Patent Publication Number: US-2009234265-A1

Title: Compression Adjustable Fabric and Garments

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 61/036,099, filed Mar. 13, 2008, which application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a compression adjustable fabric and garments made from compression adjustable fabric. Such compression adjustable fabric and garments may be useful for dynamically adjusting compressive pressure at different locations on a person&#39;s body while the fabric or garment is being worn. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In some conventional compression garments, the compressive force that the garment is capable of generating can be provided by various yarn and construction factors. Such factors can include, for example, yarn type and size, characteristics of stretch yarns utilized, and fabric structure, such as stitch size. The compressive force provided by such conventional fabrics and garments is static. That is, the amount of compressive force applied to a wearer of the garment cannot be changed. Thus, the compressive force applied by such conventional garments can be limited to the initial fabric structure and characteristics. In addition, the actual compressive force applied also depends on the fit of the garment on an anatomical area, for example, a leg, being compressed. As a result, an accurate application of a particular compressive force may be difficult to achieve using such conventional compression garments. 
     Such static compressive force garments can have other disadvantages. For example, to achieve different amounts of compressive force on different points, or zones, on a wearer using such garments, a different garment having a different defined compressive force capability may need to be donned by the wearer at each zone. Efforts to achieve a high compressive force value on a wearer may require a single layer high compression garment or multiple layers of lower compression garments. Since the compressive force of a static compressive force garment cannot change, in order to vary compressive force at a particular location or along an entire anatomical area (such as a limb), the single or multiple garments must be changed. Another disadvantage of conventional static compressive force garments is that the initial compressive force of such a garment can often diminish over time as a consequence of yarn fatigue. Yam fatigue can be defined as the weakening of a yarn caused by a loss of some of its ability to recover to its original shape or size after being deformed repeatedly. 
     Some conventional compression products utilize air pumps and bladders to provide compressive force to an anatomical area. For example, an air bladder can be strapped to a wearer&#39;s limb, and a desired amount of air pressure can be pumped into, or released from, the bladder. Air bladders may have the ability to apply compression in different zones, for example, in the foot, ankle, calf, and/or thigh of a wearer. Bladders may be regulated to provide a different amount of compression in various zones, for example, progressively more compression in the ankle, calf, and thigh of a wearer. Bladders may be adapted to provide constant pressure or intermittent pressure in one or more zones, as well as variable pressure with one or more zones. However, such air pump/bladder devices can have disadvantages. For example, such air bladder devices can be bulky to wear and may be uncomfortable due to prevention of heat dissipation from underneath plastic or vinyl materials comprising the bladders. In addition, an air pump/bladder may not be usable in some anatomical locations, such around the instep of a foot while a wearer is mobile. 
     Thus there is a need for a compression fabric and garment that can be dynamically and accurately adjusted while being worn. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         FIG. 1  is a view of a compression adjustable garment having a compression element tube in selected areas of the garment and an air pump in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a view of a compression adjustable garment having a compression element tube throughout the garment and an air pump in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a view of a compression adjustable garment having an electrically stimulatable yarn in selected areas of the garment and an electrical stimulator in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a view of a compression adjustable garment having an electrically stimulatable yarn throughout the garment and an electrical stimulator in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a view of a compression adjustable garment having a compression element tube in selected areas of the garment, air bladders in those selected areas of the garment, and an air pump in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a view of a rib stitch knit pattern useful for knitting a compression element in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a view of a tuck stitch knit pattern useful for holding in an inlaid compression element in an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     SUMMARY 
     Some embodiments of the present invention can include a compression adjustable fabric and/or garment, system, and/or method. In some embodiments, the compression adjustable fabric can include a compression element (a) integrated into a fabric structure, (b) having a compressive pressure capability independent from compressive pressure capabilities inherent in the fabric structure, and (c) adjustable to provide various compressive pressures. The compression adjustable fabric may further comprise a compression adjustable garment. In such a garment, the compressive pressure provided by the garment can be adjusted in all or part of the garment while the garment is being worn. The compressive pressures in different parts of the garment can be independently adjustable. 
     In some embodiments, the compression element can further comprise an inflatable tube, and the inflation and deflation of the tube can be controlled by a pump. In certain embodiments, the inflatable tube can comprise an internal diameter of about 1 mm. In certain embodiments, the fabric can include a plurality of separate, unconnected inflatable tubes, and the amount of pressure in each of the tubes can be independently controlled by the pump. Alternatively, the amount of pressure in each of the tubes can be controlled by a different pump. In an embodiment comprising a compression adjustable garment, the pump can be miniaturized, attachable to the garment, and wearable with the garment. 
     In some embodiments, the compression element can further comprise an electrically stimulatable yarn, and the contraction and relaxation of the yarn can be controlled by an electrical stimulator. The electrically stimulatable yarn can comprise magnetic properties such that when the yarn is electrically stimulated, a length of the yarn is reduced, thereby increasing compressive pressure applied by the fabric. In certain embodiments, the fabric can include a plurality of separate, unconnected electrically stimulatable yarns, and the length of each of the yarns can be independently controlled by the electrical stimulator. Alternatively, the length of each of the yarns can be independently controlled by a different electrical stimulator. In an embodiment comprising a compression adjustable garment, the electrical stimulator can be miniaturized, attachable to the garment, and wearable with the garment. 
     In some embodiments of a compression adjustable fabric and/or garment, the compression element can further comprise a chemically stimulatable yarn. In some embodiments, the compression element can comprise an inflatable tube, an electrically stimulatable yarn, a chemically stimulatable yarn, or a combination thereof. 
     In some embodiments, the compression element can be integrated into the fabric structure by being knit into the fabric structure, such as in a rib knit construction. In some embodiments, the compression element can be integrated into the fabric structure by being laid in the fabric structure, such as in a tuck stitch construction. In particular embodiments, the compression element can be knit into a first portion of the fabric and laid in a second portion of the fabric. In some embodiments, the compression adjustable fabric and/or garment can further include a sensor adapted to monitor compressive pressure applied by the compression adjustable garment. 
     Some embodiments of the present invention can include a compression adjustable garment system. Such a system can comprise a compression adjustable garment comprising a compression element (a) integrated into a fabric structure of the garment, (b) having a compressive pressure capability independent from compressive pressure capabilities inherent in the fabric structure, and (c) adjustable to provide various compressive pressures. In embodiments of the system, the compression element can be integrated into the fabric structure by being knit into the fabric structure, by being laid in the fabric structure, or both. 
     Some embodiments of a compression adjustable garment system can further include a sensor adapted to detect changes in one or more health indicators, and a microprocessor adapted to receive and analyze health indicator data from the sensor and formulate a command for adjusting compressive pressure in the garment. The compression element can be adapted to receive the command and adjust the compressive pressure in the garment in response to the health indicator data. In one illustrative embodiment, the sensor can include a blood flow sensing system. The compression element can comprise an inflatable tube controllable by a pump, and adjustment of the compressive pressure in the garment can comprise adjustment by the pump of an amount of inflation, or deflation, of the inflatable tube in response to the level of blood flow detected. In another illustrative embodiment, the compression element can comprise an electrically stimulatable yarn controllable by an electrical stimulator, and adjustment of the compressive pressure in the garment can comprise adjustment by the electrical stimulator of an amount of longitudinal contraction of the electrically stimulatable yarn in response to the level of blood flow detected. Another embodiment of such a system can include a compressive pressure air bladder wearable over the compression adjustable garment, and the compressive pressure provided by the air bladder can be controlled by a pump separate from the garment. 
     Some embodiments of the present invention can include a method, comprising providing a compression adjustable garment comprising a compression element (a) integrated into portions of a fabric structure, (b) having a compressive pressure capability independent from compressive pressure capabilities inherent in the fabric structure, and (c) adjustable to provide various compressive pressures. The method can further include adjusting the compressive pressure provided in a first portion of the garment while the garment is being worn, and adjusting the compressive pressure provided in a second portion of the garment independently of the adjusting of the compressive pressure provided in a first portion of the garment. 
     In some embodiments of such a method, the compression element can be an inflatable tube, and independently adjusting the compressive pressures can include controlling inflation and deflation of the tube with a pump. In some embodiments of such a method, the compression element can be an electrically stimulatable yarn, and independently adjusting the compressive pressures can include controlling the contraction and relaxation of the yarn with an electrical stimulator. Some embodiments of a method can further include monitoring compressive pressure applied by the compression adjustable garment with a sensor. Some embodiments of a method can further include monitoring blood flow underneath the compression adjustable garment, and adjusting the compressive pressure provided by the garment in response to the level of blood flow detected. 
     Features of a compression adjustable fabric and/or garment, system, and/or method may be accomplished singularly, or in combination, in one or more of the embodiments of the present invention. As will be realized by those of skill in the art, many different embodiments of a compression adjustable fabric and/or garment, system, and/or method are possible. Additional uses, advantages, and features of aspects of the present invention are set forth in the illustrative embodiments discussed in the detailed description herein and will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
     Some embodiments of the present invention can provide a compression adjustable fabric and/or garments made from compression adjustable fabric.  FIGS. 1-7  illustrate embodiments of such compression adjustable fabric and garments. As shown in  FIGS. 1-7 , some embodiments of the compression adjustable fabric and garments  10  can include a compression element  11  integrated with the fabric structure and having variable compressive capabilities. For purposes herein, fabric structure is defined as the construction elements of a fabric including elements such as, but not limited to, yarn type, size, and performance characteristics, knit pattern, and stitch size. In some embodiments, the compression element  11  can have compressive capabilities independent from and/or in addition to the compressive capabilities of the fabric structure alone. In such a fabric, and in a garment made therefrom, compression can be adjusted in all or part of the fabric or garment  10  while it is being worn. Having the ability to adjust compression in the fabric or garment  10  while it is being worn can allow flexibility in treatment of certain patient conditions that can optimize treatment effectiveness and outcomes. 
     In some embodiments, the compression element  11  can comprise an inflatable tube  12  incorporated into the fabric structure, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The inflatable tube  12  can have a small diameter, for example, an internal diameter of approximately 1 mm. In certain embodiments, the tube  12  can have a diameter smaller or larger than 1 mm. The diameter of the compression tube  12  can depend on various factors, including, for example, the material(s) used to make the tube  12 , the desired compressive pressure capability in the tube  12 ; the intended use of the compression fabric  10  in which the tube  12  is incorporated; and/or the anatomical area to which the garment  10  is to be applied. The tube  12  can comprise various materials suitable for expanding and contracting the internal diameter of the tube  12  in response to varying amounts of inflation to provide varying compressive forces. Such materials may include polypropylene, polyurethane, or other plastics, polymers, and/or materials. In certain embodiments, the compression element tube  12  can comprise layers of laminated materials, which can facilitate expansion and contraction of the tube diameter. In certain embodiments, the compression element tube  12  can contain a fluid, gas, or other material adapted to enhance expansion and contraction performance of the tube  12 . The material can be the same material or a different material as the primary material used for inflating the compression element tube  12 . For example, in one embodiment, the primary inflation material can be air, and the expansion enhancing material can be another gas that enhances the expansion capability of air. The expansion enhancing material can be one that is adapted to remain in the compression tube  12  when the primary inflation material is removed so as to deflate the tube  12 . Alternatively, the expansion enhancing material can be removed from the tube  12  along with the primary inflation material during deflation of the tube  12 . 
     In some embodiments, the compression element tube  12  can be incorporated into the fabric structure by knitting the tube  12  into the fabric  10  as the fabric  10  is being knit. For example, the compression element tube  12  may be knit into the fabric  10  in a rib stitch construction  20 , such as a 1×1 rib stitch pattern, utilizing a multi-feed circular knitting machine.  FIG. 6  illustrates such a rib stitch knit pattern  20 . A rib stitch  20  is defined as a knitting stitch characterized by alternation of wales  21  on the two sides of the fabric  10 . Two rows of needles are employed, one knitting the wales  21  of the face, and the other knitting the back wales  21 . (Fairchild&#39;s Dictionary of Textiles, 7 th  Edition, p. 472). A knitting pattern can include wales  21  and courses  22 . Wales are defined as a series of loops formed by the action of one needle in successive courses along a fabric length. (Fairchild&#39;s Dictionary of Textiles, 7 th  Edition, p. 619). Courses are defined as rows of loops or stitches running across the width of a knitted fabric. (Fairchild&#39;s Dictionary of Textiles, 7 th  Edition, p. 144). In such a rib stitch pattern  20 , the compression element tube  12  can be knit so as to form the alternating wales  21  comprising one of the “rib” portions  23  of the fabric  10 . In this way, the compression element tube  12  can be integrated with the fabric structure. 
     In other embodiments, the compression element tube  12  can be “laid in” in the fabric structure. In a “laid in” fabric, a base structure of knitted or overlapped (warp knitted) threads hold in position other non-knitted threads which are incorporated, or “laid in,” into the structure during the same knitting cycle. Although an inlaid yarn is not formed into a knitted loop, the base fabric structure can utilize various knitting stitches, for example, a tuck stitch  24 , to hold the inlaid yarn in place. A tuck stitch  24  is defined as a knitting stitch that produces tuck or openwork effects by having certain needles hold more than one stitch at a time. (Fairchild&#39;s Dictionary of Textiles, 7 th  Edition, p. 591). In a tuck stitch  24 , the needles in the upper knitting position do not knit, but an extra loop of yarn is laid over the needles. The extra loop is not intermeshed through the old loop but is tucked in behind it on the reverse side of the stitch. When these needles are returned to a knitting position, all the loops on the needle are knit in a single stitch. (David J. Spencer, Knitting Technology, p. 59). As shown in  FIG. 7 , such a tick stitch knit pattern  24  can incorporate the compression element tube  12  between courses  22 . In this manner, the tuck stitches  24  can help hold the tube  12  in place within the fabric structure. 
     In certain embodiments, the compression adjustable fabric  10  can include a combination of the compression tube element  11  knitted in to all or portions of the fabric  10  and laid in all or portions of the fabric  10 . The portions of the fabric  10  into which the compression element tube  12  is integrally knit and into which the compression element tube  12  is laid in can be the same or different portions of the fabric  10 . 
     In some embodiments, for example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the compression element  11  can include a plurality of separate, unconnected tubes  12 . For example, the calf portion  30  of the compression adjustable anti-embolism stocking  10  can include a first tube  35 , the ankle portion  31  can include a second tube  36  separate from the first tube  35 , and the foot portion  33  can include a third tube  37  separate from the first and second tubes  35 ,  36 , respectively. Each of the first, second, and third tubes  35 ,  36 ,  37 , respectively, can be independently connected to a pump  40  with a pump connecting tube  41 . In this way, the amount of compressive pressure in each of the first, second, and third tubes  35 ,  36 ,  37 , respectively, can be adjusted independently so as to separately vary the amount of compressive pressure at different locations in the garment  10 . In particular embodiments having a plurality of independent tubes  12 , the pressure in each tube  12  can be controlled by a separate pump  40 . 
     In embodiments having a plurality of independent tubes  12 , the pressure in each tube  12  can be controlled by the same pump  40 . Such a pump  40  can be a miniaturized pump  40 . Such a pump  40  can include a regulator mechanism for separately controlling flow of inflation material, such as air, into or out of different tubes  12 . In still other embodiments, selected ones of the plurality of tubes  12  can be connected to each other. In certain embodiments, the first, second, and third tubes  35 ,  36 ,  37 , respectively, can each be a continuous tube  12  within the respective separate regions of the garment  10 . In other embodiments, the first tube  35  in the calf region  30  can comprise a plurality of independent tubes  12 , and each tube  12  in the calf first tube region  30  can be independently connected to the pump  40 , or to separate, miniaturized pumps  40 . Likewise, the second tube  36  in the ankle region  31  and the third tube  37  in the foot region  33  can comprise a plurality of independent tubes  12 , and each of those tubes  12  can be independently connected to the pump  40 , or to separate, miniaturized pumps  40 . 
     In other embodiments, the compression element tube  12  can be a single continuous tube  12  integrated into a continuous portion of the fabric  10 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . In this way, a single change of pressure within the tube  12  can adjust the compression level of the continuous portion of the garment  10 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the continuous portion of the garment  10  comprises the calf  30 , ankle  31 , heel  32 , and foot  33  regions, but not the toe  34  region of the lower leg compressive pressure garment  10 . In other embodiments, the continuous portion of the garment  10  can be the entire garment  10 , for example, in this instance comprising the calf  30 , heel  31 , ankle  32 , foot  33 , and toe  34  regions. 
     In operation, inflation material such as air can be pumped into, or released from, the compression element tube  12  in order to provide varying amounts of pressure within the tube(s)  12  and thereby provide correspondingly varying degrees of compressive pressure and/or longitudinal stretch to the tube  12 . For example, increasing the amount of pressure in the tube  12  can increase the diameter of the tube  12  and may directly increase the compressive pressure on a wearer&#39;s body adjacent the position where the tube  12  has increased pressure. In certain embodiments, increasing the amount of pressure in the tube  12  (and thus increasing the diameter of the tube  12 ) may also cause the tube  12  to decrease its ability to stretch, or elongate, along its longitudinal axis. As a result, the decreased stretch characteristics of the tube  12  may further increase the compressive pressure on a wearer&#39;s body. 
     In embodiments in which the compression element tube  12  is “laid in” the fabric structure, increasing the pressure within the tube  12  can increase the diameter of the tube  12  and decrease elongation, or longitudinal stretch, of the tube  12  so as to provide increased compressive pressure in the regions of the garment  10  comprising such a fabric  10 . In embodiments in which the compression element tube  12  is knitted into the fabric structure, increasing the pressure within the tube  12  can increase the diameter of the tube  12  and decrease elongation, or longitudinal stretch, of the tube  12  so as to provide increased compressive pressure in the regions of the garment  10  comprising such a fabric  10 . 
     Inflation material such as air can be pumped into the compression element tube  12  with various types and sizes of pumps  40 . For example, the pump  40  may be separate from the compression adjustable garment  10  and attached to a port on the garment  10  when increasing the compressive pressure of the garment  10  is desired. Alternatively, the pump  40  can be miniaturized such that it can be attached to the garment  10  and worn unobtrusively by the wearer of the garment  10 . 
     In certain embodiments, the compressive pressure garment  10  and/or the pump  40  can include a pressure monitoring capability. That is, the compressive pressure garment  10  and/or pump  40  may include a sensor  42  that monitors the pressure within the tube  12  and/or the compressive pressure being applied by the compression adjustable garment  10 . Such a pressure monitoring capability can provide assurance to the garment wearer that the proper amount of pressure is being applied, and can be utilized to monitor a change in air pressure within the tube  12  and compressive pressure of the garment  10  over time and when being adjusted. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the compression element  11  can comprise an electrically stimulatable yarn  43 , as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . The electrically stimulatable yarn  43  can be “laid in” or knit into the fabric structure, as described herein for the compression element tube  12 . An electrically stimulatable yarn  43  can comprise magnetic properties such that when the yarn  43  is electrically stimulated, it contracts longitudinally so as to reduce its length. In embodiments of the compression adjustable fabric  10  in which the electrically stimulatable yarn  43  is “laid in” or knit into the fabric structure, an electrically stimulated reduction in yarn length can cause an increase in the level of compression on the areas of a wearer underneath the region(s) in the garment  10  in which the electrically stimulatable yarn  43  is located. 
     In operation, varying levels of electrical stimulation can be provided to the electrically stimulatable yarn  43 . As a result, an electrically stimulated yarn  43  can be shortened by varying amounts, and thereby provide correspondingly varying degrees of compressive pressure to an underlying anatomical structure of a person wearing the garment  10  having such an electrically stimulatable yarn  43  as the adjustable compression element  11 . 
     In some embodiments, for example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the compression element  11  can include a plurality of separate, electrically stimulatable yarns  43 . For example, the calf portion  30  of the compression adjustable anti-embolism stocking  10  can include a first electrically stimulatable yarn  46 , the ankle portion  31  can include a second electrically stimulatable yarn  47  separate from the first electrically stimulatable yarn  46 , and the foot portion  33  can include a third electrically stimulatable yarn  48  separate from the first and second electrically stimulatable yarns  46 ,  47 , respectively. Each of the first, second, and third electrically stimulatable yarns  46 ,  47 ,  48 , respectively, can be independently connected to an electrical stimulator  44  with a stimulator connecting cable  45 . In this way, the amount of compressive pressure in each of the first, second, and third electrically stimulatable yarns  46 ,  47 ,  48 , respectively, can be adjusted independently so as to separately vary the amount of compressive pressure at different locations in the garment  10 . In particular embodiments having a plurality of independent electrically stimulatable yarns  43 , the pressure created by each electrically stimulatable yarn  43  can be controlled by a separate electric stimulator  44 . 
     In embodiments having a plurality of independent electrically stimulatable yarns  43 , the pressure in each electrically stimulatable yarn  43  can be controlled by the same electrical stimulator  44 . Such an electrical stimulator  44  can be a miniaturized electrical stimulator  44 . Such an electrical stimulator  44  can include a regulator mechanism for separately controlling electric current to different electrically stimulatable yarns  43 . In still other embodiments, selected ones of the plurality of electrically stimulatable yarns  43  can be connected to each other. In certain embodiments, the first, second, and third electrically stimulatable yarns  46 ,  47 ,  48 , respectively, can each be a continuous electrically stimulatable yarn  43  within the respective separate regions of the garment  10 . In other embodiments, the first electrically stimulatable yarn  46  in the calf region  30  can comprise a plurality of independent electrically stimulatable yarns  43 , and each electrically stimulatable yarn  43  in the calf region  30  can be independently connected to the electrical stimulator  44 , or to separate, miniaturized electrical stimulators  44 . Likewise, the second yarn  47  in the ankle region  31  and the third yarn  48  in the foot region  33  can comprise a plurality of independent electrically stimulatable yarns  43 , and each of those electrically stimulatable yarns  43  can be independently connected to the electrical stimulator  44 , or to separate, miniaturized electrical stimulators  44 . 
     In other embodiments, the compression element  11  comprising the electrically stimulatable yarn  43  can be a single, continuous electrically stimulatable yarn  43  integrated into a continuous portion of the fabric structure, as shown in  FIG. 4 . In this way, a single change of pressure caused by the electrically stimulatable yarn  43  can adjust the compression level of the continuous portion of the garment  10 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the continuous portion of the garment  10  comprises the calf  30 , ankle  31 , heel  32 , and foot  33  regions, but not the toe  34  region of the lower leg compressive pressure garment  10 . In other embodiments, the continuous portion of the garment  10  can be the entire garment  10 , for example, in this instance comprising the calf  30 , heel  31 , ankle  32 , foot  33 , and toe  34  regions. 
     In some embodiments, the electrically stimulatable yarn  43  can be stimulated by an electrical stimulator  44 , or generator, connected to the electrically stimulatable yarn  43  and worn with the compression adjustable garment  10 . The electrical generator/stimulator  44  can include various energy sources, including, for example, a battery. The electrical generator/stimulator  44  can be separate from the compression adjustable garment  10  and attached to the electrically stimulatable yarn  43  when increasing the compressive pressure of the garment  10  is desired. Alternatively, the electrical generator  44  can be miniaturized such that it can be attached to the garment  10  and worn unobtrusively by the wearer of the garment  10 . 
     In certain embodiments, the compressive pressure garment  10  and/or the electrical stimulator  44  can include monitoring capability. That is, the compressive pressure garment  10  and/or the electrical stimulator  44  may include the sensor  42  that monitors the compressive pressure being applied by the compression adjustable garment  10 . Such a pressure monitoring capability can provide assurance to the garment wearer that the proper amount of pressure is being applied, and can be utilized to monitor a change in compressive pressure of the garment  10  over time and when being adjusted. 
     In another embodiment of the compression adjustable garment  10 , the compression element  11  can comprise a yarn (not shown) that can be chemically stimulated to adjust compressive pressure of the yarn. The chemically stimulatable yarn can be “laid in” or knit into a fabric structure, as described herein related to the compression element tube  12  and the electrically stimulatable yarn  43 . When chemically stimulated, the chemically stimulatable yarn can contract longitudinally so as to reduce its length, thereby causing an increase in compressive pressure in the portion(s) of the garment  10  in which the yarn is placed. In this way, compressive pressure in the garment  10  can be adjusted while being worn. The chemically stimulatable yarn can be a single, continuous yarn throughout the entire garment  10  or a portion of the garment  10 . Alternatively, the garment  10  can include a plurality of independent chemically stimulatable yarns placed in desired portions of the garment  10 . 
     In some embodiments of the present invention, the compressive pressure capabilities of the compression adjustable fabric and/or garment  10  can be provided by both the initial base fabric structure and the separate compression element  11 . Compressive pressure capabilities of the initial base fabric structure can relate to various factors, including, for example, yarn type and size, characteristics of stretch yarns, such as spandex, utilized, and construction characteristics, such as stitch size and density. In addition to the static compressive pressure provided by the initial fabric structure, the separate compression element  11  can provide further compressive pressure capabilities, which can be adjustable. 
     In certain embodiments, the compression adjustable fabric and/or garment  10  can include the compression element tube  12 , the electrically stimulatable yarn  43 , and/or the chemically stimulatable yarn. 
     In particular embodiments, the compression adjustable fabric and/or garment  10  can include the combination of the separate compression element  11 —such as the compression tube  12  and/or the electrically stimulatable yarn  43 —with other mechanisms for increasing and controlling compressive pressure. For example, as shown in  FIG. 5 , one or more air bladders  50  can be constructed in, or overlaid on, the garment  10  comprising one or more of the compression element(s) described herein. Air can be pumped into the air bladder(s)  50  to change the pressure inside the air bladder(s)  50  and thus adjust the compressive pressure on the underlying anatomical structure. One or more of a plurality of air bladders  50  can be attached to the same pump  40  as the compression element tube  12 , or to separate pumps  40 . Accordingly, some embodiments of the present invention can include the garment  10  having inherent compressive capabilities; the compression element  11 , such as the compression tube  12  and/or the electrically stimulatable yarn  43  integrated into the fabric structure, that can provide compressive capabilities in addition to those inherent to the fabric structure; and/or other compressive pressure mechanisms. At least one compression component of such a multi-component compressive fabric and/or garment can be adjustable. 
     Some embodiments of the compression adjustable fabric and garment  10  according to the present invention can provide advantages over conventional compression fabric and garments. For example, some embodiments of the present invention can provide the compression element  11  integrated with the fabric structure and having variable compressive capabilities. In certain embodiments, compression can be adjusted in all or in selected parts of the fabric or garment  10  in a dynamic fashion while it is being worn. Having the ability to adjust compression in the fabric or garment  10  while it is being worn can allow delivery of more accurate compressive pressures to a wearer than may be provided by fabrics or garments having static compressive pressures calibrated prior to being donned by the wearer. As a result, the compression fabric and garment  10  having dynamically adjustable compressive pressure capabilities can advantageously provide flexibility in treatment of certain patient conditions that can optimize treatment effectiveness and outcomes. Another advantage is that some embodiments of the present invention can provide the compression adjustable fabric and garment  10  that can be designed to fit any part of the body, thereby providing adjustable compression for virtually any anatomical area. For example, due to the integration of the compression element  11  in the fabric structure, particular embodiments of the compression adjustable garment  10  can be adapted to be worn about a person&#39;s foot. As a result, compressive pressure on the person&#39;s foot can be adjusted while the person is standing or ambulating. In this way, therapeutically optimal compressive pressures can be applied to the person&#39;s foot, and/or adjusted, to treat, for example, a venous stasis ulcer or other wound on the foot. In addition, such a wearable system can allow the garment  10  to be worn for extended periods while providing changes in compressive pressure only at intermittent, or infrequent, intervals. 
     Another advantage is that in some embodiments of the present invention the compressive pressure provided can be tailored to individual patients and for the same patient at different times. Another advantage is that in some embodiments of the present invention the compressive pressures applied can be varied within the same garment  10  for different anatomical areas covered by the same garment  10 . Another advantage is that in some embodiments of the present invention the compression element(s)  11  can be incorporated into a variety of base fabrics having different yarn characteristics, thereby allowing for a broad range of fit and comfort options. 
     It is to be understood that an embodiment of the compression adjustable fabric  10  having the compression element  11  incorporated as described herein and the characteristics of such an embodiment of the fabric  10  are applicable to an embodiment of the compression adjustable garment  10  comprising that compression adjustable fabric  10 . 
     Some embodiments of the compression adjustable fabric and/or garment  10  can be utilized in conjunction with a health monitoring and management system. Such a system is described in co-pending U.S. Patent Application entitled “Health Monitoring and Management System,” filed on Mar. 12, 2009, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Some embodiments of such a health monitoring and management system can include the sensor  42  adapted to detect changes in one or more health indicators and transmit data related to the health indicators. In other embodiments, the health monitoring and management system can further include an interventional element adapted to receive a health intervention command and provide a health intervention related to the health indicators. In some embodiments, the system can further include a microprocessor adapted to receive and analyze the health indicator data transmitted by the sensor, formulate the health intervention command related to the health indicator data according to pre-determined parameters, and transmit the health intervention command to the interventional element. In certain embodiments, the pre-determined parameters can comprise a control algorithm configured to automatically control formulation of the health intervention command and transmission of the command to the interventional element. The health intervention command can be transmitted to the interventional element within a clinically relevant time period. 
     In some embodiments of the health monitoring and management system, the sensor and the microprocessor can be attachable to, or integrated with, a garment, such as an embodiment of the compression adjustable garment  10 . In this way, the health intervention can comprise adjustment of the compressive pressure in the garment  10 . As an example, such an embodiment of the compression adjustable garment  10  can include a blood flow sensing system and/or an edema sensing system. The interventional element can comprise the pump  40  connected to the compression element tube  12  or the electrical stimulator  44  connected to the electrically stimulatable yarn  43 . The health intervention can comprise adjustment by the pump  40  of the amount of inflation material in the compression element tube  12 , or adjustment by the electrical stimulator  44  of the amount of longitudinal contraction of the electrically stimulatable yarn  43 , and thereby adjustment of the amount of compressive pressure applied by the compression adjustable garment  10 , related to the level of edema and blood flow detected. 
     The present invention can include embodiments of a compression adjustable garment system. Such a system can comprise the compression adjustable garment  10  comprising the compression element  11  (a) integrated into a fabric structure of the garment  10 , (b) having a compressive pressure capability independent from compressive pressure capabilities inherent in the fabric structure, and (c) adjustable to provide various compressive pressures. In embodiments of the compression adjustable garment system, the compression element  11  can be integrated into the fabric structure by being knit into the fabric structure, by being laid in the fabric structure, or both. 
     Some embodiments of a compression adjustable garment system can further include the sensor  42  adapted to detect changes in one or more health indicators, and a microprocessor adapted to receive and analyze health indicator data from the sensor  42  and formulate a command for adjusting compressive pressure in the garment  10 . In certain embodiments, the microprocessor can be adapted to wirelessly receive the health indicator data from the sensor  42 . The compression element  11  can be adapted to receive the command and adjust the compressive pressure in the garment  10  in response to the health indicator data. In one illustrative embodiment, the sensor  42  can include a blood flow sensing system. The compression element  11  can comprise the inflatable tube  12  controllable by the pump  40 , and adjustment of the compressive pressure in the garment  10  can comprise adjustment by the pump  40  of an amount of inflation of the inflatable tube  12  in response to the level of blood flow detected. In another illustrative embodiment, the compression element  11  can comprise the electrically stimulatable yarn  43  controllable by the electrical stimulator  44 , and adjustment of the compressive pressure in the garment  10  can comprise adjustment by the electrical stimulator  44  of an amount of longitudinal contraction of the electrically stimulatable yarn  43  in response to the level of blood flow detected. Another embodiment of such a system can include the compressive pressure air bladder  50  wearable over the compression adjustable garment  10 , and the compressive pressure provided by the air bladder  50  can be controlled by the pump  40  separate from the garment  10 . 
     The present invention can provide embodiments of a method of using the compression adjustable fabric and garments  10 . Such methods of using the compression adjustable fabric and garments  10  can include combining various components of the compression adjustable fabric and/or garments  10  as described herein. For example, some embodiments of a method can include providing the compression adjustable garment  10  comprising the compression element  11  (a) integrated into portions of a fabric structure, (b) having a compressive pressure capability independent from compressive pressure capabilities inherent in the fabric structure, and (c) adjustable to provide various compressive pressures. The method can further include adjusting the compressive pressure provided in a first portion of the garment  10  while the garment is being worn, and adjusting the compressive pressure provided in a second portion of the garment  10  independently of the adjusting of the compressive pressure provided in a first portion of the garment  10 . 
     In some embodiments of such a method, the compression element  11  can be then inflatable tube  12 , and independently adjusting the compressive pressures can include controlling inflation and deflation of the tube  12  with the pump  40 . In some embodiments of such a method, the compression element  11  can be the electrically stimulatable yarn  43 , and independently adjusting the compressive pressures can include controlling the contraction and relaxation of the yarn  43  with the electrical stimulator  44 . Some embodiments of a method can further include monitoring compressive pressure applied by the compression adjustable garment  10  with the sensor  42 . Some embodiments of a method can further include monitoring blood flow underneath the compression adjustable garment  10 , and adjusting the compressive pressure provided by the garment  10  in response to the level of blood flow detected. 
     Embodiments of the compression adjustable fabric and/or garment  10 , system, and/or method can be utilized in a variety of applications. For example, some embodiments of the fabric, garment, system, and/or method can be utilized with humans, while others may be utilized for adjusting compressive pressure in animals. Some embodiments of the compression adjustable garment  10  can be utilized in care of wounds, either alone or in conjunction with other therapies. For example, the compression adjustable garment  10  can be adapted to adjust compressive pressure applied to a venous stasis ulcer or other wound in a person&#39;s foot while the garment  10  is being worn about the foot and the person is ambulating. In this way, optimal compressive pressures for enhancing blood flow and reducing edema can be applied and adjusted in a dynamic manner. In another application, certain embodiments of the compression adjustable garment  10  can be worn about a person&#39;s arm to adjust levels of compressive pressure about the arm to manage lymphedema. Embodiments of the compression adjustable garment  10 , system, and/or method can be utilized to adjust levels of compressive pressure in virtually any anatomical region about which the garment  10  can be applied. Some embodiments may be particularly useful in managing various levels of compressive pressure in very small regions and/or in finely divided adjacent regions. Such use of this type of “micro-control” may be advantageous, for example, in controlling bleeding or drainage in and about a surgical site. 
     Features of the compression adjustable fabric and garments  10 , a compression adjustable fabric system, and methods of using a compression adjustable fabric and garments  10  of the present invention may be accomplished singularly, or in combination, in one or more of the embodiments of the present invention. Although particular embodiments have been described, it should be recognized that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a compression adjustable fabric and garments  10 , a compression adjustable fabric system, and methods of using a compression adjustable fabric and garments of the present invention may be constructed and implemented in other ways and embodiments. Accordingly, the description herein should not be read as limiting the present invention, as other embodiments also fall within the scope of the present invention.