AU2011201309C1

AU2011201309C1 - Therapeutic close fitting garment

Info

Publication number: AU2011201309C1
Application number: AU2011201309A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Natalie Bennett-Bremner
Original assignee: Bennett Bremner Natalie
Current assignee: Bennett Bremner Natalie
Priority date: 2007-07-03
Filing date: 2011-03-18
Publication date: 2014-03-13
Anticipated expiration: 2028-07-03
Also published as: AU2008202951A1; AU2011201309B2; AU2008202951A2; AU2008202951A9; AU2011201309A1

Abstract

Abstract A therapeutic brace garment including a contoured body portion made of at least one piece of material; at least one contoured sleeve portion; at least one supportive strap; and at least one attachment means whereby the therapeutic brace garment provides a comfortable garment for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders and reduces the need for constant re-fitting and re-adjustment of the garment. The garment is made of a low irritation material which provides a taut fitting garment with inherent bracing characteristics that closely contour the body. It provides joint and limb segment stability without causing skin irritation and it is more streamlined to the body. Shoulder Stability Vest Lycra Figure 6

Description

Regulation 3.2 Australia Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT APPLICANT: Natalie Bennett-Bremner INVENTION TITLE: Therapeutic Close Fitting Garment The following statement if a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: RECEIVED TIME 17.OCT. 13:57 THERAPEUTIC CLOSE FITTING GARMENT Field of the Invention This invention relates to therapeutic garments, and in particular, to a therapeutic close fitting garment. Whilst the invention may be applied to the treatment of any medical condition that would benefit from some form of bracing or strapping, for convenience sake it shall be described herein in terms of a therapeutic close fitting garment used primarily for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, in particular, hypermobility syndrome in children. Background to the Invention There are many medical conditions that necessitate, or would benefit from, a more stable bracing applied to parts of the human body. For example, hypermobility disorders in children are a group of musculoskeletal disorders resulting from increased connective tissue extensibility. Specific disorders which have hypermobility as a feature include Benign Joint Hypermobility Disorder, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Stickler Syndrome and Marfan's Syndrome. Complications of these conditions include recurrent joint subluxations and dislocations, sprains and strains, synovitis and bursitis. Chronic pain, tendinitis and arthralgia, fatigue, muscle weakness and gait dysfunction and changes to skin integrity are also common symptoms. Other examples of medical conditions requiring or benefiting from bracing include joint subluxations and dislocations, postural abnormalities, and juvenile spondyloarthropathies, neurological and neuromuscular conditions such as cerebral palsy and head injuries and C.V.A's. Traditional and unsophisticated taping or strapping methods and devices are often used by adults suffering these conditions to stabilise a joint segment, particularly as part of a physiotherapy treatment program. However children and adolescents (as well as some adults) with connective tissue disorders, including hypermobility syndromes often have sensitive skin, fragile skin or allergies which render them unable to tolerate taping and cumbersome strapping being applied to their skin. Aside from traditional taping there are also a variety of braces on the market. Most, current braces cater for adult orthopaedic conditions, paediatric cerebral palsy and neuromuscular conditions, with none being specifically designed for use in the treatment of hypermobility syndromes or tailored for children with connective tissue disorders. Most orthopaedic braces are made of a neoprene sleeve with elasticised RECEIVED TIME 11.0CT. 19:55 straps which are designed to encompass a specific joint. The newer braces for children with neurological conditions involve whole body segments, for example, the entire leg to the trunk. Orthopaedic braces generally have a thick neoprene sleeve with tractional straps overlayed. These localised braces provide stability of a local joint, however, they are made from neoprene which is contraindicated for the skin of many of these patients. In addition, some current bracing systems need to be constantly re-fitted and re adjusted every time the user changes position, such as from standing to sitting. The bracing systems also involve many straps passing over one or more body segments and are, thus, quite cumbersome and too extensive for the needs of a sufferer of a hypermobility disorder due to their skin fragility. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to overcome or substantially ameliorate the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a therapeutic close fitting garment including a contoured body portion contoured to fit a specific body part and at least one contoured sleeve portion comprising at least one supportive strap which provides a comfortable garment for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders and reduces the need for constant re-fitting and re-adjustment of the garment. Another aim of the present invention is to create a garment that provides stability in a desired body position while still allowing normal flow and sequencing of movement. There by facilitating biofeedback for gait retraining and gait re-education in the hypermobile population group. Summary of the Invention The present invention provides a close fitting garment for a wearer, said garment including: (i) a body portion; (ii) a sleeve portion incorporated into or attached to the outer surface of the body portion; (iii) a strap member located within said sleeve portion and having a first end and a second end, said first end of the strap member being affixed to the sleeve or body portion and the second end of the strap member being adapted to extend from said sleeve, said second end of the strap member further comprising an attachment means to selectively and adjustably attach to the body portion; RECEIVED TIME 11.OCT. 19:55 wherein the configuration of the strap member and the sleeve allow for the second end of the strap member to be attached to the body portion and apply tension between two selected points of the garment and thereby the body of the wearer. The garment may be made of a low irritation material which provides a taut fitting garment with inherent bracing characteristics that closely contour the body, wherein the pieces of the body portion are joined together via an external join/seam to prevent irritation to the underlying skin. It is preferred that the sleeve portion(s) is/are made from synthetic elastic fibre such as spandex and/or microfibre. Preferably, the sections of the body portion covering areas of the skin prone to sweating, rubbing or infection, such as the groin and underarm region are made of a fabric adapted to breathe and prevent infection. The strap members(s) is/are made of an elasticised material, wherein the strap(s) is/are adapted to be fixed permanently to the garment at one end and releasably attached to the garment at the other end. Preferably, the elasticised strap is adapted to pass through an aperture of the sleeve portion such that the sleeve positions and contours the elasticised strap on the body portion and thus controls the direction(s) of the pull exerted by the elasticised strap. It is preferred that the sleeve portion(s) is/are sewn onto the outer surface of the body portion or the garment to prevent irritation to the skin positioned so that the correct line of tractional pull is exerted. The attachment means may be in the form of a fabric fastener such as a hook and loop fastener, clip or some other fastening means. Preferably, the degree of force of tractional pull exerted by the straps can be adjusted by providing a plurality of attachment points for the second end of the strap member to attach to the body portion. The therapeutic brace garment may preferably further include at least one implanted devices to treat hypersensitivity or peripheral neuropathy that can be kept with a pocket or the like on the body portion. The invention further provides a therapeutic brace garment for creating and maintaining a tensioning force at predetermined locations, including: a contoured body portion to be worn by a user; a contoured sleeve in a predetermined location RECEIVED TIME 11.OCT. 19:55 on the contoured body portion for defining a direction to the tensioning force; a supportive strap elastically attached to the body portion and directively defined by the contoured sleeve such that, when stretched, creates the tensioning force; and, at least one attachment means for maintaining the tensioning force. In addition, the invention can further provide a therapeutic brace garment for creating and maintaining a tensioning force at predetermined locations, including: a contoured body portion to be worn by a user; a contoured sleeve in a predetermined location on the contoured body portion for defining a direction to the tensioning force; a supportive strap elastically attached to the body portion and directively defined by the contoured sleeve such that, when stretched, creates the tensioning force; and, at least one attachment means for maintaining the tensioning force; wherein the therapeutic brace garment, when stretched, creates a tensioning force to provide a comfortable garment for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders and reduces the need for constant re-fitting and re-adjustment of the garment. The therapeutic brace garment may be in the form of a vest. The therapeutic brace garment can also be in the form of trousers or pants of varying lengths including short trousers (shorts). In addition, the therapeutic brace garment can be in the form of a garment for treating scoliosis such as a combination of trousers and a vest. Further, the therapeutic brace garment can be a sock. It can be clearly seen from one or more of the embodiments of the invention that the difficulties of the prior art have been overcome or substantially ameliorated by using a strap through a sleeve around a body portion to provide a bracing mechanism that is able to be fitted and readjusted. In order that the invention may be more readily understood We will describe by way of non-limiting example of a specific embodiment thereof. Brief Description of the Drawing Figures Figure 1A & B are photographs showing the therapeutic close fitting garment in the form of a short pants (shorts) according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 2A & B are photographs showing the therapeutic close fitting garment in the form of a vest according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 3A & B are photographs showing the therapeutic close fitting garment in the RECEIVED TIME 11.OCT, 19:55 form of a combination vest and short pants (shorts) according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 4A to D are photographs showing the therapeutic close fitting garment in the form of a sock according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 5A to C are photographs showing the therapeutic close fitting garment in the form of pants according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 6 shows a diagrammatic illustration of the therapeutic close fitting garment in the form of a vest according to an embodiment of the invention and similar to that shown in Figure 2A and B. Figure 7 shows a diagrammatic illustration of the therapeutic close fitting garment in the form of a combination vest and short pants (shorts) garment according to an embodiment of the invention and similar to that shown in Figures 3A and B. Figure 8 shows a diagrammatic illustration of the therapeutic close fitting garment in the form of pants according to an embodiment of the invention and similar to that shown in Figures 5A-C. Figure 9 is a diagram showing a front and a rear perspective view of the vest depicted in the photographs in Figures 2A and 2B, as fitted. Figure 10 is a diagram showing a front and a rear perspective view of the combination vest and shorts depicted in the photographs in Figures 3A and 3B, as fitted. Figure 11 is a diagram showing a front and rear perspective view of the pants depicted in the photographs in Figures 5A to 5C. Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention The invention provides a therapeutic close fitting garment 1 including a contoured body portion 10 contoured to fit a specific body part and at least one contoured sleeve portion 20 comprising at least one supportive strap 30 which provides a comfortable garment for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders which reduces the need for constant re-fitting and re-adjustment of the garment. A major benefit of the invention is that it provides joint and limb segment stability without causing skin irritation, and also it is more streamlined to the body than other conventional garments. The therapeutic close fitting garment of the invention does not require constant re-fitting and/or re-adjustment when the patient changes position. In RECEIVED TIME 11.00T. 19:55 addition, the positioning of the inserts and supportive straps are specific to needs of a hypermobile individual. The therapeutic close fitting garment 1 and/or its components can preferably be made of any suitable materials or textiles so long as they meet the requirements of the invention. It is envisaged that the shape, size and dimensions of the garment and/or its components may also be varied to suit different users and/or applications. In particular, the thickness or the composition of textiles and elastic material may preferably vary according to the user and/or condition being treated. The therapeutic close fitting garment 1 has provided a body portion 10. Preferably, the body portion is made of a synthetic elastic fiber such as spandex. Spandex and other similar materials provide for low irritation as well as providing for a taut fitting garment with inherent bracing characteristics that closely contour the body, Additionally, these materials are lightweight and thin to provide a garment which is not overly cumbersome to wear and can be easily concealed beneath standard clothing. However, it is envisaged that any other suitable material may also be employed. It is envisaged that the sections of the body portion 10 covering areas of the skin prone to sweating, rubbing or infection, such as the groin and underarm region, may be made of an alternative fabric in the form of a gusset 35, preferably one adapted to breathe and prevent infection such as antibacterial impregnated cotton. Preferably, the body portion 10 is adapted to cover a particular portion of the user's body. For example, if the knees and hips are required to be braced, then the invention can be in the form of a pair of long length shorts or % length pants to cover the knee and hip regions. This can provide for specific targeted treatment preventing the over-treatment that would otherwise occur with a full suited garment. It is envisaged that the body portion 10 is made of at least one piece of material which is attached together to form the body portion. The pieces are preferably sewn together whereby the join/seam is preferably an external join/seam so as not to cause irritation to the underlying skin. The body is made more than a single piece of material to provide a closer fit to the body's natural contour. However, in further embodiment of the invention it is envisaged that the body portion 10 may be formed from a single piece of material. The therapeutic close fitting garment according to the embodiment has at least one sleeve portion 20. The sleeve portion(s) 20 is/are made from synthetic elastic fibre such as spandex and/or microfibre. However, it is envisaged that any other suitable material may also be employed. Each sleeve 20 includes a supportive strap RECEIVED TIME 11.OCT. 19:55 member 30. The strap(s) 30 is/are adapted to be fixed permanently to the garment at one end and releasably attached to the garment at the other end. The supportive strap member 30 is preferably made of an elasticised material or any other suitable material. Preferably, the elasticised supportive strap 30 is adapted to pass through an aperture of the sleeve portion 20 such that the sleeve positions and contours the elasticised strap 30 on the body portion 10 and thus controls the direction(s) of the pull exerted by the elasticised strap 30. For example, if a shoulder is required to be braced in a more posterior position then the sleeve(s) would be positioned over the shoulder and back, allowing the inserted elasticised strap(s) 30 to pull the shoulder back. Preferably, the sleeve portion(s) 20 are sewn onto the outer surface of the body portion 10 or the garment 1 to prevent irritation to the skin. The length of the sleeve portion 20 may vary depending on positioning of the elasticised strap 30 and ensuring that the correct line of tractional pull is exerted. In an alternative embodiment, numerous sleeve portions 20 may be provided to hold one elasticised strap 30 in place. The elasticised strap 30 is attached to the garment 1 permanently at one end 31 and releasably attached to the garment 1 at the other end 32. The tractional pull of an elasticised strap 30 is exerted when the releasably attached end 32 of the elasticised strap 30 is attached to the garment 1 by an attachment means 33. It is preferred that the attachment means 33 is in the form of a fabric fastener, such as hook and loop fastener or any other suitable clip or fastening device, It is preferred that the attachment means 33 is adapted to allow for adjustment of the degree of force of tractional pull exerted by the elasticised strap(s) 30. The adjustment capabilities can be provided by various attachment points being provided along the length and the direction of the elasticised strap 30. In practice, a user would typically dress in the garment and the positioning and tensioning of the elasticised strap(s) 30 would be adjusted as required. Preferably, the elasticised strap(s) 30 are replaceable such that if they lose their elasticity they can be removed and replaced with a new elasticised strap. Preferably, the thickness and width of elasticised straps may vary dependent on the age and size of the user and the amount of tension required. In a further embodiment of the invention, it is envisaged that the therapeutic brace garment 1 may have provided implanted devices (not shown) used to treat hypersensitivity or peripheral neuropathy. By way of example, the devices may preferably include, but not limited to, devices which produce heat and cold for short bursts, or trans-electro neuromuscular stimulator devices. The body portion 10 of RECEIVED TIME 11.OCT. 19:55 the garment preferably has provided at least one pocket (not shown) or the like positioned in a location suitable for a specific form of treatment. In a first embodiment, the therapeutic close fitting garment in the form of % length spandex pants with an antibacterial impregnated cotton gusset covers the thigh of the wearer and includes straps and sleeves arranged such that are adapted to be oriented in a spiral configuration around the wearers thigh (examples are shown in figures 5, 8 and 11). According to the embodiment in Figure 11, each leg of the garment includes a pair of external spandex sleeves 20E, 20F attached to the body portion 10 of the pants. Beginning on the proximal medial thigh, the sleeve 20F preferably passes diagonally up the thigh in a spiral orientation. The spandex sleeve 20F preferably finishes over the lateral aspect of the hip approximately level with the gluteus medius muscle origin. An elasticised strap 30F passes through the spandex sleeve 20F originating at the medial proximal thigh and exiting the sleeve 20F at the lateral hip. Preferably, there are two attachment panels 33F provided on the lateral hip and antero-lateral hip region (just below the level of anterior superior iliac spines on the right and left sides of the body). The attachment panel 33F is positioned next to the end of the spandex sleeve 20 at the hip. The elasticised strap 30F adheres to this attachment panel 33F and is used to prevent the end of the elastic strap 30F slipping back into the spandex sleeve 20F. The elasticised strap 30F can be pulled to a second panel 33F located on the opposite hip or moved to another portion of the same attachment panel 33F when the garment is worn to achieve maximal pull into a position of external rotation in order to prevent excessive internal rotation of the femur. The garment 1 also includes external seams 40 (see Figure 8). In a second embodiment, the therapeutic brace garment provides a shoulder stability garment in the form of a sleeveless spandex vest 1 (examples are shown in figures 2, 6 and 9). In Figure 6, two sleeves 20 comprising elasticised straps 30 are sewn onto both shoulder regions. Preferably, the elasticised straps 30 inside the sleeves 20 originate from the anterior shoulder and pass over the shoulder superiorly, moving in a diagonal direction across the posterior shoulder girdle to preferably attach to an attachment panel 33 which is positioned in line with the inferior angle of the scapula. Preferably, the straps 30 are bilateral. This embodiment may further include two additional sleeves 20 with elasticised straps 30 positioned, posteriorly, directly down the centre of the vest, such that they overlay the vertebral column approximately at the T3-T7 region, The shoulder stability brace garment 1 is designed to improve the position and stability of the shoulder and RECEIVED TIME 11.OCT. 19:55 improve general trunk posture. In Figure 9 the vest 1 has two sleeves 20A and 20B sewn into each shoulder of the vest 1 and housing elasticised straps 30A and 30B. The elasticised straps 30A, 30B originate from the anterior shoulder and pass over the shoulder superiorly, moving in a diagonal direction across the posterior shoulder girdle to preferably attach to an corresponding attachment panel in the form of a hook and loop fastener 33A and 33B which are positioned in line with the inferior angle of the scapula. Straps 30A are shown releasibly affixed to corresponding hook and loop fastener 30A but straps 30B are shown in a position where they are partly extended towards corresponding hook and loop fastener 33B. In a third embodiment (examples are shown in Figures 3, 7 and 10), the invention provides a two piece garment suitable for the treatment of scoliosis, comprising a vest and shorts. In Figure 7, elasticised straps 30 inside a sewn-on spandex sleeve 20 are adapted to originate from the anterior shoulder, pass over the shoulder superiorly and move in a diagonal direction across the posterior shoulder girdle to preferably attach to an attachment panel 33 positioned in line with the inferior angle of the scapula. Preferably, a second elasticised strap 30 is adapted to pass from the lateral trunk, inferior to the armpit, around the lateral chest wall to be level with the inferior angle of the scapula. These straps 30 are unilateral, with the positioning of the straps 30 dependent on the direction of the abnormal rotation of the spine so that the elasticised straps 30 can counteract abnormal rotation in the thoracic region. Preferably, the shorts are body contoured with a cotton gusset. Posteriorly, they comprise a reinforced wedge shape of material that is approximate in orientation to that of the sacrum. The elasticised strap 30 system on the shorts is provided on the contra-lateral side relative to the position of the vest elasticised straps 30. The two sewn-on sleeves 20 originate approximately four centimetres anterior to the anterior superior illiac spine. Preferably, the first strap 30 passes laterally around the hip and is attached midway across the wedge shape posteriorly. The second strap 30 preferably passes laterally relative to the hip and passes on a more diagonal orientation (backward and downward) to be attached lower on the wedge posteriorly. These straps 30 are designed to counteract abnormal compensatory rotation that occurs in the lumbar spine in scoliosis. The two piece garment acts to reduce the pain associated with scoliosis by improving trunk and back posture. Figure 10 depicts a two piece garment suitable for the treatment of scoliosis, comprising a vest and shorts as shown in the photographs in Figures 3A and 3B. A RECEIVED TIME 11.OCT. 19:55 pair of elasticised straps 30B on the vest portion are supported inside a pair of sewn-on spandex sleeves 20B and are adapted to originate from the anterior shoulder, pass over the shoulder superiorly and move in a diagonal direction across the posterior shoulder girdle to preferably attach to an attachment panel in the form of a hook and loop fastener 33B positioned in line with the inferior angle of the scapula. A second pair of elasticised straps 30C pass from the lateral trunk, inferior to the armpit and extend around the lateral chest wall to be level with the inferior angle of the scapula. These straps 30C are unilateral, with the positioning of the straps 30C dependent on the direction of the abnormal rotation of the spine so that the elasticised straps 30C can counteract abnormal rotation in the thoracic region. The shorts of the two piece garment in Figure 10 are body contoured and include a pair of elasticised straps 30D that originate on the contra-lateral side relative to the point of origin of the vest elasticised straps 30B. The straps 30D are supported in a pair of sewn-on sleeves 20D that originate approximately 4cm medial to the anterior superior iliac spine and pass laterally around the hip and are attach to hook and loop fastener 33D located in the region of the hip opposite to the point from which the straps 30D originate. In a fourth embodiment (as shown in Figure 4), the garment is an anti-torsion sock to reduce tibial torsion and internal rotation of the foot. The sock-like garment extends from the wearers toes to their proximal calf. In the particular variation of the embodiment presented in Figure 4B, two straps 30 pass from the ball of the foot, up the front of the foot, crossover and insert on the back of the garment near proximal calf. Another strap 30 starts on the planar surface of the ball of the foot and inserts on the lateral aspect of the garment level with the lower leg. A third strap 30 passes from the lateral border of the fifth metatarsal and inserts on the medical aspect of the sock level with the heel. The garment externally rotates the lower leg and foot and averts the foot. While we have described herein particular embodiments of a therapeutic brace garment 1, it is further envisaged that other embodiments of the invention could exhibit any number and combination of any one of the features previously described. For example, the figures show a combined garment integrally formed with a therapeutic brace and clearly these could be separated or coordinating or could further be a therapeutic brace worn on, instead of or over the user's clothing. It is therefore to be understood that any variations and modifications can be made included departing from the spirit and scope thereof and such variations and modifications can be included within the scope of the invention as defined in the RECEIVED TIME 11.OCT. 19:55 claims as follows. RECEIVED TIME 11.OCT. 19:55

Claims

1. A close fitting garment for a wearer, said garment including: (i) a body portion; (ii) a sleeve portion incorporated into or attached to the outer surface of the body portion; (iii) a strap member located within said sleeve portion and having a first end and a second end, said first end of the strap member being affixed to the sleeve or body portion and the second end of the strap member being adapted to extend from said sleeve, said second end of the strap member further comprising an attachment means to selectively and adjustably attach to the body portion; wherein the configuration of the strap member and the sleeve allow for the second end of the strap member to be attached to the body portion and apply tension between two selected points of the garment and thereby the body of the wearer,

2. A garment as claimed in claim 1 wherein, in use, the sleeve portion is adapted to define a direction of said tension.

3. A garment as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein, in use, the strap member is adapted to define the direction and or amount of said tension.

4. A garment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising a plurality of sleeve portions and strap members.

5. A garment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pieces of the body portion are joined together via an external join/seam to prevent irritation to the underlying skin.

6. A garment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sleeve portion is made from a synthetic elastic fibre and/or microfibre.

7. A garment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sections of the body portion covering areas of the skin prone to sweating, rubbing or infection, such as the groin and underarm region are made of a fabric adapted to breathe and prevent infection.

8. A garment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the strap member comprises an elasticised material.

9. A garment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first end of the strap member is adapted to be fixed permanently to the sleeve portion or the body portion.

10. A garment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sleeve portion is sewn onto the outer surface of the body portion or the garment. RECEIVED TIME 11.0CT, 19:55 -14

11. A garment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the attachment means comprises a hook or a loop of a hook and loop fastener.

12. A garment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprises a plurality of attachment points for the second end of the strap member to attach to the body portion.

13, A garment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which further includes at least one implanted device to treat hypersensitivity or peripheral neuropathy that can be kept within a pocket or the like on the body portion.

14. A garment according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a vest.

15. A garment according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a pair of pants.

16. A garment according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a combination of a vest and a pair of pants.

17. A garment according to claim 15 or 16 wherein the pants do not extend past the knee of the wearer.

18. A garment according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a sock.

19. A garment substantially as described herein with reference to any one of Figures 1 to 11. RECEIVED TIME 11.OCT. 19:55