APPLICATION FOR PATENT

CIRCULATION MANAGEMENT COMPRESSION GARMENT

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[001] This application claims benefit of co-pending U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/527,207, filed 30 June 2017, entitled CIRCULATION MANAGEMENT COMPRESSION GARMENT, and commonly assigned to the assignee of the present application, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

FIELD

[002] The present disclosure relates to compression garments, and, more particularly, in exemplary embodiments, to garments with selective areas and types of compression to improve circulation management of a wearer, such as during re-entry from a low gravity environment, such as space, to a higher gravity environment.

BACKGROUND

[003] During re-entry from space into the atmosphere, body fluid, such as blood, tends to pool at the body extremities and the heart rate slows down, which can result in adverse effects, such as, but not limited to, light-headedness or fainting. During liftoff, re-entry, and space walks astronauts typically wear a maximum absorbency garment, known as a "MAG", as the term is typically used by NASA (an example of which is a diaper-type garment), under a conventional compression garment as a backup in case a toilet cannot be accessed. The MAG needs to be put on, taken off, and/or changed periodically, and complete removal of the compression garment can be cumbersome, particularly in the confines of a high-speed jet aircraft, space vehicle, space station, and/or at zero gravity. Further, wearing the MAG under the compression garment can cause urine or feces collected in the MAG to be urged out of the MAG due to the compression properties of the fabric and the movements of the wearer, which can create a problematic mess. It would be desirable to have a garment that could better manage the fluid pressure and balance so as to reduce pooling of body fluids, particularly in the legs.

SUMMARY

[004] The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of various invention embodiments. The summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is neither intended to identify key or critical elements of the invention nor to delineate the scope of the invention. The following summary merely presents some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description below.

[005] Generally described, the present disclosure provides in a first exemplary embodiment a compression garment for circulation management is provided, comprising (a) a waistband portion; and, (b) a first leg portion and a second leg portion, each comprising at least one panel of an elastic fabric and each portion comprising, a hip portion having at least one panel of fabric with the warp direction oriented at an angle, an abdominal portion, a rear portion, a thigh portion, and a knee portion. The garment may further comprise a lower leg portion comprising a front region panel and a rear calf panel, wherein the lower leg portion rear calf panel comprises at least one layer of fabric material having higher compression than the front region panel, and, an ankle portion comprising at least one layer of fabric material having higher compression than the lower leg front region panel. The garment may further comprise an opening defined between the first leg portion and the second leg portion, the opening extending generally from the groin area to generally the coccyx area; and, a covering comprising a front panel including a front attachment section and a rear panel including a rear attachment section, wherein front attachment section is attached to the garment proximate to the waistband, and wherein the rear attachment section further includes at least one fastening means adapted to removably attach to a portion of the covering rear panel.

[006] Other features will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description of certain exemplary embodiments, when taken in conjunction with the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[007] The drawings disclose exemplary embodiments in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the figures of which:

[008] Fig. 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of a garment according to the present disclosure, as designed for a male user.

[009] Fig. 2 is a rear view of the garment of Fig. 1.

[0010] Fig. 3 is a right side view of the garment of Fig. 1.

[0011] Fig. 4 is a front view of the garment of Fig. 1 with the front portion of the scrotal support detached from the abdominal portion and flipped down.

[0012] Fig. 5 is a rear view of Fig. 4 with the support member flipped down.

[0013] Fig. 6 is a front view of a second exemplary embodiment of a garment designed for use by a woman.

[0014] Fig. 7 is a rear view of the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 6. [0015] Fig. 8 is a right side view of the garment of Fig. 6. [0016] Fig. 9 is a front view of Fig. 6 with the support member flipped down. [0017] Fig. 10 is a rear view of Fig. 9 with the support member flipped down. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read (for example, cross- hatching, arrangement of parts, proportion, degree, or the like) together with the specification, and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this invention. As used in the following description, the terms "horizontal", "vertical", "left", "right", "up" and "down", "upper" and "lower" as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (for example, "horizontally", "upwardly", or the like), simply refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure as the particular drawing figure faces the reader. Similarly, the terms "inwardly" and "outwardly" generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation, or axis of rotation, as appropriate.

[0019] Figs. 1-3 show a first exemplary embodiment of a garment 10 according to the present disclosure having a left leg 12 , a right leg 14, and a waistband 16. The garment 10 includes a removable covering 60, which is optional and may be included or not included.

[0020] In exemplary embodiments, the garment 10 may be made of an elastic material, such as, but not limited to, a compression fabric. In exemplary embodiments, the fabric may be a warp knit compression fabric, such as a fabric having four-way stretch characteristics. In one exemplary embodiment, the fabric is made of an elastic material. In one exemplary embodiment, the elastic material is COMFORTWEAVE ^® brand elastic material (The Marena Group, LLC, Lawrenceville, Georgia).

[0021] In one exemplary embodiment, the left and right legs 12, 14 are constructed generally similar to one another (in mirrored fashion). In one exemplary embodiment shown in Figs. 1-3, the left leg 12 comprises a hip portion 22, an abdominal portion 24, a rear portion 26, a thigh portion 28, a knee portion 30, a lower leg portion 32, and an ankle portion 34. It is to be understood that one or more of the aforementioned portions may comprise a separate panel (or panel layers) attached to adjacent layers, or may comprise a single panel of fabric covering one or more of the noted areas. In the following description of the portions, reference is made to fabric having relatively higher or lower compression. These references are in the context of the compression characteristics of the higher compression area compared to the compression characteristics of a lower compression area of the same garment. In exemplary embodiments, the higher compression portions may have a compression in a range of 75-80 mm Hg. In exemplary embodiments, the lower compression portions may have a compression in a range of 16-20 mm Hg-

[0022] The hip portion 22 may comprise one or more panels of fabric that cover at least a part of the user's hip area. The hip portion 22 may be constructed such that the fabric is oriented with the fiber direction (i.e., the warp direction) being generally horizontal (i.e., generally oriented across the hip region), or with the fabric fiber direction at an angle, such as, but not limited to, about 45 degrees (though other angles are contemplated as within the scope of the present disclosure). Having the fabric fiber direction oriented at an angle provides greater elasticity in a direction that can improve the ability of the user to pull the garment 10 on over the user's hips.

[0023] In exemplary embodiments, the rear portion 26 may comprise one or more panels of fabric having relatively lower compression.

[0024] The knee portion 30 has relatively low compression and, as shown in Fig. 3, can be constructed to have a cupped area 31 with extra room in the kneecap (patella) area as to facilitate articulation of the knee, to reduce pressure on the kneecap, and to reduce pressure on the area behind the knee when the knee is articulated.

[0025] The lower leg portion 32 has a rear calf region 36 constructed to have relatively higher compression than a front region 38. The calf region 36 may extend, in exemplary embodiments, from generally at or just below the knee portion 30 to generally proximate to the ankle portion 34. Lactic acid builds up, or pools, in the calf area, as well as other areas of the body, and can cause swelling and discomfort. The higher compression of the calf portion 36 facilitates urging lactic acid up to the torso, where it can be dispersed or utilized by the wearer's circulatory system.

[0026] The ankle portion 34 is constructed to have relatively higher compression so as to promote movement of fluids to the torso that otherwise tend to pool at limb extremities. In exemplary embodiments, the compression pressure of the ankle portion 34 fabric may be in a range of 75-80 mm Hg. In exemplary embodiments the compression pressure may be about 80 mm Hg. In one exemplary embodiment, as shown in Figs. 1-2, the ankle portion 34 and calf portion 36 may be constructed of a folded two-ply panel of fabric that extends from below the rear of the knee toward the ankle portion 34, and wrap at least partially around the ankle.

[0027] The garment areas of higher compression, such as, but not limited to, the calf portion 36 and the ankle portion 34, may be constructed in any of several ways. In exemplary embodiments, the higher compression area may be constructed of multiple layers of fabric material. In other exemplary embodiments, the higher compression area may be constructed of a thicker fabric material, or may utilize one or more different fabric materials, embodiments, portions of the garment 10 where increased compression is desired may be constructed of more than one type of fabric material (e.g., elasticity, thickness, or the like). In exemplary embodiments, the higher compression area may be constructed of multiple layers of fabric material oriented in the same fiber direction, or may have the fiber direction of one layer be at an angle to that of an adjacent layer. In exemplary embodiments, the waistband 16 may be constructed of a single layer of material. In other exemplary embodiments, the waistband 16 may be constructed having a front panel 40, rear panel 42, and left and right side panels 44, 46. In exemplary embodiments, one or more of the waistband panels may be constructed of a single layer of fabric, while one or more other panels may be constructed of multiple layers of a single type of fabric or of two or more different types of fabric.

[0028] The abdominal portion 24 may comprise one panel or multiple panel segments. The abdominal portion 24 has at least one attachment member 50 associated therewith, such as, but not limited to, a strip of hook material or loop material, button or hole, male or female snap, or other attachment or fastener known to those skilled in the art.

[0029] The right leg 14 may have a construction similar and mirrored to that of the left leg 12. Alternatively, where a user may have different size or length legs, either or both legs can be custom constructed.

[0030] In exemplary embodiments, there is an opening 52 defined in the crotch area, generally between the left and right legs 12, 14. In exemplary embodiments, the opening 52 may extend from generally the lower abdominal or groin area, down past the genitals area, and proximate to the anus or extending toward the coccyx or lower back area. It is to be understood that different length of extent of the opening 52 can be designed. The opening 52 can permit the user to urinate or defecate without having to remove the garment 10, or permit access to an under-garment (such as a MAG or diaper, as discussed further herein), or for changing or adjusting an under-garment. In other exemplary embodiments, no opening is present.

[0031] In exemplary embodiments, a removable covering 60 may be included that covers generally from the genitals area to the coccyx or lower back area. In exemplary embodiments, the covering 60 comprises a front panel 62, a front attachment section 64, a rear panel 66, and a rear attachment section 68. In exemplary embodiments, particularly those designed for male users, the front panel 62 includes a scrotal support pouch 70 configured as a pouch that has room to contain and support a man's penis and scrotum. The support pouch 70 may be constructed of relatively low compression material so as not to unduly compress the body parts contained therein. In alternative embodiments, the support pouch 70 may be constructed of material having generally little or no compression or elasticity. The front attachment section 64 can removably attach to the abdominal portion attachment means 50. The front attachment section 64 may have one or more attachment means 72 associated therewith that can be matingly associated with the abdominal portion attachment means 50, such as, but not limited to, a hook or loop material, button or hole, male or female snap, or other attachment means known to those skilled in the art. In one exemplary embodiment, shown in Figs. 1, 4 and 5, the attachment means comprises a strip of hook material 74 and a strip of loop material 76, one of which is associated with the abdominal portion 24, and the other associated with the support pouch front attachment section 68. As shown in the rear views of the exemplary embodiments of Figs. 2 and 5, the covering 60 also comprises a rear panel 66 and a rear attachment section 68.

[0032] In one exemplary embodiment, shown in Figs. 2 and 5, the rear attachment section 68 of the covering is sewn or otherwise permanently attached to the waistband 16 or the rear portion 26.

[0033] In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the rear attachment section 68 of the covering 60 can be removably attached to the waistband 16 or the rear portion 26. In such embodiment the rear attachment section 68 has at least one first attachment means that can matingly attach to a second attachment means attached to the rear area of the garment. The first and second attachment means may comprise one of the contemplated attachment means discussed hereinabove with respect to the front attachment section and abdominal portion. In exemplary embodiments, each of the abdominal portion attachment means may be a strip of hook or loop material so that each of the support pouch front attachment section attachment means may be positioned anywhere along the length of the mating abdominal portion attachment means, thereby providing the user the ability to position the pouch to be in the most comfortable position.

[0034] It is to be understood that the covering 60 may be attached (e.g., sewed) to the rear portion 26 and removably attachable in certain embodiments to the abdominal portion or front of the waistband, while in other exemplary embodiments the covering 60 may be attached (e.g., sewed) to the abdominal portion 26 or front panel 62, and removably attachable to the rear portion 26 or rear panel 66.

[0035] In exemplary embodiments, the garment 10 may optionally further include one or more straps 80, shown in Fig. 3. Each strap 80 may be attached at each end to the garment 10, at various locations on the garment 10, so that a user can insert his or her fingers in the strap 80 and pull on the strap 80 to facilitate putting on the garment 10. The straps 80 can reduce the risk of the fabric ripping or tearing when being put on.

[0036] In alternative exemplary embodiments, such as shown in Figs. 6-10, a garment 100 adapted to be worn by a women has generally the same construction as the garment shown in Figs. 1-5, with one difference being that a removable covering 160 front panel 162 is generally flat, rather than being designed as a support pouch.

[0037] During liftoff, re-entry, and space walks astronauts typically wear a maximum absorbency garment, known as a "MAG", as the term is typically used by NASA (an example of which is a diaper-type garment), under a conventional compression garment as a backup in case a toilet cannot be accessed. The MAG needs to be put on, taken off, and/or changed periodically, and complete removal of the compression garment can be cumbersome, particularly in the confines of a high-speed jet aircraft, space vehicle, space station, and/or at zero gravity. Further, wearing the MAG under the compression garment can cause urine or feces collected in the MAG to be urged out of the MAG due to the compression properties of the fabric and the movements of the wearer, which can create a problematic mess. A feature of the presently disclosed garment is the opening 52 in the crotch area generally proximate to and between the genitals area and the anus to facilitate access to this area without removing the garment. In exemplary embodiments, the MAG can be worn over the garment 10, rather than under, with the covering 60 being worn over the MAG, resulting in the MAG being removable without having to first remove the entire garment. Alternatively, the MAG can be worn under the garment.

[0038] During re-entry from space into the atmosphere, body fluid, such as blood, tends to pool at the body extremities and the heart rate slows down, which can result in adverse effects, such as, but not limited to, light-headedness or fainting. A feature of the compression garment of the present disclosure is that fluid movement can be managed more effectively. The garment compresses the body parts/regions where fluids may pool, such as around the ankle and calf area, and urge fluids up to the torso and the heart, which may reduce the likelihood of the user fainting. Furthermore, the higher compression of the garment fabric at the calf area can cause lactic acid to be urged up to the torso, which can then be dispersed for energy or reduce pain or cramping in the leg.

[0039] A feature of the present garment is that the articulated knee area 30 reduces bunching of excess material by the popliteal area (behind the knee) and avoids or reduces pressure on the kneecap, thus reducing discomfort during wear. This can help maintain adequate circulation to the lower leg while sitting for extended periods of time.

[0040] The garment of the present disclosure can be used in a number of different environments and situations. Individuals going through sudden atmospheric pressure changes and gravity-force changes can suffer lightheadedness, fainting, organ shutdown, cramps, or other effects. In exemplary embodiments, the garment can be used as a survival garment for such situations by helping to maintain lymphatic system and blood flow as closer to normal under the circumstances. The garment can help the user stay alert by reducing the blood flow effects of such environments. Applications for the garment may include flight personnel (e.g., combat/military pilots and crews), submersed situations (e.g., at deep underwater environments), and the like.

[0041] Although only a number of exemplary embodiments have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the following claims.

[0042] "Optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

[0043] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word "comprise" and variations of the word, such as "comprising" and "comprises," means "including but not limited to," and is not intended to exclude, for example, other additives, components, integers or steps. "Exemplary" means "an example of and is not intended to convey an indication of a preferred or ideal embodiment. "Such as" is not used in a restrictive sense, but for explanatory purposes.

[0044] The following numbered clauses include embodiments that are contemplated and non- limiting.

[0045] Clause 1: A compression garment for circulation management, comprising: a waistband portion; and, a first leg portion and a second leg portion, each comprising at least one panel of an elastic fabric and each portion comprising a hip portion having at least one panel of fabric with the warp direction oriented at an angle, an abdominal portion, a rear portion, a thigh portion, a knee portion, lower leg portion comprising a front region panel and a rear calf panel, and, an ankle portion, wherein the lower leg portion rear calf panel comprises at least one layer of fabric material having higher compression than the front region panel, and, wherein the ankle portion comprises at least one layer of fabric material having higher compression than the lower leg front region panel.

[0046] Clause 2: The garment of Clause 1, further comprising an opening defined between the first leg portion and the second leg portion, the opening extending generally from the groin area to generally the coccyx area.

[0047] Clause 3: The garment of Clause 1, further comprising a covering comprising front panel including a front attachment section; a rear panel including a rear attachment section, wherein front attachment section is attached to the garment proximate to the waistband, and wherein the rear attachment section further includes at least one fastening means adapted to removably attach to a portion of the covering rear panel.

[0048] Clause 4: The garment of Clause 1, wherein the knee portion is formed to have a cupped area to reduce pressure on the kneecap.

[0049] Clause 5: The garment of Clause 1, wherein the covering includes a pouch-shaped portion.

[0050] Clause 6: A compression garment for circulation management is provided, comprising (a) a waistband portion; and, (b) a first leg portion and a second leg portion, each comprising at least one panel of an elastic fabric and each portion comprising, a hip portion having at least one panel of fabric with the warp direction oriented at an angle, an abdominal portion, a rear portion, a thigh portion, and a knee portion. The garment may further comprise a lower leg portion comprising a front region panel and a rear calf panel, wherein the lower leg portion rear calf panel comprises at least one layer of fabric material having higher compression than the front region panel, and, an ankle portion comprising at least one layer of fabric material having higher compression than the lower leg front region panel. The garment may further comprise an opening defined between the first leg portion and the second leg portion, the opening extending generally from the groin area to generally the coccyx area; and, a covering comprising a front panel including a front attachment section and a rear panel including a rear attachment section, wherein front attachment section is attached to the garment proximate to the waistband, and wherein the rear attachment section further includes at least one fastening means adapted to removably attach to a portion of the covering rear panel.