U.S. patent application number 14/851408 was filed with the patent office on 2016-03-17 for compression fabrics with tailored comfort.
The applicant listed for this patent is Myant Capital Partners Inc.. Invention is credited to Moshe Rock, Vikram Sharma.
Application Number | 20160076175 14/851408 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55451659 |
Filed Date | 2016-03-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160076175 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rock; Moshe ; et
al. |
March 17, 2016 |
COMPRESSION FABRICS WITH TAILORED COMFORT
Abstract
Certain embodiments according to the invention provide
compression articles suitable for a wide variety of uses (e.g.,
compression socks, athletic garments, etc.). In accordance with
certain embodiments, the compression article includes at least two
uniform compression regions, including a first uniform compression
region having a first compression pressure and a second uniform
compression region having a second compression pressure, and at
least one transitioning compression region, including a first
transitioning compression region positioned between the first and
second uniform compression regions. The first transitioning
compression region comprises a first end adjacent or proximate to
the first uniform compression region and a second end adjacent or
proximate to the second uniform compression region. The first
transitioning compression region comprises a compression pressure
gradient extending from the first end to the second end of the
first transitioning compression region.
Inventors: |
Rock; Moshe; (Brookline,
MA) ; Sharma; Vikram; (Melrose, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Myant Capital Partners Inc. |
Toronto |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
55451659 |
Appl. No.: |
14/851408 |
Filed: |
September 11, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62070960 |
Sep 11, 2014 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
66/171 ; 28/153;
28/155; 66/196; 66/202 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 13/08 20130101;
D10B 2509/028 20130101; D04B 1/265 20130101; A41D 13/1236 20130101;
D04B 1/246 20130101; D04B 1/18 20130101; A41D 13/0015 20130101;
D04B 1/28 20130101; A61F 13/14 20130101; A41D 31/00 20130101; A41D
2400/38 20130101; D04B 1/102 20130101; A61F 13/146 20130101; A61F
13/148 20130101 |
International
Class: |
D04B 1/18 20060101
D04B001/18; A61H 1/00 20060101 A61H001/00; D04B 21/18 20060101
D04B021/18; A41D 13/00 20060101 A41D013/00; A41D 13/12 20060101
A41D013/12; A61F 13/08 20060101 A61F013/08; A41D 31/00 20060101
A41D031/00 |
Claims
1. A compression article, comprising: at least two uniform
compression regions, including a first uniform compression region
having a first compression pressure and a second uniform
compression region having a second compression pressure; and at
least one transitioning compression region, including a first
transitioning compression region positioned between the first and
second uniform compression regions, the first transitioning
compression region comprising a first end adjacent or proximate to
the first uniform compression region and a second end adjacent or
proximate to the second uniform compression region; wherein the
first transitioning compression region comprises a compression
pressure gradient extending from the first end to the second end of
the first transitioning compression region.
2. The compression article according to claim 1, wherein the first
compression pressure and the second compression pressure each
comprise from about 5 mmHg to about 40 mmHg.
3. The compression article according to claim 1, wherein the first
compression pressure is greater than the second compression
pressure.
4. The compression article according to claim 1, wherein the
compression pressure gradient comprises a change in pressure from
about 1% per inch to about 20% per inch.
5. The compression article according to claim 1, wherein the first
uniform compression region and the second uniform compression
region comprise different elastomeric yarns.
6. The compression article according to claim 5, wherein the
elastomeric yarns comprise spandex.
7. The compression article according to claim 5, wherein the
elastomeric yarns comprise from about 20 denier to about 150
denier.
8. The compression article according to claim 1, wherein the first
uniform compression region comprises at least predominantly a first
yarn, the second uniform compression region comprises predominantly
a second yarn, and the first transitioning region comprises a blend
of at least the first yarn and the second yarn to define the
compression pressure gradient.
9. The compression article according to claim 1, wherein the first
end of the first transitioning compression region comprises a
greater amount of the first yarn than the second yarn, and the
second end of the first transitioning compression region comprises
a greater amount of the second yarn than the first yarn.
10. The compression article according to claim 1, wherein the first
transitioning compression region comprises from about 1% to about
50% of an unstretched length of the compression article.
11. The compression article according to claim 1, wherein the first
uniform compression region and the second uniform compression
region comprise from about 50% to about 99% of the unstretched
length of the compression article.
12. The compression article according to claim 1, wherein the first
transitioning compression region comprises an unstretched length
from about 0.1 cm to about 50 cm.
13. The compression article according to claim 1, wherein at least
one of the first uniform compression region and the second uniform
compression region has an unstretched length that is greater than
an unstretched length of the first transitioning compression
region.
14. The compression article according to claim 1, wherein at least
one of the first uniform compression region and the second uniform
compression region has an unstretched length that is less than an
unstretched length of the first transitioning compression
region.
15. The compression article according to claim 1, wherein the first
uniform compression region, the second uniform compression region,
and the first transitioning compression region extend around a
circumference of the compression article.
16. The compression article according to claim 1, wherein the first
uniform compression region, the second uniform compression region,
and the first transitioning compression region extend across a weft
width direction of the compression article, and wherein the
compression article exerts radial compression across the weft width
direction.
17. The compression article according to claim 1, wherein an outer
surface of the compression article comprises raised wales, and a
skin surface of the compression article comprises a smooth
surface.
18. The compression article according to claim 1, wherein the
compression article comprises at least three uniform compression
regions and at least two transitioning compression regions.
19. The compression article according to claim 1, wherein the
compression article is seamless.
20. A method for making a seamless compression article, comprising:
forming at least a first uniform compression region comprising a
first compression pressure; forming a first transitioning
compression region adjacent or proximate to the first uniform
compression region, said first transitioning compression region
comprising a first end adjacent or proximate to the first uniform
compression region and a second end; and forming a second uniform
compression region adjacent or proximate to the second end of the
first transitioning compression region, the second uniform
compression region comprising a second compression pressure being
different from the first compression pressure, wherein the first
transitioning compression region is located between the first
uniform compression region and the second uniform compression
region, and the first transitioning compression region comprises a
compression pressure gradient extending from the first end to the
second end of the first transitioning compression region.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/070,960 filed on Sep. 11, 2014, the entire
contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The presently-disclosed invention relates generally to
compression fabrics and more particularly to compression articles
made with such compression fabrics to provide tailored comfort
and/or a tailored compression pressure profile along the length of
such compression articles.
BACKGROUND
[0003] For medical applications, the application of inlay stretch
yarn or plated stretch yarn and a laid-in stitch in a compression
garment may provide a desired compression "dosage" for preventative
and therapeutic purposes. Most medical compression garments are
individually designed and manufactured for a particular part of the
body, such as stockings, gloves, sleeves, face masks, and body
suits, and are worn for an appointed time depending on the medical
treatment need. For example, compression stockings have been used
in therapeutic management of varicose veins, venous thrombosis,
lymphedema, poor blood circulation, muscle fatigue and/or the like.
In addition, compression garments have also been used to provide
compression on the body's muscles to increase blood flow to improve
performance, reduce injury risk, and accelerate muscle recovery
during and after exercise. Moreover, compression garments are
increasingly used as shapewear to enhance body image by creating
attractive contours, reducing abdominal size and/or the like.
[0004] The circumference of a compression garment is smaller than
the size of the body part on which it is to be used so that the
garment stretches when placed on that body part in order to provide
optimum compression. The level of compression is governed by the
garment size as well as the amount of fabric that stretches.
Standard compression garments apply different levels of compression
to different segments of the garment. However, this approach
creates an abrupt change in compression moving between different
sections of the garment. These abrupt changes make it difficult to
put on and take off the garment because it can cause discomfort
and/or pain, particularly for the elderly or handicapped
individuals. Moreover, in some scenarios, standard compression
garments may even restrict circulation by bunching or tightening at
the seams, particularly at the foot, toe, ankle, or lower leg area.
In this regard, standard compression articles are difficult to use
and may even exacerbate medical problems.
[0005] Therefore there at least remains a need in the art for
compression garments that provide a contoured fit having smooth
transitions from one area of compressive pressure to another.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0006] One or more embodiments of the invention may address one or
more of the aforementioned problems. Certain embodiments according
to the invention provide compression articles suitable for a wide
variety of uses (e.g., compression socks, athletic garments,
shapewear, etc.). In accordance with certain embodiments, the
compression article has at least two uniform compression regions,
including a first uniform compression region having a first
compression pressure and a second uniform compression region having
a second compression pressure, and at least one transitioning
compression region, including a first transitioning compression
region positioned between the first and second uniform compression
regions. The first transitioning compression region, according to
certain embodiments, may comprise a first end adjacent or proximate
to the first uniform compression region and a second end adjacent
or proximate to the second uniform compression region. The first
transitioning compression region comprises a compression pressure
gradient extending from the first end to the second end of the
first transitioning compression region, in which the first end to
the transition compression region comprises a greater compression
pressure than the second end of the transition compression
region.
[0007] In another aspect, certain embodiments of the invention
provide a method for making a seamless compression article. In
accordance with certain embodiments, the method includes forming at
least a first uniform compression region comprising a first
compression pressure, forming a first transitioning compression
region adjacent or proximate to the first uniform compression
region, said first transitioning compression region comprising a
first end adjacent or proximate to the first uniform compression
region and a second end, and forming a second uniform compression
region adjacent or proximate to the second end of the first
transitioning compression region, the second uniform compression
region comprising a second compression pressure being different
from the first compression pressure. In such embodiments, the first
transitioning compression region is located between the first
uniform compression region and the second uniform compression
region, and the first transitioning compression region comprises a
compression pressure gradient extending from the first end to the
second end of the first transitioning compression region.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0008] The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter
with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not
all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, this invention
may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed
as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these
embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy
applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements
throughout.
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a compression
article according to an example embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates a plot of yarn content by segments of an
example embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0011] FIGS. 3A-3G illustrate various banded compression articles
in accordance with example embodiments.
[0012] FIGS. 4A-4F illustrate various radial compression articles
in accordance with example embodiments.
[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates the surface textures of a compression
article according to an example embodiment.
[0014] FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate stitch diagrams for compression
article fabric having an elastic component and a relaxed component
in accordance with example embodiments.
[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates a plot of pressure changes by segments of
an example embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 8 illustrates a process flow diagram for making a
seamless compression article according to an example
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter
with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not
all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, this invention
may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed
as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these
embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy
applicable legal requirements. As used in the specification, and in
the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", "the", include
plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0018] In accordance with certain embodiments, the invention
includes a compression article suitable for a wide variety of uses
(e.g., compression socks, athletic garments, shapewear, etc.).
Compression articles, according to certain embodiments, may include
at least two uniform compression regions, including a first uniform
compression region having a first compression pressure and a second
uniform compression region having a second compression pressure.
Such embodiments may also include at least one transitioning
compression region, which may include a first transitioning
compression region positioned between the first and second uniform
compression regions. In accordance with certain embodiments, the
first transitioning compression region may comprise a first end
adjacent or proximate to the first uniform compression region and a
second end adjacent or proximate to the second uniform compression
region. The first transitioning compression region may comprise a
compression pressure gradient extending from the first end to the
second end of the first transitioning compression region, in which
the first end to the transition compression region comprises a
greater compression pressure than the second end of the transition
compression region. In this regard, the compression pressure
provided by the article along the length of the transitioning
compression regions (e.g., the first transitioning compression
region) may be non-uniform. The transitioning compression regions,
for example, may be configured such that a gradual compression
gradient along the length of the transition regions minimizes any
undesirable abrupt changes in compression pressure along the length
of the compression article. In certain embodiments, for example,
the first compression region may comprise a first compression
pressure that is reasonably greater in magnitude than the second
compression pressure associated with the second uniform compression
region. In such embodiments, for example, the first transitioning
region being located between the first and second uniform
compression regions provides a graded pressure (e.g., a gradient
pressure profile) to minimize or eliminate any abrupt change in
compression pressure between the first and second uniform
compression regions. As described below, compression articles
according to certain embodiments may comprise or generally provide
a tailored compression profile along the length of the compression
article by, at least in part, incorporating one or more
transitioning compression regions along the length of the
compression fabric. In accordance with certain embodiments, the
compression article may comprise a seamless compression article
(e.g., devoid of seams).
[0019] In one aspect, the invention provides compression articles
suitable for a wide variety of uses (e.g., compression socks,
athletic garments, shapewear, etc.). FIG. 1 illustrates a
perspective view of a compression article according to an example
embodiment. In accordance with certain embodiments, the compression
article 10 includes at least two uniform compression regions. In
the particular embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the compression
article 10 includes three separate uniform compression regions 20a,
20b, 20c, including a first uniform compression region 20a having a
first compression pressure, a second uniform compression region 20b
having a second compression pressure, and a third uniform
compression region 20c having a third compression pressure, in
which at least the second compression pressure is different from at
least one of the first compression pressure or the third
compression pressure. The compression article 10 also comprises at
least one transitioning compression region 30a, 30b, 30c, including
a first transitioning compression region 30a positioned between the
first and second uniform compression regions 20a, 20b. The first
transitioning compression region 30a comprises a first end adjacent
or proximate to the first uniform compression region 20a and a
second end adjacent or proximate to the second uniform compression
region 20b. The first transitioning compression region 30a, for
instance, may comprise a compression pressure gradient extending
from the first end to the second end of the first transitioning
compression region 30a, in which the compression pressure at the
first end is different than the compression pressure at the second
end. As shown in FIG. 1 and according to certain embodiments, for
example, the compression article 10 may comprise at least three
uniform compression regions 20a, 20b, 20c and at least two
transitioning compression regions (three in FIG. 1) 30a, 30b,
30c.
[0020] As shown in FIG. 1 and in accordance with certain
embodiments, for instance, the compression article 10 may comprise
a compression stocking In such embodiments, for example, the
compression article 10 may comprise at least an ankle portion and a
calf portion with the ankle portion and the calf portion
collectively comprising at least two compression regions capable of
exerting a compression pressure on the body when the compression
article is worn. For instance, in such embodiments, within each
compression region, the compression pressure may be maximum
proximate the ankle portion and/or proximate a region closest to
the ankle portion. In other embodiments, for example, the
compression article may further comprise a foot portion. According
to certain embodiments, for instance, each of the ankle portion,
calf portion, and/or foot portion may provide no compression
pressure, uniform compression pressure, or graduated compression
pressure.
[0021] According to certain embodiments, for instance, the first
uniform compression region and the second uniform compression
region may comprise different elastomeric yarns in order to provide
different compression pressures along the compression article. The
elastomeric yarn for each uniform compression region may be
selected based on strain stretch properties, modulus, yarn count
(e.g., denier), and/or the like. Elastomeric yarns, for instance,
may generally resume an original shape (e.g., non-stretched or
relaxed state) when a deforming force is removed. In certain
embodiments, for instance, the elastomeric yarns may comprise from
about 20 denier to about 150 denier. In other embodiments, for
example, the elastomeric yarns may comprise from about 30 denier to
about 120 denier. In further embodiments, for instance, the
elastomeric yarns may comprise from about 50 denier to about 100
denier. As such, in certain embodiments, the elastomeric yarns may
comprise from at least about any of the following: 20, 25, 30, 35,
40, 45, and 50 denier and/or at most about 150, 145, 140, 135, 130,
125, 120, 115, 110, 105 and 100 denier (e.g., about 35-130 denier,
about 20-110 denier, etc.). By way of example only, the first
uniform compression region may comprise a coarse count elastomeric
yarn having higher modulus and more tension than the elastomeric
yarn utilized in the second uniform compression region. In this
regard, for instance, a different type of elastomeric yarn may be
used in each uniform compression region, or the same type of
elastomeric yarn may be used in each uniform compression region but
with the elastomeric yarns used in each uniform compression region
having different sizes (i.e. coarse or fine).
[0022] For example, in some embodiments, the elastomeric yarns may
comprise spandex (i.e. Lycra.RTM., elastane, etc.). In certain
embodiments, for instance, the compression article may comprise at
least 25 wt. % spandex. For example, in some embodiments, the
compression article or certain regions of the compression article
may comprise from about 25 wt. % to about 90 wt. % spandex. In
other embodiments, for instance, the compression article or certain
regions of the compression article may comprise from about 30 wt. %
to about 80 wt. % spandex. In further embodiments, for example, the
compression article or certain regions of the compression article
may comprise from about 40 wt. % to about 60 wt. % spandex. As
such, in certain embodiments, the compression article or certain
regions of the compression article may comprise a weight percentage
of spandex from at least about any of the following: 25, 30, 35,
and 40 wt. % and/or at most about 90, 85, 80, 75, 70, 65, and 60
wt. % (e.g., about 30-80 wt. %, about 25-60 wt. %, etc.). In this
regard, the different regions (e.g., uniform compression regions
and transitioning compression regions) of a compression article may
comprise different weight percentages of spandex or similar
material, as described herein, within the foregoing ranges
described above.
[0023] In certain embodiments, for example, the first uniform
compression region may comprise at least predominantly a first
yarn, the second uniform compression region may comprise a second
yarn, and the first transitioning region may comprise a blend of at
least the first yarn and the second yarn to define the compression
pressure gradient. In this regard, for instance, in some
embodiments, the first end of the first transitioning compression
region may comprise a greater amount of the first yarn than the
second yarn, and the second end of the first transitioning
compression region may comprise a greater amount of the second yarn
than the first yarn along the length of the first transitioning
compression region. By varying the respective yarn concentrations
along the length of the transitioning compression regions, for
example, the transitioning compression regions may comprises a
tailored compression pressure gradient or gradients along the
length of the transitioning compression regions to minimize or
eliminate unwanted abrupt changes in compression pressure along the
length of the compression article. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates
a simplified and exemplary change in yarn content across the
respective regions of a compression article for the example
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1. That is, the illustration in FIG.
2 exemplifies just one approach according to an example embodiment
and should not be construed as limiting. As shown in FIG. 2, the
first uniform compression region 20a comprises by way of example
and only for illustrative purposes 100% of yarn 1. Next, the first
transitioning compression region 30a comprises by way of example
and only for illustrative purposes a mixture of yarn 1 and yarn 2.
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the mixture of the respective yarn
content can be varied throughout the length of transitioning
compression regions to provide, for example, localized compression
pressure gradients throughout the length of the transitioning
compression regions. For example, localized compression pressure
gradients adjacent or proximate to an interface between the
transitioning compression regions and one or more uniform
compression regions may comprise a smaller magnitude then localized
compression pressure gradients located near or in the middle of the
transitioning compression regions to further buffer or minimize any
abrupt changes in compression pressure across the various regions
of the compression article. In this regard, the change in the
mixture of blend of the fibers located in the transitioning
compression regions need not be linear, and in accordance with
certain embodiments is non-linear. As also illustrated in FIG. 2,
the second uniform compression region 20b comprises by way of
example and only for illustrative purposes 100% yarn 2. Next, the
second transitioning compression region 30b comprises by way of
example and only for illustrative purposes a mixture of yarn 2 and
yarn 3. Finally, third uniform compression region comprises by way
of example and only for illustrative purposes 100% yarn 3. FIG. 2
illustrates, for example, the configuration of a compression
article comprising a plurality of different yarns, each having a
respective elasticity, as well as blends of the different yarns
forming different regions of the compression article to provide a
tailored compression pressure profile along the length of the
compression article. Such embodiments, for example, may be
configured such that minimal compression pressure is realized at
one or both ends of the compression article to allow for ease of
application of the compression article, while simultaneously
providing the desired level of compression pressure at the desired
location(s) of the compression article.
[0024] In accordance with certain embodiments, for instance, the
each of the uniform compression regions may comprise a compression
pressure (e.g., the first compression pressure) independently
selected from about 5 mmHg to about 40 mmHg. In other embodiments,
for example, each of the uniform compression regions may comprise a
compression pressure (e.g., the first compression pressure)
independently selected from about 5 mmHg to about 24 mmHg (i.e.
capillary pressure). In further embodiments, for instance, each of
the uniform compression regions may comprise a compression pressure
(e.g., the first compression pressure) independently selected from
about 5 mmHg to about 15 mmHg. As such, in certain embodiments,
each of the uniform compression regions may comprise a compression
pressure (e.g., the first compression pressure) independently
selected from at least about any of the following: 5, 10, 15, 20,
and 24 mmHg and/or at most about 40, 35, 30, 24, 20, and 15 mmHg
(e.g., about 10-40 mmHg, about 24-30 mmHg, etc.). For example,
according to certain embodiments, for example, the first and second
compression pressures may comprise from about 5 mmHg to about 40
mmHg. In other embodiments, for example, the first and second
compression pressures may comprise from about 5 mmHg to about 24
mmHg. In further embodiments, for instance, the first and second
compression pressures may comprise from about 5 mmHg to about 15
mmHg. As such, in certain embodiments, the first and second
compression pressures may comprise from at least about any of the
following: 5, 10, 15, 20, and 24 mmHg and/or at most about 40, 35,
30, 24, 20, and 15 mmHg (e.g., about 10-40 mmHg, about 24-30 mmHg,
etc.). In accordance with certain embodiments, the first
compression pressure is different than the second compression
pressure. Each of the transitioning compression regions that may be
located between a pair of uniform compression regions may comprise
a compression pressure gradient or a plurality of localized
compression pressure gradients confined within the foregoing
pressure ranges. By way of an example for illustrative purposes,
one embodiment may comprise a first uniform compression region
comprising a compression pressure of, for example, about 20 mmHG
and a second uniform compression region comprising a compression
pressure of, for example, about 30 mmHG. In such an example
embodiment, a first transitioning compression region may be located
directly between and directly interface with both the first uniform
compression region and the second uniform compression region. The
first transitioning compression region, for example, may comprise a
variable compression pressure along the length of the first
transitioning compression region, in which the end of the first
transitioning region adjacent or proximate to the first uniform
compression region comprises a compression pressure slightly
greater than 20 mmHH (e.g., 20.5 mmHG, 21 mmHG, 21.5 mmHG, 22 mmHG,
etc . . . ) and the other end of the first transitioning region
adjacent or proximate to the second uniform compression region
comprises a compression pressure slightly less than 30 mmHH (e.g.,
29.5 mmHG, 29 mmHG, 28.5 mmHG, 28 mmHG, etc . . . ). In accordance
with such embodiments, for example, the compression pressures
associated with transitioning compression regions located between
uniform compression regions may not exceed the largest compression
pressure associated with either of the adjacent uniform compression
regions.
[0025] In some embodiments, for example, the first compression
pressure may be greater than the second compression pressure. In
this regard, for instance, the first uniform compression region may
have a greater compression pressure than the second uniform
compression region. In embodiments having more than two uniform
compression regions, for example, the compression pressure of each
uniform compression region may decrease as follows: first
compression pressure>second compression pressure>third
compression pressure, etc., or vice versa.
[0026] In certain embodiments, for instance, the compression
pressure gradient or any localized compression pressure gradient
may comprise a compression pressure change from about 1% per inch
to about 20% per inch. In other embodiments, for example, the
compression pressure gradient or any localized compression pressure
gradient may comprise a compression pressure change from about 1%
per inch to about 10% per inch. In further embodiments, for
instance, the compression pressure gradient a compression pressure
change may comprise a compression pressure change from about 5% per
inch to about 10% per inch. As such, in certain embodiments, the
compression pressure gradient or any localized compression pressure
gradient may comprise a compression pressure change from at least
about any of the following: 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5% per inch and/or at
most about 20, 18, 16, 14, 12, and 10% per inch (e.g., about 3-18%
per inch, about 1-10% per inch, etc.). For example, FIG. 7
illustrates an exemplary plot of compression pressure changes by
segments of an example embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1. As shown
in FIG. 7, the first uniform compression region 20a provides a
uniform compression pressure, which decreases at a variable rate
(although the pressure change could be linear if desired) through
the first transitioning compression region 30a. Next, the second
uniform compression region 20b provides a uniform compression
pressure lower than that of the first uniform compression region
20a. The second uniform compression pressure decreases at a
variable rate (although the pressure change could be linear if
desired) through the second transitioning compression region 30b
and stabilizes to the lowest uniform compression pressure in the
third uniform compression region 20c. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the
compression pressure changes along the length of the transitioning
compression regions may not be uniform or linear along the length
of the transitioning compression regions. For instance, the overall
compression pressure gradient for each transitioning compression
region may comprise or be defined by a plurality of localized
compression pressure gradients that vary in magnitude to provide a
tailored or custom pressure profile along that particular segment
or region of the compression article. For instance, one or more of
the transitioning compression regions may comprise a first
localized compression pressure gradient adjacent or proximate an
interface between the transitioning compression region and a
uniform compression region that is smaller in magnitude than a
second localized compression pressure gradient located at or
proximate the middle of the transitioning compression region.
Similarly, one or more of the transitioning compression regions may
also comprise a third localized compression pressure gradient
adjacent or proximate an interface between the transitioning
compression region and a second (and different) uniform compression
region that is smaller in magnitude than the second localized
compression pressure gradient located at or proximate the middle of
the transitioning compression region. Such embodiments, for
instance, may provide a smooth compression pressure transition from
the uniform compression regions into and through the transitioning
compression regions.
[0027] Moreover, the compression pressure gradient may be defined
and/or impacted by an angle of compression that is created by
changes in graded compression pressures that arise due to changes
in the general shape of muscles of a wearer. By way of example
only, compression stockings according to certain embodiments, for
instance, may utilize graded compression pressures as discussed
above (e.g., localized compression pressure gradients) that change
as the compression stocking extends from the ankle toward the calf
regions due to changes, for instance, in the general shape of leg
muscles. The angle of compression for a segment within a
compression article may be defined as follows by Equation 1:
ac=-(c.sub.2-.sub.1)d (1)
wherein ac is the angle of compression, c.sub.1 is the compression
at a first edge of a segment or a portion of the segment, c.sub.2
is the compression at the second edge of the segment or a portion
of the segment, and d is the distance between the points where the
compression measurements were taken. Equation 1 includes a negative
sign to convert the negative slope to a positive number. A segment
having an angle of compression equal to zero (i.e. c.sub.1=c.sub.2)
is a segment having uniform compression (e.g., the first uniform
compression region, the second uniform compression region,
etc.).
[0028] In accordance with certain embodiments, for instance, each
transitioning compression region (e.g., the first transitioning
compression region) may comprise from about 1% to about 50% of an
unstretched length of the compression article. In other
embodiments, for example, each transitioning compression region
(e.g., the first transitioning compression region) may comprise
from about 5% to about 40% of an unstretched length of the
compression article. In further embodiments, for instance, each
transitioning compression region (e.g., the first transitioning
compression region) may comprise from about 10% to about 30% of an
unstretched length of the compression article. As such, in certain
embodiments, each transitioning compression region (e.g., the first
transitioning compression region) may comprise an unstretched
length of the compression article from at least about any of the
following: 1, 3, 5, 8, and 10% and/or at most about 50, 45, 40, 35,
and 30% (e.g., about 3-40%, about 10-50%, etc.). Similarly, in some
embodiments, for example, the first uniform compression region and
the second uniform compression region may comprise from about 50%
to about 99% of the unstretched length of the compression article.
In other embodiments, for instance, the first uniform compression
region and the second uniform compression region may comprise from
about 60% to about 95% of the unstretched length of the compression
article. In further embodiments, for example, the first uniform
compression region and the second uniform compression region may
comprise from about 70% to about 90% of the unstretched length of
the compression article. As such, in certain embodiments, the first
uniform compression region and the second uniform compression
region may comprise an unstretched length of the compression
article from at least about any of the following: 50, 55, 60, 65,
and 70% and/or at most about 99, 97, 95, 93, and 90% (e.g., about
55-93%, about 50-90%, etc.).
[0029] According to certain embodiments, for instance, each
transitioning compression region (e.g., the first transitioning
compression region)may comprise an unstretched length from about
0.1 cm to about 50 cm. In other embodiments, for example, each
transitioning compression region (e.g., the first transitioning
compression region) may comprise an unstretched length from about
0.1 cm to about 45 cm. In further embodiments, for instance, each
transitioning compression region (e.g., the first transitioning
compression region)may comprise an unstretched length from about 5
cm to about 25 cm. As such, in certain embodiments, each
transitioning compression region (e.g., the first transitioning
compression region)may comprise an unstretched length from at least
about any of the following: 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 cm and/or
at most about 50, 48, 45, 30, 35, and 25 cm (e.g., about 0.5-48 cm,
about 0.1-30 cm, etc.). Moreover, according to certain embodiments
and as illustrated in FIG. 1, for example, at least one of the
first uniform compression region 20a and the second uniform
compression region 20b may have an unstretched length that is
greater than an unstretched length of the first transitioning
compression region 30a. However, in other embodiments and as
illustrated in FIG. 3A, for instance, at least one of the first
uniform compression region 20a and the second uniform compression
region 20b may have an unstretched length that is less than an
unstretched length of the first transitioning compression region
30a.
[0030] According to certain embodiments, for example, the first
uniform compression region, the second uniform compression region,
and the first transitioning compression region may extend around or
define a circumference of the compression article. For example,
FIGS. 3A-3G illustrate various banded compression articles in
accordance with example embodiments. For instance, in some
embodiments and as shown in FIG. 3A, the compression article 10 may
comprise a compression stocking Moreover, in other embodiments and
as shown in FIG. 3B, for example, the compression article 10 may
comprise a handless compression sleeve. In further embodiments and
as shown in FIG. 3C, for instance, the compression article 10 may
comprise a compression sleeve having a hand portion. In other
embodiments and as shown in FIG. 3D, for example, the compression
article 10 may comprise a compression glove having compression
regions 20a-20c, 30a-30c on the hand portion of the compression
glove. In further embodiments and as shown in FIG. 3E, for
instance, the compression article 10 may comprise a compression
shirt. In some embodiments and as shown in FIG. 3F, the compression
article 10 may comprise a compression vest. In other embodiments
and as shown in FIG. 3G, the compression article 10 may comprise a
compression glove having compression regions 20a-20c, 30a-30c on
the finger portions of the compression glove.
[0031] In accordance with certain embodiments, for example, the
first uniform compression region, the second uniform compression
region, and the first transitioning compression region may extend
across a weft width direction of the compression article. In such
embodiments, for example, the compression article may exert radial
compression across the weft width direction. According to certain
embodiments, for instance, each uniform compression region may
gradually interact with another uniform compression region. In this
regard, for example, the uniform compression regions may define
transitioning compression regions that comprise portions of both
uniform compression regions opposed adjacently to the transitioning
compression region. As such, the uniform compression regions may
exert radial compression, while the transitioning compression
regions may exert gradual compression. FIGS. 4A-4F illustrate such
example embodiments and may be formed via a seamless knitting
machine using automatic knitter/knotter of the elastomeric yarns
moving from section to the other. The elastomeric yarn of each
uniform compression region may have at least one of a different
modulus, different size, different stress-strain curve, and/or any
combination thereof from other elastomeric yarns utilized in other
uniform compression regions.
[0032] For example, FIGS. 4A-4F illustrate various radial
compression articles in accordance with certain example
embodiments. For instance, in some embodiments and as shown in FIG.
4A, the compression article 10 may comprise a compression stocking
Moreover, in other embodiments and as shown in FIG. 4B, for
example, the compression article 10 may comprise a handless
compression sleeve. In further embodiments and as shown in FIG. 4C,
for instance, the compression article 10 may comprise a compression
vest. In other embodiments and as shown in FIG. 4D, for example,
the compression article 10 may comprise a compression shirt. In
further embodiments and as shown in FIG. 4E, for instance, the
compression article 10 may comprise a compression mitt. In some
embodiments and as shown in FIG. 4F, the compression article 10 may
comprise a compression glove.
[0033] In accordance with certain embodiments, for instance, the
compression article may comprise a material having an elastic
component and a relaxed component. In this regard, for example, the
elastic component and the relaxed component may be incorporated in
a manner to provide uniform compression pressure, graduated
compression pressure (e.g., compression pressure gradients), and/or
a combination thereof within the compression article. For example,
more than one elastomeric yarn feed may be used in the same lay-in
position, and one feed may provide the elastic component while the
other feed may provide the relaxed component in a predetermined
pattern and/or design, as shown in the exemplary stitch diagrams
for compression article fabric illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B. That
is, the stitch diagrams illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B are merely
exemplary in nature and are not limiting. As such, when the
compression article is not being worn, the elastic component may
remain in an un-stretched state, but when placed on a wearer, the
elastic component may stretch in order to provide a desired level
of compression. Moreover, in some embodiments, for instance, the
elastic component may target compression on specific muscle groups.
The level of compression pressure provided by the compression
article may be governed by the size of the article along with the
amount of fabric stretching, as dictated by Laplace's law, which
indicates that the larger the vessel radius, the larger the wall
tension required to withstand a given internal fluid pressure.
Similarly, when the compression article is not being worn, for
example, the relaxed component may be in a gathered state, but when
placed on a wearer, the relaxed component expands without applying
compression. In this regard, for instance, substantially all of the
compression pressure generated by the compression article may be
derived from the stretch of the elastic component.
[0034] Moreover, according to certain embodiments, for example, an
outer surface of the compression article may comprise raised wales,
and a skin surface of the compression article may comprise a smooth
surface. For example, FIG. 5 illustrates the surface textures of a
compression article according to an example embodiment. As shown in
FIG. 5, the compression article 10 has a skin surface 40 and an
outer surface 50. The skin surface 40 is smooth, but the outer
surface 50 comprises a plurality of raised wales 55. In this
regard, for instance, the smooth surface may reduce stress
concentration on the skin upon compression and may also provide a
comfortable, smooth surface to contact the skin. Similarly, in
accordance with certain embodiments, for instance, the compression
article may be seamless to further provide a comfortable, smooth
surface to contact the skin. In addition, for example, the raised
wales may aid in producing effective pressure because the wale
direction aids in one dimensional fabric stretching.
[0035] According to certain embodiments, for example, the
compression article may comprise a thickness (e.g., a z-direction)
from about 0.1 mm to about 1.0 mm. In other embodiments, for
instance, the compression article may comprise a thickness from
about 0.25 mm to about 0.75 mm. In certain embodiments, for
example, the compression article may comprise a thickness from
about 0.4 mm to about 0.6 mm. In further embodiments, for example,
the compression article may comprise a thickness of about 0.5 mm.
As such, in certain embodiments, the compression article may
comprise a thickness from at least about any of the following: 0.1,
0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, and 0.5 mm and/or at most
about 1.0, 0.95, 0.9, 0.85, 0.8, 0.75, 0.7, 0.65, 0.6, 0.55, and
0.5 mm (e.g., about 0.25-0.85 mm, about 0.5-0.75 mm, etc.). In
addition, according to certain embodiments, for instance, the
compression article may comprise an area density from about 100 gsm
to about 350 gsm. In other embodiments, for example, the
compression article may comprise an area density from about 100 gsm
to about 320 gsm. In further embodiments, for instance, the
compression article may comprise an area density from about 102 gsm
to about 313 gsm. As such, in certain embodiments, the compression
article may comprise an area density from at least about any of the
following: 100, 101, and 102 gsm and/or at most about 350, 340,
330, 320, 318, 315, and 313 gsm (e.g., about 100-315 gsm, about
102-330 gsm, etc.).
[0036] Thus, the invention includes compression articles suitable
for a wide variety of uses (e.g., compression socks, athletic
garments, shapewear, etc.). In accordance with certain embodiments,
the compression article may include at least two uniform
compression regions, including a first uniform compression region
having a first compression pressure and a second uniform
compression region having a second compression pressure, and at
least one transitioning compression region, including a first
transitioning compression region positioned between the first and
second uniform compression regions, in which the first
transitioning compression region comprises a first end adjacent or
proximate to the first uniform compression region and a second end
adjacent or proximate to the second uniform compression region. The
first transitioning compression region comprises a compression
pressure gradient extending from the first end to the second end of
the first transitioning compression region. The compression
pressure gradient may comprise or be defined by a plurality of
localized compression pressure gradients within the first
transitioning compression region.
[0037] In another aspect, certain embodiments of the invention
provide a method for making a seamless compression article. In
accordance with certain embodiments, the method includes forming at
least a first uniform compression region comprising a first uniform
compression pressure and forming a first transitioning compression
region adjacent or proximate to the first uniform compression
region, in which the first transitioning compression region
comprises a first end adjacent or proximate to the first uniform
compression region and a second end opposite the first end. The
method may also comprise forming a second uniform compression
region adjacent or proximate to the second end of the first
transitioning compression region, in which the second uniform
compression region comprises a second compression pressure being
different from the first compression pressure. In such embodiments,
for instance, the first transitioning compression region may be
located between the first uniform compression region and the second
uniform compression region, and the first transitioning compression
region may comprise a compression pressure gradient extending from
the first end to the second end of the first transitioning
compression region as described throughout the present
disclosure.
[0038] FIG. 8, for example, illustrates a process flow diagram for
making a seamless compression article according to an example
embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the method may include forming at
least a first uniform compression region comprising a first
compression pressure at operation 110, forming a first
transitioning compression region adjacent or proximate to the first
uniform compression region, said first transitioning compression
region comprising a first end adjacent or proximate to the first
uniform compression region and a second end at operation 120, and
forming a second uniform compression region adjacent or proximate
to the second end of the first transitioning compression region,
the second uniform compression region comprising a second
compression pressure being different from the first compression
pressure at operation 130.
[0039] In accordance with certain embodiments, for example, the
uniform compression regions and the transitioning compression
regions described above may comprise a laid-in stitch base fabric
knit and an inlay yarn. In some embodiments, for instance, the
laid-in fabric may comprise a ground structure knitted yarn held in
position. As such, the laid-in fabric may provide thickness and
stiffness to the compression article. In some embodiments, for
example, the laid-in fabric may include, but is not limited to,
synthetic fibers, natural fibers, and fibers derived from natural
products. In certain embodiments, for instance, synthetic fibers
may comprise (but are not limited to) nylon fibers, acrylic fibers,
polyester fibers, and polypropylene fibers. In further embodiments,
for example, yarns having a natural source may be obtained from
cotton, wool, bamboo, hemp, alpaca and/or the like. In some
embodiments, for instance, yarns derived from and/or manufactured
from a natural source may be obtained from soy protein, corn, and
the like. According to certain embodiments, for example, yarns
having filament may have either a flat or textured form. Examples
of such filament forms of yarn may include, but are not limited to,
nylon, polyester, polypropylene and/or the like. The various yarns
described herein, for instance, may be used individually or in
combination with each other. Further, the yarn combinations may be
formed, for example, in the knitting process or in a separate
process prior to the knitting process. According to certain
embodiments, for instance, the inlay yarn may include (but is not
limited to) an elastomeric yarn comprising rubber, spandex or other
elastic material such as Lycra.RTM. fiber. In some embodiments, for
example, the spandex and/or rubber may be incorporated into the
compression article by being laid-in, knit-in and/or the like.
Moreover, in certain embodiments, for instance, the spandex and/or
rubber may comprise bare spandex laid-in or plaited with the knit
fabric. In further embodiments, for example, the spandex and/or
rubber may be commingled with other fibers (e.g., nylon, polyester,
polypropylene, etc.) to form a synthetic filament yarn. In other
embodiments, for instance, the spandex and/or rubber may be covered
by at least one of filament yarn, spun yarn (e.g., natural fibers
like cotton, wool, etc. or a blend of natural fibers with synthetic
fibers such as a polyester/cotton blend) and/or the like. In
further embodiments, for instance, the elastomeric yarns may
further comprise a covering of flat and/or textured filament yarns
such as nylon, polyester or polypropylene.
[0040] In accordance with certain embodiments, for example, the
inlay yarn may be incorporated into the laid-in fabric without
knitting into loops during the same knitting cycle using the
seamless knitting machine in order to generate the particular
compression pressures generated by the compression article. To
provide the compression pressure gradient or gradients, for
example, a different elastomeric yarn, blend of yarns, and/or
different sized yarns may be used as the inlay yarn in each uniform
compression region. In such embodiments, for instance, each
elastomeric yarn, for example, may be selected based on its
tension, modulus, and/or yarn size. In other embodiments, for
example, varying a mixture of yarns may provide an overall change
in compression pressure. In this regard, for instance, the
compression pressure may be varied among the uniform compression
regions and the transitioning compression regions by varying yarn
types or mixtures of yarn content based on the selection of yarns
having a particular elasticity and/or modulus and/or by varying the
respective yarn sizes of the individual compression regions.
[0041] Although exemplary knitting processes have been described
herein, one of ordinary skill in the art should understand that
this disclosure is not limited to such knitting processes. In fact,
any knitting process suitable for producing the compression article
described herein as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art
may be used. Moreover, all disclosures regarding the compression
article are hereby incorporated into the method disclosures
discussed herein.
[0042] Non-limiting Exemplary Embodiments
[0043] Having described various aspects and embodiments of the
invention herein, further specific embodiments of the invention
include those set forth in the following paragraphs.
[0044] Certain embodiments according to the invention provide
compression articles suitable for a wide variety of uses (e.g.,
compression socks, athletic garments, shapewear, etc.). In
accordance with certain embodiments, the compression article
includes at least two (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, etc.) uniform
compression regions, including a first uniform compression region
having a first compression pressure and a second uniform
compression region having a second compression pressure, and at
least one transitioning compression region, including a first
transitioning compression region positioned between the first and
second uniform compression regions The first transitioning
compression region may comprise a first end adjacent or proximate
to the first uniform compression region and a second end adjacent
or proximate to the second uniform compression region. The first
transitioning compression region may comprise a compression
pressure gradient extending from the first end to the second end of
the first transitioning compression region. In further embodiments,
the compression article comprises at least three uniform
compression regions and at least two transitioning compression
regions.
[0045] In accordance with certain embodiments, the first
compression pressure comprises from about 5 mmHg to about 40 mmHg.
In some embodiments, the first compression pressure is greater than
the second compression pressure. Moreover, in certain embodiments,
the compression pressure gradient comprises a change in pressure of
about 1% per inch to about 20% per inch.
[0046] According to certain embodiments, the first uniform
compression region and the second uniform compression region
comprise different elastomeric yarns. In some embodiments, the
elastomeric yarns comprise spandex. In further embodiments, the
elastomeric yarns comprise from about 20 denier to about 150
denier. In certain embodiments, the first uniform compression
region comprises at least predominantly a first yarn, the second
uniform compression region comprises a second yarn, and the first
transitioning region comprises a blend of at least the first yarn
and the second yarn to define the compression pressure gradient. In
some embodiments, the first end of the first transitioning
compression region comprises a greater amount of the first yarn
than the second yarn, and the second end of the first transitioning
compression region comprises a greater amount of the second yarn
than the first yarn.
[0047] In accordance with certain embodiments, the first
transitioning compression region comprises from about 1% to about
50% of an unstretched length of the compression article. In some
embodiments, the first uniform compression region and the second
uniform compression region comprise from about 50% to about 99% of
the unstretched length of the compression article. In further
embodiments, the first transitioning compression region comprises
an unstretched length from about 0.1 cm to about 50 cm. Moreover,
according to certain embodiments, at least one of the first uniform
compression region and the second uniform compression region has an
unstretched length that is greater than an unstretched length of
the first transitioning compression region. In further embodiments,
at least one of the first uniform compression region and the second
uniform compression region has an unstretched length that is less
than an unstretched length of the first transitioning compression
region. According to certain embodiments, the first uniform
compression region, the second uniform compression region, and the
first transitioning compression region extend around a
circumference of the compression article. However, in other
embodiments, the first uniform compression region, the second
uniform compression region, and the first transitioning compression
region extend across a weft width direction of the compression
article. In such embodiments, the compression article exerts radial
compression across the weft width direction.
[0048] In accordance with certain embodiments, the compression
article comprises a material having an elastic component and a
relaxed component. Moreover, in some embodiments, an outer surface
of the compression article comprises raised wales, and a skin
surface of the compression article comprises a smooth surface. In
further embodiments, the compression article is seamless.
[0049] These and other modifications and variations to the
invention may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which
is more particularly set forth in the appended claims. In addition,
it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may
be interchanged in whole or in part. Furthermore, those of ordinary
skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is
by way of example only, and it is not intended to limit the
invention as further described in such appended claims. Therefore,
the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited
to the exemplary description of the versions contained herein.
* * * * *