Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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Description
Garment for the neuro-musculo-skeletal assistance
Technical Field
This invention relates to a garment for neuro-musculo-skeletal assistance
and a method for the production of this garment.
Background Art
Garments 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
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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 Invention
In 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,
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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
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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 figure 1).
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 canying 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
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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
5 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
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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
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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
8
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 correspond with the anchoring portions and the active portions of
the
framework (i.e. a plurality of portions provided with more compact stitches
than a
plurality of 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)
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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
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frameworks, each in correspondence with a respective half-pelvis, buttocks and
lea.
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
5 scheme shown in Figures 1 and 2.
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 Figures 3, 4 and 5.
In one aspect, the invention concerns a garment according to one or more of
10 the preceding
aspects where said framework is configured according to the
scheme shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8.
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 Figures 9 and 10.
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 Figures 11 and 12.
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 Figures 13, 14, 15 and 16.
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 Figures 17, 18, 19 and 20.
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 Figures 21, 22, 23 and 24.
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
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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.
Brief Description of the Drawings
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:
Figure 1 is a front view of a possible embodiment of a garment for neuro-
musculo-skeletal assistance in accordance with this invention;
Figure 2 is a rear view of the garment of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a front view of another possible embodiment of a garment for
neuro-musculo-skeletal assistance in accordance with this invention;
Figure 4 is a rear view of the garment of Figure 3;
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Figure 5 is a side view of the garment of Figure 3;
Figure 6 is a front view of another possible embodiment of a garment for
neuro-musculo-skeletal assistance in accordance with this invention;
Figure 7 is a rear view of the garment of Figure 6;
Figure 8 is a side view of the garment of Figure 6;
Figures 9 and 10 show a front and a rear view of a garment according to
this invention;
Figures 11 and 12 show a front and a rear view of a garment according to
this invention;
Figures 13, 14, 15 and 16 respectively show a front, an outer side view, an
inner side view and a rear view of a garment according to this invention;
Figures 17, 18, 19 and 20 respectively show a front, an outer side view, an
inner side view and a rear view of a garment according to this invention;
Figures 21, 22, 23 and 24 respectively show a front, an outer side view, an
inner side view and a rear view of a garment according to this invention;
Figures 25, 26, 27 and 28 respectively show a front, an outer side view, an
inner side view and a rear view of a garment according to this invention;
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments of the Invention
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 he 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
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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
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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
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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,
5 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.
10 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
15 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
16
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
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
5 correctly positioned or not). The framework 5 is in fact created on the
surface of
the body 2 intended to face inwards when the garment 1 is worn.
Figures 1 and 2 schematically show a first embodiment of the invention. In
this embodiment, the garment 1 is 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.
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 200gf (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
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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 200gf (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.
Figures 3, 4 and 5 schematically show a second embodiment of the
invention. In this embodiment, the garment 1 is in the form of trousers,
intended
to cover the user's body from the waist to the ankles, and the framework 5
comprises a popliteal spiral anchoring portion 13, an under-buttock anchoring
portion 14, an active portion of the gluteus medius muscle 31, an active
portion of
the tensor fasciae latae muscle 32, an active portion of the biceps muscle 33,
an
active portion of the sartorius muscle 34, an active portion of the vastus
medialis
35, an active portion of the gracilis muscle 36 and an active portion of the
semitendinosus muscle 37.
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.
Figures 6, 7 and 8 schematically show a third embodiment of the invention.
In this embodiment, the garment 1 is in the form of shorts, intended to cover
the
user's body from the waist to the knees, and the framework 5 comprises an
under-
buttock anchoring portion 15, an active portion of the gluteus medius muscle
41,
an active portion of the tensor fasciae latae muscle 42, an active portion of
the
biceps muscle 43, an active portion of the sartorius muscle 44, an active
portion of
the vastus medialis 45, an active portion of the gracilis muscle 46 and an
active
portion of the semitendinosus muscle 47.
What is described above with reference to figures 6, 7 and 8 can also be
repeated for the solution shown in figures 9 and 10.
Figure 11 shows another solution. The framework 5 opportunely comprises
a ring 9 made of resin intended to surround the user's kneecap. This makes it
possible to better support the kneecap and/or to reduce the risk of damage due
to
inappropriate movements of the knee.
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
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18
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 figures 13-28, is a
sock. In particular, this sock has a protective and/or rehabilitative effect
on the
Achilles tendon. Figures 13-28 show, in particular, the anchoring portions 10
and
the active portions 50 of the sock. In particular, the framework 5 comprises a
first
pair 91 of strips of resin which are intended, when the sock is worn, to
overlie a
part of the user's calf. In particular, the first pair 91 of strips carries
out a support
action for the gastrocnemius muscle (in particular, one of the two strips of
the first
pair carries out an action on one of the two bellies of the gastrocnemius
muscle
and the other strip of the first pair carries out an action on the other belly
of the
gastrocnemius muscle). The first pair 91 of strips of resin comprises both a
part of
the anchoring portions 10 and a part of the active portions 50. The anchoring
portions 10 in this first pair 91 of resin strips involve, at least in part,
the two sides
of the sock. The active portions 50 in this first pair 91 of resin strips
involve the
rear part of the sock. In particular, the strips of the first pair 91 move
closer
together while they move away from a part of the sock intended to accommodate
the user's foot. Advantageously, the strips of the first pair 91 do not come
into
contact with each other. The strips of the first pair advantageously define a
first
channel 92 between them, intended to overlie the diastasis of the two bellies
of the
gastrocnemius muscle. The framework 5 also comprises a second pair 93 of
strips
of resin. This second pair 93 of strips of resin opportunely comprises both a
part
of the anchoring portions 10 and a part of the active portions 50.
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.
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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 figures 13-16); in the alternative solution in figures 17-
20,
the anchoring portions develop close to a portion of the sock intended to
overlie
the user's ankle; in the alternative solution in figures 21-24, the anchoring
portions have a very limited extension coinciding with the two ends of the
second
pair 93 of strips.
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. rfhe 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.
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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
5 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
10 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
15 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
20 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;
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21
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
22
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.
- causing the resin to pass through the permeable part of the template and to
reach 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 traction 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
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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.
24
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 creating of 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
producing 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.
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