Patent Application
20170013886
During pregnancy, a woman's abdomen will distend as the fetus grows and the uterus expands. As the abdominal distension and weight gain continues, discomfort and difficulty increases even in daily activities such as sleeping, walking, bending, or driving. Physical activities, especially sports activities, may be prone to induce and/or affected by different health conditions including sports hernia, groin strain, and Achilles tendon rupture
The present invention relates to supportive garment, protective garment, maternity support wear, postnatal support wear, performance protection and support wear.
During pregnancy, a woman's abdomen will distend as the fetus grows and the uterus expands. As the abdominal distention and weight gain continues, the gravid uterus applies downward and outward pressure onto the pelvic floor and the abdominal wall. This results in straining on the core muscles, the pelvis, and the pelvic organs. As a result, pregnant women are prone to a high incidence of: pelvic floor dysfunction in about ⅓ of women; low back pain and pelvic girdle pain in about ¼ of women; and diastasis recti in about ⅔ of women. In addition, the gravid uterus places pressure on the lymphatic drainage from the lower extremities, resulting in painfully swollen feet, ankles, and legs. In the situation of high-risk pregnancy, the gravid uterus adds pressure on the cervix, which may lead to premature labor, especially among women with short cervix. In over half the women, postpartum long term effects of these pressures may result in complications that last after child-birth. These include urinary frequency, urgency, stress urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, constipation, sexual complaints, abdominal distension, low back pain, skin stretch marks, and loose lower abdominal skin. The incidence of these problems increase with age at time of pregnancy and multiparity, both of which are increasing trends in the modern day.
Physical activities among both men and women may also apply stress and strain on the core muscles, which include the abdominal wall, pelvic floor, hips, diaphragm, and back muscles. As an example, sports activities may result in muscle or tendon strain that causes pain, such as with a sports hernia, hip labral tear, or Achilles tendon rupture. Jobs that result in heavy lifting and prolonged standing may result in low back pain, abdominal wall and groin hernia. Weight gain and heavy lifting may predispose one to diastasis recti. In some cases, the device disclosed herein includes a maternity support belt that is integrated into the garment for gravid uterus support, pelvic floor support, and/or protection. In alternative case, the device disclosed herein includes a postnatal support belt that is integrated into the garment for abdominal wall support and/or compression. In certain embodiments, the device disclosed herein alternatively includes a sport performance support belt that is integrated into the garment for groin support, hip support, and/or core muscle support. In alternative embodiments, the device disclosed herein alternatively includes a lower extremity muscle and tendon support and/or compression for the foot and calf.
The device disclosed herein is different from loose maternity clothes, postnatal garments, or traditional sportswear. The device disclosed herein adds performance technology and support to the garments based on knowledge of anatomy, medical conditions, and surgical disease. In some cases, the device disclosed herein is configured to provide prevention of injury, including prevention of injury to the abdominal wall, pelvic floor, hip, and lower extremity muscles and tendons. The medical benefits of the device disclosed herein, includes reduced pressure on bladder, less urinary frequency, less back pain, less pressure on cervix, and thus increased likelihood to get to term and therefore less likely to have early labor in women with short cervix less pressure on top of legs, less pressure on lymphatics and therefore less leg swelling, less skin stretching and perhaps stretch marks, less muscle stretching and risk for diastasis of the muscles, and/or improved overall abdominal tone. The device disclosed herein is especially helpful for women with the second or any later pregnancy, as the abdomen and pelvis are already stretched from previous pregnancies and they tend to have less support, for multiparous pregnancy such as twins or triplets, and for working women who may need to be on their feet at work for long periods of time. Additionally, the advantages associated with the device disclosed herein includes alleviation of Diastasis Recti, reduced occurrence of sports induced hernia and/or groin strain, less occurrence of Achilles' tendon rupture, less calf swallowing, prevention of skin chafing, less postnatal complication, alleviation of stretch marks, alleviation of urinary incontinence, alleviation of pelvic floor dysfunction, less back pain, improvement in posture, improved medialization of rectus muscles early postpartum, and improved hip stabilization. The benefit of integrating the device disclosed herein into clothing as opposed to wearing it separately, is that it is less likely to “ride” up or down as the body moves and thus it fits better to the body. Further, the integration of the device discloses herein underneath a layer of clothing avoids direction contact with the skin, thus additionally reduces skin reaction, redness, chafing, or other discomfort. The integration of the device disclosed herein into a piece of a garment is removable, reversible, adjustable, and independent of the fabric, shape, or other properties of the garment.
In one aspect, disclosed herein is a device integrated in a piece of garment for providing abdominal support to a user comprising: an elastic band configured to wrap around a waist of the user and provide upward and inward physical support to an abdominal region of the user upon wearing; an interface configured to attach the elastic band to the piece of garment; at least one mechanically adjustable connection, wherein the mechanical adjustable connection is configured to adjust a length of the elastic band upon wearing; and an integration of the elastic band to the piece of garment, wherein the integration is configured to prevent at least a portion of the elastic band from directly contacting a body of the user upon wearing.
In some cases, the band is elastic in three dimensions. In some cases, the interface is a mechanically reversible interface configured to allow removal and attachment of the device to the piece of garment. In some cases, the at least one mechanically reversible connection is close to a peripheral side of the body when the device is properly worn. In some cases, the band comprises a width of about 1 cm to about 40 cm. In some cases, the band comprises a length of about 10 cm to about 200 cm when the device is in a relaxed state. In some cases, the elastic band comprises a length that fits around an abdominal region, when it is properly worn. In some cases, the abdominal region is below a waist. In some cases, the device further comprises a second interface configured to connect to a supporting strap. In some cases, the supporting strap is a shoulder strap. In some cases, location of the connection between the second interface and the supporting strap is adjustable. In some cases, the mechanically adjustable connection comprises a belt eyelet, a belt buckle, a Velcro fastener, a zipper, a bottom, a hook, a loop, a tie, a strap, a ring, a clip, a loop tape, a hook tape, an adhesive tape, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the piece of garment, the interface, or the piece of garment and the interface is configured to prevent shifting of the device with respect to a human body. In some cases, the integration is underneath a top layer of the piece of garment. In some cases, the piece of garment is a top, a bottom, or a piece comprising a top and a bottom. In some cases, the device as disclosed herein is configured to provide maternity support.
In another aspect, disclosed herein is a device integrated into a piece of garment for providing abdominal support to a user comprising: at least two elastic bands, wherein the at least two elastic bands are not substantially parallel to each other; an interface configured to attach the elastic bands to the piece of garment; at least one mechanically adjustable connection, wherein the at least one mechanical adjustable connection is configured to adjust a length of the elastic band, wherein the device is configured to provide abdominal support to the user, and wherein the device is integrated in the piece of garment such that at least a portion of the elastic band does not directly contact a body of the user upon wearing.
In some cases, each elastic band is elastic in three dimensions. In some cases, the interface is a mechanically reversible interface configured to allow removal and attachment of the device to the piece of garment. In some cases, the at least one mechanically reversible connection is close to a peripheral side of the body when the device is properly worn. In some cases, the elastic band comprises a width of about 1 cm to about 40 cm. In some cases, the elastic band comprises a length of about 10 cm to about 200 cm when the device is in a relaxed state. In some cases, the elastic band comprises a length that fits around an abdominal region, when it is properly worn. In some cases, the abdominal region is below a waist, near a waist, or near a belly button. In some cases, the integration is underneath a top layer of the piece of garment. In some cases, the abdominal region is below breasts and substantially above a waist or a belly button. In some cases, the piece of garment is a top or a bottom. In some cases, the mechanically adjustable connection comprises a belt eyelet, a belt buckle, a Velcro fastener, a zipper, a bottom, a hook, a loop, a tie, a strap, a ring, a clip, a hook take, a loop take, an adhesive tape, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the piece of garment, the interface, or the piece of garment and the interface is configured to prevent shifting of the device with respect to a human body. In some cases, the piece of garment comprises a top and a bottom. In some cases, the at least two elastic bands overlap partially with each other. In some cases, an acute angle between a longest dimension of each elastic band is between 10 degrees and 89 degrees, the acute angle being adjustable by a user. In some cases, the device disclosed herein is configured to provide postnatal support.
In yet another aspect, disclosed herein is a device integrated into a piece of garment for sport hernia support comprising: at least two elastic bands, the at least two elastic bands are not substantially parallel to each other; an interface configured to attach to the piece of garment; at least one mechanically adjustable connection, wherein the at least one mechanical adjustable connection is configured to adjust a length of the elastic band, wherein the device is configured to provide abdominal support, and wherein the device is integrated such that at least a portion of the elastic band does not make direct contact with a human body upon wearing.
In some cases, each elastic band is elastic in three dimensions. In some cases, the interface is a mechanically reversible interface configured to allow removal and attachment of the device to the piece of garment. In some cases, the at least one mechanically reversible connection is close to a peripheral side of the body when the device is properly worn. In some cases, the elastic band comprises a width of about 1 cm to about 40 cm. In some cases, the elastic band comprises a length of about 2 cm to about 200 cm when the device is in a relaxed state. In some cases, the elastic band comprises a length that fits around at least part of an abdominal region, when it is properly worn. In some cases, the abdominal region is below a waist, near a waist, or below a belly button. In some cases, the piece of garment is a bottom or a top. In some cases, the mechanically adjustable connection comprises a belt eyelet, a belt buckle, a Velcro fastener, a zipper, a bottom, a hook, a loop, a tie, a hook tape, a loop tape, an adhesive tape, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the piece of garment, the interface, or the piece of garment and the interface is configured to prevent shifting of the device with respect to an area of a human body. In some cases, the at least two elastic bands overlap partially with each other. In some cases, a longest dimension of any two elastic bands intersects with an acute angle between 10 degrees and 89 degrees, the acute angle being adjustable. In some cases, the device as disclosed herein further comprises two additional elastic bands, the two additional elastic bands are elastic. In some cases, the device as disclosed herein is configured to provide sport hernia support, groin strain support, or sport hernia support and groin strain support.
In yet another aspect, disclosed herein is a device integrated into a piece of garment for compression support comprising: at least two elastic bands; an interface configured to attach to the piece of garment; at least one mechanically adjustable connection, wherein the at least one mechanical adjustable connection is configured to adjust a length of the elastic band, wherein the device is configured to provide compression support, and wherein the device is integrated such that at least a portion of the elastic band does not make direct contact with a human body upon wearing.
In some cases, each elastic band is elastic in three dimensions. In some cases, the interface is a mechanically reversible interface configured to allow removal and attachment of the device to the piece of garment. In some cases, the at least one mechanically reversible connection is close to a peripheral side of the body when the device is properly worn. In some cases, the elastic band comprises a width of about 1 mm to about 40 cm. In some cases, the elastic band comprises a length of about 2 cm to about 200 cm when the device is in a relaxed state. In some cases, the elastic band comprises a length that fits around a calf region, a foot, or a calf region and a foot, when it is properly worn. In some cases, the piece of garment is a sock. In some cases, the mechanically adjustable connection comprises a belt eyelet, a belt buckle, a Velcro fastener, a zipper, a bottom, a hook, a loop, a tie, a hook tape, a loop take, an adhesive tape, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the piece of garment, the interface, or the piece of garment and the interface is configured to prevent shifting of the device with respect to an area of a human body. In some cases, the at least two elastic bands are not substantially parallel. In some cases, a longest dimension of any two elastic bands intersects with an acute angle between 10 degrees and 89 degrees, the acute angle being adjustable. In some cases, the device as disclosed herein further comprises two additional elastic bands, the two additional elastic bands are elastic. In some cases, the device as disclosed herein is configured to provide compression support for a calf, a foot, a leg, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the at least two elastic bands overlap partially with each other.
In an alternative aspect, disclosed herein is device integrated into a sock for mechanical support and compression comprising: a first elastic band at a foot portion of the sock; and a second and a third elastic band at a leg portion of the sock, wherein the second and the third elastic bands are not substantially parallel to each other and overlap at least partially with each other, wherein the first, second, and third elastic bands are integrated into the sock such that at least a portion of the elastic band does not make direct contact with a human body upon wearing, wherein the device is configured to provide compression and mechanical support to at least two muscles, at least one tendon, or both of a wearer.
In some cases, one or more of the first, second, or third elastic band is elastic in three dimensions. In some cases, the first, second, or third elastic band comprises a width of about 1 mm to about 4 cm in a relaxed state. In some cases, the elastic band comprises a length of about 1 cm to about 50 cm when the device is in a relaxed state. In some cases, the first, second, or third elastic band comprises a length that fits around a calf region, a forefoot, an arch, an Achilles' tendon region, or a combination thereof upon wearing. In some cases, the device is configured to prevent shifting of the first, second, and third elastic bands with respect to a lower leg and foot upon wearing. In some cases, a longest dimension of any two of the first, second, or third elastic bands intersects with an acute angle between 10 degrees and 89.9 degrees. In some cases, the acute angle is adjustable by a wearer. In some cases, the at least two muscles include a calf muscle, a soleus muscle, a gastrocnemius muscle, a plantaris muscle or a combination thereof. In some cases, the at least one tendon is the Achilles' tendon. In some cases, the first elastic band is substantially a closed loop wrapped around a part of a foot of a wearer. In some cases, the part is a forefoot, an arch, or a combination thereof. In some cases, at least one of the second and the third elastic bands is not a closed loop. In some cases, the second and the third elastic bands intersect in a region higher than an Achilles' tendon region of the wearer.
The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:
During pregnancy, a woman's abdomen will distend as the fetus grows and the uterus expands. As the abdominal distention and weight gain continues, the gravid uterus applies downward and outward pressure onto the pelvic floor and the abdominal wall. This results in straining on the core muscles, the pelvis, and the pelvic organs. As a result, pregnant women are prone to a high incidence of: pelvic floor dysfunction in about ⅓ of women; low back pain and pelvic girdle pain in about ¼ of women; and diastasis recti in about ⅔ of women. In addition, the gravid uterus places pressure on the lymphatic drainage from the lower extremities, resulting in painfully swollen feet, ankles, and legs. In the situation of high-risk pregnancy, the gravid uterus adds pressure on the cervix, which may lead to premature labor, especially among women with short cervix. In over half the women, postpartum long term effects of these pressures may result in complications that last after child-birth. These include urinary frequency, urgency, stress urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, constipation, sexual complaints, abdominal distension, low back pain, skin stretch marks, and loose lower abdominal skin. The incidence of these problems increase with age at time of pregnancy and multiparity, both of which are increasing trends in the modern day.
Physical activities among both men and women may also apply stress and strain on the core muscles, which include the abdominal wall, pelvic floor, hips, diaphragm, and back muscles. As an example, sports activities may result in muscle or tendon strain that causes pain, such as with a sports hernia, hip labral tear, or Achilles tendon rupture. Jobs that result in heavy lifting and prolonged standing may result in low back pain, abdominal wall and groin hernia. Weight gain and heavy lifting may predispose one to diastasis recti. In some cases, the device disclosed herein includes a maternity support belt that is integrated into the garment for gravid uterus support, pelvic floor support, and/or protection. In alternative case, the device disclosed herein includes a postnatal support belt that is integrated into the garment for abdominal wall support and/or compression. In certain embodiments, the device disclosed herein alternatively includes a sport performance support belt that is integrated into the garment for groin support, hip support, and/or core muscle support. In alternative embodiments, the device disclosed herein alternatively includes a lower extremity muscle and tendon support and/or compression for the foot and calf.
The device disclosed herein is different from loose maternity clothes, postnatal garments, or traditional sportswear. The device disclosed herein adds performance technology and support to the garments based on knowledge of anatomy, medical conditions, and surgical disease. In some cases, the device disclosed herein is configured to provide prevention of injury, including prevention of injury to the abdominal wall, pelvic floor, hip, and lower extremity muscles and tendons. The medical benefits of the device disclosed herein, includes reduced pressure on bladder, less urinary frequency, less back pain, less pressure on cervix, and thus increased likelihood to get to term and therefore less likely to have early labor in women with short cervix less pressure on top of legs, less pressure on lymphatics and therefore less leg swelling, less skin stretching and perhaps stretch marks, less muscle stretching and risk for diastasis of the muscles, and/or improved overall abdominal tone. The device disclosed herein is especially helpful for women with the second or any later pregnancy, as the abdomen and pelvis are already stretched from previous pregnancies and they tend to have less support, for multiparous pregnancy such as twins or triplets, and for working women who may need to be on their feet at work for long periods of time. Additionally, the advantages associated with the device disclosed herein includes alleviation of Diastasis Recti, reduced occurrence of sports induced hernia and/or groin strain, less occurrence of Achilles' tendon rupture, less calf swallowing, prevention of skin chafing, less postnatal complication, alleviation of stretch marks, alleviation of urinary incontinence, alleviation of pelvic floor dysfunction, less back pain, improvement in posture, improved medialization of rectus muscles early postpartum, and improved hip stabilization. The benefit of integrating the device disclosed herein into clothing as opposed to wearing it separately, is that it is less likely to “ride” up or down as the body moves and thus it fits better to the body. Further, the integration of the device discloses herein underneath a layer of clothing avoids direction contact with the skin, thus additionally reduces skin reaction, redness, chafing, or other discomfort. The integration of the device disclosed herein into a piece of a garment is removable, reversible, adjustable, and independent of the fabric, shape, or other properties of the garment.
In one aspect, disclosed herein is a device integrated in a piece of garment for providing abdominal support to a user comprising: an elastic band configured to wrap around a waist of the user and provide upward and inward physical support to an abdominal region of the user upon wearing; an interface configured to attach the elastic band to the piece of garment; at least one mechanically adjustable connection, wherein the mechanical adjustable connection is configured to adjust a length of the elastic band upon wearing; and an integration of the elastic band to the piece of garment, wherein the integration is configured to prevent at least a portion of the elastic band from directly contacting a body of the user upon wearing.
In some cases, the band is elastic in three dimensions. In some cases, the interface is a mechanically reversible interface configured to allow removal and attachment of the device to the piece of garment. In some cases, the at least one mechanically reversible connection is close to a peripheral side of the body when the device is properly worn. In some cases, the band comprises a width of about 1 cm to about 40 cm. In some cases, the band comprises a length of about 10 cm to about 200 cm when the device is in a relaxed state. In some cases, the elastic band comprises a length that fits around an abdominal region, when it is properly worn. In some cases, the abdominal region is below a waist. In some cases, the device further comprises a second interface configured to connect to a supporting strap. In some cases, the supporting strap is a shoulder strap. In some cases, location of the connection between the second interface and the supporting strap is adjustable. In some cases, the mechanically adjustable connection comprises a belt eyelet, a belt buckle, a Velcro fastener, a zipper, a bottom, a hook, a loop, a tie, a strap, a ring, a clip, a loop tape, a hook tape, an adhesive tape, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the piece of garment, the interface, or the piece of garment and the interface is configured to prevent shifting of the device with respect to a human body. In some cases, the integration is underneath a top layer of the piece of garment. In some cases, the piece of garment is a top, a bottom, or a piece comprising a top and a bottom. In some cases, the device as disclosed herein is configured to provide maternity support.
In another aspect, disclosed herein is a device integrated into a piece of garment for providing abdominal support to a user comprising: at least two elastic bands, wherein the at least two elastic bands are not substantially parallel to each other; an interface configured to attach the elastic bands to the piece of garment; at least one mechanically adjustable connection, wherein the at least one mechanical adjustable connection is configured to adjust a length of the elastic band, wherein the device is configured to provide abdominal support to the user, and wherein the device is integrated in the piece of garment such that at least a portion of the elastic band does not directly contact a body of the user upon wearing.
In some cases, each elastic band is elastic in three dimensions. In some cases, the interface is a mechanically reversible interface configured to allow removal and attachment of the device to the piece of garment. In some cases, the at least one mechanically reversible connection is close to a peripheral side of the body when the device is properly worn. In some cases, the elastic band comprises a width of about 1 cm to about 40 cm. In some cases, the elastic band comprises a length of about 10 cm to about 200 cm when the device is in a relaxed state. In some cases, the elastic band comprises a length that fits around an abdominal region, when it is properly worn. In some cases, the abdominal region is below a waist, near a waist, or near a belly button. In some cases, the integration is underneath a top layer of the piece of garment. In some cases, the abdominal region is below breasts and substantially above a waist or a belly button. In some cases, the piece of garment is a top or a bottom. In some cases, the mechanically adjustable connection comprises a belt eyelet, a belt buckle, a Velcro fastener, a zipper, a bottom, a hook, a loop, a tie, a strap, a ring, a clip, a hook take, a loop take, an adhesive tape, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the piece of garment, the interface, or the piece of garment and the interface is configured to prevent shifting of the device with respect to a human body. In some cases, the piece of garment comprises a top and a bottom. In some cases, the at least two elastic bands overlap partially with each other. In some cases, an acute angle between a longest dimension of each elastic band is between 10 degrees and 89 degrees, the acute angle being adjustable by a user. In some cases, the device disclosed herein is configured to provide postnatal support.
In yet another aspect, disclosed herein is a device integrated into a piece of garment for sport hernia support comprising: at least two elastic bands, the at least two elastic bands are not substantially parallel to each other; an interface configured to attach to the piece of garment; at least one mechanically adjustable connection, wherein the at least one mechanical adjustable connection is configured to adjust a length of the elastic band, wherein the device is configured to provide abdominal support, and wherein the device is integrated such that at least a portion of the elastic band does not make direct contact with a human body upon wearing.
In some cases, each elastic band is elastic in three dimensions. In some cases, the interface is a mechanically reversible interface configured to allow removal and attachment of the device to the piece of garment. In some cases, the at least one mechanically reversible connection is close to a peripheral side of the body when the device is properly worn. In some cases, the elastic band comprises a width of about 1 cm to about 40 cm. In some cases, the elastic band comprises a length of about 2 cm to about 200 cm when the device is in a relaxed state. In some cases, the elastic band comprises a length that fits around at least part of an abdominal region, when it is properly worn. In some cases, the abdominal region is below a waist, near a waist, or below a belly button. In some cases, the piece of garment is a bottom or a top. In some cases, the mechanically adjustable connection comprises a belt eyelet, a belt buckle, a Velcro fastener, a zipper, a bottom, a hook, a loop, a tie, a hook tape, a loop tape, an adhesive tape, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the piece of garment, the interface, or the piece of garment and the interface is configured to prevent shifting of the device with respect to an area of a human body. In some cases, the at least two elastic bands overlap partially with each other. In some cases, a longest dimension of any two elastic bands intersects with an acute angle between 10 degrees and 89 degrees, the acute angle being adjustable. In some cases, the device as disclosed herein further comprises two additional elastic bands, the two additional elastic bands are elastic. In some cases, the device as disclosed herein is configured to provide sport hernia support, groin strain support, or sport hernia support and groin strain support.
In yet another aspect, disclosed herein is a device integrated into a piece of garment for compression support comprising: at least two elastic bands; an interface configured to attach to the piece of garment; at least one mechanically adjustable connection, wherein the at least one mechanical adjustable connection is configured to adjust a length of the elastic band, wherein the device is configured to provide compression support, and wherein the device is integrated such that at least a portion of the elastic band does not make direct contact with a human body upon wearing.
In some cases, each elastic band is elastic in three dimensions. In some cases, the interface is a mechanically reversible interface configured to allow removal and attachment of the device to the piece of garment. In some cases, the at least one mechanically reversible connection is close to a peripheral side of the body when the device is properly worn. In some cases, the elastic band comprises a width of about 1 mm to about 40 cm. In some cases, the elastic band comprises a length of about 2 cm to about 200 cm when the device is in a relaxed state. In some cases, the elastic band comprises a length that fits around a calf region, a foot, or a calf region and a foot, when it is properly worn. In some cases, the piece of garment is a sock. In some cases, the mechanically adjustable connection comprises a belt eyelet, a belt buckle, a Velcro fastener, a zipper, a bottom, a hook, a loop, a tie, a hook tape, a loop take, an adhesive tape, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the piece of garment, the interface, or the piece of garment and the interface is configured to prevent shifting of the device with respect to an area of a human body. In some cases, the at least two elastic bands are not substantially parallel. In some cases, a longest dimension of any two elastic bands intersects with an acute angle between 10 degrees and 89 degrees, the acute angle being adjustable. In some cases, the device as disclosed herein further comprises two additional elastic bands, the two additional elastic bands are elastic. In some cases, the device as disclosed herein is configured to provide compression support for a calf, a foot, a leg, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the at least two elastic bands overlap partially with each other.
In an alternative aspect, disclosed herein is device integrated into a sock for mechanical support and compression comprising: a first elastic band at a foot portion of the sock; and a second and a third elastic band at a leg portion of the sock, wherein the second and the third elastic bands are not substantially parallel to each other and overlap at least partially with each other, wherein the first, second, and third elastic bands are integrated into the sock such that at least a portion of the elastic band does not make direct contact with a human body upon wearing, wherein the device is configured to provide compression and mechanical support to at least two muscles, at least one tendon, or both of a wearer.
In some cases, one or more of the first, second, or third elastic band is elastic in three dimensions. In some cases, the first, second, or third elastic band comprises a width of about 1 mm to about 4 cm in a relaxed state. In some cases, the elastic band comprises a length of about 1 cm to about 50 cm when the device is in a relaxed state. In some cases, the first, second, or third elastic band comprises a length that fits around a calf region, a forefoot, an arch, an Achilles' tendon region, or a combination thereof upon wearing. In some cases, the device is configured to prevent shifting of the first, second, and third elastic bands with respect to a lower leg and foot upon wearing. In some cases, a longest dimension of any two of the first, second, or third elastic bands intersects with an acute angle between 10 degrees and 89.9 degrees. In some cases, the acute angle is adjustable by a wearer. In some cases, the at least two muscles include a calf muscle, a soleus muscle, a gastrocnemius muscle, a plantaris muscle or a combination thereof. In some cases, the at least one tendon is the Achilles' tendon. In some cases, the first elastic band is substantially a closed loop wrapped around a part of a foot of a wearer. In some cases, the part is a forefoot, an arch, or a combination thereof. In some cases, at least one of the second and the third elastic bands is not a closed loop. In some cases, the second and the third elastic bands intersect in a region higher than an Achilles' tendon region of the wearer.
In some cases, the device disclosed herein comprises a hidden low profile maternity belt integrated into a piece of garment. In some cases, the device disclosed herein comprises a hidden low profile postpartum wrap integrated into a piece of garment. In some cases, the device disclosed herein comprises a hidden low profile elastic band integrated into a piece of garment for support performance support, specifically designated to protect the user from sport hernia, groin strain, or Achilles's tendon rupture. In some embodiments, the device improves and facilitates the closure of closure of Diastasis Recti and return of the wearer's figure. Such device is used for mothers after child delivery or regular people that suffer from Diastasis Recti. In some embodiments, the device includes unique side closures with ate least one Velcro closure to cinch the lower belly up for support. In some case, the device includes foldable side gussets with lightweight pleated fabric to allow for easy in and out. In some case, the device includes attachable suspenders for extra-large bellies. In some embodiments, the device is applicable to any traditional bottoms, tops, underwear, or socks. In some embodiments, the piece of garment with the device integrated therein provides a smooth and a natural appearance as if the device is not integrated therein. Further, the garment with the device integrated therein is comfortable and convenient to wear.
In some case, the device disclosed herein includes one or more elastic bands. As disclosed herein, in some cases, the band may be a closed loop with its two ends connected to each other, or an elongate strip with two open ends. In alternative cases, the band may be a substantially closed loop with connection elements, (as a non-limiting example,
In some embodiments, the elastic band is elastic in one, two, or three dimensions. In some embodiments, the elastic band is stretchable along its longest spatial dimension. In some cases, the elastic band shrinks along its second longest dimension and/or shortest dimension. In some case, the elastic band is equivalent to an elastic strip as disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the elastic band includes one or more elastic bands.
In some embodiments, each elastic band has a length and a width. In some embodiments, the length of the elastic band is along the longest dimension. As a nonlimiting example, the longest dimension may be a circumference of a loop, a length, or a diagonal. In some cases, the longest dimension may be curved in a three dimensional space. In alternative cases, a longest dimension may be at the relaxed and unstressed state of the elastic band/strip. In some case, the elastic band is an elastic strip. In some embodiments, each elastic band has a length or a width in between 5 mm to 200 cm. In some embodiments, the elastic band has a thickness that is smaller than its width and its length. In some embodiments, the elastic band has a thickness in between about 0.1 mm to about 5 cm.
In some embodiments, the device includes at least one, two, three, or four elastic bands. In alternative cases, the device includes an arbitrary number of elastic bands. In some embodiments, the device includes a wrap-around band comprising at least two elastic bands. In some embodiments, if the device includes more than one elastic band, the bands are not substantially parallel to each other. In further cases, the bands are in Criss-cross with an acute angle between at least 10 degrees to at least 89 degrees. In some embodiments, the bands overlap around the midline of the wearer's body to provide enhanced support in the overlapping region. In some embodiments, the elastic bands are aligned with targeted muscle groups. In some embodiments, the elastic bands stretch in direction of groin oblique muscles, and/or adductor muscles. In some embodiments, each elastic band stretches in direction substantially parallel or perpendicular to a muscle or a muscle group in order to optimize the support.
In some embodiments, the integration, the elastic bands, the shape of the elastic bands, the device, the portion of garment covering the device and the integration has minimal interruption to style and fashion of the garment. In some embodiments, the wrap-around feature of the elastic band functions as a fashion statement.
In some embodiments, the width of the elastic band is consistent along its length. In some embodiments, the width of the elastic band varies in order to optimize the comfort and amount of support for different part of the wearer's body. As a non-limiting example, the elastic band is thicker at the back to provide amble back support when it is properly worn.
Referring to
In some embodiments, the elastic band or the elastic band includes the maximal support/protection in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the length of the band or strip. In some cases, the elastic stretching occurs mostly along the length of the band or strip. In some cases, the elastic shortening occurs mostly along the length of the band or strip. In some cases, the elastic stretching occurs mostly along the width of the band or strip. In some cases, the elastic shortening occurs mostly along the width of the band or strip.
In some embodiments, the device disclosed herein includes an interface or use of the same. In some cases, the interface includes a fastener element and/or an adjustment element. In further cases, the interface provides connection of the device to a piece of garment. In some embodiments, the interface connects directly to the complimentary interface of the piece of garment. In some cases, the interface and the complimentary interface enables fastening of the device to a certain location of the piece of garment. In some embodiments, the interface and the complimentary interface enables fastening of the device to a part of the wearer's body. In some embodiments, the interface and the complimentary interface enables fastening of the device to a part of the human body so that it ensures the support and protection during physical activities, for preventing activity associated injury or damages to the wearer's body. In some embodiments, the interface and the complimentary interface allows adjustment of the length, width, wrapping, the Criss-cross angle with another strip or band, the overlap area with another strip or band, the orientation of the elastic strip, the orientation of the elastic band, the elastic property of at least one elastic band.
In some embodiments, an interface, a complementary interface, or use of the same is installed to a traditional piece of garment to enable integration of the device disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the interface, the complimentary interface, or user of the same is removed so that a device integrated in a piece of garment is removed. In some embodiments, the connection between the interface and the complimentary interface is removed so that a device integrated in a piece of garment is removed.
In some cases, the device disclosed herein is integrated into a piece of garment. In some embodiments, the integration provides one or more advantages selected from: avoid direct skin contact, protection of the user's skin and/or body damages caused by direction contact or friction with the device, prevent damage of the device caused by direct contact or friction with the user's body, and prevention of undesired shifting of the device with respect to a certain part of the user's body caused by wearing the device as a stand-alone device.
In some embodiments, the device disclosed herein is integrated into a piece of garment using one or more selected from: sewing, a belt, a buckle, a zipper, a tie, a Velcro attachment, a hook, a snap, an eye, a loop, a button, a clip, a hook tape, a loop tape, an adhesive tape, and a clasp. In some embodiments, the integration is permanent. In some embodiments, the integration is reversible. In some embodiments, the integration is through a reversible attachment to a piece of garment via at least one interface. In some embodiments, the interface fits to a complementary interface of the garment to form the attachment. In some embodiments, the interface is not in direct contact with any part of the wearer's body when the device is properly worn. In some embodiments, the interface includes a module design so that the device is attachable to multiple pieces of garment through the attachment to different complimentary interfaces of different garments.
In some embodiments, the device, the interface, the integration, or a combination thereof is hidden beneath a piece of clothing so that it is not directly visually identifiable when it is properly worn. In some embodiments, the device, the interface, the integration, or a combination thereof is sufficiently concealed underneath the top layer of the garment of integration. In some embodiments, the device, the interface, the integration, or a combination thereof is hidden above a piece of clothing so that it is not directly contacting the user's body when it is properly worn.
In some embodiments, one or more devices are integrated into one or more pieces of garment that can be worn simultaneously to provide independent support of one or more regions of the wearer's body.
In some cases, the device is integrated below the upper edge of the bottom. In some case, the device is integrated near the upper portion of the bottom. In some embodiments, the device is integrated below the breast region of a top. In some embodiments, the device is integrated above the lower edge of a top.
In some cases, the device is integrated in a piece of garment so that it is part of the garment. As a non-limiting example, the device is sewed in a piece of garment like the elastic waist band of an active bottom.
In some cases, one or more property of the device is user adjustable. In some cases, the length of the device is user adjustable using a closure located close to the midline or the peripheral side of the wearer's body. In some embodiments, the closure uses one or more selected from belt, a buckle, a zipper, a tie, a Velcro attachment, a hook, a snap, an eye, a loop, a button, a clip, a hook tape, a loop take, an adhesive tape, and a clasp.
In some embodiments, the amount of wrapping is adjustable, as weight and waist changes during pregnancy or postpartum. In some embodiments, the adjustment and proper wearing of the device helps promote closure of Diastasis Recti and return of the mother's figure.
In some embodiments, the adjustment of the device is associated with or dependent upon the adjustment of the piece of garment covering it. In other cases, the adjustment of the device is independent of the adjustment of the piece of garment covering it.
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The belt 10, 20, 30, and 40 may include one or more mechanically adjustable connections 102, 103, 104, 403, and 404 that is configured to adjust the length of the elastic band. Such adjustment may at the same time affect the level of support that the elastic band may be able to provide to the user. In some cases, the adjustable connection 102 may include two or more structural elements. The structural element may include a fabric with adjustable length 103, a fastening or locking element 104 that may lock the fabric at a user selected length. The locking element may include but may not be limited to a latch, a hook, a loop, a button, a zip, a button hole, a hook tape, a loop tape, an adhesive tape, or the like. In some cases, the mechanical adjustable connection may be positioned on one or both side of the wearer to increase comfort and convenience. The connection located on a side or both side(s) may be advantages as it may be more accessible to the wearer. The belt may be adjustable to provide abdominal support to users at different stage of pregnancy and/or with different belly sizes. In some cases, the connection includes a locking element 104 that is configured to enable pulling from the front to the back of wearer. Such configuration more ergonomic and provides less undesired impact and better support for the pelvis than pulling back to front or along other directions.
The belt 10, 20, 30, and 40 may include a mechanical interface that allows attachment of the belt to a piece of bottom. The mechanical interface may be reversibly mounted to the garment. When the belt is not needed, the mechanical interface may be removed from the piece of garment depending on the need of the wearer. It may reduce weight of the garment, avoid wear and tear to the mechanical interface, and enable more flexibility to suit different users. Further, a reversible mechanical interface may be mounted to different pieces of garment to enable wearing of the same belt or different belt with different clothing options. Alternatively, the mechanical interface may be permanently mounted to the garment. Such permanent mounting may ensure easier, faster, safer, and more reliable attachment of the belt to the piece of garment. The permanent mounting of the interface may be less prone to accidental breakage or falling of the interface. The mechanical interface may be configured to provide a reversible attachment of the belt to the piece of garment so that the belt may be attached to or removed from the pants conveniently by the wearer. The garment may be worn together with or independent of the belt. Further, the mechanical interface may be hidden within the piece of garment along with the belt such that they are not directly contacting the body of the wearer. In addition, the mechanical interface may be hidden within the piece of garment along with the belt such that they are not exposed to an external environment. A hidden belt with hidden interface may provide significant comfort to the wearer as they may move along with the piece of garment relative to the body as a single unit. In addition, the belt and interface with no direct contact to the human body may alleviate the strict requirements on fabric of making as they may present much less or minimal health threats to the human body. For nonlimiting example, no direct contact may help avoid or reduce skin rashes due to friction, allergy to the fabric, overheating the skin by the fabric, low breathability of the fabric, or the like. It may also reduce the cost of fabric in making the belt and/or interface. Further, a belt with interface not visible from outside may also provide high cosmetic values to the pieces of garment.
The belt 10, 20, 30, and 40 may be integrated in a way that a part or the entirety of the elastic band does not directly contact a human body when the belt is worn properly. The integration may include two separate layers of the garment that covers the elastic band on one or both sides of the elastic band. The integration may be a fabric pocket with one or two openings that may allow sliding of the elastic band in or out of the pocket. The integration may alternatively be a sleeve of the elastic band. The integration may be padding or cushion customized to fit at least a portion of the inner side of the elastic band. As a nonlimiting example, a belt may be sandwiched by two fabric layers of the garment and mechanically attached to the garment. As another example, the belt may include a cover of the elastic band, the cover being between the elastic band and the body when the belt is worn underneath the garment. No direct contact with the user body may be advantageous. A belt with no direct contact with a wearer's body may provide significant comfort to the wearer as they may move along with the piece of garment relative to the body as a single unit. In addition, the belt with no direct contact to the human body may alleviate the strict requirements on fabric of making as they may present much less or minimal health threats to the human body. For nonlimiting example, no direct contact to the belt may help avoid or reduce skin rashes due to friction, allergy to the belt fabric, overheating the skin by the belt fabric, low breathability of the belt fabric, or the like. It may also reduce the cost of belt fabric in its making. Further, a belt not visible from outside may also provide high cosmetic values to the pieces of garment.
The belt 10, 20, 30, and 40 may provide abdominal support to users of different body sizes and/or body shapes. The belt may be adjustable to provide abdominal support to users at different stage of pregnancy and/or with different belly sizes. As can been seen in
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In some embodiments, the device comprises one or more metal plates for additional weight support. In some embodiments, the device comprises one or more uplifting straps 101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 901, 1101 for additional weight support. In some embodiments, the device disclosed herein provides support for one or more selected from: an abdominal region, a belly, a stomach, a back, a lower back, a calf, a foot, a breast, and a waist. In some embodiments, the device provides one or more selected from: maternity support, abdominal support, rectus muscle support, nursing breast support, postpartum support, sport hernia support, groin strain support, calf support, calf compression, foot compression, and abdominal compression.
In some embodiments, the device is worn below the breasts. In some cases, the device is worn above the waist. In some case, the device is worn below the waist or the belly button. In some embodiments, the device is worn around the waist or the belly button. In some case, the device is worn around the torso. In some embodiments, the device is worn near the Achilles tendon. In some embodiments, the device is worn around the arch of the foot, and or near the peripheral sides of a calf.
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The hidden device 60, 70 may be weaved into the activity bottom. Alternatively, the hidden device may be reversibly attached to the bottom via a mechanical interface in device 10, 20, 30, and 40. At least a portion or the entirety of the hidden device may not directly contact the body of the wearer.
The device 60, 70 may be integrated in a way that a part or the entirety of the elastic band does not directly contact a human body when the device and/or the garment it attaches thererto is worn properly. The integration may include two separate layers of the garment that covers the elastic band(s) on one or both sides of the elastic band(s). The integration may be a fabric pocket with one or two openings that may allow sliding of the elastic band(s) separately or together in or out of the pocket. The integration may alternatively be a sleeve of one or more elastic bands. The integration may be padding or cushion customized to fit at least a portion of the inner side of the elastic band (s). As a nonlimiting example, a device may be sandwiched by two fabric layers of an active short and mechanically attached to the garment. As another example, the device may include a cover for each of the elastic band(s) or the elastic bands together. The cover may be between the elastic band(s) and the body when the device is worn underneath the garment. No direct contact with the user body may be advantageous. A device with no direct contact with a wearer's body may provide significant comfort to the wearer as they may move along with the piece of garment relative to the body as a single unit. In addition, the device with no direct contact to the human body may alleviate the strict requirements on fabric of making as they may present much less or minimal health threats to the human body. For nonlimiting example, no direct contact to the device may help avoid or reduce skin rashes due to friction, allergy to the belt fabric, overheating the skin by the belt fabric, low breathability of the belt fabric, or the like. It may also reduce the cost of fabric in its making. Further, a device not visible from outside may also provide high cosmetic values to the pieces of garment.
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In some cases, the device includes a first elastic 817 at a foot portion of the sock; and a second and a third elastic band 818, 819 at a leg portion of the sock, wherein the second and the third elastic bands are not substantially parallel to each other and overlap at least partially with each other with an overlapping area 821. In some cases, the first elastic band is substantially a closed loop wrapped around a part of a foot of a wearer, wherein the part is a forefoot, an arch, or a combination thereof. In certain cases, at least one of the second and the third elastic bands is not a closed loop, and they intersect in a region higher than an Achilles' tendon region of the wearer.
In some cases, the elastic bands/strips are integrated into the sock with a top fabric layer, a bottom fabric layer, or both such that the elastic band does not make direct contact with a human body upon wearing and I the elastic bands are not visible from the outside upon wearing. In some cases, the device is configured to provide both compression and mechanical support to muscles, at tendon(s), or both of a wearer. In certain embodiments, the device is configured to prevent shifting of the first, second, and third elastic bands with respect to a lower leg and foot upon wearing.
In some cases, the elastic bands 817, 818, 819 include a width of about 1 mm to about 4 cm in a relaxed state, or a length of about 1 cm to about 50 cm when the device is in a relaxed state. In some cases, the length of the elastic bands/strips that fits around a calf region, a forefoot, an arch, an Achilles' tendon region, or a combination thereof upon wearing. In some cases, a longest dimension of any two of the elastic bands/strips intersect with an acute angle between 10 degrees and 89.9 degrees, wherein the acute angle is adjustable by a wearer.
In some cases, the device is configured to support a calf muscle, a soleus muscle, a gastrocnemius muscle, a plantaris muscle or a combination thereof. In some cases, the device is configured to support the Achilles' tendon.
In some cases, the device 80 is configured to provide mechanical support and compressive support to the forefoot and muscles of the lower leg thus they are less prone to injuries during activities. Such injuries may include a muscle strain, tear, rupture or the like. Further, the mechanical support may protect weaken muscles due to existing medical conditions. In some cases, the device 80 is configured to reduce tension on the tendon(s) thus they are less prone to injuries during activities. In some cases, the device is different from padding or cushion that reduces injury only by damping external impact(s).
In some embodiments, the device disclosed herein includes at least one shoulder strap. In some case, the shoulder strap is connected to the garment with the device integrated therein. In some cases, the shoulder strap is connected directly to the garment and directly or indirectly to the device integrated therein. In some embodiments, the connection is through an interface. In some cases, the connection is concealed beneath a top layer of the garment so that it is invisible when the shoulder strap is properly worn. In some embodiments, the shoulder strap is connected to the inside of the piece of garment. In further embodiments, the shoulder strap is connected in a way that it does not press on the breasts of the wearer. In other cases, the shoulder strap is connected in a personalized manner that it provides optimal support to the individual that is wearing it. In some embodiments, the shoulder straps is used for women with different pregnancy stages or users with back problems including back pain.
In some cases, the device comprises polyester, rubber, nylon, spandex, elastane, cotton, plastic, metal, polyester, silk, viscose, elasthan, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the device is stretchable in one, two, or three spatial dimensions. In some embodiments, the device and the piece of garment that the device integrated therewithin includes comparable elastic functions so that the garment stretches in a similar fashion as the device stretches. In some case, the garment includes an elastic property that is within a 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, or 30% difference range of the matching elastic property of the device. As a non-limiting example, a device has aYoung's modulus of 1 gigapascal (GPa), the garment has a Young's modulus of 0.9 to 1.1 gigapascal (GPa) if the elastic property of the garment is within a 10% difference range of the device. In some embodiments, the piece of garment that the device integrated therewithin includes softer materials or fabrics comparing to the device in order to ensure the comfort of the wearer.
In some embodiments, the device, or the piece of garment has aYoung's modulus in the range of about 0.1 GPa to 30 Gpa. In some embodiments, the materials or fabric forming the device or forming the piece of garment have different elastic properties. In some embodiments, the different material or fabric forms a uniform composite material or fabric in at least a part of the device or the garment. In some embodiments, the different material or fabric are used in different regions of the device or the garment thus providing variable elasticity in different regions of the device or the garment.
In some embodiments, a piece of garment is a top, a bottom, a sock, a piece of underwear, a piece of base layer, a camisole, a pair of shorts, a skirt, a pair of pants, a jumpsuit, a belt, a wrapping piece, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, a piece of garment is configured to enclose a device therewithin through connection via the interface and the complimentary interface. In some embodiments, a piece of garment is a regular or an off-the-shelf piece of clothing. In some embodiments, a piece of garment is any clothing article that can be adapted to include an interface or a complimentary interface to hold at least one device disclosed herein concealed and not visually identifiable when the article and the device are properly worn.
In some embodiments, a red arrow in the figure represents a stretching or pulling direction of an elastic band or an elastic band.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Any reference to “or” herein is intended to encompass “and/or” unless otherwise stated. As used in this specification and the claims, unless otherwise stated, the term “about,” and “approximately” refers to variations of less than or equal to +/−1%, +/−2%, +/−3%, +/−4%, +/−5%, +/−6%, +/−7%, +/−8%, +/−9%, +/−10%, +/−11%, +/−12%, +/−14%, or +/−15%, depending on the embodiment. As a non-limiting example, about 100 meters represents a range of 95 meters to 105 meters, 90 meters to 110 meters, or 85 meters to 115 meters depending on the embodiments. The term “substantially ” refers to less than or equal to +/−1%, +/−2%, +/−3%, +/−4%, +/−5%, +/−6%, +/−7%, +/−8%, +/−9%, +/−10%, +/−11%, +/−12%, +/−14%, or +/−15% variation. As a non-limiting example, substantially parallel represents a range of −1 to 1 degree difference, −5 to 5 degree difference, or −15 degrees to 15 degrees of difference from being parallel, depending on the embodiments.
All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.
While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments, of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.
The present application is a non-provisional of, and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/187,515 entitled “integrated supportive device in garments” filed Jul. 1, 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62187515 | Jul 2015 | US |
