Upper body garment with adjustable tensioning apparatus, system and method(s) associated therewith

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed at upper body garments that provide engageable support and / or strength for the upper body, as well as options for muscle shape contouring, muscle training, pain reduction, and injury treatment. The upper garments may comprise a base layer with reinforced portions disposed throughout. The upper garments may comprise adjustable tensioning segments. Various tensioning mechanisms may be positioned at strategic areas to further control the upper body garments' tensive properties, improving effectiveness and comfort.

Description

[0001] UPPER BODY GARMENT WITH ADJUSTABLE TENSIONING APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD(S) ASSOCIATED THEREWITH

[0002] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0003] This application claims priority to a co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 534,014 filed August 22, 2023 entitled “UPPER BODY GARMENT WITH ADJUSTABLE TENSIONING APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD(S) ASSOCIATED THEREWITH”, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0004] Copyright

[0005] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

[0006] Background

[0007] 1. Technical Field

[0008] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of upper body garments, including in one example aspect, upper body garments with a tensioning system that provides support and or strength for the upper body.

[0009] 2. Description of Related Technology

[0010] The upper body can be vulnerable to injury and deformation, which can lead to pain, swelling, disability, and reduction in quality of life.

[0011] Sports bras are garments that support breasts and minimize breast movement during physical exercise to avoid injury and alleviate discomfort. Summary

[0012] However, existing sports bras fail to address support or strengthening of other areas of the body which may be prone to injury or weakness, such as various upper body muscles or muscle groups (e g., the trapezius, deltoid, pectoral, rhomboid, and latissimus dorsi).

[0013] Accordingly, there exists a need for a garment that provides an adjustable and variable enhanced support and for reducing loads at various upper body parts (such as muscles or muscle groups including, e.g., the trapezius, deltoid, pectoral, rhomboid, and latissimus dorsi) as well as an option for promoting muscle training during actual activity or play, which is also easy to apply and adjust.

[0014] There is also a need for a garment that provides an adjustable and variable enhanced strengthening at various upper body parts (such as muscles or muscle groups including, e g., the trapezius, deltoid, pectoral, rhomboid, and latissimus dorsi) as well as an option for promoting muscle training during actual activity or play, which is also easy to apply and adjust.

[0015] The present disclosure addresses the foregoing needs by providing, inter alia, an upper body garment for addressing each of the foregoing desirable traits as well as methods of use.

[0016] In a first aspect of the disclosure, an improved upper body garment is disclosed. In one embodiment, the improved upper body garment includes a base layer, a back portion extending down a center-line of a back of the upper body garment (from the back collar to the lower back), and at least one pair of sagitally mirrored tensioning segments, which extend from the front of the upper body garment and wrap over the respective shoulder portions of the upper body garment to the back portion.

[0017] In one specific example, the upper body garment includes a base layer having a front portion and a back portion. The base layer extends down from a pair of shoulder portions to a torso portion. A pair of front anchor points are located on the front portion near the shoulder portion or a collar portion. The pair of front anchor points may be mirrored about a sagittal plane of the garment. A pair of guide points are disposed on the back portion, with the pair of guide points mirrored about the sagittal plane. A back anchor portion is disposed on a lower section of the back portion of the base layer. A pair of tensioning segments are also provided. Each tensioning segment extends from a respective one of the front anchor points, over a respective one of the shoulder portions, to a respective one of the guide points. A tensioning mechanism, which may be disposed on the back anchor portion includes a cable disposed through the guide points. The tensioning mechanism is configured to control a tension applied to the tensioning segments, to thereby provide constraint, control, support or resistance to at least one muscle or at least one joint of a wearer’s upper body.

[0018] In one variant, the at least one pair of sagitally mirrored tensioning segments includes two pairs of sagitally mirrored tensioning segments, one of which wraps around the outer shoulders of the upper body garment, and one of which wraps around the inner shoulders of the upper body garment (along or near the collar portion of the upper body garment).

[0019] In some variants, the at least one pair of sagitally mirrored tensioning segments are made of elastic material. In some implementations, the two pairs of sagitally mirrored tensioning segments each of different levels of elasticity. In some implementations, each of the at least one pair of sagitally mirrored tensioning segments can include different portions, where one or more of the portions can be a different material (e.g., more or less elastic) than the other portions of the tensioning segments.

[0020] In some variants, the upper body garment further includes an adjustable tensioning system. In one implementation, the adjustable tensioning system includes one or more adjustable straps or cables attached to stationary points at one end with an tensioning mechanism on the other end. When the tensioning mechanism is adjusted, the straps or cables are shortened or lengthened, such that a level of tension on the tensioning segments can be selected. When engaging the tensioning system, the improved upper body garment can, inter alia, increase muscle function and may create rotation among the upper body, particularly within back and shoulders.

[0021] The tensioning mechanism may include hook and loop fasteners, snap fasteners, magnets, or rotary tensioners.

[0022] In some variants, the upper body garment further includes a tightening band around a bottom portion of the upper body garment. In some implementations, the tightening band can be tightened or loosened via a tensioning system. In other implementations, the tightening band can be made of elastic material, such that it can stretch to fit around or near a waist of a wearer of the upper body garment.

[0023] In some variants, the back portion can be made of a rigid material, which may, inter alia, support a spine of a wearer of the upper body garment. In some implementations, the back portion can be divided into different segments, where each segment may be separated via a more elastic material than the more rigid segments, thereby providing spinal support but increasing flexibility and / or movement.

[0024] In some variants, various portions of the upper body garment may be reinforced, such as via cable or other components (e.g., plates). The size, shape, position, quantity, and material composition of the reinforced portions and the adjustable tensioning segments may be rigid or soft and may be selected to achieve the desired tensive properties for the upper body garment.

[0025] In some variants, one or more portions of the upper body garment may include devices and / or sensors. For example, such devices and / or sensors may include, but are not limited to, GPS, accelerometer, heart beat monitor, sleep monitor, and devices configured to measure movement and / or positions of parts of the upper body (e.g., arm, elbow, neck, back, wrist, shoulder, etc.). These sensors may also detect bioelectrical signals indicative of the state or movement of the neuromuscular system. For example, Surface Electromyography (sEMG) sensors can be used to measure human muscle activity.

[0026] In some implementations, these devices and / or sensors may send data to a computer application (for example, to a mobile device) for display to a user or for further analysis.

[0027] In another embodiment, the upper body garment includes engageable support for the upper body by incorporating adjustable tensioning systems that engage and release specified anchor points throughout the upper extremity. Potential areas the improved upper body garment described herein support include, e.g., the trapezius, deltoid, pectoral, rhomboid, and latissimus dorsi.

[0028] In some variants, the tensioning systems may be continuous or a series of variating levels of support that are attached to one other. For example, these systems may have knit, elastic, inelastic, plastic, metal, sensors, conductive materials, magnets or carbon fiber.

[0029] In some implementations, when engaging the tensioning system, the upper body garment can increase muscle function and may create rotation among the upper body, particularly within back and shoulders.

[0030] Additionally, in some implementations, the improved upper body garment, with positioned anchor points, can create muscle engagement, pain relief, promote and assist with injury treatment, off load, and control posture.

[0031] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, methods of utilizing an upper body garment are described. In one example embodiment, the method includes placing the upper body garment onto the body (i.e., wearing it); and adjusting the tensioning system to obtain a desired tension or position.

[0032] In one variant, the adjusting of the tensioning system to obtain the desired tension or position includes adjusting a tensioning mechanism to shorten or loosen a cable which is fed through a plurality of guides. In some variants, the method further includes conducting one or more movements, receiving feedback, and re-adjusting the tensioning system. In some implementations, the feedback can be a feeling (e.g., pain or discomfort) felt by the wearer. In other implementations, the feedback can be data received via one or more devices / sensors positioned disposed on or within the upper body garment. These and other aspects shall become apparent when considered in light of the disclosure provided herein.

[0033] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0034] FIG. 1 A is a front view of one example embodiment of an upper body garment, according to the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. IB is a rear view of the example embodiment of the upper body garment of FIG. 1A.

[0036] FIG. 2A is a front view of the example embodiment of the upper body garment of FIG. 1 A on a wearer, showing supported muscles.

[0037] FIG. 2B is a rear view of the example embodiment of the upper body garment of FIG. 1A on a wearer, showing supported muscles.

[0038] FIGS. 3A and 3B are front and rear views of another example embodiment of an upper body garment.

[0039] FIGS. 4A and 4B are front and rear views of a third example embodiment of an upper body garment.

[0040] FIGS. 5A and 5B are front and rear views of a fourth example embodiment of an upper body garment.

[0041] FIG. 5C shows more detail of an adjustable cable guide piece.

[0042] FIGS. 6A and 6B are front and rear views of a fifth example embodiment of an upper body garment.

[0043] FIG. 7 is a logical flow diagram of an example method of use of an upper body garment, according to the present disclosure.

[0044] Detailed Description

[0045] Reference is now made to the drawings wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.

[0046] Overview

[0047] In one example aspect, the present disclosure provides an improved upper body garment. Example embodiments of the improved upper body garment described herein include engageable support and / or strengthening for the upper body by incorporating adjustable tensioning systems that engage and release specified anchor points throughout the upper extremity. Potential areas the improved upper body garment described herein support include, e.g., the trapezius, deltoid, pectoral, rhomboid, and latissimus dorsi.

[0048] In some embodiments, the tensioning systems may be continuous or a series of variating levels of support that are attached to one other. For example, these systems may have knit, elastic, inelastic, plastic, metal, sensors, conductive materials, magnets or carbon fiber.

[0049] Advantageously, when engaging the tensioning system, the improved upper body garment described herein can increase muscle function and may create rotation among the upper body, particularly within back and shoulders.

[0050] Additionally, the improved upper body garment described herein, with positioned anchor points, can create muscle engagement, pain relief, promote and assist with injury treatment, off load, and control posture.

[0051] In other example aspects, the present disclosure provides example methods associated with the improved upper body garment(s), such as one or more methods of use thereof.

[0052] Detailed Description of Example Embodiments

[0053] Example implementations of the upper body garment will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, which are provided as illustrative examples so as to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the technologies therein. Notably, the figures and examples described below are not meant to limit the scope of the present disclosure to any single implementation or implementations, but other implementations are possible by way of interchange of, substitution of, or combination with some or all of the described or illustrated elements. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to same or like parts.

[0054] Moreover, while embodiments described herein are primarily discussed in the context of upper body garments for upper body support, strengthening, shape contouring, muscle training, pain reduction, and injury treatment, it will be recognized by those of ordinary skill that the embodiments described herein are not so limited. In fact, the principles may be readily applied to other parts of the anatomy of a human. For example, many common injuries, such as a partial or complete tear of a tendon (e.g., a biceps tendon, a triceps tendon, and the like), may require an individual to rest the injured tendon, whether surgical or non-surgical treatment is required. Accordingly, the principles described herein may be readily adapted for use with other portions of the anatomy. For example, the garments described herein may be readily adapted for use on the arm, elbow, neck, back, wrist, shoulder, etc., where movement, whether in extension, flexion, adduction, abduction, internal rotation, or external rotation, may need to be constrained in order to facilitate recovery from, for example, an injury or other medical condition, as well as to reduce pain or to help provide bio feedback to train muscles in order to prevent future injuries.

[0055] The upper body garments described herein provide various benefits to the wearer such as:

[0056] 1. Reduced muscle fatigue,

[0057] 2. Strain prevention,

[0058] 3. A lower risk of muscle soreness,

[0059] 4. Improved perceived exertion,

[0060] 5. Better muscle oxygenation and blood flow,

[0061] 6. Comfort,

[0062] 7. Improved strength recovery, and

[0063] 8. Posture support which may help to certain conditions including but not limited to scoliosis.

[0064] By altering the elasticity of the garment in certain areas, one can impact muscle activation and movement, as well as change the loads on muscles, joints and tendons. By integrating adjustable tensioning systems (e.g., including a tensioning mechanism, cables and / or straps) into the garment, one can further achieve the same goals of dynamically impacting muscle activation and movement as well to change the loads on muscles, joints and tendons. Furthermore, by externally applying adjustable or nonadjustable straps and cables as well as rigid structures, one can achieve maximum level of support in a garment. The present invention focuses on all of the above elements.

[0065] The back muscles in particular can be impacted by such a garment, including any of the deep muscles (splenius capitis, splenius cervicis, levator scapulae, rhomboid minor, rhomboid major, erector spinae, serratus posterior inferior) or superficial muscles (trapezius, spine / scapula, deltoid, infraspinatus, teres minor, teres major, latissimus dorsi, thoracolumbar fascia, external oblique, internal oblique, gluteus medius).

[0066] The altering of the elasticity of the garment may apply pressure points and rotations to certain areas, to, inter alia, facilitate corrections in posture, offer support with respect to scoliosis, and / or provide offloading of joint and muscles.

[0067] In addition to pain management, posture, deformity and support, the garments can be arranged to provide support for the shoulder girdle (composed of the clavicle and scapula); augmentation composition (to help support the vertebra, specifically to address pain or spasms); and scapular stabilization (which can help with scapulothoracic dyskinesis).

[0068] Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will immediately be recognized by persons of ordinary skill in the art with reference to the attached drawings and detailed description of example embodiments as given below.

[0069] Example Upper Body Garments

[0070] FIGS. 1 A and IB are a first example embodiment of an upper body garment 100, according to the present disclosure.

[0071] FIG. 1A is a front view of the first example embodiment of an upper body garment. As shown, a first pair of sagitally mirrored tensioning segments 102 are positioned on the outer portion of a base layer 108 of the upper body garment 100. Additionally, a second pair of sagitally mirrored tensioning segments 104 are positioned on the inner portions of the base layer 108 of upper body garment 100.

[0072] It is noted that, although FIGS. 1A, IB, 2A, and 2B show two pairs of sagitally mirrored tensioning segments 102, 104, the present disclosure is not limited thereby. For example, in one example embodiment, there may be only one pair of sagitally mirrored tensioning segments 104, which, in one variant, could be positioned in the middle portions of the upper body garment 100 (i.e., the middle of each shoulder portion). Alternatively, there could be three or more pairs of tensioning segments.

[0073] Referring back to FIG. 1A, the two pairs of sagitally mirrored tensioning segments 102, 104 are attached (e.g., via a seam, stitch, etc.) to a pair of sagitally mirrored anchor segments 106 (near the shoulder).

[0074] The pair of sagitally mirrored anchor segments 106 are attached (e.g., via a seam / stitch) to the base layer portion 108. In some variants, the seams discussed can be zig zag and / or flat lock; however, any known seam or stitch known in the art could be applied.

[0075] In some embodiments, the upper body garment 100 may have a tightening band 110 around the waist or other portion near the middle of the wearer’ s torso that keeps the upper body garment 100 in place during wear.

[0076] Referring now to FIG. IB, a rear view of the example embodiment of the upper body garment 100 of FIG. 1 A is shown as described above.

[0077] As shown in FIG. IB, the two pairs of sagitally mirrored tensioning segments 102, 104 continue, over the shoulder portions, to the center back portion 114 of the upper body garment 100.

[0078] A pair of eyes or loops 112a are attached (e.g., via a stitch / seam 113) at, or near, the ends of the inner pair of sagitally mirrored tensioning segments 104. Similarly, a pair of loops 112b are attached (e.g., via a stitch / seam) at, or near, the ends of the outer pair of sagitally mirrored tensioning segments 102.

[0079] Additional loops 112c may be provided on or near the center back portion 114.

[0080] These loops 112a, 112b and / or 112c (collectively, loop guides 112) facilitate the guiding of a cable 116 therethrough to and from tensioning mechanism 118. In an embodiment, one end of the cable / strap 116 may be integrated into the tensioning mechanism 118 positioned on at or near the center of the lower back portion 114 of the upper body garment 100, such that the tensioning mechanism 118 is used to adjust a length of the cable 116.

[0081] As illustrated, the cable 116 may cross over itself to provide additional stability.

[0082] The tensioning mechanism 118 may be located at an anchor point 116. By adjusting the length of the cable 116, a desired tension of the tensioning segments 102, 104 is selected, thereby adjusting a distance in between the tensioning mechanism 118 and the first pair of sagitally mirrored anchor segments 106.

[0083] Based on the path of the tensioning segments 102, 104 and a resistance to stretching of the tensioning segment(s) 102, 104, the tensioning segments 102, 104 induce external shoulder rotation and resists internal shoulder rotation.

[0084] The cable 116 may be a steel wire, synthetic fibers such as polyester or propylene, or other cord made of a thin inelastic material.

[0085] In some embodiments, the tensioning mechanism 118 can be any mechanism that provides adjustable tension on the tensioning segments 102, 104. It may incorporate adjustable fasteners such as hook and loop fasteners, snap fasteners, or magnets to enable adjustment of the tension. In some variants, the tensioning mechanism may be a dial type tensioner such as that provided by a BOA® Fit System. (BOA® is a trademark of BOA Technology, Inc. of Denver, Colorado).

[0086] Now referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, FIG. 2A shows a front view of the example embodiment of the upper body garment 100 of FIG. 1A on a wearer 200, and FIG. 2B shows a rear view of the example embodiment of the upper body garment 100 of FIG. 1A on the wearer 200.

[0087] In some embodiments, the ends of the tensioning segments 102, 104 are detachable, permitting the tensioning segments 102, 104 to be interchangeable. A wearer 200 can swap out a tensioning segment 102, 104 for a new tensioning segment that has different properties. For example, a wearer 200 can swap to a new tensioning segment that is thicker. The increased thickness of the new tensioning segment would increase the tensioning segment’s resistance to being stretched so a wearer using the new tensioning segment would not have to tighten the tensioning mechanism 118 as much in order to induce the desired motion. Thus, the tensioning segments 102, 104 may be customized to achieve the desired reaction.

[0088] In some embodiments, each tensioning segment 102, 104 may be segmented into portions of shorter lengthened segments, where each shorter segment may be connected to its own tensioning mechanism, or at least a portion of the segments may be connected to a series of tensioning mechanisms. Each tensioning segment 102, 104 may be separately adjustable with its own tensioning mechanism. Alternatively, in some variants, the shorter segments and associated tensioning mechanisms thereof may be connected to the main tensioning mechanism (e.g., 112, 116, and 118), such that when the main tensioning mechanism is adjusted, the other tensioning mechanisms of the shorter segments are also adjusted.

[0089] In some embodiments, components (e.g., flexible peltier plates and / or conductive fibers) can be disposed within the upper body garment 100 at prescribed locations, providing cold and / or heat therapy. In some variants, the components are connected to a power source (e.g., a battery).

[0090] In some embodiments, cables 116 may run through channels (not shown) in the reinforced portions or tensioning segments.

[0091] FIGS. 3A and 3B are front and rear views, respectively, of another version of an upper body garment. In this example, a pair of sagitally mirrored tensioning segments 105 each extend over the shoulder and under the arm. The ends of tensioning segments 105 terminate at a pair of respective termination points on the back portion 114. A section of material that is more rigid than the base layer 108 may be provided in the middle of the front portion. A section of neoprene material may also be provided as all or part of the lower back portion 119 of the garment.

[0092] In this version, the back portion 114 can be made of a rigid material, which may, inter alia, provide thoracic support for a spine of a wearer. In some implementations, the back portion can be divided into different segments, where each segment may be separated via a more elastic material than the more rigid segments, thereby providing spinal support but increasing flexibility and / or movement. An upper body garment with these features can assist with providing thoracic spine support.

[0093] Another version of an upper body garment is shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. In this embodiment, a first pair of tensioning segments 402 extend from a pair of sagitally mirrored anchor points 106 located on the sides of the garment, under the arms. The first pair of tensioning segments 106 extend over the shoulders to a tensioning mechanism 118 located on the back portion, and a cable 116 is fed to loops 112 similar to the garment of FIGS. 1 A and IB. As shown, the tensioning segments 106 in the version of FIGS. 4A and 4B may cross over one another at a crossover point.

[0094] Here a second pair of tensioning segments 404 also extend from the corresponding mirrored anchor points 106 located on the sides of the garment 100 to anchor segments 106 located on the front of the garment near the middle lower torso 110. The second pair of tensioning segments 404 receive tension from a second tensioning mechanism 418 located on the front of the garment. Tensioning segments 404 may cross over one another at a midpoint 410 on the back of the garment 100.

[0095] As with the embodiment of FIGS. 1A and IB, the first tensioning mechanism 118 on the back of the garment 100 includes one or more cables or straps that are fed through loops 112 to control the tension applied. Note that the loops 112 in this version are located on the lower portion of each tensioning segment 402.

[0096] The second tensioning mechanism 418 on the front of the garment 100 may also be an adjustable fastener such as a hook and loop, snap fasteners, magnets, or a dial type device that adjusts the tension applied by the cable at the anchor point(s) 106.

[0097] FIGS. 5A and 5B show another garment that has tensioning segments 402, 404 arranged as for the garment of FIGS. 4A and 4B. However this version has a different arrangement for the tensioning mechanism 518 on the back.

[0098] In this version, an adjustable cable guide piece 520 is disposed on the lower portion of each tensioning segment 402. Fig. 5C shows the adjustable cable guide 520 in more detail. The adjustable cable guide piece 520 may consist of multiple guide wires 522 extending to a corresponding one of the mirrored anchor points 106 near the torso. The guide wires 522 may also be fed through one or more loops 112. The adjustable cable guide 520 provides an additional way to control tension on the wearer’s lower muscles.

[0099] FIGS. 6A and 6B are front and rear views of another version of the upper body garment that is adapted for providing muscle strengthening. This garment has two or more pairs of sagitally mirrored tensioning segments 602. Each individual tensioning segment 602 may provide less tension than the singular tensioning segment in the version of FIGS. 1A and IB. . A mixture of elastic and inelastic materials for each tensioning segment 602, or a mix of tensioning segments 602 each of differing strengths may also assist with supporting the shoulder muscles in a desired way.

[0100] In another aspect of the design shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, a front portion of the garment has a center mesh section 608.

[0101] In the version of FIGS. 6A and 6B, or for any of the designs described herein, a center portion 606 of the back panel may be a static material or may consist of a material that provides increased stretch along one or more dimensions. Example Methods for Using Upper Body Garments

[0102] Referring now to FIG. 7, a logical flow diagram of an example method 700 of use of an upper body garment 100, according to the present disclosure is described. As shown, the method 300 begins by placing, per step 702, the upper body garment 100 onto the body.

[0103] Next, per step 704, the tensioning mechanism 118 can be adjusted to change the length of the cable 116, thereby changing the tension of tensioning segments 102, 104.

[0104] It is noted that the use of the upper body garment 100 can include just steps 702 and 704.

[0105] However, in some embodiments, the wearer 200 can conduct one or more movements (per step 706), receive feedback (per step 308) and then re-adjust the tensioning mechanism based on feedback (per step 710).

[0106] In some variants, the feedback may be by the wearer themselves, such as pain and / or discomfort.

[0107] However, in some variants, the feedback may be received via one or more sensors disposed on or within the upper body garment 100. More specifically, sensors can be disposed within the upper body garment 100 at strategic locations. For example, the sensors may include but are not limited to, step counters, extension sensors, muscle activation sensors (to determine the extent of therapy needed), and / or tension sensors that track how often a motion is performed. Other sensors may include, GPS, accelerometer, heart beat monitor, sleep monitor, and devices configured to measure movement and / or positions of parts of the upper body (e.g., arm, elbow, neck, back, wrist, shoulder, etc.). These sensors may also detect bioelectrical signals indicative of the state or movement of the neuromuscular system. For example, Surface Electromyography (sEMG) sensors can be used to measure human muscle activity. The sensors can send data wirelessly to a computing device of the user, such as via a computer application on a mobile device.

[0108] In some embodiments, data collected by these sensors is displayed in an application. A user could see how many calories he or she burned, how many pounds he or she has engaged with, how close he or she is to reaching full extension and a more normal posture.

[0109] In some embodiments, the application may display a notification or alert based on the data. For example, in one variant, the application can receive data from the sensors regarding the wearers’ posture and display a notification / alert to notify the wearer that their posture is incorrect, so that the wearer can re-adjust (e.g., by rotating the tightening mechanism).

[0110] In some variants, the application can also receive input from the wearer, such as a one or more thresholds relating to, e.g., heart rate, posture, calories, distance, etc., before notifying the wearer. For example, once if the wearer’s heart rate falls below a certain threshold, the application can notify the wearer. As another example, if a threshold of distance (e.g., 5 miles) is exceeded, the application can notify the wearer.

[0111] It will be recognized that while certain aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of a specific sequence of steps of a method, these descriptions are only illustrative of the broader methods of the disclosure, and may be modified as required by the particular application. Certain steps may be rendered unnecessary or optional under certain circumstances. Additionally, certain steps or functionality may be added to the disclosed embodiments, or the order of performance of two or more steps permuted. All such variations are considered to be encompassed within the disclosure disclosed and claimed herein.

[0112] While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointed out novel features of the disclosure as applied to various embodiments, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the device or process illustrated may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the disclosure. This description is in no way meant to be limiting, but rather should be taken as illustrative of the general principles of the disclosure.

Claims

Claims1. An upper body garment comprising: a base layer having a front portion and a back portion, the base layer extending down from a pair of shoulder portions to a torso portion; a pair of front anchor points disposed on the front portion near the shoulder portion or a collar portion, the pair of front anchor points mirrored about a sagittal plane of the garment; a pair of guide points disposed on the back portion, the pair of guide points mirrored about the sagittal plane; a back anchor portion disposed on a lower section of the back portion of the base layer; a pair of tensioning segments, each tensioning segment extending from a respective one of the front anchor points, over a respective one of the shoulder portions, to a respective one of the guide points; a tensioning mechanism, disposed on the back anchor portion; a cable disposed through the guide points and the tensioning mechanism such that the tensioning mechanism controls a tension applied to the tensioning segments, the garment thereby providing constraint, control, support or resistance to at least one muscle or at least one joint of a wearer’s upper body.

2. The garment of claim 1 wherein the base layer is formed of a different material than the tensioning segments.

3. The garment of claim 1 further configured to induce or resist shoulder rotation.

4. The garment of claim 1 further provides support for a trapezius, deltoid, pectoral, rhomboid, or latissimus dorsi.

5. The garment of claim 1 wherein the base layer is configured to fit snugly against an upperportion of the torso.

6. The garment of claim 1 wherein the back portion extends down a center line of the garment, onto which the back anchor is placed.

7. The garment of claim 1 wherein the tensioning mechanism adjusts a length of a section of cable disposed between the guide points.

8. The garment of claim 1 wherein the tensioning segments are attached via seam / stich to the base layer.

9. The garment of claim 1 further including a second pair of tensioning segments and a second pair of guide points.

10. The garment of claim 9 wherein the first pair of tensioning segments is located on a outer edge of the shoulder portions and the second pair of tensioning segments is located on a inner edge of the shoulder portions.

11. The garment of claim 1 wherein a tightening band is disposed on a bottom edge of the garment.

12. The garment of claim 1 wherein the tensioning mechanism comprises one or more of a fastening mechanism or a rotary dial.

13. The garment of claim 1 wherein the tensioning segments are detachable from the base layer.

14. The garment of claim 1 additionally comprising flexible peltier plates and / or conductive fibers disposed within the garment configured to provide cold and / or heat therapy.

15. The garment of claim 1 additionally comprising: sensors disposed within the garment comprising one or more step count sensors, extension sensors, muscle activation sensors, tension sensors, or other sensors.

16. The garment of claim 15 wherein the sensors have outputs that are provided to a software application.

17. The garment of claim 16 additionally wherein the software application monitors one or moreof posture, heart rate, calories, distance, or other parameters.

18. The garment of claim 16 additionally wherein the software application alerts when monitored parameters pass a threshold.

19. The garment of claim 1 wherein each tensioning segment also extends under the arm and terminates at a pair of termination points on the back portion.

20. The garment of claim 1 additionally comprising section of neoprene material on the lower back.

21. The garment of claim 1 additionally comprising: a second pair of tensioning segments extends from front anchor points to guide points located on the front portion; a second tensioning mechanism disposed on the front; and a second cable disposed through the front guide points to control tension on the second tensioning segments.

22. The garment of claim 1 wherein the front portion has a mesh section in a center portion.

23. The garment of claim 1 additionally comprising two or more tensioning segments extend over each shoulder.

24. The garment of claim 23 wherein two or more tensioning segments disposed on each side terminate at a guide piece.

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