portion with a fabric thickness of 2 mm or less.

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