U.S. patent application number 12/942323 was filed with the patent office on 2011-05-12 for training and recovery clothing and related methods.
Invention is credited to Todd Dalhausser, Thomas Gridley, Sean McVicker, Andrea Paulson.
Application Number | 20110107502 12/942323 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43531089 |
Filed Date | 2011-05-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110107502 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dalhausser; Todd ; et
al. |
May 12, 2011 |
TRAINING AND RECOVERY CLOTHING AND RELATED METHODS
Abstract
This disclosure relates to training and recovery clothing and
related methods. In some aspects, a garment includes a fabric
having about 41-54 wt % polyester, 27-43 wt % nylon, and about
16-19 wt % polyurethane-polyurea copolymer, and the fabric is
constructed to increase oxygen levels in a wearer of the garment.
In some aspects, a shoe includes a tongue with an inner surface to
which a stand-alone polyester fiber is threaded through in a
netting configuration, the fiber is constructed to increase oxygen
levels in a wearer of the shoe.
Inventors: |
Dalhausser; Todd; (Natick,
MA) ; Gridley; Thomas; (Newburyport, MA) ;
McVicker; Sean; (Amesbury, MA) ; Paulson; Andrea;
(Somerville, MA) |
Family ID: |
43531089 |
Appl. No.: |
12/942323 |
Filed: |
November 9, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61364332 |
Jul 14, 2010 |
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61260528 |
Nov 12, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/456 ; 2/83;
36/54 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 13/08 20130101;
A41D 13/0015 20130101; A61N 2005/0645 20130101; A43B 23/26
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/456 ; 2/83;
36/54 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/002 20060101
A41D013/002; A41D 10/00 20060101 A41D010/00; A43B 23/26 20060101
A43B023/26 |
Claims
1. A garment comprising a fabric having about 41-54 wt % polyester,
27-43 wt % nylon, and about 16-19 wt % polyurethane-polyurea
copolymer, wherein the fabric is constructed to increase oxygen
levels in a wearer of the garment.
2. The garment of claim 1, wherein the fabric is constructed to
absorb light emitted by the wearer of the garment and re-emit the
absorbed light to increase oxygen levels in the wearer.
3. The garment claim 1, wherein the fabric comprises a material
comprising a polyester carrier material combined with optically
active particles, and the material is capable of absorbing light
emitted by the wearer and re-emitting the light at different
wavelengths.
4. The garment of claim 1, wherein a 1 meter by 1 meter piece of
the fabric has a mass of about 210 to 263 grams.
5. The garment of claim 1, wherein the polyurethane-polyurea
copolymer is treated with an antimicrobial agent.
6. The garment of claim 1, wherein the garment is constructed to
exert a compression pressure of about 14-22 mmHg to the wearer of
the garment.
7-8. (canceled)
9. The garment of claim 1, wherein the garment is a full body
compression suit.
10. The garment of claim 9, wherein the full body compression suit
is constructed to substantially entirely cover a torso, arms, and
legs of the wearer.
11. The garment of claim 9, wherein the full body recovery suit has
a gusset to allow a wearer access into the suit.
12. The garment of claim 9, wherein the full body compression suit
is constructed to exert a compression pressure on the wearer of
about 14-22 mmHg.
13.-15. (canceled)
16. The garment of claim 1, wherein the fabric has about 54 wt %
polyester, about 27 wt % nylon, and about 19 wt %
polyurethane-polyurea copolymer.
17. (canceled)
18. The garment of claim 1, wherein the fabric has about 41 wt %
polyester, about 43 wt % nylon, and about 16 wt %
polyurethane-polyurea copolymer.
19. (canceled)
20. A one-piece garment, comprising: a first portion constructed to
cover a torso of a wearer; a first pair of sleeves constructed to
cover arms of the wearer; and a second pair of sleeves constructed
to cover legs of the wearer; wherein the first portion of the
garment has a gusset configured to allow the wearer to enter the
one-piece garment through the gusset, and the garment comprises a
fabric constructed to increase oxygen levels in the wearer of the
garment.
21. The one-piece garment of claim 20, wherein the fabric has about
41-54 wt % polyester, about 27-43 wt % nylon, and about 16-19 wt %
polyurethane-polyurea copolymer.
22. The one-piece garment of claim 21, wherein the fabric has about
54 wt % polyester, about 27 wt % nylon, and about 19 wt %
polyurethane-polyurea copolymer.
23. The one-piece garment of claim 20, wherein the fabric is
constructed to absorb light emitted by the wearer of the garment
and re-emit the absorbed light to increase oxygen levels in the
wearer.
24. The one-piece garment of claim 20, wherein the fabric comprises
a material comprising a carrier material combined with optically
active particles, and the material is capable of absorbing light
emitted by the wearer and re-emitting the light at different
wavelengths.
25. (canceled)
26. The one-piece garment of claim 20, wherein the gusset is formed
of first and second flaps of material that overlap one another.
27. The one-piece garment of claim 20, wherein the garment is
constructed to exert a compression pressure of about 14-22 mmHg to
the wearer of the garment.
28. The one-piece garment of claim 20, wherein the garment is a
full body compression suit.
29. The one-piece garment of claim 28, wherein the full body
compression suit is constructed to substantially entirely cover a
torso, arms, and legs of the wearer.
30. (canceled)
31. A method, comprising: after exercising, wearing, for a period
of time, a garment configured to increase oxygen levels in the
wearer of the garment.
32. The method of claim 31, wherein the period of time is about 90
minutes to about 8 hours.
33. (canceled)
34. The method of claim 31, further comprising sleeping in the
garment.
35. (canceled)
36. The method of claim 31, wherein the garment exerts a
compression pressure of about 14-22 mmHg on the wearer of the
garment.
37-38. (canceled)
39. The method of claim 31, wherein wearing the garment for the
period of time increases oxygen levels in the wearer.
40. The method of claim 39, wherein the increased oxygen levels
facilitate recovery of the wearer from the exercise.
41. The method of claim 31, wherein the garment comprises a fabric
having about 41-54 wt % polyester, about 27-43 wt % nylon, and
about 16-19 wt % polyurethane-polyurea copolymer.
42. The method of claim 41, wherein the fabric has about 54 wt %
polyester, about 27 wt % nylon, and about 19 wt %
polyurethane-polyurea copolymer.
43. (canceled)
44. The method of claim 31, wherein the garment is selected from
the group consisting of: a long-sleeve shirt, a short-sleeve shirt,
a pair of pants, a pair of shorts, an arm warmer, a calf warmer, a
thigh warmer, and a pair of socks.
45. A shoe having a tongue with a fabric disposed on an inner
surface of the tongue, wherein the fabric is constructed to
increase oxygen levels in a wearer of the shoe.
46. The shoe of claim 45, wherein the fabric comprises a
conventional polyester material through which a stand-alone
polyester fiber is threaded, wherein the stand-alone polyester
fiber is constructed to increase the oxygen levels in the wearer of
the shoe.
47. The shoe of claim 46, wherein the fabric includes about 50% of
the conventional polyester material and about 50% of the
stand-alone polyester fiber.
48. The shoe of claim 45, wherein the fabric is constructed to
absorb light emitted by the wearer of the shoe and to re-emit the
absorbed light to increase blood oxygen levels in the wearer.
49. The shoe of claim 45, wherein the shoe is constructed to pull
the fabric disposed on the inner surface of the tongue of the shoe
into direct contact with a top portion of the wearer's foot during
use.
50. (canceled)
51. The shoe of claim 45, wherein all surfaces of the shoe other
than the inner surface of the tongue are substantially free of the
fabric.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/364,332, entitled "Training and Recovery
Clothing and Related Methods," filed on Jul. 14, 2010, and to
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/260,528, entitled
"Compression Clothing," filed on Nov. 12, 2009. The above-noted
provisional patent applications are incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The invention relates to training and recovery clothing and
related methods.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Athletes have worn compression clothing for a while, and it
has been widely believed that compression clothing can reduce
(e.g., minimize) the risk of injury and/or increase (e.g.,
maximize) the athlete's performance. In addition, compression
clothing has been believed to enhance or expedite recovery in
recent years.
SUMMARY
[0004] In one aspect of the invention, a garment includes a fabric
having about 41-54 wt % polyester, 27-43 wt % nylon, and about
16-19 wt % polyurethane-polyurea copolymer. The fabric is
constructed to increase oxygen levels in a wearer of the
garment.
[0005] In another aspect of the invention, a one-piece garment
includes a first portion constructed to cover a torso of a wearer,
a first pair of sleeves constructed to cover arms of the wearer,
and a second pair of sleeves constructed to cover legs of the
wearer. The first portion of the garment includes a gusset through
which the wearer can enter the one-piece garment, and the garment
is constructed from a fabric shown to increase oxygen levels in the
wearer of the garment.
[0006] In an additional aspect of the invention, a method includes
wearing a garment after exercising. The garment is constructed to
increase oxygen levels in the wearer of the garment.
[0007] In a further aspect of the invention, an improved type of
compression clothing is provided. In addition to one or more of the
benefits of conventional compression clothing, additional benefits
may be obtained by incorporating a unique fiber into the
compression clothing. The clothing can increase oxygen levels in
the blood of a subject wearing the clothing.
[0008] In another aspect of the invention, a shoe has a tongue with
a fabric disposed on an inner surface of the tongue, and the fabric
is constructed to increase oxygen levels in a wearer of the
shoe.
[0009] In an additional aspect of the invention, an improved type
of compression clothing is provided. In addition to one or more of
the benefits of conventional compression clothing, additional
benefits may be obtained by incorporating a unique fiber into the
compression clothing. The clothing can increase oxygen levels in
the blood of a subject wearing the clothing.
[0010] In a further aspect of the invention, compression clothing
is provided which is made with fibers known as Celliant.RTM.
fibers, which can be obtained from Hologenix, LLC, of Newport
Beach, Calif. As set forth in greater detail below, Celliant.RTM.
fiber is a specially formulated responsive material that is knit,
woven, or added to fabrics to enhance oxygen levels in the
body.
[0011] Embodiments can include one or more of the following
features.
[0012] In some embodiments, the fabric is constructed to absorb
light emitted by the wearer of the garment and re-emit the absorbed
light to increase oxygen levels in the wearer.
[0013] In certain embodiments, the fabric includes a material
including a polyester carrier material combined with optically
active particles. The material is able to absorb light emitted by
the wearer and re-emit the absorbed light at different
wavelengths.
[0014] In some embodiments, a 1 meter by 1 meter piece of the
fabric has a mass of about 210 to 263 grams.
[0015] In certain embodiments, the polyurethane-polyurea copolymer
is treated with an antimicrobial agent.
[0016] In some embodiments, the garment is constructed to exert a
compression pressure of about 14-22 mmHg on the wearer of the
garment.
[0017] In certain embodiments, the garment is a compression
garment.
[0018] In some embodiments, the garment is a full body compression
suit.
[0019] In certain embodiments, the compression garment is any of: a
long-sleeve shirt, a short-sleeve shirt, a pair of pants, a pair of
shorts, an arm warmer, a calf warmer, a thigh warmer, and a pair of
socks.
[0020] In some embodiments, the full body compression suit is
constructed to substantially entirely cover a torso, arms, and legs
of the wearer.
[0021] In certain embodiments, the full body compression suit is
constructed to exert a compression pressure on the wearer of about
14-22 mmHg.
[0022] In some embodiments, the full body compression suit is
constructed to exert a compression pressure of about 18-22 mmHg at
an ankle of a wearer.
[0023] In certain embodiments, the compression suit is constructed
to exert a compression pressure of between 14-18 mmHg at a top welt
of the wearer.
[0024] In some embodiments, the compression suit is constructed to
exert a compression pressure at a mid or top part of a calf of a
wearer that is 60%-80% of the compression pressured exerted at an
ankle of the wearer.
[0025] In certain embodiments, the fabric has about 54 wt %
polyester, 27 wt % nylon, and about 19 wt % polyurethane-polyurea
copolymer.
[0026] In some embodiments, the garment is a recovery garment.
[0027] In other embodiments, the fabric has about 41 wt %
polyester, 43 wt % nylon, and about 16 wt % polyurethane-polyurea
copolymer.
[0028] In certain embodiments, the garment is an athletic training
garment.
[0029] In some embodiments, a gusset is in a rear surface of the
torso portion of a one-piece full body recovery garment.
[0030] In certain embodiments, a gusset is formed of first and
second flaps of material that overlap one another.
[0031] In some embodiments, the garment is worn for a period of
time that is between about 90 minutes to about 8 hours.
[0032] In certain embodiments, the garment is worn for a period of
time that is between about 3 hours to about 8 hours.
[0033] In some embodiments, the one-piece garment is worn while the
wearer is sleeping.
[0034] In certain embodiments, the oxygen levels in the wearer
increases while the garment is worn for a period of time.
[0035] In some embodiments, the increased oxygen levels facilitate
recovery of the wearer after exercising.
[0036] In certain embodiments, the fabric disposed on the inner
surface of the tongue of the shoe includes a conventional polyester
material through which a stand-alone polyester fiber is threaded,
and the stand-alone polyester fiber is constructed to increase the
oxygen levels in the wearer of the shoe.
[0037] In some embodiments, the fabric disposed on the inner
surface of the tongue of the shoe includes about 50% of the
conventional polyester material and about 50% of the stand-alone
polyester fiber.
[0038] In certain embodiments, the fabric disposed on the inner
surface of the tongue of the shoe is constructed to absorb light
emitted by the wearer of the shoe and to re-emit the absorbed light
to increase blood oxygen levels in the wearer.
[0039] In some embodiments, the shoe is constructed to pull the
fabric disposed on the inner surface of the tongue of the shoe into
direct contact with a top portion of the wearer's foot during
use.
[0040] In certain embodiments, the shoe is a recovery shoe.
[0041] In some embodiments, all surfaces of the shoe other than the
inner surface of the tongue are substantially free of the
fabric.
[0042] Various embodiments of the present invention provide certain
advantages. Not all embodiments of the invention share the same
advantages and those that do may not share them under all
circumstances. Embodiments can include one or more of the following
advantages.
[0043] In some embodiments, the garment includes a material that
absorbs light energy emitted from the body of the wearer and
re-emits the absorbed light. This construction increases oxygen
levels in the blood of the wearer and thus helps to enhance or
expedite recovery.
[0044] In certain embodiments, the garment is configured to apply a
compression force that is less than the compression force typically
applied by conventional compression clothing. This level of
compression force can further contribute to increased oxygen levels
in the body of the wearer.
[0045] In some embodiments, the garment is configured to apply a
substantial compression force that supports muscles of the wearer
and thus reduces potentially harmful vibrations experienced by
those muscles. Such garments can provide a combination of increased
oxygen levels and increased support to the wearer.
[0046] Further features and advantages of the present invention, as
well as the structure of various embodiments that incorporate
aspects of the invention are described in detail below with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0047] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a long sleeve compression
shirt;
[0048] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pair of compression
pants;
[0049] FIG. 3 is a perspective front view of a full body
compression recovery suit;
[0050] FIG. 4 is a perspective back view of a full body compression
recovery suit;
[0051] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an arm warmer;
[0052] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a calf sleeve;
[0053] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a pair of compression
socks;
[0054] FIGS. 8 and 9 are graphs depicting the increased amount of
oxygen in the blood with a compression garment according to one
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0055] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a shoe.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0056] In general, this invention relates to training and recovery
clothing. The clothing is configured to increase oxygen levels in
the body of the wearer. Certain aspects of the invention are
directed to compression clothing that can provide support to
muscles of the wearer and can increase oxygen levels in the blood
of the wearer.
[0057] It is generally believed that compression clothing having
sleeves (worn around the arms, legs or torso) and the like may
reduce muscle fatigue and thus improve an athlete's performance. It
is also believed that compression clothing articles may increase
the power of the athlete. Compression clothing articles may also
help to prevent venous thrombosis (blood clots within a vein)
because the fitted clothing channels the blood flow to the lower
part of the body. It is also believed that wearers wearing
compression clothing articles, in general, may suffer less muscle
damage, which means they are less susceptible to injuries.
[0058] Applicant recognized that modifying compression clothing to
include a fabric that is capable of absorbing light emitted by the
wearer of the garment and re-emitting the absorbed light may
achieve additional benefits. In particular, Applicant recognized
that by incorporating such material into compression clothing
articles, oxygen levels in the blood may be increased.
[0059] In some embodiments, a fiber or yarn known as Celliant.RTM.
fiber, which can be obtained from Hologenix, LLC, of Newport Beach,
Calif., is incorporated into compression clothing articles.
Celliant.RTM. fiber contains a polyester fiber that is infused with
natural minerals. In particular, Celliant.RTM. fiber is
manufactured from active materials in the form of a powder that
contains one or more of aluminum oxide (Al.sub.2O.sub.3), quartz
(SiO.sub.2), and titanium dioxide (TiO.sub.2) in rutile form. The
powder has a dry weight ratio of active material of titanium
dioxide, quartz, and aluminum oxide of 10:10:2.
[0060] Celliant.RTM. fiber further includes a resin, such as a
polymer. Examples of polymers include polyesters, such as
polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The powder form of the active
materials can be dispersed into the resin, and may constitute about
0.5 percent to about 20 percent of the resin/powder mixture, or
between 1 percent to 10 percent of the mixture. In some
embodiments, the powder constitutes from about 1 to 2 percent of
the total weight of the mixture. In some embodiments, one half ton
of fiber can be produced using 100 pounds of the powder combined
with about 1000 pounds of PET.
[0061] In some embodiments, the powder form of the active materials
is introduced into the resin by compounding. In some embodiments in
which the active materials are introduced by compounding, 100
pounds of the powder may be combined with about 250 to 300 pounds
of PET.
[0062] The composition that includes the powder active material and
the resin can then be extruded into fibers or be blended with
acrylic, acetate, lycra, spandex, polyester, nylon, and rayon.
Additional information about Celliant.RTM. fiber is provided in
U.S. Pat. No. 7,074,499, which is herein incorporated by reference
in its entirety.
[0063] Celliant.RTM. fiber is a specially formulated fiber or yarn
that is infused with natural minerals that act to increase oxygen
levels in the body. Increased oxygen levels in the body have been
demonstrated to help: [0064] 1. Increase strength and build
endurance; [0065] 2. Promote healing; [0066] 3. Reduce recovery
time/accelerate recovery; [0067] 4. Regulate body temperature.
[0068] By incorporating Celliant.RTM. fiber or yarn into fabric
used to make full or half body compression clothing articles, the
athlete may benefit both from the above advantages associated with
Celliant.RTM. fiber, while also benefiting from advantages
associated with compression clothing articles, such as but not
limited to minimizing swelling and tissue damage, preventing
fatigue by reducing energy lost to muscle vibration during
exercise, and improving overall circulation. Thus, incorporating
Celliant.RTM. fiber into compression clothing articles may create a
unique garment with peak performance characteristics.
[0069] Applicant has contemplated that a need exists for a
plurality of different compositions for compression clothing
articles. In particular, a first composition may be designed for an
athlete to wear while training, and a second composition may be
designed for an athlete to wear after training. The first
composition may be designed to include a lower amount of
Celliant.RTM. fiber in comparison to the second composition. The
first composition may be configured to be a thicker heavier
fabric.
[0070] Applicant has determined that it is desirable for the
compression clothing article to be at least 40% Celliant.RTM.
fiber. In some embodiments, the compression clothing article is
designed to have at least 50% Celliant.RTM. fiber. For example, the
compression clothing article may be 54% Celliant.RTM. polyester
fiber, 27% nylon and 19% lycra (spandex) treated with antimicrobial
agents, such as Microban.RTM.. Such an anti-bacterial topical
treatment is applied to the fabric of the compression clothing in
the finishing process to prevent odor. The percent values indicated
above are weight percentages. A piece of fabric with dimensions 1
meter by 1 meter, having the above composition weighs 210 g. This
may form a lighter weight garment for use during or after training
and may be specifically designed for shorts, tights and after
workout recovery outfits, such as sleep suits.
[0071] In certain embodiments, the compression clothing article is
41% Celliant.RTM. Polyester fiber, 43% nylon and 16% lycra
(spandex) treated with antimicrobial agents, such as Microban. Such
an anti-bacterial topical treatment applied to the fabric in the
finishing process prevents odor. The percent values indicated above
are weight percentages. A piece of fabric with a dimension of 1
meter by 1 meter, having the above composition weighs 263 g. This
may form a heavier or higher compression garment (due to the
increased amount of Nylon). This composition may be for use either
during or after training, and may be made into training tops,
bottoms, and accessories, which are described in greater detail
below.
[0072] The garments described herein are typically constructed to
apply a compression force of about 14-22 mmHg (e.g., 14-18 mmHg,
18-22 mmHg) to the wearers of the garments. Garments having higher
compression levels may be used during training, while garments
having lower compression levels may be used after training in
recovery outfits and sleep suits. The composition of the fabric can
thus be selected for specific needs of the athlete.
[0073] It has been found that wearing compression garments of the
type described above can result in substantially increased oxygen
levels (i.e., about 18.4% to 38.9% increase in oxygen levels) in
the skin or tissue of the wearer relative to conventional
compression clothing that includes no Celliant.RTM. fiber or
similar material.
[0074] Turning now to the technical details of Celliant.RTM. fiber,
it is understood that Celliant.RTM. fiber works with ambient light
and energy emitted from one's body to increase oxygen levels in the
body. There are specific cells in the body that are responsible for
the transportation of oxygen and it is believed that Celliant.RTM.
fiber stimulates those cells.
[0075] As a general background, all living beings emit heat via an
electromagnetic field as a result of the body's metabolic
processes. This light is not visible to the naked eye, but may, for
example, be visible with an infrared (IR) camera. It is also known
that light may have a beneficial effect on the human body.
Celliant.RTM. fiber technology works with light and the body in a
unique way. With Celliant.RTM. fiber, the light that is emitted by
the body passes through the Celliant.RTM. material and is absorbed
and re-emitted back to the body in a manner that allows the body to
work more efficiently.
[0076] In some respects, Celliant.RTM. fiber is analogous to many
light therapy devices that are approved by the FDA to treat aches
and pains and improve blood flow. However, these devices must be
powered by a battery or wall socket. In contrast, with
Celliant.RTM. fiber, this process is powered by the human body. The
light energy that is emitted from the human body passes through
material made with Celliant.RTM. fiber, which absorbs and re-emits
the light energy allowing the resulting energy to be reabsorbed by
the body.
[0077] The Celliant.RTM. fibers or yarn may be knit or woven into
the compression clothing to enhance oxygen levels in the body. The
compression clothing may have a four-way stretch, and in one
embodiment, the clothing is made with a tubular knit, and may for
example, be made with a 50 denier circular knit with a four-way
stretch.
[0078] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a long sleeve compression shirt 10
and a pair of compression pants 20 that are formed of one of the
material combinations described above. Worn together, the shirt 10
and pants 20 form a full body suit, whereas worn separately, each
forms a half body suit. The shirt 10 and the pants 20 can be worn
before and/or after training to increase oxygen levels in the
wearer.
[0079] While the shirt 10 and the pants 20, when worn together,
form a two-piece full body suit, one-piece full body suits can also
be used. FIGS. 3 and 4 are front and back views, respectively, of a
one-piece full body compression recovery suit 30. As shown in FIG.
4, an upper back region of the recovery suit 30 includes a gusset
35 that can be expanded to allow a wearer to enter the recovery
suit. The gusset 35 is formed of upper and lower flaps of the
compression material that overlap one another in the upper region
of the back. The flaps of the gusset 35 can be pulled apart to form
an opening in the back of the garment. In addition, because the
compression material is stretchable, the flaps can be pulled a
large enough distance apart from one another to allow a subject to
insert his or her legs into the resulting opening and pull the suit
up over his or her torso. This arrangement eliminates the need for
a zipper or other mechanical closure, which can be uncomfortable
for the wearer.
[0080] Recovery suit 30 can be worn after exercising to facilitate
recovery. The recovery suit 30 can be worn for a period of at least
90 minutes (e.g., at least 3 hours, at least 5 hours, about 90
minutes to about 8 hours, about 3 hours to about 8 hours). In some
cases, the recovery 30 suit is worn by a wearer to sleep. Wearing
the full body suit for the extended periods of time noted above
allows recovery to be sped up and muscle fatigue over the entire
body can be reduced during the wearer's sleep. The recovery suit
30, by increasing the oxygen levels in the wearer's skin, tissue,
and/or blood, can also promote a more restful and relaxing sleep
for the wearer.
[0081] Each article of compression clothing discussed above may
also include strategically placed seams and/or plush elastic waist
bands to give maximum comfort to the wearer.
[0082] It should be appreciated that Celliant.RTM. fiber may be
more broadly incorporated into all types of compression clothing,
such as, but not limited to compression shirts, pants, tights,
recovery suits, socks, etc.
[0083] It is contemplated that having a large body area (such as an
athlete's legs, arms and/or torso) covered with compression
clothing made with a fabric which includes Celliant.RTM. yarns
maximizes the benefits of the Celliant.RTM. yarns. For example,
accessories such as an arm warmer 40 shown in FIG. 5 can be worn to
improve blood circulation and reduce (e.g., eliminate) fatigue of
specific muscle groups, such as the biceps, the triceps, and also
the muscles in the forearm.
[0084] As shown in FIG. 6, another example is a calf sleeve 50 that
can be worn to expedite or enhance the recovery of the wearer's
calf muscles. Both the arm warmer 40 and calf sleeve 50 may
alternatively or additionally be worn as training sleeves.
[0085] Similarly, as shown in FIG. 7, a pair of compression socks
60 can be worn to improve blood circulation and combat muscle
fatigue of the feet. Due to the treatment of the compression
clothing fabric with anti-microbial agents in the finishing
process, the pair of compression socks 60 also offers other
advantages including the prevention of foot odor from bacteria that
may otherwise thrive in a moist and warm environment, increasing
the level of comfort for the wearer.
[0086] These compression accessories help the wearer in maintaining
muscle stability, increasing circulation and enhancing recovery. To
promote circulation and prevent swelling and cramping, gradient
compression is used in non-medical compression socks and calf to
guards or sleeves to exert more pressure as measured in mmHg at the
ankle than at locations higher up the calf. Pressure at mid/top
part of the calf can be approximately 60-80% of pressure at the
ankle. In some embodiments, a pressure of 18-22 mmHg is provided at
the ankle, the pressure then tapers to 14-18 mmHg at the top
welt.
[0087] The compression garments discussed above are designed to
have less compression than most conventional compression garments.
The compression garments can, for example, be configured to provide
a compression force of about 14-22 mmHg when worn by a wearer in an
intended size range. It is been found that excessive pressure
caused by certain conventional compression garments in areas of the
body lead to tourniquet effects, which impair blood circulation and
decrease oxygen levels. Higher compression is suitable for training
apparel, in order to more effectively reduce vibrations of muscles
while exercising so that potential injuries can be reduced. A lower
amount of compression is suitable for recovery apparel to ensure
good blood circulation. The addition of Celliant.RTM. material
further enhances or expedites recovery.
[0088] It is contemplated that the Celliant.RTM. fiber may be
uniformly distributed throughout the garment. In another
embodiment, it is contemplated that the concentration of the
Celliant.RTM. fibers may be varied. It is also contemplated that
the Celliant.RTM. fiber may be located in certain regions of the
garment, so as to target selective muscle groups, such as, but not
limited to the hamstrings, the quadriceps and/or the biceps or
triceps. The compression clothing may be designed for use by
athletes, such as, but not limited to runners, triathlon
competitors, weight lifters, baseball players, basketball players,
football players, etc.
[0089] The benefits of incorporating Celliant.RTM. fiber in full
body or half body compression clothing articles will be discussed
in greater detail below using actual clinical testing results.
[0090] Clinical testing has been conducted to compare the oxygen
levels in test subjects wearing regular street clothing to those
same test subjects wearing a full body compression suit of the type
described above. Clinical testing was also conducted to compare the
oxygen levels in test subjects wearing conventional compression
garments with oxygen levels in those same subjects wearing certain
garments described above.
[0091] These tests were conducted on fifteen test subjects. Eight
of the test subjects were tested wearing full body compression suit
30 and then tested wearing street clothing. Seven of the test
subjects were tested wearing full body compression suit 30 and then
tested wearing convention compression suits. Each test subject in
the first group of eight test subjects had his oxygen level
measured for 90 minutes while sitting and wearing the full body
compression suit 30 by two probes placed respectively at his
sternum and at his calf. After 90 minutes, the test subject changed
out of the full body compression suit 30 and put on his street
clothing. The test subject's oxygen level was again measured for 90
minutes while sitting and wearing the street clothing by two probes
placed respectively at the test subject's sternum and calf. The
duration of the tests was chosen to be 90 minutes because studies
have shown that the human body repeats its metabolic activities
patterns approximately every 90 minutes.
[0092] In the second group of seven test subjects, each test
subject had his oxygen level measured for 90 minutes while sitting
and wearing the full body compression suite 30. After 90 minutes in
the full body compression suit 30 containing Celliant.RTM. fiber,
the test subject then changed into one of two conventional full
body compression suits. The test subject's body oxygen level was
measured for a final duration of 90 minutes while wearing one of
the conventional full body compression suits. The two probes were
placed respectively at the test subject's sternum and calf and the
measurements were made with the test subject sitting down.
[0093] A blood profusion monitor is used in all clinical testing
presented here to measure the oxygen level of the test subject. The
result is called a TcpO.sub.2 reading, which is the transcutaneous
oxygen partial pressure in millimeters of mercury per square inch.
Transcutaneous oxygen is not the same as the arterial oxygen
pressure measured using standard pulse oximeters. Transcutaneous
oxygen, TcpO.sub.2, is a local, non-invasive measurement of the
amount of oxygen that has diffused from the capillaries, through
the epidermis, to an electrode at the measuring site. It provides
instant, continuous information about the body's ability to deliver
oxygen to the tissue. TcpO.sub.2 is dependent on oxygen uptake in
the respiratory system, the oxygen transport/capacity of the blood
and the general status of the circulatory system. Any impairment in
a person's ability to deliver oxygen to the tissue can be detected
immediately because the skin is ranked very low in the body's
system of oxygenation priority, and the resulting drop in the
TcpO.sub.2 level can be easily monitored.
[0094] The average oxygen level readings measured across all 8 test
subject by probes placed at sternum and calf show an increase of
more than 20% for test subjects wearing the full body compression
suit containing Celliant.RTM. fiber in comparison to street
clothing. The results show that wearing the full body recovery suit
containing Celliant.RTM. fiber for recovery is superior to wearing
regular clothing because increased oxygen levels enhances or
expedites recovery.
[0095] The average oxygen level readings measured across 7 test
subjects by probes placed at the sternum and calf probes show an
increase of more than 32% compared to the readings measured when
test subjects were wearing one of the two conventional full body
compression clothing. It is noted that when test subjects were
wearing the conventional full body compression clothing, they had
lower oxygen levels than when they were wearing regular clothing.
This result highlights the importance of having compression
clothing with suitable levels of compression such that the
compression is not too high to cause tourniquet effects that
actually impedes blood circulation.
[0096] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate the results of clinical testing
where Hologenix, LLC measured oxygen levels in the tissue of the
test subjects. The test was originally developed to measure blood
flow of diabetic patients. The oxygen level data obtained from a
test subject wearing full body compression clothing with
Celliant.RTM. fiber in comparison to wearing conventional athletic
clothing over 90 minutes is illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. The data
in FIG. 8 is obtained from a probe located near his sternum,
whereas the data in FIG. 9 is obtained from a probe located near
his ankle.
[0097] The oxygen level is similarly measured with a blood
profusion monitor and recorded as a TcpO.sub.2 reading. Data is
taken for both the subject wearing full body compression clothing
with Celliant.RTM. fiber, as well as the subject wearing a standard
athletic garment, which serves as a control.
[0098] As shown, the data indicates that the full body compression
clothing with Celliant.RTM. fiber amplifies oxygen blood levels by
15-20%. Specifically, the data in FIG. 8 shows that the oxygen
blood level increased by approximately 19.7% after 30 minutes,
approximately 18.3% after 60 minutes, and approximately 16.7% after
90 minutes. Turning to FIG. 9, where measurements were taken near
the ankle region, the data shows that the oxygen blood level
increased approximately 35.1% after 30 minutes, approximately 55.6%
after 60 minutes, and approximately 29.7% after 90 minutes.
[0099] All garments described herein can be worn during either
training or recovery, or they can be worn during both training and
recovery. As discussed above, garments with a higher level of
compression can advantageously be used during training to provide
muscle support and to increase oxygen levels within the wearer of
the garment.
[0100] While many of the garments discussed above have been
described as compression garments, the materials described above
are not restricted to use in compression garments. In certain
implementations, the garments are constructed to provide little if
any compression pressure to the wearer. Such looser-fitting
clothing can also increase oxygen levels in the wearer.
[0101] FIG. 10 shows a recovery shoe 800 with a tongue 810 having
an inner surface 820 on which Celliant.RTM. fibers are disposed.
Substantially the entire inner surface 820 of the tongue 810 of the
shoe 800 is lined with a fabric into which stand-alone
Celliant.RTM. fibers are threaded or woven in a netting
configuration. In some embodiments, the fabric into which the
Celliant.RTM. fibers are threaded or woven is formed of
conventional polyester. In certain embodiments, the composite
fabric lining the inner surface 820 of the tongue 810 of the
recovery shoe 800 contains 50% Celliant.RTM. polyester fiber and
50% conventional polyester.
[0102] The Celliant.RTM. fibers, as discussed above, are capable of
absorbing light emitted by a wearer and re-emitting the absorbed
light, resulting in increased blood oxygen levels in the wearer. It
is believed to be advantageous to include materials containing
Celliant.RTM. fiber on the inner surface 820 of the tongue 810 of
the recovery shoe 800 because the skin on the top of a wearer's
foot is thinner than the skin on many other portions of the
wearer's foot. Due to the thinner skin on the top portion of the
foot, blood vessels and capillaries of the foot are in closer
proximity to the Celliant.RTM. fiber on the inner surface 820 of
the tongue 810 of the recovery shoe 800 than if the Celliant.RTM.
fiber were to line other portions of the recovery shoe 800. As a
result, it is believed that the absorbed energy that is emitted by
the Celliant.RTM. fiber is better able to reach those blood vessels
and capillaries of the user and can thus more effectively increase
blood oxygen levels in the wearer.
[0103] Still referring to FIG. 10, the recovery shoe 800 includes
elastic bands 825 that promote a close comfortable fit of the shoe.
In particular, the elastic bands 825 allow the recovery shoe 800 to
be sized so that the foot of the wearer, when the shoe 800 is being
worn, causes the elastic bands 825 to stretch and thus pulls the
inner surface 820 of the tongue 810 snugly against the top portion
of the wearer's foot. The tongue 810 of the recovery shoe also has
some elasticity due to the structure imparted by the construction
(e.g., netting, weaving) of the composite fabric lining. This
elasticity of the tongue 810 can further help to pull the
Celliant.RTM. fiber on the inner surface of the tongue 810 into
close contact with the skin on the top portion of the wearer's
foot. As a result, the light that is emitted by the foot can be
directed more efficiently to pass through the Celliant.RTM.
material on the tongue 810 of the shoe 800 before the light is
absorbed and re-emitted back to the foot in a manner that increases
the oxygen levels in the foot of the wearer. Similarly, the
re-emitted light is more effectively re-captured by the foot
because of the thinner skin in the top portion of the wearer's
foot. In this manner, the blood oxygen level in the foot of the
wearer can be increased.
[0104] The recovery shoe 800 is typically worn after exercising
(e.g., after road races, such as marathons) to facilitate recovery
of the muscles in the foot. The recovery shoe 800 with the
Celliant.RTM. fiber containing tongue 810 can be worn to improve
blood circulation in the wearer's foot and reduce (e.g., eliminate)
fatigue of specific muscle groups in the foot. In addition, wearing
the recovery shoe 800 can help to reduce (e.g., eliminate) aches
and pains in the foot.
[0105] It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the
present invention may be formed with one or more of the
above-described features. The above aspects and features of the
invention may be employed in any suitable combination as the
present invention is not limited in this respect. It should also be
appreciated that the drawings illustrate various components and
features which may be incorporated into various embodiments of the
present invention. For simplification, some of the drawings may
illustrate more than one optional feature or component. However,
the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments
disclosed in the drawings. It should be recognized that the present
invention encompasses embodiments which may include only a portion
of the components illustrated in any one drawing figure, and/or may
also encompass embodiments combining components illustrated in
multiple different drawing figures.
[0106] It should be understood that the foregoing description of
various embodiments of the invention are intended merely to be
illustrative thereof and that other embodiments, modifications, and
equivalents of the invention are within the scope of the invention
recited in the claims appended hereto.
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