FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an orthopaedic garment made of stretchable fabric and configured to be worn in a form-fitting manner on the upper body of a wearer. More specifically, it relates to a garment primarily effective for promoting biofeedback and posture control in a motorsport environment.

BACKGROUND

Proper technique and coordinated muscle activation is critical for athletes seeking to perform biomechanical correct movements in sports. Athletes are constantly working on improving their sense of the relative position of their parts of the body and strength of effort being employed in movement improve sport-specific movements.

In some cases, such aids have come in the form of a garment to be worn by the athlete during the performance of certain movements. In its most basic form, such a garment may be made of a stretchable or elastic fabric and is intended to be worn tightly on the body in a form-fitting manner. Because of the resistance encountered by the wearer as a result of the stretch in the fabric, the wearer tends to become more aware of the relative position of his limbs. While this type of garment can enhance biofeedback, it tends to have the disadvantage of not being focused for a particular movement.

It is therefore an object of the invention to go at least some way toward overcoming or at least ameliorating the one or more of the above-mentioned problems or disadvantages, or which at least provides the public with a useful choice.

In this specification, where reference has been made to external sources of information, including patent specifications and other documents, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the present invention. Unless stated otherwise, reference to such sources of information is not to be construed, in any jurisdiction, as an admission that such sources of information are prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one broad aspect the invention comprises a long-sleeved shirt orthopaedic garment comprising one or more tensors.

In another broad aspect the invention comprises a short-sleeved shirt orthopaedic garment comprising one or more tensors.

In some embodiments, the garment comprises an elastically deformable material.

In some embodiments, the tensor comprises an elastically deformable material.

In some embodiments, the elastically deformable material of the tensor has a greater elasticity than the elastically deformable material of the garment.

In some embodiments, the garment comprises a body portion and a sleeve portion.

In some embodiments, the garment comprises: a first tensor arranged to span vertically down the back of the garment from the neck region to a mid-waist region; a second tensor arranged to span vertically down the back of the garment from the midwaist region to the waist region; a third set of tensors comprising tensors which span each side of the first or second tensor from the mid-waist region of the back, up and over each shoulder to a region on the front of the shoulder, wherein the third set of tensors intercept the central back region; a fourth set of tensors comprising two tensors which span each side of the first or second tensor from the mid-waist region of the back, down and around the oblique region of the garment to a region on the front of the oblique muscle group.

In some embodiments, the garment further comprises: an elbow tensor located annular to the forearm below the elbow; a wrist tensor located annular to the wrist; a forearm tensor which spans between the forearm tensor and the elbow tensor.

In another broad aspect the invention relates to a wearable garment adapted to support a driving posture in a motorsport environment, the garment comprising: a body portion comprising an elastically deformable body material, and an arrangement of tensors each comprising an elastically deformable tensor material; the arrangement of tensors comprising:

• a first tensor arranged to span vertically down the back of the garment from the neck region to a mid-waist region;

• a second tensor arranged to span vertically down the back of the garment from the mid-waist region to the waist region;

• a third tensor comprising a pair of tensors which span each side of the first or second tensor from the mid-waist region of the back, up and over each shoulder to a region on the front of the shoulder, wherein the third set of tensors intercept the central back region; and

• a fourth tensor comprising a pair of tensors which span each side of the first or second tensor from the mid-waist region of the back, down and around the oblique region of the garment to a region on the front of the oblique muscle group.

In some embodiments, the body material has a greater elongation vs load characteristic than the tensor material.

In some embodiments, the garment further comprises a sleeve portion comprising:

• a fifth tensor comprising a tensor located annular to the forearm below the elbow;

• a sixth tensor located annular to the wrist; and

• a seventh tensor which spans between the fifth and sixth tensors, from an outer forearm region to an inner wrist region.

In some embodiments, the first to fourth tensors comprise a width of about 50 mm.

In some embodiments, the fifth tensor comprises a tensor having a width of about 40 mm.

In some embodiments, the sixth and seventh tensors comprise a tensor having a width of about 30 mm.

In some embodiments, body material, for a mean thickness of 0.45 mm and a mean width of about 4 mm, and a length of about 50 mm, is characterised by data including one or more of: an elongation of about 30 mm in response to a load of about 7 N; an elongation of about 50 mm in response to a load of about 10 N; an elongation of about 80 mm in response to a load of about 20 N.

In some embodiments, the tensor material, for a mean thickness of 1.1 mm and a mean width of about 4 mm, and a length of about 50 mm, is characterised by data including one or more of: an elongation of about 50 mm in response to a load of about 7 N; an elongation of about 80 mm in response to a load of about 15 N; an elongation of about 100 mm in response to a load of about 22 N; an elongation of about 130 mm in response to a load of about 40 N.

In some embodiments, the characterising data comprises a variance of up to 25 %.

In some embodiments, the characterising data comprises a variance of up to 5, 10, 15, 20 or 25 %.

In some embodiments, the tensors are laminated to the body material.

In some embodiments, the tensors are a thermoplastic material.

In another broad aspect the invention relates to wearable garment adapted to support a driving posture in a motorsport environment, the garment comprising: a body portion comprising an elastically deformable body material, and an arrangement of tensors each comprising an elastically deformable tensor material; the arrangement of tensors comprising: a group of tensors arranged to radiate from a mid-back region to: a neck region; a waist region; up and over the left shoulder to a region on the front of the left shoulder; up and over the right shoulder to a region on the front of the right shoulder; down and around the left oblique region to a region on the left front of the oblique muscle group; and down and around the right oblique region to a region on the right front of the oblique muscle group.

In some embodiments, the garment further comprises a sleeve portion comprising:

• a tensor located annular to the forearm below the elbow;

• a tensor located annular to the wrist; and

• a tensor which spans from an outer forearm region to an inner wrist region.

In another broad aspect the invention relates to wearable garment adapted to support a driving posture in a motorsport environment, the garment comprising a pair of sleeves, each formed of a body material and layered with a plurality of tensors, the tensors comprising:

• a first tensor located annular to the forearm below the elbow;

• a second tensor located annular to the wrist; and

• a third tensor which spans from an outer forearm region to an inner wrist region.

In some embodiments, the first tensor comprises a width of about 40 to 50 mm.

In some embodiments, the second and third tensors have a width of about 30 to 40 mm.

In some embodiments, the body material, for a mean thickness of 0.45 mm and a mean width of about 4 mm, and a length of about 50 mm, is characterised by data including one or more of: an elongation of about 30 mm in response to a load of about 7 N; an elongation of about 50 mm in response to a load of about 10 N; an elongation of about 80 mm in response to a load of about 20 N.

In some embodiments, the tensor material, for a mean thickness of 1.1 mm and a mean width of about 4 mm, and a length of about 50 mm, is characterised by data including one or more of: an elongation of about 50 mm in response to a load of about 7 N; an elongation of about 80 mm in response to a load of about 15 N; an elongation of about 100 mm in response to a load of about 22 N; an elongation of about 130 mm in response to a load of about 40 N.

In some embodiments, the characterising data comprises a variance of up to 25 %.

In some embodiments, the characterising data comprises a variance of up to 5, 10, 15,

20 or 25 %.

In some embodiments, the tensors are laminated to the body material.

In some embodiments, the tensors are a thermoplastic material.

The following embodiments may relate to any of the above aspects. Other aspects of the invention may become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As used in this specification, the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or both.

As used herein, "computer-readable medium" excludes any transitory signals but includes any non-transitory data storage circuitry, e.g., buffers, cache, and queues, within transceivers of transitory signals.

In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents is not to be construed as an admission that such documents, or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art, or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

Moreover, in interpreting the disclosure, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced.

This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows exemplary driver seating geometries.

Figure 2 shows a front perspective view of an embodiment.

Figure 3 shows a rear perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 2.

Figure 4 and Figure 5 show anatomical zones for key locations of tensor spans.

Figure 6 and Figure 7 show graphs characterising some suitable materials for the garment body portion and tensors.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts.

Embodiments of the invention relate to a compression garment with particular suitability in a motorsports environment. Motorsports environments entail a person driving a vehicle in a relined seating position with their arms held out in front of them gripping a steering wheel. As the person drives, their body is subject to forces imparted by the vehicle. Due to the forces on the body, fatigue, and often a hot environment, a driver will eventually tire and their driving performance may be compromised.

Biofeedback is a process that enables a person to learn how to change physiological activity for the purposes of improving health and performance. Embodiments discussed herein are intended to improve the performance of a driver through the elicitation of biofeedback. Some embodiments comprise a garment with elastic components in a strategic orientation. The elastic components offer a resistance to the natural movement of the body, this improves the positional awareness of a body part to the wearer of the garment. The improved positional sense leads to balance and accuracy enhancements relating to a specific body movement. Accordingly, in some embodiments, resistance offered by the elastic components is tuned to optimise the intended quality of biofeedback.

Figure 1 shows three commonplace driving postures. Figure 1(A) shows a healthy driving position where the driver's back is substantially straight, their head is substantially straight, knees are slightly bent, and arms are slightly bent.

Figure 1(B) shows a commonplace driving posture where the driver is slouched forward and their arms are bent too much. In this posture, driver discomfort will set in, including neck and back discomfort. In additional to increased fatigue, this posture is not ideal for car control.

Figure 1(C) shows a commonplace posture where the driver is slumped in their seat. In this posture, there is a danger of arms and legs being too straight. In additional to increased fatigue, this posture is also not ideal for car control.

It should also be noted that different forms of motorsport have different seating positions. For example, a saloon car will typically have a driver position in the 0-20 degree tilt back driving position, whereas an open-wheeler will typically have a 20-40 degree tilt back driving position such as exemplified by Figure 1(D). For each of these examples, embodiments of the invention relate to a garment which operates to promote healthy driver posture in each tilt back variation which thereby reduces driver fatigue and optimises the driver posture for car control.

Embodiments discussed herein relate to a garment which may have varying proportions which are intended to fit the form of the wearer. Accordingly, the garment is to be provided a range of sizes, including different sizes for arm size, wrist size, neck size, chest size, and waist size. Commonplace to each embodiment is a set of tensors which span between particular biological locations of the wearer.

The orientation and tension provided by the tensors enhance biofeedback during a driving performance. The biofeedback is created by a force vector along each tensor which produces a contrasting feel on the skin and muscle tissue nerve endings. The contrasting feel is one of slightly more tension and texture. The biofeedback facilitates an overtly conscious arm and torso positioning sense. The biofeedback further facilitates improved positioning of the body due to the feedback the tensor provides to the garment wearer. In some embodiments, the garment is constructed from a material having resiliently elasticated properties. In some embodiments, the garment is substantially constructed from Lycra material. In some embodiments, the garment is substantially constructed from a combination of Lycra, polyamide, and Spandex. In some embodiments, the Lycra is heavy Lycra. In some embodiments, the Lycra is about 220 grams per square meter (gsm). In some embodiments, the garment is constructed from a combination of about Lycra 220 gsm, about 71 % Polyamide, and about 29 % Spandex.

In some embodiments, the tensor comprises elastic fibres. However, the tensor may be formed of any resiliently deformable material capable of storing energy under tension or compression force, then releasing that energy when the tension or compression force is released. In some embodiments, the tensor is constructed from elastic fibres which are attached to the garment material. The method of attachment includes stitching, bonding by an adhesive, or both. Other attachment methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, the tensors are constructed from Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU).

In preferred forms, the garment is a long sleeve top substantially consisting of a material providing a compressive effect when worn. A short-sleeved top is another form. The material of the top is elastically deformable so as to closely fit to the shape of a person's body. In this way, there garment is substantial friction between the garment and the wearer when worn. This helps to promote fitment of the garment during physical activity which may cause a non-compressive garment to become misshapen or dishevelled.

Other arrangements of the tensor on the garment are possible and the particular arrangement will be dependent on the movement for a particular physical activity where enhancement of biofeedback and movement is desired.

Figure 2 and Figure 3 show perspective views of an exemplary layout of tensors applied to a garment 100. In particular, the garment has a body portion comprising an elastically deformable body material, and an arrangement of tensors each comprising an elastically deformable tensor material.

The torso covering regions of the garment extend from a neck region to a waist region to cover the torso as would at least a regular t-shirt. In some embodiments, the garment further comprises an arm covering region such that the garment covers the torso and arms as would a regular long-sleeve shirt.

The body material of the garment is preferably selected by a user to compress against their body such in a tight fit. To facilitate the tight fit, the body material of the garment is made of an elastically deformable material such that the garment will stretch around the body of the user and compress against them. The act of compression also provides some pretension to the tensors on the garment.

The torso covering region of the garment may be constructed from a single piece, or as a chest part 80 and a stomach part 90, or other combination of parts as desired. In some embodiments, the body portion of the garment is constructed with breathable fabrics, where some fabrics are configured to breathe more than others.

A sides and back region 5 of the garment 100 extends around the body of the garment to complete the top. Optional arm regions 5 of the garment may extend from the shoulder region of the garment to the wrist region. Garment regions 5, 80 and 90 may, in some embodiments, comprise a lighter material that other garment regions for comfort and fabric breathability.

According to a first embodiment, a preferred layout and arrangement of the tensors is as follows: • A first tensor 50 is arranged to span vertically down the back of the garment from the neck region to a mid-waist region. One purpose is to generate postural awareness of the upper spine. Another purpose of the first tensor 50 is to provide central anchor point for tensor forces.

• A second tensor 40 is arranged to span vertically down the back of the garment from the mid-waist region to the waist region. In some embodiments, the first and second tensor comprise a continuous tensor which spans from the neck region to the waist region. One purpose is to generate postural awareness of the lower spine region. Another purpose of the second tensor 40 is to provide central anchor point for tensor forces.

• A third set of tensors 60 comprise two tensors which span from the mid-waist region of the back, up and over each shoulder to a region on the front of the shoulder. The third set of tensors 60 intercepts the back in the central region and acts to grip the shoulder region and provide backward tension.

• A fourth set of tensors 70 comprise two tensors which span from the mid-waist region of the back, down and around the oblique region of the garment to a region on the front of the oblique muscle group. The fourth set of tensors 70 create supportive hugging effect around lower-lateral region of the core muscles. They promote awareness around core and lower back. Intercept with centre tensor.

In some embodiments, the garment comprises a short-sleeved garment comprising the first to fourth set of tensors.

According to another embodiment, a preferred layout and arrangement of the tensors is as described with reference to the first embodiment and additionally includes, for each arm of the garment:

• An elbow tensor 10 located annular to the forearm below the elbow. Loading of the elbow tensor 10

• A wrist tensor 30 located annular to the wrist.

• A forearm tensor 20 which spans between the elbow tensor 10 and the wrist tensor 30. The forearm tensor 20 is intended to follow the forearm muscle orientation from an upper region of the forearm to a lower inner region of the wrist. The forearm tensor 20 acts to relieve load on the tendon by adding a false insertion.

In a varied embodiment, the garment comprises a sleeve only garment comprising one or more of the elbow tensor, wrist tensor, and forearm tensor which are overlayed upon a body material which extends between the elbow and wrist region of the arm. The sleeve garment is particularly suitable for eSports such as sim racing, where the body is not subject to driving forces, yet the arms are subject to steering forces prevalent with force-feedback type steering wheels.

The sleeve is also particularly suitable for other eSports that use keyboard, mouse or console controls. Repetitive and fast motions of the wrist and hand used in these controls render the forearm, wrist and hand muscles to fatigue and strain (overuse injuries). The sleeve and its tensors are specifically designed to reduce this fatigue so allow the user to play for longer and recover quicker from gaming sessions.

In one exemplary embodiment, the wearable garment has a body portion comprising an elastically deformable body material, and an arrangement of tensors each comprising an elastically deformable tensor material. Referring to Figure 4 and Figure 5, the arrangement of tensors is a group of tensors arranged to radiate from a mid-back region (A) to other regions, including: a neck region (B) in the centre of the back; a waist region (C) in the centre of the back; up and over the left shoulder to a region on the front of the left shoulder (D); up and over the right shoulder to a region on the front of the right shoulder(D); down and around the left oblique region to a region on the left front of the oblique muscle group (E); and down and around the right oblique region to a region on the right front of the oblique muscle group (E).

In another exemplary embodiments, the garment further includes sleeves also having tensors, including an elbow tensor located annular to the forearm below the elbow (F); a wrist tensor located annular to the wrist (G); and a forearm tensor 20 which spans between the elbow tensor 10 and the wrist tensor 30. In a varied embodiment, the garment is only sleeves.

The diagonal tensors 60 act as shoulder blade retraction mechanisms. This reduces rounded shoulder position and therefore promotes optimal driver posture by preventing slumping.

Tensor 60 has a front shoulder attachment point the covers the surface of the anterior deltoid muscle of the shoulder. It extends over the shoulder on an oblique axis covering the posterior deltoid area. It then traverses over the middle of the scapula to extend and attach at the mid thoracic spine area at the bottom surface of the trapezius muscle. The direction of tension/line of pull from the front of the shoulder to the mid thoracic spine retracts the shoulder and scapula posteriorly toward the midline to encourage upright posture.

The elastic force provided by each tensor depends on the dimensions of the tensor itself and the material composition. In some embodiments, each of the core region tensors comprise a 5 cm wide band. In some embodiments, the elbow tensor is about 4 cm wide, the wrist tensor is about 3 cm wide, and the firearm tensor is about 3 cm wide.

In use, each tensor will stretch during movement of the body and arms. The stretching of each tensor creates biofeedback from the additional friction created between the garment and the wearer during the stretching process. The wearer is then facilitated a heightened sense of positional awareness such that conscious efforts to improve their posture may be made.

Some advantages of the garment include:

1. Reduced muscle oscillations and reduced muscle fatigue

2. Enhances biofeedback and proprioception

3. Moisture wicking to improve temperature control

4. Reduction in injuries

Improved posture has several advantages to performance. These are a reduction in muscle fatigue and associated with activity. Reduced muscle fatigue has positive effects on driver endurance and recovery from driving sessions.

A reduction in muscle fatigue has also been proven to preserve cognitive performance. We can therefore conclude that improved posture from wearing this garment may improve driver cognitive function, improved reaction times, and improved decision making.

Tension band of the forearm covers (encircles like a cuff) the upper portion of the forearm extensor and flexor muscle groups. This tension band exerts a mid-pressure on the forearm extensor muscle tendons. This can have a mild de-loading effect on these tendons. This reduces strain on these tendons, thereby reducing forearm tendon pain and fatigue associated with gripping and repetitive manoeuvring of the steering wheel during driving. In some embodiments, the tensors comprise a width of about 50 mm. In some embodiments, the tensors comprise a width of about 30-60 mm. In some embodiments, the tensors comprise a width of about 50 mm +/- 25%.

Figure 6 and Figure 7 show graphs which characterise one ideal material for each of the body portion of the garment and the tensor material of the garment.

In particular, Figure 6 shows a graph of elongation (in mm) vs load (in N) for a segment of garment material characterising the body portion. The body material was tested with a mean thickness of 0.45 mm and a mean width of about 4 mm, and a length of about 50 mm. Characterising data observable from the graph includes one or more of:

• an elongation of about 30 mm in response to a load of about 7 N;

• an elongation of about 50 mm in response to a load of about 10 N;

• an elongation of about 80 mm in response to a load of about 20 N.

Figure 7 shows a graph of elongation (in mm) vs load (in N) for a segment of garment material characterising the tensor material. The tensor material was tested with a mean thickness of 1.1 mm and a mean width of about 4 mm, and a length of about 50 mm.

Characterising data observable from the graph includes one or more of:

• an elongation of about 50 mm in response to a load of about 7 N;

• an elongation of about 80 mm in response to a load of about 15 N;

• an elongation of about 100 mm in response to a load of about 22 N;

• an elongation of about 130 mm in response to a load of about 40 N.

In addition, the inventors have ascertained that tensor material having a variance of up to 25 % from the above data is able to provide a workable solution. However, that material variance beyond 25 % from the above data began to lose the desired result. At a variance of 50 %, benefits of the tensors are lost.

In some embodiments, the characterising data comprises a variance of up to 5, 10, 15, 20 or 25 %. In some embodiments, the characterising data comprises a variance of up to 30%. In some embodiments, the characterising data comprises a variance of up to 35 %.

It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the disclosure.

Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to elements or integers having known equivalents, then such equivalents are included as if they were individually set forth. Although the invention has been described by way of example and with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that modifications and/or improvements may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.