Abstract: A garment (1) for providing compressive forces to a torso to help eliminate or reduce swelling caused by an accumulation of lymph fluid in the torso region. An embodiment of the present invention includes an outer covering (10) of compression fabric, wide shoulder straps (22, 24), front and back panels of compression fabric (12, 14, 16, 18), a non-rolling rib band (72), axilla gussets (82, 84), and both front closure (40) and back closure (50). The garment may also include one or more princess seams (102, 104, 102?, 104?) so as to enable the front panel(s) to encapsulate and hold the user's breasts in place at the same time that compressive forces are applied, as well as one or more front shelves (132, 134) in the front panel(s) for providing upward compressive support to the breast tissue, thereby holding the tissue in a proper neutral position so that inward compressive forces acting on the tissue provide maximum effect.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a support system particularly intended for treatment and prevention of diseases of venous origin, characterized in that it comprises a first support layer, which is composed of an elastic band attached across its entire surface to an absorbent layer, and a second support layer, which is a self-adhesive elastic band. This support system has a dynamic coefficient of elasticity of between 5 and 55 Newton/cm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bandage with lengthwise elasticity in the warp direction, comprising a textile expanse woven in leno weave and having weft threads, leno threads and elastically extensible core threads. The core threads are cotton-elastic threads.

Abstract: A compression garment comprises a plurality of longitudinal yarns arranged to form a fabric having a length and generally parallel to the length, and a plurality of transverse elastomeric yarns connecting adjacent longitudinal yarns and equally spaced about a length of the longitudinal yarns. In a stretched state, the longitudinal yarns are spaced from one another and remain generally parallel to the length.

Abstract: A hemostatic device includes a flexible band adapted to be wrapped around a patient's limb at a site on the limb where bleeding is to be stopped, a portion for securing the band in a wrapped state to the limb, a curved plate which is made of a material more rigid than the band and at least a portion of which is curved toward the inner peripheral side thereof, a main balloon which is provided on the inner peripheral side of the curved plate and which inflates when a fluid is introduced therein, and a pressing member which is provided between the curved plate and the main balloon so that at least a portion thereof overlaps with the balloon and which is adapted for pressing against the balloon. The device provides an excellent hemostatic effect and prevents numbness and poor circulation in areas peripheral to the site of attachment.

Abstract: A medical bandage consists of a knit fabric made from loop yarns without inlaid yarns. The loop yarns are multifilament yarns having at least one elastic filament, a plurality of synthetic microfilaments and a plurality of cellulose or cellulosic filaments. The bandage has a linear and a non-linear stretching regime, with an operating point lying between them. When it is applied to a patient, it is elastically stretched to the operating point, which allows to generate reproducible, well defined compression forces.

Abstract: A compression dressing and method of use is provided. The dressing is self-adherent, washable and reusable and provides a selected and generally constant pressure to the surface of an animal.

Abstract: A two piece knee pad is provided comprising a stabilizer strap and a releasable pad portion that may be attached to the stabilizer strap. The releasable pad may be attached or detached as needed, and allows for ventilation of the knee without removal of the entire apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stretch fabric substrate for medical use in a simple knitted structure with a good productivity having such a desired elastic recovery of elongation that no reduction of the fabric substrate in the widthwise direction takes place when elongation is applied to a necessary extent in the lengthwise direction. The fabric substrate according to the present invention is constituted by means of a warp knit substrate, the warp knit substrate is formed by means of a chain stitch using a stretch multifilament textured yarn and elastic yarns and non-stretch yarns are inserted in the lengthwise direct ion and in the widthwise direction, respectively to the chain stitch.

Abstract: A binder for supporting the abdomen, back, ribs or breasts includes an H-shaped elongated band with an inner surface and an outer surface. The H-shaped elongated band includes a central panel, a first extension member and second extension member extending from an upper portion of and contiguous with the central panel and a third extension member and a fourth extension member extending from a lower portion of and contiguous with the central panel. The inner surface of the central panel is positioned adjacent to a portion of a user's body and a first slit on the first extension member is adapted to receive the second extension member, and a second slit on the third extension member is adapted to receive the fourth extension member thereby securing the binder on the user's body via fastening members positioned on each of the extension members.

Abstract: A compression garment for compressing a portion of a body of a patient includes a tubular body. The body includes an outer layer and an inner layer secured to the outer layer. The inner layer at least partially bounds a channel adapted to receive a portion of a body of a patient. The inner layer includes a backing having a plurality of pressure projections extending therefrom. A layer of compressible cushioning material is disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer. Compression straps are disposed on the body for selectively constricting the body.

Abstract: A bandage comprising a weft insertion fabric, in particular a light compression bandage which is a non-laminated and/or single layer bandage comprising a weft insertion fabric or a conformable bandage that essentially consists of a weft insertion fabric, and a method of treating venuous leg, lymphodoema, muscle strain or muscle sprain, which comprises applying such a bandage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling article comprising a polymer absorbent enclosed within a bag delimited by a collapsible envelope having non-watertight walls, wherein said polymer absorbent is under the form of particles each of which comprises a core of less cross-linked polymer sequences more active in retaining absorbed water and a shell of more cross-linked polymer sequences apt to retard diffusion of water from a particle to another during desorption of absorbed water.

Abstract: A compression bandage for supporting the tissue in the area between foot and knee, for example for treating venous and/or lymphatic swellings, is characterized in that it is designed with a ready-made foot part.

Abstract: An anatomically configured tubular body or ribbon of woven or knitted elastomeric yarn having concentrated pressure support means at one or more areas along said device for pressure support of an ankle, elbow, knee or wrist (hereinafter also “articulating appendage”). The device of this invention can include an anatomically configured tubular composite, comprising an essentially uniform sleeve of elastomeric yarn and a pressure concentrating means corresponding to one or more areas of said articulating appendage (hereafter also “pressure points”), so as to focus or concentrate pressure support at said pressure points. The device thus provides for both ease of attachment to the appendage and of application of differential (increased or focused) pressures to a pressure point of the affected appendage.

Abstract: An elastic bandage is disclosed having a nonelastic absorbent nonwoven web, a non-elastic breathable nonwoven web, and a meltspun elastomeric material disposed between the two webs. The meltspun elastomeric material can comprise a plurality of meltspun elastomeric filaments aligned in substantially parallel distribution in a machine direction, the filaments attached to a side of the nonelastic breathable nonwoven web and to a side of the nonelastic absorbent nonwoven web. The nonelastic absorbent nonwoven web can comprise a laminate of nonwoven layers. The non-elastic breathable nonwoven web can comprise a breathable film bonded to a nonwoven layer or laminate individual nonwoven layers. A self adherent coating may be disposed upon an outer surface of the elastic bandage.

Abstract: The method comprises the following steps:

Abstract: The invention relates to a wound dressing comprising a microbial-derived cellulose for treatment of specific types of chronic wounds, including pressure sores, venous and diabetic ulcers. The wound dressing is capable of donating liquid to dry substrates is also capable of absorbing exudating wounds.

Abstract: A medical support appliance custom made to fit the patient's limb exactly. Since the appliance fits exactly, it restricts the engorgement of varicose veins and swelling of the limb by retaining its exact shape and dimension, thereby resisting any outward expansion of the limb, and not by pressing in on the limb. The appliance employs an assembly of materials which resists the outward pressure exerted by the veins by retaining its circumference dimensions, and which at the same time stretches longitudinally for comfort and mobility. The assembly is a composite of latex, formed around a replica of the patient's limb, wrapped with non-stretch fiberglass thread, and finished with trim material and a zipper.

Abstract: The surgical stocking made by knitting a knitting yarn together with an extensible weft yarn is a placebo type stocking suitable for exerting compressive pressure at the ankle of less than 8 mmHg, and preferably less than 5 mmHg. It is intended for double blind tests versus placebo using a product having the same structure, the same visual appearance, and the same feel as an active stocking but compression that is negligible and thigh/ankle degressivity that is close to unity. The weft yarn presents mass per unit length lying in the range 250 dtex to 600 dtex, preferably in the range 350 dtex to 500 dtex, with the proportion of elastic material being less than 25% and preferably less than 20% of the total weight of the thread. Its elongation capacity lies in the range 200% to 350%, preferably in the range 200% to 300%, but its springiness (II) is very different from that of an elastic stocking (I).

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a non-woven fabric which is over-stitched by means of stitching threads as a supporting material for medical purposes. The invention is characterized in that the maximum tensile force of supporting material is equal to at least 30 N/cm and at least one side of the supporting material is partially or completely coated with a self-adhesive mass.

Abstract: Silk clothes for protecting affected parts (incised wound, burn, tumor, bedsore, etc.) which also contribute to the prevention of suppurating. These clothes are composed of a knitted woven silk fabric or non-woven silk fabric (silk floss, etc.) containing either Sasa veitchii or a parabenzoic acid ester or both of the same and being adhered to a non-woven fabric made of cellulose, etc.

Abstract: An oral adhesive preparation has a substrate and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer provided on at least one surface of the substrate, in which the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer contains a medicine, and is substantially insoluble in water or absorbs substantially no water. Further, an oral adhesive sheet comprising a separator release-treated on one or both surfaces thereof and a plurality of sections for application to oral mucous membrane mounted on at least one surface of the separator in a specified 2 to 5 by 2 to 5 arrangement with a specified proportion of a minimum inner diameter, Dp, of an incircle passing a center of gravity, W, of a section to a shortest distance, Di, of an adjacent section is 1.5 to 6. The substrate is preferably cloth such as non-woven fabric. Sections containing a local anesthetic can be used in surface anesthesia in dentistry.

Abstract: An extension indicator is provided for determining a predetermined extension applied to an extensibly deformable article such as medical bandage used in compression therapy. The indicator includes first (420) and second (430) co-operating members, each adapted to be secured to an extensibly deformable article (440). One of the members is more extensible than the other and each member (420, 430) bears visual indicia (450, 460, 470) which upon extension of the more extensible member, are adapted to align with each other to indicate a predetermined extension of the more extensible member.

Abstract: A compression bandage system is disclosed comprising an inner skin facing layer and an elastic outer layer. The inner layer comprises a first ply of foam and a second ply of an absorbent nonwoven web. Both the inner and outer layers are sufficiently elongated so as to be capable of being wound about a patient's limb. Preferably, the foam comprises an ester based polyurethane. The nonwoven web preferably comprises carded fibers, especially cotton fibers, which are needle punched to the foam at less than 500 needles per inch, more preferably at less than 200 needles per inch, and most preferably at less than 100 needles per inch.

Abstract: An elongate medical bandaging product for being dispensed in lengths suitable for a given medical use, including an elongate sleeve of a predetermined length formed of a moisture-impervious material and sealable to prevent entry of moisture, and an elongate medical material having substantially the same predetermined length as the elongate sleeve and positioned within the sleeve in substantially moisture-free conditions and sealed therein against moisture until use.

Abstract: An oral adhesive preparation has a substrate and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer provided on at least one surface of the substrate, in which the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer contains a medicine, and is substantially insoluble in water or absorbs substantially no water. Further, an oral adhesive sheet comprising a separator release-treated on one or both surfaces thereof and a plurality of sections for application to oral mucous membrane mounted on at least one surface of the separator in a specified 2 to 5 by 2 to 5 arrangement with a specified proportion of a minimum inner diameter, Dp, of an incircle passing a center of gravity, W, of a section to a shortest distance, Di, of an adjacent section is 1.5 to 6. The substrate is preferably cloth such as non-woven fabric. Sections containing a local anesthetic can be used in surface anesthesia in dentistry.

Abstract: A binder for application of pressure to the wound area of a patient who has undergone a mastectomy or other type of chest surgery. The binder includes an elasticized main body portion formed from a fabric that is substantially nonelastic, yet breathable, with gathering, elastic stitching therein.

Abstract: A woven fabric comprising warp and weft yarns is characterized in that the warp yarns comprise a plurality of elasticized yarns and twisted inelastic yarns arranged such that the inelastic yarns are in pairs of like twist, with two elastic yarns between. Alternate pairs of inelastic yarn are of opposing direction of twist. Such fabrics may be used for medical bandages such as elasticized adhesive or non-adhesive bandages and support or compression garments such as stockings.

Abstract: A biomechanical suit comprises a mini-shirt and shorts connected front and rear by suspenders. The shirt starts proximally from the level of cervical three vertebra (C-3) and extends down to the eighth thoracic vertebra (T8) and includes a zipper from T8-C3. Two spaced front suspenders are mounted to the lower edge of the shirt and are adjustably coupled to the shorts. The rear suspenders are attached proximally and distally a predetermined distance bilaterally from the vertebral column. The distal attachment is through a tensiometer which adjusts the tension to correct unusual kyphotic or scoliotic conditions.

Abstract: There is disclosed an extensible article comprising an extensible fabric and an indicator for showing when the fabric has reached a predetermined degree of extension, a method for forming such articles and a method of treatment of venous disorders comprising applying said article to an affected site on a patient.

Abstract: Support material for medical purposes, which is characterized in that an addition of high-strength fibers or threads on an organic or inorganic base with a maximum tensile strength over 60 cN/tex gives the support material a maximum tensile strength of over 2 N/cm and the support material has mainly a maximum tensile strength of under 400%.

Abstract: A postoperative garment for protection and improved healing of a wound, injury or disease site comprising a first panel and a second panel, the panels being constructed of a fabric structure comprising a blend of at least one polyester fiber and at least one elastic fiber. The fabric has an elasticity of about 200-220+/-10% in both the warp direction and in the fill direction, the difference between the warp and fill direction elasticity preferably being no more than about 3% to about 5%, a compression modulus of about 1 to about 4, and a breathability measurement of 70-100% moisture loss within 30 minutes and an approximate skin surface temperature reduction of about 4-6.degree. F. within about 3-7 minutes as measured by evaporative cooling, and the panels being attachable to each other along one edge by a closure means, such as mated hook and loop fasteners.

Abstract: Visual indication of compressive force applied by a compression bandage is provided by forming a continuous pattern of repeated geometric shapes in the bandage strip with indicator yarn. The continuous pattern is formed so that the shape of each geometric design is changed when tension is applied to the bandage and the shape of the deformed pattern is indicative of compression force applied.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a reusable thermal pack that comprises a bag formed of a water-permeable fabric defining a plurality of laterally adjacent compartments, and a superabsorbent polymer disposed in the bag compartments, wherein the polymer forms a gel in the presence of an aqueous solution, and the bag compartments are gel-retainable. The thermal pack of the present invention can be applied as a cold or hot compress for medicinal purposes, and also as an aid for cooling down following exercise. The thermal pack of the present invention, once hydrated in the presence of the aqueous solution, becomes cool and stays cool for several days without refrigeration, and can be made cooler if chilled in the refrigerator or freezer, or warmed if placed in the microwave, if desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wound dressing 10 that is a porous, self-adhering elastic 14 bandage which may be compressively wrapped around a wound and which is capable of absorbing fluids and wound exudate. A preferred embodiment of the wound dressing 10 is a self-adhering elastic substrate 14 which does not adhere to clothing, hair or skin having a compressive force when extended that provides a therapeutic benefit and which is flexibly attached or fixed to an absorbent layer 12.

Abstract: A tape is used for the wrapping of ankles or other joints having a inelastic back in tension and a hypo-allergenic elastic for placement to the skin. Examples of the inelastic back can include tapes with metal or carbon fiber backings which essentially have no appreciable elasticity and deformation when applied over the skin at the ankle. In the preferred embodiment of this invention, the inelastic backing of the tape has a Young's modulus of elasticity exceeding 5 and is not subject to substantial elongation as placed over the ankle. Wrapping of the ankle with such tapes utilizing hypo-allergenic adhesives is disclosed with the tape being removable and reusable even by the athlete utilizing the ankle wrapping.

Abstract: An elasticated bandage has knitted therein a geometrical pattern comprising two components which adopt recognizable configurations when the bandage is extended to corresponding predetermined degrees. Preferably, the two components are alternating large and small rectangles arranged with colinear short edges. When the bandage is stretched, the short sides of the rectangles become lengthened. In each case, a point is reached at which the short and long sides of the rectangle becomes square, and this indicates that a pre-determined tension has been reached.

Abstract: A laminated tape/bandage comprising a layer of transversely-spaced, longitudinally-extending elastic strands between a pair of outer layers, at least one of which is a warp-knitted (weft insertion) fabric oriented with the knit yarns extending longitudinally and generally parallel to the orientation of the elastic strands.

Abstract: An elastic bandage comprises a knitted or woven fabric containing both inelastic and elastic yarns in which the ratio of inelastic yarns to elastic yarns is from 1:1 to 12:1 and in which the bandage achieves an effective compressive force at an extension of between 20 to 60% after which any further extension of the bandage is accompanied by only a small increase in compressive force. Suitable polymers for the elastic yarns include block copolymers such as styrene-butylene-ethylene-styrene block copolymers. Woven or knitted elastic bandages made of such yarns exhibit good stress retention properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides an article, comprising: a fabric sheet which has been compacted using a heat shrink yarn; and a curable or hardenable resin coated onto the fabric sheet. The present invention involves compacting a fabric sheet to impart stretchability and conformability to the fabric while minimizing undesirable recovery forces. Suitable fabrics for compacting are fabrics which comprise fiberglass fibers which are capable of first being compacted and then being heat set or annealed in the compacted state. The article may be in the form of an orthopedic bandage and may optionally contain a micro fiber filler associated with the resin.

Abstract: There is disclosed a woven bandage which exhibits a crepe effect and which contains elastomeric yarns and composite warp yarns (1) wherein the composite yarns comprise a staple fibre yarn (2) and a textured filament yarn (3) twisted together. The staple fibre yarn (2) forms loops (4) which gives the bandage a crepe effect. There is also described a process for manufacture of such bandages.

Abstract: There is described a woven bandage which exhibits a crepe effect and which contains composite warp yarns (1) and weft filaments (7) wherein the composite warp yarns (1) are formed by twisting a staple fiber yarn (2) and a textured filament yarn (3) together. The staple fiber yarn (2) forms loops (4) which gives the bandage a crepe effect. There is also described a process for the manufacture of such woven bandages and an article of manufacture which includes the composite warp yarns used in the woven bandage.

Abstract: A ventilated textile elastic band is formed of a crochet-type warp knitted construction from a set of warp yarns respectively formed in warpwise-extending chain stitches in spaced groups of successive adjacent wales separated from each other group by plural wales unoccupied by any warp yarn, a set of elastic yarns extending within the chain stitches of the warp yarns, and a set of filling yarns traversing coursewise within the warp yarn chain stitches in a predetermined filling traversal pattern producing an absence of any filling yarn in selected courses of the unoccupied wales thereby forming parallel lengthwise columns of spaced ventilation openings. The grouped arrangement of the warp yarns and the widthwise traversing of the filling yarns provides widthwise structural integrity to the fabric band while the elastic yarns provide lengthwise stretchability and the ventilation openings permit air and moisture to pass freely through the band.

Abstract: Disclosed is a self-adhesive nonwoven elastic composite material composed of at least one elastic composite material; and a coating of a self-adhesive material on at least a portion of at least one exterior surface of the elastic composite material so that the material is capable of being compressed in the Z-direction at least about 45 percent at a pressure of about 3 psi to a thickness of not less than about 0.035 inch. The elastic composite material may contain an elastomeric nonwoven fibrous web joined to at least one relatively nonelastic gatherable material at spaced-apart locations so that the gatherable material is gathered between the spaced-apart locations. Such an elastic composite material can be coated with a self-adhesive material on at least a portion of at least one exterior surface of the elastic composite material so that the peel strength of the self-adhesive material is less than the peel strength of the layers of the elastic composite material.

Abstract: An improved substrate for retaining a hardenable composition, which substrate utilizes a double face knit having knitting fabrics of multiple bundles formed on both its face and back surfaces, the knitting fabrics being impregnatable with hardenable resin by capillary action and retaining the resin to enable curing thereof into a hard composition, the improved substrate providing the advantages of substrates composed of glass fibers such as strength and good air permeability, while also providing advantages of substrates composed of natural and synthetic fibers such as comfort and non-irritability.

Abstract: A warp knitted vascular patch material, made in specific widths, the selvedges of the material are specially finished on the knitting machine without the introduction of additional threads to give a strong edge which will not fray and give firm support for the sutures. The specially knitted edges enables small neat sutures to be made without the risk of pulling out. This prevents all the problems of fraying edges and bulky seams found when unsized material is cut to the required width. This patch material is designed specifically for arterial closure following a carotid endorectomy.

Abstract: A warp-knit casting bandage fabric is provided which comprises a first group of a plurality of individual continuous multifilament fiberglass yarns which form lengthwise extending chains of spaced-apart loops and a second group of a plurality of individual continuous multifilament fiberglass yarns which are separately interspersed with a plurality of individual continuous thermoplastic yarns forming a widthwise extending and lengthwise spaced-apart inlay which is interlaced with the spaced-apart loops forming an open-knit construction wherein the continuous thermoplastic yarns comprise from about 50% to about 100% of the total number of individual yarns forming the inlay. An elongated, resin-impregnated bandage, having a leading edge and a trailing edge, made from the warp-knit casting bandage fabric is also provided as well as a method for forming such resin-impregnated bandages.

Abstract: A soft tissue support is disclosed. The apparatus preferably comprises a two-ply garment adapted to provide support for hip and shoulder wounds. The garment itself comprises a suspension portion and a tissue support wrap portion adapted to encircle the traumatized parts, and further provides support for the buttocks and the deltoid.

Abstract: Described is a fabric produced from textile threads, more particularly a knitted fabric, for use within the flexion area of articulated bandages. The knitted fabric is incorporated into the articulated bandage (2) in the form of an insert (8). In order to eliminate the formation of creases within the flexion area of the articular bandage, a transverse wave structure is formed on at least one side, which, by the use of an elastic thread arrangement which is incorporated or located underneath a top structure, is elastically pretensioned and stabilized and is connected to the top structure at predetermined intervals or according to a specific rule.