GARMENT FOR THE NEURO-MUSCULO-SKELETAL ASSISTANCE
A garment for neuro-musculo-skeletal assistance comprising a body (2) of the garment provided with elasticity and intended to be worn by a user to adhere to a portion of the user's body and an elastic and continuous framework (5) on the body of the garment and comprising a plurality of anchoring portions (10) and a plurality of active portions (20; 30; 40; 50), each intended to coincide with respective sectors of the user's body, where the framework is structured so that, when the garment is worn by the user and the latter carries out a motor activity, the active portions deform themselves following the deformation of the respective sectors of the user's body and the anchoring portions remain substantially unchanged.
This invention relates to a garment for neuro-musculo-skeletal assistance and a method for the production of this garment.
BACKGROUND ARTGarments known to background art are structured in such a way as to provide, once worn by the user, local assistance to muscles and joints. The typical aim of these garments is to improve posture, prevent injuries caused by sports activities (for example, bruises, sprains, dislocations, torn muscles, fractures, etc.) or the rehabilitation of an injured part of the body, on which the garment acts.
With reference to these objectives, known garments include sweaters and trousers designed mainly to be used in the sports sector, for example the type described in patent document EP1810649. These garments adhere to the body of the wearer and are made from a material with a low coefficient of friction in order to slide easily over the skin, and include a lining, on the inner surface of the garment, consisting of resistant strips made from a material with a high coefficient of friction and which does not slide easily on the skin. In these garments the inner lining strips are arranged in order to reproduce on the wearer's body the same effects of the technique known as “taping”, that is to say the technique of bandaging by means of adhesive elastic strips which limit the mobility of the joint and expansion of the muscle. This technique makes it possible to reduce the stress and increase the stability of the musculo-skeletal structures, preventing injuries to parts of the body that are particularly delicate or subject to stress, and can also assist in recovery from injury, contrasting bruising and effusions caused by trauma, and in reducing recovery time.
The applicant has nevertheless found that the currently available garments designed to prevent and rehabilitate muscular and articular injuries are not without drawbacks and can be improved from various points of view.
In particular, the applicant believes that reproducing the “taping” technique by means of a garment of the type described above does not make it possible to achieve the desired effects in terms of injury prevention and rehabilitation. The applicant believes, in fact, that it is complicated, if not impossible, to reproduce the technique of “taping” by means of a garment of the type described above. “Taping” is in fact a complex technique which requires very precise manual attachment of the strips to the user's skin in order to achieve the correct tension of the strip. In some cases, for example, the attachment procedure varies from one strip to another and even within the same strip (by varying the pull of the various parts of the strip during manual attachment). In addition, “taping” actually involves glueing the strips to the user's skin so that they can not slip in any way, otherwise they would lose all their effects. Known garments, on the other hand, being designed to be worn by a user in a conventional way, do not make it possible to achieve the attachment of the strips to adhere automatically to certain parts of the skin, nor do they allow adjustment of the tension of the strips and portions of strips when the garment is being put on. “Taping” also requires the use of strips which are elastic only in a well-defined direction, while known garments have strips with non-selective elasticity, that is to say similar values in every direction of deformation.
In addition, since the strips of known garments slide on the skin and change their position every time they are put on, the strips can not be positioned in a precise and long-lasting way on certain desired parts of the user's skin.
The applicant has also found that known garments have a high level of complexity and/or high production costs.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTIONIn this situation, the basic aim of this invention, in its various aspects and/or embodiments, is to provide a garment for neuro-musculo-skeletal assistance and a method for the production of this garment that can overcome one or more of the above-mentioned drawbacks.
In particular, one of the aims of this invention is to provide a garment for neuro-musculo-skeletal assistance that works according to new principles and functioning methods that are different with respect to known garments, making it possible to achieve a high degree of efficacy in assisting the user's body. In particular, the applicant believes that it is advantageous to achieve neuro-musculo-skeletal assistance that works not so much according to the principle of “taping” but according to a principle known as “tensegrative” which will become clearer below.
A further aim of this invention is to provide a garment for neuro-musculo-skeletal assistance that, once put on by the user, makes it possible to maintain precise positioning of each of its parts on the respective parts of the user's body, even after movement activities have been performed by the user.
One or more of these aims, in addition to other possible aims, which will become clearer from the description given below, are substantially achieved by a garment, or set of garments, for neuro-musculo-skeletal assistance and by a method for the production of such a garment, with the technical features described in one or more of the accompanying claims, each of which taken alone (without the relative dependent claims) or together with the other claims, as well as according to the following aspects and/or example embodiments, variously combined, also with the aforesaid claims.
In one aspect, the invention relates to a garment for neuro-musculo-skeletal assistance comprising:
a body of the garment having elasticity and intended to be worn by a user for adhering to a portion of the user's body;
a preferably continuous and elastic framework realized on said body of the garment and comprising a plurality of anchoring portions and a plurality of active portions, each intended to coincide with respective sectors of the user's body;
In one aspect, said framework is structured so that, when the garment is worn by the user and the latter exercises a motor activity, the active portions deform themselves following the deformation of the respective sectors of the user's body and the anchoring portions remain substantially unchanged.
In one aspect, the active portions and the anchoring portions are identical in nature (and their distinction is due solely to the portions of the body with which they are intended to coincide). It can be observed, moreover, that the position occupied by the anchoring portions and the active portions on the body of the garment identifies and defines the portions of the body to which they are respectively intended to coincide.
In one aspect, the anchoring portions are positioned in such a way that they do not undergo substantial deformation (for example, because they are positioned transversally to the muscle sheath or in deformation-free parts of the body) and the active portions are positioned (for example longitudinally to the muscle sheath) in such a way as to undergo deformation phenomena, for example elongation or shortening, when the garment is worn.
In one aspect, the anchoring portions are intended to coincide with respective sectors of the body so that, when the user carries out a motor activity, they change their overall surface extension of a value less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, even more preferably less than 2%, compared to the respective overall surface extension with the user's body in relaxed condition. Relaxed condition is intended as a condition in which the user's body is not subject to loads or stress and is not carrying out any motor activity. In such a condition, the muscles, bones and joints are typically completely relaxed.
In one aspect, the active portions are intended to coincide with respective sectors of the body so that, when the user carries out a motor activity, they change their overall surface extension of a value greater than 5%, preferably greater than 7.5%, even more preferably greater than 10%, compared to the respective overall surface extension with the user's body in relaxed condition.
Opportunely, the active portions stimulate, for example, a corrective action on the user's posture or in any case an action that induces a correct positioning of predefined parts of the body (scapulas, Achilles tendons, etc.). When the garment is worn, the action of the framework determines a force that develops along a prevalent line of development of the framework, in particular along the prevalent line of development of the active portions. The action of the framework can cause two portions of muscles to move closer together, for example two heads of the biceps brachii muscle (see solution in
The anchoring portions improve, for example, the stable positioning of the framework, increasing the contact surface between the framework and the user's skin (reducing the risk of movement of the framework, and skin damage due to excessive rubbing, when the user is carrying out motor activity).
In one aspect, when the garment is worn and the framework coincides with the respective sectors of the user's body, the framework assumes a pretensioning status (with the body in a relaxed condition) corresponding to elongation from 10 to 25% of the active portions (and preferably also of the anchoring portions) with respect to the length of the portions of garment not worn, the length being measured along the prevalent direction of development of each portion.
The applicant believes that the combination of the aforesaid technical features, in particular the presence of an elastic framework on the body of the garment and comprising a plurality of anchoring portions and a plurality of active portions, each intended to coincide with respective sectors of the user's body, and the fact that said framework is structured so that, when the garment is worn by the user and the latter carries out a motor activity, the active portions deform themselves following the deformation of the respective sectors of the user's body and the anchoring portions remain substantially unchanged, make it possible to obtain a garment for neuro-musculo-skeletal assistance that can increase articular stability and improve the muscular function of the body sections to which it is applied, thus stimulating a “tensegrative” function. In particular, the action carried out by the active portions performs its positive effects on the muscles, the bone structure and on the proprioceptive nerve ends.
“Tensegrative”, a concept borrowed from architectural principles and, for the first time, applied by the applicant to the technical sector of garments, means the ability to optimize the features of a load-bearing structure comprising components subjected to tension, having a high degree of flexibility, in contrast with components subjected to compression, having a high degree of rigidity, to form a structure that can support stress and maintain a specific overall shape. In such a structure, the rigid components subjected to compression create tensive forces on the flexible components subjected to tension while, vice versa, the latter compress the components subjected to compression. In this way, the forces are transmitted and distributed uniformly over the entire structure; if the respective stress on a single element increases, this increase will be distributed over all the components of the system. In practice, increases of tensive forces on the components subjected to tension take place globally and are balanced, over the entire structure, by counter-increases of compression on the components subjected to compression. This type of structure presents features of stability and, at the same time, of elasticity in all working conditions, both for minor levels of stress and for high levels.
The human body is an example of a tensegrative structure, where the muscles and the connective tissue represent the components subjected to tension and the bones represent the components subjected to compression. The applicant, as far as he is aware, has for the first time by means of this framework recreated a structure with tensegrative action that can envelop a user's body and copy the human tensegrative structure. The garment according to this invention thus acts as an “exoskeleton” able to work in conjunction with the structure of the body to offer neuro-musculo-skeletal assistance. In this exoskeleton, all the elements are interconnected in such a way that they can reposition themselves in response to any local tension, when the user exercises motor activity, so that each of the aforesaid anchoring portions and active portions acts on the underlying neuro-musculo-skeletal structure to amplify the natural supplementary response of the human body.
The applicant believes that, unlike background art garments, which exploit the difference in friction between the body of the garment and the inner lining to determine a skin-muscle type effect on the body, that is to say by activating the nerve receptors of the skin to condition the underlying muscles, the garment according to this invention creates a tensegrative structure which supports the body and by means of appropriate positioning of the framework and its components mechanically stimulates the bones and deep muscle proprioceptive nerve receptors.
The garment according to this invention therefore works in a completely different way with respect to known garments, since it applies a tensegrative concept to achieve an assistance structure that can provide one or more of the following benefits: support for the contraction and extension of muscle sheaths and connective tissue, limitation of performing excessively wide movements, modulation of muscular tension and bone compression, stimulation of blood circulation and lymph fluid, assisting neuronal function. For the user, this provides one or more beneficial effects, for example a reduced risk of trauma and muscular-articular injury, improved recovery from injuries, improved posture, greater comfort and better body control, reduced sensation of fatigue and actual tiredness, reduced accumulation of lactic acid, pain relief and an improvement in the user's appearance.
The applicant also believes that the technical feature whereby the framework is continuous makes it possible to provide a structure with the aforesaid tensegrative property and that can provide effective support action.
The applicant believes that the technical features whereby the body of the garment and the framework are elastic make it possible to advantageously achieve the correct adhesion of every part of the garment, when worn, to every underlying part of the user's body. In addition, the elasticity allows the body of the garment and the framework created on it to deform together to follow the user's movements.
The applicant also believes that this invention makes it possible to provide a garment for neuro-musculo-skeletal assistance characterised by a simple, rational structure that is easy and economical to produce.
In one aspect, the anchoring portions do not follow the longitudinal shortening and extension of the underlying muscle fibres.
In one aspect, the garment comprises one and only one framework.
In one aspect, the framework consists exclusively of said anchoring portions and said active portions, interconnected without interruption.
In one aspect, the active portions and/or the anchoring portions are shaped in such a way as to present a prevalent development direction. The active portions and/or the anchoring portions are preferably in the form of strips. It should be pointed out that the term strip is also intended as a section that forks or that closes on itself forming a ring.
In one aspect, the active portions constitute a prevalent part of the framework with respect to the anchoring portions. The active portions preferably represent 60%, more preferably 70%, and even more preferably 90% of the overall surface of the framework.
In one aspect, the body of the garment (in particular the part overlying the framework) has a first coefficient of elasticity and the framework has a second coefficient of elasticity, greater than or equal to said first coefficient of elasticity. In this way, when the user carries out a motor activity the portions of the framework locally generate a return force on the parts of the user's body with which they coincide. This makes it possible to increase the precision in positioning the framework on the user's body and to obtain synergy between the body of the garment and the framework in certain points in order to achieve an effective tensegrative structure.
It should be noted that “coefficient of elasticity” is intended as a measurement that connects the value of the force generated by a material to the corresponding deformation (lengthening) to which the material is subjected; when the coefficient of elasticity increases, so does the force generated by the material when it is subjected to the same deformation.
The force generated by the material and the deformation of the material are opportunely evaluated along the prevalent line of development of the various sections of the framework.
In one aspect, said first coefficient of elasticity is constant in all the portions of the body of the garment. In one aspect, said first coefficient of elasticity is between 0.01 kgf/cm and 0.1 kgf/cm.
In one aspect, said second coefficient of elasticity is constant in all the portions of the framework.
In one aspect, said second coefficient of elasticity is between 0.1 kgf/cm and 0.3 kgf/cm.
In one aspect, the body of the garment is made of fabric, typically a knitted fabric, for example a fabric composed of a combination of yarns. In one aspect, said fabric has said first coefficient of elasticity.
In one aspect, the entire framework is made of a single material.
In one aspect, the entire framework is made of resin.
In one aspect, said resin has said second coefficient of elasticity.
In one aspect, the portions of the garment on which the framework is created have an overall coefficient of elasticity, preferably greater than the first and the second coefficient of elasticity. For example, the overall coefficient of elasticity can be between 0.3 kgf/cm and 0.6 kgf/cm.
The applicant has, in fact, ascertained, by means of tests, that the areas of fabric on which the resin is created have an overall coefficient of elasticity that is greater than the sum of the coefficient of elasticity of the fabric and of the resin considered separately. This synergic effect between fabric and resin makes it possible to advantageously obtain a framework that can effectively assist the neuro-musculo-skeletal function of the user's body.
The range of overall coefficient of elasticity values indicated above is very important since tests carried out by the applicant showed an effective tensegrative function. At the same time, this range of values does not impede the user in performing movements.
In one aspect, the body of the garment comprises a plurality of portions provided with more compact stitches than the rest of the body of the garment and intended to coincide with the anchoring portions and the active portions of the framework (i.e. a plurality of portions provided with more compact stitches than the remaining parts of the body of the garment).
In particular, the body of the garment, made of fabric, comprises a plurality of portions provided with more compact stitches than the adjacent portions of the body; said plurality of portions provided with more compact stitches being intended to be in contact at least in part with the anchoring portions and the active portions of the framework.
These portions provided with more compact stitches preferably make it possible to locally increase the first coefficient of elasticity in the portions intended for the framework, so that when the garment is worn by the user this increases the positioning stability of the framework and/or creates pretensioning of the framework.
The applicant has acted in such a way that the greater amount of fabric, in the parts that do not have any framework, achieved by making the stitches less compact, is overcome when the garment is worn, since the portions provided with less compact stitches are extended and evened out over the user's body (in other words, the crumpling of the fabric caused by the greater amount of fabric is smoothed out). In this way, the garment fits the user's body perfectly, maintaining residual tension only in the portions on which the framework is created.
In one aspect, when the garment is worn and the framework coincides with the respective sectors of the user's body, the portions of fabric with less compact stitches assume a pretensioning status (with the body in a relaxed condition) corresponding to elongation from 5 to 10% with respect to the length of the portions of garment when not worn, the length being measured along the prevalent direction of development of each portion. The portions with less compact stitches (and no framework) advantageously undergo less lengthening (and pretensioning) than the portions with more compact stitches.
In one aspect, the framework, preferably made of the aforesaid resin, is structured so as to have a high coefficient of friction with human skin. In particular, the aforesaid resin presents a higher coefficient of friction with human skin than the fabric with which the body of the garment is made.
In one aspect, the framework is created on the inside of the body of the garment; the framework is opportunely (or is intended to be) directly in contact with the user's skin. In this way, as the framework preferably has a high coefficient of friction it adheres firmly to the user's skin and maintains its correct position even after motor activities by the user.
In one aspect, the framework presents a divided structure consisting of alternating anchoring portions and active portions with points of convergence between different portions.
In one aspect, said points of convergence can be divided between two or more portions of the framework.
In one aspect, one or more of said points of convergence coincide with a respective anchoring portion.
In one aspect, one or more of the active portions have one end that branches out from a respective anchoring portion and an opposite free end.
In one aspect, one or more of the active portions have two opposite ends that terminate in two separate anchoring portions.
In one aspect, the anchoring portions and/or the active portions are in the form of strips whose width, calculated at right angles to the respective prevalent development direction, is between 1 cm and 6 cm.
In one aspect, the width (preferably between 2 and 5 cm) of the anchoring portions is greater than the width (preferably between 1 and 3 cm) of the active portions. In this way it is possible to increase the stability of the anchoring portions and maintain the correct positioning of the entire framework.
In one aspect, the garment comprises a pair of identical frameworks arranged specularly with respect to a bilateral symmetry plan of the garment. For example, when the garment is a sweater it comprises two specularly identical frameworks, each coinciding with a half-trunk, a shoulder and an arm. For example, when the garment is trousers it comprises two specularly identical frameworks, each in correspondence with a respective half-pelvis, buttocks and leg.
In one aspect, the invention concerns a garment according to one or more of the preceding aspects where said framework is configured according to the scheme shown in
In one aspect, the invention concerns a garment according to one or more of the preceding aspects where said framework is configured according to the scheme shown in
In one aspect, the invention concerns a garment according to one or more of the preceding aspects where said framework is configured according to the scheme shown in
In one aspect, the invention concerns a garment according to one or more of the preceding aspects where said framework is configured according to the scheme shown in
In one aspect, the invention concerns a garment according to one or more of the preceding aspects where said framework is configured according to the scheme shown in
In one aspect, the invention concerns a garment according to one or more of the preceding aspects where said framework is configured according to the scheme shown in
In one aspect, the invention concerns a garment according to one or more of the preceding aspects where said framework is configured according to the scheme shown in
In one aspect, the invention concerns a garment according to one or more of the preceding aspects where said framework is configured according to the scheme shown in
This invention also refers to a set of garments for neuro-musculo-skeletal assistance, each intended to cover a specific part of the user's body.
In one aspect, the invention concerns a method for producing a garment for neuro-musculo-skeletal assistance according to this invention, the method comprising the steps of:
a) producing, for example by means of weaving or knitting, a body of the garment having elasticity and intended to be worn by a user for adhering to a portion of the user's body;
b) producing, by means of moulding (silk-screen process) a resin on the body of the garment, a continuous and elastic framework comprising a plurality of anchoring portions and a plurality of active portions, each intended to coincide with respective sectors of the user's body, where said framework is structured so that, when the garment is worn by the user and the latter carries out a motor activity, the active portions deform themselves following the deformation of the respective sectors of the user's body and the anchoring portions remain substantially unchanged.
In this way it is possible to obtain the garment according to this invention in a simple and economic way. In addition, producing the framework by means of moulding makes the method highly repeatable and advantageously automatable.
In one aspect, in step b) the moulding of t he resin takes place by using resin in a liquid state and the method comprises a step of resin drying following step b). This makes the moulding of the resin easy and precise and, once the resin is dry, the framework is firmly fixed in an appropriate position on the body of the garment, remaining in place when the garment is worn.
In one aspect, step a) comprises a step of producing a plurality of portions of the body of the garment provided with more compact stitches with respect to the rest of the body of the garment and intended to accommodate, in step b), the resin forming the framework. This makes it possible to increase the stability of the positioning of the framework when the garment is worn.
In one aspect, in step a) the production is achieved by the knitting of a tubular piece and/or by seamless technology.
In one aspect, the framework is produced according to one or more of the above aspects.
Other features and advantages will become more apparent from the detailed description below of some embodiments, also including a preferred non-limiting embodiment of a device for neuro-muscular-skeletal assistance according to this invention.
This description is set out below with reference to the accompanying drawings which are provided solely for purposes of illustration without restricting the scope of the invention and in which:
With reference to the accompanying figures, a garment (advantageously used for neuro-musculo-skeletal assistance) according to the present invention is denoted overall with the reference number 1. In general, the same reference number is used for the same elements in their embodiment variations.
The garment 1 comprises a body 2 of the garment having elasticity and intended to be worn by a user (not shown) for adhering to a portion of the user's body, for example the trunk and arms or the pelvis and legs.
The garment 1 also comprises a continuous and elastic framework 5 realized on the body of the garment and comprising a plurality of anchoring portions 10 and a plurality of active portions 20, 30, 40, 50, each intended to coincide with respective sectors of the user's body.
It should be noted that in the figures the framework is represented schematically and the surfaces of the body of the garment which are shown can be indifferently considered as the inner or outer surface (corresponding respectively to the surface intended to be in contact with the user's skin and the surface intended to be visible from the outside). In other words, it is possible to consider the garments shown as examples as right side out or inside out.
This framework is structured so that, when the garment is worn by the user and the latter carries out a motor activity, the active portions deform themselves following the deformation of the respective sectors of the user's body and the anchoring portions 10 remain substantially unchanged.
The active portions 20, 30, 40, 50 and the anchoring portions 10 are identical in nature and the respective position occupied on the body of the garment identifies and defines the portions of the body to which they are respectively intended to coincide.
The anchoring portions 10 are preferably positioned in such a way that they do not undergo substantial deformation (for example, because they are positioned transversally to the muscle sheath or in deformation-free parts of the body) and the active portions 20, 30, 40, 50 are positioned (for example longitudinally to the muscle sheath) in such a way as to undergo deformation phenomena, for example elongation or shortening, when the garment 1 is worn.
The anchoring portions 10 are preferably intended to coincide with respective sectors of the body so that, when the user carries out a motor activity, they change their overall surface extension by a value, for example, less than 2%, compared to the respective overall surface extension with the user's body in relaxed condition.
The anchoring portions 20, 30, 40, 50 are preferably intended to coincide with respective sectors of the body so that, when the user carries out a motor activity, they change their overall surface extension by a value greater than 10%, compared to the respective overall surface extension with the user's body in relaxed condition.
When the garment is worn, the anchoring portions 10 preferably do not follow the longitudinal shortening and extension of the underlying muscle fibres.
The garment preferably comprises one and only one framework 5. The framework 5 preferably consists exclusively of said anchoring portions and said active portions, interconnected without interruption.
One or more of the active portions and/or of the anchoring portions are preferably shaped in such a way as to present a prevalent development direction. The active portions and/or the anchoring portions are preferably in the form of strips.
The active portions preferably constitute a prevalent part of the framework 5 with respect to the anchoring portions 10. For example, the active portions represent 60% or more of the overall surface of the framework.
The body 2 of the garment has a first coefficient of elasticity and the framework 5 has a second coefficient of elasticity, greater than or equal to said first coefficient of elasticity.
The first coefficient of elasticity is preferably constant in all the portions of the body of the garment, and is preferably between 0.01 kgf/cm and 0.1 kgf/cm.
The second coefficient of elasticity is preferably constant in all the portions of the framework, and is preferably between 0.1 kgf/cm and 0.3 kgf/cm.
The body 2 of the garment is preferably made of fabric, typically a knitted fabric, for example a fabric composed of a combination of yarns. This combination of yarns can, for example, be a combination of polyamide and elastomer or a combination of polyamide and polyester or a combination of polyester and elastomer.
For example, the body of the garment is made of a polyamide yarn with 33/34/2 count and an elastomer yarn with 17-20/20/1 count. For example, the resulting composition of the body of the garment is 91% polyamide and 9% elastomer.
The fabric preferably has the aforesaid first coefficient of elasticity. The entire framework is preferably made of a single material. The framework is preferably made of resin (for example a phthalate-PVC free plasticiser), preferably having the aforesaid second coefficient of elasticity.
The portions of the garment on which the framework is created preferably have an overall coefficient of elasticity greater than the first and the second coefficient of elasticity. For example, the overall coefficient of elasticity can be between 0.3 kgf/cm and 0.6 kgf/cm.
The body of the garment, made of fabric, preferably comprises a plurality of portions provided with more compact stitches than the rest of the body of the garment and intended to coincide with the anchoring portions and the active portions of the framework.
The framework 5 preferably has a constant thickness of between 200 and 2000 micrometres. For example, the resin of the framework is around 700 micrometres thick.
Alternatively, the anchoring portions are thicker than the active portions. For example, the anchoring portions are around 1500 micrometres thick and the active portions are around 700 micrometres thick.
The framework, preferably made of the aforesaid resin, is preferably structured so as to have a high coefficient of friction with human skin.
The framework is preferably created on the inside of the body of the garment, thus directly in contact with the user's skin. In this way, as the framework preferably has a high coefficient of friction it adheres firmly to the user's skin and maintains its correct position even after motor activities by the user.
As shown in the figures, the framework 5 preferably presents a divided structure consisting of alternating anchoring portions 10 and active portions 20, 30, 40, 50 with points of convergence between the different portions. These points of convergence are preferably divided between two or more portions of the framework.
One or more of said points of convergence preferably coincide with a respective anchoring portion.
One or more of the active portions preferably have one end that branches out from a respective anchoring portion and an opposite free end.
One or more of the active portions preferably have two opposite ends that terminate in two separate anchoring portions.
The anchoring portions and/or the active portions are preferably in the form of strips whose width, calculated at right angles to the respective prevalent development direction, is between 1 cm and 6 cm. In the embodiments shown in the figures, all the active portions are in the form of strips.
The width (preferably between 2 and 5 cm) of the anchoring portions 10 is preferably greater than the width (preferably between 1 and 3 cm) of the active portions 20, 30, 40, 50, in order to increase the stability and correct positioning of the entire framework. For example, the width of one or more anchoring portions is around 3 cm and the width of one or more active portions is around 2 cm.
The garment preferably also comprises one or more reinforcement strips 60 on the body 2 of the garment, designed to locally increase the coefficient of elasticity of the body of the garment. The applicant has in fact ascertained that, following particular movements by the user, some portions of the garment may not adhere perfectly to the user's body. By adding these reinforcement strips it is possible to locally increase the coefficient of elasticity of the garment and to keep it taut and in contact with the user's body. The reinforcement strips are completely outside the aforesaid framework and its aims.
The body of the garment opportunely comprises visual means of reference (opportunely shaped like one or more strips) overlying at least a part of the framework (these visual means of reference are advantageously applied on over more than 80% of the framework 5; these visual means of reference are preferably applied over the entire framework 5). These visual means of reference opportunely have a different colour with respect to the colour of the adjacent parts of the garment. These visual means of reference are advantageously created on the surface of the body 2 intended to face outwards when the garment 1 is worn. These visual means of reference facilitate the correct positioning of the framework 5 on the user's body (otherwise the user would see the outside of the garment 1, but would have difficulty in perceiving whether the internal framework 5 was correctly positioned or not). The framework 5 is in fact created on the surface of the body 2 intended to face outwards when the garment 1 is worn.
The framework preferably comprises two separate active portions of the biceps muscle 21, preferably having a first end terminating on the anchoring portion of the under acromial deltoid region of the humerus 11 and a respective second end terminating on the anchoring portion of the front region of the elbow 12.
The framework preferably comprises two separate coracoid active portions 23, preferably having a first end terminating on the anchoring portion of the under acromial deltoid region of the humerus 11 and a respective second free end.
The framework preferably comprises two separate scapular infraspinatus active portions 24, preferably having a first end terminating on the anchoring portion of the under acromial deltoid region of the humerus 11 and a respective second free end.
The aforesaid scapular supraspinatus 22 and latissimus dorsi muscle active portions 25 preferably have a first end terminating on the anchoring portion of the under acromial deltoid region of the humerus 11 and a respective second free end.
The garment in the form of a sweater preferably comprises a first reinforcement strip 61 intended to coincide with a portion of the user's spine. It should be noted in particular that the effect caused by the separation action carried out by the framework between the first reinforcement strip 61 and at least one of the scapular infraspinatus active portions 24 leads to traction of the muscles in between these portions which stimulates the myotactic neuro-muscular reflex. The traction indicated above must be below 200 gf (in order to stimulate the myotactic reflex) but at the same time sufficient to perform an action that can be perceived by the user. The approach action of the muscle apices affected by the active portions of the exoskeleton of the biceps muscle 21 limits the neuro-muscular activation of the inverse myotactic reflex. The traction that determines the approach of the muscle apices must be greater than 200 gf (in order to inhibit the inverse myotactic reflex). The coefficient of elasticity of the framework is therefore very important since it regulates the intensity of the tension carried out by the framework.
The garment in the form of trousers preferably comprises a second reinforcement strip 62 intended to coincide with the user's peroneus muscle.
The garment in the form of trousers preferably comprises a third reinforcement strip 63 intended to coincide with the user's tibial muscle.
What is described above with reference to
As in the embodiments shown in the figures, the garment preferably comprises a pair of identical frameworks 5 arranged specularly with respect to a bilateral symmetry plan of the garment. For example, when the garment is a sweater it comprises two specularly identical frameworks, each in correspondence with a half-trunk, a shoulder and an arm, while when the garment is trousers or shorts it comprises two specularly identical frameworks, each in correspondence with a respective half-pelvis, buttock and leg.
This invention advantageously lends itself to be applied to different types of garments, for example for the different parts of the body. For example, the garments included in this invention can be sweaters, trousers, socks, knee pads, elbow pads and gloves.
The garment 1 according to this invention, as shown in
The two strips of the second pair 93 opportunely define a second channel 94 between them intended to accommodate the Achilles tendon. In particular, the active portions 50 of the second pair 93 identify at least in part said second channel 94. Advantageously, the second pair of strips carry out their action on the Achilles tendon and on the plantar flexors. The sock can thus be seen as a support for the prevention of injury to or for the rehabilitation of the Achilles tendon.
In particular, at least a part of the anchoring portions 10 of the second pair 93 of strips develop to coincide with one or more ends of the second pair 93 of strips.
The anchoring portions 10 of the second pair 93 of strips opportunely develop at least in part to coincide with the heel, in particular they overlie the heel (see the examples in
Advantageously, at least one (preferably both) of the second pair 93 of strips forks away from a part of the sock intended to cover the heel. Thanks to this fork, it is possible to a more extensive surface of action for the framework. It should be noted that the “second pair 93 of strips” is so named to distinguish it from the “first pair 91 of strips”, but the presence of the second pair 93 of strips does not in any way imply the presence of the first pair 91 of strips. Similarly, the “second channel” 94 is so named to distinguish it from the “first channel” 92, but the presence of the second channel does not necessarily imply the presence of the first channel 92.
At least one section of the strips of resin in the sock (for example, the strips of the first and/or of the second pair 91, 93) could opportunely comprise at least one hole which develops along the thickness of the section of strip and passes right through the strip. This facilitates above all the transpiration of the foot. The body 2 of the garment (sock) opportunely carries out an action of gradual compression, said compression being greater in correspondence with the ankle and less in the areas intended to overlie parts of the human body closer to the knee. The sock opportunely comprises a first portion 95 intended to accommodate the foot and a second portion 96 which develops away from the first portion 95. The first portion 95 preferably comprises cotton fibres, advantageously made of elastomer cotton. The second portion 96 is preferably made of elastomer nylon. The presence of cotton in the first portion 95 has a non-slip action, allows greater sensitivity for the foot, facilitates the absorption of perspiration and provides better shock absorption (since it increases the thickness of the sock).
The sock opportunely comprises a transpirant section 97. This facilitates maintenance of a microclimate of the foot. This transpirant section 97 is an area having less compact stitches than the adjacent area in order to increase the transpiration effect (this adjacent area advantageously surrounds the transpirant section). This transpirant section 97 is advantageously positioned in an area of the sock intended to overlie the dorsum of the foot and/or in a portion of the sock intended to overlie the rear portion of the leg.
The sock opportunely comprises a protective reinforcement section 98 to minimize the formation of creases at the ankle. This reinforcement section 98 advantageously comprises an area having more compact stitches with respect to an adjacent area (this adjacent area advantageously surrounds said reinforcement section). The width of the strips (that is to say the dimension measured at right angles to the thickness and to the prevalent line of development of each strip) of the first and second pairs 91, 93 is opportunely between 1 and 3 centimetres. The width of the active portions 50 is advantageously between 1 and 2.5 centimetres. It is possible that in some sections the anchoring portions are narrower than the active portions positioned on the same strip. This makes it possible to reduce the discomfort which the user may feel when the garment 1 is worn, which may for example be caused by the contact with the strip of resin and particularly sensitive parts of the body.
In addition, for example based on the required prevalent effect on the user's body (for example, prevention, rehabilitation, comfort), it is possible to modify the framework of the garment to obtain certain assistance effects.
A possible method for the production of an aforesaid garment 1 comprises the steps of producing, by knitting, the body 2 of the garment and of subsequently producing, by moulding of resin on the body of the garment, the framework 5 comprising the anchoring portions 10 and the active portions 20, 30, 40, 50.
The moulding of the resin preferably takes place by using resin in a liquid state followed by a step of resin drying.
During the knitting of the body of the garment, it is possible to produce a plurality of portions with more compact stitches with respect to the rest of the body of the garment and intended to accommodate the resin forming the framework.
The production of the body of the garment is achieved by the knitting of a tubular piece and/or by seamless technology. This makes it possible to eliminate or reduce the seams and also to obtain these portions with more compact stitches simply, rapidly and economically.
The aforesaid method preferably comprises the step of dyeing the garment and/or the step of pressing and/or packaging the garment.
The subject of this invention is a method for producing a garment 1 (opportunely for neuro-musculo-skeletal assistance) having one or more of the features described above. The method comprises the steps of:
a) producing a body 2 of the garment having elasticity and intended to be worn by a user for adhering to a portion of the user's body;
b) producing a preferably continuous and elastic framework comprising a plurality of anchoring portions and a plurality of active portions, each intended to coincide with respective sectors of the user's body.
Said framework is opportunely structured so that, when the garment is worn by the user and the latter carries out a motor activity, the active portions deform themselves following the deformation of the respective sectors of the user's body and the anchoring portions remain substantially unchanged.
In a preferred embodiment, the step of producing an elastic framework comprises the following steps:
applying (typically by silk screen process) at least a first section of resin on a fabric element intended to be a part of the body 2 of the garment. This fabric element is typically tubular (this tubular fabric element could have one closed end; this is typically the case with tubular fabric elements used to produce socks). This fabric element is opportunely a knitted element (that is to say obtained by means of a circular knitting machine; by knitting only one yarn, this circular machine knits each row of the fabric into the previous and subsequent rows); the fabric element is therefore a part of the fabric material which will contribute to defining the body 2 of the garment (when the garment is complete).
hardening (for example by reticulation or polymerization) of the first section of resin (opportunely in an oven, preferably in a ventilated oven).
The first section of resin is opportunely heated in the oven at a temperature higher than 150° C., preferably at temperature of around 180° C.
The fabric element opportunely comprises a first zone and a second zone; the first zone has more compact stitches with respect to the second zone. The second zone is advantageously adjacent to the first zone.
The step of producing an elastic framework comprises the step of inserting a support in a space surrounded by the tubular shaped fabric element. In technical jargon, this support is also known as a “mould”. This step is carried out before applying said first section of resin on the body 2. This makes it possible to partly stretch the fabric element before application of the first section of resin. The elongation of the first zone of the fabric element along a direction of the support is preferably between 12 and 18% of the original length of the first zone, that is to say the length before insertion of the support. The support opportunely comprises a reference mark; the step of inserting the support inside the space surrounded by the tubular fabric element includes placing said reference mark of the support over at least a part of the first zone of the fabric element. The support is advantageously extracted from the tubular element after applying the first section of resin and before placing the fabric element in the oven. This causes the fabric element to determine a slight elastic return in correspondence with the zone in which the first section of resin is located. The first zone of the fabric element will be typically elongated by around 10-15% with respect to its original length, for example since the resin, occupying the gaps between the threads of the fabric, does not allow the first zone to return to its original length but maintains a certain residual elongation. This elongation is present when the first section of resin completes its hardening process.
The step of applying at least a first section of resin includes the steps of:
placing a template on the fabric element, the template having a zone which is impermeable to the resin and a zone which is permeable to the resin, the part which is permeable to the resin overlying at least in part the first zone of the fabric element; in particular, the permeable part overlies the reference mark of the support; in fact, the step of applying at least a first section of resin is carried out in a frame comprising means for the reciprocal positioning of said template and said support; by correctly positioning the fabric element with respect to the support, it is possible to correctly position the fabric element also with respect to the template.
ensuring that the resin passes through the permeable part of the template and reaches the fabric element.
The fact that adjacent to the more compact stitches in the first zone there are less compact stitches is important for the creation of the exoskeleton. In an non-deformed configuration of the garment (that is to say when it is not worn) the zone with the less compact stitches presents creases, while the zone with more compact stitches is more taut and stretched out. When the garment is worn, the zone with the more compact stitches is deformed by carrying out the required action of fraction of parts of the user's body, while the zone with less compact stitches is stretched out, reducing or eliminating the creases. The zone with the less compact stitches thus makes it possible to cover the user also in areas not involved in the framework, without carrying out a compression action on the user or in any case carrying out a very limited compression action. In this way, it is substantially only the framework that carries out a mechanical action on the user's body. If all the stitches were compact to the same extent, when the garment was worn there would be considerable tension even in zones not involved in the framework. In the non-deformed configuration, there would be in fact be no creases as in the case of this invention. This would lead to a generalised compression (with a reduction of the benefits offered by the localized stimulation induced by the framework).
The step of causing the resin to pass through the permeable part includes:
application of a layer of resin on the template;
movement of a cursor over the template, pushing the resin applied on the template to pass through the permeable zone and reach the fabric element.
The permeable zone of the template opportunely comprises a grid. This grid opportunely presents a mesh with a cross-section of less than or equal to 1 mm2.
The mesh of the grid is opportunely identical over the entire extent of the permeable zone. The mesh of the grid is opportunely quadrilateral. The permeable zone is opportunely thinner than the impermeable zone. In particular, when the frame is laid over the fabric element, there is a space intended to accommodate the resin between the grid and the fabric element. This space, at right angles to the grid, is typically between 0.5 and 2 millimetres deep. This makes it possible to control the thickness of the strips of resin at right angles to the fabric.
A surface of the framework intended to come into contact with the human skin advantageously has a surface provided with a plurality of raised areas and depressions. The succession of these depressions and raised areas determines a suction effect on the user's skin which helps to maintain the framework in position. These raised areas and depressions are opportunely generated by the grid indicated above. In fact, the presence of the grid means that its wires leave an impression on the resin before it hardens. A depression is therefore formed in correspondence with the wires of the grid.
The support is substantially flat and, by encircling the support, the fabric element identifies a first and a second surface in contact, respectively, with a first and second side of the support, the first and second sides being opposite each other.
The step of producing an elastic framework opportunely comprises in the following order the steps of:
applying the first section of resin on the first surface of the fabric element;
hardening the first section of resin applied on the first surface of the fabric element;
applying a second section of resin on the second surface of the fabric element;
hardening the second section of resin applied on the second surface.
The step of applying the second section of resin opportunely comprises one or more of the steps already described with reference to the application of the first section of resin.
When the garment 1 is a sweater, the following are opportunely used for its production:
a first tubular fabric element intended to form a part of the garment suitable to cover the trunk of a user;
a second tubular fabric element intended to form the two sleeves (the second tubular fabric element is opportunely cut and the pieces obtained are at least part sewn onto the first tubular fabric element).
To produce trousers, a tubular fabric element is opportunely cut and an additional flap of fabric is applied in the groin area, all after application and hardening of the resin.
The method for production of the garment 1 opportunely comprises a step of production of the visual reference means having at least one section shaped like a strip which overlies at least in part the first zone of the fabric element. These visual means of reference opportunely have a different colour with respect to the colour of the adjacent parts of the garment. These visual reference means are opportunely applied to a surface of the fabric element intended to face outwards (when the garment 1 is worn). The visual reference means and the resin framework are advantageously formed on two opposite surfaces of the fabric element.
The step of creating the visual reference means precedes the step of creating the elastic framework. The step of creating the visual reference means opportunely comprises the step of printing these visual reference means. The step of printing the visual reference means is carried out in a silk screen process frame. The silk screen process frame comprises a stencil with a zone that is permeable to the dye used for the silk screen process and a zone that is impermeable to this dye.
More specifically, the step of printing these visual reference means is preceded by the step of inserting a stencil inside a space surrounded by the tubular fabric element to keep the fabric element partly taut. The step of inserting the stencil inside the fabric element opportunely includes positioning visual references on the stencil in correspondence with the zone of the fabric element with more compact stitches. The correct positioning of the stencil with respect to the silk screen frame thus ensures that the zone of the stencil permeable to the dye used in the silk screen process is positioned in correspondence with the first zone of the fabric element.
Claims
1-14. (canceled)
15. A garment (1) comprising:
- a body (2) of the garment having elasticity and intended to be worn by a user for adhering to a portion of the user's body;
- a continuous and elastic framework (5) realized on said body of the garment and comprising a plurality of anchoring portions (10) and a plurality of active portions (20; 30; 40; 50), each intended to coincide with respective sectors of the user's body;
- said framework being structured so that when the garment is worn by the user and the latter carries out a motor activity, the active portions (20; 30; 40; 50) deform themselves following the deformation of the respective sectors of the user's body and the anchoring portions (10) remain substantially unchanged;
- the framework (5) being created with a resin, being placed on the inner side of the body (2) of the garment (1) and being in direct contact with the user's skin;
- said garment being characterized in that the body of the garment comprises a plurality of portions provided with more compact stitches than remaining parts of the body of the garment and intended to correspond with the anchoring portions and the active portions of the framework.
16. A garment (1) according to claim 15, wherein the anchoring portions are intended to coincide with respective sectors of the body so that, when the user carries out a motor activity, they change their overall surface extension by a value less than 5%, compared to the respective overall surface extension with the user's body in a relaxed condition, and wherein the active portions are intended to coincide with respective sectors of the body so that, when the user carries out a motor activity, they change their overall surface extension by a value greater than 5%, compared to the respective overall surface extension with the user's body in relaxed condition.
17. A garment (1) according to claim 15, wherein the body of the garment has a first coefficient of elasticity and the framework has a second coefficient of elasticity, greater than or equal to said first coefficient of elasticity, said first coefficient of elasticity being comprised between 0.01 kgf/cm and 0.1 kgf/cm and said second coefficient of elasticity being comprised between 0.1 kgf/cm and 0.3 kgf/cm.
18. A garment (1) according to claim 17, wherein the body of the garment is made of fabric, said fabric having the aforesaid first coefficient of elasticity, and wherein the whole framework is made of a single material, having said second coefficient of elasticity.
19. A garment (1) according to claim 15, wherein said framework is configured according to the scheme shown in one or more of the following groups of figures: (a) FIGS. 1 and 2; (b) FIGS. 3, 4 and 5; (c) FIGS. 6, 7 and 8; (d) FIGS. 9 and 10; (e) FIGS. 11 and 12; (f) FIGS. 13, 14, 15 and 16; (g) FIGS. 17, 18, 19 and 20; (h) FIGS. 21, 22, 23 and 24.
20. A garment (1) according to claim 15, wherein the body of the garment has the form of a sweater and the framework (5) comprises an anchoring portion of the under acromial deltoid region of the humerus (11), an anchoring portion of the front region of the elbow (12), an active portion of the biceps muscle (21), a scapular supraspinatus active portion (22), a coracoid active portion (23), a scapular infraspinatus active portion (24) and an active portion of the latissimus dorsi muscle (25).
21. A garment (1) according to claim 15, wherein the body of the garment has the form of trousers and the framework (5) comprises an under-buttock anchoring portion (14; 15), an active portion of the gluteus medius muscle (31; 41), an active portion of the tensor fasciae latae muscle (32; 42), an active portion of the biceps muscle (33; 43), an active portion of the sartorius muscle (34; 44), an active portion of the vastus medialis (35; 45), an active portion of the gracilis muscle (36; 46) and an active portion of the semitendinosus muscle (37; 47).
22. A garment (1) according to claim 21, wherein the body of the garment has the form of long trousers, intended to wrap the user's body from the waist to the ankles, and the framework (5) also comprises a popliteal spiral anchoring portion (13).
23. A garment (1) according to claim 15, wherein the framework (5) is structured so as to have a high coefficient of friction with human skin.
24. A garment (1) according to claim 15, wherein the garment is a garment for neuro-musculo-skeletal assistance.
25. A method for producing a garment (1) comprising:
- a body (2) of the garment having elasticity and intended to be worn by a user for adhering to a portion of the user's body;
- a continuous and elastic framework (5) realized on said body of the garment and comprising a plurality of anchoring portions (10) and a plurality of active portions (20; 30; 40; 50), each intended to coincide with respective sectors of the user's body;
- said framework being structured so that when the garment is worn by the user and the latter carries out a motor activity, the active portions (20; 30; 40; 50) deform themselves following the deformation of the respective sectors of the user's body and the anchoring portions (10) remain substantially unchanged;
- the framework (5) being created with a resin, being placed on the inner side of the body (2) of the garment (1) and being in direct contact with the user's skin;
- said garment being characterized in that the body of the garment comprises a plurality of portions provided with more compact stitches than remaining parts of the body of the garment and intended to correspond with the anchoring portions and the active portions of the framework, the method comprising the steps of:
- a) producing a body of the garment having elasticity and intended to be worn by a user for adhering to a portion of the user's body;
- b) producing a continuous and elastic framework comprising a plurality of anchoring portions and a plurality of active portions, each intended to coincide with respective sectors of the user's body, wherein said framework is structured so that, when the garment is worn by the user and the latter carries out a motor activity, the active portions deform themselves following the deformation of the respective sectors of the user's body and the anchoring portions remain substantially unchanged;
- the step of producing an elastic framework comprising the following steps:
- applying at least a first section of resin on a tubular fabric element intended to be a part of the body (2) of the garment; the tubular fabric element being able to have one closed end and being a knitted element;
- hardening of the first section of resin in an oven;
- the fabric element comprising a first zone and a second zone; the first zone having more compact stitches with respect to the second zone; the second zone being advantageously adjacent to the first zone;
- the step of producing an elastic framework comprising the step of inserting a support in a space surrounded by the tubular shaped fabric element, the step of inserting the support being carried out before applying said first section of resin on the body (2) in such a way that the fabric element is partly stretched before application of the first section of resin; the support being extracted from the tubular element after applying the first section of resin and before placing the fabric element in the oven.
26. The method according to claim 25, wherein the step of applying at least a first section of resin includes the steps of:
- i) placing a template on the fabric element, the template having a zone which is impermeable to the resin and a zone which is permeable to the resin, the part which is permeable to the resin overlying at least in part the first zone of the fabric element; the permeable part overlying the reference mark of the support; the step of applying at least a first section of resin is carried out in a frame comprising means for the reciprocal positioning of said template and said support;
- ii) causing the resin to pass through the permeable part of the template and to reach the fabric element;
- the step of causing the resin to pass through the permeable part including:
- application of a layer of resin on the template;
- movement of a cursor over the template, pushing the resin applied on the template to pass through the permeable zone and reach the fabric element;
- the permeable zone of the template comprising a grid and when the frame is laid over the fabric element, there is a space intended to accommodate the resin between the grid and the fabric element;
- a surface of the framework intended to come into contact with the human skin has a surface provided with a plurality of raised areas and depressions which determine a suction effect on the user's skin which helps to maintain the framework in position; said raised areas and depressions being generated by said grid; the wires of the grid leave an impression on the resin before it hardens; a depression being therefore formed in correspondence with the wires of the grid.
27. The method according to claim 25, wherein it comprises a step of creating visual reference means having at least one section shaped like a strip which overlies at least in part the first zone of the fabric element; these visual means of reference having a different colour with respect to the colour of the adjacent parts of the garment and the visual reference means and the resin framework are formed on two opposite surfaces of the fabric element; the step of creating the visual reference means precedes the step of producing the elastic framework; the step of creating the visual reference means comprising the step of printing these visual reference means; the step of printing the visual reference means being carried out in a silk screen process frame; the silk screen process frame comprising a stencil with a zone that is permeable to the dye used for the silk screen process and a zone that is impermeable to the dye;
- the step of printing these visual reference means being preceded by the step of inserting a stencil inside a space surrounded by the tubular fabric element to keep the fabric element partly taut; the step of inserting the stencil inside the fabric element including positioning visual references on the stencil in correspondence with the zone of the fabric element with more compact stitches; the correct positioning of the stencil with respect to the silk screen frame thus ensures that the zone of the stencil permeable to the dye used in the silk screen process is positioned in correspondence with the first zone of the fabric element.
28. A method according to claim 25, wherein the garment is a garment for neuro-musculo-skeletal assistance.
29. A garment according to claim 18, wherein the fabric is composed of a combination of yarns.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 23, 2012
Publication Date: Dec 12, 2013
Applicant: AMARCOD INDUSTRIA ABBIGLIAMENTO S.R.L. (Rodengo Saiano (Brescia))
Inventors: Renato Cornacchiari (Capriano Del Colle), Ylenia Boldrini (Rodengo Saiano)
Application Number: 13/984,044
