COMPRESSION GARMENT

Abstract

A compression garment for a maximizing pressure on a soft-tissue area of a user, the garment is provided. The compression garment has a breast section, a first horizontal anchor positioned connected to the bottom of the breast section, an umbilical and hypogastric section connected to the latissimus dorsi section, a second horizontal anchor positioned and connected to the top of the umbilical and hypogastric, and a third anchor positioned and connected to the bottom of the lumbar and iliac section, wherein the fourth horizontal anchor is configured support the lumbar and iliac section.

Claims

1. A compression garment for a maximizing pressure on a soft-tissue area of a user, the garment comprising: a breast section positioned proximate the pectoralis major and breast of the user, wherein the breast section is constructed of single layer fabric cut on grain and configured to support the breast section; a latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior section connected to the breast section, wherein the latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior section is constructed of the single layer fabric cut on grain; a first horizontal anchor positioned at the bottom of the breast section, wherein the first horizontal anchor is configured to support the latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior portion; an umbilical and hypogastric section connected to the latissimus dorsi section, wherein the umbilical and hypogastric section is constructed of double-layer fabric cut on cross grain and configured to smooth soft tissue which lies over the umbilical and hypogastric section of the user; a second horizontal anchor positioned and connected to the top of the umbilical and hypogastric, wherein the second horizontal anchor is configured support the umbilical and hypogastric section; a lumbar and iliac section connected to the umbilical and hypogastric section, wherein the lumbar and iliac section is constructed of the single layer fabric cut on grain; and a third anchor positioned and connected to the bottom of the lumbar and iliac section, wherein the third horizontal anchor is configured support the lumbar and iliac section.

2. The compression garment of claim 1, further comprising: a left vertical seam connected to the third and third anchors, wherein the first vertical seam defines a left lumbar region of the user; a right seam anchor connected to the third and third anchors, wherein the first vertical seam defines a right lumbar region of the user; wherein the left vertical seam and right vertical seam are configured to provide flatten the umbilical and hypogastric section and pull the garment in both vertical and horizontal directions to stabilize the garment and the umbilical and hypogastric section.

3. The compression garment of claim 1, wherein: wherein the breast section comprises wherein the top section of the bralette has V-shaped profile with relation to the user's breast; wherein the second horizontal anchor has an upward sinusoidal curved profile in relation to the user's lower breast; wherein the second horizontal anchor has an upward bell curve profile in relation to the user's lower breast; wherein the fourth horizontal anchor has a downward bell curve profile in relation to the user's lower breast.

4. The compression garment of claim 1, wherein: the second anchor is positioned approximately seven (7) millimeters (mm) below a rib line of the user; the third anchor is positioned approximately seven (7) millimeters (mm) above a hip line of a user; and each of the anchors are configured to compress, smooth, provide separation, structure, support, and shape for smoothing of a user's skin.

5. The compression garment of claim 1, further comprising at least one shoulder strap configured to retain the garment in a vertical position, and further configured to provide lifting support to a breast portion of the user, wherein the shoulder strap is constructed of a double layer suede.

6. The compression garment of claim 5, wherein the at least one shoulder strap comprises at least one adjustable member attached to the at least one shoulder strap, wherein the at least one adjustable member is an O-ring having a rubberized finish and configured to allow a user to adjust the vertical fit of the garment and prevent chafing to the user.

7. The compression garment of claim 1, wherein the breast section, the latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior section, an umbilical and hypogastric section and the lumbar and iliac section is constructed of a high-power mesh.

8. The compression garment of claim 1, further comprising a fastener positioned on a left or right portion of the user extending from the iliac region to the breast region of the user.

9. The compression garment of claim 8, wherein the fastener is a zipper configured provides ease of garment entry, exit, and closure, and produce a high level of compression when in a closed position.

10. The compression garment of claim 1, further comprising a panty liner cut on grain and attached to the third anchor, wherein the panty liner is double-layered and comprises a snap or self-fabric hook and loop closure.

11. The compression garment of claim 1, wherein the double layer fabric cut on cross-grain is fused with a lightweight stretch fabric.

12. The compression garment of claim 11, wherein a first layer of the double layer fabric is a polyester and spandex blend, and the second layer is applied binding with luster soft finish.

13. The compression garment of claim 9, wherein the zippers a reverse zipper with an internal guard and an exterior reinforcement portion.

14. The compression garment of claim 5, wherein the at least one shoulder strap comprises a pair of shoulder straps, each shoulder of pair of shoulder straps configured to retain the garment in a vertical position, and further configured to provide lifting support to a breast portion of the user, wherein each of the shoulder straps is constructed of a double layer suede.

15. The compression garment of claim 5, wherein the at least one shoulder strap comprises at a pair of least one adjustable member attached to the at least one shoulder strap, wherein the at least one adjustable member is an O-ring having a rubberized finish and configured to allow a user to adjust the vertical fit of the garment and prevent chafing to the user.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, exemplary constructions of the invention are shown in the drawings. However, the invention is not limited to the specific methods and structures disclosed herein. The description of a method step or a structure referenced by a numeral in a drawing is applicable to the description of that method step or structure shown by that same numeral in any subsequent drawing herein.

[0021] FIG. 1 shows a front view of a compression garment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 2 shows a back view of a compression garment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 3 shows a side view of a compression garment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 4 shows a front view of a sleeved compression garment according to one an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 5 shows a back view of the sleeved compression garment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 6 shows a side view of a compression garment with a fastener according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 7 shows a front, back and side view of a thong according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of the compression garment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0029] The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein.

[0030] It is expected that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

[0031] Embodiments of the system are discussed below with reference to the examples. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these examples is for explanatory purposes as the system extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present system, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the system that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the system. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive.

[0032] It is to be further understood that the present system is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present system. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0033] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this system belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present system.

[0034] As used herein “boney anchor points” refer to regions of the garment in which the anchors of the garment are connected to a portion of the garment that overlays an area that is boney and thus provides support for the compressive materials of the garment. While in some embodiments seems may act as anchors, other times double-fabric layers such as those shown at the upper region of lumbar and iliac section 148 and 150 act as anchors because they settle on boney regions (e.g, hip or pelvic bones). These are considered upper regions of the sections.

[0035] As used herein, “grain” refers to the orientation of the weft and warp threads. The three named grains are straight grain, cross grain, and the bias grain. In sewing, a pattern piece can be cut from fabric in any orientation, and the chosen grain or orientation affects the way the fabric hangs and stretches and thus the fit of a garment.

[0036] As used herein, “cut on grain” means to be cut on a particular grain when the main seams of the finished piece are aligned with that grain.

[0037] As used herein, “cut cross grain” means cut so the cross grain runs perpendicular to the selvedge and parallel to the weft threads.

[0038] As used herein, when referring to a “lesser compressive” fabric, it is meant the fabric is relatively less compressive or has less tensile strength or more stretch than the double layer fabric described herein.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 1, a front view of a compression garment 100 is shown. The compression garment 100 may be worn by a patient during post-operative care, for example, after a medical procedure such as a tummy-tuck of liposuction and further, to be worn comfortably as an undergarment post-surgery or to be worn as a stand-alone garment. The compression garment 100 maximizes pressure on a soft-tissue area of a user and comprises a plurality of different sections that are defined by bordering anchoring portions and anchoring lines that are shaped for certain medical purposes. The anchoring lines may act as anchor buttresses proximate bony landmarks that serve as anchor points to support and provide compression for optimal body contouring. In this way, the garment provides for different sections or partitions separated by anchoring lines (in some embodiments, seams) such that the separate sections provide for smoothing of the soft tissue thereunder.

[0040] Right and left breast section 112 and 114, a latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior section 132, an umbilical and hypogastric section 138, and a lumbar and iliac section 148, 150, each of which have different compression characteristics.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 1, the compression garment 100 comprises right shoulder strap 102 and left shoulder straps 104. The shoulder straps 102 and 104 are configured to retain the garment in a vertical position and are further configured to provide a lifting support to a breast portion of the user. The shoulder strap, in some embodiments, may be constructed or manufacturer of a of a double layer suede for both conform and to prevent chafing. In embodiments, the shoulder straps comprises a right adjustable member 116 and a left adjustable member 118 attached to the at least one shoulder strap. The adjustment members, in embodiments, may be O-rings having a rubberized finish and configured to allow a user to adjust the vertical fit of the garment.

[0042] Referring still to FIG. 1, a right breast section 112 and a left breast section 114 are provided and are positioned proximate the pectoralis major and deltoid of the user. The right and left breast sections 112 and 114 are connected to the straps 102 and 104 via top section 110 of bralette, which comprises right portion 106 and left portion 108.

[0043] The breast sections 112 and 114 may be constructed of single layer fabric cut on grain and lined with high or heavy power mesh spandex to provide appropriate support and breathability. In operation, the breast sections 112 and 114 operate together with straps 102 and 104 to ensure the breast region is appropriately supported and yet compressed.

[0044] Referring still to FIG. 1, a bralette comprises a top section 110 and right portion 106 and left portion 108 configured to provide attachment points for the straps 102 and 104. The top section 110 and the first horizontal anchor 128 act to define the breast portions 112 and 114 and under-breast portions 124 and 126. In operation, the top section 110 is an approximate rounded V-shape, and rests on the clavicle region of the user. In this way, it is connected to top of the breast section proximate a clavicle region of the user, is configured to support the breast section.

[0045] Still with reference to FIG. 1, a first horizontal anchor 128 is provided and is positioned at the bottom of the breast sections 112 and 114. The first horizontal anchor 128 is configured to support and define the latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior portion 132, while also providing an anchor point at boney portion of the user in that area. In operation, the first horizontal anchor wherein the second horizontal anchor has an upward sinusoidal curved profile in relation to the user's lower breast 124 and 126. The first anchor 128 may be manufactured from a material that has a high tensile strength or may be a seam that protects the stitching thereunder.

[0046] The latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior section 132 that is defined by the first horizontal anchor 128 and second horizontal anchor 130 may be constructed of the single layer fabric cut on grain like the breast section and lined with high or heavy power mesh spandex to provide appropriate support and breathability. In operation, the latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior section 132 operate together with first anchor 128 and second anchor 130 to ensure the user's skin over the latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior section 132 is supported, smoothed and compressed.

[0047] Below the latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior section 132, an umbilical and hypogastric section 138 is connected thereto. The umbilical and hypogastric section 138 is defined by the second anchor 130 and third horizontal anchor 146 may be constructed of a of double-layer fabric cut on cross grain and configured to smooth soft tissue which lies over the umbilical and hypogastric section or regions of the user. The latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior section 132 also comprises a heavy power mesh, again, cut cross grain. In this way, an umbilical and hypogastric section 138 has a stronger or higher tensile strength than the other layers. The umbilical and hypogastric section 138 is also sectioned vertically by a right vertical seam 142 and left vertical seam 144, further discussed below with relation to FIG. 3. In embodiments, a first layer of the double layer fabric is a polyester and spandex blend, and the second layer is applied binding with luster soft finish.

[0048] The second horizontal anchor 130 is provided and is positioned at the top of the umbilical and hypogastric section 138. Like the first horizontal anchor 128, the second horizontal anchor 130 is configured to support and define the umbilical and hypogastric section 138, while also providing an anchor point approximately seven (7) millimeters (mm) below a rib line of the user. In operation, the second horizontal anchor 130 has an upward bell curved profile in relation to the user's lower breast 124 and 126. Like the first anchor 128, second anchor may be 130 may be manufactured from a material that has a high tensile strength or may be a seam that protects the stitching thereunder.

[0049] Below the umbilical and hypogastric section 138, lumbar and iliac section 148 and 150 is defined by the second anchor 130 and third anchor 146. The lumbar and iliac section 148 and 150 may be constructed of a of single layer fabric cut on grain and lined with high powered mesh and configured to smooth the soft tissue thereunder, but also act as an additional anchor (fourth anchor) because they define a boney region of the user and are made of a fabric that is durable to act as an anchor at the upper regions of sections 148 and 150.

[0050] The third anchor 146 is provided and is positioned at the bottom of the umbilical and hypogastric section 138 and top of the lumbar and iliac section 148 and 150. Like the second horizontal anchor 146, the third horizontal anchor 146 is configured to support and define the umbilical and hypogastric section 138 and the lumbar and iliac section 148 and 150. In operation, the third horizontal anchor 146 has a downward bell curved profile in relation to the user's lower breast 124 and 126. Like the first anchor 128, and second anchor 130, third anchor 146 may be manufactured from a material that has a high tensile strength or may be a seam that protects the stitching thereunder. The third anchor 146 is positioned approximately seven (7) millimeters (mm) above a hip line of a user, and each anchor portion is configured to compress, smooth, provide separation, structure, support, and shape for smoothing of a user's skin.

[0051] Still with reference to FIG. 1, a right vertical seam 142 is provided and connected to the second anchor 130 and third anchors 146. The first (or right) vertical seam defines a right lumbar region of the user 134 and the second (or left) vertical seam 144 connected to the second anchor 130 and third anchors 146, wherein the first vertical seam defines a right lumbar region of the user. The right vertical seam 142 and left vertical seam 144 are configured to provide longitudinal support to the garment and keep the garment in place. The vertical seams are configured to flatten the stomach and a pull the garment in both vertical and horizontal directions to stabilize the garment and the stomach region, and further, provide additional structure to the garment itself.

[0052] A panty liner 152 is provided in the lumbar and iliac section 148. The panty liner 152 is cut on grain and attached to the third anchor and further comprises a snap or self-fabric hook (e.g., Velcro®). The panty liner is configured to hold the garment in place when the snap or self-fabric connected.

[0053] Referring now to FIG. 2, a back portion of the compression garment is shown generally at 200. As can be seen, the back of the straps 202 and 204 and back connectors 206 and 208 are shown. These connect the upper back portion 210 to the garment. Upper back portion 210 is positioned above second anchor 130. Under second anchor at 130 is a mid-back portion to 212 which is defined by second anchor 130 and the back of third anchor 146 which is shown at 214 due to its slightly different curvature on the backside. The back of iliac sections 148 and 150 are shown at reference numeral 216 and 218. The back 214 of third anchor is shaped as a shallower upside-down bell curve due to the user's buttocks region. The back is configured to smooth out excess fat sections that section 140 didn't capture. Further, back anchor point anchors on the tailbone of the user.

[0054] Referring now to FIG. 3, a side view of the compression garment is shown generally at 300. For purposes of orientation, the strap 104, breast section 114, latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior section 132, umbilical and hypogastric section 138, and lumbar and iliac section 148, 150 are shown. In this embodiment, fastener 302 is provided to allow the user to more easily put on and take off the garment. The fastener may be located on front, back, right or left portions, and is discussed in greater detail with relation to FIG. 6.

[0055] Referring now to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, a compression shrug that may be worn together or separate with the garment 100 is shown generally at 400. The shrug 400 comprises a chest section 402, shrug anchor 404, left shrug anchor 406 and a collar for 414. Right arm 408 and left arm 410 comprise restrictions 412 and 414 on each arm respectively. The back section of the shrug is shown at 500 and has back section 502 and shows the back of shrug anchors 504 and 506.

[0056] Referring now to FIG. 6, a side view showing the fastener is show at 600. The fastener 602 positioned on a left or right portion of the user extending from the iliac region to the breast region of the user but may be a front or back fastener as well. The fastener 602 is a zipper configured provides ease of garment entry, exit, and closure, and produce a high level of compression when in a closed position. The zippers may be a reverse zipper with an internal guard and an exterior reinforcement portion.

[0057] Referring now to FIG. 7, a compression garment 700 is shown, but in this embodiment, there are no leg portions, but rather a thong 704 is provided. The front view 702 of the thong shows similar regions and sections as shown in FIG. 1, but further provides thong anchors 706 and and a midline 708. Further, the back portion at 704 is shown a panty liner 710 is shown. The panty liner 710 is similar to the liner of FIG. 1, but it provided as a thong. Side view 712 shows thong back 708.

[0058] Referring now to FIG. 8, an exploded view of FIG. 1 is shown. As in FIG. 1, garment 100 comprises right shoulder strap 102 and left shoulder straps 104, and right adjustable member 116 and a left adjustable member 118 attached to the at least one shoulder strap. A right breast section 112 and a left breast section 114 are provided and are positioned proximate the pectoralis major and deltoid of the user.

[0059] The bralette has a top section 10 and right portion 106 and left portion 108 are configured to provide attachment points for the straps 102 and 104. Further, the top section 110 and the first horizontal anchor 128 act to define the breast portions 112 and 114 and under-breast portions 124 and 126.

[0060] The latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior section 132 is defined by the first horizontal anchor 128 and second horizontal anchor 130. Below the latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior section 132, an umbilical and hypogastric section 138 is connected thereto. The second horizontal anchor 130 is provided and is positioned at the top of the umbilical and hypogastric section 138. Like the first horizontal anchor 128, the second horizontal anchor 130 is configured to support and define the umbilical and hypogastric section 138, while also providing an anchor point approximately seven (7) millimeters (mm) below a rib line of the user. In operation, the second horizontal anchor 130 has an upward bell curved profile in relation to the user's lower breast 124 and 126. Like the first anchor 128, second anchor may be 130 may be manufactured from a material that has a high tensile strength or may be a seam that protects the stitching thereunder.

[0061] Below the umbilical and hypogastric section 138, lumbar and iliac section 148 and 150 is defined by the second anchor 130 and third anchor 146. The third anchor 146 is provided and is positioned at the bottom of the umbilical and hypogastric section 138 and top of the lumbar and iliac section 148 and 150. Like the second horizontal anchor 146, the third horizontal anchor 146 is configured to support and define the umbilical and hypogastric section 138 and the lumbar and iliac section 148 and 150 while also providing an anchor point approximately seven (7) millimeters (mm) below a rib line of the user. The third anchor 146 is positioned approximately seven (7) millimeters (mm) above a hip line of a user, and each anchor portion is configured to compress, smooth, provide separation, structure, support, and shape for smoothing of a user's skin.

[0062] Advantageously, the garment of the present invention is configured to be worn as a compression garment and undergarment based on its low profile and the materials described herein.

[0063] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. It should be understood that the illustrated embodiments are exemplary only and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention

[0064] The foregoing description comprise illustrative embodiments of the present invention. Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings in the foregoing descriptions. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used only in generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein.