Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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JOINT STABILIZATION GARMENTS
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Provisional
Patent
Application No. 62/548,609, filed August 22, 2017, and entitled "Joint
Stabilization
Sock," and is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S. Design
Patent
Application No. 29/631,819, filed January 3, 2018, and entitled "Joint
Stabilization
Sock," the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their
entireties as if the
same were fully set forth herein.
This application is related to and incorporates herein by reference the
following
design patent applications:
U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29/660,787, filed August 22, 2018 and
entitled JOINT STABILIZATION KNEE SLEEVE; and
U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29/660,783, filed August 22, 2018 and
.. entitled JOINT STABILIZATION ELBOW SLEEVE.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to technical garments, and more particularly to
joint
stabilization garments.
BACKGROUND
Traditional practices for injury prevention in joints, muscles, and bones
include
athletic taping. Athletic taping is a conventional process where portions of
the body (e.g.,
joints, muscles, bones, etc.) are maintained or supported in positions by
applying tape
.. directly to the surrounding skin. When applied in particular patterns,
athletic tape may
provide compression to the targeted body regions; however, athletic tape is
difficult to
apply properly without professional assistance, loses adherence and form (thus
losing the
pattern's initial compressive benefits), may irritate skin, and is generally
wasteful as tape
cannot be reused.
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Therefore, there is a long-felt but unresolved need for an alternative to
athletic
taping that not only provides similar compression benefits to taping but also
overcomes
its many shortcomings.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE
Briefly described, and according to one embodiment, aspects of the present
disclosure generally relate to technical garments.
The present disclosure describes embodiments of joint stabilization garments
manufactured from materials with variable material properties. In one
embodiment, the
garments may include a plurality of portions or regions, where each portion or
region
includes a particular material with particular properties (e.g. tensile
strength). According
to various aspects of the present disclosure, certain materials with generally
high tensile
strengths may be weaved (or otherwise integrated) with the surrounding
materials of the
garment, thus creating regions of the garment that provide greater compression
to a
wearer than other regions of the same garment. In particular embodiments, the
garment
may be constructed or assembled in such a way that these regions may provide
compression and support similar to medically relevant taping methods,
providing
physical benefits such as support, compression, and stability during dynamic
movement.
In various embodiments, these garment regions may be designed in patterns to
accommodate and/or target particular joints, muscles, bones, ligaments, etc.,
where
particular portions of the pattern include higher tensile strengths than
others.
For example, consider a scenario where an athlete typically applies tape to
his/her
feet and ankles prior to physical activity for preventing injuries and
generally improving
athletic performance. Traditional ankle taping techniques include applying one
or more
strips of tape around the lower shin for forming a pattern commonly known as
an anchor.
Continuing with this example, additional tape is typically applied for
creating one or
more stirrups, which are generally long strips of tape applied to opposite
sides of the
anchor and wrapped around the bottom of the foot. In this example, the athlete
may
continue to apply tape around the foot and ankle until adequate compression
and support
is attained (an inefficient process where tape is frequently removed and
discarded).
Aspects of the present disclosure allow for the athlete discussed immediately
above to wear a sock, sleeve, or other technical garments, where the worn
garment
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provides benefits similar to athletic taping, without the need to apply tape.
As described
throughout the present disclosure, portions of the garment may include
interweaved
materials of varying tensile strengths (and other compressive/tension-
resistive properties)
for creating particular areas of the garment that, when worn, provide
compression and
support to the wearer as the particular areas resist tension introduced by the
wearer (e.g.,
the particular areas resist being stretched when worn, thus feeling
compressive to the
wearer). Embodiments of the exemplary garments discussed herein may employ a
wide
variety of materials for providing support and compression. Those exemplary
materials
include, but are not limited to: nylon, natural gum rubber, elastic, cotton,
polychloroprene, and/or polyester-spandex.
In various embodiments, the technical garments described herein may be
designed
to promote normal dynamic movement of j oints without altering the
biomechanics of
regular shock absorption within peripheral joints. By wearing the exemplary
garments
described herein, wearers/users can protect their joints without altering
their
biomechanics in a way which may negatively affect other parts of the body thus
allowing
the technical garments to be used as both a preventative and a rehabilitative
technology.
As will be understood from the discussions herein, the portions of the
technical
garment include substantially high tensile strengths may be designed in
various shapes
and sizes of varying dimensions similar to that of medically relevant tape
that provides
compression and support. In various embodiments, the compressive portions may
be
about 1 inch wide. In some embodiments, the compressive portions may be 0.1
inches to
2.5 inches wide. As will also be understood from the discussions herein, a
compression
garment may include more than one compressive/resistive region and each region
may
have the same or different length and width dimensions.
Moreover, the compression garments discussed herein may include any suitable
percentage of compressive/resistive materials. In particular embodiments, the
surface
area of the compression garment described herein may include about 30%
compressive
and/or resistive materials, where the remainder of the surface area is a base
material, such
as cotton, wool, or other appropriate technical materials. In some
embodiments, the
surface area of the compression garment described herein may include about 20%
compressive and/or resistive materials. In further embodiments, the surface
area of the
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compression garments discussed herein may include about 2% to 70% compressive
and/or resistive materials.
In certain embodiments, the compressive and/or resistive materials,
techniques,
and patterns included in the socks and sleeves discussed herein may be
implemented in
any appropriate garment. For example, the compression regions and patterns
described
herein may be implemented in garments such as shorts, shirts, sleeves and
gloves for
providing compression and support to body areas such as the knee, hips,
shoulders, arms
and fingers, respectively.
In various embodiments, the compression regions of the garments that provide
support similar to medically relevant taping patterns may be manufactured to
include
compression levels of varying ranges. For example, a compression garment with
regions
providing support to the knee may have compression levels ranging from 23-93
mmHg, a
compression garment with regions providing support to the ankle may have
compression
levels ranging from 23-93 mmHg, a compression garment with regions providing
support
to the elbow may have compression levels ranging from 23-29 mmHg, a
compression
garment with regions providing support to the shoulder may have compression
levels
ranging from 11-30 mmHg, and a compression garment with regions providing
support to
the hip may have compression levels ranging from 74-93 mmHg.
These and other aspects, features, and benefits of the claimed embodiment(s)
will
become apparent from the following detailed written description of the
preferred
embodiments and aspects taken in conjunction with the following drawings,
although
variations and modifications thereto may be effected without departing from
the spirit
and scope of the novel concepts of the disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings illustrate one or more embodiments and/or aspects
of the disclosure and, together with the written description, serve to explain
the principles
of the disclosure. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used
throughout
the drawings to refer to the same or like elements of an embodiment, and
wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary joint stabilization sock,
according to
one embodiment of the present disclosure;
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FIG. 2 is a front view of an exemplary joint stabilization sock, according to
one
embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 3 is a rear view of an exemplary joint stabilization sock, according to
one
embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 4 is a right side view of an exemplary joint stabilization sock,
according to
one embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 5 is a left side view of an exemplary joint stabilization sock, according
to
one embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 6 is a top view of an exemplary joint stabilization sock, according to
one
embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 7 is a bottom view of an exemplary joint stabilization sock, according to
one
embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary joint stabilization elbow sleeve,
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 9 is a front view of an exemplary joint stabilization elbow sleeve,
according
to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 10 is a rear view of an exemplary joint stabilization elbow sleeve,
according
to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 11 is a right side view of an exemplary joint stabilization elbow sleeve,
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 12 is a left side view of an exemplary joint stabilization elbow sleeve,
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 13 is a top view of an exemplary joint stabilization elbow sleeve,
according
to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 14 is a bottom view of an exemplary joint stabilization elbow sleeve,
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an exemplary joint stabilization knee sleeve,
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 16 is a front view of an exemplary joint stabilization knee sleeve,
according
to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
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FIG. 17 is a rear view of an exemplary joint stabilization knee sleeve,
according
to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 18 is a right side view of an exemplary joint stabilization knee sleeve,
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 19 is a left side view of an exemplary joint stabilization knee sleeve,
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 20 is a top view of an exemplary joint stabilization knee sleeve,
according to
one embodiment of the present disclosure; and
FIG. 21 is a bottom view of an exemplary joint stabilization knee sleeve,
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Overview
For the purpose of promoting an overview of the principles of the present
disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the
drawings
and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will,
nevertheless, be
understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby
intended; any
alterations and further modifications of the described or illustrated
embodiments, and any
further applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated
therein are
contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the
disclosure
relates. All limitations of scope should be determined in accordance with and
as
expressed in the claims.
Whether a term is capitalized is not considered definitive or limiting of the
meaning of a term. As used in this document, a capitalized term shall have the
same
meaning as an uncapitalized term, unless the context of the usage specifically
indicates
that a more restrictive meaning for the capitalized term is intended. However,
the
capitalization or lack thereof within the remainder of this document is not
intended to be
necessarily limiting unless the context clearly indicates that such limitation
is intended.
The present disclosure describes embodiments of joint stabilization garments,
manufactured from materials with variable material properties. In one
embodiment, the
garments may include a plurality of portions or regions, where each portion or
region
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includes a particular material with particular properties (e.g. tensile
strength). According
to various aspects of the present disclosure, certain materials with generally
high tensile
strengths may be weaved (or otherwise integrated) with the surrounding
materials of the
garment, thus creating regions of the garment that provide greater compression
to a
wearer than other regions of the same garment. In particular embodiments, the
garment
may be constructed or assembled in such a way that these regions may provide
compression and support similar to medically relevant taping methods,
providing
physical benefits such as support, compression, and stability during dynamic
movement.
In various embodiments, these garment regions may be designed in patterns to
accommodate and/or target particular joints, muscles, bones, ligaments, etc.,
where
particular portions of the pattern include higher tensile strengths than
others.
For example, consider a scenario where an athlete typically applies tape to
his/her
feet and ankles prior to physical activity for preventing injuries and
generally improving
athletic performance. Traditional ankle taping techniques include applying one
or more
strips of tape around the lower shin for forming a pattern commonly known as
an anchor.
Continuing with this example, additional tape is typically applied for
creating one or
more stirrups, which are generally long strips of tape applied to opposite
sides of the
anchor and wrapped around the bottom of the foot. In this example, the athlete
may
continue to apply tape around the foot and ankle until adequate compression
and support
is attained (an inefficient process where tape is frequently removed and
discarded).
Aspects of the present disclosure allow for the athlete discussed immediately
above to wear a sock, sleeve, or other technical garment, where the worn
garment
provides benefits similar to athletic taping, without the need to apply tape.
As described
throughout the present disclosure, portions of the garment may include
interweaved
materials of varying tensile strengths (and other compressive/tension-
resistive properties)
for creating particular areas of the garment that, when worn, provide
compression and
support to the wearer as the particular areas resist tension introduced by the
wearer (e.g.,
the particular areas resist being stretched when worn, thus feeling
compressive to the
wearer). Embodiments of the exemplary garments discussed herein may employ a
wide
variety of materials for providing support and compression. Those exemplary
materials
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include, but are not limited to: nylon, natural gum rubber, elastic, cotton,
polychloroprene, and polyester-spandex.
In various embodiments, the technical garments described herein may be
designed
to promote normal dynamic movement of j oints without altering the
biomechanics of
.. regular shock absorption within peripheral joints. By wearing the exemplary
garments
described herein, wearers/users can protect their joints without altering
their
biomechanics in a way which may negatively affect other parts of the body thus
allowing
the technical garments to be used as both a preventative and rehabilitative
technology.
As will be understood from the discussions herein, the portions of the
technical
garment including substantially high tensile strengths may be designed in
various shapes
and sizes of varying dimensions. In various embodiments, the compressive
portions may
be about 1 inch wide. In some embodiments, the compressive portions may be 0.1
inches
to 2.5 inches wide. As will also be understood from the discussions herein, a
compression garment may include more than one compressive/resistive region and
each
region may have the same or different length and width dimensions.
Moreover, the compression garments discussed herein may include any suitable
percentage of compressive/resistive materials. In particular embodiments, the
surface
area of the compression garment described herein may include about 30%
compressive
and/or resistive materials, where the remainder of the surface area is a base
material, such
as cotton, wool, or other appropriate technical materials. In some
embodiments, the
surface area of the compression garment described herein may include about 20%
compressive and/or resistive materials. In further embodiments, the surface
area of the
compression garments discussed herein may include about 2% to 70% compressive
and/or resistive materials.
In certain embodiments, the compressive and/or resistive materials,
techniques,
and patterns included in the socks and sleeves discussed herein may be
implemented in
any appropriate garment. For example, the compression regions and patterns
described
herein may be implemented in shorts, shirts, and gloves for providing
compression and
support to body areas such as hips, shoulders, and fingers, respectively.
These and other aspects, features, and benefits of the claimed embodiment(s)
will
become apparent from the following detailed written description of the
preferred
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embodiments and aspects taken in conjunction with the following drawings,
although
variations and modifications thereto may be effected without departing from
the spirit
and scope of the novel concepts of the disclosure.
Exemplary Embodiments
Referring now to the figures, for the purposes of example and explanation of
the
disclosed garment(s), reference is made to FIG. 1, which illustrates one
embodiment of a
joint stabilization sock 100. As will be understood and appreciated, the
exemplary joint
stabilization sock 100 shown in FIG. 1 represents merely one approach or
embodiment of
the joint stabilization sock 100, and other variations and embodiments are
described
herein.
FIG.1 illustrates a perspective view of the exemplary joint stabilization sock
100,
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Generally, the sock 100
shown
in the present embodiment can be worn on a foot and leg of a wearer. During
manufacturing, the sock may be constructed with a left or right orientation
for
accommodating both left and right feet, providing an improved fit for athletic
use. In
various embodiments, the sock 100 includes an opening 106 that may allow the
user to
wear the garment by placing his/her foot into the opening 106. In some
embodiments,
the joint stabilization sock 100 may be manufactured to be compatibly worn on
either
.. foot. In various embodiments, the joint stabilization sock 100 can be
manufactured and
constructed from any suitable raw material(s) (e.g., cotton, synthetic yarn,
man-made
fibers, polymers and elastic fibers, nylon, natural gum rubber, elastic,
cotton,
polychloroprene, and/or polyester-spandex, etc.) by a knitting process, or the
like.
As shown in the present embodiment, the joint stabilization sock 100 includes
separate or distinct regions 114(wearer's toes), regions 126,124 (wearer's
foot and/or
ankle), region 116 (wearer's heel) and regions110, 112, 120, 122 (wearer's
leg). These
regions include materials of a various tensile strengths interwoven or
otherwise integrated
into a base material of the garment for providing compressive and/or resistive
forces to
the wearer, where the compressive and/or resistive forces are similar to those
achieved
via athletic taping practices. In one embodiment, the regions of the exemplary
joint
stabilization sock 100 that include the materials of various tensile strengths
may be
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designed in various shapes and dimensions, as appropriate. For example, in
some
embodiments, particular regions of the sock may range from about 0.1 inches to
2.5
inches in width (e.g., similar to the dimensions of athletic tape). In certain
embodiments,
these regions may be graduated or extended along the length of the sock 100,
from a
distal portion to a proximal portion, so as to enhance stability, provide arch
support, and
provide resistance to inversion.
Changes or transitions between regions of varying tensile strengths in the
stabilization sock 100 may be gradual, so as to provide a smooth transition
between
regions, which not only enhances comfort but also reduces the risk of the
tourniquet
effect. In various embodiments, changes or transitions between regions of
varying tensile
strength may be abrupt, opposed to gradual.
In particular embodiments, the sock regions 110, 112, 114, 116 and 118 include
a
base material manufactured from polyester spandex, breathable cotton, a
combination
thereof, or any suitable material. In various embodiments, sock regions 122
and 120,
which may integrate with the lower regions 126 and 124, provide compression
and
support similar to taping patterns that wrap around the bottom of the foot for
preventing
injuries such as inversion sprains. The materials of regions 122 and 120 may
be different
from regions 126 and 124, or, in some embodiments, the materials may be
substantially
similar. In various embodiments, regions 122 and 120 may include the synthetic
rubber
material polychloroprene, along with nylon band and natural gum rubber
materials. In
particular embodiments, both regions 122 and 118 extend around the top portion
of the
sock and may provide compression for maintaining an upright orientation of the
sock on
the wearer.
In one embodiment, region 126 provides compression and support similar to a
taping pattern that wraps around the arch of the foot, the top of the foot
where the foot
and ankle meet, and the rear portion of the arch of the foot. In particular
embodiments,
the region 126 is designed to provide stability, arch support, and
compression/resistance
for preventing inversion sprains. In some embodiments, the materials of region
126 may
include elastic cotton, nylon band and/or natural gum rubber or any other
materials
discussed herein. In one embodiment, region 124 provides compression and
support
similar to a taping pattern that wraps around the Achilles tendon and the
front of the arch
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of the foot providing stability to both areas. The materials of region 124 may
include
elastic cotton, nylon band and natural gum rubber.
In various embodiments, region 118 forms a cuff of the sock 100 and generally
is
ribbed so it clings to the leg of the wearer. In one embodiment, region 114
includes sole
and toe portions of the sock. In some embodiments, region 116 includes the
heel portion
of the sock. The corresponding portions of the sock 100 of FIGS. 2-7 include
the same
reference numbers as discussed in association with FIG. 1.
FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the exemplary joint stabilization sock 100,
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the
upper
portion of region 114 meets and merges, or integrates and interweaves, with
region 126.
In various embodiments, region 126 generates compression and support similar
to the
medical taping pattern that provides arch support and resistance to inversion
sprains. In
the present embodiment, region 126 wraps around a portion of the sock 100
which may
cover where the foot and ankle meet.
In various embodiments, region 114 can be manufactured with a stockinette,
kitchener, stocking, and/or any appropriate stitch so that it is smooth and
comfortable and
can fit inside of a shoe. In some embodiments, the region 114 includes an area
for the
toes (individually or collectively) of the wearer. Region 114 may have various
suitable
designs, including but not limited to turkish toe, wedge toe, start toe and/or
short row toe.
In various embodiments, region 110 of the sock 100 extends upwardly from
above the ankle and is horizontally positioned along the shin of the wearer
when worn.
In various embodiments, region 110 tapers outwardly and merges with region
120. In
various embodiments, region 110 also extends upwardly and merges with region
122. It
will be recognized that sock 100 can include the same material components as
described
in association with the other figures herein.
FIG. 3 illustrates a rear view of the exemplary joint stabilization sock 100,
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, region 112 of
the
sock 100 includes a top end, a bottom end and two sides. In the embodiment
shown in
FIG. 3, region 112 covers the user's/wearer's calf and may be constructed with
stretchable and breathable materials, such as polyester spandex and/or cotton.
As shown
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in the present embodiment, the top end of region 112 merges with region 122.
In various
embodiments, the bottom end of region 112 merges with region 124.
In various embodiments, region 116 covers the wearer's heel. Region 116 may
integrate with region 126. In some embodiments, region 114 may cover the
wearer's
toes.
FIG. 4 illustrates the right side view of the exemplary joint stabilization
sock 100,
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As discussed herein, in
various
embodiments, the sock 100 includes separate or distinct regions which include
areas for
the wearer's toe, foot and/or ankle, heel and leg integrated as a unitary
garment. In one
embodiment, the compression patterns of regions 124 and 126 may begin on the
sole of
the sock 100 and continue upwards around the top of the sock 100 and the rear
of the
sock 100. In particular embodiments, the region 126 is designed to extend
around the top
of a wearer's foot for providing arch support and compression benefits similar
to those
achieved via medical taping practices, which include wrapping tape around the
feet and
ankles. In certain embodiments, region 126 is constructed from stretchable,
highly
resilient elastic materials such as, elastic cotton, nylon band and/or natural
gum rubber.
In particular embodiments, the region 124 include materials with high tensile
strength
properties for resisting potentially harmful forces or movements of the
wearer,
particularly undesired movements in the ankles and/or Achilles tendon. In one
embodiment, region 124 is constructed from the same materials or substantially
similar
materials as region 126. In various embodiments, the taping pattern of region
120 begins
at the top of the shin and intersects with region 124 and 126 wraps around the
sole and/or
bottom of the sock 100. In one embodiment, region 120 is designed to provide
compression and support to a wearer's foot and leg for preventing injuries
such as sprains
and the like. In various embodiments, region 120 is constructed from
stretchable elastic
materials such as nylon band, natural gum rubber and/or polychloroprene. As
shown in
FIG. 4, regions 112 and 110 include a top end, a bottom end and two sides.
FIG. 5 illustrates the left side view of the exemplary joint stabilization
sock 100,
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the
materials and regions of the left side view of sock 100 are substantially
similar to those
described in association with FIG. 4.
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FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the exemplary joint stabilization sock 100,
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in the present
embodiment, region 114 may be made of the base materials polyester spandex
and/or
breathable cotton. Region 126, in various embodiments, provides compression
and
support similar to a medical taping pattern that wraps around the top of a
wear's foot. In
various embodiments, region 110 is included in the body section of the sock
100, as
described above in association with the discussion of FIGS. 1-5. In some
embodiments,
region 106 is an interior portion. The materials for region 106 are
substantially similar to
other materials or regions described herein.
FIG. 7 illustrates a bottom view of the exemplary joint stabilization sock
100,
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As depicted, the sole
of foot
includes the region 114 which, as described above, may be manufactured from
materials
such as polyester spandex and/or breathable cotton. As shown in the present
embodiment, region 702 extends across the bottom of the sock 100. According to
various
aspects of the present disclosure, the region 702 may include a tensile
strength greater
than adjacent sock regions and/or portions (114 and 116), such that the
greater tensile
strength may provide compression to the bottom of a wearer's foot (e.g., to
support the
wearer's plantar fascia ligament, prevent tendonitis, or generally provide
support for
preventing sprains and rolls). In some embodiments, region 702 may be a
combination or
.. integration of regions 124 and 126 (not shown), which are described above
in association
with FIGS. 1-6.
In one embodiment, region 116 covers the heel portion of sock 100. In various
embodiments, the heel may be manufactured with different stitching and/or
knitting
techniques. Different types of techniques include but not limited to short
row, heel flap
and gusset, and Dutch heel. Regions 120 and 122 are substantially similar to
the
corresponding regions described above in FIGS. 1-5.
Turning now to FIG. 8, a prospective view of an exemplary elbow joint
stabilization sleeve 800 is shown, according to one aspect of the present
disclosure.
Generally, the elbow sleeve 800 includes upper 802, middle 806, and lower 804
portions
of the sleeve, where each portion may include varying properties for providing
comfort
and support to the wearer. In one embodiment, the upper portion 802 may be
designed to
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cover the upper arm of a wearer, where the upper portion 802 of the sleeve 800
may
extend from the elbow to the bicep. In various embodiments, the middle portion
806 of
the sleeve 800 may be designed to cover the elbow of a wearer. In particular
embodiments, the lower portion 804 of the sleeve 800 may be designed to cover
the
forearm of a wearer, and may extend from the elbow to hand.
In various embodiments, the elbow stabilization sleeve 800 may include any
suitable shape (e.g. generally tube-shaped). In some embodiments, the upper
portion 802
includes an upper sleeve opening 818 and the lower portion 804 includes a
lower sleeve
opening 820. In many embodiments, the user may wear the garment by placing
his/her
hand first into the sleeve opening 818 and sliding the sleeve to his/her elbow
until his/her
hand extends from the opening 820.
In some embodiments, the elbow joint stabilization sleeve 800 can be
manufactured and constructed from any suitable raw material(s) (e.g., cotton,
synthetic
yarn, man-made fibers, polymers and elastic fibers, nylon, natural gum rubber,
elastic,
cotton, polychloroprene, and/or polyester-spandex, etc.) by a knitting
process, or the like.
In various embodiments, regions (814,816, 845) of the elbow sleeve 800 may be
manufactured to have compression levels ranging from 23-29 mmHg.
As shown in the present embodiment, the elbow joint stabilization sleeve 800
includes separate or distinct regions located from the middle portion 814
(e.g. elbow)
extending downwards towards the lower portion 816 (e.g. back of the forearm).
These
regions (814 and 816) include materials of a various tensile strengths
interwoven or
otherwise integrated into a base material of the garment for providing
compressive and/or
resistive forces to the wearer around these regions, where the compressive
and/or
resistive forces are similar to those achieved via athletic taping practices.
In one
embodiment, the regions (814 and 816) of the exemplary elbow joint
stabilization sleeve
800 that include the materials of various tensile strengths may be designed in
various
shapes and dimensions, as appropriate. In certain embodiments, these regions
(814 and
816) may be graduated or extended along the length of the elbow, from a distal
posterior
portion to a proximal posterior portion, so as to enhance stability, provide
ligament
support, and provide resistance to inversion.
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Continuing with FIG. 8, the regions 814 and 816 discussed immediately above
may be included in a compression region 845 for supporting the wearer's elbow.
As
shown in the present embodiment, the compression region 845 includes a
geometric
configuration characterized by intersecting arches, where the intersecting
arches may
include substantially high tensile strengths, and the arches form a
substantially diamond-
shaped center 840. In particular embodiments, the compression region 845
includes four
intersecting arches, where each arch is for targeted compression on a
particular portion of
the wearer's body (e.g., the wearer's elbow covered by the substantially
diamond-shaped
center 840). In this embodiment and others, at least two opposing arches
extend from
separate locations, 846A and 846B, to join or integrate at a point 846C
located at an end
of the arches. According to various aspects of the present disclosure, the
arches in this
configuration are "opposing" such that they are located on opposite sides of a
targeted
body region (e.g., the wearer's elbow) and each separately provides
compression on
opposite sides of the wearer's elbow to prevent the wearer's elbow from moving
or
dislocating beyond the arches. As shown in the present embodiment, the
configuration of
the compression region 845 allows for the wearer's elbow to be maintained
medially
between these regions, where the diamond-shaped center 840 covers the wearer's
elbow.
Changes or transitions between regions of varying tensile strengths in the
elbow
joint stabilization sleeve 800 may be gradual, so as to provide a smooth
transition
between regions, which may not only enhances comfort but may also reduce the
risk of
the tourniquet effect. In some embodiments, changes or transitions between
regions of
varying tensile strengths may be abrupt, opposed to gradual.
In particular embodiments, the elbow sleeve regions 802, 804, 806, 810 and 812
include a base material manufactured from polyester spandex, breathable
cotton, a
combination thereof, or any suitable material. In some embodiments, elbow
sleeve
region 814, which may integrate with the lower region 816, may provide
compression
and support similar to taping patterns that wrap around a portion of the elbow
and extend
downward towards the posterior portion of the forearm for preventing injuries
such as
dislocations, ligament tears, strains and/or sprains. In various embodiments,
two or more
taping patterns may be similar to that of the taping patterns of the sock 100
(FIG. 1). The
materials of region 814 may be different from region 816 or, in some
embodiments, the
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materials may be substantially similar. In various embodiments, the regions
814 and 816
may include one or more materials similar to the joint stabilizing sock 100
(FIG. 1).
In one embodiment, regions 810 and 812 form the cuffs of elbow sleeve 800 and
generally are ribbed so the regions 810 and 812 cling to the either the upper
arm or
forearm of a wearer. The corresponding portions of the elbow sleeve 800 of
FIGS. 9-14
include the same reference numerals as shown in FIG.8.
FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of the exemplary joint stabilization elbow
sleeve
800, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, regions
830 and
835 include a base material manufactured from polyester spandex, breathable
cotton, a
combination thereof, or any suitable material. In one embodiment, a wearer may
wear
the garment by placing a hand first into the sleeve opening 818 and sliding
the sleeve past
the wearer's elbow until his/her hand extends through the opening 820.
FIG.10 illustrates a rear view of the exemplary joint stabilization elbow
sleeve
800, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Generally, the
elbow sleeve
800 includes upper 802, middle 806 and lower 804 portions. In some
embodiments, the
compression pattern of region 814 may begin from the upper portion of the
garment and
continue downwards merging with region 816 towards the lower portion of the
garment.
In some embodiments, region 814 meets and merges, or integrates and
interweaves with
region 816.
In various embodiments, regions 814 and 816 generate compression and support
similar to a medical taping pattern that provides joint support, resistance to
ligament
tears, and prevents dislocation of the elbow joint. In the present embodiment,
region 814
wraps around a portion of the elbow sleeve 800 merging with region 816 which
may
cover where the elbow and posterior forearm meet. In some embodiments, regions
814
and 816 include materials with high tensile strength properties for resisting
potentially
harmful forces or movements of the wearer, particularly undesired movements in
the
elbow and associated ligaments. As discussed in association with FIG.8, in
various
embodiments, the compression region 845 may include a geometric configuration
characterized by intersecting arches where the arches may form a substantially
diamond
shaped center 840. In some embodiments, the compression region 845 may include
four
or more intersecting arches. In particular embodiments, at least two opposing
arches
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extend from separate locations, 846A and 846B, to join or integrate at a point
846C
located at an end of the arches. In some embodiments, the compression regions
may
form any suitable shape, such as substantially oval, circular, or rectangular.
FIG. 11 illustrates the right side view of the exemplary joint stabilization
elbow
sleeve 800, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The elbow
sleeve
800 includes an upper 802, middle 806 and lower 804 portion integrated as a
unitary
garment. In one embodiment, the compression pattern of region 814 may begin
from the
upper portion 802 of the garment and continue downwards merging with region
816
towards the lower portion 804 of the garment. In particular embodiments, the
regions
814 and 816 are designed to extend downwards from the elbow of the wearer
towards the
posterior forearm for providing support and compression benefits similar to
those
achieved via medical taping practices that include wrapping tape around the
elbow.
FIG. 12 illustrates the left side view of the exemplary joint stabilization
elbow
sleeve 800, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In at least
one
embodiment, the materials and regions of the left side view of elbow sleeve
800 are
substantially similar to those described in association with FIG. 11.
FIG. 13 illustrates a top view of the exemplary joint stabilization elbow
sleeve
800, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in the
present
embodiment, the upper 802, middle (not shown) and lower 804 potion include
regions
made of the base materials polyester spandex and/or breathable cotton. In some
embodiments the upper portion 802 includes an opening 818 for inserting the
arm of the
wearer into the garment and sliding the sleeve upwards until placed on the
elbow.
FIG. 14 illustrates a bottom view of the exemplary joint stabilization elbow
sleeve
800, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in the
present
embodiment, the lower 804, middle 806 and upper 802 portions of the sleeve
include
regions 812 and 810, made of the base materials polyester spandex and/or
breathable
cotton. In some embodiments, the lower portion 804 includes an opening 820 to
which
the hand of the wearer protrudes. In particular embodiments, the regions 814
and 816 are
designed to extend downwards from the elbow of the wearer towards the
posterior
forearm for providing support and compression benefits similar to those
achieved via
medical taping practices that include wrapping tape around the elbow.
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FIG. 15 illustrates a prospective view of an exemplary knee joint
stabilization
sleeve 1500. Generally, the knee sleeve 1500 includes an upper 1514 and lower
1518
portion. In various embodiments, the knee stabilization sleeve may be of any
suitable
shape (e.g. generally tube-shaped). In some embodiments, the upper portion
1514
includes an upper sleeve opening 1522 and the lower portion 1518 includes a
lower
sleeve opening 1524. In various embodiments, the user may wear the garment by
placing
a foot first into the opening 1522 and sliding the sleeve onto the knee until
the user's foot
extends from the opening 1524. In some embodiments, the knee joint
stabilization sleeve
1500 can be manufactured and constructed from any suitable raw material(s)
(e.g., cotton,
synthetic yarn, man-made fibers, polymers and elastic fibers, nylon, natural
gum rubber,
elastic, cotton, polychloroprene, and/or polyester-spandex, etc.) by a
knitting process, or
the like. In various embodiments, regions 1510(A-C) of the knee sleeve 1500
may be
manufactured to have compression levels ranging from 23-93 mmHg.
As shown in the present embodiment, the knee joint stabilization sleeve 1500
includes separate or distinct compression regions (1510A, 1510B, and 1510C)
located
near the base of the knee joint extending upwards towards the base of the
thigh.
According to various aspects of the present disclosure, and similar to the
compression
region 845 discussed above in association with FIG. 8, the compression regions
1510A,
1510B, and 1510C, may be part of a compression region 1580 designed in a
particular
pattern for providing support to the wearer's knee. In the present embodiment,
the
compression regions 1510A, 1510B, and 1510C, form a substantially-wishboned
shape
where the compression regions 1510A and 1510B extend upward (like prongs) from
the
compression region 1510C covering at least a portion of the knee. In
particular
embodiments, the compression regions 1510A, 1510B, and 1510C provide semi-
opposing compression to a particular portion of the wearer's body covered by
the sleeve
1500.
For example, a runner not wearing the exemplary sleeve 1500 may experience a
downward force on his/her knee while running. In this example, if the runner
were
wearing the exemplary sleeve 1500, the compression region 1510C may be just
below or
partially covering the runner's knee cap (similar to a cradle) and the
compression regions
1510A and 1510B may compress upward along the sides of the runner's knee cap
and the
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length of the wearer's thigh. Thus, as the runner's knee experiences downward
force, the
compression region 1510C resists the downward force via its own compressive
properties
in combination with the compressive properties of the upwardly extending
compression
regions 1510A and 1510B. These compression regions may include materials of
various
tensile strengths interwoven or otherwise integrated into a base material of
the garment
for providing compressive and/or resistive forces to the wearer around these
regions,
where the compressive and/or resistive forces are similar to those achieved
via athletic
taping practices. In one embodiment, the regions 1510A, 1510B, and 1510C of
the
exemplary knee joint stabilization sleeve 1500 that include the materials of
various
tensile strengths may be designed in various shapes and dimensions, as
appropriate. In
certain embodiments, these compression regions may be graduated or extended
along the
length of the knee, from a distal portion to a proximal portion, so as to
enhance stability,
provide ligament support, and provide resistance to inversion.
Changes or transitions between regions of varying tensile strengths in the
knee
joint stabilization sleeve 1500 may be gradual, so as to provide a smooth
transition
between region, which not only enhances comfort but also reduces the risk of
the
tourniquet effect. In various embodiments, changes or transitions between
regions of
varying tensile strengths in the knee joint stabilization sleeve 1500 may be
abrupt,
opposed to gradual.
In particular embodiments, the knee sleeve regions 1514, 1516, 1518 and 1520
include a base material manufactured from polyester spandex, breathable
cotton, a
combination thereof, or any suitable material. The wishbone-shaped pattern of
the
compression regions 1510A, 1510B,and 1510C may provide compression and support
similar to taping patterns that wrap around the base of the knee and extend
upward
towards the thigh for preventing injuries such as dislocations, ligament
and/or meniscus
tears. In various embodiments, two or more taping patterns may be similar to
that of the
taping patterns of the sock 100 (FIG. 1). The materials of regions 1510A and
1510B may
be different from region 1510C or, in some embodiments, the materials may be
substantially similar. In various embodiments, the regions 1510A-C may include
one or
more materials similar to the joint stabilizing sock 100 (FIG. 1).
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In one embodiment, regions 1516 and 1520 form the cuffs of knee sleeve 1500
and generally are ribbed so the knee sleeve 1500 clings to the either the
lower thigh or the
base of the knee of a wearer. The corresponding portions of the knee sleeve
1500 of
FIGS. 16-21 will include the same reference numerals as FIG. 15.
FIG. 16 illustrates a front view of the exemplary joint stabilization knee
sleeve
1500, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In some
embodiments, the
lower portions of regions 1510A and 1510B meet and merge, or integrate and
interweave,
with the compression region 1510C. In various embodiments, regions 1510A,
1510B,
and 1510C generate compression and support similar to the medical taping
pattern that
provides joint support, resistance to ligament and/or meniscus tears, prevent
movement of
the knee cap, and prevent dislocation of the knee joint. In the present
embodiment,
regions 1510A and 1510B wrap around a portion of the knee sleeve 1500 merging
with
region 1510C, which may cover a portion of the leg where the knee and upper
thigh meet.
In some embodiments, the regions 1510A, 1510B, and 1510C include materials
with high
tensile strength properties for resisting potentially harmful forces or
movements of the
wearer, particularly undesired movements in the knee and associated ligaments.
FIG. 17 illustrates a rear view of the exemplary joint stabilization knee
sleeve
1500, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, region
1530
includes the rear section of the knee sleeve 1500. In some embodiments, region
1530
includes a base material manufactured from polyester spandex, breathable
cotton, a
combination thereof, or any suitable material.
FIG. 18 illustrates the right side view of the exemplary joint stabilization
knee
sleeve 1500, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The knee
sleeve
1500 includes an upper 1514 and lower 1518 portion integrated as a unitary
garment. In
one embodiment, the compression pattern of region 1510A may begin from the
upper
portion of the garment and continue downwards merging with region 1510C
towards the
lower portion of the garment. In particular embodiments, the regions 1510A and
1510B
are designed to extend downwards from the upper thigh of the wearer towards
the knee
for providing support and compression benefits similar to those achieved via
medical
.. taping practices that include wrapping tape around the knee and/or thigh.
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FIG. 19 illustrates the left side view of the exemplary joint stabilization
knee
sleeve 1500, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In some
embodiments, the materials and regions of the left side view of knee sleeve
1500 are
substantially similar to those described in association with FIG. 18.
FIG. 20 illustrates a top view of the exemplary joint stabilization knee
sleeve
1500, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in the
present
embodiment, the region 1516 may include materials such as polyester spandex
and/or
breathable cotton. In some embodiments, the upper portion includes a knee
opening
1522 for inserting a leg of a wearer into the garment.
FIG. 21 illustrates a bottom view of the exemplary joint stabilization knee
sleeve
1500, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in the
present
embodiment, the lower 1518 and upper 1514 portions of the sleeve include
regions 1516
and 1520, where these regions are made of the base materials polyester spandex
and/or
breathable cotton. In some embodiments, the lower portion 1518 includes an
opening
1524 to which the foot of the wearer protrudes. In particular embodiments, the
regions
1510A and 1510B are designed to extend downwards from the upper thigh of the
wearer
towards region 1510C of the knee for providing support and compression
benefits similar
to those achieved via medical taping practices that include wrapping tape
around the knee
and thigh.
ALTERNATIVE ASPECTS
According to a first aspect, the present disclosure discusses embodiments of a
technical garment, the technical garment including: a garment body including a
first end
and a second end and forming at least one opening for receiving a particular
body region;
a base material manufactured from one or more fiber types selected from the
group
including cotton, elastic, lycra, and spandex, wherein the base material is
expandable to
at least a size of the particular body region; and one or more compressive
regions
including one or more technical fibers interwoven with the base material in
one or more
patterns, wherein the one or more technical fibers include a tensile strength
greater than a
tensile strength of the one or more fiber types of the base material for
providing
compression via resisting expansion in response to a user inserting the
particular body
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region into the at least one opening, and wherein the one or more patterns
include two or
more targeted compressive regions extending along a length of the technical
garment for
at least partially preventing movement of the particular body region when
covered by the
one or more compressive regions.
According to a second aspect, the technical garment of the first aspect or any
other aspect, wherein a portion of the particular body region covered by the
one or more
compressive regions is located medially to the two or more targeted
compressive regions.
According to a third aspect, the technical garment of the second aspect or any
other aspect, wherein the two or more targeted compressive regions apply semi-
opposing
compression at least laterally to the portion of the particular body region.
According to a fourth aspect, the technical garment of the first aspect or any
other aspect, wherein the at least one opening is a first opening of at least
two openings.
According to a fifth aspect, the technical garment of the fourth aspect or any
other aspect, wherein the first opening includes a largest opening diameter of
the at least
two openings.
According to a sixth aspect, the technical garment of the first aspect or any
other
aspect, wherein a third targeted compression region of the two or more
targeted
compression regions integrates with the two or more targeted compression
regions at at
least one end of the two or more targeted compression regions.
According to a seventh aspect, the technical garment of the first aspect or
any
other aspect, wherein the two or more targeted compressive regions apply a
pressure to
the portion of the particular body region when worn, wherein the pressure is
approximately 10-100 mmHG.
According to an eighth aspect, the technical garment of the seventh aspect or
any
other aspect, wherein the technical garment is a sock and the two or more
targeted
compressive regions apply a pressure of approximately 23-93 mmHg to the
portion of the
particular body region.
According to a ninth aspect, the technical garment of the seventh aspect or
any
other aspect, wherein the technical garment is an elbow sleeve and the two or
more
targeted compressive regions apply a pressure of approximately 23-29 mmHg to
the
portion of the particular body region.
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According to a tenth aspect, the technical garment of the seventh aspect or
any
other aspect, wherein the technical garment is a knee sleeve and the two or
more targeted
compressive regions apply a pressure of approximately 23-93 mmHg to the
portion of the
particular body region.
According to an eleventh aspect, the technical garment of the seventh aspect
or
any other aspect, wherein the technical garment is a pair of shorts and the
two or more
targeted compressive regions apply a pressure of approximately 74-93 mmHg to
the
portion of the particular body region.
According to a twelfth aspect, the technical garment of the seventh aspect or
any
.. other aspect, wherein the technical garment is a shirt and the two or more
targeted
compressive regions apply a pressure of approximately 11-30 mmHg to the
portion of the
particular body region.
According to a thirteenth aspect, the technical garment of the first aspect or
any
other aspect, wherein the one or more patterns include the one or more
technical fibers
woven as a closed basket-weave.
According to a fourteenth aspect, the technical garment of the first aspect or
any
other aspect, wherein the one or more patterns include the one or more
technical fibers
woven in a sub stantially-wi shboned shape.
According to a fifteenth aspect, the technical garment of the first aspect or
any
other aspect, wherein the one or more patterns include the one or more
technical fibers
woven as a plurality of intersecting arches.
According to a sixteenth aspect, the technical garment of the first aspect or
any
other aspect, wherein the garment body further includes a cuff extending along
an outer
circumference of the at least one opening.
According to a seventeenth aspect, the technical garment of the sixteenth
aspect
or any other aspect, wherein the cuff includes a semi-adhesive inner surface
for
maintaining a position of the cuff on a wearer's skin at the particular body
region.
According to an eighteenth aspect, the technical garment of the seventeenth
aspect or any other aspect, wherein the semi-adhesive inner surface includes
surface ribs
for maintaining the position of the cuff on the wearer's skin at the
particular body region.
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According to a nineteenth aspect, the technical garment of the first aspect or
any
other aspect, wherein the garment body includes a substantially-tubular shape.
According to a twentieth aspect, a garment is disclosed, the garment
including: a
first end and a second end with a generally tubular body therebetween,
wherein: the
generally tubular body defines at least one opening; the generally tubular
body includes a
first region and a second region; the first region includes a material of a
first tensile
strength; the second region includes a material of a second tensile strength;
the second
tensile strength is greater than the first tensile strength; and the second
region forms a
pattern including at least two compressive areas, the at least two compressive
areas
extending along at least a portion of a length of the generally tubular body
and at least
partially surrounding a portion of the first region.
According to a twenty-first aspect, the garment of the twentieth aspect or any
other aspect, wherein the garment is a sock.
According to a twenty-second aspect, the garment of the twenty-first aspect or
any other aspect, wherein the first region includes an area for a wearer's
toes when the
sock is worn.
According to a twenty-third aspect, the garment of the twenty-second aspect or
any other aspect, wherein the first region includes an area for the wearer's
heal when the
sock is worn.
According to a twenty-fourth aspect, the garment of the twenty-third aspect or
any other aspect, wherein the first region includes an area for at least a
portion of the
wearer's shin when the sock is worn.
According to a twenty-fifth aspect, the garment of the twenty-fourth aspect or
any other aspect, wherein the at least two compressive areas are positioned to
cover at
least a portion of the wearer's shin when the sock is worn.
According to a twenty-sixth aspect, the garment of the twenty-fifth aspect or
any
other aspect, wherein a portion of the second region is positioned to cover at
least a
portion of the wearer's Achilles tendon when the sock is worn.
According to a twenty-seventh aspect, the garment of the twentieth aspect or
any
other aspect, wherein the generally tubular body defines two openings.
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According to a twenty-eighth, the garment of the twenty-seventh aspect or any
other aspect, wherein the garment is a knee sleeve.
According to a twenty-ninth aspect, the garment of the twenty-eighth aspect or
any other aspect, wherein the first region includes an area for at least a
portion of a
wearer's knee when the knee sleeve is worn.
According to a thirtieth aspect, the garment of the twenty-ninth aspect or any
other aspect, wherein the at least two compressive areas are positioned to
cover at least a
portion of the wearer's knee when the knee sleeve is worn.
According to a thirty-first aspect, the garment of the thirtieth aspect or any
other
aspect, wherein the at least two compressive areas are positioned proximate
the wearer's
knee cap when the knee sleeve is worn.
According to a thirty-second aspect, the garment of the thirty-first aspect or
any
other aspect, wherein the second region includes a third area positioned near
a bottom of
the wearer's knee cap when the knee sleeve is worn.
According to a thirty-third aspect, the garment of the twenty-seventh aspect
or
any other aspect, wherein the garment is an elbow sleeve.
According to a thirty-fourth aspect, the garment the thirty-third aspect or
any
other aspect, wherein the at least two compressive areas are positioned
proximate a
wearer's elbow when the elbow sleeve is worn.
According to a thirty-fifth aspect, the garment of the thirty-fourth aspect or
any
other aspect, wherein the at least two compressive areas surround at least a
portion of the
wearer's elbow when the elbow sleeve is worn.
According to a thirty-sixth aspect, the garment of the thirty-fifth aspect or
any
other aspect, wherein the at least two compressive areas form a substantially
diamond-
shaped pattern.
According to a thirty-seventh aspect, the garment of the thirty-fifth aspect
or any
other aspect, wherein the at least two compressive areas form a semi-circular
pattern.
According to a thirty-eighth aspect, the garment of the twentieth aspect or
any
other aspect, wherein the generally tubular body includes at least one cuffed-
region
around the at least one opening.
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According to a thirty-ninth aspect, the garment of the twentieth aspect or any
other aspect, wherein the generally tubular body includes an interior portion
for receiving
a portion of a wearer's body.
According to a fortieth aspect, a sock is disclosed including: a first end and
a
second end with a generally tubular body therebetween, wherein: the generally
tubular
body defines at least one opening; the generally tubular body includes a first
region and a
second region; the first region includes a material of a first tensile
strength; the second
region includes a material of a second tensile strength; the second tensile
strength is
greater than the first tensile strength; and the second region forms a pattern
including at
least two compressive areas, the at least two compressive areas extending
along at least a
portion of the length of the generally tubular body and at least partially
surrounding a
portion of the first region.
According to a forty-first aspect, the sock of the fortieth aspect or any
other
aspect, wherein the first region includes an area for a wearer's toes when the
sock is
worn.
According to a forty-second aspect, the sock of the forty-first aspect or any
other
aspect, wherein the first region includes an area for the wearer's heal when
the sock is
worn.
According to a forty-third aspect, the sock of the forty-second aspect or any
other aspect, wherein the first region includes an area for at least a portion
of the wearer's
shin when the sock is worn.
According to a forty-fourth aspect, the sock of the forty-third aspect or any
other
aspect, wherein the at least two compressive areas are positioned to cover at
least a
portion of the wearer's shin when the sock is worn.
According to a forty-fifth aspect, the sock of the forty-fourth aspect or any
other
aspect, wherein a portion of the second region is positioned to cover at least
a portion of
the wearer's Achilles tendon when the sock is worn.
According to a forty-sixth aspect, an arm sleeve is disclosed including: a
first
end and a second end with a generally tubular body therebetween, wherein: the
generally
tubular body defines two openings; the generally tubular body includes a first
region and
a second region; the first region includes a material of a first tensile
strength; the second
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region includes a material of a second tensile strength; the second tensile
strength is
greater than the first tensile strength; and the second region forms a pattern
including at
least two compressive areas, the at least two compressive areas extending
along at least a
portion of the length of the generally tubular body and at least partially
surrounding a
.. portion of the first region.
According to a forty-seventh aspect, the arm sleeve of the forty-sixth aspect
or
any other aspect, wherein the at least two compressive areas are positioned
proximate a
wearer's elbow when the elbow sleeve is worn.
According to a forty-eighth aspect, the arm sleeve of the forty-seventh aspect
or
any other aspect, wherein the at least two compressive areas surround at least
a portion of
the wearer's elbow when the elbow sleeve is worn.
According to a forty-ninth aspect, the arm sleeve of the forty-eighth aspect
or
any other aspect, wherein the at least two compressive areas form a
substantially
diamond-shaped pattern.
According to a fiftieth aspect, the arm sleeve of the forty-eighth aspect or
any
other aspect, wherein the at least two compressive areas form a semi-circular
pattern.
According to a fifty-first aspect, a knee sleeve is disclosed including: a
first end
and a second end with a generally tubular body therebetween, wherein: the
generally
tubular body defines two openings; the generally tubular body includes a first
region and
a second region; the first region includes a material of a first tensile
strength; the second
region includes a material of a second tensile strength; the second tensile
strength is
greater than the first tensile strength; and the second region forms a pattern
including at
least two compressive areas, the at least two compressive areas extending
along at least a
portion of the length of the generally tubular body and at least partially
surrounding a
portion of the first region.
According to a fifty-second aspect, the knee sleeve of the fifty-first aspect
or any
other aspect, wherein the first region includes an area for at least a portion
of a wearer's
knee when the knee sleeve is worn.
According to a fifty-third aspect, the knee sleeve of the fifty-second aspect
or
any other aspect, wherein the at least two compressive areas are positioned to
cover at
least a portion of the wearer's knee when the knee sleeve is worn.
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According to a fifty-fourth aspect, the knee sleeve of the fifty-third aspect
or any
other aspect, wherein the at least two compressive areas are positioned
proximate the
wearer's knee cap when the knee sleeve is worn.
According to a fifty-fifth aspect, the knee sleeve of the fifty-fourth aspect
or any
other aspect, wherein the second region includes a third area positioned near
a bottom of
the wearer's knee cap when the knee sleeve is worn.
CONCLUSION
While various aspects have been described in the context of a preferred
embodiment, additional aspects, features, and methodologies of the claimed
embodiments
will be readily discernible from the description herein, by those of ordinary
skill in the
art. Many embodiments and adaptations of the disclosure and claimed
embodiments
other than those herein described, as well as many variations, modifications,
and
equivalent arrangements and methodologies, will be apparent from or reasonably
suggested by the disclosure and the foregoing description thereof, without
departing from
the substance or scope of the claims. Furthermore, any sequence(s) and/or
temporal
order of steps of various processes described and claimed herein are those
considered to
be the best mode contemplated for carrying out the claimed embodiments. It
should also
be understood that, although steps of various processes may be shown and
described as
being in a preferred sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such
processes are not
limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent a
specific
indication of such to achieve a particular intended result. In most cases, the
steps of such
processes may be carried out in a variety of different sequences and orders,
while still
falling within the scope of the claimed embodiments. In addition, some steps
may be
carried out simultaneously, contemporaneously, or in synchronization with
other steps.
The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain various
principles and practical applications of the embodiments so as to enable
others skilled in
the art to utilize the various embodiments and with various modifications as
are suited to
the particular use contemplated. Alternative embodiments will become apparent
to those
.. skilled in the art to which the claimed embodiments pertain without
departing from their
spirit and scope. Accordingly, the scope of the claimed embodiment is defined
by the
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appended claims rather than the foregoing description and the exemplary
embodiments
described therein.
* * * * *
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