Patent Description:
Disclosed herein is a knitted orthopedic medical device comprising a knitted article including a knitted anti-slip portion, the anti-slip portion having a knitted surface including a repeating pattern of yarns. In an embodiment, the repeating pattern of yams can include a first low friction yam, a high friction yarn, and a second low friction yarn. In an example, the first low friction yarn can be a <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> twist nylon yam, the first high friction yarn can be a <NUM> dtex silicone yarn, and the second low friction yarn can be a <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> Z twist nylon yarn. In another embodiment, the repeating pattern of yarns can include a first low friction yarn, a first high friction yarn, a second low friction yam and a second high friction yarn. In an example, the first low friction yarn can be a <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> twist nylon yarn, the first high friction yarn can be a <NUM> dtex silicone yarn, the second low friction yarn can be a <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> Z twist nylon yarn, and the second high friction yarn comprising <NUM> dtex silicone yarn. The high friction yarns are held in position with the first and second low friction yarns. The high friction yarn is exposed to contact the wearer's skin in the anti-slip portion so as to increase the anti-slip properties of the garment.

Embodiments of such articles may have one or more additional aspects (or features). In an embodiment, the repeating pattern of the yarns is a jersey stitch. In an embodiment, the repeating pattern is a tuck stitch. In an embodiment, the repeating pattern is a float stitch. Other repeating patterns may also be used. In an example of an article that the anti-slip portion can be knitted into, the knitted article is compression hosiery. The compression hosiery can include a proximal end and a distal end and is shaped to closely fit on a portion of the leg of the wearer of the compression hosiery such that the proximal end is higher on the leg than the distal end, where the knitted anti-slip portion is knitted as a portion of the proximal end. The anti-slip portion can be knitted into the article at an end of the article, e.g., the inside of a welt. In one example, the anti-slip portion on the compression hosiery can be knitted into the article to contact a portion of the leg of a wearer of the compression hosiery between the knee and the ankle. In another example, the anti-slip portion on the compression hosiery can be knitted into the article to contact a portion of the user's leg between the knee and the hip. A knee brace is another example of a knitted article that can incorporate the knitted anti-slip portion. In an embodiment, the knee brace can include a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the knee brace is configured to cover a portion of the leg of a wearer of the knee brace such that the proximal end is higher on the leg than the distal end, where the knitted anti-slip portion is arranged on a portion of the proximal end. In an embodiment, the knee brace can include a proximal end and a distal end, where the knee brace is configured to cover a portion of the leg of a wearer such that the proximal end is higher on the leg than the distal end, where the knitted anti-slip portion is arranged on a portion of the proximal end and the distal end. An elbow brace is another example of an article that can incorporate the anti-slip portion. Such articles include a knitted portion (e.g., the body of the article) that is not part of the knitted anti-slip portion. The body of the article and the knitted anti-slip portion are both formed in the article on the same knitting machine.

Disclosed herein is also a method of knitting a therapeutic medical device that includes a knitted article and a knitted anti-slip portion. The method can include knitting, using a knitting machine, at least a section of an article, the section of the article not having an anti-slip portion, and on the knitting machine without removing the article, knitting an anti-slip portion of the article, the anti-slip portion having yarns arranged in a repeating pattern, yarns can include a first low friction yarn comprising a <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> twist S twist yarn, a first high friction yarn comprising <NUM> dtex silicone yarn, a second low friction yarn comprising a <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> Z twist yarn, and a second high friction yarn comprising <NUM> dtex silicone yarn.

Embodiments of such methods may have one or more additional processes or aspects. In various embodiments of the method, the repeating pattern of the yarns can be a jersey stitch, a tuck stitch, or a float stitch. Other repeating patterns may also be used. In an example of an article that the anti-slip portion can be knitted into using such methods, the knitted article is compression hosiery. In another example, the knitted article is a knee brace or an elbow brace. Such articles include a knitted portion (e.g., the body of the article) that is not part of the knitted anti-slip portion. The body of the article and the knitted anti-slip portion are both formed in the article on the same knitting machine.

Disclosed herein is also a knitted orthopedic article having a first knitted section and a second knitted section continuously knit from the first knitted section, the second knitted section having an anti-slip portion including a repeating pattern of yarns. In an embodiment, the repeating pattern of yarns only includes a first low friction yarn comprising a <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> twist yarn, a first high friction yarn comprising <NUM> dtex silicone yarn, a second low friction yarn comprising a <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> Z twist yarn, and a second high friction yarn comprising <NUM> dtex silicone yarn, the high friction yarns exposed in the repeating pattern to contact the skin of a wearer of the article so as to increase the anti-slip properties of the garment. In another embodiment, the repeating pattern of yarns only includes a first low friction yarn comprising a <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> twist yarn, a high friction yarn comprising <NUM> dtex silicone yarn, and a second low friction yarn comprising a <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> Z twist yarn, the high friction yarns exposed in the repeating pattern to contact the skin of a wearer of the article so as to increase the anti-slip properties of the garment.

The disclosed aspects will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings and appendices, provided to illustrate and not to limit the disclosed aspects, wherein like designations denote like elements.

Therapeutic medical compression garments are used on a relatively wide scale to assist in the management of venous and lymphatic disorders. The purpose of such garments is to counter the effects of elevated pressures internally within the human anatomy caused by gravity or disease processes. They may also be used by inactive, bedridden individuals to help prevent a thromboembolic event. The purpose of such garments in this case is to maintain directional flow of blood, thereby helping to reduce the risk of thrombus formation in the superficial and deep veins.

More specifically, therapeutic stockings typically have a rather precisely defined and controlled pressure profile to effect a predetermined compression of the interstitium of the leg. Therapeutic medical gradient compression garments are designed to provide sufficient external circumferential counter pressure to maintain the venous and lymphatic pressures at a more normal level in the extremity, thus assisting the movement of venous blood and lymph from the extremity. Another important effect of compression is the reduction of venous volume. Reduction of venous volume leads to an increase of venous flow velocity. While the exact mechanism of action of gradient compression therapy are still being studied, improvements in skin and subcutaneous tissue microcirculatory hemodynamics may contribute to the benefits of compression therapy. Edema reduction and edema prevention is the goal in patients with chronic venous insufficiency, lymphedema, and other edema causing conditions. Subcutaneous pressures increase with elastic compression. This rise in subcutaneous tissue pressure acts to counter transcapillary forces, which favor leakage of fluid out of the capillary.

There are a variety of therapeutic medical gradient compression garments on the market today. For example, therapeutic stockings of various descriptions are available. Unfortunately, current therapeutic stockings have a tendency to slip down the leg of the wearer, thereby detracting from the benefits of the stocking. To prevent slipping, available therapeutic stockings may include an elastomeric band. However, the addition of elastomeric bands on current articles requires a separate manual sewing operation, which increases the costs of production. Thus, there remains a need for an effective, inexpensive therapeutic medical compression garment that will resist slipping down the leg of the wearer.

One object of the invention is to form a knitted anti-slip portion that is incorporated on an orthopedic article. In an example, the anti-slip portion is incorporated on one or more portions of compression hosiery, for example, on a welt that is positioned on a wearer's leg above the knee or below the knee. In another example, the anti-slip portion is incorporated on one or more portions of a knee brace. In another example, the anti-slip portion is incorporated on one or more portions of an elbow brace. In another example, the anti-slip portion is incorporated on one or more portions of an ankle brace. Preferably, the anti-slip portion is knitted with a combination of high friction and low friction yarns on a knitting machine used for making the main portion of the article. The anti-slip portion is knitted into the article to be on a portion of the article that contacts a wearer's skin.

Selection of specific combinations of yarns described herein can form the anti-slip portion. In one example, the anti-slip portion is formed by knitting using one high friction yarn and two low friction yarns. In another example, the anti-slip portion is formed by knitting using two high friction yarns and two low friction yarns. The high friction yarn can be a silicone yarn having a weight of about <NUM> decitex (dtex) to about <NUM> dtex. The high friction yarn can be a silicone yarn having a weight of about <NUM> decitex (dtex) to about <NUM> dtex. In one example, high friction yarn of the anti-slip portion can be a silicone yarn with a weight of about <NUM> dtex. In another example, a high friction yarn of the anti-slip portion can be silicone yarn with a weight of <NUM> dtex. In another example, a high friction yarn of the anti-slip portion can be a silicone yarn with a weight of less than <NUM> dtex. The term "about" as used herein, in the context of describing another number, is meant to indicate a range of plus or minus <NUM>% of that number. For example, "about <NUM>" generally refers to a range of <NUM> to <NUM>.

The knitted anti-slip portion is knitted into the article as part of the knitting process for the article, instead of being sewn onto the article. There can be many advantages to knitting the anti-slip portion into the article. First, because it is part of the knitted product and not a separate piece that is attached to a product, it may cost less because it can be fabricated with the article instead of being attached in a separate step. Second, it may have a better aesthetic look, being more appealing to a buyer because it looks more integrated into the product. Third, it may be easier to manufacture because such an anti-slip portion can be created on the same knitting machine as the article is being made. Fourth the anti-slip portion may have a softer, more likable "feel" than a separately sewn on band as the knitting of the article transitions directly to the anti-slip portion. Fifth, it may be more effective than a separately sewn on band because it can provide anti-slip functionality and less compression on a portion of the product that is closer to the heart. Generally, compression products should have a greater compression on the portion of the product that is farthest from the heart. To stop it from slipping, compression hosiery that is thigh high requires an anti-slip portion that contacts a user's thigh (for example, at the mid-thigh of a user) but does not provide compression on the user's thigh that is greater than compression provided on the user's leg in areas that are farther away from the user's heart. Similarly, a soft knee brace requires an anti-slip portion that contacts a user's thigh, several inches above the knee. Because of the general "funnel" shape of the thigh, the anti-slip portion is required to be highly compressive, that is, tight around the thigh, which is contrary what is trying to be addressed by using a compression product. This invention allows in anti-slip portion to be formed that contacts a user's thigh, and effectively prevents slipping while providing less compression on the user's limb, thus allowing the compression product to be more compressive on the portions of the product that are farther from the heart.

On the products with the anti-support is implemented, the anti-slip portion is knitted into the product using the same machine that knits the product. Because the product is not removed from the machine while the anti-slip portion is knitted into the product, one or more noncontiguous anti-slip portions may be included on a product. That is, for a product, the anti-slip portion can include one or more anti-slip knitted sections.

In an, embodiment, the anti-slip portion includes an arrangement of yarns, one high friction yarn fed on <NUM> different feeds of <NUM> dtex silicone yarn, and <NUM> low friction yarns (e.g., <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> twist, <NUM> dtex and <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM>/Z twist <NUM> dtex). The compression force of the anti-slip portion may be determined based on the size of the cylinder, the needles, the knitting pattern, programming of the knitting machine, and/or the yarn. The invention may be used on soft knee braces and compression hosiery, as well as other products that are disposed against the user's skin and desired to be kept in place, for example, socks, stump covers, compression products used on animals (e.g., horses), compression tights, compression tops, arm sleeves, leg sleeves and other sporting apparel, as well as creating flat knitting that is then used in a product.

List of certain enumerated features in the figures:.

Referring now to the figures, <FIG> illustrates an example of a compression article that includes an anti-slip portion, according to one embodiment of the invention. Here, the compression article is a stocking <NUM> that includes in anti-slip portion <NUM>. The stocking <NUM> has a knitted body portion <NUM> that serves to compress the portion of the leg on which the stocking <NUM> is positioned. The compression of the leg can be useful for treating, for example, leg edema which results in the buildup of fluid and swelling in the leg, and symptoms of venous insufficiency. A foot portion <NUM> at the distal end <NUM> of the stocking <NUM> includes a heel portion <NUM> and a toe portion <NUM>. In this embodiment, the toe portion <NUM> includes an aperture <NUM> that allows toes to extend out of the stocking <NUM>. In some embodiments, the stocking <NUM> may have a shaped heel portion <NUM> to better conform to the shape of the heel of the wearer.

The stocking <NUM> includes a welt <NUM> at a proximal end <NUM>. A "welt" as used herein is a broad term generally relating to a configuration where a knitted fabric is folded back onto itself at a fold <NUM> to form a portion of the stocking <NUM>. The folding of the knitted fabric forms an inside wall <NUM> and an outside wall <NUM>, where "inside" and "outside" are relative terms indicting the direction a portion of a fabric faces on an article in its normal configuration for wearing by a user. That is, the "inside" wall <NUM> includes a surface that faces towards a body portion (e.g., arm or leg) of a wearer of the article, and the "outside" wall <NUM> includes a surface that faces away from a body portion.

The welt <NUM> extends around the stocking <NUM> and includes the outside wall <NUM> and the inside wall <NUM>. The welt <NUM> extends from a welt looping line <NUM>, where the folded back fabric is attached to the body <NUM>, to a top fold <NUM> of the welt <NUM> at the proximal end <NUM> of the stocking <NUM>. The stocking <NUM> is folded to define the top fold <NUM>, and the top fold <NUM> joins the outside wall <NUM> and the inside wall <NUM>. An anti-slip portion <NUM> is knitted on a least a portion of the welt <NUM> inside wall <NUM> such that the anti-slip portion <NUM> is positioned to be adjacent and contacting a portion of the leg of the wearer of the stocking <NUM>. The anti-slip portion <NUM> can extend from a lower end <NUM> to an upper end <NUM> of the inside wall <NUM>. The anti-slip portion <NUM> can extend uniformly on the entire circumference of the inside wall <NUM>. In some embodiments, the anti-slip portion <NUM> is included on all, or substantially all, of the inside wall <NUM>. Certain features of the welt <NUM> in the anti-slip portion <NUM> are further described in reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a portion <NUM> of the inside wall <NUM> of the welt <NUM> for the stocking <NUM> shown in <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates a cross-section of the portion <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. The patterns on the various sections of the inside wall <NUM> are meant solely to indicate the different sections and do not indicate a particular stitch associated with that section.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the portion <NUM> of the inside wall <NUM> includes a top fold <NUM> where the stocking is folded back onto itself to form the welt <NUM>. The welt <NUM> includes an inside top portion <NUM> that extends from the top fold <NUM> to the upper end <NUM> of the anti-slip portion <NUM>. The anti-slip portion <NUM> can be of various sizes (e.g., lengths "L"). In some examples, the length L of the anti-slip portion can be about any of the following lengths or between the adjacently indicated following lengths: <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, or greater than <NUM>. In an example article there is one anti-slip portion. In another example article, there are two anti-slip portions. In another example article, there are three anti-slip portions. In another example article, there are four or more anti-slip portions. Typically, the anti-slip portion <NUM> runs along the entire inside wall <NUM> between the upper end <NUM> in the lower end <NUM>. In some embodiments, an anti-slip portion can include more than one anti-slip region on the inside wall <NUM> (now shown). In other words, an anti-slip portion may include a first section that has an upper end <NUM> and a lower end <NUM>, and one or more additional sections each having an upper end <NUM> and a lower end <NUM>. In such embodiments, the welt <NUM> between each section may include knitted areas that are not part of the anti-slip portion (e.g., do not include high friction yarn).

A welt inside bottom portion <NUM> extends from the lower end <NUM> of the anti-slip portion <NUM> to the welt in loop line <NUM>, which is where the welt <NUM> attaches to the body portion <NUM>. A portion of the anti-slip portion <NUM> labeled "A" is shown in <FIG>, illustrating three examples of stitches in yarn arrangements that can be used to form the anti-slip portion <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate <NUM> examples of stitches that may be used with the disclosed silicone yarn to form an anti-slip portion <NUM>. The various stitching patterns come from selecting independent needles to come up high enough to pick up the yarns. This is where the needle selection comes into play, for example, the 1x1, 1x2, 1x3, 7x1, and 1x1 alternate. The needle-by-needle selection per feed is how the tuck and float stitches of <FIG> and <FIG> are made. The jersey stitch (<FIG>) is knitted using all the needles. "1x1" indicates knitting on half of the needles (every other needle). "1x2" indicates knitting on one needle up and two needles down (or vice versa). "1x3" indicates knitting on one needle up and three needles down (or vice versa). "7x1 indicates knitting on seven needles up and one needle down. "1x1" alternate indicates on every other course the opposite needle comes up to a knit position - this creates a mesh look of an article (e.g., a stocking), and can be done using both high friction and low friction yarns.

The low friction yarns may be S-twist or Z-twist. S-twist yarn is a yarn spun counter-clockwise and is normally used to create right-handed twill. Z-twist yarn is spun the opposite direction and used to create left-handed twill. By opposing the direction of the yarn and the direction of the twill, the finished material is softer than fabric created with a corresponding yarn and twill weave. When a sewing thread is constructed, it is made up of multiple strands, usually two or three strands (also referred to as plies or ply) twisted together, although some may have as many as six or eight strands twisted together. The initial twist (or first twist) for the individual strands should be an S twist. These strands are then twisted together in a final Z twist to form the thread. There are a few threads that have the opposite twist. Some hand quilting thread, knitting, and weaving threads have a final S twist. If you use a thread with an opposite twist, the thread will loosen instead of tighten as you sew with it.

<FIG> is area A of the anti-slip portion <NUM> shown in <FIG>, illustrating courses <NUM> and wales <NUM> of a three yarn knit stitch (or "jersey" stitch) <NUM> relating to an embodiment of the knitted anti-slip portion <NUM>. In the jersey stitch, all needles are used for knitting the article. The illustrated three yarn jersey stitch <NUM> can be repeated for the entire anti-slip portion <NUM>. Although this embodiment includes one high friction yarn, other embodiments may include two or more high friction yarns. For example, the examples illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> each include two high friction yarns.

In the example in <FIG>, the three illustrated courses are formed from a high friction yarn <NUM> and two low friction yarns <NUM>, <NUM>. Preferably, the twist of the two low friction yarns <NUM>, <NUM> is opposite. High friction yarn <NUM> is a <NUM> dtex silicone yarn. The low friction yarn <NUM> can be nylon <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> twist <NUM> dtex yarn and the low friction yarn <NUM> can be a nylon <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> Z twist <NUM> dtex yarn. Alternatively, the low friction yarn <NUM> can be <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> Z twist <NUM> dtex yarn and the low friction yarn <NUM> can be a <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> twist <NUM> dtex yarn. Use of other high friction yarns is also contemplated. For example, using any of the following high friction yarns in listed below:.

<NUM><NUM>/<NUM> Muriel-grip silicone yarn.

Although high friction yarns with various weights can also be sued, an anti-slip portion having a knit pattern using one or two (or more) silicone <NUM>/<NUM><NUM> dtex yarn and two low friction yarns is preferred in many embodiments. The jersey knit stitch pattern does not form a raised texture on the anti-slip portion <NUM>, as can be preferable in various embodiments. The characteristics of the low friction yarns <NUM>, <NUM> in other examples can be different, and they can be of any other suitable material. The anti-slip portion <NUM> that is formed by the jersey stitch illustrated in <FIG>, or a tuck stitch or a float stitch illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, respectively, does not cause a restriction on the portion of the wearer's body (e.g., the thigh, calf, ankle, arm, etc.) that is contacted by the anti-slip portion <NUM> at least partially because there is no sewing seam between the anti-slip portion and the body of the garment allowing for a smooth transition from the body of the garment to the band. The silicone yarn knitted into the anti-slip portion is designed to stick to the skin and hold the garment in place.

<FIG> illustrates area A of the anti-slip portion <NUM> shown in <FIG>, illustrating courses <NUM> and wales <NUM> of a four yarn tuck stitch <NUM> relating to an embodiment of the knitted anti-slip portion <NUM>. For the tuck stitch, the knitting machine needles are high enough to pick up the yarn but not high enough to clear the latch of the needles, and the stitch is held until it is sent to a clear position. The four yarn tuck stitch is repeatable for the entire anti-slip portion <NUM>.

In the example in <FIG>, the four illustrated courses are formed from two high friction yarns <NUM>, <NUM> and two low friction nylon yarns <NUM>, <NUM>. High friction yarns <NUM> and yarn <NUM> are <NUM> dtex silicone yarns. The low friction yarn <NUM> can be <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> twist <NUM> dtex yarn and the low friction yarn <NUM> can be a <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> Z twist <NUM> dtex yarn. Alternatively, the low friction yarn <NUM> can be <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> Z twist <NUM> dtex yarn and the low friction yarn <NUM> can be a <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> twist <NUM> dtex yarn. Preferably, the twist of the two low friction yarns <NUM>, <NUM> are opposite. The characteristics of the low friction yarns <NUM>, <NUM> in other examples can be different, and they can be of any other suitable material.

<FIG> illustrates area A of the anti-slip portion <NUM> shown in <FIG>, illustrating courses <NUM> and wales <NUM> of a four yarn float stitch <NUM> relating to an embodiment of the knitted anti-slip portion <NUM>. When knitting an article using a float stitch, the unwanted yarn is placed to the back of the needles. The float stitch may be used for example to create patterns and meshes in stocking article construction. The four yarn float stitch being repeatable for the entire anti-slip portion <NUM>.

In the example in <FIG>, the four illustrated courses <NUM> are formed from two high friction yarns <NUM>, <NUM> and two low friction nylon yarns <NUM>, <NUM>. High friction yarns <NUM> and yarn <NUM> are <NUM> dtex silicone yarns. The low friction yarn <NUM> can be <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> twist <NUM> dtex yarn and the low friction yarn <NUM> can be a <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> Z twist <NUM> dtex yarn. Alternatively, the low friction yarn <NUM> can be <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> Z twist <NUM> dtex yarn and the low friction yarn <NUM> can be a <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> twist <NUM> dtex yarn. Preferably, the twist of the two low friction yarns <NUM>, <NUM> are opposite. The characteristics of the low friction yarns <NUM>, <NUM> in other examples can be different, and they can be of any other suitable material.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a knitted anti-slip portion incorporated on an orthopedic article, in this example brace <NUM> shown on a leg <NUM> of a wearer. The brace <NUM> includes a proximal and <NUM> and a distal end <NUM>, the proximal end <NUM> being position closer to the heart of the wearer. The brace <NUM> includes a first welt <NUM> disposed on the proximal and <NUM>. The brace <NUM> also includes a second welt <NUM> disposed on the distal end <NUM>. In an embodiment, the first welt <NUM> may include in anti-slip portion disposed on the inside wall of the welt <NUM> such that it contacts the wearer's leg <NUM>. In some embodiments, the brace <NUM> also includes a second anti-slip portion disposed on the inside wall of the welt <NUM> such that also contacts the wearer's leg.

<FIG> illustrate each illustrates an example of a knitted anti-slip portion incorporated on the inside wall of a welt of compression hosiery. In <FIG>, compression hosiery <NUM> includes a welt <NUM> that has a knitted anti-slip portion on the inside wall of the welt <NUM> such that the anti-slip portion contacts the wearer's leg <NUM> above the knee. In <FIG>, compression hosiery <NUM> includes a welt <NUM> that has a knitted anti-slip portion on the inside wall of the welt <NUM> such that the anti-slip portion contacts the wearer's leg <NUM> below the knee <NUM>.

Non-orthopedic articles may also include anti-slip portions. For example, a mock rib can be created by the high friction yarn incorporated in the fabric. The ribbing can be constructed using a 1x1, 2x1, 3x1 ribbing can be made by selection the needles to a tuck position and then laying the elastic yarn into the fabric. In another example, high friction yarns can be used (e.g., as a sliced-in yarn) in high wear areas of a stocking to create various size and shaped anti-slip zones. In another example, sandwich terry is where you use the sinker to sandwich the nylon yarn between the terry yarn in the inside of the fabric and also brought to the outside of the fabric. The fabrication of the sandwich terry can include high or low friction yarns.

<FIG> illustrates an example of an article having an anti-slip portion being knitted by a knitting machine. Such an article can be compression hosiery. This article is being knit with four feeds. Feed <NUM> is a high friction yarn, a PA/SI <NUM>/<NUM><NUM> dtex yarn. Feed <NUM> is a low friction yarn, a nylon <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> yarn. Feed <NUM> is a high friction yarn, a PA/SI <NUM>/<NUM><NUM> dtex yarn. Feed <NUM> is a low friction yarn, a nylon <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> Z yarn. In other examples, other high friction yarns disclosed herein can also be used.

It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Claim 1:
A knitted orthopedic medical device, comprising:
a knitted article including a knitted anti-slip portion (<NUM>), the anti-slip portion (<NUM>) having
a knitted surface including a repeating pattern of yarns, the repeating pattern of yarns including
a first yarn (<NUM>) comprising a <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> twist yarn;
a second yarn (<NUM>), having a higher friction than the first yarn (<NUM>), comprising <NUM> dtex silicone yarn;
a third yarn (<NUM>) comprising a <NUM>/<NUM>/<NUM> Z twist yarn; and
a fourth yarn (<NUM>), having a higher friction than the third yarn (<NUM>), comprising <NUM> dtex silicone yarn,
wherein said second (<NUM>) and fourth yarns (<NUM>) are held in position with said first (<NUM>) and third yarns (<NUM>), said second (<NUM>) and fourth yarns (<NUM>) exposed to contact the wearer's skin in the anti-slip portion (<NUM>).