Thermal regulating compression garments

Abstract

A compression garment including a thermal energy regulating fabric. The compression garment has a first region of a first compression pressure. A second region adjacent a first side of the first region includes a first compression gradient increasing in compression pressure in a direction toward the first region. A third region adjacent a second side of the first compression region includes a second compression gradient increasing in compression pressure in a direction toward the first region. The first region includes a consistent compression pressure that is a higher pressure than or the highest pressure of the adjacent increasing pressure gradients.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001]This application is a National Phase entry of PCT / US2011 / 035591, filed on 6 May 2011, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 332,450, filed on 7 May 2010.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention is directed to garments and other products incorporating compression materials, and more particularly medical garments, protective wear, and products made from compression fabrics.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Compression garments, and particularly compression hosiery, are useful in providing support and increasing blood flow. Compression hosiery generally creates pressure on the veins, muscles, and arteries that assists in forcing blood in circulating motion. The resulting pressure can eliminate blood pooling at the feet by assisting blood flow back to the heart.[0004]Compression hosiery can be particularly useful in treatment of diabetes, which results in poor circulation in the extremities. Diabetics suffer fr...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]It has been unexpectedly discovered that the thermal regulation features of phase change materials can be combined with compression according to this invention to reduce or eliminate symptoms or conditions in medical patients. In one embodiment of this invention the phase change material is incorporated in garments such as hosiery for patients afflicted with, for example, diabetes or cardiovascular conditions. The garments have compressive properties to improve circulation, particularly in the patient's extremities. Hosiery can be in the form of socks, stockings / leggings, gloves, and / or arm stockings. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the use of the fabric including the phase change material in compression hosiery synergistically improves the effect of the hosiery, while at the same time reduces discomfort for the patient. The phase change material's thermal regulation regulates patient skin or body temperature and / or reduces skin irritation.

[0008]The garments can also have many government applications. The garments, through compression and thermal regulation in areas can maintain blood and oxygen flow to the heart and brain while in flight, thereby reducing the likelihood of the crew suffering from loss of consciousness while conducting aerial maneuvers. The thermal features of the garments can be used or incorporated with other equipment to reduce thermal fingerprints while wearing one piece of material. The garments can also include Kevlar and similar materials to provide ballistic protection. The garments can also reduce ulcers, blisters, and / or common ailments for particular occupations, such as soldiers and / or postal workers, in addition to helping with types of fatiguing ailments such as arthritis, polio, etc.

Problems solved by technology

Compression hosiery can be particularly useful in treatment of diabetes, which results in poor circulation in the extremities.

Diabetics suffer from increased risk of foot conditions such as calluses, ulcers, and even amputations.

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