U.S. patent application number 11/093407 was filed with the patent office on 2006-01-19 for socks.
This patent application is currently assigned to Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. Invention is credited to Simon M. Adams, Wayne L. Bonnefin, Paul Hanmer, Patrick G. Linnane, Duncan J. Rowley, Ian S. Tabron, David G. Wild.
Application Number | 20060010574 11/093407 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32247639 |
Filed Date | 2006-01-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060010574 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Linnane; Patrick G. ; et
al. |
January 19, 2006 |
Socks
Abstract
A sock suitable for wearing on a limb of a patient, the sock
comprising material having the ability to wick moisture away from
the skin surface and the sock comprising padding located in those
areas of the sock which in use will cover the ankle and shin of the
patient.
Inventors: |
Linnane; Patrick G.; (Little
Sutton, GB) ; Hanmer; Paul; (Chester, GB) ;
Wild; David G.; (Wirral, GB) ; Rowley; Duncan J.;
(Wirral, GB) ; Tabron; Ian S.; (Cheshire, GB)
; Bonnefin; Wayne L.; (Chester, GB) ; Adams; Simon
M.; (Flintshire, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB COMPANY
100 HEADQUARTERS PARK DRIVE
SKILLMAN
NJ
08558
US
|
Assignee: |
Bristol-Myers Squibb
Company
New York
NY
|
Family ID: |
32247639 |
Appl. No.: |
11/093407 |
Filed: |
March 30, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/239 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41B 2400/32 20130101;
A61H 2201/1697 20130101; A41B 2400/20 20130101; A61F 13/08
20130101; A61F 15/004 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/239 |
International
Class: |
A41B 11/00 20060101
A41B011/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 31, 2004 |
GB |
GB 0407371.4 |
Claims
1. A sock suitable for wearing on a limb of a patient, the sock
comprising material having the ability to wick moisture away from
the skin surface and the sock comprising padding located in those
areas of the sock which in use will cover the ankle and shin of the
patient.
2. The sock according to claim 1 wherein the material having the
ability to wick moisture away from the skin surface is a wicking
fibre.
3. The sock according to claim 2 wherein the sock is knitted from a
wicking fibre or from a combination of two or more different fibres
including one or more wicking fibres.
4. The sock according to claim 3 wherein the sock is knitted with a
stitch pattern that encourages moisture transport to other areas of
the sock.
5. The sock according to claim 1 wherein the sock comprises an
ankle portion made from material having the ability to apply
compression to the ankle area of the patient's foot.
6. The sock according to claim 5 wherein the material having the
ability to apply compression to the ankle area of the patient's
foot includes one or more elasticated fibres.
7. The sock according to claim 1 wherein portions of the sock are
made of material that does not have any significant ability to
apply compression.
8. The sock according to claim 1 wherein the padding is provided by
the use of terry loops in the areas of the ankle portion and the
leg portion that, in use, will be over the ankle and the shin, on
the side that in use will be on the inner surface of the sock.
9. The sock according to claim 1 which is a knitted sock.
10. The sock according to claim 9 wherein the sock is knitted from
a combination of fibres including one or more fine natural fibres
selected from first spin wool, merino wool and silk threads.
11. A kit comprising a sock, the sock being suitable for wearing on
a limb of a patient and comprising material having the ability to
wick moisture away from the skin surface, and one or more
compression applying means.
12. The kit according to claim 11, wherein the compression applying
means is selected from bandages, compression stockings, compression
sleeves and air bladders.
13. A method for the treatment of venous leg ulcers, deep vein
thrombosis (DVT), vascular disorders or the reduction of oedema
comprising applying the sock and the one or more compression
applying means of the kit of claim 11 separately and sequentially
to the leg of a patient.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a sock suitable for wearing
on a limb and particularly to a sock for use on the leg. The sock
is particularly suited for use with a compression device for the
limb and in the type of compression therapy used in the treatment
of venous leg ulcers, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), vascular
disorders and the reduction of oedema. The invention further
relates to a pair of such socks, and to a kit comprising such a
sock.
[0002] Ulceration of the lower limbs affects a significant
proportion of the population over the age of sixty. Although there
are several forms of ulcer one of the more common is the venous leg
ulcer, which is believed to result from failure of the valves
within the venous system. The failure of these valves reduces the
efficiency of return of blood from the limb and this is believed to
correlate to the incidence of ulceration.
[0003] Venous leg ulcers are currently treated both by the use of a
dressing to the wound and the application of compression to the
affected limb. Compression is conventionally applied by either the
use of bandages or stockings, with the tension within the fabric
structure of these products generating compressive force. The
effectiveness of the dressings, which allow the passage of water
vapour from the wound, is impaired by the application of
conventional compression materials, particularly bandages. Some of
the wound exudates can leak around or through the dressing,
creating wetness; this fluid contains enzymes that can cause
maceration of the surrounding skin which is of course
undesirable.
[0004] Bandages or stockings are furthermore uncomfortable to wear,
especially in hot weather, as moisture cannot easily escape. With
bandages and stockings, the bony prominences, such as the shin bone
and ankle bone, receive concentrated pressure levels and therefore
an under layer of soft non woven padding is also used, to pad the
limb and make its cross section more circular.
[0005] This padding may also perform the function of absorbing any
fluid that escapes from the dressing. However, it is a skilful and
difficult to perfect job to locate the padding appropriately, and
the bandages may subsequently move and dislodge the padding.
[0006] Compression may also be applied using a constrained air
bladder, which solves some of the problems associated with the use
of bandages and stockings. The air bladder itself is impermeable to
vapour and this can therefore cause problems, as heat and moisture
from sweat are trapped by the bladder.
[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for means for alleviating the
problems associated with the use of known compression systems for
leg ulcer patients.
[0008] The present invention provides, in a first aspect, a sock
suitable for wearing on a limb of a leg ulcer patient, the sock
comprising material having the ability to wick moisture away from
the skin surface.
[0009] Some, most, substantially all, or all of the ankle portion
of the sock may comprise material having the ability to wick
moisture away from the skin surface. Preferably, all of the area,
or substantially all of the area, that, in use, will be coextensive
with the patient's ankle comprises material having the ability to
wick moisture away from the skin surface. All, or substantially
all, of the gaiter region of the sock may comprise material having
the ability to wick moisture away from the skin surface.
[0010] Preferably the sock comprises material having the ability to
wick moisture away from the skin surface in all regions.
[0011] Such a sock is advantageous as it can be worn on a leg of a
leg ulcer patient, over a dressing to the wound, whilst not
impairing the effectiveness of the dressing, which allows the
passage of water vapour from the wound.
[0012] Accordingly, the wearing of the sock can assist in
maintaining healthy skin in the region of the ulcer. The sock is
particularly effective for use by leg ulcer patients having leg
ulcers in the gaiter region, which is the area in which it is most
common for leg ulcers to occur.
[0013] The material having the ability to wick moisture away from
the skin surface may be any material with moisture wicking
properties. In particular, the material may be fibres having the
ability to wick. The fibres may suitably be knitted into the sock
or the sock may be knitted from a wicking fibre or from a
combination of two or more different fibres including one or more
wicking fibres. Suitable wicking fibres include Coolmax.TM.,
Duraspun.TM., Isolfil.TM., polypropylene, polyester microfibre and
Soft Touch.TM. P180W and Galaxy.TM. or other fibres with a large
surface area.
[0014] When fibres other than wicking fibres are included, these
may be any fibres suitable for use in a sock and may be natural
fibres or synthetic fibres or a combination thereof. Preferably the
sock comprises a blend of cotton and Coolmax Antibacterial.TM.
fibres or a blend of cotton and polypropylene. The blend may
comprise from 5% to 80% by weight of wicking fibres; and preferably
from 20% to 60% by weight of wicking fibres; and more preferably
from 25% to 50% by weight of wicking fibres blended with natural or
synthetic fibres suitable for use in a sock.
[0015] Wicking is the transport of fluid within a yarn or fabric
structure. This process is governed by the arrangement of the
fibres comprising the structure and by the ease with which the
fluid wets out the fibre surface.
[0016] Preferably, the sock is knitted with a stitch pattern that
encourages moisture transfer to other areas of the sock. Useful
stitches/processes for producing useful stitches include rib, rib
loop transfer, pelerine plain loop transfer, single or double
jersey and jacquard double jersey.
[0017] In particular, stitch patterns that encourage moisture
transfer to areas of the sock that, in use, will not be covered by
the patient's footwear or a compression sleeve are preferred. More
preferably, stitch patterns that encourage moisture transfer to
areas of the sock that, in use, will not be covered by the
patient's footwear or by any compression applying means, such as
bandages, compression stockings, compression sleeves or air
bladders, being worn, may be used.
[0018] Preferably, the material having the ability to wick moisture
away from the skin surface includes one or more wicking fibres on
the side of the material that in use is on the inner surface of the
sock, adjacent the skin, and includes absorbent material, such as
absorptive fibres, on the side that in use is on the outer surface
of the sock. For example, the material having the ability to wick
moisture away from the skin surface may be a wicking fibre, or from
a combination of two or more different fibres including one or more
wicking fibres, located on the side that in use is on the inner
surface of the sock, whilst it may be knitted from an absorptive
fibre, or from a combination of two or more different fibres
including one or more absorptive fibres, on the side that in use is
on the outer surface of the sock. Thus an aim of the wicking fibres
is, in many embodiments, to transport moisture to the outside of
the sock. When the sock is used in combination with a compression
sleeve an aim of the wicking fibres is to transport moisture to
those areas of the sock not covered by the compression sleeve or to
those areas from which evaporation of moisture is possible.
[0019] The sock may suitably further comprise ventilation channels
running away from the ankle portion, along which water vapour may
be transferred laterally, for example by diffusion and/or by air
flow, currents or convention. The ventilation channels may suitably
be of a ribbed construction. The sock may comprise a foot portion
that includes ventilation channels running away from the ankle
portion, along which water vapour may be transferred laterally, for
example by diffusion and/or by air flow, currents or
convention.
[0020] The sock may alternatively or additionally comprise a leg
portion that includes ventilation channels running away from the
ankle portion, along which water vapour may be transferred
laterally, for example by diffusion and/or by air flow, currents or
convention.
[0021] The sock preferably further comprises a leg portion
including an area made from material having the ability to wick
moisture away from the skin surface. The material having the
ability to wick moisture away from the skin surface may be as
described above in relation to the ankle portion and may be the
same as or different to the material having the ability to wick
moisture away from the skin surface used in the ankle portion.
[0022] The sock preferably further comprises a foot portion
including an area made from material having the ability to wick
moisture away from the skin surface. The material having the
ability to wick moisture away from the skin surface may be as
described above in relation to the ankle portion and may be the
same as or different to the material having the ability to wick
moisture away from the skin surface used in the ankle portion.
[0023] The present invention also provides, in a second aspect, a
sock suitable for wearing on a leg of a leg ulcer patient, the sock
comprising an ankle portion made from material having the ability
to apply compression to the ankle area of the patient's foot.
[0024] Some, most, substantially all or all of the ankle portion
may be made from material having the ability to apply compression
to the ankle area of the patient's foot. Preferably, all, or
substantially all, of the area that, in use, will be coextensive
with the patient's ankle is made from material having the ability
to apply compression to the ankle area of the patient's foot, and
more preferably all of the gaiter region of the sock is made from
material having the ability to apply compression to the ankle area
of the patient's foot.
[0025] The use of such a material having the ability to apply
compression in the sock is advantageous because it allows
compression to be applied to the ankle area without restricting the
movement of the ankle joint. Conventional compression means tend to
either have difficulty applying compression to complex mobile areas
such as the ankle region or are unable to apply compression to such
areas without causing a restriction in flexibility. Furthermore,
the use of such a material provides additional support to this
sensitive area.
[0026] Preferably, the material having the ability to apply
compression to the ankle area of the patient's foot comprises two
or more different fibres, for example it may be knitted from two or
more different fibres. Preferably, the material includes one or
more elasticated fibres, for example selected from Lycra.TM.,
elastane, Spandex.TM., Dorlastan.TM., Spanzelle.TM., Vyrene.TM.,
natural rubber EPDM and polybutadiene.
[0027] The Youngs modulus of the elastic fibre is suitably from
10.sup.5 to 10.sup.7 Pa, for example of the order of 10.sup.6
Pa.
[0028] When fibres other than elasticated fibres are included,
these may be any fibres suitable for use in a sock and may be
natural fibres or synthetic fibres or a combination thereof.
Suitably, the material is knitted material and the stitch used for
knitting is such that it generates compression. The peaks and
valleys, the openness of the stitch and any openings all contribute
to the generation of compression and accordingly one or more of
these factors can suitably be adjusted to achieve the desired
compression.
[0029] Preferably, the portions of the sock other than the ankle
portion and any cuff portion that is included around the mouth of
the sock are made of material that does not have any significant
ability to apply compression. The sock should preferably only apply
compression in specific zones of its structure. In particular it is
preferred that the portions of the sock other than the ankle
portion and any cuff portion that is included around the mouth of
the sock are made of material that does not include elasticated
fibres.
[0030] It is preferred that the portions of the sock other than the
ankle portion and any cuff portion apply minimal compression, such
as less than 10 mmHg, for example less than 5 mmHg.
[0031] There will of course be some pressure variation depending on
how large the leg is on which the sock is worn. However the sock is
designed so as to fit specific leg size ranges. Accordingly, the
portions of the sock other than the ankle portion and any cuff
portion suitably apply minimal compression, such as less than 10
mmHg, for example less than 5 mmHg, when worn on a leg within the
size range specified for the sock.
[0032] Suitably the portions of the sock other than the ankle
portion and any cuff portion are knitted with an open stitch in
order to generate minimal compression.
[0033] When considering the pressure applied to the sock, for
example from a compression applying means, such as bandages,
compression stockings, LaPlace's Law applies. Therefore the
pressure applied is inversely proportional to the radius, and
pressure is higher along the shinbone. This is minimised by keeping
the pressure applied by the sock as low as possible, without them
falling down, in particular by having the portions of the sock
other than the ankle portion and any cuff portion suitably apply
minimal compression, such as less than 10 mmHg, for example less
than 5 mmHg.
[0034] When the sock it used in combination with a compression
sleeve it is preferred that the sock has no significant ability to
apply compression in any region. This means that the only
compression applied to the limb from the combination of sock and
sleeve is that applied by the compression sleeve, and this allows
greater control of the treatment delivered to the patient by the
medical practitioner.
[0035] The use of padding in the sock in the areas that in use
cover the ankle and shin is advantageous because, when used in
conjunction with compression applying means such as bandages,
compression stockings, compression sleeves or air bladders, it
provides cushioning for these bony prominences and in particular
reduces the high pressures that can otherwise occur along bony
prominences when compression is applied.
[0036] Suitably, the padding may be provided by the provision of a
thicker layer of material than is used in the surrounding region.
For example, in an embodiment whereby the sock is knitted, areas of
thicker knitting may be used in the areas of the ankle portion and
leg portion that, in use, will cover the ankle and the shin, than
is used in the surrounding region.
[0037] The padding may suitably be provided by the use of loops,
such as terry loops, in the areas of the ankle portion and the leg
portion that, in use, will be over the ankle and the shin, on the
side that in use will be on the inner surface of the sock, adjacent
the skin. Terry loops are of course well known in the art, for
example on towels and on athletic socks under the heel for
long-distance use, and may be formed when the ground structure is
knitted on alternate needles with the remaining needles being
overlapped by the back guide which causes the formation of yarn
loops that are proud of the fabric ground structure. The terry
loops may be sized as desired to provide the required degree of
padding, for example extra large terry loops may be used, with
larger loops providing more padding.
[0038] The padding over the ankle may be material that is 1 mm
thick or more, preferably 1.5 mm thick or more, for example up to 2
mm thick.
[0039] The padding over the shin may be material that is 2 mm thick
or more, preferably 3 mm thick or more, more preferably 4 mm thick
or more, for example up to 5 mm thick.
[0040] Preferably, a sock is provided that is in accordance with
two or more of the above aspects of the present invention.
[0041] The sock may suitably be a knitted sock. The sock may be
knitted from any suitable fibre or combination of fibres, provided
that they fulfil the requirements as set out above.
[0042] Fibres such as wool, cotton, viscose, Lyocel.TM./Tencel.TM.,
nylon, polyester and silk may suitably be used in the sock of the
present invention and in particular are suitable for use as base
fibres that form the majority of the sock. Fibres such as wool,
cotton, viscose, Lyocel.TM./Tencel.TM. and silk may also be used in
the sock as absorbent fibres.
[0043] Fibres such as Coolmax.TM., Duraspun.TM., Isolfil.TM.,
polypropylene, polyester microfibre, Soft Touch.TM. P180W and
Galaxy.TM. may suitably be used in the sock of the present
invention and in particular are suitable for use as wicking fibres.
Fibres such as elastane, Spandex.TM., Dorlastan.TM., Spanzelle.TM.,
Vyrene.TM., Lycra.TM., natural rubber EPDM and polybutadiene may
suitably be used in the sock of the present invention and in
particular are suitable for use as elasticated fibres.
[0044] Antimicrobial fibres, such as Outlast.TM., X-Static.TM. and
Amicor.TM. may suitably be used in the sock of the present
invention.
[0045] The sock may suitably be knitted from a combination of
fibres including one or more fine natural fibres, in particular
first spin wool, merino wool and silk threads, to increase the
comfort of the sock on the patient's foot. The use of one or more
of these fibres also assists in temperature and moisture control at
the foot.
[0046] The sock may suitably be knitted from a combination of
fibres including one or more antimicrobial fibres, such as silver
fibres.
[0047] Preferably, the sock comprises a foot portion having a
closed toe. This is preferable as it avoids discomfort to the
patient due to the toes of his foot becoming cold.
[0048] The sock preferably comprises a leg portion that, in use,
extends upwardly from the foot to cover some, most, substantially
all, or all, of the calf of the patient. Suitably, the leg portion
in use extends upwardly from the foot to cover all of the calf of
the patient. Preferably, the leg portion of the sock terminates at
or around, or just below, the knee of the patient, and therefore
the sock is preferably a knee-high sock.
[0049] Preferably, the sock comprises an elasticated cuff portion
around the mouth of the sock. The cuff portion is preferably a
double cuff portion in order to increase the ability of the sock to
stay up.
[0050] The cuff portion may suitably be 1 mm thick or more, and
preferably is from 1 mm to 5 mm thick, for example 4.5 mm thick.
The cuff portion preferably has seams on the side that, in use, is
on the outer surface of the sock, in order to avoid rubbing against
the skin and the formation of blisters.
[0051] Preferably, the foot portion is made of material that is of
lower friction on the side that in use is on the outer surface of
the sock than on the side that in use is on the inner surface of
the sock. In one embodiment, the entire sock may be made of
material that is of lower friction on the side that in use is on
the outer surface of the sock than on the side that in use is on
the inner surface of the sock. Accordingly, the design allows for
the inner part of the sock to have a higher coefficient of friction
than the outside. This is beneficial because it allows any
compression applying means worn with the sock to slip against the
outside of the sock without causing the inside of the sock to rub
against the skin, causing blisters to form or causing a
non-occlusive dressing applied to the wound to ruck up at the
edges.
[0052] The sock suitably comprises a foot portion having the seams
on the side that, in use, is on the outer surface of the sock. This
is beneficial as it avoids rubbing against the skin and the
formation of blisters. It is also preferable that the sock
comprises a foot portion that has a thin profile, as this allows
the patient's normal footwear to be worn with the sock, even while
the sock is also worn with compression applying means. Preferably,
the sock comprises a foot portion that is less than 2 mm thick,
more preferably less than 1 mm thick, for example 0.75 mm thick or
less.
[0053] The sock of the present invention suitably comprises an
elasticated ankle portion. For example, the ankle portion may be
made of a material including one or more elasticated yarns, for
example Lycra.TM.. This allows the sock to be put on and taken off
more easily, and also permits flexion of the ankle.
[0054] Preferably, the sock is padded around the ankle portion. For
example the ankle portion may, on the side that in use is on the
inner surface of the sock, have terry loops. Such loops may
suitably be provided so as to be, in use, in a circular pattern
around the ankle. The use of such padding provides support for the
sensitive area around the ankle. The ankle portion may be made of
material that is 1 mm thick or more, for example 1.5 mm or more;
suitably the ankle portion is made of material that is from 1 mm to
5 mm thick.
[0055] In one embodiment the sock itself includes an indication of
the leg/foot size range for which it is intended, for example the
sock may include a label that indicates the leg/foot size range for
which it is intended. Alternatively, or additionally, the sock may
be sold in a package that indicates the leg/foot size range for
which it is intended.
[0056] The sock can be worn on its own or can be worn with
compression applying means such as bandages, compression stockings,
compression sleeves or air bladders.
[0057] The socks may be handed, with one sock being a left foot
sock and one sock being a right foot sock.
[0058] The invention further provides a kit comprising one or more
socks in accordance with any one or any combination of two or more
of aspects above, together with one or more compression applying
means, such as bandages, compression stockings, compression
sleeves, and air bladders.
[0059] In one embodiment of this aspect, the sock comprises
ventilation channels and the compression applying means comprises
evaporation channels that, in use, correspond with the ventilation
channels in the sock so as to allow water vapour to diffuse along
the ventilation channels and then to be released to the atmosphere
from the evaporation channels.
[0060] An embodiment of the present invention will now be further
described, by means of example only, with reference to the
drawings, in which:
[0061] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a sock in accordance with the present
invention;
[0062] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a pair of socks in accordance with
the present invention; and
[0063] FIG. 3 is a diagram of a kit including a sock in accordance
with the present invention.
[0064] The sock 1 shown in FIG. 1 is shaped so as to fit on the
foot and calf of a leg ulcer patient and comprises a foot portion 2
and an ankle portion 3 leading to a leg portion 4. A cuff portion 5
is provided at the top of the leg portion 4, around the mouth 6 of
the sock 1.
[0065] The sock 1 is a knee-high sock, with leg portion 4 in use
extending upwardly from the foot of the patient to cover all of the
calf of the patient and terminating at the cuff portion 5 at or
around the knee of the patient.
[0066] The ankle portion 3 is knitted from a combination of cotton
and/or wool together with the wicking fibre Coolmax.TM.,
antibacterial silver fibres and the elasticated fibre Lycra.TM..
This portion of the sock applies compression of about up to 70
mmHg.
[0067] The foot portion 2 and the leg portion 4 are knitted with an
open stitch from a combination of cotton and/or wool together with
the wicking fibre Coolmax.TM. and antibacterial silver fibres.
These portions of the sock apply minimal compression, of less than
5 mmHg.
[0068] The ankle portion 3 includes padding 7 by the use of extra
large terry loops in the area that, in use, will be over the ankle,
on the side that in use will be on the inner surface of the sock,
adjacent the skin. The padding 7 by the ankle is about 1.5 mm
thick.
[0069] The leg portion 4 includes padding 8 by the use of extra
large terry loops in the area that, in use, will be over the shin,
on the side that in use will be on the inner surface of the sock,
adjacent the skin. The padding 8 by the shin is about 4 mm
thick.
[0070] The foot portion 2 has a closed toe 9 and has seams on the
side that, in use, is on the outer surface of the sock 1. The foot
portion 2 has a thin profile, of about 0.75 mm thick.
[0071] The sock 1 comprises ventilation channels 10 of ribbed
construction provided both in the foot portion 2 and in the leg
portion 4. The ventilation channels 10 run away from the ankle
portion 3, and water vapour may be transferred laterally by
diffusion along these channels 10.
[0072] The cuff portion 5 is elasticated and is about 1.5 mm thick.
The cuff portion 5 is a double cuff portion and comprises synthetic
rubber pieces. The seams of the cuff portion 5 are provided on the
side that, in use, is on the outer surface of the sock 1.
[0073] The sock 1 includes a label (not shown) on its inner
surface, which label indicates the size of leg on which the sock is
to be worn in order to generate the desired pressure.
[0074] The sock 1 can suitably be worn on the foot and calf of a
leg ulcer patient, over any dressings positioned on the wound. The
sock 1 allows moisture to be distributed away from the skin and
into the atmosphere. Further, when used with a compression applying
means, for example bandages or a compression sleeve, the padding 7,
8 in the sock 1 prevents high pressures being applied to the bony
areas of the ankle and the shin.
[0075] FIG. 2 shows a pair of socks 100 which comprises a left sock
101a and a right sock 101b. Each of the socks 101a, 101b, is as
sock 1 shown in FIG. 1 and described above. In FIG. 2, a reference
number 100 greater than a reference number in FIG. 1 indicates a
like part; for example in FIG. 2 reference number 103 indicates an
ankle portion corresponding to ankle portion 3 shown in FIG. 1 and
described above.
[0076] FIG. 3 shows a kit 200 which comprises a sock 201 and a
compression sleeve 220. The sock 201 is as sock 1 shown in FIG. 1
and described above. In FIG. 3, a reference number 200 greater than
a reference number in FIG. 1 indicates a like part; for example in
FIG. 3 reference number 203 indicates an ankle portion
corresponding to ankle portion 3 shown in FIG. 1 and described
above.
[0077] The compression sleeve 220 is shaped so as to fit on the
foot and calf of a leg ulcer patient, over the sock 201, and
comprises a foot portion 221 and a leg portion 223.
[0078] The compression sleeve 220 is knee-high, with leg portion
223 in use extending upwardly from the foot of the patient to cover
all of the calf of the patient and terminating at mouth 224 at or
around the knee of the patient, at or slightly above the height of
the sock 201.
[0079] The compression sleeve 220 is provided with inflatable and
deflatable bladders (not shown) which are used to apply compression
to the leg of the leg ulcer patient.
[0080] The foot portion 221 of the compression sleeve 220 has an
open toe 225.
[0081] The compression sleeve 220 comprises evaporation channels
(not shown) that, in use, correspond with the ventilation channels
210 in the sock 201. Accordingly, water vapour can diffuse along
the ventilation channels 210 and then be released to the atmosphere
from the evaporation channels.
[0082] The sock 201 can suitably be worn on the foot and calf of a
leg ulcer patient, over any dressings positioned on the wound, with
the compression sleeve 220 being worn over the sock 201. The sock
201 allows moisture to be distributed away from the skin and into
the atmosphere. Further, when used with a compression applying
means, the padding in the sock 201 prevents high pressures being
applied to the bony areas of the ankle and the shin. The
compression sleeve applies pressure as required to the foot and
calf of the patient. The sock 201 preferably applies no compression
to the limb and is uniformly knitted from a mixture of textile
fibres such as cotton and a wicking fibre. In this way moisture can
be wicked from the whole of the skin surface under the compression
sleeve and is allowed to evaporate from those areas of the sock not
covered by the compression sleeve.
[0083] Embodiments of the present invention will now be further
described, by means of the following example.
EXAMPLE 1
[0084] Socks made from various yarn blends were tested over forty
wash cycles to determine those blends with the best wicking
properties. TABLE-US-00001 Sample No Yarn blend (Nm count system) 1
1/40 cotton .times. 1/50 Coolmax/Coolmax antibacterial 2 1/40
cotton .times. 1/50 polypropylene
[0085] The socks were subjected to lateral wicking tests performed
on the rear calf section running down the length of the sock. The
wicking results reflect lateral movement of moisture along the
length of the sock.
[0086] The test was performed as follows: [0087] Cut a test sample
of size: 15 mm.times.100 mm using a pair of scissors. Mark a line
10 mm parallel to the bottom 15 mm edge on each of the samples. Set
up two stands and clamps and attach a single metal rod to the
clamps on each stand. Ensure that the rod is horizontal. Attach
three bulldog clips to the metal rod, such that each clip is
approximately 10 mm apart. [0088] Place the labjack below the metal
rod with the clamps on either side. [0089] Place 10 ml of eosin dye
into each of the three adjacent chambers of a culture tray. Place
the tray onto the labjack. Clip each unmarked 15 mm end of the
samples to the bulldog clips, ensuring that samples are vertically
and horizontally straight and are directly above the chambers
containing the eosin dye. Increase the labjack height until the
level of the dye reaches the marked line (sample end submerged to
the 10 mm line).
[0090] Immediately start the stop clock. After 60 seconds, lower
the labjack, remove the test samples carefully and measure the
furthest wicking distance in mm from the marked line.
TABLE-US-00002 unwashed 1 wash 5 washes 15 washes 30 washes 40
washes No Wick Distance (mm) 1 23 26 53 60 65 62 2 50 28 35 51 57
59
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