WO2008099987A1

WO2008099987A1 - Orthopedic water-repellent stockinette

Info

Publication number: WO2008099987A1
Application number: PCT/KR2007/001767
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jin-Woo Bae
Original assignee: BL TECH Co Ltd
Current assignee: BL TECH Co Ltd
Priority date: 2007-02-14
Filing date: 2007-04-12
Publication date: 2008-08-21
Anticipated expiration: 2009-08-14
Also published as: WO2008099998A1

Abstract

Disclosed is a stockinette used for application of a splint for orthopedics for supporting an affected part of a patient suffering from a fracture or a sprain. Unlike conventional stockinettes formed by weaving cotton yarn, in the orthopedic water-repellent stockinette of the invention, polyester yarn, nylon yarn, cotton yarn, and/or elastic yarn are subjected to weaving and then water-repellent treatment using a water-repellent agent. Whereas stockinettes and cotton bandages are sequentially applied underneath general plaster casts, the stockinette of the invention is characterized in that polyester yarn, nylon yarn, cotton yarn and/or elastic yarn are subjected to false twisting and circular knitting to increase elasticity and thickness for skin protection, without the need to additionally use a cotton bandage, and also in that water-repellent treatment is conducted to let moisture escape without letting water in, thereby preventing the proliferation of bacteria and the generation of severe offensive odors due to residual moisture.

Description

ORTHOPEDIC WATER-REPELLENT STOCKINETTE

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates, generally, to a stockinette used for the application of a splint for orthopedics for supporting an affected part of a patient suffering from a fracture or a sprain, and, more particularly, to an orthopedic water-repellent stockinette, in which polyester yarn, nylon yarn, cotton yarn, and/or elastic yarn are subjected to weaving and then water-repellent treatment using a water-repellent agent, unlike conventional stockinettes woven from cotton yarn. Background Art

[2] Conventionally, when a splint for orthopedics is applied, a general cotton stockinette and a cotton bandage are sequentially applied over the affected part of a patient, after which a plaster cast or synthetic resin type casting tape, which is wet with water, is further wound around the affected part to thus support the affected part.

[3] The stockinette and cotton bandage have been used to protect the skin from a splint used in the event of a fracture of a joint or a bone, and products related thereto have been developed in various forms for skin protection, along with synthetic resin type casting tape.

[4] The stockinette and cotton bandage should make it convenient to apply the splint for orthopedics, and should have a function of inhibiting the proliferation of bacteria, because a patient must wear them for one month or longer. Further, the stockinette and cotton bandage should have a thickness sufficient to provide a buffer function to protect the skin from the splint, consequently preventing secondary injuries, and also, should function to protect the skin from a splint cutter used upon the removal of a plaster cast. Furthermore, the stockinette and cotton bandage should assure comfort and ventilation upon application to a patient, to thus let sweat escape without letting water in.

[5] Although the stockinette and cotton bandage have been used as materials for protecting the skin from the splint for a long period of time, there are difficulties in applying the stockinette and subsequently applying the cotton bandage thereon.

[6] The stockinette is made using hygroscopic cotton to absorb sweat, and the cotton bandage is also formed using hygroscopic cotton to absorb sweat. Such a stockinette and cotton bandage are thick to protect the skin, and therefore, they have poor ventilation and do not dry well upon contact with moisture. In particular, upon the application of a splint, since the splint is used in a wet state after it is immersed in water, moisture may remain in the hygroscopic stockinette and cotton bandage, undesirably causing the proliferation of bacteria and the generation of offensive odors.

[7] In order to mitigate such problems, in BSN, USA, predetermined products have been developed in the form of tape using a waterproof but moisture-permeable Teflon film, which is a Gore-Tex material, thus letting sweat escape without letting water in, upon application to a splint.

[8] Further, in T & L Co. Ltd., Korea, products have been developed using a waterproof but moisture-permeable urethane film according to the same principle as that of BSN.

[9] However, these products are disadvantageous because the film and the skin protecting layer are thin and thus it is difficult to decrease the impact from the splint, and also because they may be cut together upon the removal of the splint using a splint cutter, in which case additional protective tape should be provided.

[10] Furthermore, in the case where water enters into the film of the product, it is not passed through the product but may be passed therethrough only when completely vaporized, and thus a very long period of time is required for a drying process, thereby causing problems related to blistering of the affected part and the generation of offensive odors and itching.

[11] With the goal of solving these problems, the present applicant has proposed an orthopedic water-repellent stockinette, which functions to exhibit a buffer function sufficient to protect the skin from a splint, to realize good ventilation and quick drying, to dry well upon contact with moisture, and to enable convenient application. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[12] Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the related art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an orthopedic water-repellent stockinette, in which polyester yarn, nylon yarn, cotton yarn, and/or elastic yarn are subjected to false twisting and circular knitting to increase the elasticity and thickness thereof, thus enhancing the buffer function between the skin and the splint, and in which a water-repellent treatment is conducted to thus let moisture escape without letting water in, thus preventing the proliferation of bacteria and the generation of offensive odors and blisters due to residual moisture, and minimizing complexity due to the separate application of the stockinette and the cotton bandage. Technical Solution

[13] According to the characteristics of the present invention for achieving the above objects, polyester yarn, nylon yarn, or cotton yarn, having 50 deniers ~ 1100 deniers, may be subjected to false twisting and drawing, and then to circular knitting, along with elastic yarn having 20 deniers - 140 deniers to provide a good wearing feeling on the affected part, thus increasing the elasticity and thickness for a buffer function, unlike general stockinettes for orthopedics.

[14] In the present invention, upon circular knitting, yarn may be designed and woven to a texture having a ratio of yarn needles to which yarn is fed to empty needles to which yarn is not fed of 1 : 1 or 2:2 depending on the way that yarn is fed to the needle, thus manufacturing circular knitted fabric having a network structure having rhombic or circular meshes, resulting in increased ventilation.

[15] Further, water-repellent treatment may be conducted using a fluorine-based water- repellent agent that is harmless to the skin, followed by performing a drying process at 80°C ~ 130°C for 2 min ~ 5 min and then an adhesion process at 140°C ~ 200°C for 2 min ~ 5 min, thus completing a water-repellent product that lets sweat escape without letting water in.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[16] FIG. 1 is a view showing the usage state of the orthopedic water-repellent stockinette according to the present invention;

[17] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the orthopedic water-repellent stockinette according to the present invention;

[18] FIG. 3 is a view showing the packaging state and usage method of the orthopedic water-repellent stockinette according to the present invention.

[19] FIG. 4 is a graph showing the results of comparison of dryness of the stockinette of the present invention with conventional products; and

[20] FIG. 5 is a graph showing the results of comparison of buffering properties of the stockinette of the present invention with conventional products. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[21] Hereinafter, a detailed description will be given of the orthopedic stockinette according to the present invention, in conjunction with the appended drawings.

[22] FIG. 1 is a view showing the usage state of the orthopedic water-repellent stockinette according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the orthopedic water-repellent stockinette according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a view showing the packaging state and usage method of the orthopedic water-repellent stockinette according to the present invention.

[23] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the orthopedic water-repellent stockinette according to the present invention is manufactured in a manner such that yarn is designed and woven to realize a texture having a ratio of yarn needles to which yarn is fed to empty needles to which yarn is not fed of 1 : 1 or 2:2, depending on the way that yarn is fed to the needle, through circular knitting, thus manufacturing circular knitted fabric having a tubular shape. The circular knitted fabric thus obtained has a network structure having rhombic or circular meshes, according to the above weaving type.

[24] Such a network structure enables efficient ventilation to thus let sweat and moisture escape.

[25] In the present invention, polyester yarn having 50 deniers ~ 1100 deniers is used through false twisting and drawing, along with elastic yarn having 20 deniers - 140 deniers.

[26] In addition to the polyester yarn, nylon yarn or cotton yarn having the same deniers as 50 deniers - 1100 deniers may be used. Below, the embodiment of the present invention using the polyester yarn is described, and the same effects are realized whether nylon yarn or cotton yarn is used.

[27] In the case where polyester yarn less than 50 deniers is used, the buffer function is drastically decreased. On the other hand, if polyester yarn exceeding 1100 deniers is used, ventilation is decreased and it is difficult to apply the stockinette to the affected part. In the case where the elastic yarn is not used or elastic yarn less than 20 deniers is used, the wearing feeling on the bendable portion is poor. On the other hand, if elastic yarn exceeding 140 deniers is used, pressure is applied to the affected part, undesirably impeding blood flow.

[28] The thickness of the stockinette preferably ranges from 3 mm to 10 mm. If the thickness is below the lower limit, a buffer function is deteriorated. On the other hand, if the thickness exceeds the upper limit, it is difficult to perform a shaping process. Further, the weight of the stockinette preferably ranges from 10 g/in-m to 30 g/in-m. If the weight is less than the lower limit, the density is decreased and thus the buffer function is not exhibited. On the other hand, if the weight exceeds the upper limit, the patient suffers from discomfort due to the heaviness thereof.

[29] The stockinette of the present invention may be used in a manner such that a single- layer product is formed into a double layer, as seen in FIG. 2, and may also be provided in the form of a 10 m roll to be used at a desired length after a cutting process is performed, as seen in FIG. 3.

[30] In the case where the stockinette of the present invention is used in a single layer, the buffer effect relative to the splint is decreased and the ability to protect the skin from a splint cutter is also decreased. Further, when the stockinette is used in a triple layer or more, pressure is applied to the affected part, and formability is decreased.

[31] As is apparent from FIG. 3, the stockinette of the present invention may be provided to have a circular opening having a diameter of 2 inches, 3 inches, 4 inches, 5 inches, and 6 inches, and may also be provided in a roll form to be continuously usable, so that it is used at a desired length depending on the patient and affected part.

[32] Further, the stockinette of the present invention is subjected to water-repellent treatment using a fluorine-based water-repellent agent to thus let moisture escape without letting water in. The fluorine-based water-repellent agent is applied in an amount of 1 wt% - 10 wt%, dried at 80°C ~ 130°C for a time ranging from 2 min ~ 5 min, and subsequently adhered at an increased temperature ranging from 140°C to 200°C for a time ranging from 2 min ~ 5 min. If the amount of the water-repellent agent is less then 1 wt%, water repellency is decreased and it becomes difficult to prevent the permeation of water. On the other hand, if the amount exceeds 10 wt%, the resultant coating film is separated and thus water repellency may be deteriorated. Further, when the drying and adhesion temperatures are lower than 80°C, water repellency may be decreased after 2-3 washings of the stockinette of the invention. On the other hand, when the temperature exceeds 200°C, the water-repellent agent and the fabric may be deformed.

[33] As mentioned above, the stockinette of the present invention is characterized in that both elastic yarn and any one selected from among polyester yarn, nylon yarn, and cotton yarn are subjected to doubling, false twisting and circular knitting to thus increase the elasticity and thickness for skin protection, without the need to use a conventional cotton bandage, and also in that water-repellent treatment is conducted to let moisture escape without letting water in, thereby preventing the proliferation of bacteria and the generation of severe offensive odors due to residual moisture. Mode for the Invention

[34] A better understanding of the present invention may be obtained through the following examples which are set forth to illustrate, but are not to be construed as the limit of the present invention.

[35] [Example 1]

[36] 1. Circular Knitted Fabric: Yarn was designed and woven to a texture having a ratio of yarn needles to which yarn is fed to empty needles to which yarn is not fed of 1 : 1 or 2:2 depending on the way that yarn is fed to the needle, through circular knitting, thus obtaining a circular knitted fabric having a tubular shape and having a network structure having rhombic meshes.

[37] In order to maintain the thickness of 3 mm ~ 7 mm, the polyester yarn having 50 deniers ~ 1100 deniers was subjected to false twisting and drawing, and then weaving, along with elastic yarn having 20 deniers - 140 deniers, to thus exhibit good formability, resulting in a circular knitted fabric weighing 10 g/in-m ~ 30 g/in-m.

[38] 2. Water-Repellent Treatment: The circular knitted fabric was treated using a fluorine-based water-repellent agent. To this end, a fluorine-based water-repellent agent was diluted to 10% and was then applied on the circular knitted fabric at a weight ratio of 8:2. The resultant coating product was dried at 90°C ~ 130°C for 2 min ~ 5 min, and was then adhered at an increased temperature ranging from 140°C to 180°C for 2 min ~ 5 min, thus completing the stockinette of the present invention.

[39] 3. Comparison of Products

[40] The products were compared in terms of dryness and buffer properties. The dryness of products subjected or not subjected to water-repellent treatment was evaluated. Further, the washability of the products depending on the temperatures of water- repellent treatment and adhesion treatment was evaluated.

[41] A conventional product using stockinette and cotton bandages, a Teflon film-type skin-protecting pad, available from B, USA, and a urethane-type skin-protecting pad, available from T, Korea, were used.

[42] (Test Example 1)

[43] In order to compare the dryness of the products, a 4-inch product was wound on an artificial foot and then a splint was applied thereto according to the method disclosed in the instructions for each product. The resultant product was completely dried, cut, and measured for its initial weight except the weight of the artificial foot. Subsequently, the product was immersed in water for 10 sec and was then removed therefrom, after which the weight of the product was measured over time while the product was dried in an oven at 70°C. The results were recorded as a percentage and the drying time was determined.

[44] The weight of the product was measured over time and substituted into Equation 1 below to thus determine the amount of moisture remaining in the product as a percentage:

[45] Equation 1

[46] Initial Moisture Content (%) = [(product weight in water-initial product weight)/initial product weight] x 100

[47] Residual Moisture Removal (%) = [(product weight in water-dried product weight)/(product weight in water-initial product weight)] x 100

[48] The results are shown in Table 1 below and FIG. 4.

[49] Results of Dryness of Inventive Product and Conventional Products

[50] Table 1

[Table 1]

[51] As is apparent from Table 1, the initial moisture content after the immersion process in water was the lowest in products available from B and T subjected to water-repellent treatment. The inventive product, subjected to water-repellent treatment, had an initial moisture content of 68%, which was higher than those of products available from B and T but was considerably lower than those of conventional stockinette products. The period of time required to completely dry the inventive product was determined to be 1.5 hours, which was much shorter than 5 hours for the products available from B and T. This is considered to be because the inventive product has a network structure and thus exhibits good ventilation, thus drying quickly even though initial moisture content is somewhat high.

[52] [53] (Test Example 2) [54] In order to compare the buffering properties of the products, a 4-inch product was applied to a double layer, and the variation of force with thickness was measured through a compression test using a tensile tester, thereby determining a buffering property. The results are shown in Table 2 below and FIG. 5. [55] Results of Variation of Force depending on Changes in Thickness

[56] Table 2 [Table 2]

[57] As is apparent from Table 2, the inventive product and conventional stockinette had a thickness of 10 mm, which is considered to be suitable for protecting the affected part from the splint. In particular, the inventive product had higher elasticity than any of the other products, and thereby was seen to efficiently protect the affected part from external impact.

[58] [59] (Test Example 3) [60] In order to evaluate the washability of the water-repellent agent depending on the adhesion temperature, 3% of a fluorine-based water-repellent agent was applied, drying and adhesion thereof were conducted at corresponding temperatures for 8 min, several washings were conducted, and then water repellency was evaluated.

[61] [62] Results of Washability depending on Adhesion Temperature [63] Table 3 [Table 3]

[64] As is apparent from Table 3, when a drying process was conducted at 150°C, washability was determined to be the best. In the cases where the drying and adhesion were conducted at temperatures of 80°C or lower, washability was determined to be gradually decreased. On the other hand, in the cases where the drying and adhesion were conducted at temperatures of 180°C or higher, the properties of the water- repellent agent and the polyester yarn were seen to change. Industrial Applicability

[65] As described hereinbefore, the present invention provides an orthopedic water- repellent stockinette. According to the present invention, the stockinette simul- taneously functions as both a stockinette and a cotton bandage for protecting the affected part of a patient from a splint, and thus eliminates the complexity of conventional separate applications. Further, while the stockinette of the present invention has good buffering ability, which is essential for a stockinette and cotton bandage, it lets moisture escape without letting water in, thus preventing a blistering phenomenon caused by residual moisture. Furthermore, the proliferation of bacteria, severe offensive odors, and itching due to residual moisture, which are problems with conventional stockinettes, may be overcome, and a buffer function may be exhibited.

Claims

[1] An orthopedic water-repellent stockinette for use in applying a splint for orthopedics for supporting an affected part of a patient suffering from a fracture or a sprain, which is manufactured by subjecting both elastic yarn and any one selected from among polyester yarn, nylon yarn, and cotton yarn to doubling and circular knitting to obtain a circular knitted fabric having a tubular shape, which is then treated with a water-repellent agent.

[2] The stockinette according to claim 1, wherein the water-repellent agent comprises a fluorine-based water-repellent agent and is used in an amount of 1 wt% ~ 10 wt%.

[3] The stockinette according to claim 1, wherein the polyester yarn, the nylon yarn, or the cotton yarn has 50 deniers ~ 1100 deniers, and the elastic yarn has 20 deniers - 140 deniers.

[4] The stockinette according to claim 1, wherein the circular knitted fabric has a thickness of 3 mm -10 mm and a weight of 10 g/in-m - 30 g/in-m.

[5] The stockinette according to claim 1 or 4, wherein the circular knitted fabric is obtained by weaving yarn to a texture having a ratio of yarn needles to which yarn is fed to empty needles to which yarn is not fed of 1 : 1 or 2:2, depending on a way of feeding yarn to a needle, thus forming a network structure having rhombic or circular meshes.

[6] The stockinette according to claim 1, wherein the circular knitted fabric is manufactured to a length of 2 M or longer and thus packaged to be used at a predetermined length, and is used in a form of a double layer.