WO2004047678A2 - Multi-function support garment - Google Patents

Multi-function support garment Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2004047678A2
WO2004047678A2 PCT/US2003/037758 US0337758W WO2004047678A2 WO 2004047678 A2 WO2004047678 A2 WO 2004047678A2 US 0337758 W US0337758 W US 0337758W WO 2004047678 A2 WO2004047678 A2 WO 2004047678A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
support garment
central portion
garment according
swath
elastic
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2003/037758
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2004047678A3 (en
Inventor
Christine L. Seering
Mona E. Seering
Original Assignee
Seering Christine L
Seering Mona E
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Seering Christine L, Seering Mona E filed Critical Seering Christine L
Priority to AU2003291187A priority Critical patent/AU2003291187A1/en
Publication of WO2004047678A2 publication Critical patent/WO2004047678A2/en
Publication of WO2004047678A3 publication Critical patent/WO2004047678A3/en

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F5/00—Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints; Nursing devices; Anti-rape devices
    • A61F5/01—Orthopaedic devices, e.g. splints, casts or braces
    • A61F5/02—Orthopaedic corsets
    • A61F5/028—Braces for providing support to the lower back, e.g. lumbo sacral supports

Definitions

  • This invention relates to support garments and in particular to multifunction support garments used for back support, lower torso (abdominal) support or chest compression.
  • the present invention includes a support garment which has multiple adjustment bands that allow varying degrees of compression and can be adjusted vertically or horizontally to allow additional degrees of freedom.
  • the invention is also versatile and can be used for back or abdominal support or chest compression.
  • the invention has a central portion including an inner surface which is adapted to engage other members.
  • the central portion is inelastic and the inner surface is soft.
  • An elastic swath connects the right and left sides of the central portion to create a continuous encircling band.
  • Adjustment members connect to the outer surface of the elastic swath and are arranged in a row.
  • the adjustment members exert pressure on the elastic swath portion and can be extended longitudinally or laterally.
  • Each adjustment member has an attachment means at its end which attaches to the outer surface of the central portion of the garment.
  • adjustment members include means for accommodating ice packs.
  • Such means could include a pouch, pocket, a semi- resistant ledge attached to the inside of the adjustment band and the like.
  • the multifunction support garment can be used to target the hips, waist, ribs, stomach or chest.
  • the firm central portion of the garment can be placed on the back, front or sides to target compression to any area of the torso.
  • FIGURE 1 is an elevation side view of the multifunction support garment showing the free ends of the adjustment members unattached;
  • FIGURE 2 is an elevation side view of the multifunction support garment showing the free ends of the adjustment members deployed in an attached configuration
  • FIGURE 3 is a near perspective view of the multifunction support garment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
  • a central portion 10 of a multifunction support garment includes an inner surface 26 and an outer surface which is adapted to engage other members.
  • An elastic swath 12 connects the right and left sides of the central portion to create a continuous encircling band.
  • Adjustment members 14 connect to the outer surface of the elastic swath.
  • the central portion 10 is comprised of an inelastic material.
  • the central portion of 10 has a first 16 and second edge 18 (Figure 2) and the elastic swath 12 has a right 20 and left 22 end ( Figure 1).
  • the multifunction support garment is configured to provide a versatile article of clothing that allows varying degrees of compression and can be adjusted vertically and horizontally.
  • the adjustment members are attached in a row proximate the middle of the elastic swath. In use, the adjustment members exert a pressure upon the elastic swath portion when attached thereto.
  • one or more of the adjustment members may include means for accommodating other accouterments such as ice packs, heating pads and the like.
  • each of the 3 adjustment bands has the capability of extending longitudinally or laterally (circumferentially) to allow additional degrees of freedom of choice so that pressure can be localized to a desired part of the anatomy.
  • the means by which the free end of each adjustment member can be attached to the central portion can include, without limitation, attachment means such as VELCRO ® , buttons, press studs, adhesive tape, and the like.
  • the multifunction support garment When the central portion is placed on the wearer's back, the multifunction support garment effectively provides support to that area of the anatomy. When the central portion is placed in front, the multi-function support garment effectively supports the lower torso (abdomen) or, if desired, the upper torso (chest) if placed thereabout.
  • the elastic swath does not crease or fold when placed in situ and is readily compliant with the anatomical shape of the wearer.

Abstract

A multi-function support garment comprising a central portion (10) that has an inner and outer surface. An elastic swath (12) connects the sides of the central portion (10) to create a continuous encircling band. Adjustment members (14) are connected to the outer surface of the elastic swath. Free ends (24) of the adjustment members (14) are detachably attached to the central portion. If desired, the adjustment members can be attached in a criss-cross fashion to localize or concentrate the application of inwardly directed supporting pressure.

Description

MULTI-FUNCTION SUPPORT GARMENT
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to support garments and in particular to multifunction support garments used for back support, lower torso (abdominal) support or chest compression.
2. Background Art
Post-operative care, athletic injury, or anatomical weakness have created a demand for various types of support garments.
Illustrative of the prior art is U.S. Patent No. 5,591 , 122 which issued to Edward H. Yewer, Jr. on January 7, 1997. That reference discloses a convertible support belt. However, the garment disclosed by that reference is limited to use around the waist and can only be adjusted by detaching and reattaching one elastic strap in a circumferential direction. Accordingly, there remain problems associated with difficulties in adjustment and versatility of use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention includes a support garment which has multiple adjustment bands that allow varying degrees of compression and can be adjusted vertically or horizontally to allow additional degrees of freedom. The invention is also versatile and can be used for back or abdominal support or chest compression.
It is a principal object of the present invention to provide varying degrees of compression to targeted areas. It is another object of the invention to provide a system which can be adjusted vertically and horizontally to allow an additional degree of freedom.
The invention has a central portion including an inner surface which is adapted to engage other members. The central portion is inelastic and the inner surface is soft. An elastic swath connects the right and left sides of the central portion to create a continuous encircling band.
Adjustment members connect to the outer surface of the elastic swath and are arranged in a row. The adjustment members exert pressure on the elastic swath portion and can be extended longitudinally or laterally. Each adjustment member has an attachment means at its end which attaches to the outer surface of the central portion of the garment.
In an alternative embodiment, adjustment members include means for accommodating ice packs. Such means could include a pouch, pocket, a semi- resistant ledge attached to the inside of the adjustment band and the like.
The multifunction support garment can be used to target the hips, waist, ribs, stomach or chest. The firm central portion of the garment can be placed on the back, front or sides to target compression to any area of the torso.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGURE 1 is an elevation side view of the multifunction support garment showing the free ends of the adjustment members unattached;
FIGURE 2 is an elevation side view of the multifunction support garment showing the free ends of the adjustment members deployed in an attached configuration; and
FIGURE 3 is a near perspective view of the multifunction support garment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
With reference to Figures 1-3, a central portion 10 of a multifunction support garment includes an inner surface 26 and an outer surface which is adapted to engage other members. An elastic swath 12 connects the right and left sides of the central portion to create a continuous encircling band. Adjustment members 14 connect to the outer surface of the elastic swath.
The central portion 10 is comprised of an inelastic material. The central portion of 10 has a first 16 and second edge 18 (Figure 2) and the elastic swath 12 has a right 20 and left 22 end (Figure 1).
The multifunction support garment is configured to provide a versatile article of clothing that allows varying degrees of compression and can be adjusted vertically and horizontally.
In use, the adjustment members 14, preferably of which there are 3, each have a central portion that is affixed to the elastic swath 12. Each adjustment member 14 has a free end 24 that is detachably attached to the first 16 or second 18 edge of the central portion 10.
As depicted in Figure 1 , the adjustment members are attached in a row proximate the middle of the elastic swath. In use, the adjustment members exert a pressure upon the elastic swath portion when attached thereto.
If desired, one or more of the adjustment members may include means for accommodating other accouterments such as ice packs, heating pads and the like.
In use, each of the 3 adjustment bands has the capability of extending longitudinally or laterally (circumferentially) to allow additional degrees of freedom of choice so that pressure can be localized to a desired part of the anatomy. It will be appreciated that the means by which the free end of each adjustment member can be attached to the central portion can include, without limitation, attachment means such as VELCRO®, buttons, press studs, adhesive tape, and the like.
When the central portion is placed on the wearer's back, the multifunction support garment effectively provides support to that area of the anatomy. When the central portion is placed in front, the multi-function support garment effectively supports the lower torso (abdomen) or, if desired, the upper torso (chest) if placed thereabout.
One attribute of the elastic swath is that it does not crease or fold when placed in situ and is readily compliant with the anatomical shape of the wearer.
While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A multifunction support garment comprising: a central portion including an inner surface and an outer surface which is adapted to engage other members; an elastic swath which connects the sides of the central portion to create a continuous encircling band; and adjustment members attached to the elastic swath.
2. The multifunction support garment according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment members are attached in a row proximate the middle of the elastic swath.
3. The multifunction support garment according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment members have free ends that exert pressure upon the central portion when attached thereto.
4. The multifunction support garment according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment members include means for accommodating accouterments.
5. A multifunction support garment according to claim 2, wherein the three adjustment bands have the capability of extending longitudinally or laterally in a cross-cross fashion to allow additional degrees of freedom.
6. A multifunction support garment according to claim 2, wherein each adjustment member has an attachment means at its end which attaches to the outer surface of the central portion.
7. The multifunction support garment according to claim 1, wherein the device can be used to support the hips, waist, ribs or chest.
8. The multifunction support garment according to claim 1, wherein the central portion can be placed on the back, front, or side of the wearer to target compression to any area of the torso.
9. The multifunction support garment according to claim 1, wherein the elastic swath does not crease or fold when placed in situ and is readily compliant with the anatomical shape of the wearer.
10. A method of using the multi-function support garment according to claim 1 , comprising the steps of: positioning the central portion of the support garment so that its inner surface is located proximate to an anatomical area to which support is to be directed; attaching a free end of each adjustment member to an outer surface of the central portion under tension so that the adjustment members lie approximately in a parallel orientation with respect to each other or at least two of them are oriented in a criss-cross fashion.
PCT/US2003/037758 2002-11-22 2003-11-21 Multi-function support garment WO2004047678A2 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2003291187A AU2003291187A1 (en) 2002-11-22 2003-11-21 Multi-function support garment

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/302,286 US20040098780A1 (en) 2002-11-22 2002-11-22 Multi-function support garment
US10/302,286 2002-11-22

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2004047678A2 true WO2004047678A2 (en) 2004-06-10
WO2004047678A3 WO2004047678A3 (en) 2004-09-02

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2003/037758 WO2004047678A2 (en) 2002-11-22 2003-11-21 Multi-function support garment

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US20040098780A1 (en)
AU (1) AU2003291187A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2004047678A2 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2013059858A1 (en) * 2011-10-27 2013-05-02 Adam Carr A garment
US20140350594A1 (en) * 2013-05-21 2014-11-27 Melissa Smith-McGinity Method and device for reducing and preventing snoring and sleep apnea

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2310864A (en) * 1941-07-08 1943-02-09 Laura M Pegg Surgical bandage
US3393675A (en) * 1966-01-04 1968-07-23 Trznadel Amelia Hernia belt
US3570480A (en) * 1968-10-11 1971-03-16 Frank F Stubbs Medical corset
US5302171A (en) * 1992-03-16 1994-04-12 Pearson David P Back and stomach support device
US5752873A (en) * 1996-03-25 1998-05-19 Morris; Judith Ann Abdominal support and slimming garment
US5769808A (en) * 1996-12-02 1998-06-23 Matthijs; Omer C. Wrist support band
US6024715A (en) * 1998-07-13 2000-02-15 Maxwell; Richard Wrist brace

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2310864A (en) * 1941-07-08 1943-02-09 Laura M Pegg Surgical bandage
US3393675A (en) * 1966-01-04 1968-07-23 Trznadel Amelia Hernia belt
US3570480A (en) * 1968-10-11 1971-03-16 Frank F Stubbs Medical corset
US5302171A (en) * 1992-03-16 1994-04-12 Pearson David P Back and stomach support device
US5752873A (en) * 1996-03-25 1998-05-19 Morris; Judith Ann Abdominal support and slimming garment
US5769808A (en) * 1996-12-02 1998-06-23 Matthijs; Omer C. Wrist support band
US6024715A (en) * 1998-07-13 2000-02-15 Maxwell; Richard Wrist brace

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2003291187A8 (en) 2004-06-18
WO2004047678A3 (en) 2004-09-02
AU2003291187A1 (en) 2004-06-18
US20040098780A1 (en) 2004-05-27

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