Patent Publication Number: US-10314732-B2

Title: Posture performance garment

Description:
FIELD 
     Various embodiments are described herein for garments that improve the posture of the person wearing the garment. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Musculoskeletal disorders or (MSD) are forms of injuries affecting connective tissue such as muscles, nerves, joints, cartilage and spinal discs (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2008). Some estimates state that 70% of all people will experience neck and shoulder pain though out their lives due to sedentary behavior and Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSD). This pain occurs in individuals who hold certain postures for prolonged periods of time which in turn affects their neck and shoulder muscles as there is too much tension on these muscle groups. These injuries may occur when muscles or tendons are either over-used or stretched past their capabilities. Ergonomic risk factors such as repetitive motion, awkward posture, forceful exertions, pressure points, and static postures can cause or worsen MSD (NIOSH, 2007). For example, repetitive strain injury (such as carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendinitis) of the wrist and arm have risen by 80% since 1990 according to the US bureau of Statistics, and are now the single largest cause of work related injury. This is being described as the epidemic of the nineties. In the US alone, more than 600,000 workers have MSD resulting in days away from work each year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, (2001). MSDs impact Canadian society by costing the health care system $20 billion (McGee et al., 2007). 
     Long periods of using a computer at work settings have been shown to cause musculoskeletal discomfort and mood disturbances; however, active or passive stretches have been shown to decrease the incidence of such disturbances (Sundelin et al. 1986, Zwahlen and Adams 1987, Swanson et al. 1989, Carter and Banister 1994, Hales et al. 1994). Frequent stretches can also reduce static loads on the musculoskeletal system including the muscles and the spine (Sundelin and Hagberg 1989). 
     Electromyographic studies were conducted by Anderson (1984) to measure muscle activation in a set of office workers using surface electrodes which were placed strategically on various muscles in the neck/shoulder and back. Results demonstrated that certain muscles, like the upper trapezius muscle, were highly activated during 90 degree elevation of the shoulder joint (Anderson, 1984). A possible reason for this could be that computer workers postures are poor due to slouching over their computers with elevation of the arms due to typing on the keyboard all day. This may result in specific back muscles being overly activated and reaching peak force when constantly stimulated. Active or passive stretching may lower the peak force and rate of firing and therefore take pressure away from these muscles. 
     Stretching, whether active or passive, is a form of physical activity in which skeletal muscles are lengthened to improve muscles elasticity and reduce tensile stress (Knudson et al. 2000; Harvey et al., 2002; Shrier, 2004; Decoster et al., 2005). The benefits of stretching include increased flexibility, improved range of motion within joints, improved circulation improved posture, and stress relief (Magnusson and Renstrom, 1998). In biomechanics terms, flexibility is the ability to change muscle tendon length which is brought about by viscoelastic properties (Sharman, Melanie, Cresswell, Riek. 2006). Viscoelasticity is a measure of a tissue&#39;s ability to deform or change length when a load is applied to it over time and to resume its original size and shape when the force is removed, much like stretching and releasing a rubber band (Sharman et al., 2006). 
     Active or passive stretching increases the distance a tissue can stretch as well as the force required to tear the muscle tendon unit, making injury less likely. The presumption is that, for individuals with short or “tight” muscles, stretching increases flexibility by elongating muscle fibers to a more physiologically normal range, promoting optimal function and reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injury. 
     Several research studies have shown that stretching as mentioned results in elongation of the muscle tendon unit, as well as reductions in peak force and rate of force production, therefore making the muscle tendon less stiff (Knudson et al., 2000; Harvey et al. 2002; Guissard and Duchateau, 2004; Decoster et al. 2005). This increases the distance a tissue can stretch as well as the force required to tear it; thus onset of injury is reduced. The presumption is that if muscles are tight (i.e. shorter in length) then chances of injury may increase. In fact, most sedentary individuals that have tight muscles suffer from pain in the neck and shoulder region due to not stretching their neck and shoulder muscles. 
     A study by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) examined the symptoms and performance of data-entry workers. Participants from the Cincinnati IRS Service Center were sampled for analyses. The data sample included 47 women and 4 men, aged 23-60 years, with a mean age of 36 years. Data-entry experience ranged from 1 month to 24 years, with a mean of 6 years. One group had rest breaks along with stretch exercise breaks and the control group did not do either. The stretch exercise breaks were organized as follows: 4 weeks (two 15 min breaks/day); 4 weeks with supplementary breaks (two 15 min breaks plus four 5 min breaks/day). A questionnaire was then filled out by both groups of workers and it was reported that the workers in the rest/exercise break group only participated in 25% of conventional rest breaks and 39% of supplementary stretch exercise breaks. The study did not find any major conclusion of stretching and discomfort or performance. This was due to low compliance and low participation rates to perform the stretches as mentioned by Galinsky, Swanson, Sauter, Dunkin, Hurrell, &amp; Schleifer, (2007). This low compliance may be attributed to a lack of motivation to do the stretches actively. However the individuals who did perform the stretches had lower discomfort and lower eyestrain during their work sessions. Also, the efficiency of these workers was significantly faster in data-entry speed at work and they made up for the 20 minute breaks by producing better output. Trujillo &amp; Zeng (2006) from East Carolina University observed the effectiveness of a computer-based stretch program that notified the computer user to stop and stretch in the hope of offsetting musculoskeletal disorders. The computer-based stretch program demonstrated that the stretches helped relax tense muscles, improve blood circulation, increase the person&#39;s Range of Motion (ROM) and prevent cumulative trauma disorders. 
     There have been efforts to reduce the risk factors for MSD including ergonomic engineering and active stretch programs but the compliance rate and participation rate, as research indicates, is very low most commonly due to a lack of motivation. 
     SUMMARY OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS 
     In a broad aspect, at least one embodiment described herein provides a garment for improving an individual&#39;s posture when the individual wears the garment, wherein the garment comprises a front garment portion to cover at least a front portion of the individual&#39;s torso; a rear garment portion to cover at least a rear portion of the individual&#39;s torso, the rear garment portion being attached to the front garment portion; and an adjustable set of straps that are adjustable from a rest position to a tensioned position, the straps collectively being disposed over shoulder regions and under armpit regions of the front and rear garment portions, wherein, when the individual wears the garment and adjusts the straps to the tensioned position, the straps exert a pulling force on the individual&#39;s shoulders and chest region thereby improving the individual&#39;s posture. 
     In at least some embodiments, the straps may exert a downward retraction pulling force on the individual&#39;s shoulders and a backward pulling force on the individual&#39;s chest region when in the tensioned position. 
     In at least some embodiments, the set of straps may comprise anchored portions that are anchored to the rear garment portion and the end portions of the straps extend to the front garment portion. 
     In at least some embodiments, during use in the tensioned position, end portions of straps that extend over the shoulder regions may be releasably coupled to end portions of straps that extend under the armpit regions and the releasably coupled end portions are disposed along an area of the front garment portion. 
     In at least some embodiments, the front and rear garment portions may comprise sleeves that house the adjustable straps and have openings through which the end portions of the straps extend during use. 
     In these embodiments, during use the end portions of the straps retract within the openings when the straps are in the rest position. 
     In these embodiments, the end portions of the straps retract within the respective openings in the front garment portion so as not to be visible but can still be gripped when the individual reaches into the openings in the front garment portion. 
     In at least some embodiments, opposing end portions of the sleeves near the openings may be angled so that the opposing end portions of the straps form an arc in the tensioned position. 
     In at least some embodiments, a top set of sleeves that extend over the shoulder regions of the front and rear garment portions may be angled in a V pattern and may meet at a mid-region of a lower sleeve that extends under the armpit regions of the front and rear garment portions. 
     In at least some embodiments, a top set of sleeves that extend over the shoulder regions of the front and rear garment portions may approximately run vertically down to separate regions of a lower sleeve that extends under the armpit regions of the front and rear garment portions. 
     In at least some embodiments, the sleeves may be formed by continuous sheets of material. 
     Alternatively, in at least some embodiments, the sleeves may be formed by a series of loops. 
     In at least some embodiments, in the tensioned position, opposing end portions of the straps may releasably couple to one another. 
     Alternatively, in at least some embodiments, in the tensioned position, end portions of the strap may releasably couple to regions on the front garment portion. 
     For example, in the tensioned position, end portions of the strap that extend over the shoulder regions of the garment may releasably couple to an upper region on the chest area of the front garment portion and the end portions of the straps that extend under the armpit regions may releasably couple to a lower chest region on the front garment. 
     In at least some embodiments, end portions of the straps may be at least one of thicker and wider when the individual has a larger torso. 
     In at least some embodiments, the anchored portions of the straps may be anchored on separate areas of the rear garment portion. 
     In at least some embodiments, the straps may be resilient. 
     In another broad aspect, at least one embodiment described herein provides a garment for altering the posture of an individual, comprising an adjustable set of straps, encircling the back and shoulders of the individual, the straps have ends which can be adjustably connected at a point adjacent to the front of the shoulders of an individual wearing the garment, the adjustment of the straps allowing the tension of the straps to be varied to bias the shoulders of individual back and downward from a non-tensioned, rest position. 
     In at least some embodiments, the straps may be received in sleeves on the garment, the ends of the straps extending beyond the sleeves. 
     In at least some embodiments, the sleeves may comprise a series of loops, fastened to the garment, through which the straps are located. 
     In at least some embodiments, the sleeves may comprise fabric passages formed in the garment. 
     In at least some embodiments, the straps may be resilient. 
     In another broad aspect, at least one embodiment described herein provides a method for making a posture garment for improving an individual&#39;s posture when the individual wears the garment, wherein the method may comprise: forming front and rear garment portions of the posture garment; anchoring first end portions of upper straps and a portion of a lower strap to anchor points near a midline region of the rear garment portion; mounting sleeves over the straps and attaching the sleeves on the posture garment while leaving openings near upper shoulder regions and beneath armpit regions where the rear garment portion will be attached to the front garment portion; attaching the front garment portion and the rear garment portion to one another; and providing end portions of the straps with attachment means. 
     In another broad aspect, at least one embodiment described herein provides a garment for applying a passive stretch to an individual&#39;s upper body when the individual wears the garment, wherein the garment may comprise a front garment portion to cover at least a front portion of the individual&#39;s torso; a rear garment portion to cover at least a rear portion of the individual&#39;s torso, the rear garment portion being attached to the front garment portion; and an adjustable strap mechanism that comprises a set of straps extending above shoulder regions and below armpit regions of the garment from the rear garment portion to the front garment portion, the adjustable strap mechanism being adjustable from a rest position, where the straps are disengaged and no pulling force is applied to the garment wearer, to a retracted position where the straps are engaged and a pulling force is applied to the garment wearer. 
     In at least some embodiments, the set of straps may be housed within a set of sleeves and in the rest position end portions of the straps may retract within the sleeves and in the retracted position, the end portions of the straps may engage one another or regions of the front garment portion. 
     Other features and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the following detailed description taken together with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the application, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the application will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a better understanding of the various embodiments described herein, and to show more clearly how these various embodiments may be carried into effect, reference will be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings which show at least one example embodiment, and which are now described. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the teachings described herein. 
         FIG. 1A  is a front view of an example embodiment of a posture garment in accordance with the teachings herein. 
         FIG. 1B  is a rear view of the posture garment of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 2A  is a front view of the posture garment of  FIG. 1A  being worn by a user. 
         FIG. 2B  is a rear view of the posture garment of  FIG. 1A  being worn by a user. 
         FIG. 3A  is a side view of the posture garment of  FIG. 1A  with the garment in a relaxed position. 
         FIG. 3B  is a side view of the posture garment of  FIG. 1A  with the garment in a retracted position. 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  show the tension provided by the posture garment to the neck, shoulder and back regions of the garment wearer during use when the garment is in the retracted position. 
         FIG. 5A  is a side view of the garment wearer during use when the garment is in the relaxed position. 
         FIG. 5B  is a side view of the garment wearer during use when the garment is in the retracted position. 
         FIG. 6A  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of a posture garment in the relaxed position. 
         FIG. 6B  is a front view of the posture garment of  FIG. 6A  when the posture garment is in the retracted position. 
         FIG. 7  shows the posture garment of  FIG. 6A  being worn by a user when the garment is in the retracted position. 
     
    
    
     Further aspects and features of the example embodiments described herein will appear from the following description taken together with the accompanying drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     Various garments or methods will be described below to provide an example of at least one embodiment of the claimed subject matter. No embodiment described herein limits any claimed subject matter and any claimed subject matter may cover garments or methods that differ from those described herein. The claimed subject matter is not limited to garments or methods having all of the features of any one process or device described below or to features common to multiple or all of the garments or methods described herein. It is possible that a garment or method described herein is not an embodiment of any claimed subject matter. Any subject matter that is disclosed in a system, device or method described herein that is not claimed in this document may be the subject matter of another protective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, and the applicants, inventors or owners do not intend to abandon, disclaim or dedicate to the public any such subject matter by its disclosure in this document. 
     Furthermore, it will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein. 
     It should also be noted that, as used herein, the wording “and/or” is intended to represent an inclusive-or. That is, “X and/or Y” is intended to mean X or Y or both, for example. As a further example, “X, Y, and/or Z” is intended to mean X or Y or Z or any combination thereof. 
     It should be noted that terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. These terms of degree may also be construed as including a deviation of the modified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning of the term it modifies. 
     Furthermore, the recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints herein includes all numbers and fractions subsumed within that range (e.g.  1  to  5  includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.90, 4, and 5). It is also to be understood that all numbers and fractions thereof are presumed to be modified by the term “about” which means a variation of up to a certain amount of the number to which reference is being made if the end result is not significantly changed, such as 10%, for example. 
     At least one of the example embodiments of the garments or methods described in accordance with the teachings herein may be used to address issues related to MSD and are not dependent upon the motivation of the user (a.k.a. garment wearer) for success. 
     The present garments described in accordance with the teachings herein generally provide a passive stretch to certain muscles in at least one of the neck/shoulder, chest (pectoralis minor) and back regions of the garment wearer (e.g. the individual who is wearing the garment) depending on the amount of tension selected by the garment wearer, which tends to shorten the pectoralis minor and serratus anterior muscles during a prolonged protracted sitting posture or during “slouching”. This provides the person wearing it the garment with the comfort of retracting his/her scapulas as well as his/her shoulders back into a retracted position, which is a healthy position for a posture. The individual wearing the garment has the ability to control and adjust the pulling force provided by using straps that are strategically placed along the shoulders, back regions along both scapulas and right underneath the armpit regions of the garment during use. 
     The adjustability of the straps of the garments described herein uniquely provides a passive stretch to at least one of the neck, upper back and shoulder muscles of the garment wearer depending on how tightly the straps are adjusted. The end portions of the adjustable straps are located near the shoulders of the garment wearer to make it easier for the garment wearer to grab the straps, and fasten them as desired to apply tension with the straps thereby pulling the garment wearer&#39;s shoulders back when needed and then releasing or de-tensioning the straps after a given period of time so that no pulling force is exerted on the garment wearer by the garment. The garment wearer may tension the straps for a given period of time to take pressure off of their neck and shoulder muscles when they are sedentary and/or slouched over for long periods of time (e.g. slouched over a computer all day or in other undesired positions for a long period of time) in which case the straps act as passive stretch mechanisms. Therefore, during use, the garment wearer may adjust the straps to experience a slight pull on their shoulders and a retraction of their scapulas placing them in a healthy postural position while providing a passive gentle stretch. 
     Conventional posture braces and posture shirts in the marketplace today pull the individual&#39;s back into the retracted position and hold them in that position for as long as they are wearing the garment. This may in fact worsen the individual&#39;s posture in the long term because the individual is relying on the posture garment to hold them back in that position all day, which effectively shuts off the individual&#39;s muscles and weakens them in the long run and worsens posture. No conventional posture garment has adjustable straps as are provided in the garments described in accordance with the teachings herein. 
     In other conventional garments that use straps to apply a pulling force on the individual&#39;s back, including posture shirts, braces, bras, brassieres, etc., only apply a small pull on the shoulders and the back of the individual wearing the garment to give the wearer a reminder to pull their shoulders back or hold the shoulders in that position for as long as he/she is wearing the garment. 
     In either of these aspects of the conventional garments, unless the individual must take off their posture garment and put it back on every time they feel discomfort in the neck and shoulder region and they will rely on the posture garment to do all the work for them. This is not ideal as the individual will not prefer to take the garment off and put it back on every time they feel discomfort in the neck and shoulder regions. Thus, the individual will tend to either not use these conventional garments, or will wear them for periods of time extending past the time when they should have removed the garments. 
     In contrast, with the various posture garments described in accordance with the teachings herein, the individual wearing the garment can easily and simply adjust the straps to relieve stress and pain on the neck and shoulder area by applying the passive stretch whenever they feel the need to do so. This means the individual wearing the garment, in accordance with the present teachings herein, does not need to take the garment off and put it back on when they need muscle relief as the straps can easily be released (a.k.a. de-strapped or de-tensioned) which allows the individual to go back to their normal posture therefore activating their muscles once again. 
     In another aspect, the posture garments described in accordance with the teachings herein allow the individual wearing the posture garment to adjust the amount of pulling force that is provided by the straps to maintain the garment wearer with the correct posture or with a desired amount of passive stretching. The garment wearer can therefore track whether their posture has been improving with time, as they can compare the amount of adjustment that is needed by the straps in order to maintain the garment wearer&#39;s correct posture. It should be noted that over time, the garment wearer&#39;s muscles will be more accustomed to maintaining the correct posture on their own and not as much pulling force may be required by the straps. This is in contrast with conventional posture garments which simply apply the same amount of tension or pulling force to the garment wearer at all times. 
     In another aspect, at least one of the posture garments described in accordance with the teachings herein allow the garment wearer, as described in more detail below, to remove the adjustable straps from the posture garment to replace the straps with another set of straps that have a different thickness and width. The thicker and/or wider the straps, the more tensile pull that is offered by the straps to the shoulders and upper back regions of the garment wearer. Since these straps are resilient (e.g. stretchy), the wider they are, the more tensile pulling force they provide to the garment wearer. Furthermore, a posture garment with adjustable straps that are replaceable means that they can be changed at any time and/or removed for washing or cleaning of the garment. 
     In another aspect, at least one of the posture garments described in accordance with the teachings herein may have the ability to potentially enhance athletic performance of athletes who wear the posture garment as the posture garment may be used to place the individual wearing it into a retracted posture wherein their scapulas are pulled back and together towards the midline of their anatomical body which in turn pulls the shoulders back and opens up the thoracic region (i.e. chest region) allowing easier flow of breathing (i.e. inspiration and expiration) which may help increase aerobic performance. This passive stretch offered by the straps on the posture garment may also allow for more blood flow to go to the athlete&#39;s skeletal muscles that are exerting energy rather than the muscles that help with breathing (i.e. respiratory muscles), which may provide the athlete with more power and quickness. 
     In another aspect, at least one of the posture garments described in accordance with the teachings herein may employ straps that elastically retract when not used. These straps may be referred to as reflex elastic straps. In at feast some embodiments, the straps may retract into openings in the posture garment so that the straps are not visible when they are not used to apply a pulling or retracting force to adjust the posture of the garment wearer. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , shown therein are front and rear views, respectively, of an example embodiment of a posture garment  30  for improving an individual&#39;s posture when the individual wears the garment in accordance with the teachings herein. The garment  30  includes a front garment portion  30   a  for covering at least a front portion of an individual&#39;s torso and a rear garment portion  30   b  that covers at least a rear portion of the individual&#39;s torso, when the individual is wearing the posture garment  30  during use. The the rear garment portion  30   b  may be attached to the front garment portion  30   a  using different techniques such as, but not limited to stitching, for example. 
     The posture garment  30  also includes an adjustable strap mechanism that comprises a set of straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  having anchored portions  39   a ,  39   b  and  31 , respectively, that are anchored to the posture garment  30  and end portions that are adjustable from a rest position (see  FIG. 3A  for example) to a tensioned or retracted position (see  FIG. 3B  for example). The straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  are collectively disposed over shoulder regions and under the armpit regions of the front and rear garment portions  30   a  and  30   b . The straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  encircle the back and shoulders of the individual when worn by the individual. It should be noted that  FIG. 1B  shows the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  whereas the other  FIGS. 2B, 6A, 6B and 7  shows the stitching of the sleeves  34   a ,  34   b  and  37 . It should be noted that there may be some embodiments where strap  37  is provided by two straps: a left strap and a right strap (not shown). 
     Accordingly, the adjustable strap mechanism comprises the set of straps  32   a ,  32   b , and  36  extending above shoulder regions and below armpit regions of the garment  30  from the rear garment portion  30   b  to the front garment portion  30   a . The adjustable strap mechanism is adjustable from a rest position, where the straps are disengaged and no pulling force is applied to the garment wearer, to a retracted position where the straps are engaged and a pulling force is applied to the garment wearer. 
     The straps  32   a  and  32   b  are upper straps and the strap  36  is a lower strap. The upper straps  32   a  and  32   b  are shown extending from openings  33   a  and  33   b  formed in respective sleeves  34   a  and  34   b , while the lower strap  36  has two end portions  36   a  and  36   b  that extend from openings  38   a  and  38   b  from sleeve  37 . Accordingly, the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  are received in the respective sleeves  34   a ,  34   b  and  37  on the garment  30 , and the ends of the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  respectively extend beyond the sleeves  34   a ,  34   b  and  37 . The sleeves  34   a ,  34   b  and  37  may also be referred to as channels or passages. In the illustrated example embodiment, the sleeves  34   a ,  34   b  and  37  retain straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36 , respectively, in place on the posture garment  30 . As indicated the sleeves  34   a ,  34   b  and  37  may be sewn all around the garment  30  except for the openings  33   a ,  33   b ,  38   a  and  38   b  in the front portion  30   a  of the garment  30  where the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  are coming out from. Accordingly, the front and rear garment portions  30   a  and  30   b  comprise the sleeves  34   a ,  34   b  and  37  that house the adjustable straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  and have openings  33   a ,  33   b ,  38   a  and  38   b  through which the end portions of the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  extend during use. 
     In other embodiments, the position of the openings  33   a ,  33   b ,  38   a  and  38   b  may be different and may be at a region of the front garment portion  30   a  that is closer to the rear garment portion  30   b  or the openings  33   a ,  33   b ,  38   a  and  38   b  may be on a region of the rear garment portion  30   b  that is closer to the front garment portion  30   b . Accordingly, various positions for the openings  33   a ,  33   b ,  38   a  and  38   b  may be used as long as the garment wearer is able to grip the ends of the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  that come out of the openings  33   a ,  33   b ,  38   a  and  38   b.    
     As indicated in the example embodiment, the sleeves  34   a ,  34   b  and  37  may be sewn or otherwise attached all around an upper portion of the rear garment portion  30   b  and possibly a small portion of the front garment portion  30   a  except for the openings  33   a ,  33   b ,  38   a  and  38   b  from which end portions for the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  extend. Accordingly, the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  38  are mostly covered by a covering panel of the sleeves  34   a ,  34   b  and  38 , respectively. 
     During use, in the rest position, the end portions of the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  retract towards the openings  33   a ,  33   b ,  38   a  and  38   b , respectively. In at least some embodiments, the end portions of the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  may retract within the openings  33   a ,  33   b ,  38   a  and  38   b , respectively, when the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  are in the rest position. In these embodiments, the end portions of the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  may retract within the respective openings  33   a ,  33   b ,  38   a  and  38   b  in the front garment portion  30   a  so as not to be visible but such that they can still be gripped when the individual reaches into the openings  33   a ,  33   b ,  38   a  and  38   b  to place the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  into the tensioned position. 
     During use, in the retracted or tensioned position, the end portions of the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  can be adjustably and releasably connected at a point adjacent to the front of the shoulder regions of an individual wearing the posture garment  30 . The adjustment of the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  allow their tension (i.e. their amount of pulling or retracting force) to be varied to bias the shoulders of the individual wearing the garment back and downward by various amounts compared to the non-tensioned or rest position, thereby augmenting the posture of the individual wearing the posture garment  30 . 
     In this example embodiment, the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  are preferably each attached or anchored to the garment  30  at several distinct anchor points inside the sleeves  34   a ,  34   b  and  37  respectively. In this example embodiment, the straps  32   a , and  32   b  are anchored to the sleeves  34   a  and  34   b  at anchor points  39   a  and  39   b , respectively, while the strap  36  is anchored to the sleeve  37  at anchor point  31 . Accordingly, the anchored portions of the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  are anchored to the rear garment portion  30   b  and the end portions of the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  extend to the front garment portion  30   a  in this example embodiment. The anchored portions of the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  may be anchored on separate areas of the rear garment portion  30   b.    
     In alternative embodiments, the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  may be anchored at the same point such as the center region  39  between the sleeves  34   a ,  34   b  and  37 . Accordingly, the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  may be anchored to at least one point or region. In alternative embodiments, the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  may be anchored to at least one point or region of the garment portion  30   b  instead of the sleeves  34   a ,  34   b  and  37 . 
     In at least one embodiment, the straps  32   a ,  33   a  and  36  may be permanently attached to the sleeves  34   a ,  34   b  and  37 , respectively, or at least one portion on the garment  30 . Alternatively, the straps  32   a ,  33   a  and  36  may be removably or temporarily attached to the sleeves  34   a ,  34   b  and  37 , respectively, or at least one portion on the garment  30  using various releasable fasteners such as, but not limited to, Velcro™, clips, suitable snap fasteners like buttons, and any other means of securing the straps  32   a ,  33   a  and  36 , if desired. It should be noted that in some embodiments, the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  will not be fastened to the posture garment  30  and will instead merely be held in place by sleeves  34   a ,  34   b  and  37 . 
     The sleeves  34   a ,  34   b  and  37  may be provided in a variety of manners in different embodiments of the posture garment  30 . For example, the sleeves  34   a ,  34   b  and  37  may be provided as enclosed sleeves (as illustrated) and formed using continuous sheets of material that may be solid or perforated. For example, the sleeves  34   a ,  34   b  and  37  may be fabric passages formed in the posture garment  30 . Alternatively, the sleeves  34   a ,  34   b  and  37  may be provided as a series of loops (e.g. “belt loops”) that are sewn or otherwise fastened to the portion garment  30  and through which the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  37  are passed and located. 
     In the example embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the top set of sleeves  34   a  and  34   b  extend over the shoulder regions of the front and rear garment portions  30   a  and  30   b , are angled in a V pattern on the rear garment portion and meet at a mid-region of the lower sleeve  37  that extends under the armpit regions of the front and rear garment portions  30   a  and  30   b . The lower sleeve  37  may be at a mid-torso region in some cases. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the top set of sleeves  34   a  and  34   b  that extend over the shoulder regions of the front and rear garment portions  30   a  and  30   b  move approximately vertically down to separate regions of the lower sleeve  37  that extends under the armpit regions of the front and rear garment portions  30 A and  30 B. 
     In at least one of the example embodiments of the garment  30  described in accordance with the teachings herein, the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  may be resilient and can be tensioned to increase their pulling force as desired by the garment wearer. This is further described in relation to  FIGS. 3A and 3B . 
     As mentioned above, different widths or thicknesses may be used for the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  to vary their resiliency as desired (in other words to vary the amount of tensile force that the straps may provide when engaged in the tensioned position). For example, 1.5 inch, 2 inch or 2.5 inch wide straps may be used as well as other sizes. Elastic materials with different tensile strengths may be used for the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36 . In addition, there may be embodiments where the end portions of the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  may be thicker when the individual has a larger torso as the increased thickness of the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  may provide more tensile pull. 
     In alternative embodiments, different materials can be employed for the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  to vary their resiliency. For example, the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  may be made using one or more of elastic, spandex, polyspandex, or any material that is similar to kinesiotape and provides a tensile pull when stretched. 
     In general, the garment  30  may be made of various clothing materials including, but not limited to, at least one of cotton, polyester, spandex, nylon, lycra, bamboo, or any other suitable fabric. 
     When the individual wears the posture garment  30  and adjusts the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  to the tensioned position, the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  exert a downward pulling or retracting force on the individual&#39;s shoulders and a backward pulling force on the individual&#39;s chest region thereby improving the individual&#39;s posture. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , shown therein are front and rear views, respectively, of the posture garment  30  when being worn by an individual  20 . In the front or an anterior view of the posture garment  30  in  FIG. 2A , the respective ends of the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  come from the upper left side, the upper right side and the mid left and mid right sides of the posture garment  30 . In this example embodiment, in the tensioned position, the end portions of the straps  32   a  and  32   b  extend over the shoulder regions of the garment  30  and are releasably coupled to end portions of the strap  36  that extends under the armpit regions of the posture garment  30  towards the front garment portion  30   a . The end portions of the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  can be seen to be coming out of the openings  33   a ,  33   b ,  38   a  and  38   b  which are located in between the posture garment  30  and the sleeves  34   a ,  34   b  and  37  respectively. The releasably coupled end portions of the straps  32   a ,  32   b , and  36  are disposed along an area or region of the front garment portion  30   a  along an outer region of the pectoralis muscles of the individual  20 . The respective ends of the straps  32   a  and  32   b  and the respective end portions  36   a  and  36   b  of the strap  36  may be releasably joined to one another at respective connection points  23 , to tension the respective straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36 . Any suitable connector including, without limitation, Velcro™, D-Rings, snaps, connection clips, buttons, or any other suitable releasable connection means may be used to releasably and adjustably connect the respective ends of the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36 . In the case of a Velcro™ connector, the “loop” portion of the Velcro™ may be fixed to one end of each of the respective straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  and the “hook” portion of the Velcro™ may be fixed to the other respective opposing end of each of the respective straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36 . Accordingly, in the tensioned position, opposing end portions of the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  37  are releasably coupled to one another. In alternative embodiments, the opposing end portions of the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  37  are releasably coupled to attachment regions on the front garment portion  30   a.    
     When the end portions of the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  are joined together at respective connection points  23 , they will apply a pulling force to position the individual&#39;s  20  shoulders back and retract their scapulas, placing the individual  20  in a better postural position including possibly the correct postural position (depending on the amount of pulling force) and taking stress off of the neck, shoulder and back muscles of the individual  20 . The individual  20  wearing the posture garment  30  has full control of the joining/connection of the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  allowing the individual  20  to tension the straps to a desired amount, or de-tension them, while wearing the posture garment  30  as desired. The straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  can be easily adjusted by the individual  20  as the individual  20  may make the adjust where the connection points  23  occur on the respective ends of the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  thereby making the connected straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  longer (to provide less tension) or shorter (to provide more tension) depending on how much tension they want the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  to provide. 
     In the example embodiment of the posture garment  30 , the opposing end portions of the sleeves  34   a  and  37  near the openings  33   a  and  38   a  are angled so that the opposing end portions of the straps  33   a  and  36  form an arc in the tensioned position. Likewise, the opposing end portions of the sleeves  34   b  and  37  near the openings  33   b  and  38   b  are angled so that the opposing end portions of the straps  33   b  and  36  form an arc in the tensioned position which may help to stabilize the scapulas and help in retracting them. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , shown therein are side views of the posture garment  30  with the garment  30  in a relaxed or rest position and a retracted or tensioned position, respectively. In  FIG. 3A , the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  are not joined together and therefore there is no passive stretch acting on any muscle when the individual  20  is wearing the garment  30 . It should be noted that  FIG. 3A  shows the end portions of the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  extend past the openings  34   a ,  34   b ,  38   a  and  38   b  of the sleeves  33   a ,  33   b  and  37  in the rest position. However, in other embodiments, the end portions of the of the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  may retract within the openings  34   a ,  34   b ,  38   a  and  38   b  of the sleeves  33   a ,  33   b  and  37  so that they are not visible in the rest position. In  FIG. 3B , the end portions of the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  are joined and will apply a pulling force to the shoulder and upper back regions of the individual  30  when they wear the garment  30  so that the joined straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  will retract the shoulders and upper back regions of the individual  30  to a retracted posture and provide a passive stretch. This passive stretch may, depending on the amount of force that is applied by the joined straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36 , open up the ribcage of the individual  30  which allows for easier breathing and reduces the burden or work that must be done by the respiratory muscles during inhalation and exhalation. 
     The various embodiments of the posture garment  30  described in accordance with the teachings herein differ from other posture braces and posture shirts/garments in that the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  can be easily adjusted in seconds with a slight pull of the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  near the shoulder and armpit regions of the garment  30 . This allows the individual  20  to de-tension (or “de-strap”) the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  to return to their regular posture after a given period of time by de-tensioning or releasing the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  into the de-strapped or rest position. Therefore, when the individual  20  feels discomfort in their neck and shoulder areas (e.g. due to tightness of muscles) they can re-join or reconnect the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  together and apply tension as indicated in  FIG. 3B  to provide a passive stretch and relax those tense muscles for a certain period of time, such as about 10-15 minutes. This may be done every time the individual  20  feels that their neck and shoulder muscles are tight. The ability to join and release the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  makes it easy for the individual  20  to keep the posture garment  30  on rather than taking it off when they don&#39;t need passive stretching and then putting it back on when they feel discomfort as they can connect the end portions of the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  and un-connect them (i.e. de-strap) once the individual  20  feels that their neck and shoulder pain is relieved 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , shown therein is the tension provided by the posture garment  30  to the neck, shoulder and back regions of the garment wearer  20  during use when the garment is in the retracted or tensioned position. In particular,  FIG. 4A  represents a posterior view of the muscles as well as sections of the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36 . As can be seen, when tensioned, the straps  32   a  and  32   b  provide a downwards pull on the scapulas  12  as well as pulling the individual&#39;s shoulders  9  back. The straps  32   a  and  32   b  are also stretching certain muscles as shown in  FIG. 4B  such as the trapezium muscles  5 ,  3  and  7 . Either side of the strap  36  provides a pull towards the midline of the individual&#39;s back  9  and pulls the muscles in this area into the retracted position such as the rhomboids  8  and the lower trapezium muscles  7 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , shown therein are side views of the individual  20  wearing the posture garment  30  during use when the garment  30  is in the relaxed position and the retracted position, respectively. In  FIG. 5A , the end portions of the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  are not joined together at the connection points  23  and the individual  20  has poor posture. In  FIG. 5B , the individual  20  wearing the posture garment  30  has the end portions of the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  joined together at connection points  23  and the garment  30  is providing a passive stretch to the individual&#39;s shoulders and surrounding muscles which improves the individual&#39;s posture and also gives relief to the muscles in the individual&#39;s neck, shoulder and upper back areas. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6A and 6B  shown therein are front views of an alternative embodiment of a posture garment  40  in the relaxed position and the retracted position, respectively.  FIG. 6A , depicts the same straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36 . The same overall design for the sleeves that house the straps may also be used. However, in the tensioned position, the end portions of the straps  32   a  and  32   b  may be releasably attached onto the garment  40  at attachment regions  42  and the end portions of the strap  36  may be releasably attached onto the garment  40  at attachment regions  46 . In particular, end portions of the straps  32   a  and  32   b  that extend over the shoulder regions of the posture garment  40  may releasably couple to an upper region on the chest area on the front garment portion  40   a  and the end portions  36   a  and  36   b  of the strap  36  that extend under the armpit regions of the posture garment may releasably couple to a lower chest region on the front garment portion  40   a.    
     In  FIG. 6A , the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  are enclosed in their respective sleeves  34   a ,  34   b  and  38  and are not visible. It is also evident that the attachment regions  42  and  46  are not holding straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  and therefore no tension is being applied by the elastic straps. However, in  FIG. 6B , the posture garment  40  is in the retracted position and the end portions of the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and strap  36  are engaged or releasably attached to attachment regions  42  and  46 . The straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  may be releasably attached to the attachment regions  42  and  46 , respectively, using any suitable connector including, without limitation, Velcro™, D-Rings, snaps, connection clips, buttons, or any other suitable means for releasable connection.  FIG. 7  shows the posture garment  40  being worn by a user  20  when the posture garment  40  is in the retracted position. 
     In another aspect, a method for making the posture garment  30  may comprise: forming front and rear garment portions  30   a  and  30   b  of the posture garment (such as by cutting the portions from a material using a pattern), anchoring first end portions of the upper straps  32   a  and  32   b  and a portion of the lower strap  36  to anchor points  31  and  39  near a midline region of the rear garment portion  30   b , mounting the sleeves  33   a ,  33   b  and  37  over the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36 , respectively, and attaching the sleeves  33   a ,  33   b  and  37  on the garment  30  while leaving openings  34   a ,  34   b ,  38   a  and  38   c  near the upper shoulder regions and beneath the armpit regions where the rear garment portion  30   b  will be attached to the front garment portion  30   a  and then attaching (such as by sewing) the front garment portion  30   a  and the rear garment portion  30   b  to one another. The end portions of the straps  32   a ,  32   b  and  36  that will be joined together or to a region of the garment to move the garment to the tensioned position during use will then be provided with attachment means as described previously such as Velcro™, for example. 
     The garments described in accordance with the teachings herein may be constructed in a variety of formats including, but not limited to, a shirt, a vest, bra, sports bra, tank top, brasserie and the like. 
     While the applicant&#39;s teachings described herein are in conjunction with various embodiments for illustrative purposes, it is not intended that the applicant&#39;s teachings be limited to such embodiments as these the embodiments described herein are intended to be examples. On the contrary, the applicant&#39;s teachings described and illustrated herein encompass various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, without departing from the embodiments described herein, the general scope of which is defined in the appended claims. 
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