Anti-Slip Stocking Pattern Transfer to Prevent Tourniquet Effect

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for applying anti-slip materials to clothing, such as knee-highs and stockings, often result in a tourniquet effect due to excessive compression and adhesion, causing discomfort and reduced hold, especially with continuous silicone bands that can roll and reduce contact surface area.

Innovation Solution

A method involving screen printing anti-slip material in a pattern of separate zones onto a non-adherent support, which is then transferred to the inner face of clothing using a transfer press, allowing for even distribution across the retaining surface without continuous bands, thereby reducing material usage and thickness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a continuous band of silicone is added to the upper part of stockings, then the hold and maintenance in bottom position is improved, but a tourniquet effect and adhesion to the skin occurs causing discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveholdVSAvoidtourniquet effect and adhesion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous silicone band is segmented into multiple separate zones or islands distributed across the upper part of the stocking. This segmentation maintains the overall hold function while reducing continuous compression and adhesion to the skin, thereby eliminating the tourniquet effect and discomfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of uniform silicone distribution, the invention applies silicone locally in specific zones where hold is needed. The material is concentrated in discrete areas rather than forming a continuous band, providing targeted adhesion while allowing skin breathing and reducing overall compression.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the knit is tightened and elastic fibers are introduced to achieve compression, then the hold and compression of the desired areas is improved, but the compression becomes too great in the highest part causing a tourniquet effect

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveholdVSAvoidcompression
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The compression function is segmented by distributing elastic properties and silicone zones throughout the upper part rather than concentrating them in a single tight band. This creates multiple localized compression points that collectively provide hold without excessive continuous pressure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Compression and hold are achieved through local zones of tightened knit and silicone application rather than uniform tightening. This allows different areas to have different compression levels, preventing the tourniquet effect while maintaining necessary hold in critical zones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If a continuous band of silicone is used, then the hold is improved, but the top of the stocking rolls on itself reducing the silicone surface in contact and creating extra thickness

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveholdVSAvoidrolling and thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The silicone is divided into multiple small zones distributed across the upper part rather than forming a continuous band. This segmented structure prevents the material from rolling on itself, as the discrete zones remain in place and maintain their silicone surface area for continuous contact and hold.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Silicone is applied locally in specific zones rather than as a continuous band, which prevents the structural instability that causes rolling. The localized application maintains proper shape and thickness distribution while preserving the hold function through strategic placement of adhesive zones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method provides a comfortable, discreet, and effective anti-slip solution by distributing anti-slip material in discrete points, reducing the tourniquet effect and ensuring secure hold without excessive compression or adhesion, suitable for various clothing types, including tubular and flat articles.

Implementation Method 1

the stack formed of said part and the support is placed in a transfer press comprising two heating plates capable of approaching one another another, and d) bringing the two pressurized plates together, whereby the material is transferred to the inner face of said part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP1770196B1Method of applying an anti-slip material and hosiery aricle obtained by this method
Publication Date: 2010.01.13 TEXTILES WELL
  • EP1770196B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1770196B1 patent drawingFigure 2~5
  • EP1770196B1 patent drawingFigure 6~9

AI summary

The procedure for applying an anti-slip substance e.g. to the inner surface of garments such as socks or stockings, consists of applying the substance by silk-screen printing in a pattern (30) on at least one non-adhesive support (102a, 102b) with a coating of a material having a low friction coefficient. The inner surface of the article is placed facing the support, and the layers are inserted into a transfer press with two heating plates (108a, 108b) that are brought together under pressure to transfer the pattern.