An improved low-absorbent, good wicking and quick drying wetsuit fabric is made of non-absorbent fiber, processed with water repellent before being knitted, and high-absorbent fiber, processed with absorbent agent while being dyed and/or heat set, then knitted by a circular knitting machine under a setting of 18˜42 gauge per inches to form a structure of two-layer fabric. The outer side (the non-absorbent fiber) touches the skin of the wetsuit wearer to wick out the water, leaked into the space between the wearer and the wetsuit, quicker and make the wearer feel dry and comfortable. The inner side (the high-absorbent fiber) is laminated with rubber sponge to absorb the water, leaked from the body of the wetsuit, and wick the water out through the outer side (the non-absorbent fiber). Appropriate cutting and sewing steps are employed to finish the formation of the wetsuit. In an alternative embodiment, the outer side may comprise a fiber made of a combination of non-absorbent yarn and absorbent yarn.
This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/222,448 filed Jul. 1, 2009.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the field of wetsuits used for diving, surfing and the like, and more specifically to an improved low-absorbent, good wicking and quick drying wetsuit fabric that is made of non-absorbent fiber, processed with water repellent before being knitted, and high-absorbent fiber, processed with absorbent agent while being dyed and/or heat set, then knitted by a circular knitting machine under a setting of 18˜42 gauge per inches to form a structure of two-layer fabric. The outer side (the non-absorbent fiber) touches the skin of the wetsuit wearer to wick out the water, leaked into the space between the wearer and the wetsuit, quicker and make the wearer feel dry and comfortable. The inner side (the high-absorbent fiber) is laminated with rubber sponge to absorb the water, leaked from the body of the wetsuit, and wick the water out through the outer side (the non-absorbent fiber).
The non-absorbent fiber is selected from the group of polyester, polyamide or polypropylene having a fineness ranging from 30 denier to 200 denier, and processed with water repellent before knitting, and the high-absorbent fiber is selected from the group of polyester or polyamide having a fineness ranging from 30 denier to 200 denier, and processed with an absorbent agent while dying and/or heat setting.
The present invention comprising the newly improved low-absorbent, good wicking and quick drying fabric that forms the wetsuit, not only provides the wearer a dry and comfortable inner feel, but also is easy to take off or put back on after use.
2. Background Art
After wearing a conventional wetsuit for a certain time while diving or related activities, where the wearer is immersed in the water, the water will leak into the space between the wetsuit and the wearer from neck, end of sleeves or legs, or wetsuit directly. Such leaked water will cause the wearer to feel cold, heavy, and uncomfortable, especially when the wearer leaves the water. Furthermore, it is difficult to take the wetsuit off when the wetsuit has absorbed water, especially when the wearer puts on the wet, cold, and water absorbed wetsuit again.
It would be highly advantageous if it were possible to make the water between the space of wearer and wetsuit, wick out quicker and dry sooner. That will make the wearer feel dry, more comfortable, and make it easier to take the wetsuit off, subsequently re-wear it, or even obviate the need to take it off because the wetsuit will be much drier or more comfortable out of the water as compared to wetsuits made of more conventional fabrics.
The present invention comprises a wetsuit used for diving, surfing and the like, and more specifically to a wetsuit made of an improved low-absorbent, good wicking and quick drying fabric.
The improved low-absorbent, good wicking and quick drying fabric is made of non-absorbent fiber and high-absorbent fiber that form a structure of two-layer fabric. The outer side (the non-absorbent fiber) touches the skin of wetsuit wearer to wick the water, leaked into the space between the wearer and the wetsuit, out quicker and make the wearer feel dry and comfortable. The inner side (the high-absorbent fiber) is laminated with rubber sponge to absorb the water, leaked from the body of the wetsuit, and wick the water out through the outer side (the non-absorbent fiber).
Both the non-absorbent fiber and the high-absorbent fiber are selected from the group of polyester and polyamide.
The non-absorbent fiber is processed with water repellent before being knitted and the high-absorbent fiber is processed with the absorbent agent later while being dyed. This series of steps provides the performance and capabilities of low absorbent, good wicking and quick drying and makes the wetsuit wearer feel light, dry, and comfortable after leaving the water.
Both the non-absorbent fiber and the high-absorbent fiber have a fineness ranging from 30 denier to 200 denier,
The non-absorbent fiber and the high-absorbent fiber are knitted by a circular knitting machine under a setting of 18˜42 gauge per inches.
The finished low-absorbent, good wicking and quick drying fabric is at a weight of 20.7 g/M 2 (and is preferably in the range of 100 g/M 2 to 340 g/M 2 ) gram/yard, a width of 56 inches (preferably in the range of 50 to 72 inches), and the elongation capability in the vertical is 160% and horizontal directions is 130%. Elongation in either direction is preferably in the range of 100% to 300%.
The improved low-absorbent, good wicking and quick drying wetsuit fabric is laminated with a rubber sponge material. Appropriate cutting and sewing steps are employed to finish the formation of wetsuit.
Compared with conventional wetsuit fabric, the newly improved low-absorbent, good wicking and quick drying wetsuit fabric of the present invention offers excellent performance. In testing the inventive fabric to compare its drying time to conventional wetsuit fabric, it took approximately three minutes to dry to the same degree that it took a conventional fabric at least 30 minutes. It is believed to be the first time that wetsuit fabric is made of rubber sponge laminated with low-absorbent, good wicking and quick drying fabric, comprising non-absorbent fiber, processed with the water repellent before knitted, and high-absorbent fiber, processed with the absorbent agent while being dyed and/or being heat set.
The aforementioned objects and advantages of the present invention, as well as additional objects and advantages thereof, will be more fully understood herein after as a result of a detailed description of a preferred embodiment when taken in conjunction with the following drawings in which:
With reference to
The improved low-absorbent, good wicking and quick drying fabric is made of a combination of non-absorbent fiber and high-absorbent fiber to form a two-layer structure fabric as shown in
With reference to
A wetsuit having an outer and/or inner surface is manufactured from an improved non-absorbent and quick drying fabric. The improved non-absorbent and quick drying fabric is made of 100% non-absorbent fiber, selected from polyester, having a fineness ranging from 30 denier to 75 denier, and pre-processed with water repellent before being knitted, then knitted by a single circular knitting machine under a setting of 18˜44 gauge per inch. The result is an improved fine, thin, non-absorbent, and quick drying fabric, which prevents the penetration of water molecules. The improved non-absorbent and quick drying fabric is laminated with a rubber sponge material to form an improved non-absorbent and quick drying wetsuit material. Appropriate cutting and sewing processes are employed to finish the formation of a wetsuit and the improved non-absorbent and quick drying wetsuit is lighter and dries quicker when the wearer leaves the water since less water is absorbed by the wetsuit fabric as compared to a conventional wetsuit.
This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/222,112 filed Jul. 1, 2009.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the field of wetsuits used for diving, surfing and the like, and more specifically to an improved non-absorbent and quick drying fabric used to manufacture the outer and/or inner surface of a wetsuit. The wetsuit is made of the non-absorbent fiber which is pre-processed with the water repellent before being knitted, then knitted by a single circular knitting machine under a setting of 18˜44 gauge per inch to form an improved fine and thin fabric. The non-absorbent fiber is selected from polyester having a fineness ranging from 30 denier to 75 denier and the thickness of the knitted fabric is in the range of 0.3˜0.55 mm.
The present invention relates particularly to an improved non-absorbent and quick drying fabric used to manufacture the outer and/or inner surface of a wetsuit. The fabric has the ability to prevent the penetration of water molecules. The fabric is fine and has the function of non-absorbent and quick drying that provides the performance of drying quicker, a smoother sense of touch, longer life than smooth skin and glide skin and solves the drawback of wind-chill on a wearer after leaving the water.
2. Background Art
After wearing a conventional wetsuit for diving or related water sports activities, where the wearer is immersed in water, the fabric of the outer and/or inner surface of the wetsuit will absorb water and make the wetsuit wearer feel heavy, uncomfortable and cold caused by wind-chill, after the wearer leaves the water. There are some wetsuit manufacturers which have developed a method of production to have the fabric, used as the outer surface of a wetsuit, immersed in the water repellent to lessen the amount of water absorption that may reduce the above-noted drawbacks. However, this method has the disadvantage that the effects of water repellent will decrease with time due to repeated rubbing or washing. Also, it is not easy to glue to the rubber sponge or apply ink with printing, and the sense of touch is not smooth since the water repellent forms a hard and serrated film like a paper which covers the fabric after the immersing process.
There are some wetsuit manufacturers which have developed the method of production to replace the fabric that used to be the outer surface of a wetsuit with a smooth skin, flat neoprene, or glide skin, neoprene coated with PU, that are all non-absorbent to avoid the defect of water absorption to reduce the drawbacks of wind-chill mentioned above. However, this method has the disadvantage of the effects of having no aesthetic appeal since the smooth skin is a flat surface of neoprene that is black only, and the strength and the performance are less than a fabric laminated with neoprene.
It would be highly advantageous if it were possible to make the outer and/or inner surface of the wetsuit non-absorbent, to have a good sense of touch, and perform with strength and anti-friction that not only make the wetsuit aesthetically pleasing but also solves the drawback of wind-chill and lasts longer.
The present invention relates to the field of wetsuits used for diving, surfing and the like, and more specifically to the outer and/or inner surface of an improved wetsuit made of a non-absorbent and quick drying fabric.
The improved non-absorbent and quick drying fabric is made entirely of non-absorbent yarn selected from polyester, pre-processed with water repellent before being knitted, and having a fineness ranging from 30 denier to 75 denier.
The non-absorbent yarn is knitted by a single circular knitting machine under a setting of 18˜44 gauge per inch to form a fine and thin fabric, which has the ability to prevent the penetration of water molecules and attachment of water.
The finished non-absorbent and quick drying fabric is at a weight of 60˜270 gram/M 2 , a width of 50˜72 inches, an elongation capability in both the vertical and horizontal directions of 100˜300%, and having a thickness of 0.3˜0.55 mm.
The non-absorbent and quick drying fabric, as the outer and/or inner surface of the wetsuit, is laminated with a rubber sponge material to form an improved non-absorbent and quick drying wetsuit. Appropriate cutting and sewing process are employed to finish the formation of wetsuit.
Compared with conventional fabric used as the outer surface of a wetsuit, the improved non-absorbent and quick drying fabric of the present invention is light and offers excellent strength and anti-friction. The non-absorbent feature prevents the penetration of water molecules, solves the drawback of wind-chill, and lasts longer.
Compared with the developed smooth skin and glide skin used as the outer surface of a conventional wetsuit, the improved non-absorbent and quick drying fabric of the present invention has a pleasant feel, aesthetic design, and excellent strength that makes the wetsuit durable.
It is believed to be the first time that a wetsuit has been made of rubber sponge laminated with the fine, thin, non-absorbent and quick drying fiber pre-processed with water repellent before being knitted.
The aforementioned objects and advantages of the present invention, as well as additional objects and advantages thereof, will be more fully understood herein after as a result of a detailed description of a preferred embodiment when taken in conjunction with the following drawings in which:
With reference to
The improved non-absorbent and quick drying fabric is made of non-absorbent yarn selected from polyester having a fineness ranging from 30 denier to 75 denier.
The improved non-absorbent and quick drying fabric can prevent the penetration of water molecules and attachment of water that makes the outer and/or inner surface of the wetsuit dry when the wearer leaves the water, and makes the wearer feel dry, light, comfortable and reduces the impact of wind-chill.
Since the water repellent is fully absorbed throughout and combined with the fiber of the improved non-absorbent and quick drying fabric, the effects of water repellent will last longer and offer better anti-friction even if the wetsuit is rubbed or washed or aged as shown in
With reference to
This Invention is a Flat Item Protecting the Fingers and Thumb From Scorching Hot Automobile handles and also Door knobs by using The flat item (unlike a Glove or Straps) (not absorbent for a towel or Rag) is Instantly available at the time of need: being attached to a Key Chain, Accessories, or Clothing via the Permanent Grommet within the Flat item. The fingers and thumb will be relieved of the Scorched burning Feeling, upon the Natural movement of Grasping the Door handle, with The Fingerezz (flat item) held between handle and fingers and thumb.
This Invention is named FINGEREZZ and is a Flat Item 1 , cloth, vinyl, Or leather of Various light weight Materials: cut to form squares to be sewn, surged, Or manually cut sawtooth edges. The Flat Item 1 , is 5 inches square up to 8 inches Square. The surface 1 may have names, organizations, or pictures applied by Heat Transfer, Embroidery, or painted. A Grommet 2 is permanently attached To the Flat Item 1 for attachment to a persons accessory for instant availability.
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
The heat from the sun of 118 degrees and higher in many cities requires Protection (a class 2 definition USPTO) from the Burning sensation, scorching: To a person manually opening an Automobile Door handle and/or a Home door Knob. This item: FINGEREZZ is Invented to prevent (protect) from the discomfort And Burning sensation by having FINGEREZZ, my flat item of material, vinyl, or Leather, to Be between the Hot scorching surface and the fingers and thumb.
My Invention is a Protection from slight burning sensations, Practical, and very useful Protecting Fingers and Thumb from scorching Burns, Also instant availability for use; being attached to an accessory: May be used further for identification, for organizations, a very large Percent of the population will find this Useful and helpful.
A garment adapted to be worn by a wearer. The garment includes a main body portion that is configured to be worn over at least a portion of the wearer's lumbo-pelvic region, hips and at least a portion of the legs, wherein the main body portion includes first and second leg portions that each define an axis. The garment also includes a strap system that includes a plurality of leg straps releasably affixed to the main body portion. Each of the leg straps includes at least one connector for affixing the leg strap to the main body portion. Each of the leg straps overlies a grip layer that is adapted to contact the wearer's skin when the garment is worn.
The present invention relates generally to body mechanics and, more particularly, to posture improvement garments configured to be worn on a user's lower body and which are specifically adapted to improve the user's body alignment or posture through the use of sensorimotor stimulation.
The importance of good posture is well known among health professionals. Posture generally refers to the alignment of the body and, more specifically, to the relative static and dynamic positioning of the body and its limbs. Ideally, in a body exhibiting good posture, the spine has no lateral curvature and the legs have little angulation in the knees and ankles.
The effects of poor posture are well documented and include limited range of motion wherein muscles, such as the pectoral muscles in the chest, may be permanently shortened due to a hunched-over upper body position. Other effects of poor posture include discomfort in the form of headaches at the base of the skull and pain in the shoulders, arms, and hands. Additionally, poor posture may lead to pain in the jaw due to a forward-head position, as well as decreased lung capacity due to decreased volume of the chest cavity and lungs. One of the most common consequences of poor posture is the onset of lower back pain which may increase with advancing age. Finally, a hunched-over upper body position of poor posture can add years to one's appearance.
However, by assuming good posture, gravitational forces may be more evenly distributed through the bones, ligaments and muscles of the body. Maintaining good posture is equally important during passive (static) activities such as sitting and standing, as well as during dynamic activities such as walking, running, and lifting. Theoretically, the slight S-shape of the spine that is characteristic of good posture should preferably be maintained during both static and dynamic activities. Unfortunately, our increasingly sedentary lifestyle, wherein many hours are spent sitting in front of a computer, driving an automobile, or watching television, has an adverse effect on posture. Such static activities may result in forward protrusion of the head and neck, rounding of the thoracic and lumbar spine, stretching of the spinal ligaments and also causing abnormal tilting and rotation of the pelvis. This also puts added stress on the hips, joints and other portions of the lower body. Such stretching gradually causes pain in the neck, upper back, lower back and hips and results in fatiguing of the body's muscles and ligaments. Poor posture during dynamic activities such as running and lifting results in inefficient body movements with increased stress on muscles and ligaments.
Maintaining an awareness of proper posture during static and dynamic activities may sometimes prevent overstressing of muscles and ligaments. In addition, maintaining an awareness of proper posture may train certain muscles through muscle memory such that proper posture eventually becomes a habit. However, it is sometimes difficult to maintain an awareness of proper posture during mentally challenging activities such as working at a computer, or during physically challenging activities such as participating in aggressive sports. Physical therapists may utilize postural therapy to improve the posture of a patient. Such postural therapy may include techniques such as shoulder taping and breathing exercises. Conventional chiropractic techniques may utilize body manipulation and treatment to help keep the patient's spine in alignment. However, the patient must take the time and energy to visit the offices of a physical therapist or a chiropractor in order to receive the needed postural therapy and/or chiropractic manipulation. Moreover, alternative treatments predictable therapeutic response is achieved through cutaneous nerve stimulation, is often overlooked as a method to improve the patient's posture.
As can be seen, there exists a need in the art for a device that is specifically adapted to continuously train and develop certain body muscles such that the user's posture may be improved. In addition, there exists a need in the art for a device that allows for developing such muscle training during static activities such as standing and sitting. In addition, there exists a need in the art for a device that discretely allows for developing such muscle training during dynamic activities such as walking, running and during other daily activities. Furthermore, there exists a need in the art for a device for improving the user's posture that may be progressively adjusted in accordance with changes or improvements in the user's posture over time. Finally, there exists a need in the art for a device for improving the user's posture that may be adjusted according to varying physiological parameters between users including differences in user's age, body size, muscular development and underlying pathophysiologic status.
The invention is a posture improvement garment or device that is specifically adapted to provide sensorimotor stimulation or proprioceptive awareness using a combination of gripping of the skin, pressure, torque and angle simultaneously applied to the user in order to train body muscles for proper posture through muscle memory, similar to the shirt taught in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0062704 (referred to herein as the “'704 publication”), the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. The device comprises a garment designed to be worn by a user and which is adapted to envelop at least a portion of the user's lower body, including the lumbo-pelvic region, hips and at least a portion of the legs or lower extremities. This garment is preferably configured like a pair of shorts or pants.
Pressure is applied to the user's skin in order to proprioceptively stimulate cutaneous nerve receptors of the skin by configuring the garment as a relatively tight, form-fitting pair of shorts. The garment is adapted to envelop at least a portion of the user's lumbo-pelvic region, hips and at least a portion of the legs or lower extremities.
The garment may be fabricated of a stretchable, yet taut material in order to provide the desirable form-fitting feature such that specific pressure may be readily applied to the surface of the skin over specific anatomical landmarks for neuromuscular stimulation. In this regard, the garment is preferably fabricated of elastomeric material that is also preferably breathable and/or which has moisture wicking capabilities such as may be provided by a material comprised of a combination of lycra and spandex, Fabrifoam, nylon or the like.
The shorts/pants create a sensation/cue on the skin through the design that specifically bends, compresses and directs the nerve receptors in the skin (peripheral nervous system 20-80 nerve endings/square inch on skin, in muscles, tendons, joint lining, etc.) to be pulled in such a way and in such a specific direction that tells the brain to instantly relax and lengthen specific, over used, under stretched muscles while the brain simultaneously commands the opposite (front to back and/or side to side), weak, under toned, under supportive muscles to contract, tone and support the wearer's core and lower extremities. This natural reflexive response is known as reciprocal inhibition and this naturally balancing muscle stimulation system retrains the wearer's muscles every time the garment is put on to create a wearable, therapeutic short/pant that decreases muscle and joint pain, improves recovery from training, travel and injury and improves aberrant biomechanics that create muscle imbalances. In a preferred embodiment, the desired cues and responses are provided by a strap system that twists each leg in a spiral manner to rotate the leg toward where the muscles are underused and weak. Spirals and spiral physiology are naturally occurring within the human body and nature as a whole and can all be related through the Fibonacci numbers or Fibonacci structure. The Fibonacci numbers are nature's numbering system. They appear everywhere in nature, from the leaf arrangement in plants, to the pattern of the florets of a flower, the bracts of a pinecone, or the scales of a pineapple. The Fibonacci numbers are therefore applicable to the growth of every living thing, including a single cell, a grain of wheat, a hive of bees, and even humans.
The Fibonacci sequence is 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, and so on. It begins with the number 1, and each new term from there is the sum of the previous two. The limit ratio between the terms is 0.618034 . . . , an irrational number variously called the “golden ratio” and/or the “divine proportion,” but in this century more succinctly “PHI” (f) after the architect Phidias, who designed the Parthenon. In other words, any two adjoining numbers equal the next higher number. For example, 5+8=13. Any number divided by the next higher number gives a ratio of 0.618. For example, 8/13=0.618. Any number divided by the next lower number gives a reciprocal of 1.618.
In the lower numbers the ratios are not exact, but close enough for practical purposes.
Both the Fibonacci Sequence and the Golden Ratio appear in natural forms ranging from the geometry of the DNA molecule (and the human body) to the physiology of plants and animals.
In recent years, science has taken a quantum leap in knowledge concerning the universal appearance and fundamental importance of Fibonacci mathematics. Some of history's greatest minds, from Pythagoras to Isaac Newton, have held phi (f) and the Fibonacci sequence in the highest esteem and reverence.
All human senses, including hearing, touch, taste, vision and pain receptors, have not only spiral physiology, but also response curves that are logarithmic (having a fibonacci structure). Cellular action membrane potentials, which are important for muscles and the nervous system, have a voltage equal to the log of the ratio of the ion concentration outside the cell to that of inside the cell. The brain and nervous systems are made from the same type of cellular building units and look similar microscopically, so the response curve of the central nervous system is probably also logarithmic. This spiral/helical physiology is utilized by the design of the garment of the present invention. The straps extend about the axis of the legs or feet,
The design stimulates the sensorimotor system (sensori includes the nervous system combined with the (motor) musculoskeletal system), instantly cueing a wearer's lower body into muscular balance and ideal anatomical alignment. This stimulates the user's anatomy on both a conscious and subconscious level. This instantly allows the wearer to move with more biomechanical efficiency which means using less energy while enhancing and optimizing body mechanics and gait. This has an effect that decreases normal wear and tear on joints and enhances healthy circulation and recovery from training, travel, and injury.
It will be appreciated that virtually every time a user puts the garment on, he/she is training. The garment makes weak muscles work. When a weak muscle works it helps to balance the muscles so the body is using all sides to work with rhythm and synchrony making the body move with more efficiency, greater fluidity and less effort.
In accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a garment adapted to be worn by a wearer. The garment includes a main body portion that is configured to be worn over at least a portion of the wearer's lumbo-pelvic region, hips and at least a portion of the legs. The main body portion includes first and second leg portions that each define an axis. The garment also includes at least a first strap associated with the main body portion that is releasably affixed to the first leg portion, and at least a first grip layer associated with the main body portion. The first strap overlies the first grip layer. The first grip layer is configured to come into contact with a wearer's skin when the garment is worn. In a preferred embodiment, the first strap is positioned such that it extends in a spiral about the axis of the first leg portion. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second leg portions include a stirrup extending from the bottom thereof and an adjustable arch strap attached at an upper end to the leg portion and at a lower end to the stirrup. Preferably, the stirrups each include a longitudinal arch support, a transverse arch support and a heel support.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a garment adapted to be worn by a wearer. The garment includes a main body portion that is configured to be worn over at least a portion of the wearer's lumbo-pelvic region, hips and at least a portion of the legs, wherein the main body portion includes first and second leg portions that each define an axis. The garment also includes a strap system that includes a plurality of leg straps releasably affixed to the main body portion. Each of the leg straps includes at least one connector for affixing the leg strap to the main body portion. Each of the leg straps overlies a grip layer that is adapted to contact the wearer's skin when the garment is worn.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method that includes donning a garment that covers at least a portion of the wearer's lumbo-pelvic region, hips and at least a portion of the legs. The garment includes first and second leg portions that each define an axis. The method further includes positioning a first strap on the first leg portion such that it extends in a spiral about the axis of the first leg portion, thereby defining a first spiral direction. The first strap overlies a first grip layer that is in contact with the skin on the wearer's leg and the first grip layer pulls the wearer's skin in the first spiral direction.
The invention, together with additional features and advantages thereof, may be best understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying illustrative drawings. In these accompanying drawings, like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the figures.
Like numerals refer to like structures or features throughout the several views of the drawings.
As shown in the drawings, for purposes of illustration, preferred embodiments of posture improvement garments (shorts 10 , three quarter length pants 30 , full length pants 40 and pants with stirrups 50 ) are shown and described. It will be appreciated that terms such as “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “side,” “short” “long,” “up,” “down,” and “below” used herein are merely for ease of description and refer to the orientation of the components as shown in the figures. It should be understood that any orientation of the garments 10 , 30 , 40 or 50 , and the components thereof described herein is within the scope of the present invention.
Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating the present invention and not for purposes of limiting the same,
Proprioceptive effects are achieved by the use of a strap system 100 that includes strategically placed straps 16 , stretch panels 18 and grip layers 20 , integrated directly into or sewn together, or sewn directly into the material used to fabricate the garment 10 . It will be understood that the grip layer 20 is essentially a layer or patch for cuing or stimulating the nerve receptors responsible for proprioceptive feedforward and feedback. As a result, the garment of the present invention is particularly suited for the consumer market, as they are attractive and comfortable. It will be understood that the strap system 100 can include straps that are adjustable and are affixed by the user, as shown in the figures or the strap system can include straps that are integral with the garment (are not adjustable). In a preferred embodiment, the strap system 100 twists each leg in a spiral or helix manner to rotate the leg toward where the muscles are underused and weak. As can be seen in the figures, the straps 16 on each of the garments 10 , 30 , 40 and 50 are all positioned so that they extend in a spiral about the axis of the leg portions 14 . The spiral or helix may extend at any angle.
Regarding material from which the garment 10 may be fabricated, it is preferred that the material be thin, and have an elastic quality that stretches or moves with the user's body, in order to provide a desirable form-fitting feature such that pressure may be readily applied to the surface of the user's skin in order to enhance neuromuscular stimulation thereto. The material may contain, but not be limited to, polyester, lycra, spandex, elastic, nylon, Fabrifoam® and the like, and is preferably a combination of these materials for different portions of the garment, as described below. It may have metal ions woven into it, or other mechanical sweat wicking, temperature regulating materials which are known in the art and function in an equivalent way to regulate temperature and wick moisture. Its breathability and/or moisture wicking capabilities function to improve the user's comfort level during periodic wearing of the garment.
As shown in
Referring once again to
In a preferred embodiment, the straps
16
and
17
are fabricated of a two-way elastic material, e.g., FABRIFOAM® or the like and, as discussed above, each of the front and rear portions
16
a
and
16
c
include two hook and loop or connector tabs
24
(which provides a double anchor system). However, this is not a limitation on the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, the anchor section
16
b
of the leg straps
16
is sewn (stitching is marked
16
d
—e.g., see the lower left strap in
In use, after a user puts the garment 10 on, for each of the leg straps 16 , the user pulls the unaffixed front strap portion 16 a and connects the first hook and loop tab 24 to the connector layer 22 and then pulls the remainder of the unaffixed front strap portion 16 a and connects the second hook and loop tab 24 to the connector layer 22 . This is then repeated for each of the rear strap portions 16 b. In a preferred embodiment, the back leg strap portions 16 c are anchored first. However, this is not a limitation on the present invention.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the muscles in the outside of a human's leg generally become dominant, short and tight from overuse and understretch and the body tends to rotate toward tension, thereby causing external rotation of the hip, lower leg and foot, increasing pronation, and serial distortion. All of these imbalances in the muscles that cause this motion collectively create what is known as lower crossed syndrome. For instance, this increased pronation and valgus stress on the knees causes increased stress on joint surfaces and neuromuscular structures including mechanoreceptors and nociceptros within the joint and surrounding soft tissues. The present invention helps derotate the lower extremities and return to a more optimal anatomically neutral and functionally balanced position. When the leg straps
16
are connected as described above (as shown in
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the strapping system
100
is based upon the concept of a concentration gradient, meaning that the straps
16
always pull back toward the larger anchor portion
16
b,
which is the greater mass of like material, or the seem
16
d,
which anchors the straps
16
to the main body portion
13
. In other words, in the embodiment shown in
The ab straps
16
also work via a concentration gradient. As is shown in
It will be understood that the strap system
100
can be modified in other embodiments of the garment. Although four leg straps
16
and one ab strap
17
(and corresponding base grip layers
20
) are shown in the embodiment of
It will be understood that different embodiments or versions of the shorts can be provided for different users and for different conditions to be corrected. The embodiment shown in
Just below the knee, the garment
30
includes at least one sub-patella strap
16
. In the embodiment shown in
In a preferred embodiment, the garment
40
includes at least one shin or tibia strap
16
, and preferably a pair of shin straps
16
. In the embodiment shown in
In a preferred embodiment, as shown in
As shown in
The longitudinal arch support 56 preferably mimics the function of a normal, toned posterior tibialis muscle that when functioning normally, naturally adds tone, support and lift to the longitudinal arch of the foot by lifting the arch from inferior to superior direction.
In a preferred embodiment, the heel support 54 preferably acts as a baffle to add support and continuity to the natural shock absorber in the heel of the foot. The heel support 54 creates a “fat pad dam” that allows the fat pad to stay full and not flatten out which helps the foot better absorb shock and pounding that occurs during very common abnormal gait patterns such as over pronating produces. Over time it is common for the natural ligamentous baffle to fail, causing the fat pad to compress, spread out and lose its shock absorbing capability. The heel support 54 helps control and concentrate the shape and efficacy of the pad so its function can be at its optimum.
In a preferred embodiment, the transverse arch support
58
includes two members that criss-cross as best shown in
The adjustable arch strap
60
(shown in
In the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures, the garments
10
,
30
,
40
and
50
are made of a plurality of pieces that are sewn together. It will be understood that the two-way stretch portions of the garments are made of Fabrifoam® with a layer of female hook and loop connector material on the opposite side. These are the grip and connector layers and are apparent by comparing the figures showing the outside of the garment to the figures showing the inside—the grip layers
20
correspond to the Velcro connector layers
22
(e.g., compare
Generally, in use, the stirrup 52 decreases over pronation, flat feet, serial distortion and/or other common mechanical and sensory motor muscular imbalances that can cause abnormal gait and movement pattern (wear and tear) pathology both locally in the lower extremities and globally, throughout the body's neuromusculoskeletal system. The stirrup 52 decreases stress on the joints by cuing proprioception and synchronizing the correct, optimal muscles and their firing patterns and retrains the muscles to better dynamically support structures that normally help displace weight and allow the wearer to move smoothly and efficiently. It will be understood that it is within the scope of the present invention to include any of the components of the stirrup 52 in various embodiments of the present invention. For example, only the longitudinal arch support may be included. In another embodiment, only the heel support may be included. In another embodiment, the adjustable arch strap may be permanently attached to the leg portion at one end.
Other embodiments may just include straps on the lower leg portions 14 b. In other embodiments, viscoelastic tape can be disposed in certain portions of the garment for the purpose of preventing migration of the garment. Alternative means for providing a tacky surface for contacting the user's skin may also be used. It will understood that any combination of straps is within the scope of the present invention. In another embodiment, the garment may omit the straps and just include stirrups or may just include ab straps and stirrups.
In another preferred embodiment, the garment 10 , 30 , 40 or 50 may include neuro nubs, similar to those disclosed in the '704 publication. These neuro nubs preferably comprise soft, tacky bumps, or cutaneous nerve receptor stimulators, which are designed to provide a massaging, stimulating effect when the user moves. In general, patterns of such neuro nubs are helpful in creating proprioceptive stimulation, and also function to provide decreased migration of the garment as the body moves throughout its full range of motion. They are disposed at specific areas on the inside surface of the garment, to stimulate cutaneous nerve receptors in the skin and soft tissue structures to enhance “noise” that creates cues to the brain, enhancing muscle balance, body position awareness, posture, function, and performance.
Desired locations of the neuro nubs are at known acupuncture sites, as stimulation of these specific energy meridians enhances blood flow and stimulates normal physiology to organs and soft tissues that supply movement, support, and information crucial to those seeking optimal health and function. However, this is not a limitation on the present invention.
Conventional approaches to date have focused on mechanical support systems that have been shown to create atrophy and a reliance on a brace, which in the long term can create a system of dependence that the inventor believes is detrimental to optimal health and efficient recovery and performance. The straps together with the grip layers, create specific traction and tactile stimulation of cutaneous nerves in the skin. There are a minimum of 20,000 of such nerves per square inch of skin that will transfer specific information to the receptors (mechanoreceptors/nociceptors) that exist by the thousands/millions in the muscle, tendon, ligament, and joint surfaces, causing a predictable unloading of specific, predictable and common muscle imbalances that create and perpetuate joint stress and injury throughout the body.
Proprioceptive viscoelastic pads may optionally be employed in each of the illustrated embodiments, on the inside surface thereof, either permanently or releasably mounted thereto, for contacting the user's skin at strategic acupuncture meridian points or other locations in order to increase the proprioceptive effect of the garment. These pads, preferably made of silicone, have a skin-contacting surface which is grooved or otherwise modified to improve tactile response, using an acupuncture-type approach. The pressure generated by the garment 10 , 30 , 40 or 50 creates an acupressure effect. The strategic locations and numbers of pads may be varied in accordance with specific therapeutic objectives.
Essentially, the garment of the invention functions to create an exoskeleton for the user's lower body, thereby allowing for the sensory motor stimulation or proprioceptive awareness of strategic regions. Increased pressure is applied to these strategic body regions to perform the advantageous sensory motor stimulation or proprioceptive retraining or awareness. Prior art approaches involved mechanical treatment, i.e. physically manipulating portions of the body to desired configurations and limiting all range of motion including the healthy range of motion or non-injured muscles, which, over time, weakens muscles and makes the wearer dependent and decreases proprioception. This modern inventive approach instead induces a nervous system response through the application of strategic sensory motor stimulation and proprioceptive retraining and cuing and allows uninjured muscles to continue to move in the healthy range of motion, even during recovery. Accordingly, the garment provides advantageous effects for injured and uninjured wearers alike.
Accordingly, although exemplary embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it is to be understood that all the terms used herein are descriptive rather than limiting, and that many changes, modifications, and substitutions may be made by one having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
In order to prevent heel ulcers and Achilles' tendon ulcers as described above, a sock with a gelfoam pad or other supporting material in the Achilles' tendon area and the heel area is slid into an outside pocket of a sock. In one embodiment, a circle-shaped or oval-shaped hole is formed in the gelfoam pad in the region of the Achilles' tendon area and the heel area to relieve pressure on these areas. Non-slip material is also affixed to the sole of the sock. These socks are easily removed. Two pairs may be used for a patient such that the inserts may be removed from one for to the other so that one could be washed while the other is being used. In addition, the socks may be placed underneath the cast or on a knee immobilizer or on any bed-ridden patient at any hospital to prevent the serious problems described above.
Orthopedic patients and especially elderly patients with diminished mental capacity frequently have lower extremity fractures or injuries. Common treatment for these types of injuries are knee immobilizers which are made of padded material with Velcro straps and metal stays along the back. These frequently slip down and cause large pressure ulcers on the Achilles' tendon and on the heel. Once this happens, the patient is looking at months of dressing changes and possible plastic surgery intervention to cure the problem. These are extremely common problems.
Additionally, when people are placed in long leg casts, especially nursing home patients or the elderly who do not get adequate attention, severe heel ulcers often result.
Finally, there are a group of patients who, with diminished mental status or physical capacity get heel sores while lying in the bed. This problem can be magnified in patients who have diabetes or peripheral vascular disease. The diabetic patients have diminished sensation making them more susceptible to the problem. Those patients with peripheral vascular disease have diminished blood flow to the area making them more susceptible also.
A better understanding of the present invention can be obtained from the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings, in which:
In order to prevent heel ulcers and Achilles' tendon ulcers as described above, a sock with a gelfoam pad, a felt pad, or similar supporting material is slid into an outside pocket of a sock to protect the Achilles' tendon area and the heel. In one embodiment, a circle-shaped or oval-shaped hole is formed in the pad in the region of the Achilles' tendon area and the heel area to relieve pressure on these areas. Additionally, in one embodiment, non-slip material is placed on the sole of the sock to prevent falls during hospitalization. These socks are easily removed. Two pairs may be used for a patient such that the inserts may be removed from one for to the other so that one could be washed while the other is being used. In addition, the socks may be placed underneath the cast or on a knee immobilizer or on any bed-ridden patient at any hospital to prevent the serious problems described above.
In one embodiment of the invention, in order to prevent heel ulcers and Achilles' tendon ulcers as described above, a sock with a pad in the Achilles' tendon area and the heel area is slid into an outside pocket of a sock. In one embodiment, a donut-shaped or oval-shaped hole is formed in the pad in the region of the Achilles' tendon area and the heel area to relieve pressure on these areas. These socks are easily removed. Two pairs may be used for a patient such that the inserts may be removed from one for to the other so that one could be washed while the other is being used. In addition, the socks may be placed underneath the cast or on a knee immobilizer or on any bed-ridden patient at any hospital to prevent the serious problems described above.
In one embodiment, the pocket 101 and sock 102 are manufactured individually and the pocket 101 is then stitched to the back of the sock 102 . Alternatively, a sock 102 with a pocket 101 may be manufactured together as a single unit.
The sock
102
has an internal surface, which comes in contact with the patient's foot and an external surface, to which the pocket is affixed. As illustrated in
Additionally, in one embodiment, non-slip material is affixed to the sole of the sock to prevent falls during hospitalization.
As illustrated in
Moreover, various different sizes of socks, pockets and pads may be designed for different patents. In one embodiment, three different sizes are employed: extra-small, small, medium, large, and extra-large to account for patients with different sized feet.