Support stocking

• US 6,216,495 B1
• Filed: 05/13/1999
• Issued: 04/17/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 10/25/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Bv Sport
• Original Assignee: Bv Sport
• Inventors: Couzan, Serge, Prufer, Michael
• Primary Examiner(s): Worrell, Danny
• Application Number:
  US09/284,653
• Time in Patent Office: 705 Days
• Field of Search: 661/78.R, 661/83, 661/84, 661/78.A, 224/0, 2 5/4, 240/9, 224/2, 602/62, 602/63
• US Class Current: 66/183
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/08 Elastic stockings; for contracting aneurisms

Abstract

A support stocking having an elastic compression force on the calf greater than the compression force on the ankle and foot of a person. The compressive forces of the support stocking aid in venous recovery after physical exertion, such as in sports or athletics. The support stocking'"'"'s design also aids in delaying problematic venous conditions such as venous insufficiency, even in non-athletes.

Claims

1. A support stocking comprising:

a sheath that extends from the foot to the leg, wherein the stocking is elastically deformable in at least one direction and configured to exert on the body a compressive pressure having different values on the foot and on the leg, wherein a first part of the stocking extends from the end of the foot to just above the malleoli and sheaths the foot and the ankle to exert a first compressive pressure with a value less than that of a second compressive pressure exerted by a second part of the stocking sheathing the calf, the compressive pressure being graduated downward between the second pressure and the first pressure.

2. The stocking as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sheath contains elastic yarns whose knitting tension determines the compressive pressure, each stocking is divided, by a fictitious line, extending from the Achilles tendon to the instep and passing over the malleoli, into the first part that sheaths the foot and the ankle and in which the elastic yarns exert a tension providing the first pressure, and the second part that extends from below the malleoli to below the knee and sheaths the calf and the leg, in which the elastic yarns exert a tension providing, at least on the calf, the second pressure higher than the first pressure.

3. The stocking as claimed in claim 2, wherein the stocking comprises a third part that continues the second part and extends over the thigh, the tension imparted to the elastic yarns of the third part provides a third compressive pressure having a value of the same order as that of the first pressure exerted on the first part.

4. The stocking as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first compressive pressure has a value of between 920 and 1710 pascals, while the second compressive pressure exerted on the calf has a value of between 1973 and 3289 pascals.