Knitted device for treating cutaneous and subcutaneous conditions, comprising a plurality of adjacent protuberances

Abstract

A knitted device for treating cutaneous and subcutaneous conditions comprises a plurality of adjacent protuberances (2), said protuberances (4) being knitted from at least two knit threads (14, 16) and from a weft thread (18), the two knit threads (14, 16) being knitted separately and being spaced apart from one another to form the protuberances (2), the two knit threads (14, 16) intersecting between each protuberance (2), and the weft thread (18) being laid down in each protuberance (2) in such a way as to pad the protuberance (2).

Description

[0001] TITLE: Knitted skin and subcutaneous condition treatment device comprising a plurality of adjacent protrusions

[0002] The present invention relates to a knitted device for treating skin and subcutaneous conditions.

[0003] It is known to produce a device for treating cutaneous and subcutaneous conditions in the form of a strip or sleeve of textile material formed from two textile sheets holding between them a plurality of foam blocks forming protuberances in the treatment device. These protuberances are arranged to generate a massaging effect on the skin of a patient in order to promote surface microcirculation at the level of a superficial cutaneous network to, for example, reduce edema. Document EP 1 926 458 describes for example such a device for treating cutaneous and subcutaneous conditions.

[0004] Such devices are complex to produce because the protruding elements must be integrated into the textile article by inserting the elements between two textile sheets which are then assembled together to ensure the elements are held in place, as described in the document mentioned above. One of the aims of the invention is to provide a knitted treatment device comprising several protruding zones which can be integrated in a simple manner into the treatment device.

[0005] To this end, the invention relates to a knitted device for treating skin and subcutaneous conditions comprising a plurality of protuberances adjacent to each other, said protuberances being knitted from at least two knitting yarns (14, 16) and one weft yarn (18), the two knitting yarns (14, 16) being knitted separately and being spaced apart from each other to form the protuberances (2), the two knitting yarns (14, 16) crossing between each protuberance (2), the weft yarn (18) being deposited in each protuberance (2) so as to pad each protuberance (2).

[0006] Thus, in the knitted treatment device for skin and subcutaneous conditions according to the invention, the protrusions are directly formed by the yarns constituting the knitted treatment device so that it is not necessary to provide additional elements to be fixed on or in the knitted treatment device. A finished knitted treatment device can thus be obtained in a single knitting step with a single knitting machine. Furthermore, the shape, dimensions, location and / or number of protrusions can be simply adjusted by an adjustment of the knitting machine or by means of a control program of the knitting machine for changing the number of needles and / or the number of knitting rows, thereby changing the size of the protrusion(s) in the knitted article.

[0007] The knitted treatment device according to the invention may further comprise one or more of the following features, taken in isolation or in any technically conceivable combination: the weft yarn is elastic to make the treatment device deformable applying a substantially constant level of pressure when applied to a part of a user's limb having a substantially constant volume; the weft yarn is inelastic to make the treatment device restraining applying a variable level of pressure when applied to a part of a user's limb having a substantially constant volume; the weft yarn is deposited freely and loosely in each protuberance and passing between the two knitting yarns at the intersection of said knitting yarns between each protuberance; at least one of the two knitting yarns is elastic;the treatment device comprises an alternation of at least one first protuberance and one second protuberance, the knitting of the two knitting yarns forming each first protuberance being identical to or different from the knitting of the two knitting yarns forming each second protuberance; the first protuberances are knitted with n needles and the second protuberances are knitted with n' needles, n and n' being whole numbers equal to or different from each other;a first knitting yarn of the two knitting yarns is knitted with n needles of the front needle bed of a knitting machine in each first protrusion and with n needles of the back needle bed of the knitting machine in each second protrusion, a second knitting yarn of the two knitting yarns being knitted with n needles of the back needle bed of the knitting machine in each first protrusion and with n needles of the front needle bed of the knitting machine in each second protrusion, the first and second knitting yarns crossing between each pair of first and second protrusions;the first knitting yarn forms a right side of the treatment device in each first protrusion and a wrong side of the treatment device in each second protrusion, the second knitting yarn forming the wrong side of the treatment device in the first protrusions and the right side of the treatment device in each second protrusion; and the width of each first protrusion is adjustable by changing the number n and the width of each second protrusion is adjustable by changing the number n'.;

[0008] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0009] [Fig. 1] - Fig. 1 is a schematic representation from above of a device for treating skin and subcutaneous conditions according to the invention,

[0010] [Fig. 2] - Fig. 2 is a schematic sectional representation of a portion of the knitted processing device of Fig. 1,

[0011] [Fig. 3] - Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of the knitting of the knitted processing device of Fig. 2.

[0012] With reference to Fig. 1, a knitted treatment device 1 for cutaneous and subcutaneous conditions (referred to as treatment device in the remainder of the description) is described comprising a plurality of protrusions 2 made of one material with each other. The protrusions 2 are for example arranged in columns and rows so as to form a strip 4. Two adjacent protrusions 2 of the same column are connected to each other by a transverse knitting line 6, extending along the width of the strip 4, and two adjacent protrusions 2 of the same row are separated from each other by a longitudinal knitting line 8, extending along the length of the strip 4.

[0013] Thus, the treatment device 1 is in the form of a band 4 having an alternation of hollows, formed by the transverse 6 and longitudinal 8 knitting lines, and raised zones formed by the protuberances 2. As a variant, the treatment device can be shaped to form a sleeve which can surround part of a user's limb by closing the band 4 on itself.

[0014] The strip 4 defines a back face 10, intended to be applied against the user's skin and a front face 12, opposite the back face 10 and facing outwards. The thickness of the treatment device 1 is defined in the direction from the back face 10 to the front face 12, called the thickness direction, as being the distance separating the back face 10 and the front face 12.

[0015] The protuberances 4 are more particularly arranged to form pads so as to be applied against the skin of a user using the treatment device. The pads can have various dimensions and shapes by adjusting the knitting machine as well as according to the knitting and weft yarns chosen, these yarns being characterized in particular by their count, their elastic or non-elastic behavior, or even their tension under a given elongation, as will be described in more detail later.

[0016] Those skilled in the art may refer to documents EP 1 926 458 and EP 3 128 968 to obtain different arrangements and different uses of such a device for treating cutaneous and subcutaneous conditions.

[0017] The transverse 6 and longitudinal 8 knitting lines have, for example, a thickness substantially between 0.5 mm and 3 mm and the protrusions 2 have, for example, a thickness substantially between 5 mm and 25 mm.

[0018] The structure of the knitted fabric of the knitted treatment device according to the invention will now be described with reference to Figs. 2 and 3.

[0019] Generally, the treatment device 1 according to the invention is obtained by knitting at least two knitting yarns, namely a first knitting yarn 14 and a second knitting yarn 16, and a weft yarn 18. More particularly, the protrusions 2 are obtained by knitting the first and second knitting yarns 14, 16 separately so that they are spaced apart from each other and by depositing the weft yarn 18 in the protrusions 4 thus formed so as to form a padding of the protrusions 2. Between the protrusions 2, the first and second knitting yarns 14, 16 cross so as to form the transverse 6 and longitudinal 8 knitting lines.

[0020] In the figures, the first knitting yarn 14 is shown in regular lines, the second knitting yarn 16 in dotted lines and the weft yarn 18 in bold lines.

[0021] The first knitting yarn 14 may be an elastic or non-elastic yarn having a count, for example, between 17 dtex and 680 dtex. By elastic, we mean a yarn that can be stretched under the effect of an external stress intended to lengthen the yarn and regaining its initial length when this stress ceases to be applied. An elastic yarn has, for example, a maximum elongation before breaking greater than or equal to 300%. By non-elastic, we mean a yarn that is substantially inextensible under the effect of an external stress intended to stretch the yarn. A non-elastic yarn has, for example, a maximum elongation before breaking less than or equal to 100%.

[0022] A non-elastic thread is, for example, a thread made from one or more of the following textile materials:

[0023] Natural fibers, such as cotton, wool, linen, hemp, etc.;

[0024] Fibers made of artificial materials, such as viscose, etc.;

[0025] Synthetic fibers, such as polyamide, polyester, polypropylene, etc. An elastic yarn is, for example, a single-spun yarn, a double-spun yarn or a "core spun yarn" type structure.

[0026] In the case of a single or double covered yarn, the covering operations are carried out by a spiral winding technique around an elastic core yarn, or by intermingling by air jet around an elastic core yarn. The core yarn is for example made of one or more elastane or latex filaments, the count of which is for example between 17 dtex and 475 dtex. The covering yarn(s) are made of one or more of the following textile materials:

[0027] Natural fibers, such as cotton, wool, linen, hemp, etc.;

[0028] Fibers made of artificial materials, such as viscose, etc.;

[0029] Synthetic fibers, such as polyamide, polyester, polypropylene, elastane, etc.

[0030] In the case of a "core spun yarn" type structure, the core yarn is, for example, made of an elastane or latex filament, with a yarn count between 17 dtex and 475 dtex. The fiber layers surrounding the core are, for example, made of one or more of the following textile materials:

[0031] Natural fibers, such as cotton, wool, linen, hemp, etc.;

[0032] Fibers made of artificial materials, such as viscose, etc.;

[0033] Synthetic fibers, such as polyamide, polyester, polypropylene, etc.

[0034] The second knitting yarn 16 may also be an elastic or non-elastic yarn, examples of which are given above.

[0035] According to various embodiments, the first and second knitting yarns 14, 16 may be the same or different from each other. However, it should be noted that at least one of the first and second knitting yarns 14, 16 is an elastic yarn.

[0036] The weft yarn 18 may also be an elastic yarn or a non-elastic yarn depending on the function of the treatment device 1, as will be described in more detail later. According to an embodiment in which the weft yarn 18 is elastic, the weft yarn 18 has for example a count substantially between 300 dtex and 1500 dtex. More particularly, the weft yarn 16 is for example a double-wrapped yarn, comprising a core formed from an elastane monofilament having a count of 1280 dtex and two polyamide wrapping yarns. When the weft yarn 16 is non-elastic, the weft yarn 16 has for example a count between 300 dtex and 1500 dtex and is for example a yarn formed from one or more of the following textile materials: Fibers made of natural material, such as cotton, wool, linen, hemp, etc.;

[0037] Fibers made of artificial materials, such as viscose, etc.;

[0038] Synthetic fibers, such as polyamide, polyester, polypropylene, etc.

[0039] As can be seen from Figs. 2 and 3, each line of protrusions 2 is formed by an alternation of at least one first protrusion 20, in which the first knitting yarn 14 forms the right side 12 of the or each first protrusion 20 and the second knitting yarn 16 forms the wrong side 10 of the or each first protrusion 20, and at least one second protrusion 22, in which the first knitting yarn 14 forms the wrong side 10 of the or each second protrusion 22 and the second knitting yarn 16 forms the right side 12 of the or each second protrusion 22.

[0040] For this purpose and as shown in Fig. 3, in each first protrusion 20, the first knitting yarn 14 is knitted with n needles of the front needle bed of a knitting machine and the second knitting yarn 16 is knitted with n needles of the rear needle bed of the knitting machine. "n" corresponds to an integer number of needles and the choice of this number makes it possible to adjust the width of each first protrusion 20. The length of each first protrusion 20 depends on the number of successive knitting rows.

[0041] In each first protrusion, the weft yarn 18 is deposited in the pocket thus formed between the first knitting yarn 14 and the second knitting yarn 16 in a free and loose manner by being deposited between the front and rear needle beds of the knitting machine. By "free and loose manner" is meant that the weft yarn 18 fills the pocket by forming pleats inside this pocket, as shown in Fig. 2, the length of weft yarn 18 present inside the pocket making it possible to adjust the thickness and flexibility of the protrusion. Thus, the weft yarn 18 is used to pad each first protrusion 20 so that it forms a cushion, as previously described.

[0042] According to various embodiments, in each first protuberance 20, the first knitting yarn 14 and the second knitting yarn 16 are knitted according to a jersey and / or off-gauged jersey structure.

[0043] In each second protrusion 22, the first knitting yarn 14 is knitted with n' needles of the rear needle bed of the knitting machine and the second knitting yarn 16 is knitted with n' needles of the front needle bed of the knitting machine. "n'" corresponds to an integer number of needles and the choice of this number makes it possible to adjust the width of each second protrusion 22. The length of each second protrusion 22 depends on the number of successive knitting rows. In each second protrusion, the weft yarn 18 is deposited in the pocket thus formed between the first knitting yarn 14 and the second knitting yarn 16 in a free and loose manner by being deposited between the front and rear needle beds of the knitting machine.

[0044] According to various embodiments, in each first protuberance 20, the first knitting yarn 14 and the second knitting yarn 16 are knitted according to a jersey and / or off-gauged jersey structure.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the number n and the number n' are equal so that the first and second protrusions 20, 22 have the same dimensions. Alternatively, the number n and the number n' are different so that the treatment device 1 has an alternation of protrusions of different dimensions, which makes it possible to vary the local pressure exerted by the treatment device on the surface of a user's skin. It will also be noted that by choosing a first knitted yarn 14 and a second knitted yarn 16 that are identical, the treatment device 1 applies a uniform treatment to the user's skin, while by choosing different yarns, the treatment device has an alternation of pads applying different effects to the skin by varying the local pressure exerted by the treatment device on the surface of a user's skin.In other words, each first protrusion 20 and each second protrusion 22 can be knitted “all needles” or “off-gauge”.

[0046] Between the protrusions, the first knitting yarn 14 and the second knitting yarn 16 cross each other passing from the front needle bed to the back needle bed and vice versa so as to form the knitting lines 6, 8 separating the protrusions. The weft yarn 18 passes between the first and second knitting yarns 14, 16 to extend to pad all the protrusions.

[0047] The treatment device 1 according to the invention can therefore be obtained by knitting on a single knitting machine, the number, shape and dimensions of the first protuberances 20 relative to the second protuberances 22 being adjustable simply by varying the number of needles and the number of knitting rows to produce the first and second protuberances 20, 22. The dimensions of the first and second protuberances 20, 22 can also be adjusted by choosing the diameter of the weft yarn 18.

[0048] When the weft yarn 18 is elastic, the treatment device is deformable and exerts a relatively constant level of pressure if the volume of the user's limb covered by the treatment device varies little.

[0049] When the weft yarn 18 is non-elastic, the treatment device is containment, that is, it exerts a pressure that can vary greatly even with a small variation in the volume of the user's limb covered by the treatment device. In the case of a compression sleeve, the treatment device more particularly has a substantially trapezoidal shape with pads of spherical or random shape. In the case of a compression band, the knitted treatment device more particularly has a substantially rectangular shape and the pads have a spherical or rectangular shape with rounded edges, as shown in Fig. 1.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A knitted device for treating skin and subcutaneous conditions comprising a plurality of protuberances (2) adjacent to each other, said protuberances (4) being knitted from at least two knitting yarns (14, 16) and one weft yarn (18), the two knitting yarns (14, 16) being knitted separately and being spaced apart from each other to form the protuberances (2), the two knitting yarns (14, 16) crossing between each protuberance (2), the weft yarn (18) being deposited in each protuberance (2) so as to pad each protuberance (2).

2. Treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the weft yarn (18) is elastic to make the treatment device deformable applying a substantially constant level of pressure when applied to a part of a user's limb having a substantially constant volume.

3. A treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the weft yarn (18) is inelastic to make the restraining treatment device apply a variable level of pressure when applied to a portion of a user's limb having a substantially constant volume.

4. Treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the weft yarn (18) is deposited freely and loosely in each protuberance (2) and passing between the two knitting yarns at the crossing of said knitting yarns between each protuberance.

5. Treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one of the two knitted yarns (14, 16) is elastic.

6. Treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising an alternation of at least one first protuberance (20) and second protuberance (22), the knitting of the two knitting threads (14, 16) forming each first protuberance (20) being identical to or different from the knitting of the two knitting threads (14, 16) forming each second protuberance (22).

7. Treatment device according to claim 6, wherein the first protrusions (20) are knitted with n needles and the second protrusions (22) are knitted with n' needles, n and n' being whole numbers equal to or different from each other.

8. A processing device according to claim 7, wherein a first knitting yarn (14) of the two knitting yarns (14, 16) is knitted with n needles of the front needle bed of a knitting machine in each first protrusion (20) and with n' needles of the rear needle bed of the knitting machine in each second protrusion (22), a second knitting yarn (16) of the two knitting yarns (14, 16) is knitted with n needles of the rear needle bed of the knitting machine in each first protrusion (20) and with n' needles of the front needle bed of the knitting machine in each second protrusion (22), the first and second knitting yarns (14, 16) crossing between each pair of first and second protrusions (20, 22).

9. Treatment device according to claim 8, in which the first knitting yarn (14) forms a front face (12) of the treatment device in each first protrusion (20) and a back face (10) of the treatment device in each second protrusion (22), the second knitting yarn (16) forming the back face (10) of the treatment device in the first protrusions and the front face (12) of the treatment device in each second protrusion (22).

10. A treatment device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the width of each first protrusion (20) is adjustable by changing the number n and the width of each second protrusion (22) is adjustable by changing the number n'.

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