Far infrared-based athletic apparel garment and method of use thereof

Abstract

An apparel garment that includes individual fibers exhibit proper moisture wicking properties and that have been infused or coated (or both) with far infrared materials is provided. The combination of suitable fibers and far infrared materials imparts a unique effect to the apparel garment wherein the far infrared materials will physiologically and therapeutically impact the user's circulatory system to dilate surface capillaries, break down water clusters, and allow for toxin removal at the apparel/skin interface. Coupled with the overall moisture wicking capability, surprisingly the inventive garment actually provides a cooling effect during an exercise event in a warm temperature environment and a warming effect during an exercise event in a cold temperature environment. The utilization of such a garment to impart such an exercise-activated cooling or warming effects, and thus the ability to allow the user greater comfort during any type of workout, is also encompassed within this invention.

Claims

1. A moisture-wicking, temperature-regulating apparel garment comprising synthetic fibers including far infrared materials present on the surfaces thereof, within the fibers thereof, or both thereon and within said fibers, wherein said fibers wick moisture from a person's body, and wherein said garment regulates temperature through imparting i) a temperature level decrease to a person's body, during an athletic or fitness workout while wearing said garment in an environment exposed to a temperature level of 200 C, greater than the temperature level decrease imparted by a worn garment made from the same fibers but not including any far infrared materials thereon or therein and ii) a temperature level increase to a person's body during an athletic or fitness workout while wearing said garment in an environment exposed to a temperature level of 120 C and below; wherein said far infrared materials are a combination of potassium oxide, magnesium oxide, calcium oxide, manganese oxide, and iron oxide, wherein the majority of the oxide present is potassium oxide, and wherein said garment includes from about 30% to 100% of synthetic fibers including from 0.25% to 5.0% of the weight of the fiber (owf) of said far infrared materials.

2. The apparel garment of claim 1 wherein said garment includes a blend of different synthetic fibers.

3. The apparel garment of claim 1 wherein said far infrared materials have been incorporated therein through direct application, within a fiber manufacturing process, and any combination thereof.

4. The apparel garment of claim 1 wherein said wherein said far infrared materials are present from 1 to 1.5% owf of said synthetic fibers.

5. The apparel garment of claim 1 that further exhibits odor control capability, antimicrobial activity, or both.

6. A method of undertaking an athletic or fitness workout, said workout comprising the steps of: a) providing a garment as described in claim 1; b) having an individual wear said garment; and c) having said individual undertake said workout while wearing said garment.

7. The apparel garment of claim 1 wherein said garment is a shirt.

8. The apparel garment of claim 7 wherein said far infrared materials have been incorporated therein through direct application, within a fiber manufacturing process, and any combination thereof.

9. The apparel garment of claim 8 wherein said garment wherein said far infrared materials are present from 1 to 1.5% owf of said synthetic fibers.

10. The apparel garment of claim 7 that further exhibits odor control capability, antimicrobial activity, or both.

11. A method of undertaking an athletic or fitness workout, said workout comprising the steps of: a providing a garment as described in claim 7; b) having an individual wear said garment; and c) having said individual undertake said workout while wearing said garment.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a side view of one possible embodiment of an inventive short-sleeve shirt that includes the requisite amount of far infrared materials therein.

(2) FIG. 2 is a side view of one possible embodiment of an inventive long-sleeve shirt that includes the requisite amount of far infrared materials therein.

(3) FIG. 3 is a thermograph (FLIR i40 spectral range 7.5-13 microns: infrared radiation thermometer 20 C. to +120 C.) of a test subject wearing an inventive short-sleeve shirt 30 seconds after a standardized workout.

(4) FIG. 4 is a thermograph (FLIR i40 spectral range 7.5-13 microns: infrared radiation thermometer 20 C. to +120 C.) of a test subject wearing a prior art short-sleeve shirt 30 seconds after a standardized workout.

(5) FIG. 5 is a thermograph (FLIR i40 spectral range 7.5-13 microns: infrared radiation thermometer 20 C. to +120 C.) of a test subject wearing a different inventive long-sleeve-shirt 30 seconds after a standardized workout.

(6) FIG. 6 is a thermograph (FLIR i40 spectral range 7.5-13 microns: infrared radiation thermometer 20 C. to +120 C.) of a test subject wearing a different prior art long-sleeve shirt 30 seconds after a standardized workout.

(7) FIG. 7 is a scanning electron microscope (SEM) image (325 times) of individual fibers of the fabric described in Example 1.

(8) FIG. 8 is a scanning electron microscope (SEM) image (308 times) of individual fibers of the fabric described in Comparison 1.

(9) FIG. 9 is a scanning electron microscope (SEM) image (306 times) of individual fibers of the fabric described in Comparison 2.

(10) FIG. 10 is a scanning electron microscope (SEM) image (325 times) of individual fibers of the fabric described in Example 2.

(11) FIG. 11 is a scanning electron microscope (SEM) image (300 times) of individual fibers of the fabric described in Comparison 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(12) Included below are non-limiting examples of the inventive apparel garments and methods of use thereof. These examples are not intended to provide to the scope of the overall invention, but merely as presentations of the manner of production and utilization thereof that fall within such scope. The ordinarily skilled artisan within this area would fully understand the actual metes and bounds thereof as a result.

(13) The invention will be described by referring to FIGS. 1-11 below as well. Such drawings are actually thermographs and microphotographs of scanning electron microscope views of various structures. Again, such drawings are not intended to provide any degree of limitation of the overall inventive apparel garment and/or method of use embodied herein.

(14) As such, the effects of adding far infrared emitting material to moisture wicking textiles to achieve superior performance in aerobic activities as well as odor absorption through anti-bacterial and therapeutic effects relating to the present invention will become more apparent from the following examples.

Inventive Garment Production

Inventive Example 1

(15) A men's short sleeve compression shirt (such as 10 in FIG. 1), made of 11% spandex elastic fiber and 89% polyester fiber was provided. The fibers were produced with metal oxides containing potassium, magnesium, calcium carbonized material (K 0.85, Na 0.01, Ca 0.05, Mg 0.04, Fe 0.01, Mn 0.05) mixed spun therein. The metal oxides were introduced within the spinning process in an amount of about 1.5% by weight of the polyester feedstock. The resultant fibers were of 125 b/m.sup.2 denier, respectively, and exhibited moisture wicking and antimicrobial properties. Such fibers were then combined together into a knit structure as a men's compression shirt (large) with the far infrared materials utilized in an amount of about 1.34% of the finished shirt (89% times 1.5%).

Inventive Example 2

(16) A men's long-sleeve compression shirt (such as 20 in FIG. 2) made of 11% spandex elastic fiber and 64% polyester fiber was provided. These fibers were produced with about 1.5% of metal oxides containing potassium, magnesium, calcium carbonized material (K 0.85, Na 0.01, Ca 0.05, Mg 0.04, Fe 0.01, Mn 0.05). Additionally, 25% rayon fiber was used for the shirt 20 and were prepared with a 1.5% concentration mixture of metal oxides containing potassium, magnesium, calcium carbonized material (K 0.85, Na 0.01, Ca 0.05, Mg 0.04, Fe 0.01, Mn 0.05) mixed spun therein. The resultant fibers were of 275 b/m.sup.2 denier, respectively, and exhibited moisture wicking and antimicrobial properties. Such fibers were then combined together into a knit structure as a long-sleeve (men's) compression shirt 20 (large) with the far infrared materials utilized in an amount of about 1.34% of the finished shirt (64%+25% times 1.5%).

Comparative Example 1

(17) A sports apparel industry leader's men's short-sleeve moisture wicking compression shirt made of 18% spandex elastic fiber and 82% polyester was provided. Such a comparative shirt was the same size as in Inventive Example 1, but did not include any far infrared materials therein (such as metal oxides).

Comparative Example 2

(18) A sports apparel industry leader's men's short-sleeve moisture wicking compression shirt made of 63% nylon, 23% polyester and 14% spandex elastic fiber was provided. Such a comparative shirt was the same size as in Inventive Example 2, but did not include any far infrared materials therein (such as metal oxides).

Comparative Example 3

(19) A sports apparel industry leader's men's short sleeve moisture wicking compression shirt made of 100% polyester was provided. Such a comparative shirt was the same size as in Inventive Example 2, but did not include any far infrared materials therein (such as metal oxides).

(20) Inventive Garment and Method Analysis

(21) Athletic Test 1

(22) The shirts described in Inventive Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 were worn by the same test subject while jogging 12 minutes on a LifeFitness 95TI treadmill with a zero-degree incline for a distance of 1.5 miles or 2.414 kilometers. The subject jogged with the Inventive Example 1 shirt on first and then rested for 2 hours before undertaking the Test for Comparative Example 1. The speed setting on the LifeFitness 95TI treadmill was 7.5 for the entire duration of both Tests. The room temperature in the laboratory was 72 degrees Fahrenheit or 22.22 degrees Celsius. The subject then experienced a slow walk cool down period of 30 seconds after completing the 1.5 mile or 2.414 kilometer workout. After the 30 seconds was over, the test subject's image was taken with a FLIR i40 thermal imaging camera.

(23) The measured temperatures in this test were obtained from the thermograph (FLIR i40 spectral range 7.5-13 microns: infrared radiation thermometer 20 C. to +120 C.). The temperature scale in the images indicates the surface temperature of Inventive Example 1 and Comparative Example 1, where the darker colors indicate a cooler temperature and the lighter colors indicate a warmer temperature. FIG. 3 thus shows the result for Inventive Example 1 and FIG. 4 the same for Comparative Example 1. The measured temperatures in these tests were calculated from minimum, average, and maximum values of the picture analysis temperature distribution of the upper chest of the thermograph of the participant. Table 1 shows the measured temperature results:

(24) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Temperature Measurements for Test 1 Inventive Example Comparative 1 Example 1 Minimum ( F.) 76.5 80 Maximum ( F.) 86 91 Average ( F.) 80 87

(25) As clear from the images, the capacity of Inventive Example 1 to keep the body cooler during cardiovascular and aerobic exercise is displayed, which is counterintuitive from the expected generation of heat from far infrared materials as compared with a garment not included any such materials at all. When the mixed spun 89% spandex elastic fiber and 11% polyester fiber mixed with metal oxides containing potassium, magnesium, calcium carbonized material provides a significantly cooler surface temperature. The increased blood from wearing 89% spandex elastic fiber and 11% polyester fiber mixed with metal oxides containing potassium, magnesium, calcium carbonized material causes an increase in blood flow to the area it is worn specifically in the tested area of the chest so the body's natural cooling mechanism to send more blood flow to the skin to be cooled is enhanced with the increase in blood flow therefore keeping the body cooler than Comparative Example 1.

(26) Athletic Test 2

(27) The shirts described in Inventive Example 2 and Comparative Example 2 were worn by the same test subject while jogging 12 minutes on a LifeFitness 95TI treadmill with a zero-degree incline for a distance of 1.5 miles or 2.414 kilometers. The subject jogged with the Inventive Example 2 shirt on first and then rested for 2 hours before undertaking the Test for Comparative Example 2. The speed setting on the LifeFitness 95TI treadmill was 7.5 for the entire duration of both Tests. The room temperature in the laboratory was 72 degrees Fahrenheit or 22.22 degrees Celsius. The subject then experienced a slow walk cool down period of 30 seconds after completing the 1.5 mile or 2.414 kilometer workout. After the 30 seconds was over, the test subject's image was taken with a FLIR i40 thermal imaging camera.

(28) The measured temperatures in this test were obtained from the thermograph (FLIR i40 spectral range 7.5-13 microns: infrared radiation thermometer 20 C. to +120 C.). The temperature scale in the images indicates the surface temperature of Inventive Example 2 (FIG. 5) and Comparative Example 2 (FIG. 6) where the darker colors indicate a cooler temperature and the lighter colors indicate a warmer temperature. The measured temperatures in this test were calculated from minimum, average, and maximum values of the picture analysis temperature distribution of the upper chest of the thermograph of the participant. Table 2 shows the measured temperature results:

(29) TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Temperature Measurements for Test 2 Inventive Example Comparative 2 Example 2 Minimum ( F.) 76 81 Maximum ( F.) 86 91 Average ( F.) 80 87

(30) As clear from the images, the capacity of Inventive Example 2 (FIG. 5) to keep the body cooler during cardiovascular and aerobic exercise is displayed, which is, again, counterintuitive from the expected generation of heat from far infrared materials as compared with a garment not included any such materials at all. The increased blood from wearing Inventive Example 2 with metal oxides containing potassium, magnesium, and calcium carbonized material causes an increase in blood flow to the area it is worn specifically in the tested area of the chest. The increase in blood flow kept the body cooler than Comparative Example 2 (FIG. 6).

(31) Likewise, the inventive shirts, above, exhibited the capability of generating heat levels to the wearer in a cold temperature environment. The comparative shirts did not exhibit such a property.

(32) Deodorant Test

(33) The garments used in Athletic Tests 1 and 2 were further kept for analysis in terms of smells associated with typical workout results. The general results undertaken by an objective smell test by a panel of observers was that the Inventive Examples were far less pungent after being allowed to sit after removal from the test subject and dry on a uniform surface. The Comparative Examples were far more aromatic in comparison.

(34) Empirical Analyses

(35) A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to take images of Inventive Example 1, Inventive Example 2, Comparative Example 1, Comparative Example 2, and Comparative Example 3. The images were used to demonstrate the presence of additive of metal oxides containing potassium, magnesium, calcium carbonized material (K 0.85, Na 0.01, Ca 0.05, Mg 0.04, Fe 0.01, Mn 0.05) on the fabric in Inventive Example 1 and Inventive Example 2 and the non-existence of any additive on or in Comparative Example 1, Comparative Example 2, and Comparative Example 3. FIGS. 5 through 9 display these SEM images (300+ times magnification).

(36) The white dots in the magnified SEM images of FIGS. 7 and 10 demonstrate the presence of the metal oxides embedded in those fabric examples.

(37) In comparison, none of FIG. 8, 9, or 11 show any similar results under high magnification, thus indicating no metal oxides or like materials are present.

(38) Thus, as shown above, the present invention of the fabrication and application of a far-infrared emitting material to moisture wicking textiles is applied to the skin; it can effectively activate water molecules, cellular function and other chemistry in the human body necessary for aerobic and anaerobic exercise. As a result, this invention will enhance blood circulation and metabolism of human body and help the body in all three phases of a workout from warm-up, performance of the exercise and recovery, particularly to provide not only improved metabolic and circulatory results for the user, but also the unexpected benefit of reduced body temperature over such a time frame in a warm weather environment, and, simultaneously, the capability of increasing body temperature in cold environments, thus according a beneficial level of comfort for the wearer without the need for a change in garments. With deodorizing and/or antibacterial effects accorded the user with such far infrared materials as well, the overall invention thus accords a highly effective result that has heretofore not been contemplated, for reasons described herein, within the athletic apparel industry.

(39) A complete disclosure of the details and essence of this invention has been made, and the best modes of practicing it as now contemplated have been presented. It will be apparent to all skilled in the art that modifications, substitutions and additions may be made in the elements of the invention without departing from its concepts, the scope of which is defined and limited only by the ensuing claims.