U.S. patent application number 11/502898 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-15 for garment serving to combat cellulite and/or venous and lymphatic insufficiency.
Invention is credited to Dominique Sellier.
Application Number | 20070033696 11/502898 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34778673 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070033696 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sellier; Dominique |
February 15, 2007 |
Garment serving to combat cellulite and/or venous and lymphatic
insufficiency
Abstract
The garments and method disclosed herein serve to combat
cellulite and/or venous and lymphatic insufficiency in at least one
desired area of a lower and/or upper member of the body. The
garments preferably comprise an elastic knitted shell having an
inner face and an outer face adapted to restrain with a degressive
rate of pressure of the distal extremity of the member toward its
proximal extremity, and compromise a projection structure placed on
a portion of the inner face corresponding to said area. The
projection structures are capable of locally modifying the
curvature of the knitted shell, or other material, when the garment
is worn thereby increasing the compression exerted by the garment
in said area.
Inventors: |
Sellier; Dominique; (Paris,
FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CISLO & THOMAS, LLP
233 WILSHIRE BLVD
SUITE 900
SANTA MONICA
CA
90401-1211
US
|
Family ID: |
34778673 |
Appl. No.: |
11/502898 |
Filed: |
August 10, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/69 ;
602/75 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41B 11/14 20130101;
A41D 31/18 20190201; A61H 2207/00 20130101; A61H 7/001 20130101;
A61H 2201/1692 20130101; A61H 36/00 20130101; A41B 2400/322
20130101; A41D 13/0017 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/069 ;
602/075 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/00 20060101
A41D013/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 11, 2004 |
WO |
PCT/FR05/00292 |
Claims
1. A wearable item to combat cellulite and/or the venous and
lymphatic insufficiency in at least one desired area of the body,
comprising: an elastic material comprising an inner face and an
outer face, said material adapted to restrain the area of the body
with a diminishing rate of pressure from the distal extremity of
the area of the body toward its proximal extremity; and at least
one projection structure placed on a portion of the inner face,
said projection structure adapted to modify the curvature of the
material to be worn whereby compression exerted by the material in
the desired area of the body is increased to lessen cellulite
and/or venous and lymphatic insufficiency.
2. The material as claimed in claim 1, comprising a wearable item
incorporating plurality of projecton structures having a
substantially curved form.
3. The material as claimed in claim 1, wherein the projection
structures comprise a material selected from the group consisting
of plastic, semi-rigid plastic, thermoplastic elastomer, silicone
and composites thereof.
4. The material as claimed in claim 1, wherein the projection
structures are formed by impression, with deposits in relief.
5. The material as claimed in claim 1, wherein the material
comprises a fabric and the projection structures are formed
integral with the fabric at the time of knitting.
6. The material as claimed in claim 1, wherein the projection
structures of the inner face are placed on the level of the parts
of the material intended to be in contact with at least one zone to
be treated and with the veno-lymphatic saphenous collector.
7. The material as claimed in claim 2, wherein the projection
structures of the inner face are placed on the level of the parts
of the material intended to be in contact with at least one zone to
be treated and with the veno-lymphatic saphenous collector.
8. The material as claimed in claim 1, further comprising
protuberances on the outer face and wherein a portion of
protuberances on the outer face of the material are in
superposition with a portion of the projection structures on the
inner face of the material.
9. The material as claimed in claim 2, further comprising
protuberances on the outer face and wherein a portion of
protuberances on the outer face of the material are in
superposition with a portion of the projection structures on the
inner face of the material.
10. The material as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one
projection structure on the inner face contains micro encapsulated
active substances.
11. The material as claimed in claim 1, wherein the material
comprises a tee-shirt having armpits and wherein at least one of
the armpits comprises a part of ease under the armpit in order to
maintain the decreasing scale of pressure between at least one
elbow and at least one shoulder of a wearer.
12. The material as claimed in claim 2, wherein the projection
structures on the inner face of the material have a height (H) of
less than about 6 mm.
13. The material as claimed in claim 12, wherein the projection
structures on the inner face of the material have a height (H) of
between about 0.5 mm and about 3 mm.
14. The material as claimed in claim 2, wherein the projection
structures on the inner face of the material have a height and
wherein the projection structures are spaced from one another at a
distance of between about 1 to about 3 times the height (H) of the
projection structures on the inner face.
15. A wearable material to combat cellulite and/or the venous and
lymphatic is insufficiency in at least one desired area of the
body, comprising: a. an elastic sheath comprising an inner face and
an outer face, said sheath adapted to restrain the area of the body
with a diminishing rate of pressure from the distal extremity of
the area of the body toward its proximal extremity; b. at least one
projection structure placed on a portion of the inner face, said
projection structures having a height (H) of less than about 6 mm
and adapted to modify the curvature of the sheath when the wearable
material is worn; and c. at least one protuberance on the outer
face, whereby compression exerted by the wearable material in the
desired area of the body is increased and wherein a portion of
protuberances on the outer face of the wearable material are in
superposition with a portion of the projection structures on the
inner face of the wearable material.
16. The wearable material as claimed in claim 15, wherein the
projection structures on the inner face of the sheath have a height
(H) of between about 0.5 mm and about 3 mm.
17. The wearable material as claimed in claim 15, wherein the
projection structures on the inner face of the sheath are spaced
from one another at a distance of between about 1 to about 3 times
the height (H) of the projection structures on the inner face.
18. A wearable material to combat cellulite and/or the venous and
lymphatic insufficiency in at least one desired area of the body,
comprising: a. an elastic sleeve comprising an inner face and an
outer face, said sleeve adapted to restrain the area of the body
with a diminishing rate of pressure from the distal extremity of
the area of the body toward its proximal extremity; b. at least one
projection structure placed on a portion of the inner face, said
projection structures having a height (H) of less than about 6 mm
and adapted to modify the curvature of the sleeve when the wearable
material is worn; and c. at least one protuberance on the outer
face, whereby compression exerted by the wearable material in the
desired area of the body is increased and wherein a portion of
projection structures on the inner face comprises micro
encapsulated active substances.
19. The wearable material as claimed in claim 18, wherein the
projection structures on the inner face of the sleeve have a height
(H) of between about 0.5 mm and about 3 mm.
20. The wearable material as claimed in claim 18, wherein the
projection structures on the inner face of the sleeve are spaced
from one another at a distance of between about 1 to about 3 times
the height (H) of the projection structures on the inner face.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application claims priority from PCT Patent
Application Ser. No. PCT/FR2005/000292 having an international
priority date of Feb. 11, 2004 (filed Feb. 9, 2005 in the French
language) for GARMENT SERVING TO COMBAT CELLULITE AND/OR VENOUS AND
LYMPHATIC INSUFFICIENCY, which application is incorporated herein
by this reference thereto.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention concerns wearable materials and items, and in
particular garments, intended to help the wearer fight cellulite
and possible venous and lymphatic sufficiency, and to methods for
using the garments disclosed herein, as well as to methods for
making the disclosed garments and components thereof.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Several garments have been proposed to treat cellulite which
are usually activated by sweating. It is, today, acknowledged that
sweating does not overcome hypertrophy of fatty tissues.
[0005] Cellulite affects 95% of women, both slim and corpulent.
Cellulite or lipoedema corresponds to a hypertrophy of the fat
lodged just under the skin in the hypodermis, associated with
retention of fluids and toxins. Whereas, excess weight is due to
the storage of fats at a deeper level.
[0006] Causes of cellulite are numerous. They could be endogenous
in origin with a genetic predisposition, poor blood circulation and
also hormonal variations (menstruation, pregnancy, menopause). They
could also be due to exogenous factors such as a sedentary life
style in particular, lack of physical activity and also stress and
anxiety.
[0007] Although there are several causes and the
patho-physiological symptoms are still poorly known, there are two
main factors that contribute to the worsening of cellulite [0008]
firstly the increase in size of the fat cells (adipocytes) due to
storage of fats linked essentially to an unbalanced diet and
sedentary life style [0009] and secondly the increase in water
infiltration in the tissues, related to poor venous and lymphatic
blood flow back to the heart.
[0010] A study involving the biopsy of 48 womens' thighs affected
by cellulite revealed a constant dilatation of the fatty tissue
venules visible both in the capillaries of the dermis and
hypodermis, associated with storage of fats in the fatty tissues.
The same vein alterations were also noticed by infrared
thermography that revealed a colder skin temperature in the
cellulite areas.
[0011] As the fatty tissues increase in size, the process of self
nourishment with a deterioration of blood circulation and
stagnation of toxins is noticed. The connective supporting tissue
loses its elasticity and becomes fibrous. At an advanced stage, the
cellulite becomes fibrous which gives the skin a dimpled and
"orange peel" appearance. There are three clinical stages of
"orange peel" skin: [0012] stage 1: the dimpled appearance is
visible when the skin is pinched [0013] stage 2: the dimpled
appearance is visible when standing [0014] stage 3: the dimpled
appearance is permanently visible in all positions
[0015] The effectiveness of treatment proposed can be assessed
through high frequency ultrasound exploration by measuring the
thickness of the subcutaneous tissue and infiltration of water in
the tissues.
[0016] Lack of physical exercise and a sedentary life style promote
the storage of fats. Muscles represent 20 to 25% of womens' bodies
and since muscles consume energy even at rest, it is important to
take care of ones muscles and limit their involution with age. At
the age of 65, a person loses 30% of the muscles that he/she has at
25. Regular physical exercise has a slimming effect in the long
term, reducing insulin production by the pancreas and also helps to
stave off hunger. Furthermore, the fats seem to dissolve notably in
areas where the muscles are stimulated through exercise.
[0017] Medical experts are in consensus about the benefits involved
in graduated compression associated with walking in
venous-lymphatic insufficiency. Furthermore the beneficial effects
of contraction of the calf muscles by activating what is called the
"muscular pump of the calf" may result in better blood flow from
the lower limbs back to the heart.
[0018] The Inventor has reported that due to the graduated
compression (on average the pressure decreases, in a relation of
about 40-50% between the ankle and the calf) and Laplace's Law, a
compression stocking does not really act effectively at the level
of the thigh and the pelvis.
[0019] According to Laplace's Law, the external pressure (P)
exerted by an elastic casing, shell, sheath or similar material,
particularly a stocking on a desired area of the body, is directly
proportional to the tension (T) of the elastic casing, sheath,
shell or similar and inversely proportional to the curvature radius
(r) of the casing, sheath, shell or similar in the mentioned area.
This law is expressed by the formula P=T/r
[0020] Where (P) represents the pressure (g/cm2) exerted on the
skin, (T) the tension (g/cm) of the elastic fabric and (r) the
curvature radius (cm) of the compressed area.
[0021] Laplace's Law is only valid for elastic fabrics, the term
fabric used as generally accepted to include knitted and woven
fabrics and similar materials. For a fabric having a constant
tension (given), the pressure decreases when the curvature radius
of the limb increases.
[0022] Consequently the Inventor has reported that at the upper one
third part of the thigh, the pressure exerted by compression
stockings is no longer effective on the thigh muscles, on account
of the diminishing pressure and also because of the consequences of
Laplace's Law, since this part is almost flat; the standard
compression stockings do not exert any efficient pressure here.
Since the curvature radius of the lower limbs varies according to
each part considered, it is very difficult to measure pressure in
vivo. In fact, research and testing laboratories define the
pressure exerted by compression stockings, by calculating the
pressure exerted on a cylinder with a well-defined radius based on
the characteristics of an elastic knitted fabric.
[0023] It is possible to increase the elastic compression at the
thigh, but this would make it difficult to put on the garment and
furthermore, difficult to wear, as it would be anti-physiological
in relation to the venous and lymphatic blood flow back to the
heart.
[0024] The Inventor has also reported that manual lymphatic
drainage disposes of excess fluids in the tissues and evacuates
waste from cellular metabolism. This drainage occurs through an
initial process called "collection" carried out by the network of
lymphatic capillaries located in the infiltrated areas. The
"collection" results from the localized increase in the tissue
pressure through massage; the greater the pressure, the higher the
removal of excess fluids by the lymphatic capillaries.
[0025] The second process of drainage consists in the "evacuation"
of the fluids and toxins by the lymphatic capillaries, far from the
infiltrated area, towards the pre-collectors followed by the
lymphatic collectors, of which the major trunk is represented by
the satellite collectors of the saphenous vein.
[0026] The instant invention is directed to wearable materials and
items such as garments and methods which act on the different
mechanisms of self nourishment of cellulite resulting in orange
peel skin, and which are particularly effective concerning
localized micro circulation, the collection of toxins and fluids
and venous and lymphatic macro circulation.
[0027] This goal is perfectly achieved by the garments and methods
disclosed herein, which are intended to fight cellulite and/or
venous and lymphatic insufficiency in at least one desired area of
a lower and/or upper limb. These wearable materials, items or
garments preferably comprise a knitted elastic sleeve, casing,
shell, sheath or similar s material presenting an inner and an
outer side. The sleeve, casing, shell, sheath, or similar, may be
continuous or may be non-continuous on the desired area, e.g. the
sleeve, casing shell, sheath or similar may have open areas where a
portion of the wearer's skin on an area is uncovered, or areas
comprising a different fabric or material.
[0028] Preferably, the knitted casing, sleeve, shell, sheath or
similar has a compression effect with a diminishing degree of
pressure from the distal end of the aforesaid limb to its proximal
end and comprises projection structures, protuberances or a bumpy
composition (also referred to herein as `bumpy aspect`), on the
inner side of the garment corresponding to the desired area. The
aim of the bumpy aspect, projection structures, protuberances or
bumpy composition is to change the curvature of the knitted garment
locally when worn; it is designed in a way which increases the
compression exerted by the garment in the aforesaid desired area,
in application of Laplace's Law. It is through this combination of
diminishing compression, but localized increase in compression
brought about by the bumpy aspect, projection structures,
protuberances or bumpy composition of the garment that the goal is
achieved.
[0029] The garment according to the invention stimulates localized
micro circulation along with collection of toxins and fluids by
means of the bumpy aspect, projection structures, protuberances or
bumpy composition fitted in the parts of the garment corresponding
to the cellulite area. Moreover venous and lymphatic macro
circulation is also stimulated because of graduated compression.
The bumpy aspect, projection structures, protuberances or bumpy
composition on the inner side of the garment causes an increase in
pressure on the subcutaneous tissue by changing the curvature
radius locally without increasing the elastic compression at the
proximal end of the upper and lower limbs. Such an increase would
not be effective as it would undermine the diminishing action of
elastic compression.
[0030] The bumpy composition, or the bumpy aspect, of the garment
is preferably made up of several protuberances or projection
structures (which will be used interchangeably herein). This effect
can be obtained through printing on the knitted fabric with raised
deposits. It can be obtained at the time of knitting with the
formation of raised patterns in accordance with various well-known
techniques such as "knitted double fabric" for example so that the
bumpy composition or bumpy aspect can be preserved even after the
garment is worn and the fabric stretched.
[0031] According to the areas to be stimulated and following the
results sought, the bumpy composition, or bumpy aspect, may be in
varying numbers and sizes. Since there are preferably several
protuberances or projection structures, they are preferably placed
at intervals to ensure proper airing of the area on which they are
applied, so as not to increase heat and sweating. The protuberances
or projection structures are preferably under six millimeters in
height (H), and more preferably have a height (H) of about 0.5 to
about 3 mm, and spacing of preferably about 1 to about 3 times the
said height (H). The bumpy composition or bumpy, aspect can also
contain active substances using micro encapsulation techniques, for
cosmetic or hygienic purposes.
[0032] As previously stated, the bumpy composition or bumpy aspect
of the inner side of the garment will contribute to a better
collection of fluids and toxins in the infiltrated areas by causing
the tissue pressure to increase. The bumpy aspect or bumpy
composition is designed in the areas mainly concerned by cellulite
preferably at the principle saphenous veins. Its action is enhanced
during physical exercise particularly when doing sport, through a
massaging effect which acts in combination with the pressure
exerted. This combined effect of pressure exerted and massage in
the cellulite affected area or areas will break down the cellulite
by promoting fluid and toxin collection.
[0033] Furthermore, the bumpy composition, or bumpy aspect, on the
inner side along the lymphatic collectors contributes to a better
"evacuation" far from the infiltrated parts, of the toxins and
fluids picked up by the capillaries towards the most important
collectors, which will also be stimulated by variations in pressure
during physical exercise.
[0034] A bumpy composition, or bumpy aspect, can also be designed
on the outer side of the garment along the body areas mainly
affected by cellulite in order to improve the pressure on tissues
during physical exercise on the floor.
[0035] The garments may include in their application leggings or
leotards for the lower limbs and shirts, such as a tee-shirt, for
the upper part of the body. For the latter, a seam can be used at
the armpits to allow for a gradient of pressure between the elbow
and the shoulder.
[0036] Physical exercise plays an important role in tackling
lipogenesis (increase of fat cells) due to sedentary life style. It
is possible to improve the beneficial effects of physical activity,
particularly sport, whether it be walking, cycling or a work out
when this invention is worn. And even at rest, the wearer of this
invention benefits from the advantages, and comfort of decreasing
elastic compression.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0037] It is an object of the present invention to provide garments
intended to help the wearer fight cellulite and possible venous and
lymphatic insufficiency, and to methods for using the garments
disclosed herein, as well as to methods for making the disclosed
garments. These and other objects and advantages of the present
invention will be apparent from a review of the specification and
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of ankle-length
leggings in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
invention, with a general front view showing the areas having a
bumpy composition on the inner side.
[0039] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a preferred
embodiment of the leggings in FIG. 1 seen from the back.
[0040] FIG. 3 is a partial schematic representation of a preferred
embodiment of the leggings showing a bumpy composition on the outer
side of the garment, seen from the front.
[0041] FIG. 4 is a partial schematic representation of a preferred
embodiment of the leggings in FIG. 3 seen from the back.
[0042] FIGS. 5 and 6 show a cross view of a preferred embodiment of
the protuberances on the inner side in an area which is
respectively without protuberances on the outer side (FIG. 5) and
with protuberances on the outer side of the elastic knitted fabric
(FIG. 6).
[0043] FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of a preferred
embodiment for a leotard for dancers according to the
invention.
[0044] FIGS. 8 and 9 schematically represent a preferred embodiment
for a tee-shirt according to the invention seen from the front
(FIG. 8) and from the back (FIG. 9).
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0045] The detailed description set forth below in connection with
the appended drawings is intended as a description of
presently-preferred embodiments of the invention and is not
intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention
may be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the
functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating
the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments.
However, it is to be understood that the same or equivalent
functions and sequences may be accomplished by different
embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the
spirit and scope of the invention.
[0046] Turning to the appended figures, in FIG. 1, the garment
accords one preferred embodiment of the invention as a pair of
sports leggings (seen from the front in FIG. 1). Preferably, the
leggings 1 are made up of two half-tights 2 and 2' linked together
by seam 6, each preferably being made on a straight-bar or circular
knitting machine in accordance with well known techniques to obtain
a diminishing gradient of pressure between areas or zones that are
cellulite-prone or otherwise are to be treated, such as for
example, a first zone 3 corresponding to the ankle and a second
zone 4 corresponding to the upper thigh. The leggings 1 preferably
do not cover the feet as can be seen in FIG. 1.
[0047] The compression values of leggings 1 may vary according to
the effect desired. For example the compression values on
anatomical zones of a person wearing leggings may be:
TABLE-US-00001 Ankle pressure Leg pressure Thigh pressure (3) (7)
(8) In mmHg 8-18 8-15 6-12
[0048] Any weaving or knitting process and all fabrics that provide
the desired pressure values may be used. In the case of associated
severe venous or lymphatic insufficiency, the usually desired
differential compression of 50% is possible by fitting the garment
with a compression device such as support knee-length
stockings.
[0049] According to one aspect of the invention, this diminishing
elastic compression from the distal to the proximal end of the limb
is associated with a bumpy composition on the inner side and
possibly the outer side of the garment, in order to combine
improved venous and lymphatic circulation with an action of massage
and pressure on the cellulite areas with a "collection" and
"evacuation" effect.
[0050] As a preferred alternative embodiment for creating the
invention, FIGS. 5 and 6, the bumpy composition is presented as
multiple protuberances, or projection structures, 5 and 5' fixed
respectively on the inner side 1a and outer side 1b of garment
1.
[0051] These protuberances 5 and 5', preferably curved, hemispheric
or half moon shaped, are preferably made from plastic material,
preferably semi-rigid, such for example, in thermoplastic
elastomer, silicone or composite. These protuberances can also
contain active substances according to the technique of micro
encapsulation, for cosmetic or hygienic purposes.
[0052] Preferably, the protuberances 5, 5' have a diameter (D) of
under about 8 millimeters and a height (H) preferably of about less
than 6 millimeters. Their number and sizes, however, may be
determined according to the areas requiring stimulation and effect
desired.
[0053] The protuberances 5 on the inner side of the leggings are
preferably placed according to the following third zone 20: the
full circumference of the thighs (A), up to is above the knees,
both sides of the hips (B), the circumference of the ankles (C) and
on the inner side of the leg (D). Their beneficial action combined
with diminishing compression occurs in these parts (A,B,C,D) marked
with a dotted line on the figures, particularly during specific
physical exercises concerning these areas or during speed walking
or pedaling.
[0054] The protuberances 5' on the outer side 1b of the leggings
are represented in FIGS. 3 and 4. During floor exercises, the
protuberances bring about an increase in the massage pressure
exerted through a simple mechanical pressing action of the
protuberances into the skin. In this case, the protuberances on the
inner and outer side of the sport garment are preferably superposed
to enhance this mechanical pressing action. The 5' protuberances on
the outer side 1b of leggings 1, are preferably fitted (FIGS. 3 and
4) solely in a fourth zone 21 corresponding to the circumference of
the upper thigh and on the sides along the thighs and hips.
[0055] In another variation, (FIG. 6), garment 10 according to the
invention, may be a leotard for dancers, in which the leggings
preferably have a sleeveless extension covering the upper part of
the body.
[0056] In another variation (FIGS. 8 and 9), garment 11, according
to the invention, uses the principle of elastic compression
associated with a bumpy composition on the inner side and possibly
the outer side of a fifth zone 23 of arms 12. As illustrated in
FIG. 9, protuberances 5 have preferably also been fitted on a part
of the back 13 for massage action. A seam 16 is used at the armpits
to obtain a pressure gradient between the elbow 14 and shoulder 15.
These protuberances can also contain active substances, using
micro-encapsulation technology, for cosmetic or hygienic
purposes.
[0057] This invention is not limited to the methods of production
described and illustrated above which are given as examples and are
not exhaustive. The bumpy composition in the area or areas to be
treated can be created in any appropriate form provided that the
technical effect of localized increase in compression exerted by
the garment is obtained through change in the radius of the knitted
garment. This composition could be achieved at the time of knitting
with the creation of a thicker knit, that is sufficiently rigid so
that it continues to have a bumpy effect when worn during
sport.
[0058] While the present invention has been described with regards
to particular embodiments, it is recognized that additional
variations of the present invention may be devised without
departing from the inventive concept.
* * * * *