Source: http://patents.com/us-9814273.html
Timestamp: 2018-12-15 04:12:47
Document Index: 588581132

Matched Legal Cases: ['Application No. 2014', 'Application No. 08755445', 'Application No. 200880018111', 'Application No. 08', 'Application No. 08', 'Application No. 08', 'Application No. 2010', 'Application No. 2010', 'Application No. 08', 'Application No. 2011', 'Application No. 2012']

US Patent # 9,814,273. Articles of apparel providing enhanced body position feedback - Patents.com
United States Patent 9,814,273
Nordstrom , et al. November 14, 2017
Articles of apparel include: (a) a garment structure having one or more fabric elements structured and arranged to provide a close fit to at least one predetermined portion of a body (e.g., area(s) of the body for which enhanced position sensing and/or feedback are desired); and (b) a body position feedback system engaged with or integrally formed as part of the garment structure. The body position feedback system may apply higher tensile or constricting (compressive) forces to selected portions of the wearer's body and/or stretch resistance, which can help stimulate or interact with nerves and deep tissue receptors located in various portions of the body. The increased forces at selected locations of the body give the wearer sensory feedback regarding the position or orientation of these parts of the body and can improve or accelerate development of "muscle memory."
Nordstrom; Matthew D. (Portland, OR), Sokolowski; Susan L. (Portland, OR)
Family ID: 1000002944534
14/196,496
US 20140182045 A1 Jul 3, 2014
13679641 Nov 16, 2012 8677512
12277914 Dec 25, 2012 8336118
11756291 May 3, 2011 7934267
Current CPC Class: A41D 13/0002 (20130101); A41D 13/0015 (20130101); A41B 1/08 (20130101)
Current International Class: A41D 13/00 (20060101); A41B 1/08 (20060101)
Field of Search: ;2/69,115
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1. An article of apparel, comprising: a garment structure for covering at least a portion of a torso of a human, wherein the garment structure includes one or more fabric elements, and wherein the garment structure is structured and arranged so as to provide a close fit to at least some of the torso; and a first body position feedback system engaged with the garment structure, wherein the first body position feedback system includes: (a) a first material layer having a first compressive force application capability that is greater than a compressive force application capability of the fabric element making up a largest proportion of the garment structure, wherein the first material layer is made from a textile or polymer material, wherein the first material layer includes a base area and plural independent legs extending from the base area, and wherein a continuous first opening extends through and along a majority of a length of the plural independent legs and through the base area; and (b) a second material layer engaged with the first material layer and at least partially covering the first opening, wherein the second material layer is made from a fabric or polymer material, and wherein the second material layer has a second compressive force application capability that is lower than the first compressive force application capability.
3. An article of apparel according to claim 2, further comprising: a second body position feedback system engaged with the garment structure, wherein the second body position feedback system includes: (a) a first material layer having a first compressive force application capability that is greater than the compressive force application capability of the fabric element making up the largest proportion of the garment structure, wherein the first material layer of the second body position feedback system is made from a textile or polymer material, wherein the first material layer of the second body position feedback system includes a base area and plural independent legs extending from the base area, and wherein a continuous first opening extends through and along a majority of a length of the plural independent legs and through the base area of the second body position feedback system; and (b) a second material layer engaged with the first material layer of the second body position feedback system and at least partially covering the first opening of the second body position feedback system, wherein the second material layer of the second body position feedback system is made from a fabric or polymer material, and wherein the second material layer of the second body position feedback system has a compressive force application capability that is lower than the first compressive force application capability of the first material layer of the second body position feedback system, wherein the base area of the first material layer of the second body position feedback system is located at a second side or rear portion of the garment structure and one leg of the plural independent legs of the second body position feedback system extends around to the front abdominal portion of the garment structure, and wherein the second body position feedback system is separated from the first body position feedback system.
4. An article of apparel according to claim 1, wherein the base area of the first material layer is located at a first side or rear portion of the garment structure and one leg of the plural independent legs extends around to a front abdominal portion of the garment structure, and wherein the article of apparel further comprises: a second body position feedback system engaged with the garment structure, wherein the second body position feedback system includes: (a) a first material layer having a first compressive force application capability that is greater than the compressive force application capability of the fabric element making up the largest proportion of the garment structure, wherein the first material layer of the second body position feedback system is made from a textile or polymer material, wherein the first material layer of the second body position feedback system includes a base area and plural independent legs extending from the base area, and wherein a continuous first opening extends through and along a majority of a length of the plural independent legs and through the base area of the second body position feedback system; and (b) a second material layer engaged with the first material layer of the second body position feedback system and at least partially covering the first opening of the second body position feedback system, wherein the second material layer of the second body position feedback system is made from a fabric or polymer material, and wherein the second material layer of the second body position feedback system has a compressive force application capability that is lower than the first compressive force application capability of the first material layer of the second body position feedback system, wherein the base area of the first material layer of the second body position feedback system is located at the first side or rear portion of the garment structure and one leg of the plural independent legs extends around to the front abdominal portion of the garment structure, and wherein the first body position feedback system and the second body position feedback system at least partially overlap one another.
5. An article of apparel according to claim 1, wherein the base area of the first material layer is located at a first side or rear portion of the garment structure and one leg of the plural independent legs extends around to the front abdominal portion of the garment structure, and wherein the article of apparel further comprises: a second body position feedback system engaged with the garment structure, wherein the second body position feedback system includes: (a) a first material layer having a first compressive force application capability that is greater than the compressive force application capability of the fabric element making up the largest proportion of the garment structure, wherein the first material layer of the second body position feedback system is made from a textile or polymer material, wherein the first material layer of the second body position feedback system includes a base area and plural independent legs extending from the base area, and wherein a continuous first opening extends through and along a majority of a length of the plural independent legs and through the base area of the second body position feedback system; and (b) a second material layer engaged with the first material layer of the second body position feedback system and at least partially covering the first opening of the second body position feedback system, wherein the second material layer of the second body position feedback system is made from a fabric or polymer material, and wherein the second material layer of the second body position feedback system has a compressive force application capability that is lower than the first compressive force application capability of the first material layer of the second body position feedback system, wherein the base area of the first material layer of the second body position feedback system is located at the first side or rear portion of the garment structure and one leg of the plural independent legs extends around to the front abdominal portion of the garment structure, and wherein the first body position feedback system and the second body position feedback system at least partially overlap one another; a third body position feedback system engaged with the garment structure, wherein the third body position feedback system includes: (a) a first material layer having a first compressive force application capability that is greater than the compressive force application capability of the fabric element making up the largest proportion of the garment structure, wherein the first material layer of the third body position feedback system is made from a textile or polymer material, wherein the first material layer of the third body position feedback system includes a base area and plural independent legs extending from the base area, and wherein a continuous first opening extends through and along a majority of a length of the plural independent legs and through the base area of the third body position feedback system; and (b) a second material layer engaged with the first material layer of the third body position feedback system and at least partially covering the first opening of the third body position feedback system, wherein the second material layer of the third body position feedback system is made from a fabric or polymer material, and wherein the second material layer of the third body position feedback system has a compressive force application capability that is lower than the first compressive force application capability of the first material layer of the third body position feedback system, wherein the base area of the first material layer of the third body position feedback system is located at a second side or rear portion of the garment structure and one leg of the plural independent legs extends around to the front abdominal portion of the garment structure; and a fourth body position feedback system engaged with the garment structure, wherein the fourth body position feedback system includes: (a) a first material layer having a first compressive force application capability that is greater than the compressive force application capability of the fabric element making up the largest proportion of the garment structure, wherein the first material layer of the fourth body position feedback system is made from a textile or polymer material, wherein the first material layer of the fourth body position feedback system includes a base area and plural independent legs extending from the base area, and wherein a continuous first opening extends through and along a majority of a length of the plural independent legs and through the base area of the fourth body position feedback system; and (b) a second material layer engaged with the first material layer of the fourth body position feedback system and at least partially covering the first opening of the fourth body position feedback system, wherein the second material layer of the fourth body position feedback system is made from a fabric or polymer material, and wherein the second material layer of the fourth body position feedback system has a compressive force application capability that is lower than the first compressive force application capability of the first material layer of the fourth body position feedback system, wherein the base area of the first material layer of the fourth body position feedback system is located at the second side or rear portion of the garment structure and one leg of the plural independent legs extends around to the front abdominal portion of the garment structure, and wherein the third body position feedback system and the fourth body position feedback system at least partially overlap one another.
7. An article of apparel according to claim 1, further comprising: a second body position feedback system engaged with the garment structure, wherein the second body position feedback system includes: (a) a first material layer having a first compressive force application capability that is greater than the compressive force application capability of the fabric element making up the largest proportion of the garment structure, wherein the first material layer of the second body position feedback system is made from a textile or polymer material, wherein the first material layer of the second body position feedback system includes a base area and plural independent legs extending from the base area, and wherein a continuous first opening extends through and along a majority of a length of the plural independent legs and through the base area of the second body position feedback system; and (b) a second material layer engaged with the first material layer of the second body position feedback system and at least partially covering the first opening of the second body position feedback system, wherein the second material layer of the second body position feedback system is made from a fabric or polymer material, and wherein the second material layer of the second body position feedback system has a compressive force application capability that is lower than the first compressive force application capability of the first material layer of the second body position feedback system.
8. An article of apparel, comprising: a garment structure for covering at least a portion of a torso of a human, wherein the garment structure includes one or more fabric elements, and wherein the garment structure is structured and arranged so as to provide a close fit to at least some of the torso; and a first body position feedback system engaged with the garment structure, wherein the first body position feedback system includes: (a) a first material layer having a first compressive force application capability that is greater than a compressive force application capability of the fabric element making up a largest proportion of the garment structure, wherein the first material layer is made from a textile or polymer material, wherein the first material layer includes a base area and plural independent legs extending from the base area, wherein a continuous first opening extends along the plural independent legs and through the base area, and wherein the base area is located at a first front pectoral area of the garment structure; and (b) a second material layer engaged with the first material layer and at least partially covering the first opening, wherein the second material layer is made from a fabric or polymer material, and wherein the second material layer has a second compressive force application capability that is lower than the first compressive force application capability.
9. An article of apparel according to claim 8, further comprising: a second body position feedback system engaged with the garment structure, wherein the second body position feedback system includes: (a) a first material layer having a first compressive force application capability that is greater than the compressive force application capability of the fabric element making up the largest proportion of the garment structure, wherein the first material layer of the second body position feedback system is made from a textile or polymer material, wherein the first material layer of the second body position feedback system includes a base area and plural independent legs extending from the base area, and wherein a continuous first opening extends along the plural independent legs and through the base area of the second body position feedback system; and (b) a second material layer engaged with the first material layer of the second body position feedback system and at least partially covering the first opening of the second body position feedback system, wherein the second material layer of the second body position feedback system is made from a fabric or polymer material, and wherein the second material layer of the second body position feedback system has a compressive force application capability that is lower than the first compressive force application capability of the first material layer of the second body position feedback system, wherein the base area of the first material layer of the second body position feedback system is located at a second front pectoral area of the garment structure, and wherein the second body position feedback system is separated from the first body position feedback system.
10. An article of apparel according to claim 8, wherein the article of apparel further comprises: a second body position feedback system engaged with the garment structure, wherein the second body position feedback system includes: (a) a first material layer having a first compressive force application capability that is greater than the compressive force application capability of the fabric element making up the largest proportion of the garment structure, wherein the first material layer of the second body position feedback system is made from a textile or polymer material, wherein the first material layer of the second body position feedback system includes a base area and plural independent legs extending from the base area, and wherein a continuous first opening extends along the plural independent legs and through the base area of the second body position feedback system; and (b) a second material layer engaged with the first material layer of the second body position feedback system and at least partially covering the first opening of the second body position feedback system, wherein the second material layer of the second body position feedback system is made from a fabric or polymer material, and wherein the second material layer of the second body position feedback system has a compressive force application capability that is lower than the first compressive force application capability of the first material layer of the second body position feedback system, wherein the base area of the first material layer of the second body position feedback system is located at a second front pectoral area of the garment structure, and wherein the second body position feedback system is separated from the first body position feedback system; a third body position feedback system engaged with the garment structure, wherein the third body position feedback system includes: (a) a first material layer having a first compressive force application capability that is greater than the compressive force application capability of the fabric element making up the largest proportion of the garment structure, wherein the first material layer of the third body position feedback system is made from a textile or polymer material, wherein the first material layer of the third body position feedback system includes a base area and plural independent legs extending from the base area, and wherein a continuous first opening extends along the plural independent legs and through the base area of the third body position feedback system; and (b) a second material layer engaged with the first material layer of the third body position feedback system and at least partially covering the first opening of the third body position feedback system, wherein the second material layer of the third body position feedback system is made from a fabric or polymer material, and wherein the second material layer of the third body position feedback system has a compressive force application capability that is lower than the first compressive force application capability of the first material layer of the third body position feedback system, wherein the base area of the first material layer of the third body position feedback system is located at a first rear shoulder area of the garment structure; and a fourth body position feedback system engaged with the garment structure, wherein the fourth body position feedback system includes: (a) a first material layer having a first compressive force application capability that is greater than the compressive force application capability of the fabric element making up the largest proportion of the garment structure, wherein the first material layer of the fourth body position feedback system is made from a textile or polymer material, wherein the first material layer of the fourth body position feedback system includes a base area and plural independent legs extending from the base area, and wherein a continuous first opening extends along the plural independent legs and through the base area of the fourth body position feedback system; and (b) a second material layer engaged with the first material layer of the fourth body position feedback system and at least partially covering the first opening of the fourth body position feedback system, wherein the second material layer of the fourth body position feedback system is made from a fabric or polymer material, and wherein the second material layer of the fourth body position feedback system has a compressive force application capability that is lower than the first compressive force application capability of the first material layer of the fourth body position feedback system, wherein the base area of the first material layer of the fourth body position feedback system is located at a second rear shoulder area of the garment structure, and wherein the fourth body position feedback system is separated from the third body position feedback system.
11. An article of apparel according to claim 8, wherein the article of apparel includes a second front pectoral area, a first rear shoulder area on a same side of the garment structure as the first front pectoral area, and a second rear shoulder area on a same side of the garment structure as the second front pectoral area, wherein the article of apparel further comprises: a second body position feedback system engaged with the garment structure, wherein the second body position feedback system includes: (a) a first material layer having a first compressive force application capability that is greater than the compressive force application capability of the fabric element making up the largest proportion of the garment structure, wherein the first material layer of the second body position feedback system is made from a textile or polymer material, wherein the first material layer of the second body position feedback system includes a base area and plural independent legs extending from the base area, and wherein a continuous first opening extends along the plural independent legs and through the base area of the second body position feedback system; and (b) a second material layer engaged with the first material layer of the second body position feedback system and at least partially covering the first opening of the second body position feedback system, wherein the second material layer of the second body position feedback system is made from a fabric or polymer material, and wherein the second material layer of the second body position feedback system has a compressive force application capability that is lower than the first compressive force application capability of the first material layer of the second body position feedback system, wherein the base area of the first material layer of the second body position feedback system is located at the first rear shoulder area of the garment structure, and wherein the second body position feedback system is separated from the first body position feedback system.
12. An article of apparel according to claim 11, further comprising: a third body position feedback system engaged with the garment structure, wherein the third body position feedback system includes: (a) a first material layer having a first compressive force application capability that is greater than the compressive force application capability of the fabric element making up the largest proportion of the garment structure, wherein the first material layer of the third body position feedback system is made from a textile or polymer material, wherein the first material layer of the third body position feedback system includes a base area and plural independent legs extending from the base area, and wherein a continuous first opening extends along the plural independent legs and through the base area of the third body position feedback system; and (b) a second material layer engaged with the first material layer of the third body position feedback system and at least partially covering the first opening of the third body position feedback system, wherein the second material layer of the third body position feedback system is made from a fabric or polymer material, and wherein the second material layer of the third body position feedback system has a compressive force application capability that is lower than the first compressive force application capability of the first material layer of the third body position feedback system, wherein the base area of the first material layer of the third body position feedback system is located at the second rear shoulder area of the garment structure, and wherein the third body position feedback system is separated from the first body position feedback system and the second body position feedback system.
13. An article of apparel according to claim 8, wherein the article of apparel includes a second front pectoral area, a first rear shoulder area on a same side of the garment structure as the first front pectoral area, and a second rear shoulder area on a same side of the garment structure as the second front pectoral area, wherein the article of apparel further comprises: a second body position feedback system engaged with the garment structure, wherein the second body position feedback system includes: (a) a first material layer having a first compressive force application capability that is greater than the compressive force application capability of the fabric element making up the largest proportion of the garment structure, wherein the first material layer of the second body position feedback system is made from a textile or polymer material, wherein the first material layer of the second body position feedback system includes a base area and plural independent legs extending from the base area, and wherein a continuous first opening extends along the plural independent legs and through the base area of the second body position feedback system; and (b) a second material layer engaged with the first material layer of the second body position feedback system and at least partially covering the first opening of the second body position feedback system, wherein the second material layer of the second body position feedback system is made from a fabric or polymer material, and wherein the second material layer of the second body position feedback system has a compressive force application capability that is lower than the first compressive force application capability of the first material layer of the second body position feedback system, wherein the base area of the first material layer of the second body position feedback system is located at the second rear shoulder area of the garment structure, and wherein the second body position feedback system is separated from the first body position feedback system.
14. An article of apparel, comprising: a garment structure for covering at least a portion of a torso of a human, wherein the garment structure includes one or more fabric elements, and wherein the garment structure is structured and arranged so as to provide a close fit to at least some of the torso; and a first body position feedback system engaged with the garment structure, wherein the first body position feedback system includes: (a) a first material layer having a first compressive force application capability that is greater than a compressive force application capability of the fabric element making up a largest proportion of the garment structure, wherein the first material layer is made from a textile or polymer material, wherein the first material layer includes a base area and plural independent legs extending from the base area, wherein a continuous first opening extends along the plural independent legs and through the base area, and wherein the base area is located at a first rear shoulder area of the garment structure; and (b) a second material layer engaged with the first material layer and at least partially covering the first opening, wherein the second material layer is made from a fabric or polymer material, and wherein the second material layer has a second compressive force application capability that is lower than the first compressive force application capability.
15. An article of apparel according to claim 14, further comprising: a second body position feedback system engaged with the garment structure, wherein the second body position feedback system includes: (a) a first material layer having a first compressive force application capability that is greater than the compressive force application capability of the fabric element making up the largest proportion of the garment structure, wherein the first material layer of the second body position feedback system is made from a textile or polymer material, wherein the first material layer of the second body position feedback system includes a base area and plural independent legs extending from the base area, and wherein a continuous first opening extends along the plural independent legs and through the base area of the second body position feedback system; and (b) a second material layer engaged with the first material layer of the second body position feedback system and at least partially covering the first opening of the second body position feedback system, wherein the second material layer of the second body position feedback system is made from a fabric or polymer material, and wherein the second material layer of the second body position feedback system has a compressive force application capability that is lower than the first compressive force application capability of the first material layer of the second body position feedback system, wherein the base area of the first material layer of the second body position feedback system is located at a second rear shoulder area of the garment structure, and wherein the second body position feedback system is separated from the first body position feedback system.
16. An article of apparel according to claim 14, wherein the article of apparel includes a second rear shoulder area, a first front pectoral area on a same side of the garment structure as the first rear shoulder area, and a second front pectoral area on a same side of the garment structure as the second rear shoulder area, wherein the article of apparel further comprises: a second body position feedback system engaged with the garment structure, wherein the second body position feedback system includes: (a) a first material layer having a first compressive force application capability that is greater than the compressive force application capability of the fabric element making up the largest proportion of the garment structure, wherein the first material layer of the second body position feedback system is made from a textile or polymer material, wherein the first material layer of the second body position feedback system includes a base area and plural independent legs extending from the base area, and wherein a continuous first opening extends along the plural independent legs and through the base area of the second body position feedback system; and (b) a second material layer engaged with the first material layer of the second body position feedback system and at least partially covering the first opening of the second body position feedback system, wherein the second material layer of the second body position feedback system is made from a fabric or polymer material, and wherein the second material layer of the second body position feedback system has a compressive force application capability that is lower than the first compressive force application capability of the first material layer of the second body position feedback system, wherein the base area of the first material layer of the second body position feedback system is located at the first front pectoral area of the garment structure, and wherein the second body position feedback system is separated from the first body position feedback system.
17. An article of apparel according to claim 16, further comprising: a third body position feedback system engaged with the garment structure, wherein the third body position feedback system includes: (a) a first material layer having a first compressive force application capability that is greater than the compressive force application capability of the fabric element making up the largest proportion of the garment structure, wherein the first material layer of the third body position feedback system is made from a textile or polymer material, wherein the first material layer of the third body position feedback system includes a base area and plural independent legs extending from the base area, and wherein a continuous first opening extends along the plural independent legs and through the base area of the third body position feedback system; and (b) a second material layer engaged with the first material layer of the third body position feedback system and at least partially covering the first opening of the third body position feedback system, wherein the second material layer of the third body position feedback system is made from a fabric or polymer material, and wherein the second material layer of the third body position feedback system has a compressive force application capability that is lower than the first compressive force application capability of the first material layer of the third body position feedback system, wherein the base area of the first material layer of the third body position feedback system is located at the second front pectoral area of the garment structure, and wherein the third body position feedback system is separated from the first body position feedback system and the second body position feedback system.
18. An article of apparel according to claim 14, wherein the article of apparel includes a second rear shoulder area, a first front pectoral area on a same side of the garment structure as the first rear shoulder area, and a second front pectoral area on a same side of the garment structure as the second rear shoulder area, wherein the article of apparel further comprises: a second body position feedback system engaged with the garment structure, wherein the second body position feedback system includes: (a) a first material layer having a first compressive force application capability that is greater than the compressive force application capability of the fabric element making up the largest proportion of the garment structure, wherein the first material layer of the second body position feedback system is made from a textile or polymer material, wherein the first material layer of the second body position feedback system includes a base area and plural independent legs extending from the base area, and wherein a continuous first opening extends along the plural independent legs and through the base area of the second body position feedback system; and (b) a second material layer engaged with the first material layer of the second body position feedback system and at least partially covering the first opening of the second body position feedback system, wherein the second material layer of the second body position feedback system is made from a fabric or polymer material, and wherein the second material layer of the second body position feedback system has a compressive force application capability that is lower than the first compressive force application capability of the first material layer of the second body position feedback system, wherein the base area of the first material layer of the second body position feedback system is located at the second front pectoral area of the garment structure, and wherein the second body position feedback system is separated from the first body position feedback system.
Many athletic activities require the participants to perform the same or similar activities a repeated number of times, both in practice and during competitive events. For example, golfers repeatedly swing golf clubs over the course of a round or a practice session; baseball, softball, or cricket players repeatedly swing a bat or throw a ball over the course of a game or practice; yoga enthusiasts, gymnasts, and dancers repeatedly perform similar steps, maneuvers, or routines; basketball players repeatedly shoot free throws and other types of shots; football players repeatedly run, throw, kick, block, rush, run, etc.; sailors, kayakers, canoers, crew team members, or other "boat" based athletes repeatedly perform rowing or other motions; runners have repeated and cyclic arm and leg motions; etc.
Working under the watchful eye of a coach or trainer can greatly improve an athlete's form or body positioning, which can result in improved athletic performances. For most people, however, a coach or trainer is not always available, and there often is no great way for the athlete, on his or her own, to check their body positioning and form because many areas of the athlete's body are not visible to him or her during the practice or performance. Human beings cannot readily "feel" the locations of various parts of their body in normal body posture or positions and/or during typical motions (e.g., a human typically cannot "feel" the position of his or her lower back or a position of the foot arch during stances or certain motions). Therefore, an athlete can easily adopt poor posture or body positioning and/or form other habits over time in a manner that deleteriously affects his/her performance.
Aspects of this invention relate to body position feedback systems and garment structures having body position feedback systems incorporated therein. The body position feedback systems may include one or more layers of material that have a compressive force application capability (or resistance to stretching) that is greater than the compressive force application capability (or resistance to stretching) of a material element making up a majority of the garment structure. The body position feedback system does not function to "brace" or alter the position of the wearer's body. Rather, by applying compressive forces at spaced apart locations on the body, the wearer has a heightened tactile feel of the body position feedback system (e.g., amplified sensory information), and therefore, greater awareness of the body's position. In other words, the closely spaced and juxtaposed compressed and uncompressed areas (but not too small or closely spaced) enhances the wearer's "feel" and awareness of the garment on the body and thus the body's position.
As described above, humans cannot readily "feel" the locations of various parts of their body in normal body posture or positions and/or during typical motions or activities. For example, a human's back, and particularly the lower back, has a relatively sparse "touch sensing" neural population. The human body core, its positioning, and its motion (including the back), however, are very important for many athletic activities. For example, the body core is a center point of rotation and power generation in a golf swing. Moreover, being able to repeatedly place the body in the proper posture and correctly positioning the body at the beginning of and over the course of the swing are critical to developing a consistent and repeatable swing (and thereby improving one's golf game).
Aspects of this invention relate to garments that help make wearers more aware of the positioning of various selected parts of the body, e.g., due to enhanced stimulation of nerves, joint mechanoreceptors, and/or deep tissue receptors at the selected parts of the body. Garments can be designed to closely fit (and optionally at least partially wrap around) one or more of the various areas or zones described above in conjunction with FIG. 1. Additionally, such garments can include body position feedback enhancing structures or regions, e.g., that apply a compressive force along or around various parts of the body (and resist tensile elongation), to enhance somatosensory feedback relating to the position of various parts of the body adjacent the enhanced feedback areas of the garment and enhance user "awareness" of the position of these various parts of the body. Such improved "awareness" can help athletes better position themselves, develop "muscle memory," and maintain better positioning over time.
FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate the front and back, respectively, of a garment structure 200 including two example body position feedback systems 202a and 202b in accordance with this invention. In this example structure 200, the body position feedback systems 202a and 202b are designed and located in the garment structure 200 to provide the wearer with information regarding the positioning of the abdominal core, sides, lower back and/or sacrum areas of the body.
The garment structure 200 may be made from one or more fabric elements, e.g., in conventional manners, from conventional materials, and/or of conventional constructions (e.g., using any desired number of individual fabric elements or pieces 220 engaged together via sewing or in another desired manner), without departing from this invention. In some examples, the garment structure 200 may be made at least in part from an elastomeric material, such as a spandex material, or other material that provides a tight, close fit over the body or at least over a portion of the body where the body position feedback systems 202a and 202b are to be located (in the abdominal core, sides, lower back and/or sacrum areas of the body core, in this illustrated example structure 200). As one more specific example, the base fabric 220 of at least part of the garment structure 200 may be a DRI-FIT.RTM. fabric material of the type commercially available from NIKE, Inc. of Beaverton, Oreg. If desired, all or some portions of the base fabric 220 may be made from a mesh material or other breathable material to provide a cool and comfortable fit.
The body position feedback systems 202a and 202b in this example structure 200 include various vertically staggered legs 206, 208, 210, 212, and 214 that extend from a base area 204 located at the central back area. The legs 206, 208, 210, 212, and 214 extend from the central back area, around the garment sides, and to the central front area of the garment structure 200. The body position feedback systems 202a and 202b, including at least some of the legs 206, 208, 210, 212, and 214, will have a higher "modulus of elasticity" (e.g., resistance to stretching, compressive force applying capability, etc.) as compared to the modulus of elasticity (e.g., resistance to stretching, compressive force applying capability, etc.) associated with a material 220 or structure making up the largest proportion of the garment structure 200 and/or the material 220 or structures that the feedback systems 202a or 202b cover.
While the body position feedback systems 202a and 202b can take on a wide variety of sizes and shapes without departing from this invention, as illustrated in the example structure 200 of FIGS. 2A and 2B, at least some portions of the body position feedback systems 202a and 202b will have a continuous structure in a direction so as to extend around (or wrap around) a sufficient part of the body for which enhanced position sensing is desired. For example, FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate that each of legs 206, 208, 210, 212, and 214 extends from the central back area, around the garment side, and to the central front area of the garment structure 200. The legs 206, 208, 210, 212, and/or 214 may be arranged to provide feedback associated with specific targeted body parts, such as one or more vertebrae or other areas of the abdominal, lumbar, or core area of the body. During the desired activity (e.g., when at the golf ball address position, during a golf swing, when setting up to pitch or throw a ball, etc.), the abdomen and/or lower back (or other portion of the body) will stretch or move against the relatively high stretch resistance or compressive force associated with the body position feedback systems 202a and 202b. Because of its higher resistance to stretching, the legs 206, 208, 210, 212, and 214 of the body position feedback systems 202a and 202b will cause some level of compression or resistance to the stretching or movement (without substantially impeding, altering, or affecting the desired movement), which helps better stimulate the deep tissue located nerves or sensory receptors in the wearer's abdomen and lower back. This stimulation provides sensory feedback to the garment wearer and better makes the wearer aware of the positioning of the targeted part of the body.
FIGS. 3A through 3C illustrate more details of a body position feedback system 202a according to this example of the invention. FIG. 3A shows a first material layer 300 that may provide all or a majority of the high "modulus of elasticity" (e.g., resistance to stretching, compressive force applying capability, etc.) in the system 202a. As shown in FIG. 3A, this first material layer 300 includes a common base area 304 and five legs 306, 308, 310, 312, and 314 extending from the common base area 304 in a parallel (or substantially parallel, e.g., .+-.10.degree.) direction. The free ends 306a, 308a, 310a, 312a, and 314a of the legs 306, 308, 310, 312, and 314 have somewhat expanded width dimensions W.sub.2 as compared to the width dimensions W.sub.1 of the majority of their longitudinal lengths. While shown as a common size in this example structure 300, the various legs, their free ends, and the like, may take on a wide variety of sizes, shapes, positions, and the like without departing from this invention, and the various sizes, shapes, and relative positions may vary within a given material layer structure 300.
The first material layer 300 includes one or more openings 302 defined therein. The openings 302 may take on a wide variety of configurations without departing from this invention, such as continuous, discontinuous, in a repeating pattern, in an irregular pattern, etc. In this illustrated example, the first material layer 300 has a single, continuous opening 302 defined therein, which generally extends throughout the base area 304 and along a majority of the length of the legs 306, 308, 310, 312, and 314. While shown as stopping at the start of the expanded free ends 306a, 308a, 310a, 312a, and 314a in this example structure, the opening(s) 302, if any, may extend any desired amount of the base area 304 and/or the leg elements 306, 308, 310, 312, and 314 without departing from this invention. While not necessary in all body position feedback systems, the opening(s) 302 provide somewhat greater flexibility to the first material layer 300 (to help reduce or eliminate "bunching" when flexed), and they help reduce the heat retention of the garment structure at the areas around the first material layer 300.
If desired, the opening(s) 302 in the first material layer 300 may be covered. FIG. 3B illustrates an example of a second material layer 320 that may be applied over the opening(s) 302 to provide a body position feedback system 202a (shown in FIG. 3C). If desired, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the second material layer 320 may have generally the same size and shape as the first material layer member 300, but, if desired, the second material layer 320 may be of somewhat different size (e.g., somewhat smaller) and/or somewhat different shape (e.g., with no expanded end portions, shorter, etc.).
The second material layer 320 may be made from any desired material without departing from this invention, including any type of material conventionally used in garment and apparel manufacture. In at least some examples of this invention, the second material layer 320 will be made from a flexible material, such as cotton, polyester, etc., and optionally from the same material included in at least one of the other fabric elements 220 of the garment structure 200. While in some example structures the second material layer 320 may be made from a material having a higher resistance to stretching or higher compressive force application capability than that of the fabric element making up the largest proportion of the garment structure 200 and/or a higher resistance to stretching or higher compressive force application capability than the first material layer 300, in this illustrated example structure the second material layer 320 will have the same or a lower resistance to stretching than the first material layer 300. As some more specific examples, the second material layer 320 may be made from a mesh material, such as high performance sweat management materials (e.g., thin, lightweight fabrics made from or containing polyester microfibers, polyester microfiber/cotton blends, polyester microfiber/cotton/spandex blends, polyester/spandex blends, and the like), such as "Sphere Dry" polyester knit materials and/or a Dri-FIT.RTM. polyester materials, e.g., as included in various commercial products available from NIKE, Inc., of Beaverton, Oreg. (this same material or similar materials also may be used as other fabric elements 220 in the overall garment structure 200).
As shown in FIG. 3C, the largest continuous dimensions of the high compressive force applying regions 202a (length dimension "L.sub.1") corresponds to the location(s) of the legs 206, 208, 210, 212, and 214, extending across the central back area to the central front area. Each leg 206, 208, 210, 212, and 214 includes separate free end regions (206a, 208a, 210a, 212a, and 214a), and the legs 206, 208, 210, 212, and 214 are connected to one another in this example structure 202a by a common base region 204. Like the legs 206, 208, 210, 212, and 214, the common base region 204 may be made of a material having a higher stretch resistance (or compressive force application capability) than that of the fabric element making up the largest proportion of the garment structure 200 and/or that of the material(s) that it covers. This base region 204 may be located at the central back region of the garment structure 200, optionally off to one side of the very center spine area of the garment 200. While not necessary in all body position feedback system structures according to the invention, base region 204 holds legs 206, 208, 210, 212, and 214 together, which can assist in positioning the feedback system 202a on the garment 200 and manufacturing the overall garment 200.
As noted above, in this illustrated example structure 202a, at least one of the legs 206, 208, 210, 212, and/or 214 will have a sufficient overall length (dimension "L.sub.1" from one free end 206a, 208a, 210a, 212a, and/or 214a of a leg 206, 208, 210, 212, and/or 214 to the opposite end of the base area 204--see FIG. 3C) so as to extend around the desired portion of the body (from the central back area, around the side, to the central front area, in this example). In this manner, the legs 206, 208, 210, 212, and/or 214 will apply a stretch or movement resisting force (or a compressive force) to that portion of the body. This overall length dimension "L.sub.1" may vary, e.g., depending on the garment size and/or the portion of the body to be contained (e.g., at least 10 cm, at least 15 cm, at least 25 cm, at least 30 cm, or even more). Moreover, in at least some example structures 202a, this length dimension L.sub.1 will be substantially greater than the overall width dimension "W.sub.1" of the corresponding leg 206, 208, 210, 212, and/or 214 at its central area and/or substantially greater than the overall width dimension "W.sub.2" of the free ends portions 206a, 208a, 210a, 212a, and/or 214a of the legs 206, 208, 210, 212, and/or 214. In at least some example structures according to this invention, the L.sub.1:W.sub.1 and/or L.sub.1:W.sub.2 ratio may be at least 4, and in some structures, it may be at least 7, at least 10, at least 12, or even more. Similarly, the actual leg length dimension L.sub.2, absent the common base region 204, may be in a range from 0.5 L.sub.1 to 0.99 L.sub.1, or even within the ranges of 0.75 L.sub.1 to 0.95 L.sub.1 or 0.85 L.sub.1 to 0.95 L.sub.1.
FIG. 3C further illustrates that the higher compressive force applying legs 206, 208, 210, 212, and 214 are separated from one another. This separation provides several adjacent areas with differently applied compressive forces (e.g., areas with compressive forces applied thereto located adjacent to areas without compressive force applied thereto). This "differential" of applied forces (or differential in resistance to stretching) can further enhance the wearer's "feel" and awareness of the body position. Any desired distance or amount of separation may be used without departing from this invention. As some more specific examples, the separation distance along the majority of the length of the legs "S.sub.1" (exclusive of the free end portions 206a, 208a, 210a, 212a, and/or 214a) may be within the range of 0.25 W.sub.1 to 2 W.sub.1, and in some structures, within the range of 0.5 W.sub.1 to 1.5 W.sub.1 or even 0.75 W.sub.1 to 1.25 W.sub.1. The free ends 206a, 208a, 210a, 212a, and/or 214a may maintain a separation distance "S.sub.2", if desired. As some more specific examples, if desired, S.sub.2 may be within the range of 0 to 1.5 W.sub.1, and in some examples, between 0 to 1 W.sub.1, or even 0 to 0.5 W.sub.1.
As mentioned above, body position feedback systems in accordance with this invention may be separately attached to a garment structure (e.g., overlaying one or more fabric elements of a conventional article of apparel structure, etc.) or it may be integrally formed as part of the garment structure. Both of these types of body position feedback systems may take on a wide variety of different forms and/or constructions without departing from this invention. One example of a suitable body position feedback system (e.g., systems 202a and 202b of FIGS. 2A and 2B) and its construction and incorporation into an article of apparel structure is described in more detail below in conjunction with FIGS. 4A through 4F.
The body position feedback system of this example of the invention may be constructed, for example, by the method illustrated in FIGS. 4A through 4F. This example body position feedback system is a multilayer construction that may be separately applied to an existing garment structure (e.g., a shirt, tank top, undergarment, leotard, etc.). FIG. 4A illustrates production of a first layer 300 of the example body position feedback system structure 202a of FIGS. 2A and 2B. As shown, in this step, one or more first layer members 300 are cut out from a larger blank or piece of material 316. Any desired type of cutting operation may be utilized without departing from the invention, including, for example, die cutting, laser cutting, hand cutting, and the like. Also, any desired type of material 316 may be used without departing from this invention. In this illustrated example, the material 316 may be a material having a higher modulus of elasticity (e.g., more resistant to tensile stretching forces and/or providing a higher compression force) as compared to that of the fabric elements making up other portions of the garment structure (e.g., compared to the stretch resistance or compressive force applying capability for the spandex, cotton, polyester, or other fabric elements 220 making up the garment structure 200). As some more specific examples, material 316 may be materials commonly used in tackle twill production, a canvas type material, a polyester type material, a thermoplastic polyurethane adhesive material, etc. In some structures, the material 316 will be made from or contain a suitable material so as to allow first material layer 300 to be joined to another material later in the body position feedback system construction process (e.g., by lamination processes, through application of heat and/or pressure, by adhesives, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, if desired, the higher compressive force applying material layer 300 may be made from multiple pieces joined together without departing from this invention (e.g., joined by sewing or stitching; adhesives or cements; mechanical connectors (such as hook-and-loop fasteners); etc.).
FIG. 4B illustrates another step in this example process for producing body position feedback systems. This step is a material 322 cutting step like that described above in conjunction with FIG. 4A, but in this instance, the material 322 forms a second layer of the overall body position feedback system structure 202a. Any desired type of cutting operation, including those described above in conjunction with FIG. 4A, may be used for this step without departing from the invention. In general, the material 322 is cut into one or more second layer members 320 having generally the same size and shape as the first layer member 300, but, if desired, the members 320 may be of somewhat different size (e.g., somewhat smaller) and/or somewhat different shape.
The second material layer 320 may be made from any desired material 322 without departing from this invention, including any type of material conventionally used in garment and apparel manufacture. In at least some examples of this invention, the second material layer 320 will be made from a flexible material, such as cotton, polyester, etc., and optionally from the same material included in at least one of the other fabric elements 220 of the garment structure 200. While in some example structures the second material layer 320 may be made from a material having a higher resistance to stretching than that of the fabric element making up the largest proportion of the garment structure 200 and/or a higher resistance to stretching than the first material layer 300, in this illustrated example structure the second material layer 320 will have the same or a lower resistance to stretching than the first material layer 300. As some more specific examples, the second material layer 320 may be made from a mesh material, such as high performance sweat management materials (e.g., thin, lightweight fabrics made from or containing polyester microfibers, polyester microfiber/cotton blends, polyester microfiber/cotton/spandex blends, polyester/spandex blends, high compression meshes, and the like), such as "Sphere Dry" polyester knit materials and/or a Dri-FIT.RTM. polyester materials, e.g., as included in various commercial products available from NIKE, Inc., of Beaverton, Oreg. (this same material or similar materials also may be used as other fabric elements 220 in the overall garment structure 200).
FIG. 5 illustrates cross sectional views of various examples of attachable body position feedback systems in accordance with this invention, e.g., of the multilayer types described above in conjunction with FIGS. 2A through 4F. The upper cross sectional view in FIG. 5 illustrates the body position feedback system 202a in which the first material layer 300 and the base layer 330 are substantially the same size and shape, and the second material layer 320 is sandwiched between these layers. As illustrated in the upper portion of FIG. 5, the second material layer 320 is somewhat smaller than the other layers, which leaves the outer edges of the first material layer 300 and the base layer 330 exposed so they may be joined together with one another (e.g., by adhesives or cements, by lamination techniques, by stitching or sewing, etc.). The bottom cross sectional view in FIG. 5, on the other hand, shows the base layer 330 somewhat larger than the first material layer 300 (and extending beyond the edges of the first material layer 300). The first material layer 300 is somewhat larger than the second material layer 320 (and the second material layer 320 is sandwiched between the first material layer 300 and the base layer 330). Again, any desired method of joining the various layers together may be used without departing from this invention including the methods described above in conjunction with the upper cross sectional portion of FIG. 5. This structure, if desired, may be used to produce a body position feedback system 202a having a tackle twill type appearance in its final structure.
FIG. 5 illustrates another optional feature that may be included in garment structures and/or body position feedback systems in accordance with at least some examples of this invention. As illustrated in the bottom cross sectional view of FIG. 5, one or more layers of the body position feedback system 202a may include "texturing" features or elements. The texturing is shown in FIG. 5 by raised areas 350 extending from the bottom of base layer 330. Texturing of this type may further enhance the wearer's "feel" of the body position feedback system 202a, better stimulate the nerves and deep tissue receptors, etc. The raised areas 350 may be provided on any desired surface or layer of the body position feedback system 202a (and/or on any portion thereof), and they may be any desired size or shape (e.g., raised at least 1 mm, at least 2 mm, at least 3 mm, at least 5 mm, or even at least 8 mm, with respect to the base surface level of the layer with which they are included (e.g., layer 330 in FIG. 5)). The raised areas 350 may be integrally formed as part of the layer structure 330 (e.g., molded or embossed therein) or applied thereto as separate elements (e.g., printed thereon, silicone dot elements applied thereto, mechanical fastener elements or portions thereof (e.g., male snap elements), etc.). While the texturing 350 may be uniformly and evenly applied across the layer of material, it also may be concentrated at specific locations, including present in multiple, discrete locations at one or more portions of the layer of material to which it is applied.
FIG. 6A illustrates a garment structure 600 that includes a lower body core position feedback system 602. The lower body core position feedback system of FIGS. 2A and 2B included two feedback systems 202a and 202b, one arranged on each side of the wearer's body (with the connected base members 204 extending along the sides of the central back portion of the garment structure). The free arms of those feedback systems 202a and 202b extended from their respective base members 204, around the garment sides, and to a central front portion of the garment structure. In the example of FIGS. 6A and 6B, the feedback system 602 includes multiple separate bands 602a through 602e that extend almost completely around the garment structure 600, from one central front side of the garment structure 600 to the other central front side. If desired, as illustrated in FIG. 6A, a gap G may remain between the free ends 604 of each of the bands 602a through 602e.
Any desired gap distance G may be maintained without departing from this invention, including, for example, gaps within the range of 1 cm to 40 cm, and in some examples, from 2 cm to 20 cm, or even from 5 cm to 15 cm. The bands 602a through 602e may have any desired widths W, and may be separated from one another by any desired separation distances S, including, for example, the widths W.sub.1 and W.sub.2 and separation distances S.sub.1 and S.sub.2 described above with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3C. The bands 602a through 602e also may have any desired overall length L, e.g., depending on the garment size and the desired circumferential expanse, such as from 15 cm to 120 cm, and in some examples, from 25 cm to 100 cm or even from 30 cm to 75 cm. The gap distance G, leg widths W, separation distances S, and leg lengths L may be constant or may vary within the various feedback devices 602 provided on an individual garment structure 600.
If desired, the bands 602a through 602e may extend around the garment structure 600, always maintaining at least some separation between the individual bands 602a through 602e. Alternatively, if desired, at least some of the bands 602a through 602e may cross one another and/or overlap one another, without departing from this invention. Also, if desired, the bands may extend only approximately halfway around the garment structure 600 (e.g., in an arrangement like that shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, but without the connecting base portion 204 connecting the individual legs). The bands 602a through 602e may be made of any desired material(s), including the various materials described above for the multilayered construction of FIGS. 4A through 4F, and, if further desired, the bands 602a through 602e may be engaged with the material of the garment structure 600 in the same manners as described above.
Any desired gap distance G, widths W, separation distances S, and leg lengths L may be provided without departing from this invention, including, for example, the gaps, widths (including widths W.sub.1 and W.sub.2), separation distances (including separation distances S.sub.1 and S.sub.2), and leg lengths L (including leg lengths L.sub.1 and L.sub.2), described above in conjunction with FIGS. 2A through 4F. The gap distance G, leg widths W, separation distances S, and leg lengths L may be constant or may vary within the various feedback devices 700 provided on an individual garment structure 750.
FIG. 9 illustrates another body position feedback device 902 on a garment structure 900. This feedback device 902 is arranged in the upper back and shoulder areas and spans continuously across the upper back from one shoulder area to the other shoulder area. In this example structure 900, the feedback device 902 is in the form of a matrix, with plural bands 904 extending in substantially diagonal directions across the structure 902. The bands 904, which may be made from a material having compressive force application capability or resistance to stretching, cross one another to create the matrix type structure. The area between the bands 904 helps create the feel "differential" described above and enable the wearer to better "feel" the positioning of the shoulders and upper back.
FIG. 10 illustrates another body position feedback device arrangement for the shoulder area of a garment structure 1000. This feedback device arrangement includes two portions, one portion 1002a provided on one shoulder and another portion 1002b provided on the other shoulder. If desired, these two portions 1002a and 1002b may be maintained separately, or they may be joined together across the upper back portion (e.g., in an arrangement like that shown in FIG. 9). Again, in this example structure, the feedback devices 1002a and 1002b are in the form of matrices, with plural bands 1004 extending in substantially diagonal directions across the structures 1002a and 1002b. The bands 1004, which may be made from a material having compressive force application capability or resistance to stretching, cross one another to create the matrix type structure. The area between the bands 1004 helps create the feel "differential" described above and enable the wearer to better "feel" the positioning of the shoulders and upper back.
The bands 1004 within a given garment structure 1000 may have the same or different compressive force application capability or resistance to stretching without departing from this invention. As some examples, the compressive force application capability may change over the area of the overall feedback device structure 1002a and 1002b, or the bands 1004 extending in one direction may have a different compressive force application capability or resistance to stretching as compared to the bands 1004 extending in another direction.
The feedback devices 1002a and 1002b may have any desired construction without departing from this invention, including a single layer construction or a multi-layered construction as described above. When separate devices, the feedback devices 1002a and 1002b may be the same or different without departing from this invention. Also, the feedback devices 1002a and 1002b may be engaged with the underlying garment material in any desired manner without departing from this invention, including the various manners described above.
The legs 1106 may be made from a material having compressive force application capability or resistance to stretching. The areas between the legs 1106, the open central base area 1104, and the discontinuities in the legs 1106 (if any) help create the feel "differential" described above and enable the wearer to better "feel" the positioning of the shoulders and arms. The legs 1106 within a given garment structure 1100 may have the same or different compressive force application capability or resistance to stretching without departing from this invention. As some examples, the compressive force application capability may differ for the two shoulders, or the vertical legs 1106 may have different compressive force application capability or resistance to stress properties from the horizontal legs 1106.
FIGS. 10 and 11A illustrate another feature that may be provided in garment structures in accordance with at least some examples of this invention. As shown in these figures, the feedback devices 1002a, 1002b, and 1102 may have a contrasting color from the portion of the garment structure 1000 and 1100 to which it is attached. This feature can help the wearer better visually see the feedback devices 1002a, 1002b, and 1102, which can provide a visual clue or visual information to help the wearer return repeatedly to the same posture or body positioning. For example, in addition to tactilely feeling aspects of the body's positioning due to the compressive force application or resistance to stretch, the color contrast can help the wearer better see features of the body's position, such as the torso's turn, the shoulder's roll, etc.
Additionally, aspects of this invention can be extended to use with other garment structures and garment structures designed for providing feedback information for different targeted areas of the body (e.g., any of the zones illustrated in FIG. 1). As some more specific examples, aspects of this invention may be extended for use with garment structures specifically designed and tailored to provide position feedback information to the wearer relating to positioning of at least portions of the hands, feet, ankles, calves, knees, arms, elbows, shoulders, abdomen, sacrum or other portions of the back, core, hips, neck, etc. Any type of garment structure that tightly fits against, wraps around, and/or at least partially contains one or more of these portions of the body may be provided in accordance with examples of this invention. Also, garment structures incorporating aspects of the invention may be developed for use in a wide variety of sports, athletic performances, and/or other activities, including any activity where proper body posture, movement, and/or positioning may affect performance and/or development of "muscle memory" may enhance performance. Examples of such sports and/or activities include but are not limited to: golf, baseball, softball, cricket, basketball, football, hockey, skiing, snow boarding, rowing sports, sailing, weightlifting, sprinting, running, jogging, walking, gymnastics, cycling, skateboarding, soccer, swimming, diving, tennis, yoga, dance, volleyball, bobsledding, luge, lacrosse, etc.
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