VIBRATING THERAPEUTIC GARMENT

Abstract

A garment assembly that includes a first sleeve member, a first vibration assembly associated with the first sleeve member, and a control module. The first vibration assembly includes a plurality of vibration devices that are arranged in a circle about a center point. The angular distance between each vibration device in the plurality of vibration devices is approximately the same. The control module is associated with the first sleeve member, and includes a battery. The first vibration assembly is in electrical communication with the control module.

Claims

1. A garment assembly comprising: a first sleeve member, a first vibration assembly associated with the first sleeve member, wherein the first vibration assembly includes a plurality of vibration devices that are arranged in a circle about a center point, wherein the angular distance between each vibration device in the plurality of vibration devices is approximately the same, and a control module associated with the first sleeve member, wherein the control module includes a battery, and wherein the first vibration assembly is in electrical communication with the control module.

2. The garment assembly of claim 1 wherein the first vibration assembly includes first, second and third vibration devices, wherein the angular distance between the first vibration device and the second vibration device is approximately 120°, wherein the angular distance between the first vibration device and the third vibration device is approximately 120°, and wherein the angular distance between the third vibration device and the second vibration device is approximately 120°.

3. The garment assembly of claim 2 wherein the first, second and third vibration devices define first, second and third axes, respectively, wherein the first, second and third axes are co-planar, wherein the second axis is approximately 120° from the first axis, the third axis is approximately 120° from the first axis, and the third axis is approximately 120° from the second axis.

4. The garment assembly of claim 3 wherein the first, second and third vibration devices each have a cylindrical shape.

5. The garment assembly of claim 1 further comprising a second sleeve member disposed within the first sleeve member, wherein the first vibration assembly is sandwiched between the first and second sleeve members.

6. The garment assembly of claim 5 further comprising a first vibration assembly pocket that contains the first vibration assembly, wherein the first vibration assembly pocket is defined by stitches that connect the first sleeve member to the second sleeve member and at least partially surround the plurality of vibration devices in the first vibration assembly.

7. The garment assembly of claim 6 further comprising an electrical communication strip that electrically communicates the control module and the first vibration assembly, wherein the electrical communication strip includes at least a first wire that is associated with an elastic band.

8. The garment assembly of claim 7 further comprising a tunnel that contains the electrical communication strip, wherein the tunnel is defined by stitches that connect the first sleeve member to the second sleeve member and at least partially surround the electrical communication strip.

9. The garment assembly of claim 1 further comprising a second vibration assembly associated with the first sleeve member, wherein the second vibration assembly includes a plurality of vibration devices that are arranged in a circle about a center point, wherein the angular distance between each vibration device in the plurality of vibration devices is approximately the same, wherein the first vibration assembly is positioned to target a first body part and the second vibration assembly is positioned to target a second body part when the garment assembly is worn by a user.

10. The garment assembly of claim 1 further comprising a control module pocket that receives at least a portion of the control module, wherein the battery can be removed from the control module through the control module pocket.

11. The garment assembly of claim 6 wherein the vibration assembly pocket includes a plurality of pocket fingers, one for each of the plurality of vibration devices.

12. The garment assembly of claim 1 wherein the first sleeve member includes a distal end and a proximal end and a sleeve length is defined between the proximal end and the distal end, wherein the first sleeve member includes a first section with a first compression value and a second section with a second compression value.

13. The garment assembly of claim 12 wherein the second section is defined between the first section and the proximal end, and wherein the first compression value is greater than the second compression value.

14. The garment assembly of claim 1 wherein the first sleeve member defines a sleeve length between a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the first sleeve member comprises a material that includes a range of compression values that decrease between the distal end and the proximal end.

15. A garment assembly comprising: a first sleeve member, a second sleeve member disposed within the first sleeve member to form a sleeve assembly, a first vibration assembly positioned between the first and second sleeve members, wherein the first vibration assembly includes a first, second and third cylindrical vibration devices that are arranged in a circle about a center point, wherein the first, second and third vibration devices define first, second and third axes, respectively, wherein the first, second and third axes are co-planar, wherein the second axis is approximately 120° from the first axis, the third axis is approximately 120° from the first axis, and the third axis is approximately 120° from the second axis, a first vibration assembly pocket that contains the first vibration assembly, wherein the first vibration assembly pocket is defined by stitches that connect the first sleeve member to the second sleeve member and at least partially surround the plurality of vibration devices in the first vibration assembly, a second vibration assembly positioned between the first and second sleeve members, wherein the second vibration assembly includes a first, second and third cylindrical vibration devices that are arranged in a circle about a center point, wherein the first, second and third vibration devices define first, second and third axes, respectively, wherein the first, second and third axes are co-planar, wherein the second axis is approximately 120° from the first axis, the third axis is approximately 120° from the first axis, and the third axis is approximately 120° from the second axis, a second vibration assembly pocket that contains the second vibration assembly, wherein the second vibration assembly pocket is defined by stitches that connect the first sleeve member to the second sleeve member and at least partially surround the plurality of vibration devices in the second vibration assembly, a control module that includes a battery, at least a first electrical communication strip that electrically communicates the control module and the first and second vibration assemblies, wherein the electrical communication strip includes a plurality of wires that are associated with an elastic band, a tunnel that contains the first electrical communication strip, wherein the tunnel is defined by stitches that connect the first sleeve member to the second sleeve member and at least partially surround the first electrical communication strip, and a control module pocket that receives at least a portion of the control module, wherein the battery can be removed from the control module through the control module pocket.

16. The garment assembly of claim 15 wherein the sleeve assembly defines a sleeve length between a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the sleeve assembly comprises a material that includes a range of compression values that decrease between the distal end and the proximal end.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The invention may be more readily understood by referring to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0036] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vibrating garment assembly in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the vibrating garment assembly;

[0038] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the vibrating garment assembly;

[0039] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the vibrating garment assembly;

[0040] FIG. 5 is an elevational view of the vibration assembly;

[0041] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the vibrating garment assembly and showing the control module; and

[0042] FIG. 7 is a depiction of a person wearing vibrating garment assemblies on their arm and leg.

[0043] Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0044] The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. References to one or an embodiment in the present disclosure can be, but not necessarily are references to the same embodiment; and, such references mean at least one of the embodiments. If a component is not shown in a drawing then this provides support for a negative limitation in the claims stating that that component is “not” present. However, the above statement is not limiting and in another embodiment, the missing component can be included in a claimed embodiment.

[0045] Reference in this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “a preferred embodiment” or any other phrase mentioning the word “embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the-disclosure and also means that any particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with one embodiment can be included in any embodiment or can be omitted or excluded from any embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others and may be omitted from any embodiment. Furthermore, any particular feature, structure, or characteristic described herein may be optional. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments. Where appropriate any of the features discussed herein in relation to one aspect or embodiment of the invention may be applied to another aspect or embodiment of the invention. Similarly, where appropriate any of the features discussed herein in relation to one aspect or embodiment of the invention may be optional with respect to and/or omitted from that aspect or embodiment of the invention or any other aspect or embodiment of the invention discussed or disclosed herein.

[0046] The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used to describe the disclosure are discussed below, or elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to the practitioner regarding the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certain terms may be highlighted, for example using italics and/or quotation marks: The use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaning of a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the same context, whether or not it is highlighted.

[0047] It will be appreciated that the same thing can be said in more than one way. Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein. No special significance is to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification including examples of any terms discussed herein is illustrative only, and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification.

[0048] Without intent to further limit the scope of the disclosure, examples of instruments, apparatus, methods and their related results according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. Note that titles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of a reader, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions, will control.

[0049] It will be appreciated that terms such as “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “side,” “short,” “long,” “up,” “down,” “aft,” “forward,” “inboard,” “outboard” and “below” used herein are merely for ease of description and refer to the orientation of the components as shown in the figures. It should be understood that any orientation of the components described herein is within the scope of the present invention.

[0050] Referring now to the drawings, which are for purposes of illustrating the present invention and not for purposes of limiting the same, the drawings show a vibrating garment or sleeve that provides compression and/or vibration therapy to a wearer. It should be appreciated that the garment can take any wearable form, e.g., a sleeve, shirt, shorts, pants, bodysuit, etc. The drawings include an exemplary embodiment where the garment is a compression sleeve that is wearable on the user's arm or leg. However, this is not a limitation on the present invention. FIGS. 1-7 show the garment or garment assembly 10 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, in a preferred embodiment, the garment assembly 10 generally includes an outer or first sleeve member 12, one or more vibration assemblies 14 and a control module 15. As shown in FIG. 4, in a preferred embodiment, the garment assembly 10 includes an inner or second sleeve member 16 that is positioned or disposed in the sleeve interior 18 of the first sleeve member 12. The vibration assemblies 14 and the other associated components, such as the wires 20 are sandwiched between the first sleeve member 12 and the second sleeve member 16. In another embodiment, instead of a full inner sleeve, patches or panels can be utilized to sandwich the vibration assemblies therebetween.

[0052] The vibration assemblies 14 preferably include a plurality of vibration devices 22 in a cluster or arrangement. Any number of vibration devices 22 (e.g., 1-10) can be included in a vibration assembly. Furthermore, the vibration devices can be any type of vibration motor or device. For example, the vibration devices can be puck shaped, similar to the vibration device used in a cell phone. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the vibration devices 22 are cylindrical in shape. In a preferred embodiment, the vibration assembly 14 includes three or first, second and third vibration devices 22a, 22b and 22c that are arranged in a pattern as shown best in FIG. 5. As shown, the first, second and third vibration devices 22a, 22b and 22c are arranged in a circular pattern about a center point P1 and are each positioned an angle Al from one another. Preferably, the angular distance or separation between each vibration device in the set or assembly is approximately the same. In a preferred embodiment, where three vibration devices are used, the second vibration device 22b is approximately 120° from the first vibration device 22a, the third vibration device 22c is approximately 120° from the first vibration device 22a, and the third vibration device 22c is approximately 120° from the second vibration device 22b. As used herein, the term “approximately” provides a range of within plus or minus 5°. In a preferred embodiment angle A1 (the angular distance) is the same or approximately the same between all vibration devices.

[0053] As is shown in FIG. 5, in a preferred embodiment, the first, second and third vibration devices 22a, 22b and 22c define first, second and third axes X1, X2 and X3. The first, second and third axes are co-planar (and extend generally parallel with the outer and inner surfaces of the garment assembly and the wearer's skin). It will be appreciated that when the garment assembly is worn, due to the undulations in the human body, the axes will not be co-planar. However, when the portion of the garment assembly that includes the vibration assembly is placed on a flat surface, the first, second and third vibration devices will be arranged as shown in FIG. 5. In this position, the axes are co-planar and this is the arrangement for purposes of the claims. As shown in FIG. 5, in this arrangement, the second axis X2 is approximately 120° from the first axis X1, the third axis X3 is approximately 120° from the first axis X1, and the third axis X3 is approximately 120° from the second axis X2 and the axes all pass through the center point P1.

[0054] FIG. 5 also includes a triangle T1 shown therein. This provides another way to quantify the arrangement of the vibration devices 22. Triangle T1 is an equilateral triangle (with angles A2 of 60° with the first, second and third axes X1, X2 and X3 extending to and/or through the corners of the triangle. It will be appreciated that different shaped vibration devices can be used. For example, if puck or disk shaped vibration devices are used, the first, second and third axes may extend perpendicular to the outer and inner surfaces of the garment assembly and the wearer's skin. In such an arrangement, angle A1 may be measured from the center of the circular vibration device.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the wires 20 are part of a flexible or stretchable electronics (or electrical communication) layer, strip or the like (referred to herein as an electrical communication strip 24). The wires 22 are embedded or stitched into the electrical communication strip 24 in a pattern that provides slack in the wires 22 so that when the electrical communication strip 24 stretches during use, the wires 22 can move and do not tighten. See the pattern of the wires shown in FIG. 5.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the first sleeve member 12 is secured to the second sleeve member 16 at various locations using stitching 28. In a preferred embodiment, each vibration assembly 14 is housed or contained in a vibration assembly pocket 26. Preferably, the vibration assembly pocket 26 is defined or created by stitches 28 that extend closely around the outside of the vibration devices 22 and connect the first sleeve member 12 to the second sleeve member 16. As shown in FIG. 2, each the vibration assembly pocket 26 includes a plurality of pocket fingers 30, one for each vibration device 22. Preferably, the electrical communication strips 24 are housed or located within tunnels 32 that are created by connecting and/or stitching 28 the first and second sleeve members to one another, as shown in FIGS. 1-3.

[0057] As discussed herein, the material of the first and second sleeves and other portions of the garment assembly 10 (e.g., the electrical communication strip 24) can be made of an elastic, stretchable or compression material so that the garment provides compression to the body part that it is worn on. In a preferred embodiment, the garment assembly includes a compression gradient or change at one or more points or places between the distal end 46 and the proximal end 48 and along the length of the sleeve (see FIG. 2). The compression gradient may be gradual between the distal end 46 and the proximal end 48 or the garment may include two or more sections that each have different compression values. FIG. 2 shows first and second sections 44a and 44b that each include a different compression value. See dividing line C1 in FIG. 2, which delineates the change in compression value between the first or distal section 44a and the second or proximal section 44b. For example, the first section 44a may have a compression value of approximately 20 mmHg and the second section 44b have a compression value of approximately 15 mmHg. The sleeve may include more than two sections (e.g., 2-10 distinct sections). Or, the sleeve can be knitted or otherwise manufactured so that the compression changes gradually along at least a portion of the length of the sleeve such that the sleeve as a first compression value at the distal end and a second compression value at the second end, but the compression values gradually change over the length of the sleeve from the first compression value to the second compression value.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 6, in a preferred embodiment, the control module 15 preferably includes a battery 34 that is received in a docking station 36. The docketing station 36 may include a magnet 38 that is magnetically attracted to a magnet in the battery to help dock the battery in the docket station 36. The control module 15 can also include a switch or button 40 for turning the device on and off and/or cycling through different modes, frequencies and the like. In another embodiment, multiple switches or buttons can be used. The interior of the control module 15 preferably includes the memory, PCB, programming, wireless connection module and other electronics to control the device as desired and as described herein. As shown in FIG. 1, in a preferred embodiment, the control module 15 and the various components thereof are housed in a pocket 42 or other securing member. The pocket 42 can cover some or all of the control module 15. The entire control module can be removable or the docking station can be permanently attached (via stitching, welding or the like) to one or both of the inner and outer sleeves and the battery can be removable or replaceable. The control module and/or the battery can also have a port (e.g., USB-c) for charging, data connection, etc.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the vibration assemblies 14 are strategically located to target or provide therapy or vibration to certain body parts or muscles. For example, for the arm sleeve or garment assembly shown in FIGS. 1-7, four vibration assemblies 14 are included that are positioned over or adjacent to the bicep(s), tricep(s) and front and back of the forearm areas or muscles. In the leg sleeve or garment assembly shown in FIG. 7, the vibration assemblies 14 are positioned over or adjacent to the quadricep(s), hamstring(s), shin and calf areas or muscles. It will be appreciated that the term sleeve does not limit the garment assembly to be a single hollow sleeve for the arms or legs. A garment assembly that surrounds the torso, midsection, pelvic area, shoulders or any other body part (e.g., shirts, shorts, pants, straps, etc.) is/are also considered sleeves.

[0060] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling of connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the above Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. The word “or” in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

[0061] The above-detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the teachings to the precise form disclosed above. While specific embodiments of and examples for the disclosure are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Further, any specific numbers noted herein are only examples: alternative implementations may employ differing values, measurements or ranges.

[0062] Although the operations of any method(s) disclosed or described herein either explicitly or implicitly are shown and described in a particular order, the order of the operations of each method may be altered so that certain operations may be performed in an inverse order or so that certain operations may be performed, at least in part, concurrently with other operations. In another embodiment, instructions or sub-operations of distinct operations may be implemented in an intermittent and/or alternating manner.

[0063] The teachings of the disclosure provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. Any measurements or dimensions described or used herein are merely exemplary and not a limitation on the present invention. Other measurements or dimensions are within the scope of the invention.

[0064] Any patents and applications and other references noted above, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Aspects of the disclosure can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further embodiments of the disclosure.

[0065] These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in light of the above Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments. While the above description describes certain embodiments of the disclosure, and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the teachings can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may vary considerably in its implementation details, while still being encompassed by the subject matter disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the disclosure should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features or aspects of the disclosure with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the disclosures to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification unless the above Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the disclosure encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the disclosure under the claims.

[0066] While certain aspects of the disclosure are presented below in certain claim forms, the inventors contemplate the various aspects of the disclosure in any number of claim forms. For example, while only one aspect of the disclosure is recited as a means-plus-function claim under 35 U.S.C. § 112,¶6, other aspects may likewise be embodied as a means-plus-function claim, or in other forms, such as being embodied in a computer-readable medium. (Any claims intended to be treated under 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6 will include the words “means for”). Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the disclosure.

[0067] Accordingly, although exemplary embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it is to be understood that all the terms used herein are descriptive rather than limiting, and that many changes, modifications, and substitutions may be made by one having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.