Knitted interface
A knitted interface comprises a knitted structure formed from a plurality of elastomeric polymer filaments having a plurality of interstices permitting a transfer of air therethrough. The elastomeric polymer filaments may have a solid or hollow cross-section. The interstices vary in shape and size according to a knit density of the knitted structure upon movement or radial distension of the knitted interface. The elastomeric polymer filaments may be made from silicone.
1. A knitted interface, comprising:
a knitted structure defining a sleeve and formed entirely from a plurality of elastomeric polymer filaments having a plurality of interstices permitting transfer of air therethrough;
wherein the elastomeric polymer filaments are composite filaments comprising portions formed by elastomeric materials and textile-fabric materials;
wherein the plurality of elastomeric polymer filaments of the sleeve are integrally formed with a solid distal end portion.
2. The knitted interface of claim 1 , wherein the elastomeric polymer filaments are formed from silicone.
3. The knitted interface of claim 1 , wherein the elastomeric polymer filaments have a hollow cross-section.
4. The knitted interface of claim 1 , wherein the knitted structure has a variable stitch density.
5. The knitted interface of claim 1 , wherein the interstices vary in shape and size according to a stitch density of the knitted structure upon movement or radial distension of the knitted interface.
6. The knitted interface of claim 1 , wherein the elastomeric polymeric filaments are hydrophobic.
7. The knitted interface of claim 1 , wherein the knitted structure consists of the elastomeric polymeric filaments.
8. The knitted interface of claim 1 , wherein the knitted structure forms a tubular body constructed by the knitted structure.
9. The knitted interface of claim 8 , further comprising a welt knitted about a first end of the tubular body forming an opening being reinforced relative to a remainder of the tubular body.
10. The knitted interface of claim 9 , wherein the welt is formed by filaments having properties different from the elastomeric polymeric filaments and knitted therewith.
11. The knitted interface of claim 8 , further comprising a seam closing a second end of the tubular body, the seam being formed by elastomeric polymeric filaments.
12. The knitted interface of claim 1 , wherein the knitted structure includes a combination of the elastomeric polymeric filaments knitted with textile filaments.
13. The knitted interface of claim 1 , wherein the elastomeric polymeric filaments comprise at least one solid polymeric material portion forming a distal end section and multiple long extrusions extending from a proximal edge of the distal end section for being knitted with other extrusions or filaments.
14. The knitted interface of claim 1 , wherein the portions formed by elastomeric materials and textile-fabric materials are coextensive along substantially an entirety of an axial length of the composite filaments.
15. A knitted interface, comprising:
a knitted structure formed from a plurality of elastomeric polymer filaments having a plurality of interstices permitting a transit of air therethrough;
wherein the elastomeric polymer filaments are formed from silicone and have a solid cross-section;
wherein the interstices vary in shape and size according to a stitch density of the knitted structure upon movement or radial distension of the knitted interface;
wherein the elastomeric polymer filaments comprise first and second layers coextensive with each other, the first layer having a lower durometer than the second layer;
wherein the elastomeric polymer filaments comprise at least one additional substance selected from the group consisting of petroleum jelly and a lubrication substance.
16. The knitted interface of claim 15 , wherein the knitted structure consists of the elastomeric polymeric filaments.
17. The knitted interface of claim 15 , wherein the knitted structure includes a combination of the elastomeric polymeric filaments knitted with textile filaments.
18. The knitted interface of claim 15 , wherein the knitted structure has a variable stitch density.
19. A knitted interface comprising:
a knitted structure defining a sleeve and formed entirely from a plurality of elastomeric polymer filaments having a plurality of interstices permitting transfer of air therethrough;
a solid distal end portion integrally formed with the plurality of elastomeric polymer filaments;
the plurality of elastomeric polymer filaments defining a variable stitch density across portions of the sleeve;
the knitted structure defining at least one solid section connected to the knitted structure and within the sleeve;
at least two coextensive layers defined in the sleeve and formed of the plurality of elastomeric polymer filaments, each of the at least two coextensive layers defined in the sleeve having a different density;
the interstices vary in shape and size according to a stitch density of the knitted structure upon movement or radial distension of the knitted interface;
wherein the elastomeric polymer filaments are composite filaments comprising portions formed by elastomeric materials and textile-fabric materials;
wherein each of the composite filaments defines at least two discrete textile-fabric portions and at least two discrete elastomeric portions;
wherein the composite filaments define a first layer and a second layer coextensive with each other, the first layer having a lower durometer than the second layer;
wherein the composite filaments further comprise at least one additional substance selected from the group consisting of petroleum jelly and a lubrication substance.