Compression Garments And A Method Of Manufacture

Abstract

The invention provides a compression garment (50) for clothing a body part, such as a lower torso and the legs. The body part includes a muscle ridge, such as a lateral edge of the gluteus maximus (49). Compression garment (50) has first and second panels of stretchable material joined by a seam (32). At least part of the seam (32) is adapted to correspond to at least part of the muscle ridge, being at the edge of the gluteus maximus (49). The invention also provides a method of manufacturing a compression garment, using an algorithm to calculate size changes to produce desired compression.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present invention relates to compression garments and to methods of manufacture. In particular, this invention is concerned with compression garments such as shorts, long tights and tops, either as single garments or in a combination of garments worn as a suit.BACKGROUND[0002]A detailed discussion of the prior art and studies relating to muscles and muscle activity is contained in Australian Provisional Patent Application No 2004995456 (the “Provisional Application”), the contents of which are imported herein by reference.[0003]Prior art compression garments are designed to fit the body snugly, but without consideration as to the extent to which muscles increase in bulk and mass during activity. Such prior art garments can become non-static or counter-gradient in this situation. Once a person wearing a static compression garment increases muscle mass with activity, the garment can become tighter in the vicinity of the muscle, which can increase as much as 3-...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014]It is within the scope of the invention that the compression garment has panels of variable compression fabric within or added over panels of other compression fabric to give better muscle support.

[0108]Where articulations occur and the fit has to remain tight and functioning with appropriate levels of compression, the method of construction of the present invention allows shaping of the areas of the hip and knee to be taken into account by using the reduction algorithm to reduce the panel at that point by a desired amount to achieve fit. By incorporating panels cut on a different bias (a bias created not to allow the fabric used to hang to fit the form better, but a bias articulation to allow better function of body activity under load) compression can be anchored specifically to these articulation points, allowing a homogenous fit between body and garment.

Problems solved by technology

This alters the effect of the static compression and can create undesirable effects, in being undesirably tight or in providing more compression in the wrong places.

In turn, this can impede circulation and reduce the effect of lymphatic drainage.

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