US20130047313A1

US20130047313A1 - Thermal regulating compression garments

Info

Publication number: US20130047313A1
Application number: US13/696,713
Authority: US
Inventors: Theresa A. Windisch; John R. Miers
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-05-07
Filing date: 2011-05-06
Publication date: 2013-02-28
Also published as: WO2011140487A3; WO2011140487A2

Abstract

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

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a National Phase entry of PCT/US2011/035591, filed on 6 May 2011, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/332,450, filed on 7 May 2010.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to garments and other products incorporating compression materials, and more particularly medical garments, protective wear, and products made from compression fabrics.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Compression garments, and particularly compression hosiery, are useful in providing support and increasing blood flow. Compression hosiery generally creates pressure on the veins, muscles, and arteries that assists in forcing blood in circulating motion. The resulting pressure can eliminate blood pooling at the feet by assisting blood flow back to the heart.
Compression hosiery can be particularly useful in treatment of diabetes, which results in poor circulation in the extremities. Diabetics suffer from increased risk of foot conditions such as calluses, ulcers, and even amputations. It has been determined that more than 60% of non-traumatic lower-limb amputations occur among people with diabetes. In 2000-2001, over 80,000 non-traumatic lower-limb amputations were performed among people with diabetes. Furthermore, cancer patients, burn patients, and others suffering from a weakened immune system as a result of treatments may also benefit by increasing oxygen and blood flow, such as to a burn area to increase the healing properties of tissue.
There is a continuing need for improved medical garments for treating and preventing diseases and conditions resulting from poor circulation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides medical products and/or protective apparel that incorporate thermal energy regulating fabrics in combination with compression to relieve or reduce or eliminate symptoms of particular conditions and/or diseases. The thermal energy regulating fabrics can be any suitable material that removes, absorbs, stores, introduces, and/or otherwise regulates thermal energy. The fabric material can include any suitable fabric, such as including natural and/or synthetic fibers or yarns, and be woven or nonwoven.
It has been unexpectedly discovered that the thermal regulation features of phase change materials can be combined with compression according to this invention to reduce or eliminate symptoms or conditions in medical patients. In one embodiment of this invention the phase change material is incorporated in garments such as hosiery for patients afflicted with, for example, diabetes or cardiovascular conditions. The garments have compressive properties to improve circulation, particularly in the patient's extremities. Hosiery can be in the form of socks, stockings/leggings, gloves, and/or arm stockings. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the use of the fabric including the phase change material in compression hosiery synergistically improves the effect of the hosiery, while at the same time reduces discomfort for the patient. The phase change material's thermal regulation regulates patient skin or body temperature and/or reduces skin irritation.
The garments can also have many government applications. The garments, through compression and thermal regulation in areas can maintain blood and oxygen flow to the heart and brain while in flight, thereby reducing the likelihood of the crew suffering from loss of consciousness while conducting aerial maneuvers. The thermal features of the garments can be used or incorporated with other equipment to reduce thermal fingerprints while wearing one piece of material. The garments can also include Kevlar and similar materials to provide ballistic protection. The garments can also reduce ulcers, blisters, and/or common ailments for particular occupations, such as soldiers and/or postal workers, in addition to helping with types of fatiguing ailments such as arthritis, polio, etc.
The general object of the invention can be attained, at least in part, by a compression garment including a thermal energy regulating fabric and a compression gradient of increasing compression pressure. The compression garment can include a first region of a first, and generally constant, compression pressure and at least one adjacent second region including a compression gradient of increasing compression pressure, where the compression gradient increases in pressure in a direction toward the first region.
The invention further comprehends a compression garment, including a thermal energy regulating fabric and multiple compression regions. A first region has a first compression pressure, a second region adjacent a first side of the first region includes a first compression gradient increasing in compression pressure in a direction toward the first region, and a third region adjacent a second side of the first compression region includes a second compression gradient increasing in compression pressure in a direction toward the first region.
The invention still further comprehends a compression hosiery garment including a foot portion and a leg portion each formed of a fabric including a thermal energy regulating phase change material. The foot portion includes a first increasing compression gradient extending from a toe region in a direction toward the leg portion. The leg portion includes a second increasing compression gradient extending from an open end toward the foot portion. A region of a continuous higher compression pressure is disposed between the first increasing compression gradient and the second increasing pressure gradient. The region of higher compression pressure extends circumferentially about the foot portion and over an ankle and/or heel region of the foot portion.
Other objects and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the appended claims and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a compression sock according to one embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a compression cap according to another embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 3 is a compression glove according to another embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 4 is a compression shirt according to yet another embodiment of this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a compression garment made at least in part of a thermal energy regulating fabric and including a compression gradient of increasing compression pressure.
FIG. 1 illustrates a compression garment, and more particular a compression sock 20, according to one embodiment of this invention. The compression sock 20, as is typical with foot hosiery, includes a foot portion 22 for receiving and covering a foot and a leg portion 24 for receiving and covering at least a portion of a leg. The foot portion 22 extends from a toe region 26 at a sock first end 28 to the leg portion 24. The foot portion also includes a heel region 30 and an ankle region 32. The foot portion 22 is connected to the leg portion 24 at a real or imaginary seam 34. The leg portion 24, between the foot portion 22 and a sock second end 36, includes an opening 38 for receiving a foot and leg.
The sock 20 includes at least three regions of different compression. In one embodiment of this invention, a first region of a generally or substantially constant and/or higher or highest compression is disposed between two adjacent regions of compression gradients. Each of the regions of compression gradients include a compression gradient of increasing compression pressure, each desirably increasing toward the first region. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that depending on the particular dimensions of the foot of the person donning the sock, the compression gradients and first region of constant or higher pressure will vary during use between users for identical socks. However, these minor variations in pressure resulting from differences in users can be minimized by providing multiple sock sizes and are not considered to significantly impact the general nature of the garment, namely a central region of constant and/or higher compression pressure between to regions of increasing pressure gradients.
Referring to FIG. 1, the foot portion 22 of sock 20 includes a first region 40 having a first compression pressure that is generally constant and/or of a higher compression pressure than the surrounding regions. In one embodiment of the invention, the first region 40 is generally disposed at or around the ankle region 32, and desirably extends circumferentially around the sock 20 and over the heel region 30. In FIG. 1, the first region 40 extends between the real or imaginary seam 34 and an approximate mid-portion of the foot portion 22 illustrated by dashed line 42. The positions of the boundaries of the first region 40, and particularly the boundary end toward the toe region 26 and illustrated by line 42, are flexible depending on need, but are desirably on opposing sides of the user's ankle and ankle portion 32.
The foot portion 22 includes a second region 50 adjacent a first side (at line 42) of the first region 40. The second region 50 includes a first compression gradient increasing in compression pressure in a direction toward the first region 40. The first compression gradient can begin at the sock first end 28, within the toe region 26, or at any position, depending on need, between the first region 40 and the toe region 26.
The leg portion 24 includes a third region 60 adjacent a second side (at seam 34) of the first compression region 40. The third region 60 includes a second compression gradient increasing in compression pressure in a direction toward the first region 40. The second compression gradient can begin at the sock second end 36, below a band or cuff around the sock opening 38, or at any position between the sock second end 36 and the first portion 40, and increase in compression pressure in a direction toward the first region 40.
The compression provided in the first region 40 and the compression gradients can be provided by known and available manufacturing methods, such as incorporating elastic threads or laminates and/or increasing fabric thickness. The compressive forces of products of particular embodiments of this invention can be provided by elastic or stretchable materials. The elastic or stretchable materials can be embodied as fibers, sheets, films, or mesh materials. The fabric can be formed from or including these elastic or stretchable materials, or the elastic or stretchable materials can be laminated, e.g., extruded or adhered, onto or between one or more fabric layers. The amount, type, and configuration of the elastic or stretchable materials can vary depending on need for a particular product or material.
In one particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the compression pressure is provided by incorporating elastic threads into the fabric of the sock 20. In areas of higher compression pressure, more and/or higher elastic fibers can be used. Areas of increasing compression pressure or compression gradients can be provided by a gradual increase of elastic fibers and/or a plurality of more abrupt compression pressure increases. The transitions between adjacent compression regions, such as between the first region 40 and each of the second and third regions 50 and 60, can be an abrupt jump in pressure, e.g., from about 15 mmHg to about 20 mmHg, or a gradual transition of the gradient to the higher pressure of the first region 40. In one embodiment of the invention, the first region 40 provides a compression pressure from about 18 mmHg to about 22 mmHg, more desirably about 19 mmHg to about 21 mmHg, and preferably about 20 mmHg. The first compression gradient and/or the second compression gradient desirably include an increasing compression pressure from a lower compression pressure to a higher compression pressure. The lower compression pressure is desirably about 8 mmHg to about 13 mmHg, more desirably about 10 mmHg to about 12 mmHg, and preferably about 11 mmHg. The higher compression pressure is desirably about 13 mmHg to about 20 mmHg, more desirably about 14 mmHg to about 18 mmHg, and preferably about 15 mmHg. The above listed compression values represent values determined according to industry standard machine testing, such as using compression measurement equipment available from the Bolam Corporation. As discussed previously, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate a minimal variation in actual compression pressure during use between different users of the same garment due to variations in size and shape of body parts.
In one preferred embodiment of this invention, the compression garment is formed of a thermal energy regulating fabric in combination with the above described compression to relieve or reduce or eliminate symptoms of particular conditions or diseases. The thermal energy regulating fabric can be any suitable material that removes, absorbs, stores, introduces, and/or otherwise regulates thermal energy. The fabric material can include any suitable fabric, such as including natural and/or synthetic fibers or yarns, and can be woven or nonwoven.
In one embodiment of this invention, the thermal energy regulating fabric includes or incorporates one or more thermal energy regulating material incorporated into the garment fabric. As used herein, the term thermal energy regulating material refers to a material that absorbs heat when temperature rises and releases heat when the temperature falls, and includes phase change materials. The phase change materials incorporated in or on the fabrics and products of this invention absorb heat to change phase, e.g., melt, and then can release the heat when the external heat is removed to return to the original phase, e.g., a solid. The phase change material can be contained, such as though encapsulation to provide a thermal storage material that can absorb and release thermal energy. One such commonly used phase change material is wax, and more particularly paraffin wax, that when encapsulated absorbs thermal energy to liquefy and then release thermal energy to harden. Through the absorption, storage, and release of heat, through the change of phase from solid to liquid to solid, the phase change materials can provide a buffer against temperature swings.
Various fabric materials with various phase change materials are suitable for use in the products of this invention. The phase change material can be incorporated in or on a thread for use in knitting the garment. One suitable change textile material is sold under the name OUTLAST by Outlast Technologies, Inc. (Boulder, Colo.). According to the manufacturer, OUTLAST fabric incorporates small amounts of phase change materials microencapsulated in a shell material so that the phase change materials are permanently enclosed and protected. The protective polymer shell is desirably very durable and designed to withstand textile production methods used in fiber, yarn spinning, weaving, knitting, and coating applications that can be used to create garments according to this invention. The microencapsulated phase change materials can be applied as a finishing on fabrics or infused into fibers during manufacture.
Various and alternative natural and/or synthetic, woven and/or nonwoven fabric materials can be used to incorporate the phase change material. Other suitable fabric or fiber materials incorporating phase change materials are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,855,410; 6,319,599; 6,207,738; 6,689,466; and/or 7,244,497, all incorporated herein by reference as suitable phase change and/or fiber/fabric materials for use in one or more products of this invention.
In one embodiment of this invention, the thermal regulating fabric includes the thermal regulating material knitted, woven or otherwise combined to form a fabric with other suitable fabric forming materials. Exemplary materials include cotton, wool, nylon, acrylic, polyester, olefins (such as polypropylene), spandex, silk, bamboo, linen, cashmere, mohair, and combinations thereof. In one preferred embodiment of this invention, the thermal regulating material is knitted, woven, or otherwise combined with acrylic fibers, nylon fibers, and elastic fibers to form a garment such as sock 20. Moisture wicking fabrics may be preferable used to reduce user perspiration. The materials and products of this invention can also incorporate various and alternative antimicrobial agents and/or UV stabilizers that are suitable for the intended product use. For military and similar uses, Kevlar or other ballistic approved materials can be incorporated.
The sock 20 and other garments and products according to this invention can be formed using known manufacturing methods in appropriate sizes for adults, children, and/or infants. For example, sock 20 can be manufactured by machine, such with the use of a circular knitting machine. The needles are mounted on a cylinder or a double cylinder for creating ribbed socks. The cylinder turns and the needles interlock loops of the textile material(s). They start at the top of the sock and work to the toe, which can be closed by another stitching process. It is desirably to limit the amount of and the size of extra processing stitches to reduce possible agitation when used for medical treatment. The sock can be formed in various an alternative sock configurations, such as having divided toes, and leg portions of different lengths. The above principles of the sock can also be applied to other hosiery, such as tights or leggings.
As discussed above, the thermal regulating fabric can include different amounts of elastic fiber to create the different compression regions. In one embodiment of the invention, the garment also includes regions or zones of different amounts of thermal regulating material. For example, referring to FIG. 1, the second region 50 and/or the third region 60 can include more or less weight percent phase change material than the first region 40. In one preferred embodiment, the leg portion 24 includes less weight percent phase change material than the foot portion 26. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the sock 20 overall includes 52% (wt.) OUTLAST material fiber, 33% acrylic fiber, 14% nylon fiber, and 1% elastic fiber, with about 75%-85% of the total OUTLAST material disposed in the foot portion 26.
It has been unexpectedly discovered that the thermal regulation features of phase change materials can be combined with compression according to this invention to reduce or eliminate symptoms or conditions in medical patients. In one embodiment of this invention the phase change material is incorporated in hosiery for patients afflicted with, for example, diabetes or cardiovascular conditions. The hosiery has compressive properties to improve circulation, particularly in the patient's extremities. The hosiery can be in the form of socks, stockings/leggings, gloves, and/or arm stockings. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the use of the fabric including the phase change material in compression hosiery synergistically improves the effect of the hosiery, while at the same time reduces discomfort for the patient. The phase change material's thermal regulation regulates patient skin or body temperature and/or reduces skin irritation.
The products of this invention can also be embodied as shoes or components for shoes, such as shoe inserts. The products of this invention can enhance relaxation, improve foot comport, reduce the effect of footwear and/or walking on the feet, and/or improve blood flow in and/or to the feet. The hosiery and footwear according to this invention can further reduce abrasion and the resulting skin irritation, blisters, ulcers, and onset of bacteria (especially when including an antimicrobial), thereby also reducing the risk osteomyolitous and similar conditions.
In addition to articles for feet, the products of this invention can be embodied other various apparel items for adults, children and/or infants, such as shirts, pants, undergarments, base layers, athletic or military apparel, performance compression apparel, outerwear, and headwear. Other products include consumer products and medical products such as blankets, baby apparel and products, bedding, seat liners, bandages, wraps, veterinary products, animal products such as saddle pads, and hospital gowns. In another embodiment of this invention, the product is or includes elastic bands made from the materials disclosed herein and for use in the apparel and/or medical products disclosed herein.
FIG. 2 illustrates a compression garment, and more particular a compression cap 80, according to another embodiment of this invention. The cap 80 includes a compression gradient and a thermal energy regulating fabric, such as described above. In the particular embodiment of FIG. 2, the cap 80 includes a knitted exterior 82 and a liner 84. The knitted exterior 82 can be formed of a rib knit of any suitable material known for caps, such as, without limitation, polyester, wool, nylon blends, or acrylic. The liner 84 is formed of the thermal energy regulating fabric, such as, for example, 100% OUTLAST fibers or a blend thereof with other material threads or yarns. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, various and alternative sizes, shapes, materials, and configurations are available for the cap, depending on need. For example, the cap can be formed of an unlined, single layer of thermal energy regulating fabric. The cap can also incorporate an optional band or brim around the head opening 86.
In one embodiment of this invention, the cap 80 includes a compression gradient that increases from the head opening 86 to the center or top of the cap 88. The compression gradient can be provided in the liner 84, the knitted exterior 82, or both. The compression gradient or multiple compression gradients can be localized to one or more regions disposed spaced around the circumference of the cap, but desirably the compression gradient extends laterally around the entire circumference of the cap 80. The compression gradient desirably includes an increasing compression pressure from a lower compression pressure to a higher compression pressure. The lower compression pressure is desirably about 8 mmHg to about 16 mmHg, more desirably about 10 mmHg to about 15 mmHg, and preferably about 15 mmHg. The higher compression pressure is desirably about 13 mmHg to about 22 mmHg, more desirably about 18 mmHg to about 20 mmHg, and preferably about 20 mmHg.
In another embodiment of this invention, cap 80 includes a first region 90 having a first compression pressure that is generally constant and/or of a higher compression pressure than surrounding regions. In one embodiment of the invention, the first region 90 is generally circumferentially disposed at or around a middle portion 92 of the cap, such as about a middle third of the cap. The positions of the boundaries of the first region 90 are flexible depending on need. A second region 94 is adjacent a first side of the first region 90. The second region 94 includes a first compression gradient increasing in compression pressure in a direction toward the first region 90. The first compression gradient can begin at the cap top 88, or at any position, depending on need, between the first region 90 and the top 88. A third region 96 is adjacent a second side of the first compression region 90. The third region 96 includes a second compression gradient also increasing in compression pressure in a direction toward the first region 90. The second compression gradient can begin at the head opening 86, or at any position between the head opening 86 and the first region 90, and increase in compression pressure in a direction toward the first region 90. The compression pressures can be values and configurations as discussed above for the sock 20.
FIG. 3 illustrates a compression garment, and more particular a compression glove 100, according to another embodiment of this invention. The glove 100 includes a compression gradient and a thermal energy regulating fabric, such as described above. In the particular embodiment of FIG. 3, the glove 100 can be formed of a knit of any suitable material known for gloves, such as, without limitation, polyester, wool, nylon blends, or acrylic fibers blended or knitted with the thermal energy regulating material, such as, for example, OUTLAST fibers. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, various and alternative sizes, shapes, materials, and configurations are available for the glove, depending on need. For example, the glove can be formed of an unlined, single layer of thermal energy regulating fabric or a fabric material with a thermal regulating fabric liner such as described above for the cap 80. The glove can be in the form of a military glove or ski glove, having optional padding elements, or can be formed as a mitten, particularly for infants and children. The glove can also extend any length up the user's arm.
In one embodiment of this invention, glove 100 includes a first region 110 having a first compression pressure that is generally constant and/or of a higher compression pressure than surrounding regions. In one embodiment of the invention, the first region 110 is in the area of the palm of the glove, and desirably circumferentially surrounds the glove 100. The positions of the boundaries of the first region 110 are flexible depending on need, and are representatively shown by dashed lines in FIG. 3. A second region 112 is adjacent a first side of the first region 110, and includes the wrist portion of the glove. The second region 112 includes a first compression gradient increasing in compression pressure in a direction toward the first region 110. The first compression gradient can begin at the hand opening 114, or at any position, depending on need, between the first region 110 and the hand opening 114. A third region 116 is adjacent a second side of the first region 110. The third region 116 includes a second compression gradient also increasing in compression pressure in a direction toward the first region 110. The second compression gradient can begin at the finger ends 118, or at any position between the finger ends 118 and the first region 110, and increase in compression pressure in a direction toward the first region 110. The compression pressures can be values and configurations as discussed above for the sock 20.
FIG. 4 illustrates a compression garment, and more particular a compression shirt 130, according to another embodiment of this invention. The shirt 130 includes a compression gradient and a thermal energy regulating fabric, such as described above. In the particular embodiment of FIG. 4, the shirt 130 can be formed of a knit of any suitable material known for shirts, such as, without limitation, polyester, cotton, nylon blends, or acrylic fibers blended or knitted with the thermal energy regulating material, such as, for example, OUTLAST fibers. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, various and alternative sizes, shapes, materials, and configurations are available for the shirt, depending on need. For example, the shirt can be formed of an unlined, single layer of thermal energy regulating fabric or a fabric material with a thermal regulating fabric liner such as described above for the cap 80. The shirt can be in the form of a long-sleeve as shown, a three-quarter sleeve, or other shirt configuration.
In one embodiment of this invention, shirt 130 includes multiple compression regions, such as disposed in the sleeves to increase circulation in the extremities. In the particular embodiment of FIG. 4, a first region 140 having a first compression pressure that is generally constant and/or of a higher compression pressure than surrounding regions, is in an elbow region 132 of the shirt 130, and desirably circumferentially surrounds the elbow region 132. The positions of the boundaries of the first region 140 are flexible depending on need, and are representatively shown by dashed lines in FIG. 4. A second region 142 is adjacent a first side of the first region 140, and includes the forearm and wrist portions of the shirt 130. The second region 142 includes a first compression gradient increasing in compression pressure in a direction toward the first region 140. The first compression gradient can begin at the wrist opening 144, or at any position, depending on need, between the first region 140 and the wrist opening 144. A third region 146 is adjacent a second side of the first region 140. The third region 146 includes a second compression gradient also increasing in compression pressure in a direction toward the first region 140. The second compression gradient can begin at the shoulder end 148, or at any position between the shoulder end 148 and the first region 140, and increase in compression pressure in a direction toward the first region 140. The compression pressures can be values and configurations as discussed above for the sock 20. The remainder of the shirt, such as the torso, can have any suitable compression, such as, for example, matching the low compression pressure of the shoulder end 148. The principles of the shirt arms can also be applied to pant legs or hosiery legs.
In particular embodiments of this invention, such as for the cap, glove, and shirt embodiments, the first region includes a different fabric makeup then the adjacent regions with the compression gradients. For example, in one preferred embodiment, the first regions 90, 110, and 140 include 60% by weight thermal energy regulating material (e.g., 60% OUTLAST) and 40% other materials (e.g., acrylic and/or other fibers). The adjacent regions can each include 80% by weight thermal energy regulating material (e.g., 80% OUTLAST) and 20% other materials (e.g., acrylic and/or other fibers). As will be appreciated, the component amount of the fabric can vary depending on need.
The garments and products of this invention can impact physical measures, such as swelling and perhaps blood pressure, cholesterol, and measurements by ECG, EEG, and MRI. Medical garments and products made according to this invention can benefit post-operative recovery and pain reduction and/or can be used to facilitate birthing, delivery, and/or post-partum recovery. Medical garments and products of another embodiment of this invention may be suitable for enhancing medical care for diseases and conditions such as, without limitation, cancer, phantom limb pain, and/or hemodialysis patients. Medical garments and products of another embodiment of this invention may enhance proprioception, which involves compression improving the body's coordination of muscle patterns and spatial awareness. Compression reduces muscle vibration and lessens fatigue creating increased stamina. Compression also increases receptive muscle power by keeping muscles aligned and supported.
The garments and products of this invention can also increase, or include features that increase, comfort for a user by, for example, reducing pressure points, protecting body parts from changes in environmental temperatures, reducing the possibilities of blisters, or skin abrasions. The garments and products of this invention can also be configured to include or deliver pharma products, e.g., medicines or lotions, which can enhance a healing of a patient condition. The product of this invention can incorporate pharmaceutical products to be applied via a peel away strip that provides local topical treatment, or absorbed directly through the skin. The product can be contained in a sterile package for medical use before use.
Thus, the invention provides compression hosiery and other garments incorporating a thermal energy regulating fabric and one or more compression gradient of increasing compression pressure. The garments are particularly useful in treatment of diseases and conditions, such as diabetes, which results in poor circulation in the extremities.
The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element, part, step, component, or ingredient which is not specifically disclosed herein.
While in the foregoing detailed description this invention has been described in relation to certain preferred embodiments thereof, and many details have been set forth for purposes of illustration, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is susceptible to additional embodiments and that certain of the details described herein can be varied considerably without departing from the basic principles of the invention.

Claims

1. A compression garment comprising a thermal energy regulating fabric and a compression gradient of increasing compression pressure.

2. The compression garment of claim 1, further comprising a first region of a first compression pressure and an adjacent second region including the compression gradient of increasing compression pressure, wherein the compression gradient increases in pressure in a direction toward the first region.

3. The compression garment of claim 1, further comprising a first region of a first compression pressure and two adjacent regions each including a compression gradient of increasing compression pressure in a direction toward the first region.

4. The compression garment of claim 3, wherein the compression gradient of each of the two adjacent regions increases in compression pressure from a distal end toward the first region.

5. The compression garment of claim 1, wherein the thermal regulating fabric comprises at least one of acrylic fibers, nylon fibers, elastic fibers, and combinations thereof knitted or woven together.

6. The compression garment of claim 1, wherein the thermal energy regulating fabric comprises a phase change material.

7. The compression garment of claim 6, wherein the phase change material is microencapsulated in a shell material.

8. The compression garment of claim 1, wherein the increasing compression pressure increases from a lower compression pressure of about 8 mmHg to about 15 mmHg to a higher compression pressure of about 13 mm Hg to about 20 mmHg.

9. A compression garment, comprising:

a thermal energy regulating fabric;

a first region having a first compression pressure;

a second region adjacent a first side of the first region, the second region including a first compression gradient increasing in compression pressure in a direction toward the first region; and

a third region adjacent a second side of the first compression region, the third region including a second compression gradient increasing in compression pressure in a direction toward the first region.

10. The compression garment of claim 9, wherein each of the first compression gradient and the second compression gradient increases in compression pressure from a distal end toward the first region.

11. The compression garment of claim 9, wherein the thermal regulating fabric comprises at least one of acrylic fibers, nylon fibers, elastic fibers, and combinations thereof knitted or woven together.

12. The compression garment of claim 9, wherein the thermal energy regulating fabric comprises a phase change material.

13. The compression garment of claim 12, wherein the second region includes less weight percent phase change material than the first region.

14. The compression garment of claim 13, wherein the garment comprises hosiery and a leg portion of the hosiery comprises the second region.

15. The compression garment of claim 9, wherein the first region comprises a compression pressure from about 18 mmHg to about 22 mmHg.

16. The compression garment of claim 9, wherein at least one of the first compression gradient or the second compression gradient comprises an increasing compression pressure from a lower compression pressure of about 8 mmHg to about 13 mmHg to a higher compression pressure of about 13 mm Hg to about 20 mmHg.

17. The compression garment of claim 16, wherein the lower compression pressure is about 11 mmHg and the higher compression pressure is about 15 mmHg.

18. A compression hosiery garment, comprising

a foot portion and a leg portion each formed of a fabric including a thermal energy regulating phase change material;

the foot portion including a first increasing compression gradient extending from a toe region in a direction toward the leg portion;

the leg portion including a second increasing compression gradient extending from an open end toward the foot portion; and

a region of a continuous higher compression pressure between the first increasing compression gradient and the second increasing pressure gradient, the region of higher compression pressure extending circumferentially about the foot portion and over a heel region of the foot portion.

19. The compression garment of claim 19, wherein each of the first increasing compression gradient and the second compression gradient comprises an increasing compression pressure from a lower compression pressure of about 8 mmHg to about 13 mmHg to a higher compression pressure of about 13 mm Hg to about 20 mmHg, and the region of a continuous higher compression pressure comprises a compression pressure from about 18 mmHg to about 22 mmHg.

20. The compression garment of claim 19, wherein each of the first increasing compression gradient and the second compression gradient comprises an increasing compression pressure from about 11 mmHg and the higher compression pressure is about 15 mmHg, and the region of a continuous higher compression pressure comprises a compression pressure of about 20 mmHg.