AU2013100236A4 - Calming clothing - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A compression garment, including a short sleeved or a long sleeved T-shirt or a pair of shorts or a long pants, for substantially covering (i) the upper torso and arms and/or (ii) lower torso and legs of a wearer wherein the garment is comprised of at least a major portion or entirely of natural and synthetic combined material having a weight of up to 280gm/square meter or from 220-280 gm/square meter. .3|

Description

1 CALMING CLOTHING Field of the invention [0001] The present invention relates to calming clothing, and in particular clothing and a method of use thereof for exerting pressure on the bodies of children and adults suffering from Sensory Processing Disorders such as those experienced by people with Autism. or Asperger Syndrome. Background of the invention [0002] In this specification unless the contrary is expressly stated, where a document, act or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was at the priority date, publicly available, known to the public, part of common general knowledge; or known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which this specification is concerned. [0003] Persons suffering from a Sensory Processing Disorder (S.P.D.) are not fully aware of the positioning of their bodies, and in particular their limbs, and this gives rise to uncontrolled movement and distress to the person. This manifestation of S.P.D. furthermore distresses and unsettles the sufferer, which in turn prevents concentration with attendant deleterious effects on learning or other activities which require concentration. For a number of years it has been observed that if an S.P.D. sufferer wears clothing with special pockets designed to receive weights and such weights are applied at strategic places in the pockets of those garments, the S.P.D. sufferer experiences increased awareness of body positioning and a corresponding calming effect; similarly the use of a heavy blanket/blankets has been observed to calm S.P.D. sufferers. The sensation of weight on the body is believed to increase body positioning awareness. Unfortunately however, is not always practical to remain under a heavy blanket and furthermore the wearing of clothing to which bulky weights are applied in unconventional pockets, has the further undesirable effect of marking out and differentiating S.P.D. sufferers from the general public. [0004] There are two competitive products in the market to the present invention which are used by persons suffering from S.P.D. These are the SPIO (Stabilizing Pressure Input Orthosis) garments manufactured by SPIO Incorporated of 26216 108th Avenue SE, Kent WA 98030, USA, (www.spioworks.com) and the HuggMe Tank Top garment (www.mydiffability.com.au).

2 [0005] The SPIO garments are subject to 2 US Patents; #5782790 and #5957873. The SPIO garments are registered with the USA FDA as a Class 1 Medical Device. They are designed to be worn by persons with severe S.P.D or other conditions including cerebral palsy, Sensory Integration/Processing Disorders, Angelman, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Hypotonia, Hypertonus, spasticity, Brachial plexus injuries, Autism, Rett syndrome, other developmental disorders, related developmental delays and disabilities. The SPIO garments are a complicated design and are constructed from a synthetic fabric which is a mix of SpandexTM and Lycra

TM

. They incorporate adjustable strapping systems of VelcroTM with webbing strapping at the shoulders and at the crotch. Hooks and loops are also used to "do up" the garments. Because of the complicated design, the garments require an adult to dress the child in the garment and take the garment off the child. [0006] The HuggMe Tank Top is not subject to a patent. It is a singlet for children that has been designed to be worn snugly. Object of the invention [0007] Accordingly it is an object of the present invention to provide a relatively inconspicuous product, which can be easily "put on" and "taken off" by children, which is manufactured by using natural breathable materials together with an uncomplicated design, and method of use thereof to calm S.P.D. sufferers by increasing the awareness of the positioning of their bodies and limbs. Summary of the invention [0008] According to the present invention there is disclosed a garment for calming an S.P.D. In particular a compression garment for substantially covering (i) the upper torso and arms and/or (ii) lower torso and legs of a wearer wherein the garment is comprised of at least a major portion of natural and synthetic combined material having a weight of up to 280gm/square meter. [0009] Typically, the natural and synthetic combined material has a weight of from 220-280 gm/square meter. [0010] Typically, the natural and synthetic combined material is a combination of combed cotton and Lycra

TM

.

3 [0011] In a separate aspect of the invention, which may be combined with any one or more features mentioned above, the garment is comprised of one or more panels of natural and synthetic combined material connected together to form seams which do not project inwardly of the garment. [0012] Preferably no seam projects inwardly of the garment. [0013] Typically the garments may be a T-shirt (short sleeved or a long sleeved) or a pair of shorts or a long pants. [0014] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a method of using breathable elastomeric clothing in order to exert uniform pressure on a significant proportion of the torso of a S.P.D. sufferer comprised of the steps of: (a) selecting a sufficiently snug size of elastomeric clothing appropriate to exert uniform pressure on a significant proportion of the torso of a S.P.D. sufferer but not of such a small size so as to have a deleterious effect on the circulation of the wearer; (b) experimentation with the period of use of the clothing in order to optimise its calming effect in accordance with the following criteria; (c) having the S.P.D. sufferer wear the clothing so selected for periods when increased body positioning awareness or concentration is required; and (d) removing the clothing before the S.P.D. sufferer becomes so used to the clothing that the desired increased bodily awareness/calming effect disappears and/or removal of the clothing causes worse stress and body positioning awareness that existed prior to the application of the clothing. [0015] The present invention is an improvement on the prior art. The present invention is discrete in appearance and can be worn on its own or underneath traditional clothing. It is preferably made entirely from a natural and breathable cotton Lycra TM fabric mix. It may not a complicated design and therefore the garment is capable of being put on and taken off by the wearer, which in most cases will be a child. The garment may be worn in any environment and comes in different weights, for long or short term use, and in different styles, for example, as a T-shirt, short pants, long pants or tights.

4 Brief Description of the Drawings [0016] One embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [0017] Figure 1 is a top plan view of a pair of short pants in accordance with the present invention; [0018] Figure 2 is a top plan view of a pair of long pants or tights in accordance with the present invention; [0019] Figure 3 is a top plan view of a short sleeved T-shirt in accordance with the present invention; and [0020] Figure 4 is a top plan view of a long sleeved T-shirt in accordance with the present invention. Preferred Mode of Carrying out the Invention [0021] One embodiment of the present invention will now be described with particular reference to the garments depicted in figures 1 - 4 inclusive hereof. [0022] According to the embodiment in figure 1 there is provided a short pants garment (1) fabricated from 280 gm per square metre "combed" cotton/ Lycra TM . This fabric is 87% cotton and 13% elastin with the cotton content ensuring that the garment can breathe. It will be observed that the seams (2) on the garment are stitched on the outside of the garment which is the reverse of the situation with traditional clothing. Traditional clothing aims to conceal the seams for aesthetic reasons but the presence of seams on the inside of a garment causes bulk and a protrusion which results in uneven pressure being exerted by an elasticised garment against the skin of the wearer at the location of the seam. In order to enhance the aesthetics of the externally stitched seam on a garment in accordance with the present invention, the seam is stitched down in order that it may present a flatter and more uniform appearance on the exterior of the garment. [0023] It will also be observed that the short pants of figure 1 are provided with externally accessible protruding loops (3) which are present in order that a person, and particularly a child, 5 suffering from S.P.D. may more easily grasp the garment in order to pull it on by themselves without assistance. [0024] Figure 2 depicts a pair of long pants or tights exhibiting the same novel features as above described with reference to the shorts of figure 1. The tights are made from 280 gm per square metre "combed" cotton Lycra T M as it has been found that this weight of Lycra TM is More suitable for long pants or tights although other weights of material, when correctly sized to the wearer, may also be expected to provide the benefits of the present invention. [0025] Turning now to figures 3 and 4, there are depicted respectively as a short sleeved T shirt (4) and a long sleeved T-shirt (5). These T-shirts exhibit similar externally stitched and sewn down seams (3) as were above described with reference to the garments of figures 1 and 2. A T-shirt may be fabricated from two readily available weights of "combed" cotton /LycraTM being 220g or 280g per square metre. The 220g per square metre being a lighter weight garment for wearing for longer periods of time and the 280g per square metre being a heavier weight garment exerting greater pressure intended to be worn for shorter periods of time. It will be observed that the T-shirts are fairly long in the torso as it is advantageous for the shirt to cover as much of the torso of the wearer as possible in order that the wearer may feel pressure against the skin with attendant increased body awareness over the largest possible area of the torso. [0026] The sizing of the garment in relation to the wearer is critical as the object is to provide uniform pressure over as much of the torso area as possible. If the garment is too small or too tight there may be adverse effects on the users' circulation and comfort, and if the garment is too loose or too large then it will not exert the desired pressure. It is envisaged that the sizes of the garment will be marked or printed on the garments, and particularly on children's garments, in much the same way as sizes are marked on conventional garments in order that an appropriately snug fit may be achieved for a person of the indicated age or size. A number of cuts of garment may be offered to each individual wearer to ensure the fit and snugness is appropriate, as it is important for the pressure to be uniform throughout the area covered by the garment rather than having any tight spots or areas of differential pressure. [0027] Occupational therapists have observed that garments in accordance with the present invention have produced the above-mentioned desirable calming and increased body awareness effects on children (and adults) suffering from S.P.D. Some experimentation with the individual involved is necessary in order to determine the ideal sizing, garment material weight and period of use in order to achieve the maximum desired effect. For example, where it is desired to teach 6 a child in a classroom setting for example, (and consequently where concentration is required), a garment in accordance with the present invention or even a higher pressure exerting garment than normally worn in accordance with this invention, may be worn for short periods, for example 2 hours. This strategy may also be useful where enhanced behavioural aspects provided by garments in accordance with the present invention are required for short periods such as at a formal family function dinner or celebration or any occasion requiring a child suffering from S.P.D to sit quietly for a period of time. [0028] It is believed however that a wearer might become habituated to wearing a T-shirt in the heavier 280gsm if worn continuously for very long periods of time so that the wearer becomes more uncomfortable when the T-shirt is removed. It is therefore recommended to wear the heavier 280 gsm for short periods of between 2 hours to 6 hours. It is recommended that the wearer might wear a lightweight 220 gsm T-shirt in accordance with the present invention for much of the day but wear a garment which exhibits further increased pressure for special occasions of shorter duration. The short pants and long pants or tights have been found to be best in the heavier 280 gsm Lycra T M as the lower torso, thighs and legs appear to be less sensitive to pressure than the upper torso. Even covering an area of less sensitivity, the short pants and long pants or tights still deliver a calming effect and may be worn for longer periods of time. Alternating the wearing/non-wearing of garments in accordance with the present invention may therefore be important and precise alternations must be determined by experimentation with each individual wearer. [0029] It will be observed that the present invention teaches an exciting new development in the treatment of S.P.D. sufferers and it should be noted that the invention is not restricted to the particular examples above described with reference to the accompanying drawings. For example differing cotton/elastin mixes and material weights/ alteration times may be utilised and other garments produced apart from the T-shirts, short pants and long pants or tights. [0030] The word 'comprising' and forms of the word 'comprising' as used in this description and in the claims does not limit the invention claimed to exclude any variants or additions. [0031] Modifications and improvements to the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and improvements are intended to be within the scope of this invention.