1. Field
The present invention relates generally to knitted garments. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention concern a compression shirt that includes a knitted receptacle with shoulder caps.
2. Discussion of Prior Art
Conventional shirts are available in various shirt styles and exhibit a wide range of features and performance characteristics. For instance, some conventional undershirts (such as those made of cotton) include a seamless tubular torso section and upper shoulder sections, with a seam running along at least the top of the shoulder sections. However, some prior art undershirts have seams alternatively positioned along the shoulder section. While many known undershirts are designed to provide a loose fit, it is also known for some undershirts to be sized and configured to provide compression when donned by the wearer. For example, undershirts constructed with a relatively elastic fabric, such as spandex, are often used to provide a compression fit.
It is known to use compression garments to apply compression for therapeutic purposes. For instance, compression therapy is believed to benefit children and adults with Sensory Processing Dysfunction (SPD), Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and other neuromuscular disorders.
However, prior art shirts have various deficiencies. For instance, conventional undershirts have seams that contact the wearer when the undershirt is donned and can irritate the skin. Skin irritation caused by a shirt seam rubbing or otherwise contacting the skin can occur with loose fit undershirts. However, skin irritation from contact with seams can be more acute for compression fit undershirts. Prior art shirt constructions, including compression shirts, are also prone to wrinkling or presenting uneven material thicknesses, either of which can lead to skin irritation. Conventional shirts with seams are particularly problematic when worn by children and adults who are highly sensitive to skin irritants.
Also, some prior art compression shirts include non-fabric materials such as neoprene rubber to provide a desired level of compression. However, the use of such materials has been found to be uncomfortable because of excessive material thickness and heat retention. Yet further, conventional compression shirts are difficult to don because the materials and configuration of such shirts restrict the required expansion of shirt openings and passages associated with donning the shirt.
The following brief summary is provided to indicate the nature of the subject matter disclosed herein. While certain aspects of the present invention are described below, the summary is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
Embodiments of the present invention provide a compression shirt that does not suffer from the problems and limitations of the prior art garments set forth above.
A first aspect of the present invention concerns a compression shirt operable to apply compression to the torso of a wearer. The compression shirt broadly includes a knitted tubular fabric receptacle to be received on the torso of the wearer. The receptacle is knitted of core-spun yarn. The receptacle is generally undersized in an unstretched condition relative to the torso, such that the receptacle is resiliently stretched. When the shirt is donned to thereby apply a compressive force to the torso. The receptacle includes integrally knitted front and back sections that cooperatively present opposite receptacle side margins, with the front and back sections being seamlessly joined along the receptacle side margins. The front and back sections cooperatively define an open lower receptacle margin. The front and back sections cooperatively form a pair of spaced apart shoulder caps spaced from the lower receptacle margin. The receptacle includes a neck opening located between the shoulder caps, with the neck opening configured to receive the neck of the wearer. The receptacle includes a pair of arm openings, each being positioned laterally outside a respective one of the shoulder caps and configured to receive one of the arms of the wearer.
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures.
Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:
The drawing figures do not limit the present invention to the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the preferred embodiment.
Turning initially to
The receptacle 22 preferably comprises a tubular, multi-directional stretch fabric construction. The receptacle 22 is sized and configured to be resiliently stretched on the torso T when the shirt 20 is donned. That is, the receptacle 22 preferably applies a compressive force to the torso T when the shirt 20 is donned. As a result, when the shirt 20 is not donned, the receptacle 22 can preferably assume an unstretched condition where the receptacle 22 is generally undersized relative to the torso T. The receptacle is 22 undersized relative to torso T when a circumferential shirt dimension of the receptacle 22 is less than a circumferential torso dimension of the torso T, with the dimensions being measured at locations that are aligned with one another when the shirt 20 is donned.
The receptacle 22 is preferably weft knitted in roll form using a conventional circular rib-knit machine (not shown). However, it is within the ambit of the present invention Where the receptacle 22 is alternatively knitted. For instance, the receptacle 22 could be knitted seamlessly on a flat bed knitting machine. One such flat bed knitting machine suitable for knitting a seamless compression shirt with or without sleeves is a Mini WholeGarment knitting machine, Model No. SWG021, manufactured by Shima Seiki Mfg, Ltd.
The receptacle 22 preferably includes integrally knitted front and back sections 28,30 that cooperatively present opposite receptacle side margins 32. The front and back sections 28,30 are preferably seamlessly joined along the receptacle side margins 32. The front and back sections 28,30 also cooperatively define an open lower receptacle margin 34. As will be discussed, the front and back sections 28,30 cooperatively form the shoulder caps 26, which are spaced from the lower receptacle margin 34.
Preferably, the front and back sections 28,30 each have a downwardly projecting recess 35 extending between the shoulder caps 26. Each recess 35 preferably has a semicircular shape when the shirt 20 is laid flat (see
The receptacle 22 includes a torso opening 37 defined by the lower receptacle margin 34 and located at an end of the receptacle opposite the neck opening 36. The receptacle 22 also preferably includes a pair of arm openings 38. Each arm opening 38 is positioned laterally outside a respective one of the shoulder caps 26 and is configured to receive one of the arms of the wearer W.
The arm openings 38 are preferably located immediately adjacent the respective one of the shoulder caps 26 such that the shirt 20 is sleeveless. However, the principles of the present invention are equally applicable where the shirt 20 includes sleeves to receive the arms of the wearer W. Such sleeves could be formed with various sleeve lengths (e.g., to provide a shirt with short sleeves or long sleeves). If the illustrated shirt 20 is modified to attach sleeves to the receptacle 22 at each opening 38, the sleeves could be attached to the receptacle 22 with a seam that is similar to the seam that extends along the shoulder caps 26. Yet further, if the shirt 20 is knitted seamlessly on a flat bed knitting machine, the sleeves can be integrally knitted with the receptacle 22. That is, a seamless knitted shirt with sleeves can be knitted without seams between the sleeves and the receptacle. For instance, a seamless knitted shirt with sleeves can be knitted using the WholeGarment knitting machine discussed above. As will be discussed, a seamless knitted shirt can also be knitted without seams along the shoulder caps 26.
Each of the openings 36,37,38 is preferably formed by first cutting the openings 36,37,38 out of the continuously knitted receptacle 22. To secure the knitted fibers in place along the edges that form each opening 36,37,38, an overedge stitching 39 is applied to each of the edges. In the usual manner, the overedge stitching restricts the edges from unraveling. The overedge stitching 39 is preferably applied using a conventional Merrow Overedge Overlock Sewing Machine, such as one of Merrow Model Nos. MG-MD-45, MG-MD-60, or MG-MD-67. However, it is within the scope of the present invention where the edges that form the openings 36,37,38 are knitted and finished without the use of overedge stitching 39. For instance, the edges that form the openings 36,37,38 could be knitted with a fiat bed knitting machine.
The illustrated receptacle 22 is preferably knitted with multiple courses of core-spun yarn using a 1×1 rib-knit stitch pattern. Preferably, the courses extend in a circumferential direction of the receptacle 22. Furthermore, the receptacle 22 preferably includes laid-in elastic 40 that is periodically laid into the core-spun courses. Preferably, the elastic 40 is laid into the core-spun once every four (4) courses. However, it is within the scope of the present invention for the elastic 40 to be laid into the courses in an alternative pattern (e.g., once every three (3) courses) or even sporadically. However, for some aspects of the present invention, the shirt 20 could be devoid of laid-in elastic 40.
The core-spun yarn preferably includes a pre-tensioned elastomeric core and a twisted fiber sheath. In the illustrated embodiment, the elastomeric core includes a forty (40) denier spandex fiber. However, the elastomeric core could include an alternative elastomeric thread material and/or an alternative thread weight.
The twisted fiber sheath preferably includes non-elastomeric fibers wound about the elastomeric core. In the present embodiment, the non-elastomeric fibers comprise a two hundred thirty-one (231) denier ring-spun synthetic polyester yarn. However, the yarn could include an alternative non-elastomeric fiber and/or an alternative yarn weight.
It has been found that the combination of weft knitted core-spun yarn courses with laid-in elastic provides a multi-directional stretchable material. That is, the knitted construction of the present invention allows the shirt 20 to stretch equally along a longitudinal direction associated with the length of the shirt 20 and along the circumferential direction. Preferably, the illustrated shirt 20 is configured to stretch up to 50% in both directions during anticipated levels of use. By being stretchable in both the longitudinal and circumferential directions, the shirt 20 is able to be stretched in any direction. Yet further, the shirt 20 is able to be stretched in any pair of transverse directions.
The laid-in elastic threads 40 each preferably include an elastomeric core and a textured polyester yarn wrapped around the core to provide a sheath. The elastomeric core is preferably not pre-tensioned. In the present embodiment, the elastomeric core includes either an eight hundred forty (840) denier spandex fiber or an eleven hundred twenty (1120) denier spandex fiber. The polyester yarn of the elastic thread 40 preferably comprises two wraps of a one hundred fifty (150) denier yarn. However, it is within the scope of the present invention where the polyester yarn is alternatively configured. Furthermore, the elastic thread 40 could include a sheath material other than polyester yarn, such as a nylon yarn. Yet further, for some aspects of the present invention, the shirt 20 could be knitted without incorporating laid-in elastic threads 40 into the knitted courses of core-spun yarn.
Where the shirt 20 is knitted seamlessly on a flat bed knitting machine, the shirt 20 could be knitted with core-spun yarn and laid-in elastic similar to those discussed above. The seamlessly knitted shirt 20 is preferably weft-knitted with core-spun yarn in courses of single jersey knitting. However, it is also within the scope of the present invention where the shirt 20 is knitted seamlessly with weft-knitted half-gauge courses (i.e., by knitting on every other needle) or weft-knitted quarter-gauge courses (i.e., by knitting on every fourth needle). Each end of the core-spun yarn preferably includes a forty (40) denier spandex fiber core, and is knitted preferably with two ends of a two hundred thirty-one (231) denier ring-spun synthetic polyester core-spun yarn. Where the shirt 20 is knitted seamlessly on a flat bed knitting machine with core-spun yarn, but without laid-in elastic, the core-spun yarn would likely have an alternative configuration. For instance, a seamless shirt without laid-in elastic could have a core-spun yarn with a relatively heavier spandex core, such as a one hundred forty (140) denier spandex core, to provide adequate compression. At the same time, the core-spun yarn of the seamless shirt could be provided with a relatively lighter sheath, such as two ends of a one hundred seventy-seven (177) denier ring-spun synthetic polyester core-spun yarn.
The compression shirt 20 provides a measured compression along the receptacle 22. For the illustrated embodiment, the measured compression preferably ranges from about ten (10) mmHg to about twenty (20) mmHg. More preferably, the measured compression ranges from about fifteen (15) mmHg to about twenty (20) mmHg when the stretched circumference is about 50% greater than the relaxed circumference of the receptacle 22. Also, the measured compression preferably ranges from about ten (10) mmHg to about fifteen (15) mmHg when the stretched circumference is about 25% greater than the relaxed circumference.
The tubular body 24 of the receptacle 22 is knitted to have a tubular form. In the illustrated embodiment, the tubular body 24 presents a lateral width dimension D measured from one side margin 32 to the other side margin 32 when the shirt 20 is laid flat (see
Such tapering of the tubular body 24 could be provided using different techniques. For instance, where the receptacle 22 is knitted using a circular rib-knit machine with laid-in elastic, the feed speed for laid-in elastic (known as the elastic ratio) can be adjusted to change the lateral width dimension D. Generally, as the feed speed for the elastic increases, the lateral width dimension D increases. Also, as the elastic feed speed decreases, the lateral width dimension D decreases. However, it is within the scope of the present invention where tapering of the tubular body 24 is provided by the inclusion of fashioning stitches. For instance, where the receptacle 22 is knitted using a flat-bed knitting machine, fashioning stitches could be made along the side margins 32 to form a desired tapering of the tubular body 24.
The receptacle 22 also preferably presents a length dimension L measured from the lower receptacle margin 34 to an upper receptacle margin 41 (see
The size of the shirt 20 is preferably selected for the wearer W by measuring the circumference of the wearer's chest at the tidiest part of the chest. This chest circumference measurement is located generally at line C (see
Turning to
The shoulder caps 26 each preferably include opposite cap portions 42,44 that are sewn together along a cap seam 46. In the illustrated embodiment, the cap portions 42,44 are provided as part of corresponding front and back sections 28,30. The opposite cap portions 42,44 of each shoulder cap 26 preferably present upper edges 48 (see
This construction has been found to produce a very smooth and continuous interior shirt surface along the cap seams 46. Further, when the cap portions 42,44 are generally moved away from one another, it can be seen that this construction produces a slight dimple 50 that is elongated and extends along the interior shirt surface (see
Preferably, the cap seams 46 are positioned to define the upper receptacle margin 41 of the shirt 20, with the upper receptacle margin 41 being opposite the lower receptacle margin 34. However, it is within the scope of the present invention where the cap seams 46 are alternatively positioned.
Turning to
Preferably, the looper thread 54 has a thread weight that ranges from about one hundred (100) denier to about four hundred (400) denier and, more preferably, is about two hundred eighty (280) denier. Also, the needle thread 56 preferably has thread weight that ranges from about fifty (50) denier to about two hundred (200) denier and, more preferably, is about one hundred (100) denier. When comparing the weight of threads 54,56, the looper thread 54 is preferably about three times heavier than the needle thread 56. This configuration of the threads 54,56 has been found to contribute to the desired smoothness of the cap seam 46 along the interior surface 60 while providing a suitable level of strength for the cap seams 46. However, it is within the ambit of the present invention where the looper thread 54 and/or the needle thread 56 have an alternative thread weight.
The looper thread 54 is preferably sewn with a stitch count that ranges from about twenty-two (22) stitches per inch to about thirty (30) stitches per inch and, more preferably, is about twenty-six (26) stitches per inch. The needle thread 56 is preferably sewn with a stitch count that ranges from about twenty (20) stitches per inch to about twenty-eight (28) stitches per inch and, more preferably, is about twenty-four (24) stitches per inch. Thus, the looper thread 54 preferably forms stitches that are dense than the stitches formed by the needle thread 56. This construction also contributes to the desired smoothness of the cap seam 46 along the interior surface 60 while providing a suitable level of strength for the cap seams 46. Again, it is within the ambit of the present invention where the looper thread 54 and/or the needle thread 56 have an alternative stitch density.
In use, the shirt 20 is donned by the wearer W by passing the head and arms through the torso opening 37, extending the head through the neck opening 36, and extending the arms through the corresponding arm openings 38. The shirt 20 is moved downwardly along the torso T until the shoulder caps 26 contact (or at least move adjacent to) the shoulders of the wearer W. As the shirt 20 is donned, the shirt 20 elastically stretches to conform to the wearer W and apply compression to the torso T.
Although the above description presents features of preferred embodiments of the present invention, other preferred embodiments may also be created in keeping with the principles of the invention. Such other preferred embodiments may, for instance, be provided with features drawn from one or more of the embodiments described above. Yet further, such other preferred embodiments may include features from multiple embodiments described above, particularly where such features are compatible for use together despite having been presented independently as part of separate embodiments in the above description.
The preferred forms of the invention described above are to be used as illustration only, and should not be utilized in a limiting sense in interpreting the scope of the present invention. Obvious modifications to the exemplary embodiments, as hereinabove set forth, could be readily made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
The inventor hereby states his intent to rely on the Doctrine of Equivalents to determine and assess the reasonably fair scope of the present invention as pertains to any apparatus not materially departing from but outside the literal scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/770,858, filed Feb. 28, 2013, entitled COMPRESSION SHIRT, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61770858 | Feb 2013 | US |