TODAY’S PATENT – STOCKINGS

Compression stockings are specially designed to apply pressure to the lower legs and help maintain the blood flow. It also reduces discomfort and swelling. They may be prescribed by a General physician if a patient has a condition that causes the poor blood flow in the legs, such as varicose veins (swollen and enlarged veins). Joh E. Pendergrass received his patent for the invention, “Stockings” (US4180869) by the USPTO on 1st January 1980.

The present invention is related to therapeutic stockings, particularly the so-called full leg length therapeutic stockings. These stockings contain yarns that exert a compressive pressure on the covered portion of the leg and have been constructed in a variety of lengths and styles. This pressure gradually decreases from the patient’s ankles to the upper thighs. One problem with such stockings is that the elastic band is often quite stiff and must bear against the leg with some pressure if it must hold the stocking in place.

The primary objective of the present invention is to provide an improved system for supporting a full-length stocking that reduces irritation, discomfort, and edge rolling without adversely affecting the pressure profile. Further, it also provides a support system that gives better control of the stocking’s pressure profile on the upper leg.

By Lex Protector