Compression brace material with spacer fabric inner layer

ES 2 234 437 B2

DESCRIPTION

Material for compression orthosis with separating textile inner layer.

Cross reference to a related request

This is a continuation in part of earlier US patent application no. 10 / 004,469, filed October 23, 2001 which, in turn, is a continuation in part of US Patent Application No. 09 / 846,332, filed on May 2, 2001, whose filing date therefore claims priority in accordance with Art. 35 of USC no. 120.

Invention field

This invention relates generally to orthopedic supports and, more specifically, to a composite material for use in the manufacture of elastic compression orthoses that provide improved compression support, retain body heat, and are breathable during use.

Background of the invention

Elastic compression orthoses are available in many forms. Commonly, such orthoses are made of soft, elastic material, so that when in use, they provide a degree of support for an injured joint. These types of orthoses, often purchased without a prescription or requiring no expert professional care, have been in use for years and have been commonly available as knee, ankle, thigh, wrist, elbow, chest, or region orthoses. lumbar. These elastic and adaptable compression orthoses can be used in cases of sprains and strains, tendinitis, bursitis, inflammation or to reduce discomfort during their use in postoperative or to treat post-traumatic discomfort.

Elastic compression orthoses are often made of synthetic rubber (eg, polychloroprene). This particular material is desirable because, due to its combination of favorable properties, it is useful for elastic compression orthoses. Polychloroprene rubber has good elasticity and relatively high density, thus providing good compressive support and resistance to shear forces.

Polychloroprene rubber is a closed cell material and therefore does not dissipate heat very well during use. Its closed cell characteristics can be helpful in retaining heat during use by reflecting emitted heat back to the bones and joints in the affected area. This localized concentration of heat can facilitate venous circulation, reduce edema, and make soft tissues less susceptible to injury.

Although the use of polychloroprene rubber in elastic compression orthoses can concentrate heat, the natural tendency of closed cell material to prevent heat dissipation can cause problems for the wearer. When worn, polychloroprene material orthoses stretch to impart a compressive load around the affected area of ​​the body. This compression fit, combined with the high density of the material and the lack of air circulation and dissipation through the material, can result in discomfort due to heat and perspiration, and can be the cause of heat rash. Prolonged use of such orthoses can cause the user to perspire constantly, becoming so uncomfortable that the user often prematurely stops wearing the orthosis. In effect, the material itself dictates the length of time the orthosis can be used. It is not uncommon for users to stop wearing such orthoses after an hour or two. In an effort to provide improved breathability, certain prior art polychloroprene rubber orthoses have been manufactured with perforations or holes punched through the full thickness of the material. However, these orthoses may not retain sufficient structural integrity to serve as an effective compression element for the wearer, as neoprene material is removed from them.

Therefore, there is a need for a compression elastic orthosis that possesses sufficient structural integrity and strength to provide a level of support with sufficient compression, while also dissipating heat during use, in order to reduce or avoid stress. undue heat perspiration and discomfort, especially during prolonged use.

Summary of the invention

The present invention provides a composite material for elastic compression orthoses and the like, wherein the composite material includes a first layer that can be stretched elastically, a second flexible layer attached to the first layer, a third layer comprising a spacer tissue attached to the second layer and a flexible fourth layer, attached to the third layer. The first layer may not be the outermost, as it is contemplated that an outer layer can cover the first layer.

In one embodiment of the invention, the outer elastic layer includes a plurality of slits therethrough to allow and promote the transverse passage of air through the composite material.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a flexible, elastic composite material for use in forming elastic compression orthoses for surrounding and compressively supporting a portion of the body. The composite material includes a central elastic layer, an inner textile layer, and an outer textile layer. The elastic core layer is preferably composed of closed cell material in the form of a sheet and, on one face thereof, has a plurality of grooves or channels formed therein, which intersect with each other to define a lattice. . The channel design provides passages across the width and length of the core layer to allow dissipation of heat and moisture from the part of the body being supported.

The core layer may also have a plurality of cuts extending through the entire depth of the layer and distributed across the surface of the layer, the core layer still having sufficient integrity and structural strength to provide orthopedic support. with compression.

The composite may also include an inner layer of elastic, flexible, porous woven material attached to the grooved side of the center layer. The outer textile layer can also be made of a porous, flexible and elastic material, bonded to the non-grooved side of the central layer.

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In one embodiment of the invention, the plurality of cuts extending through the center layer are arcuate slits - for example, circular slits that extend between approximately 180 ° and 270 ° - with the arcuate slits defining an array of tabs that they are hingedly attached to the core layer, so that the stretching of the composite material produces free spaces in the core layer, thus creating an air circulation path between the inner and outer layers.

In another embodiment of the invention, the composite material includes an outer elastic layer, a first textile layer, a spacer textile layer, and a second textile layer. The separating textile layer provides a lightweight component that allows air to circulate laterally through the composite material.

Brief description of the drawings

The foregoing aspects and many of the expected advantages of this invention will be more readily appreciated as it is better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a side elevation view illustrating, semi-schematically, a knee orthosis made of an orthopedic material in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a semi-schematic perspective view of the knee orthosis illustrated in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating components of an orthopedic composite material of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a front plan view illustrating a section of a perforated core layer of the composite material of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a rear plan view illustrating a section of the perforated core layer shown in Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a perspective view illustrating an elbow orthosis made from the composite material of the present invention;

Figure 7 is a perspective view illustrating a wrist orthosis made from the composite material of the present invention;

Figure 8 is a side view illustrating an ankle orthosis made from the composite material of the present invention;

Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 4, illustrating another pattern of channels formed in the central layer of the composite material;

Figure 10 is a plan view of a core layer in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 11 is a plan view of the core layer shown in Figure 10, with the core layer stretched longitudinally, as indicated by the large arrows;

Figure 12 is a plan view of a core layer in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the core layer depicted in Figure 12, taken along line 13-13;

Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the core layer shown in Figure 13, illustrated with the inner and outer layers attached thereto; and Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view, similar to Figure 14, showing the composite material stretched longitudinally, as indicated by the large arrows.

Figure 16 is a fragmentary sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention, using a spacer fabric;

Figure 17 is a fragmentary perspective view of the spacer fabric of Figure 16 showing insulation; and Figure 18 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention utilizing a spacer fabric and an outer layer having slits therethrough.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiment

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a knee orthosis 20, made of an orthopedic material in accordance with the principles of this invention. The orthopedic material is illustrated in Figures 3, 4 and 5. The knee orthosis is a soft orthopedic orthosis made of a flexible and elastic composite material 100, represented flat in Figures 3, 4 and 5. The flat-shaped composite material is cut into the desired configuration and sewn or otherwise assembled to form a tubular knee orthosis 20, illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a piece of composite material 100, in the form of a flat sheet, is folded back on itself. The long overlapping edges on the opposite side of the fold are held together by a long vertical seam 50. The flat-shaped material is cut into a configuration such that, when sewn along seam 50, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, an angular knee support, generally tubular in shape, is obtained with an upper part 60 and a lower part 70 open. A peripheral seam 80 on the upper edge and a similar peripheral seam 90 on the lower edge provide finished edges for the finished knee support.

The components that make up the composite material 100 will be better understood by reference to Figures 3, 4 and 5. Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view illustrating the components of the composite material 100 of the present invention. The composite material includes a collapsible, elastic and flexible core layer 110, an inner textile layer 130, and an outer textile layer 120. The elastic core layer 110 is preferably a closed cell foam material configured as a sheet. A preferred elastic closed cell material is polychloroprene rubber, commonly known as neoprene rubber. Preferred neoprene materials are commercially available. Another suitable material for core layer 110 is styrene butadiene rubber (SBR). These materials are available in a wide variety of densities, so it is not difficult to find the material with the desired density that provides the desired level of support and good orthopedic compression during use. Ideally, such material for the purposes of the present invention is from 1.5mm to 8mm thick. However, other thicknesses can be used. Also, other closed cell elastic materials can be used to form layer 110.

The elastic core layer 110 has formed therein, on one face thereof, a plurality of crisscross grooves or channels 140. In a non-limiting example, one embodiment of the present invention illustrates

ES 2 234 437 B2 the criss-cross channel pattern 140, formed by laying neoprene sheet material on a metal mesh and then placing a heavy heat source on top of the flat sheet material. The pressure and heat cause the mesh to compress into the sheet material, permanently leaving the imprint of the metal mesh on its underside, where the criss-cross pattern of the metal mesh was pressed against the sheet material. Additionally, or alternatively, the mesh may be preheated.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a pattern of crisscross channels 140 is formed on both sides of the sheet material. One way to accomplish this is to sand the core layer 110 between upper and lower metal grids and heat press both grids against the core layer 110, causing the grids to sink into the surface of the sheet material. The grid design can be identical on both faces of the core layer 110 or it can have different configurations.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4, the plurality of criss-cross channels 140 formed in the elastic core layer 110 define a generally rectangular or quadrangular grid or pattern. It is to be appreciated that the design may be in any other shape (eg, rhombuses (see Figure 9), triangles, ovals, circles, etc.) as the channels 140 intersect in order to provide a continuous or interconnected passage to through and along the sheet material.

The elastic core layer 110 can be perforated to form a multiplicity of perforations or cuts 150 through it. Sections 150 are not shown in Figure 3 for simplicity, but are illustrated in Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a front plan view showing a section of perforated core layer 110. Figure 5 is a rear plan view showing a section of the perforated core layer 110 shown in Figure 4. The multiplicity of cuts 150 are dispersed across the surface of the elastic core layer 110 and extend through the entire depth of the layer so that fluids, including perspiration and air, can pass through the cuts 150 from one side to the other. another of the cape, especially when it is stretched.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the cutouts 150 are located only in registration with the channel portions 140. In another embodiment, the cutouts 150 are located not only within the channels 140, but also in the non-grooved and non-ribbed portion of the elastic layer 110. In yet another embodiment, the cutouts 150 'are located only at the intersections of the channels 140'. The multiplicity of cuts 150 may have a uniform pattern and may also be evenly spaced by the elastic core layer 110. Ideally, the multiplicity of cuts 150 should not be so great nor should the cuts be so close to each other that structural integrity The overall neoprene material is reduced beyond the material's ability to provide sufficient compression orthopedic support during use.

The multiplicity of cuts 150 can define a cut design. Figures 4 and 5 illustrate that the cutout pattern has three "branches" radiating from a common point. It is to be appreciated, however, that the cutout pattern can have any configuration, such as a straight line, a curve, a cross, or a five-branch pattern, without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is further appreciated that the perforation preferably does not actually remove a significant amount of material, if it does remove anything, from the elastic core layer 110 or channels 140; instead, the perforation is simply extended through the channels. In this way, the perforation does not form a hole or a passage through the neoprene material, unless the material is stretched.

The pattern for the multiplicity of cuts 150 can be formed in the elastic core layer 110 by a variety of methods. One such method of forming a pattern of cuts in the neoprene material is by means of a roller whose cylindrical outer surface has protruding punches in the desired design for the cut, so that when the roller is rolled on the flat surface of the neoprene material, the punches make the cut with the desired design.

Referring back to Figure 3, the composite material 100 also includes an inner layer 130 of porous, soft, flexible, and elastic fabric. The inner layer 130 may be a stretchable, stretchable, flexible, knitted textile material that is porous to air and water due to the pores inherently formed by the knitted fabric. The composite material 100 also includes an outer layer 120 of porous, flexible and elastic fabric, which may also be made of a stretchable knitted fabric of the same or different type than layer 130. the inner and outer textile layers 130 and 120 respectively, they can also be made of other stretchable knitted fabrics, including nylon, Dacron, or other synthetic fibers.

After the elastic core layer 110 is altered with a plurality of crisscross channels 140 on one face thereof, and perforated with a cut-out pattern 150, the textile inner layer 130 is attached to the grooved face of the core layer 110, while that the outer textile layer 120 is attached to the unslotted face of the core layer 110. The inner textile layer 130 can be adhered to the core layer 110 using an adhesive application technique that prevents glue or other adhesive from entering the channels 140. In this way, the adhesive does not close or obstruct the channels 140. The layer Textile exterior 120 is also glued, bonded, or otherwise adhered to core layer 110. The adhesive bonds all contact areas of the core layer 110 and the adjacent inner and outer textile layers 130 and 120, respectively. It is to be noted that the adhesive does not disrupt the porosity of the core layer 110 and the inner and outer layers 130 and 120.

Returning to Figures 1 and 2, the knee orthosis 20 is intended to be used with the grooved / grooved face facing the body of the user. This offers the advantageous result of keeping heat against the body while allowing the knee orthosis 20 to be breathable. Furthermore, since the knee orthosis 20 is made of the composite material, it has sufficient porosity to essentially prevent internal heat from building up during use. The knee orthosis 20 also provides good compression on the body part supported by it in its stretched condition. The elastic core layer retains substantially all of its ability to apply a compressive load to the surrounding body portion, since no material has actually been removed from the neoprene core layer, such as

ES 2 234 437 B2 in some common orthoses. Additionally, the knee orthosis 20 has a sufficient density, due to the neoprene, SBR, or other selected material, to provide the necessary compression to fulfill its function as a knee orthosis. The inner and outer layers, 130 and 120, also provide additional compressive strength to the knee orthosis 20.

The knee orthosis 20 also provides good breathability. When the knee orthosis 20 is used, it is stretched bidirectionally, thereby creating a pumping action to allow air to circulate through the channels 140 of the knee orthosis 20. This transports the sweat through channels 140, causing it to flow out of the ends of the knee orthosis 20. The knee orthosis 20 also allows cool, cool air to enter through it until it reaches the body. Correspondingly, a certain amount of heat can escape from the interior of the knee orthosis 20 through the plurality of cuts 150, which open when the orthosis is stretched during use.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, silicone 152, in gel or globule form, may be applied along the interior of the knee orthosis 20, longitudinally thereto, perhaps on opposite sides thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the silicone globules 154 may be disposed circumferentially around the interior of the orthosis, perhaps near its ends. The silicone can be applied as a strip of a certain width, in the form of a band or narrow line, or in other designs. Also, the silicone strip or line can be straight or curved. The silicone material keeps the orthosis in place on the body due to friction between the silicone and the body. However, silicone does not cause discomfort or undue friction against the body.

In one embodiment, the silicone can be applied to the interior of the knee orthosis 20 after the construction of the orthosis has been completed. In another embodiment, the silicone is applied to the inside of the inner textile layer 130 of the knee orthosis 20, and then the inner layer 130 is applied to the inside surface of the core layer 110. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, materials other than silicone may be employed to hold the orthosis in place on the body, without thereby departing from the scope of the present invention.

Figures 6 through 8 illustrate other uses of composite 100 in compression orthoses. The Figure shows an elbow orthosis 160, in which the composite material 100 has been folded and stitched along its length. The orthosis may have an intermediate seam 170 to form an elastomeric, tubular, generally L-shaped orthosis. The upper and lower edges of the tubular orthosis have peripheral seams 180 stitched to reinforce the edges. The Figure illustrates a wrist orthosis 190 made from the composite material 100, in which the material has been folded and sewn in the longitudinal direction to form a tubular, generally straight orthosis, with a peripheral seam 200 at its opposite ends to reinforce the edges. . Figure 8 illustrates an ankle orthosis 210, made of composite material 100. The ankle orthosis 210 is formed as a tubular orthosis, generally L-shaped, with peripheral stitching 220 at its opposite ends and peripheral stitching 230 around an edge portion of the orthosis that fits around the user's heel. . The orthosis may include an intermediate stitch 240 that supports the adjacent intermediate edges of the L-shaped ankle support.

These compression orthoses can be used to provide required levels of anatomical support with compression while improving aeration of the supported area to reduce discomfort caused by perspiration and overheating. The improved composite material of this invention thus improves the anatomical support provided by compression orthoses formed when constructed of such materials, as the user is able to wear the orthosis for extended periods, rather than having to remove it prematurely due to to the discomfort produced by the heat.

Figure 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention, in which the composite material 100 'is formed with an elastic central layer 110' with criss-cross channels formed therein in a diamond pattern. Also, cuts 150 'are located at the intersection of channels 140'. Channels 140 'and cuts 150' may be formed in the same or similar manner as described above with respect to core layer 110. Otherwise, in other respects, the composite material 100 'may be the same or similar to the material 100 described above.

Figure 10 illustrates a core layer 210 for a third embodiment of a composite material in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, the central layer 210 is provided with a plurality of arcuate slits 250 that extend entirely through the thickness of the central layer 210. The arcuate slits 250 are preferably semi-circular or partially circular slits, defining approximately, 180 degrees to 270 degrees of a full circle. The arcuate slits 250 define a plurality of tab portions 255 that remain hingedly attached to the core layer 210, but are openable so that air circulates through the core layer 210. The curved geometry of the slots 250 provides a relatively long slit over a relatively short transverse distance in the core layer 210.

The plurality of arcuate grooves 250 are arranged in an offset, rectangular array, as shown in Figure 10. The core layer 210 is preferably about 1.5 to 8 mm thick, and most preferably, it is about 3 mm thick. The arcuate grooves 250 have a diameter D that is preferably between about 3mm and about 10mm, and most preferably is about 4mm. Adjacent offset lines of slits are spaced (both vertically and horizontally, as shown in Figure 10) by a magnitude designated OS which is preferably between about 3 mm and about 10 mm, and as far as possible. preferable, it is about 6mm. A composite material using the core layer 210 in combination with inner and outer layers 120, 130 (not shown in Figure 10) previously described has been found to produce a compressive force suitable for use in orthopedic applications, such as braces. compression.

The slits 250 are produced in the core layer 210 without removing a significant amount of material from the core layer 210, whereby when the core layer is relaxed, or left unstretched, the slits 250 are substantially closed.

Figure 11 represents the central layer 210 of the

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Figure 10 with the composite material elastically stretched in the longitudinal direction (ie left and right in Figure 11). Channels 250 'for air flow, in the shape of a crescent moon, open into the stretched panel 210. It will be appreciated that the curvature of the arcuate slits 250 produces a relatively large flow area for air and moisture to pass through the core layer 210. This is due, in part, to the geometry of the tab portions 255, which are hinged to the core layer 210 along one edge, which partially isolates the tab portions 255 from the stretching stresses of the core layer 210 The tongue portions 255, consequently, do not stretch as much as the surrounding portion of the material opposite the tongue portions 255, producing a larger channel 250 'for air flow.

When the central layer 210 relaxes, that is, when the stretching forces cease, the crescent-shaped channels 250 'for the flow of air close, becoming substantially again the slits 250 shown in the Figure. 10. In particular, the tongue portion 255 moves laterally relative to the surrounding material opposite the tongue portions 255. This opening and closing movement of the tongue portions 255 produces a pumping action in the air flow channel 250 'which improves the circulation of air through the central layer 210. It will be appreciated that, when an orthosis is used of gentle compression, such as the knee orthosis shown in Figures 1 and 2, the movements of the user will result in elastic flexion of the orthosis. Said bending of an orthosis made of the above-described composite material will therefore produce an air pumping action that improves air flow through the orthosis. Also, when the user is relatively still, it generates less heat and the pumping action through the air channels 255 'will produce less air flow.

A core layer 310 of a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 12, wherein a core layer 310 substantially identical to the core layer 210 illustrated in Figure 11 is provided with a plurality of shallow, elongated channels or grooves 340 , which extend laterally through the inner face of the central layer 310. As described in detail above, the interlocking throat network 340 provides channels that promote air flow alongside the wearer's skin, along the inner face of the composite material. As seen most clearly in Figure 13, which shows a cross-sectional view of the core layer, the grooves 350 are preferably located directly adjacent to or intersecting with the grooves 340 so that the air and steam are directed towards the slits 350 or, conversely, the air entering from the slits is directed towards the throats 340.

Figures 14 and 15 show a cross section of a composite material 300 using the core layer 310. The composite material 300 includes an elastic inner textile layer 330, preferably a knitted layer of synthetic fibers, which adheres to the inner surface. of the core layer 310. An outer elastic textile layer 320 adheres to the outer surface of the core layer 310. The inner and outer layers 320, 330 adhere to the core layer in a way that allows at least some of the arcuate slits 350 to open when the composite material is stretched.

The inner and outer layers 320, 330 are porous, such that air and vapor can pass through the inner layer 330, pass through the arcuate slits 350 (when the slits are open), and pass through the outer layer 320 to vent gases. away from the user, and in the opposite direction to provide air for cooling under the composite. Figure 15 shows the composite 300 stretched in the lateral direction, that is, from left to right in Figure 15. The slits 350 are in the open position due to stretching of the fabric. Figure 14 shows the composite 300 in an unstretched configuration, in which the slits 350 are substantially closed. It will be appreciated, comparing Figure 15 with Figure 14, that flexing and non-flexing (stretching and non-stretching) of the composite material will produce the pumping action described above to facilitate the passage of air through the composite material.

Although the slits of the preferred embodiment are semi-circular (ie, 180-270 degrees of an arc of a circle), any of various other shapes are possible, and so contemplated herein. For example, grooves can be used that produce elongated tongue portions with curved free ends and rear ends joined in a hinged manner.

Another embodiment of a compression orthosis material 400 in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in Figure 16. In this embodiment, the multi-layer compression orthosis material 400 has a sandwich construction that includes: (i) a flexible outer layer 410, preferably made of a closed-cell foam material, such as neoprene; (ii) a first textile layer 420 attached to the outer layer 410; (iii) a spacer fabric layer 425 attached to the first fabric layer; and (iv) a second textile layer 430 attached to the separating textile layer 425. In one embodiment, the layers are bonded together with an adhesive, although other bonding mechanisms as well known in the art may be used, including stitching.

The term "spacer fabrics", as used herein, refers to 3D textiles typically manufactured on warp knitting machines such as Raschel knitting machines. Figure 17 shows a somewhat stylized sectional view of the isolated spacer fabric 425. Spacer fabric 425 is characterized by a pair of spaced apart faces 427, 429, sometimes referred to as bottom fabrics, that are interconnected by a plurality of spacer strands or transverse yarns, 428, to produce a lightweight, porous fabric. The spacer yarns 428 are quite far apart, relatively, with respect to the thickness of the filament, providing a porous, three-dimensional mesh that has the advantage, in the present invention, of allowing air circulation between the faces 427, 429 and, at least in part, parallel to them. A suitable spacer yarn 428 is usually a polyamide or polyester monofilament. The thickness of suitable spacer fabrics can be less than 1mm to 10mm or more.

Referring back to Figure 16, and as indicated therein by arrows, the orthosis material 400 of the present invention allows evaporating air, heat, and sweat to pass transversely.

ES 2 234 437 B2 by the second textile layer 430 and then generally laterally along the spacer tissue 425 towards the edges of the material 400 of the orthosis. This composite structure has been found to provide a particularly comfortable compression wrap. The superior performance is believed to be associated with the fact that, in use, the compression material 400 elastically wraps around a part of the wearer. The movement of the user while wearing the material causes elastic deformations in the material 400 of the orthosis and, in particular, in the spacer tissue 425. The spacer tissue 425 alternately compresses and relaxes to some extent during use, causing a pumping action that facilitates air circulation through and along the spacer fabric 425. Thus, the material allows and encourages some air flow near the wearer's body, while the elastic outer layer 410 helps retain overall heat near the wearer and thus promotes heat therapy on the wrapped part of the body. . The outer layer 410, in cooperation with the other textile layers 420, 425 and 430, also provides the desired compression to the wearer. It will also be appreciated that although the elastic outer layer 410 is shown in the embodiment described as the outermost layer, the present invention contemplates that another layer, such as a flexible liner, may be attached to the outer face of the outer layer 410, for example to improve the aesthetic appearance of the material, to protect the outer layer from dirt, to make the outer surface more slippery and for various other reasons, as is known in the art.

Figure 18 shows another embodiment of compression orthosis material 500, which is substantially similar to the compression orthosis material 400 described above, including an outer layer 510, a first and second textile layers 420, 430, and a spacer textile layer. 425 among them. In this embodiment, however, the outer layer 510 includes a plurality of slits 550 through the thickness of the outer layer 510, which allow for improved ventilation through the compression orthosis material 500. The advantages of the plurality of slits through the outer layer 510 have been described in some detail above with respect to the embodiments shown in Figures 5 and 10. Although arcuate grooves 550 are illustrated in Figure 8, it will be apparent that other shapes of the grooves could alternatively be used, including simple straight grooves, angled grooves, and the like.

It will also be readily appreciated that the outer layer 510 may include a plurality of transverse channels or grooves 340 (shown in Figure 12) along its inner face, thus providing another transverse channel for air circulation along the material. 500 compression braces and through. The aspects and advantages of the cross channels 340 have been described in detail above.

Although the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.