U.S. patent application number 11/292688 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-25 for anti-osteoarthritis and anti-hypothermia garment and device.
Invention is credited to Archie R. Donaldson.
Application Number | 20060107436 11/292688 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26906893 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060107436 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Donaldson; Archie R. |
May 25, 2006 |
Anti-osteoarthritis and anti-hypothermia garment and device
Abstract
A multilayered material is provided that exhibits therapeutic
effects for relieving the pain and swelling of various forms of
arthritis (particularly osteoarthritis), delaying the onset of
osteoarthritis, or preventing hypothermia or alleviating conditions
caused by hypothermia. The flexible, breathable multilayered
material includes a first layer of soft and hypoallergenic material
(e.g., cotton, silk, linen), a second layer of soft, heat retentive
material (e.g., wool, cashmere) contacting the first layer, and a
third layer of water repellent material contacting the second
layer. Additionally, the multilayered material provides a thin,
flexible, breathable fabric that can be used to construct various
garments, devices, and gears to combat harsh weather
conditions.
Inventors: |
Donaldson; Archie R.;
(Nassau, BS) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Ditthavong & Carlson, P.C.
Suite A
10507 Braddock Road
Fairfax
VA
22032
US
|
Family ID: |
26906893 |
Appl. No.: |
11/292688 |
Filed: |
December 2, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10317155 |
Dec 12, 2002 |
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11292688 |
Dec 2, 2005 |
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10212213 |
Aug 6, 2002 |
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10317155 |
Dec 12, 2002 |
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09934755 |
Aug 23, 2001 |
6574799 |
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10212213 |
Aug 6, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/69 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B32B 9/04 20130101; B32B
7/02 20130101; A41D 31/102 20190201; A41D 13/1263 20130101; B32B
5/26 20130101; A41D 2400/32 20130101; A41D 31/185 20190201; A41D
13/1236 20130101; A41D 31/065 20190201 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/069 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/00 20060101
A41D013/00 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. (canceled)
22. A multilayered material, comprising: a first layer of soft and
hypoallergenic material; a second layer of soft, heat retentive
material contacting the first layer; and a third layer of water
repellent material contacting the second layer, wherein each of the
layers is breathable.
23. A multilayered material according to claim 22, further
comprising: a fourth layer of soft, heat retentive material
contacting the third layer; and a fifth layer of water repellent
material contacting the fourth layer.
24. A multilayered material according to claim 23, wherein the
layers are stitched to form a garment, a device, or gear.
25. A multilayered material according to claim 24, wherein the
garment includes one of a hat, a jacket, pajamas, pants, a suit, a
glove, a sock, stockings, a scarf, a robe, a skirt, a dress, and
undergarment.
26. A multilayered material according to claim 24, wherein the
garment loosely covers a body joint for relief of a
musculo-skeletal disorder.
27. A multilayered material according to claim 24, wherein the
garment loosely covers a body joint for preventing or minimizing
effects of hypothermia.
28. A multilayered material according to claim 24, wherein the gear
includes one of a tent, a sleeping bag, a shoe, a slipper, a
blanket, and bed linen.
29. A multilayered material according to claim 22, wherein the
second layer augments body heat.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/317,155 filed on Dec. 12, 2002 (attorney
docket number 01026-1005), which is a divisional of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/212,213 filed on Aug. 6, 2002 (attorney
docket number 01026-1002), which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 09/934,755 filed on Aug. 23, 2001; the
contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to textile fabrics, and more
particularly to a multilayered material used to construct garments,
gears, or devices capable of providing therapeutic effects relating
to various forms of arthritis (particularly osteoarthritis) and
conditions associated with hypothermia.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Usability of a material in the construction of garments,
gears, and devices depends largely on whether the material can be
readily manipulated and that the material can effectively exhibit
certain desired characteristics. For instance, clothing and gear
manufacturers are continually seeking out materials to satisfy the
demands of its customers for comfortable, lightweight garments and
gears to provide protection against the elements (i.e., harsh
weather conditions stemming from extreme temperatures and/or rain,
sleet, and snow). Conventionally, to achieve the desired protection
against the weather, manufacturers have utilized fabrics that are
difficult to handle because of their inflexibility and bulkiness.
Fabric material characteristics are also critical in the product of
medical garments and devices. Manufacturers of therapeutic garments
and devices are likewise tasked with developing new products to
address various medical conditions. Because of the limitations of
the materials used to construct such products, aesthetics and
comfort are sacrificed. Therefore, the material characteristics
sought after by clothing and gear manufacturers and that of medical
garments and devices manufacturers are traditionally divergent,
with respect to comfort, aesthetics, and functionality.
[0004] To combat harsh weather conditions, a waterproof material
(e.g., rubber, plastics) is employed to prevent moisture from
entering the garment. For example, one traditional construction of
a wet suit provides a bonded layer to form a solid film of a water
resistant contact cement to resist any transfer of water. The
materials used in a wet suit do not permit wide application to
other garments, in part because of its bulkiness and because it
cannot be worn for a long period of time.
[0005] Another consideration on the desirability of materials is
whether they cause any allergic reaction with the skin. For
instance, foam rubber is not a material that should be in contact
with the skin for any length of time, as it can cause severe
irritation and does not allow the escape of perspiration.
[0006] For therapeutic applications, conventional garments localize
heat and moisture using non-porous materials, such as plastics or
rubber, to cover the particular afflicted area of the body. One
drawback with such an approach stems from the fact that plastics
are non-porous and causes perspiration buildup. This buildup of
moisture does not permit the garment to be worn for any extended
period of time, and thus, may detract from any therapeutic effect.
These materials, however, are suitable for outdoor garments and
gears, as they are not worn for any extended period.
[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a material that provides
therapeutic effects. There is also a need for a material that can
be used to construct a wide range of garments, gears, and devices.
Additionally, there is a need for a material that is a
non-irritant. There is also a need for a material that is thin,
lightweight, flexible, and water-repellent. Further, there is a
need for a material that can be worn for a prolonged period of
time, without any ill effects.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] These and other needs are addressed by the present
invention, in which a multilayered material can be used to
construct a garment, a device, or a gear for exhibiting therapeutic
effects for relieving the pain and swelling of various forms of
arthritis (particularly osteoarthritis), delaying the onset of
osteoarthritis, or preventing hypothermia or alleviating conditions
caused by hypothermia. The material is flexible, and breathable,
and can retain as well as augment body temperature of the body
parts covered by the material to well above that of the normal body
temperature. The multilayered material can be used to avoid
"tight-fitting" application to any of the body parts that are
covered by the material, thereby advantageously eliminating the
reduction of circulation. The multilayered material can be used to
produce garments that are light-to-medium weight and provide
medical benefits, physical fit, and a cosmetic appearance. The
present invention advantageously permits a garment, device, or gear
constructed from the multilayered material to be worn continuously
for a prolonged period, if necessary, without any adverse effects
because of its breathability. An inner layer, according to one
embodiment, is soft, flexible, breathable, light-to-medium weight,
and hypoallergenic (i.e., does not cause allergic reaction or skin
irritation). A middle layer is soft, flexible, breathable,
light-to-medium weight, heat retentive and augmentative, and can be
made to meet the requirements of the particular body parts. An
outer layer, according to an embodiment of the present invention,
provides water-repellent characteristics to withstand various types
of weather conditions, including water immersion; the outer layer
is flexible, light-to-medium weight, breathable, and synthetic. The
multilayered material can also be used to construct a number of
devices and gear. Furthermore, the material can be further layered
to accommodate more extreme weather conditions. The above
arrangement advantageously provides a multilayered material that
has wide applicability, enables continuous use, and exhibits
therapeutic effects.
[0009] In one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, a
multilayered material includes a first layer of soft and
hypoallergenic material, a second layer of soft, heat retentive
material contacting the first layer, and a third layer of water
repellent material contacting the second layer, wherein each of the
layers is breathable.
[0010] In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention,
a multilayered garment includes a plurality of coverings aligned
with respective areas of a body, wherein each of the plurality of
coverings is multilayered fabric material that includes a first
layer of soft, flexible, hypoallergenic, and breathable material, a
second layer of soft, flexible, heat retentive, and breathable
material overlaid on the first layer, and a third layer of water
repellent, breathable material overlaid on the second layer.
[0011] In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention,
a method for constructing a garment, a device, or a gear is
disclosed. The method includes layering a plurality of fabric
materials according to a sequence indicating a first one of the
fabric materials to be adjacent to a second one of the fabric
materials to be adjacent to a third one of the fabric materials,
wherein the first one of the fabric materials is soft, flexible,
hypoallergenic, and breathable, the second one of the fabric
materials is soft, flexible, heat retentive, and breathable, and
the third one of the fabric materials is flexible, synthetic, water
repellent, and breathable. The method also includes stitching the
plurality of fabric materials to form the garment, the device, or
the gear.
[0012] In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention,
a therapeutic garment includes a plurality of sections for loosely
covering areas of a body. Each of the sections is a multilayered
flexible and breathable material to retain body heat at the covered
areas to delay the onset of forms of arthritis, relieving the pain
thereof, and reducing effects of hypothermia. The multilayered
material includes an inner layer of soft, flexible, breathable, and
non-irritant fabric material, a middle layer of soft, flexible, and
breathable fabric material having heat retention characteristics,
and an outer layer of flexible, and breathable material having
water repellent characteristics.
[0013] In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention,
a garment for enclosing selected movable joints of humans and
animals subject to arthritis, osteoarthritis and hypothermia is
disclosed. The garment includes a multilayered flexible, and
breathable material having body heat retention and augmentation
characteristics surrounding at least one of the joints of the body,
in order to retain heat in such joints for delaying onset of forms
of arthritis, relieving the pain thereof and reducing effects of
hypothermia.
[0014] In yet another aspect of an embodiment of the present
invention, a body joint covering for enclosing selected movable
joints of humans and animals subject to arthritis, osteoarthritis
and hypothermia is disclosed. The body joint covering includes a
multilayered flexible material having two opposite open ends
surrounding and containing the joint and retaining body heat in
such joints which delays onset of forms of arthritis, relieving the
pain thereof and reducing effects of hypothermia. The multilayered
flexible material includes an inner tubular layer of soft,
lightweight flexible fabric material that does not irritate the
exterior surface of the joints; a middle tubular layer of soft,
lightweight flexible fabric material having high heat retention
characteristics; and an outer tubular layer of lightweight flexible
synthetic material having water repellent characteristics. The
inner tubular layer is retained by the two opposite ends while
being spaced from and loosely worn around the selected movable
joint to allow freedom of movement of the joint within the body
joint covering while retaining heat thereabout.
[0015] Still other aspects, features, and advantages of the present
invention are readily apparent from the following detailed
description, simply by illustrating a number of particular
embodiments and implementations, including the best mode
contemplated for carrying out the present invention. The present
invention is also capable of other and different embodiments, and
its several details can be modified in various obvious respects,
all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention. Accordingly, the drawing and description are to be
regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and
not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying
drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar
elements and in which:
[0017] FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams of multilayered materials
capable of providing heat retention and repelling water, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a process of constructing a
multilayered material, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0019] FIGS. 3A-3C are diagrams of various perspective views of a
therapeutic garment, according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0020] FIGS. 4A-4C are diagrams of various perspective views of an
undergarment, according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 5 is diagram showing use of the materials of FIGS. 1A
and 1B constructed to cover knee and ankle joints;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing use of the multilayered
materials of FIGS. 1A and 1B designed as an anti-osteoarthritis
elbow device, wherein the device covers the elbow area through
light elastic straps, according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a diagram of the elbow device applied in FIG.
6;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing use of the multilayered material
of FIGS. 1A and 1B to form a tent;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing use of the multilayered material
of FIGS. 1A and 1B to form a sleeping bag; and
[0026] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing use of the multilayered
material of FIGS. 1A and 1B to form a head gear.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0027] A method and device for countering the effects of
osteoarthritis and/or hypothermia are described. In the following
description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific
details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding
of the present invention. It is apparent, however, to one skilled
in the art that the present invention may be practiced without
these specific details or with an equivalent arrangement. In other
instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block
diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present
invention.
[0028] FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams of multilayered materials
capable of providing heat retention and repelling water, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As seen in
FIG. 1A, a multilayered material 100, which is, flexible, and
breathable, includes three layers: a water-repellent layer 101 that
shields against water, a heat retentive layer 103 that exhibits
high heat retention and augmentation characteristics, and a
hypoallergenic (i.e., hypoallergic) layer 105 that is soft and
minimizes allergic reactions. The material 100, according to one
embodiment of the present invention, can be light to medium weight
as to enable comfortable wear and continual prolonged use; however,
depending on the particular application, a heavier weight can be
utilized. In an exemplary embodiment, the material 100 can be used
as a garment, whereby the layer 101 serves as an outer layer to
shield against entry of moisture, and yet is breathable, the layer
103 is a middle layer, and the layer 105 provides an inner layer.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, the inner
layer 105 is soft, flexible, hypoallergenic, and breathable and can
be made of cotton, linen, silk, etc., while the middle layer 103,
which is soft, flexible, heat retentive (and/or augmentative), and
breathable, includes natural furs, such as wool, cashmere, camel
hair, and angora. In addition to being light to medium weight,
cotton provides an easy to care for and comfortable knit fabric,
and is non-allergenic. According to one embodiment of the present
invention, on average, the thickness of each of the materials 100,
110 is about 1/8 of an inch; the actual thickness will depend on
the particular application.
[0029] The water-repellent layer 101 is a synthetic (i.e.,
man-made), flexible, breathable material, such as a breathable
nylon, to repel water and to withstand all types of weather
conditions, including water immersion. Nylon is a strong fiber that
is elastic and resistant to abrasion. It is noted that other
water-repellent, breathable fabrics can be utilized; in general,
two different kinds of water-repellent, breathable polymeric
textile coatings exist. The first kinds are termed "microporous
coatings" which provide breathability due to the presence of tiny
pores present in the films; these pores block entry of water
droplets, but are sufficiently large to pass water vapor. Examples
of microporous, water-repellent, breathable textile coatings
include the following synthetics: Gortex.TM. (Microporous
Tetrafluorethylene), Entrant.TM. (Microporous Polyurethane),
Ultrex.TM. (Microporous Polyurethane), Breathe.TM. Microporous
Polyurethane, Exeltech.TM. (Microporous Polyurethane), and
Celtech.TM. (Microporous Poly(amino acid)). The second types are
"monolithic coatings," which are solid films (i.e., do not have any
micropores), and therefore, they are impermeable to water; their
breathability comes from the specific design of their molecular
structure and molecular architecture. Examples of monolithic,
waterproof, breathable textile coatings include the following:
Sympatex (Monolithic Polyester), Witcoflex (Monolithic
Polyurethane), and Bion-II Monolithic Polyurethane. Depending on
the duration of the expected use of the garment, device, or gear,
the selection of the outer layer 101 can be a microporous material
for prolonged, continuous use, or the monolithic material for a
relatively shorter duration.
[0030] When used as a garment for therapeutic applications, a
detailed medical study has revealed that the combined layers 101,
103, 105 increase the temperature of the body parts that are
covered by the material 100 well above that of the normal body
temperature (i.e., therapeutic heat), while preventing trapping of
moisture, so as to effectively treat musculo-skeletal disorder (or
injury). That is, not only was body temperature retained, but in
fact, augmented to a level that therapeutic effects are most
effective. It is noted that all the layers 101, 103, 105 materials
are breathable, including the outer water repellant layer 101. The
combined layers 101, 103, 105 also provide a fabric that is
durable, and washable.
[0031] The material 100, given the multilayered nature of the
construction, provides therapeutic advantages with respect to
delaying the onset of osteoarthritis, relieving arthritic pain and
swelling, and preventing or delaying the development of
hypothermia. To understand how the material 100 exhibits the noted
therapeutic effects, the conditions of osteoarthritis and
hypothermia are now described.
[0032] Osteoarthritis may be classified into two major sources of
origin: (1) systemic, which may be related to age, sex, genetics
and nutrition; and (2) traumatic, such as various injuries, weight,
occupation, sports participation, and exposure to the elements.
Osteoarthritis may viewed as a disease caused mainly by "wear and
tear" of the body joints. It is for this reason that a "cure" is
very difficult to achieve because of the constant injury, however
slight, which exceeds the normal repair process.
[0033] Healthy cartilage, the slippery tissue that covers the ends
of the bones of a joint, allows bones to glide over one another and
absorb the shock of physical movements. Over time, the cartilage
deteriorates, allowing the bones to rub together, which can cause
pain, swelling and loss of motion. Other structures such as
ligaments and muscles in proximity to the joints may become
affected. Osteoarthritis may become even more widespread as the
growing popularity of certain sports and stress exercises take
place.
[0034] Most articulations are simple in structure. They are
composed of two or more opposing, cartilage-covered bone ends,
joined by a flexible tube of dense connective tissue, the articular
capsule. An intimal layer of varying microscopic structures lines
the capsule; this is referred to as the synovia or synovial
membrane. This membrane, which heals much faster than the articular
cartilage, requires about 90-100 days to repair after an injury.
The very slow repair rate is the main drawback, in achieving a
"cure" for osteoarthritis. Within this enclosed cleft is a small
quantity of clear, viscid synovial fluid. The temperature of this
fluid and surrounding parts may fall as much as 3-4 degrees
Fahrenheit below the normal body temperature, when the joints are
exposed to cold, due to the poor blood supply.
[0035] Adjacent to the joints are similar tissue components such as
fascial layers, tendons, tendon sheaths, and bursae. Not only are
these structures of great importance in the normal mechanical
functions of the joints but also in the majority of articular
diseases they are either primarily or secondarily affected.
[0036] The hyaline cartilage covering the bone ends at the
articulations is an elastic, avascular, and cell-poor tissue. Its
chief, if not sole, source of nourishment is the synovial fluid
contained within the articular cavity. Compared with other
connective tissue, articular cartilage has relatively little
capacity for regeneration and repair following injury. Since
articular cartilage is the recipient of most of the mechanical
shocks and stresses that are exerted upon the skeleton, it is
apparent that the maintenance of an entirely smooth articular
surface, so essential to normal function, is constantly endangered.
It has been clearly shown that articular cartilage is readily
damaged by a wide variety of toxic agents, by acute injuries, and
also by minor and repeated traumas that are incident to everyday
activities.
[0037] The joints are anatomically and functionally adapted to
permit easy motion within a certain range. They are also contained
that the cartilage surfaces and the synovial tissues are subjected
to frequent injuries of mechanical, toxic, and metabolic nature. In
the case of cartilage, such injuries are not well tolerated because
of certain inherent biologic characteristics which limit its
ability to regenerate. The articular surfaces are prone, therefore,
to undergo important regressive changes solely from physiologic
aging and the wear and tear of daily use. Such alternations may be
greatly accelerated because of deleterious agents, single or
repeated trauma, or as the result of deranged mechanics from faulty
posture or disturbed locomotion.
[0038] As regards hypothermia, this condition stems from lowered
body temperature resulting from prolonged exposure to reduced
temperatures.
[0039] Heat can be applied to certain forms of arthritis,
especially osteoarthritis, to ease the discomfort caused by
osteoarthritis. Conventional garments for keeping the entire body
warm have been used to prevent the onset of hypothermia. Such
garments are useful in their own particular applications, but none
of them provide sufficient localized heat to the joints in order to
prevent or to reduce the discomfort of osteoarthritis attacks to a
satisfactory degree. The material 100 can be used to construct a
garment that can be worn to reduce the development of
osteoarthritic discomfort by preventing the sudden cooling of the
joints. This garment can also be adorned by a person suffering from
osteoarthritis, or subjected to low temperature for a period of
time that results in hypothermia, to provide a retention of heat
without adding to the person's discomfort, or causing injury by,
for example, overheating the body, or perspiration buildup under
the garment or devices. Garments, gears, and devices produced by
the material 100 can withstand severe weather, enabling the wearer
to enjoy the benefit of continuous heat generation.
[0040] For extreme weather conditions, such as below freezing
temperatures, so that onset of hypothermia is probable, the
material 100 can be further layered to create a material 110 (as
shown in FIG. 1B). The material 110, thus, includes the
water-repellent layer 101, the heat retentive layer 103, and the
hypoallergenic layer 105. In addition, the material 110 has another
heat retentive layer 107, and another water-repellent layer 109.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, the heat
retentive layer 107 is the same as the layer 103, and the
water-repellent layer 109 is identical to the layer 101.
[0041] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a process of constructing a
multilayered material, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention. In step 201, the layers 101, 103, 105 are placed
according to a pre-determined sequence, as shown in FIG. 1A.
Thereafter, a garment, gear, or device can be constructed by
stitching the layers 101, 103, 105, as in step 203. The combined
layers of materials 100, 110, which are highly flexible,
lightweight, breathable, water-repellant, and insulative, can be
utilized to construct garment, gears, or devices adapted to fit
around or cover joints or the entire body, in order to keep joints
and the body warm by the retention and augmentation of body heat
(as more fully described with respect to FIGS. 3-10). The materials
100, 110 are applied loosely to the body, in order to keep joints
and the body warm by the retention and augmentation of the body
heat (as more fully described with respect to FIGS. 3-10). It is
noted that it is not necessary to have medications or chemicals
applied to any of the layers 101, 103, 105 to enhance their natural
course of action.
[0042] The above procedure advantageously provides simple
construction, thereby being economically feasible, long lasting and
relatively trouble free in operation. The construction of the
garment is such that there is no "tight-fit" on any of the body
parts covered by the garment or device, thereby eliminating the
reduction of circulation, which in turn reduces the amount of heat
generated by prior garments and devices. The nature of the combined
layers 101, 103, 105 permits the garment, gear, or device, to be
made of lightweight materials and to provide medical benefits and
be aesthetically pleasing. Furthermore, the garment can be worn
twenty-four hours daily, without any adverse effects.
[0043] FIGS. 3A-3C are diagrams of various perspective views of a
therapeutic garment, according to an embodiment of the present
invention. A body suit 300 can be formed in which the material 100
can be applied to various areas of the body such that a person can
select the particular coverage necessary to relieve that person's
osteoarthritis pain and swelling or prevent or relieve effects of
hypothermia. As seen in the figure, body coverings made of the
material 100 are shown as the filled areas. For example, the body
suit 300 includes a neck covering 301, shoulder coverings 303,
elbow coverings 305, wrist coverings 307, gloves 308, hip coverings
309, knee coverings 311, and ankle coverings 313. FIG. 3B shows a
frontal view of the body suit 300. FIG. 3C provides a diagram of
the back of the upper body, in which a spine covering 315 is
included. The insulating materials 100 (or alternatively 110) used
to surround or cover the joints collectively provide a
light-to-medium weight, flexible, breathable, hypoallergenic, and
water-repellent fabric. The construction of this combination
maximizes thermal insulation, retaining and augmenting a
substantial portion of the body heat, while maintaining flexibility
of the garment and devices, and allowing the covered part to
"breathe." Because the fabric is lightweight, insulation provided
by the coverings 301-315 to warm a person's joints, do not cause
the person to become uncomfortably warm due to an insulation of the
remainder of the body. For an example, a garment constructed in the
form of a jogging garment would retain heat in the area of the
joints in order to keep them warm, but would be cool in the
lightweight intermediate areas so that the person does not become
overheated.
[0044] The various coverings 301-315 keep the person's joints warm
by the localized retention and augmentation of body heat, while
allowing flexible movements of the joints in all types of weather
conditions. The coverings 301-315, thus, can relieve osteoarthritis
pain and swelling, as well as prevent or reduce hypothermia by
retaining warmth in the person's body, especially in the joints,
while avoiding buildup of moisture.
[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, the body suit 300 comprises two
basic parts: a shirt (or top) garment and a trouser garment. The
shirt garment covers the upper body from the neck to the waist,
including the arms to the wrist. The shirt can be constructed as a
one-piece unit, which slips over the body, or can be formed with a
zipper or other fastening means to allow the garment to be slipped
on and secured at the center of the body.
[0046] The dimensions of the body suit 300 and of the body
coverings 301-315 are largely dependent upon the size and weight of
the wearer, with the ultimate objective being to provide insulation
sufficient to keep the joints of the body warm. For example, the
shirt garment, designed for an adult, would have approximately the
following dimensions: the insulating wrist covering would start at
a point approximately an inch below the wrist and extend
approximately 2 inches toward the elbow. Neck coverings 301 can be
formed of a continuous cylinder surrounding the neck of the wearer
and can be split in the front (back or side) with a closure. Also,
the shoulder coverings 303 can extend from a point approximately 3
inches above the shoulder, over the shoulder joint, and down the
outside of the arm, to a point approximately 5 inches below the
shoulder, and approximately 3 inches down the inside from the
armpit, from there they surround the upper arm and entirely
surround the shoulder joint. Insulating elbow coverings 305 can be
formed so that these coverings 305 extend approximately 2-3 inches
on either side of the elbow joint. The spine covering 315 can be
approximately 4-6 inches wide, extending from the neck region to
the waist region, substantially along the entire length of the
garment.
[0047] The trouser includes the hip coverings 309 to surround the
hips, the knee coverings 311, and the ankle coverings 313. The
material joining the insulating coverings 301-315, for example, can
be made from lightweight, flexible, breathable, hypoallergenic
material (e.g., cotton, or other fabrics with similar qualities).
The approximate dimensions of the trouser, for an average adult
wearer, are as follows. The hip coverings 309 extend from the
waistline to a point approximately 8-10 inches down the outside
legline and start from a point approximately 3-4 inches from the
centerline of the body in the front around to a point approximately
3-4 inches from the centerline of the body in the back, and are
formed in a generally oval manner downward, extending from the
front of the body down the leg and back up to join in the back of
the leg, up to the waist. The knee covering 311 is formed in a
generally cylindrical shape, which surrounds and extends
approximately 2-4 inches above the top of the knee, and 2-3 inches
below the knee. The ankle covering is formed as a cylindrical cuff
to surrounds and extend approximately 2-3 inches above the top of
the ankle, and approximately 1.5-2 inches below the ankle
joint.
[0048] In other embodiment of the present invention, the body suit
300 can be provided in the form of coverings for the hands and feet
(e.g., gloves, socks and stockings). Also, a scarf can be made from
the material 100, 110.
[0049] The body suit 300, as mentioned, can be constructed in
several different ways. In one embodiment, the coverings 301-315
are joined to adjoining lightweight materials (shown as unfilled
areas), for example by sewing, to form a uniform (or complete)
garment. These adjoining lightweight materials can be made of any
fabric, such as cotton, silk, and wool. In this exemplary
embodiment, the shoulder coverings 303 can be sewn to the upper arm
garment part, which in turn can be sewn to the elbow coverings 305.
In this manner, all of the insulating coverings 301-315, and
joining garment parts, can be joined to form a completed garment,
which in this case is a body suit 300.
[0050] In an alternative construction, a lightweight base fabric
garment can be constructed to cover substantially all of the
desired portion of the body. To this lightweight flexible
breathable hypoallergenic material, the insulating coverings
301-315 can be sewn over the joints in which heat is to be
retained. In this case, the light-to-medium weight garment would
serve as the lining (i.e., inner layer of the material 100) that is
in contact with the wearer's body.
[0051] In addition to the body suit 300, the material 100 can be
use to form other types of garments, gears, or devices. For
instance, garments can be constructed to be worn as a shirt,
blouse, jogging garments, dresses, sleeping pajamas, and two piece
suits, which serve to alleviate discomfort or pain caused by
cooling down after exercising, exposure to air conditioning, or
simply cool weather. Also, undergarments can be constructed for
wear under standard clothing, in order to alleviate the pain caused
by exposure to cold environment; for example, air conditioning
present in many modern office buildings and homes. Further, the
material 100 can be used to provide stockings to retain heat
sufficient to provide therapeutic effects for the knees and/or
ankles.
[0052] FIGS. 4A-4C are diagrams of various perspective views of an
under garment. As described the material 100 has wide
applicability, so that undergarments, such as brassieres and
panties for women, or T-shirts and shorts for men, can be produced.
As shown, a woman's brassiere 401 can be constructed with
insulating shoulder coverings 403, which completely surround the
shoulder joints. FIG. 4A also shows an underwear 405, in which hip
coverings 407 that are made from the material 100 and surrounds the
hip joints, can be joined with cotton, silk, or other similar
material to form panties or shorts. FIG. 4B is a front plan view of
the upper undergarment of FIG. 4A for covering the upper body. FIG.
4C is a back plan view of the lower undergarment of FIG. 4A for
covering the hip area.
[0053] FIG. 5 is diagram showing use of the materials of FIGS. 1A
and 1B constructed to cover knee and ankle joints. In an exemplary
embodiment, a legging 500 includes a knee cover 501 and an ankle
cover 503 joined by, for example, a lightweight material.
Alternatively, the knee cover 501 and the ankle cover 503 can be
individual devices. As mentioned above, the material 100 has been
tested with respect to osteoarthritis; the test focused on the most
difficult joint to treat for this particular disease, i.e., the
knee joint, because of the knee's strength and weight bearing
function, especially when in motion. A knee device was tested on a
number of patients, who were suffering from severe osteoarthritis
of the knee. The evaluation lasted over a 2 1/2 month period.
During this test period, 39% of the subjects experienced
elimination of swelling in the knee; 16% of the subjects reported
elimination of both swelling and pain; 32% of the subjects reported
no noticeable change in swelling; 45% of the subjects reported no
change in the pain; and less than 1% reported a worsen condition.
The fact that 39% of the subjects experienced elimination of the
swelling, 16% had elimination of both the swelling and pain, 32% of
the subjects did not have more swelling, and 45% of the subjects
reported no increase in pain shows the effectiveness of the
material 100, in light of the very slow regeneration of articular
cartilage. Even though the testing period was only for 2 1/2
months, the therapeutic merits of the combined layers 101, 103, 105
are evident, particularly in light of the fact that the synovial
membrane requires about 90-100 days to repair after an injury and
heals much faster than the hyaline (or articular) cartilage which
covers the bone ends and is the recipient of most of the mechanical
shocks and stresses that are exerted on the skeleton. The study has
shown that the knee device stimulated a greatly accelerated healing
processing, eliminating, reducing or holding steady the conditions
of severe osteoarthritis of the knee, without even the use of any
medication.
[0054] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing use of the multilayered
materials of FIG. 1 designed as an anti-osteoarthritis elbow
device, wherein the device covers the elbow area and is held in
place by light elastic straps, according to an embodiment of the
present invention. As evident from FIG. 6, an elbow device 601 is
applied loosely on the elbow area, sufficient to prevent
"slippage." The device 601, in an exemplary embodiment, has four
elastic straps 603 for loosely securing the device 601 around the
elbow (shown in FIG. 7). These light elastic straps 603 are
designed to keep the device 601 in place, and yet not decrease
circulation to the area. By contrast, most conventional therapeutic
devices provide a tight fit, which reduces blood supply to the
joint and muscles, thereby undermining the therapeutic effects of
the device. Other traditional approaches attempt to address this
problem of constriction as well as perspiration buildup by leaving
a large opening in the area directly over the joint; however, this
reduces any benefit that such devices render, due to the heat loss
from the exposed area. Slippage is even less of a concern with the
present invention, because the material 100 can be incorporated
into the garments, such as that of FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0055] As made clear by the previous discussion regarding the
application of the materials 100, 110, a complete garment can be
constructed for use in cold climate (or air-conditioned
environment) for anti-hypothermia effect. Additionally, garments,
gears, or devices, can be made to cover a particular part(s) of the
body to produce therapeutic effect, especially anti-osteoarthritis
of joints, as well as promoting healing of injured ligaments and
muscles.
[0056] Further, a wide variety of garments, gears, and devices,
which rely on the desirable characteristics of the material 100,
110, can also be formed, as enumerated in Table 1. TABLE-US-00001
TABLE 1 Garments: Overcoats Winter jackets Fall jackets - short and
mid-length Dresses Dress suits Jump suits Shorts (briefs) Panties
Long underwear Sport clothes (e.g., skiing, mountain-climbing,
hiking, golf, tennis, track and field, auto racing, ice skating)
Military apparel Socks Stockings Robes Petticoats Pajamas Bathing
suits Gears: Gloves Hats Tents Sleeping bags Shoes (footwear
insulation) Slippers Rain coats Gears Blankets (Continued): Bed
linen Pillow cases Diving suits Devices: Body joint coverings
(e.g., neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, hip, knee, ankle, foot)
Therapeutic brassiere
[0057] For example, FIG. 8 shows use of the multilayered material
of FIGS. 1A and 1B to form a tent 800. The sides of the tent 800
can be constructed using the material 110 for protection against
cold temperatures and moisture (e.g., rain, sleet, and snow).
Because of the breathable nature of the material 110, air
circulation within the tent is enhanced. FIG. 9 shows use of the
multilayered material of FIGS. 1A and 1B to form a sleeping bag
900. Because the materials 100, 110 are lightweight and flexible,
the sleeping bag can be conveniently folded and stored. FIG. 10
illustrates use of the multilayered material of FIGS. 1A and 1B to
form a head gear 1000.
[0058] Accordingly, the present invention provides a multilayered
material that can be used in all types of weather conditions. The
breathable multilayered material, according to one embodiment of
the present invention, increases the temperature of the body parts
covered by the material to well above that of the normal body
temperature--i.e., retaining and augmenting body heat. The
multilayered material can be used to avoid "tight-fitting"
application to any of the body parts that are covered by the
material, thereby advantageously eliminating the reduction of
circulation. Conventional approaches employ a tight-fit, which in
turn reduces the amount of heat generated by prior devices. The
multilayered material can be used to produce garments that are
light-to-medium weight and provide medical benefits, physical fit,
and a cosmetic appearance. The present invention advantageously
permits a garment, device, or gear constructed from the
multilayered material to be worn continuously for a prolonged
period, if necessary, without any adverse effects because of its
breathability. An inner layer, according to one embodiment, is
soft, flexible, breathable, light-to-medium weight, and
hypoallergenic (i.e., does not cause allergic reaction or skin
irritation). A middle layer is soft, flexible, breathable,
light-to-medium weight, heat retentive and augmentative, and can be
made to meet the requirements of the particular body parts. An
outer layer, according to an embodiment of the present invention,
provides water-repellent characteristics to withstand various types
of weather conditions, including water immersion; the outer layer
is flexible, light-to-medium weight, breathable, and synthetic. The
multilayered material can also be used to construct a number of
devices and gear. Furthermore, the material can be further layered
to accommodate more extreme weather conditions. The multilayered
material can also be used to construct a number of devices and gear
(e.g., tents, sleeping bags, shoes, slippers, etc.). Furthermore,
the material can be further layered to accommodate more extreme
weather conditions. The above arrangement advantageously provides a
multilayered material that has wide applicability, enables
continuous use, and exhibits therapeutic effects.
[0059] While the present invention has been described in connection
with a number of embodiments and implementations, the present
invention is not so limited but covers various obvious
modifications and equivalent arrangements, which fall within the
purview of the appended claims.
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