Compression garment

Abstract

The present invention relates to a compression garment comprising a knitted fabric, wherein the knitted fabric has the material property (I), wherein T = tension, ε = stretch, c0 = circumference of the compression garment in the non-stretched state, diffSI = dp / dc = change in pressure / change in circumference, and K = force. Furthermore, the invention also concerns compression garments comprising a knitted fabric, wherein the garment is adapted to apply a pressure according to a predetermined compression profile, and wherein the pressure varies 15% or less when the knitted fabric is stretched in knitting row direction in a stretch range from 100% to 150% of the unstretched state. Finally, the invention is concerned with compression garments comprising a knitted fabric which comprises an inlay thread that comprises or consists of olefin copolymer.

Description

[0001] COMPRESSION GARMENT

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a compression garment comprising a knitted fabric for use in the treatment of e.g. lymphatic or phlebologic diseases.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Garments which are able to apply pressure to a body part of a subject are known as compression garments and have been used for a variety of therapeutic and non-therapeutic applications, such as treating lymphedema, lipoedema or phlebologic diseases. The application of pressure to the affected body part can alleviate symptoms of disease and prevent or slow disease progression. Moreover, it is thought to improve recovery after physical training.

[0006] Prerequisite for a successful compression therapy is that the compression garment applies pressure according to a predefined compression profile on the body part of the wearer when the garment is worn. The medically appropriate compression profiles are defined in standards, such as the RAL GZ certification label 387 (RAL GZ 387 / 1 , 2, and 3). The standards define, for example, the compression (in kPa or mmHg) that a garment should exert at particular measuring points (e.g. the ankle), gradients in the achieved compression (e.g. less compression in the calf than the ankle area), different sizes and allowed materials.

[0007] For a standard fabric, the change of pressure per change of circumference (also defined as ‘stiffness’ in compression therapy) can be significant. The pressure exerted, thus, usually strongly depends on the circumference of the limb onto which the compression garment is put on. This means that a moderate variation in circumference of the body part of the wearer can already have a significant impact on the compression and, thus, potentially the therapeutic effect of the garment.

[0008] The stiffness correlates with the elasticity of a fabric. A material with a higher stiffness is more resistant to stretching. The Comite Europeen de Normalisation (CEN) has defined “stiffness” (diffSI) as the increase in pressure per 1 cm increase in limb circumference (Comite Europeen de Normalisation, adopted European prestandard. Medical compression hosiery. ENV 12718. Brussels: Comite Europeen de Normalisation; 2001). Mathematically, this can be expressed as diffSI = Ap / Ac (wherein diffSI = stiffness ; Ap = change in pressure ; Ac = change in circumference). The stiffness of a garment is important because it affects not only the increase in compression with increasing circumference, but also the ease of donning and doffing of a garment. Moreover, the stiffness also impacts the difference between the resting and working pressure exerted by a garment (Partsch, H., et al., The Static Stiffness Index: an important parameter to characterize compression therapy in vivo. Journal of Wound Care, 2016. 25(Sup9): p. S4-S10). The “resting pressure” is the pressure exerted by the garment when the wearer is lying down; the “working pressure” is the pressure exerted by the garment when the wearer is in an active standing position.

[0009] In addition to the compression profile of a garment, the stiffness (i.e. the change of pressure per change of circumference) of its material can, thus, also have a significant impact on the therapeutic efficacy.

[0010] There is, thus, a need in the art for garments in which the compression pressure and / or the stiffness can be controlled.

[0011] DESCRIPTION

[0012] This problem is solved by a compression garment as described in the appended claims.

[0013] In a first aspect, the invention relates to a compression garment comprising a knitted fabric, wherein the knitted fabric has the material property wherein T = tension, E = stretch, c0= circumference of the compression garment in the nonstretched state, diffSI = dp / de = change in pressure I change in circumference, and K = force. This is a garment having a constant stiffness. The pressure exerted by the garment may change with changes in circumference (i.e. when the garment is stretched in circumferential direction), because the pressure correlates with the tension as explained hereinafter. For example, the pressure may increase with an increase of the circumference.

[0014] Advantageously, a garment having this material property can be designed to have particularly good donning and doffing properties which will not change considerably when the garment’s fabric is stretched, e.g. when used by wearers with different limb circumferences. Moreover, the garment will have a consistent ratio between resting and working pressure due to the constant stiffness. In one embodiment, the knitted fabric has zero (0) stiffness (diffSI = 0). In this embodiment, the invention relates to a compression garment, wherein the knitted fabric has the material property

[0015] T = (1 + e) K, wherein T = tension, E = stretch and K = force. This formula is based on the previous formula for T, with diffSI = 0. The stiffness of the knitted fabric is zero and the pressure exerted by the garment is essentially constant. The pressure exerted by the garment does not vary or varies only marginally when the garment is applied to body parts with different circumferences. Therefore, this compression garment is a “one-size-fits-all” garment. Accordingly, there is no need to produce a multitude of different sizes of the same garment and, for example, production and storage costs can be reduced.

[0016] The aforementioned material property is based on LaPlace law which can be used for an estimation of the pressure that is exerted by a compression garment. LaPlace law is

[0017] 2nF p = - c ■ s wherein p is the compression pressure, Fthe force exerted by a fabric, c the circumference to which the fabric is stretched (i.e. the circumference of the body part on which the garment is worn) and s is the width of the fabric.

[0018] The words “pressure”, “compression” and “compression pressure” are used interchangeably herein. The pressure applied by the garment can be determined with the above-mentioned LaPlace formula. Other suitable methods are known in the art and include, inter alia, experimental measurement, e.g. with a pressure sensor between the garment and the skin of a wearer. Pressure sensors suitable for this purpose are known in the art and commercially available. Further, the pressure can be determined with the Hohenstein method (HOSY) according to RAL GZ 387.

[0019] The force per width of the fabric can be expressed by the tension T = F / s. Combining this with LaPlace law results in a simplified form of the LaPlace correlation which shows the aforementioned relationship between the pressure and the tension:

[0020] The stretch E of the compression garment can be defined as s =c~c°

[0021] Co ’ wherein c is the circumference of the compression garment when stretched and Co = circumference of the compression garment in the non-stretched state.

[0022] Rearranging the above stretch equation and inserting it, as well as the equation for the tension of a garment with zero stiffness, into the LaPlace correlation shows that the pressure exerted by this zero-stiffness-stocking is constant for constant K and only dependent on a fixed size of the garment, e.g. defined as flat lay c0:

[0023] In a further aspect, the invention relates therefore to a compression garment which is able to exert essentially constant pressure, substantially independent of the circumference to which it is stretched. Specifically, the invention relates to a garment comprising a knitted fabric, wherein the garment is adapted to apply a pressure according to a predetermined compression profile, and wherein the pressure varies 15% or less when the knitted fabric is stretched in knitting row direction (X) in a stretch range from 100% to 150% of the unstretched state. This compression garment can have any of the further material properties described herein. For example, the compression garment may comprise a knitted fabric that has the afore-described material property of zero stiffness, e.g. in knitting row direction (X). The knitted fabric can have the material property T = (1 + E) K, wherein T = tension, E = stretch and K = force.

[0024] In regular compression garments, the pressure applied by the garment would vary considerably when the fabric is stretched to different extends. In contrast, the pressure applied by the garment of the invention varies less than 15%. To “vary” or a “variation” in this context refers to the overall change (increase and decrease) in applied compression pressure. While the applied pressure may change slightly, its overall change in the defined stretch range does not exceed 15%, in particular 15% of the mean pressure applied over the defined stretch range. All of the following ranges of pressure variation refer to a variation in relation to the mean pressure applied over the stretch ranges defined elsewhere herein and to a variation within the respective stretch range.

[0025] In certain embodiments, the pressure may change to a lesser extent than 15%. For example, in certain embodiments, the pressure applied by the garment varies by 14% or less, by 13% or less, by 12% or less, by 11% or less, by 10% or less, by 9% or less, by 8% or less, by 7% or less, by 6% or less, by 5% or less, by 4% or less, by 3% or less or even by 2% or less. In one embodiment, the pressure applied by the garment varies by 10% or less. In another embodiment, the pressure applied by the garment varies by 5% or less. In other words, the pressure applied by the garment may vary from 0% to 15%, from 0% to 14%, from 0% to 13%, from 0% to 12%, from 0% to 11%, from 0% to 10%, from 0% to 9%, from 0% to 8%, from 0% to 7%, from 0% to 6%, from 0% to 5%, from 0% to 4%, from 0% to 3%, or from 0% to 2% (of the mean pressure applied over the defined stretch range). In certain embodiments, the pressure applied by the garment varies by from 0% to 15%, preferably 0% to 10%, more preferably 0% to 5%, of the mean pressure applied over the defined stretch range.

[0026] As outlined above for the pressure exerted by the garment, small variations of pressure exerted by the garment are acceptable. The same applies to the stiffness of the knitted fabric. It will, thus, be understood that the definition “zero stiffness” comprises variations of diffSI (= dp / de = change in pressure I change in circumference) of 15% or less when the knitted fabric is stretched in knitting row direction in a stretch range from 100% to 150% of the unstretched state. While the stiffness may change slightly, its overall change in the defined stretch range does not exceed 15%, preferably 10%, in particular 5% of the mean stiffness over the defined stretch range. In certain embodiments, the stiffness may change to a lesser extent. For example, in certain embodiments, the stiffness of the knitted fabric varies by 14% or less, by 13% or less, by 12% or less, by 11% or less, by 10% or less, by 9% or less, by 8% or less, by 7% or less, by 6% or less, by 5% or less, by 4% or less, by 3% or less or even by 2% or less. In one embodiment, the stiffness varies by 10% or less. In another embodiment, the stiffness varies by 5% or less. In other words, the stiffness may vary from 0% to 15%, from 0% to 14%, from 0% to 13%, from 0% to 12%, from 0% to 11 %, from 0% to 10%, from 0% to 9%, from 0% to 8%, from 0% to 7%, from 0% to 6%, from 0% to 5%, from 0% to 4%, from 0% to 3%, or from 0% to 2% (of the mean stiffness over the defined stretch range). In certain embodiments, the stiffness varies by from 0% to 15%, preferably 0% to 10%, more preferably 0% to 5%, of the mean stiffness over the defined stretch range.

[0027] The “stiffness” mentioned herein refers to the stiffness of the knitted fabric in knitting row direction (X) unless otherwise mentioned. The same applies to the other material properties defined herein. “Knitting row direction” (also known as course-direction) is a predominantly horizontal direction. In other words, the knitting row direction is a direction parallel to a line that extends through the heads of adjacent stitches and crosses both legs of each of said stitches.

[0028] Additionally, the knitted fabric can also have the stiffness defined herein in wale direction, e.g. a stiffness of 0 (zero). The same applies to the other material properties defined herein. A “wale” is a - usually vertical - row of stitches arranged one above another with common interlacing points. Wales may extend in longitudinal direction in the garment. A wale is generally started when an empty needle starts to knit. “Wale direction” can, hence, be the longitudinal direction in the garment. The wale direction is a predominantly vertical direction. In other words, the wale direction is a direction parallel to a line that extends through the heads of intermeshed stitches, in between respective legs of each of said intermeshed stitches. Intermeshed stitches refer to stitches that are in the same stitch wale.

[0029] Unless otherwise mentioned herein, the term “stretch” refers to a stretch of the knitted fabric in knitting row direction (X). Usually, this is also the circumferential direction of the garment or a part of the garment, for example a tubular section of the garment. Knitting rows in the garment can extend in circumferential direction around a body part on which the garment is to be worn. The relevant stretch direction in the context of the invention is, thus, the stretch along a knitting row (i.e. in knitting row direction I course direction).

[0030] The ’’stretch range” defines the minimum and maximum stretch values to which the garment or knitted fabric can be stretched while maintaining one or more of the material properties defined herein. The stretch range in which the knitted fabric has the advantageous property that the applied pressure does not vary considerably extends at least from 100% to 150% of the unstretched state when stretched in knitting row direction. Therefore, the stretch range as mentioned herein can be from 100% to 150% of the unstretched state. “X% of the unstretched state” as used herein that the fabric is stretched to a length that equals the original length in unstretched state plus an additional length of X%. For example, in case the unstretched state has a length of 10 cm, then the length of a fabric stretched to “100% of the unstretched state” is 20 cm.

[0031] In certain embodiments, the stretch range in which the knitted fabric maintains its advantageous material properties can be larger than from 100% to 150%, such as e.g. from 100% to 160%, from 100% to 180%, from 100% to 200%; from 80% to 150%, from 80% to 160%, from 80% to 180%, from 80% to 200%; or from 70% to 150%, from 70% to 160%, from 70% to 180%, from 70% to 200%. In some embodiments, the knitted fabric maintains the advantageous stretch property up to a stretch of 150%, 200%, 250% or 300%. Additionally or separately, the knitted fabric may maintain the advantageous stretch property from a stretch of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75% or 80%. In one embodiment, the stretch range can be from 80% to 200%. In another embodiment, the stretch range can be from 80% to 120% or more (e.g. from 70% to 130%). All of these values refer to the stretch of the fabric when stretched in knitting row direction in relation to the fabric in an unstretched state.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, the pressure varies 15% or less when the knitted fabric is stretched in knitting row direction (X) in a stretch range from 100% to 150% of the unstretched state. In another exemplary embodiment, the pressure varies 10% or less when the knitted fabric is stretched in knitting row direction in a stretch range from 80% to 200% of the unstretched state.

[0033] The garment and / or the knitted fabric may have one or more of the material properties defined herein in e.g. 50% or more of their area, such as 55% or more, 60% or more, 65% or more, 70% or more, 75% or more, 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more. In other words, the garment and / or the knitted fabric may have one or more of the material properties defined herein in e.g. from 50% to 100% of their area, such as from 55% to 100%, from 60% to 100%, from 65% to 100%, from 70% to 100%, from 75% to 100%, from 80% to 100%, from 85% to 100%, from 90% to 100%, from 95% to 100%. In one embodiment, the garment and / or the knitted fabric has one or more of the material properties in 100% of their area. This means that the entire garment consists of the knitted fabric defined herein. In another embodiment, the garment and / or the knitted fabric has one or more of the material properties in from 50% to 100% of their area. This includes, e.g. garments which comprise seams or other inserts which have different properties.

[0034] The term “material properties” as used herein relates to any of the properties defined herein, in particular a property selected from the group consisting of the pressure variation of 15% or less as defined herein, T = (1 + K) , T = (1 + g) K and / or the presence of an olefin copolymer inlay thread as defined herein below.

[0035] The garment may comprise a tubular section (i.e. a cylindrical section). The tubular section can be adapted to fit around a body part, e.g. a limb such as an arm or leg. Further, the tubular section can be adapted to apply a pressure according to a predefined compression gradient as described in more detail elsewhere herein. 100% of the knitted fabric in the tubular section may have one or more of the material properties defined herein.

[0036] Hence, the compression garment can be e.g. any compression garment having a tubular section. The compression garment can e.g. be selected from the group consisting of a stocking, such as a knee-high stocking, a thigh-high stocking (including waist-high stockings); a pantyhose (i.e. a pair of tights); or a sleeve, such as an arm sleeve with or without a hand piece (i.e. a section that is adapted to at least partially cover the hand of a wearer) or a leg sleeve. In certain embodiments, the garment is a stocking, preferably a knee-high stocking. In other embodiments, the garment is a sleeve, such as an arm sleeve.

[0037] The term “sleeve” refers to garments consisting of or comprising a tubular section. Usually, the sleeve is adapted to cover one limb or part of a limb, i.e. not more than one limb. A sleeve may be used alone or together with a second compression garment or second part of the same compression garment. For example, the sleeve may be used together with a stocking or bandage. Or the sleeve may be part of or used together with a compression garment comprising several bands that can be wrapped around a limb and closed and adjusted individually (adjustable compression device). In this case, the sleeve can also be called a “liner”.

[0038] It will be understood that the term “compression garment” used herein refers to medical compression garments, i.e. garments which are adapted to provide a compression level of any of compression classes 1 to 4 in case the garment is a stocking or pantyhose or 1 to 3 in case the garment is an arm sleeve. The compression classes are defined in more detail elsewhere herein.

[0039] The compression garment comprises a knitted fabric, such as a weft-knitted fabric. The fabric can be a flat-knitted fabric or a circular-knitted fabric, wherein circular-knitted fabrics are preferred. In one embodiment, the garment essentially consists of knitted fabric. The garment may comprise one or more pieces of knitted fabric. The one or more pieces of knitted fabric can be connected with seams. The knitted fabric itself, e.g. the one or more pieces of knitted fabric, can be seamless.

[0040] In addition to the knitted fabric, the garment may, thus, comprise further components, such as seams connecting different ends of the knitted fabric, e.g., one or more seams running along the back side of the garment; and / or a knitted or woven band forming the proximal end of the garment. The band can be sewn, glued or welded onto the knitted fabric. In preferred embodiments, the knitted fabric is a seamless piece of knitted fabric. This piece may account for 70% or more, preferably 80% or more, of the surface area of the garment, e.g., if the garment is a stocking or arm sleeve. The piece may account for 70% or more, preferably 80% or more, of the surface area of the garment in the area adapted to cover the leg of the wearer, e.g., if the garment is a pair of tights.

[0041] The knitted fabric may have one or more layers. It may, e.g., be a double-layered or singlelayered fabric. A “double-layered” fabric as understood herein, is a fabric that has two parallel knitted layers each of which has two or more knitted columns and knitted rows. The parallel knitted layers can be connected, e.g. by knitting on at least two needle beds and carrying threads from one layer to the other.

[0042] Suitable knitting patterns to knit the knitted fabric are known in the art. For example, knitted fabric may be plain knitted, i.e. the knitting threads may be plain knitted, in particular in a circular-knitted fabric. The knitted fabric may, in other words, be a plain knitted fabric. “Knitting threads” are threads which form meshes of the knitted fabric. An inlay thread in the fabric may be alternated 1 :1-1 / 1 :1-2.

[0043] The knitted fabric may, hence, comprise an inlay thread. Inlay threads are frequently used in compression articles to provide the desired compression on the wearer's body part. The inlay thread may be an elastic thread, providing or adding to the compressive properties of the garment. In one exemplary embodiment, the inlay threads can be hydrophobic threads or have a hydrophobic coating, to prevent the inlay threads from retaining moisture. In a double-layered fabric, the inlay thread may be laid onto the stitches extending between the two knitted parallel layers. In a single-layered fabric the inlay thread may be alternated, e.g. as described above 1 :1-1 / 1 :1-2.

[0044] In a further aspect, the invention relates to a compression garment comprising a knitted fabric, wherein the knitted fabric comprises an inlay thread, wherein the inlay thread comprises or consists of olefin copolymer. It has advantageously been found that knitted fabrics comprising an inlay thread that comprises or consists of olefin copolymer results in compression fabrics that have the desirable property of a stiffness of zero.

[0045] The compression garment may be a garment as described herein above, i.e. have one or more of the material properties defined herein. For example, the compression garment may be a compression garment comprising a knitted fabric having a constant stiffness, such as a knitted fabric having a stiffness of zero.

[0046] As used herein a “polymer” is a polymeric compound prepared by polymerizing monomers. The monomers can be of the same or a different type. The generic term "polymer" embraces the terms "homopolymer," "copolymer," "terpolymer" as well as "interpolymer”.

[0047] The term “copolymer” includes polymers prepared by the polymerization of at least two different types of monomers, e.g. polymers prepared by the polymerization of two, three, four or more different types of monomers. In other words, in line with the usual meaning of the term “copolymer”, a copolymer is a polymer derived from more than one species of monomer. The terms “copolymer” and “interpolymer” can be used interchangeably.

[0048] An olefin copolymer is a copolymer manufactured based on olefin subunits and / or manufactured using olefin monomers as a starting material. The copolymer is, in other words, an olefin-based copolymer. The copolymer comprises - e.g. alternating - subunits (A and B) linked by covalent bonds. The subunits (A and B, respectively) are based on the different monomer species (the different types of monomers). One of the monomer species (A) is an olefin. The copolymers can e.g. form a network comprising hard segments (or rigid segments or crystallites) and soft segments (or amorphous chains). The olefin-derived subunits (A) can e.g. form the hard segments or part thereof. The copolymer can be a block copolymer which comprises sequences [A]n-[B]m of the subunits A and B, wherein n and / or m > 2. For example n and m are both > 2.

[0049] The term “olefin” refers to acyclic and cyclic hydrocarbons which comprise one or more carbon-carbon double bonds. The olefin can, thus, be an alkene, cycloalkene or polyene, preferably an alkene, a-olefin is a terminal alkene. The olefin can be a C3-C20 a-olefin such as propylene, isobutylene, 1-butene, 1-hexene, 1-pentene, 4-methyl-1 -pentene, 1-heptene, 1-octene, 1-nonene, 1-decene, and the like. The copolymer can, thus, be a copolymer generated with one of the aforementioned olefins.

[0050] For example, the copolymer can be a poly[ethylene-co-a-olefin] copolymer, i.e. a polymer comprising ethylene and a-olefin (as subunits B and A, respectively). Ethylene can constitute the majority (in mole) fraction of the whole polymer, i.e. 50 mole % or more. The poly[ethylene-co-a-olefin] copolymers can comprise ethylene and one or more copolymerizable a-olefin comonomers in polymerized form. The poly[ethylene-co-a-olefin] copolymers can be characterized by multiple blocks or segments of two or more polymerized monomer units differing in chemical or physical properties. In other words, the poly[ethylene-co-a-olefin] copolymers are block copolymers, preferably multiblock copolymers (MBC). For example, the block copolymers can comprise hard blocks or segments as well as soft blocks or segments. Suitable block copolymers are described in EP 2 087 155 B1 which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

[0051] The term "poly[ethylene-co-a-olefin] copolymer" generally refers to polymers comprising ethylene and an a-olefin having 3 or more carbon atoms. The poly[ethylene-co-a-olefin] copolymers used in the embodiments of the invention are preferably copolymers of ethylene with at least one C3-C20 a-olefin. Suitable unsaturated comonomers useful for polymerizing with ethylene include, for example, propylene, isobutylene, 1-butene, 1-hexene, 1-pentene, 4-methyl-1 -pentene, 1-heptene, 1-octene, 1-nonene, 1-decene, and the like. The copolymer can, thus, e.g. be selected from the group consisting of polyethylene / butene copolymer, polyethylene / hexene copolymer, polyethylene / octene copolymer, polyethylene / octadecene copolymer, polyethylene / methyl-pentene copolymer, and the like. In some embodiments, the poly[ethylene-co-a-olefin] copolymer is an ethylene / 1 -butene or ethylene / 1 -octene copolymer. In certain embodiments, the copolymer is a polyethylene- 1- octene copolymer. Yarns comprising such a copolymer are commercially available, e.g. from XLANCE® SRL (Italy).

[0052] The inlay thread can have a linear density of e.g. from 10 to 500 dTex, such as from 100 to 400 dtex, e.g. from 150 to 350 dtex. The inlay thread can be a covered yarn or uncovered. In certain preferred embodiments, the inlay thread is uncovered. In other words, the knitted fabric may comprise an uncovered inlay thread.

[0053] The garment may be adapted to apply a pressure according to a predetermined compression profile. A compression profile defines for one or more locations of the garment which pressure should be exerted by the garment when worn correctly, i.e. on the correct body part by a person of the size for which the garment is intended. The compression profile can, e.g., define the pressure to be exerted for two or more, three or more, four or more, or five or more locations. In other words, the compression profile can, e.g., define the pressure to be exerted for 1 to 15, or 2 to 10 locations. The definition of the pressure can be a specific or approximate pressure value (in, e.g., mmHg or hPa) or a pressure range. The compression profile may be provided, in particular, in a known standard, for example, RAL, US standard or the like. These standards also define suitable locations on which a particular pressure should be exerted (e.g. measuring points B, B1 , C and D according to RAL-GZ 387 / 1 (edition January 2008 or newer) in case the compression garment is a stocking).

[0054] A common example is a gradient compression profile where a greater pressure is desired distally than proximally on the body, e.g. as shown in the following tables 1 and 2. The tables 1 and 2 correspond to the compression profile standard defined in RAL-GZ 387 / 1.

[0055] Table 1 : Compression classes, wherein 1 kPa = 7.5 mmHg; 1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa

[0056] Table 2: Residual pressure ratio in % of pressure at the ankle (measuring point B)

[0057] Thus, in one example, the compression profile comprises a compression gradient. In certain embodiments, the compression gradient provides for a higher pressure distally than proximally on the body. In other words, the garment can be adapted to provide a higher pressure on a distal part of the body or body part than on a proximal part of the body or body part. The compression gradient provides for a higher pressure at a distal part of the garment and a lower pressure at a proximal part of the garment. This is particularly desirable in leg stockings, such as knee high or thigh high stockings, or arm sleeves. Alternatively, the compression profile may define e.g. a constant compression throughout the garment.

[0058] A particular compression profile can, e.g., be established by variation of the dimension of the knitted fabric, in particular the flat lay dimension. The number of meshes in a knitting row may be varied from one knitting row to the next, in particular in flat-knitted fabrics or garments. Alternatively or additionally, the profile can be established by variation of the mesh height, in particular in circular-knitted fabrics. Further alternatively or additionally, the profile can be established by variation of the yarn tension (yarn inlet tension) during the knitting process used for production of the knitted fabric.

[0059] The compression garment of the invention is suitable for use in the treatment or prevention of various diseases or conditions which require treatment or prevention with compression therapy. These diseases and conditions include diseases and conditions treated with garments of Compression Class 1 , Compression Class 2, Compression Class 3 or Compression Class 4. Diseases and conditions treated with garments having Compression Class 1 (CCL 1) can be e.g. selected from the group consisting of tired, heavy, aching legs; minor varices without edema; mild swelling of the feet, ankles and legs; onset of pregnancy- related varices; primary or secondary lymphedema in International Society of Lymphology (ISL) stages l-lll; and lipedema. Diseases and conditions treated with garments having Compression Class 2 (CCL 2) can be e.g. selected from the group consisting of tired, heavy, aching legs; moderate to severe varices with and without edema; moderate to severe pregnancy-related varices with and without edema; moderate edema; chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) C3-C5 according to CEAP; venous edema, skin alterations; healed ulcus cruris; venous ulcers; superficial thrombophlebitis I SVT; diseases and conditions resulting from vein surgery; diseases or conditions resulting from sclerotherapy; post-traumatic edema; post-operative edema; primary or secondary lymphedema in ISL stage II; phlebolymphedema; lipedema. Diseases and conditions treated with garments having Compression Class 3 (CCL 3) can e.g. be selected from the group consisting of severe varices with or without edema; severe edema; chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) C3-C6 according to CEAP; venous edema; skin alterations; healed ulcus cruris; ulcus cruris; venous ulcers; post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS); superficial thrombophlebitis I SVT; conditions or diseases after vein surgery; conditions or diseases after sclerotherapy; primary or secondary lymphedema in ISL stage II; risk of rapid edema rebound; and lipedema. The lymphedema can be e. g. lymphedema with or without shape distortions.

[0060] The present invention also relates to methods for the treatment or prevention of any of the aforementioned diseases by wearing a compression garment described herein as well as to the use of a compression garment described herein in a method of treatment or prevention of any of the aforementioned diseases by wearing the compression garment. In case the garment is a stocking or pantyhose, the garment can, e.g., be a compression garment having compression class (CCL) 1 , 2, 3 or 4. The pressure value at the ankle in these compression classes is 18-21 mmHg (class 1), 23-32 mmHg (class 2), 34-46 mmHg (class 3) and 49 or more mmHg (class 4), respectively. Classification of the garment into these compression classes can be done according to RAL-GZ 387 / 1. Preferably, the garment is a compression class 1 , 2, 3, or 4 garment, most preferably a compression class 1 , 2 or 3 garment.

[0061] In case the garment is an arm sleeve, the garment can, e.g., be a compression garment having compression class 1 , 2 or 3. The pressure value at the measuring point Ci (which is located above the wrist bone) is 15-21 mmHg (class 1), 23-32 mmHg (class 2), and 34-46 mmHg (class 3), respectively. Classification of the garment into these compression classes can be done according to RAL-GZ 387 / 2. Preferably, the garment is a compression class 1 , 2, or 3 garment.

[0062] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0063] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown schematically in the drawings.

[0064] Fig. 1 shows experimental HOSY test measurements of the pressure exerted by a zero-stiffness stocking according to the invention at different measuring points and different circumferences of the stocking;

[0065] Fig. 2 shows the pressure variation and stretch of the zero-stiffness stocking in the experimental test measurements of Fig. 1 ;

[0066] Fig. 3 shows a model stress-strain curve of a compression stocking of the invention;

[0067] Fig. 4 schematically shows a compression garment of the invention in the form of a circular knitted compression stocking;

[0068] Fig. 5 shows experimental HOSY test measurements of a zero-stiffness (one-size- fits-all) compression stocking of the invention tested on different circumferences representing different sizes; and

[0069] Fig. 6 schematically shows an exemplary knitting pattern for a knitted fabric of the invention. These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

[0070] DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0071] Additional advantages, characteristics, and features of the present invention will become clear from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. However, the invention is not restricted to these exemplary embodiments.

[0072] Fig. 1 shows experimental HOSY test measurements of the pressure exerted by a zerostiffness stocking according to the invention at different measuring points and different circumferences of the stocking. The stocking was knit with XLANCE 312 (312 dtex; XLANCE® SRL, Italy) as inlay thread according to the knitting pattern shown in Fig. 6. The threads can be monofilament or multifilament threads, preferably monofilament. The knitting yarn used was an elastane yarn double covered with polyamide yarns. The knitting yarn can e.g. have a density of from 50 to 200 dtex.

[0073] Measurements were taken at five different measuring points which are at different heights of the stocking (B1 , C, D, E, and F), in accordance with RAL-GZ 387 / 1 . Complying with said standard, the measurements were taken with a Hohenstein system (HOSY). The stocking was knitted in a manner that guaranteed a compression gradient, namely a decrease of compression from distal to proximal. The measuring point B1 is the most distal measuring point shown in the Fig. 1 with the highest pressure; the measuring point F is the most proximal measuring point shown in the Fig. 1 with the lowest pressure. It can be seen that the pressure in each measuring point remains essentially constant, independent of the circumference to which the stocking is stretched.

[0074] The data has been evaluated in more depth in Fig. 2 which shows the pressure variation [%] in relation to the mean pressure over the respective stretch range, and the stretch [%] of the zero-stiffness stocking in comparison to the unstretched state. The evaluation confirms that the pressure at each measuring point (B1 , C, D, E, F) does not vary more than 10% over the tested stretch range of from about 65% to about 125%. For example, when the stocking is stretched at the B1 measuring point by about 64% (to 26 cm), then the pressure measuring was only 5.45 % above the mean pressure. In comparison with standard compression garments, a variability in pressure of below 10% is very low. Fig. 3 shows a model stress-strain curve of a compression stocking of the invention. It can be seen that the tension [cN / cm] increased substantially linearly up until a stretch of 300%.

[0075] Fig. 4 schematically shows a compression garment 10 of the invention. The compression garment 10 comprises a knitted fabric 12. The knitted fabric 12 is a circular-knitted fabric such as the one shown in Fig. 6. The garment 10 is a compression stocking that is thigh- high. The stocking has a tubular section 16 that is adapted to fit around a leg of a wearer and exert pressure onto the leg according to a predefined compression profile.

[0076] Fig. 5 schematically shows the HOSY test measurements of the experimental tests described in Figs. 1 and 2 above. The one-size-fits-all compression stocking described above was tested on the HOSY stretching the stocking to different circumferences representing different sizes. The stocking was tested according to RAL GZ 387 / 1 and pulled to a series of circumferences of different sizes. The sizes that were tested were the standard sizes of the JOBST Ultra Sheer size chart:

[0077] Table 3a: part A of the JOBST Ultra Sheer size chart for sizes I to III; showing the minimal (min) and maximal (max) circumference (in cm) for each measuring point.

[0078] Table 3b: part B of the JOBST Ultra Sheer size chart for sizes IV to VI; showing the minimal

[0079] (min) and maximal (max) circumference (in cm) for each measuring point. For all tested sizes, the test stocking exerted pressure in the ranges approved by the aforementioned RAL standard.

[0080] Fig. 6 schematically shows an exemplary knitting pattern for a knitted fabric 12 of the invention. The knitted fabric 12 has been manufactured by circular knitting of a knitting yarn 20 and an inlay yarn 14. The inlay yarn 14 may be for example Xlance 312. The knitting direction (X) is indicated with an arrow.

[0081] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

[0082] 10 garment

[0083] 12 knitted fabric

[0084] 14 inlay thread

[0085] 16 tubular section

[0086] 18 band

[0087] 20 knitting yarn

[0088] X knitting row direction

Claims

CLAIMS1. Compression garment (10) comprising a knitted fabric (12), wherein the knitted fabric (12) has the material propertywherein T = tension, E = stretch, Co = circumference of the compression garment in the nonstretched state, diffSI = dp / de = change in pressure I change in circumference, and K = force.

2. Compression garment (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the knitted fabric (12) has the material propertyT = (1 + £) K, wherein T = tension, E = stretch and K = force.

3. Compression garment (10), preferably according to claim 2, comprising a knitted fabric (12), wherein the garment (10) is adapted to apply a pressure according to a predetermined compression profile, and wherein the pressure varies 15% or less when the knitted fabric (12) is stretched in knitting row direction (X) in a stretch range from 100% to 150% of the unstretched state.

4. Compression garment (10) according to claim 3, wherein the pressure varies 15% or less when the knitted fabric (12) is stretched in knitting row direction (X) in a stretch range from 80% to 180% of the unstretched state.

5. Compression garment (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the knitted fabric (12) has a stiffness of 0 in knitting row direction (X).

6. Compression garment (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the compression profile comprises a compression gradient.

7. Compression garment (10) according to claim 6, wherein the compression gradient provides for a higher pressure at a distal part of the garment and a lower pressure at a proximal part of the garment.

8. Compression garment (10), preferably according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a knitted fabric (12), wherein the knitted fabric (12) comprises an inlay thread (14), wherein the inlay thread (14) comprises or consists of olefin copolymer.

9. Compression garment (10) according to claim 8, wherein the copolymer is a copolymer of poly[ethylene-co-a-olefin],10. Compression garment (10) according to any of claims 8 and 9, wherein the copolymer is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene / hexene copolymer, polyethylene / octene copolymer, polyethylene / octadecene copolymer, polyethylene / methyl- pentene copolymer.

11. Compression garment (10) according to any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the copolymer is a polyethylene-1-octene copolymer.

12. Compression garment (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the knitted fabric (12) comprises an uncovered inlay thread (14).

13. Compression garment (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the garment (12) comprises a tubular section (16).

14. Compression garment (10) according to claim 13, wherein the tubular section (16) is adapted to apply a pressure according to a predefined compression gradient.

15. Compression garment (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the garment (10) is a stocking or sleeve.

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