EP1713352B2 - Garment serving to combat cellulite and/or venous and lymphatic insufficiency - Google Patents

Abstract

The garment has elastic knitted semi-stickers (2, 2a) for retention of ankle and upper part of thigh by regressive pressure gradient. A projecting structure is placed on parts of inner (I) and outer sides of the garment in order to activate the structure during muscular exercises and during rapid walking or pedaling session, and to increase massage pressure during exercising at ground. The structure is placed on the parts of the inner and outer sides, to associate a presso-massage on cellulite zones and on collecting and evacuating zones for improvement of venous and lymphatic circulation.

Description

The present invention relates generally to a garment and more particularly to a garment intended to help the wearer fight cellulite and possibly venous and lymphatic insufficiency. A garment according to the preamble of claim 1 is known to US 4,121,532 ..

Many clothes have been proposed in the fight against cellulite. These clothes are usually based on sweating. However, it is now accepted that sweating does not fight against hypertrophy of adipocytes.

Cellulite affects 95% of women, both thin and round.

Cellulite or hydro-lipodystrophy corresponds to a hypertrophy of the fat lodged just under the skin, in the hypoderm, associated with a retention of water and toxins.

Overweight is due, in turn, to a storage of deep fat.

The causes of cellulite are multiple. They can be of endogenous origin with a genetic predisposition, a poor circulation of the blood, and also hormonal variations (cycle, pregnancy, menopause). They can also be of exogenous origin: mainly sedentariness, lack of physical activity or unbalanced diet, but also stress and anxiety.

• et d'autre part l'augmentation de l'infiltration d'eau dans les tissus, liée à une mauvaise circulation de retour veineuse et lymphatique.

If the causes are numerous and the physiopathological mechanisms still poorly known, there are nevertheless two main factors that contribute to the aggravation of cellulite: - on the one hand the increase of the size of the fat cells (adipocytes) by storage of fat, mainly related to a food imbalance and sedentary lifestyle.

• and on the other hand the increase of water infiltration into the tissues, linked to poor circulation of venous and lymphatic return.

A study with biopsy on the thighs of 48 cellulitic women found constant dilatation of venules of adipose tissue visible both in the capillaries of the dermis and the hypodermis associated with fat storage in the adipocytes.

The same venous alterations have also been observed by infrared thermography which shows a cooler skin temperature in the cellulite zones.

As adipocytes get bigger, the process of auto maintenance with depletion of blood circulation and stagnation of toxins sets in place. The connective tissue of support loses its elasticity and becomes fibrosis.

At an advanced stage, cellulite becomes fibrous which gives the skin an infiltrated and quilted character with a typical "orange peel" appearance.

• *- stade 1 : lorsque le capiton apparaît au pincement
• *- stade 2 : lorsque le capiton apparaît spontanément à la station debout
• *- stade 3 : Lorsque le capiton est visible en permanence, quelle que soit la position.

There are three clinical stages of "orange peel":

• * - stage 1: when the capiton appears at the pinch
• * - stage 2: when the bud appears spontaneously at the standing position
• * - stage 3: When the capiton is permanently visible, whatever the position.

"High frequency" echocardiography allows evaluating the efficacy of the proposed treatments, by measuring the thickness of the dermo-hypodermic panniculus and the infiltration of water into the tissues.

The lack of physical activity and sedentary lifestyle promote the storage of fat. Muscles represent 20 to 25% of women's bodies and since muscle mass consumes energy even at rest, one must take care of one's muscles and limit their involution with age. At 65, we lost 30% of the muscle mass of his 25 years. Regular physical activity has a long-term slimming effect by reducing the production of insulin by the pancreas. The regular practice of a sport therefore acts as a real appetite suppressant. In addition, the fats seem to melt preferentially in the places where the muscles that one makes work are stimulated.

A strong medical consensus admits the benefit of degressive compression associated with walking in veno-lymphatic insufficiency. And we have long known the beneficial effects of the contraction of the calf muscles by the activation of what is called the "muscular calf pump", which significantly stimulates the venous return of the lower limbs.

The applicant has made the observation that because of the degressivity of the compression (on average the pressure decreases in a ratio of about 40-50% between the ankle and the thigh) and Laplace's law, the action a compression tights is not really effective in the thigh and pelvis.

According to Laplace's law, the external pressure (P) exerted by an elastic envelope, in particular a glue on a determined area of the body is directly proportional to the tension (T) of the elastic envelope and inversely proportional to the radius of curvature (r ), the envelope in said area. This law is written by the formula: $$\mathrm{P}\mathrm{=}\mathrm{T}\mathrm{/}\mathrm{r}$$

Wherein (P) is the pressure (g / cm 2) exerted on the skin, (T) the tension (g / cm) of the elastic material and (r) the radius of curvature (cm) of the compressed surface.

Laplace's law is valid only for elastic fabrics, the term fabric being taken in its general acceptance, including woven and knitted structures.

For a fabric having a constant (given) tension, the pressure decreases as the radius of curvature of the limb increases.

Thus the applicant has made the observation that at the upper third of the thigh, the compression of a compression tights is no longer effective on the muscular masses of the thigh, firstly because of the decreasing pressure and, secondly, because of the consequences of the Laplace law, this area being almost flat; conventional compression tights do not exert effective compression. The radii of curvature of the lower limbs vary according to each place considered, it is very problematic to make pressure measurements in vivo. In fact, the research and control laboratories define the pressure of the compression stockings, by calculating from the characteristics of an elastic knit, the pressure exerted on a cylinder with a well-defined radius.

It is possible to reduce the degression of the elastic compression but this makes the garment on the one hand difficult to put on and on the other hand to wear as anti-physiological on the venous and lymphatic return.

The plaintiff also noted that manual lymphatic drainage drains excess fluids in cells and removes waste from cellular metabolism. This drainage is done through a first process called "capture" carried out by the network of lymphatic capillaries located in the infiltrated areas. The "capture" being the consequence of the local increase of the tissue pressure by the massage; the higher the pressure, the greater the recovery of excess liquids by the lymphatic capillaries.

The second drainage process consists of the "evacuation", away from the infiltrated region, of the elements taken up by the lymphatic capillaries towards the pre-collectors and then the lymphatic collectors whose most important route is represented by the satellite collectors of the vein. great saphenous vein.

The aim of the present invention is to propose a garment that is active on the various mechanisms of self-maintenance of cellulite leading to the installation of an "orange peel", in particular by being effective on the local microcirculation and the "capture" of toxins and water and, on the venous and lymphatic circulation.

This object is perfectly achieved by the garment according to claim 1 of the present invention which is intended to fight against cellulite and / or against venous and lymphatic insufficiency in at least one determined area of a lower and / or upper limb, said garment comprising an elastic knitted jacket having an inner face and an outer face.

The knitted envelope is in contention with a degressive pressure gradient from the distal end of said limb to its proximal end and has a protruding protruding structure which is disposed on the part of the inner face corresponding to the determined area; said raised projection structure has the function of locally modifying the curvature of the knitted envelope when wearing the garment; it is configured so as to increase the compression exerted by the garment in said determined area, in application of Laplace's law.

It is the combination of degressive compression and the local increase in compression due to the raised protruding structure that achieves the intended purpose.

The garment according to the invention allows an activation of the local microcirculation and the capture of toxins and water through the raised protruding structure disposed at the areas infiltrated by cellulite. It also allows an activation of the venous and lymphatic circulation thanks to the degressive elastic compression. This protruding raised structure located at the inner face of the garment allows an increase in pressure on the dermo-hypodermic tissue by modifying the radius of curvature locally without increasing the elastic restraint at the proximal end of the upper limbs and lower. Such an increase would be unacceptable since it would call into question the degressive action of elastic restraint.

The projecting raised structure is preferably in the form of a plurality of protuberances. It can be applied to the knit by printing with relief deposits. It can be obtained during knitting by forming embossed meshes according to various techniques known in itself, such as for example "needle hooking", "hooking plate", or "double needle" to conserve the relief even after donning the garment and when the knit is placed in extension.

Depending on the areas to be stimulated and according to the desired results, the projecting structure may have the reliefs in number and in variable size.

As they are a plurality of protuberances, they have a certain spacing between them, ensuring aeration of the zone on which they are applied so as not to cause thermal elevation and sweating.

The protuberances preferably have a height (H) of less than 6 millimeters, having for example a height (H) of 0.5 to 3 mm with a spacing of the order of 1 to 3 times said height (H).

The protruding raised structure may also contain active substances, for example micro encapsulated, whether for a cosmetic or hygienic purpose.

As indicated above the projecting raised structure on the inner face of the garment will allow better capture of liquids and toxins in the infiltrated areas by achieving an increase in tissue pressures. It is located at the level of the areas mainly concerned with cellulite and, preferably, at the saphenous vein-lymphatic collector axes. Its action is increased during a physical activity, especially during the practice of a sport, by a massage effect that combines with the effect of pressure. This pressure massage performed in the area or areas affected by cellulite will relieve cellulite fibers by promoting the process of "capture" of liquids and toxins.

Moreover, the presence of the protruding structure in relief of the inner face along the superficial vein-lymphatic axes makes it possible to improve the "evacuation", far from the infiltrated regions, from the elements taken up by the capillaries towards the most important collectors which will also be stimulated by pressure changes during physical activity.

A raised protruding structure can also be disposed on the outer face at the areas of the body mainly affected by cellulite to improve the tissue pressure during the exercises on the ground.

This garment finds its application in the lower limbs in the form of underpants or leotard for a dancer - sometimes called leotard - and at the upper limbs in the form of a T-shirt. In the latter case, a toilet can be used in the armpits to obtain a pressure gradient between the elbow and the shoulder.

The practice of a physical activity has the effect of acting on an important factor of lipogenesis (increase of fat cells) which is sedentary. It is possible to improve the beneficial effects of physical activity, including sports, whatever it is, walking, cycling or weight training program by wearing the garment of the present invention. And even during the rest phase, the wearer of the garment of the invention enjoys the advantages and comfort of a degressive elastic compression.

• La figure 1 est une représentation schématique d'un caleçon conforme à l'invention, avec une vue générale de face montrant les parties pourvues d'une structure saillante sur la face intérieure,
• La figure 2 est une représentation schématique d'un caleçon de la figure 1 vu de dos,
• La figure 3 est une représentation schématique partielle d'un caleçon montrant les parties pourvues d'une structure saillante sur la face extérieure du vêtement sur une vue de face,
• La figure 4 est une représentation schématique partielle du caleçon de la figure 3 vu de dos,
• Les figures 5 et 6 montrent schématiquement, en coupe, les protubérances sur la face intérieure dans une zone respectivement sans protubérance sur la face extérieure (figure 5) et avec protubérances sur la face extérieure du tricot élastique (figure 6).
• La figure 7 est une représentation schématique d'un justaucorps pour danseuse selon l'invention,
• Les figures 8 et 9 montrent de manière schématique un tee-shirt selon l'invention vu de face (figure 8) et de dos (figure 9).

Other features and advantages will emerge from the description which follows with reference to the attached schematic drawings:

• The figure 1 is a schematic representation of a pants according to the invention, with a general front view showing the parts provided with a projecting structure on the inner face,
• The figure 2 is a schematic representation of a boxer's shorts figure 1 seen from behind,
• The figure 3 is a partial schematic representation of underpants showing the parts provided with a protruding structure on the outer face of the garment in a front view,
• The figure 4 is a partial schematic representation of the underpants of the figure 3 seen from behind,
• The Figures 5 and 6 schematically show, in section, the protuberances on the inner face in a zone respectively without protuberance on the outer face ( figure 5 ) and with protuberances on the outer face of the elastic knit ( figure 6 ).
• The figure 7 is a schematic representation of a leotard for a dancer according to the invention,
• The Figures 8 and 9 schematically show a T-shirt according to the invention seen from the front ( figure 8 ) and back ( figure 9 ).

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

On the figure 1 , the garment of the invention is a sports pants 1 shown front view.

In known manner, it is composed of two half-tights 2,2 'connected by seam 6 during the making, each being performed on a knitting machine, rectilinear or circular, under conditions well known to those skilled in the art , to obtain a decreasing pressure gradient between the zone 3 corresponding to the ankle and the zone 4 corresponding to the upper part of the thigh. It has no foot in the illustrated embodiment.

The compression values of underpants 1 may vary depending on the desired effect. For exemple : Ankle pressure (3) Leg pressure (7) Thigh pressure (8) In mmHg 8-18 8-15 6-12

Any knitting or weaving process and any materials capable of transmitting these tension values can be used.

In the case of a venous or associated severe lymphatic insufficiency, the 50% differential compression usually sought may be ensured by the placement under the garment of a low hock type compression orthosis.

According to the invention, this degressive elastic compression from the distal end to the proximal extremity of the limb is combined with a protruding structure in relief on the inside and possibly the outside of the garment so as to associate with the improvement of the venous and lymphatic circulation, presso-massage on the cellulite zones and on the "catchment" and "evacuation" zones.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, according to Figures 5 and 6 the protruding protruding structure is in the form of a plurality of protuberances 5, 5 fixed respectively to the inner face 1a and outer 1b of the garment 1.

These protuberances 5,5 'preferably hemispherical or half-drop of water are made, for example plastic material, including semi-rigid, elastomeric thermoplastic, silicone or composite.

These protuberances may also contain active substances according to the microencapsulation technique whether for a cosmetic or hygienic purpose.

Preferably, these protuberances 5,5 'have a diameter (D) less than 8 millimeters and a height (H) less than 6 millimeters. Their number and their dimensions are determined according to the zones to be stimulated and according to the desired effect.

In the embodiment shown, the protuberances 5 on the inner face 1a of the underpants are arranged according to the following zone 20: the complete contour of the thighs (A), up to the knee above, on both sides of the hips ( B), the outline of the ankles (C) and the inner side of the leg (D). Their beneficial action combined with the degressive compression, intervenes in these zones (A, B, C, D) identified with dotted lines in the figures, especially during specific muscle exercises concerning said zones or during a walk or pedaling session. .

The protuberances 5 'on the outer face 1b of the underpants are represented by way of examples on the Figures 3 and 4 . They allow during the exercises on the ground to increase the massage pressure locally by a simple mechanical depression of the protuberances in the skin. In this case, the protuberances of the inner face and the outer face of the sportswear are advantageously superimposed, to accentuate the effect of the mechanical depression. The protuberances 5 ', on the outer face 1b of the underpants 1, are arranged ( Figures 3 and 4 ) only on the area 21 corresponding to the contour of the upper thigh and laterally to the side of the thigh and hip.

In a variant, represented by the figure 6 , the garment 10 according to the invention is of the type leotard for dancer in which the underpants, has an extension, sleeveless, covering the upper body.

In another variant, represented by the figure 8 and 9 , garment 11 according to the invention incorporates the principle of elastic compression associated with a protruding structure in relief of the inner face and possibly outer at the zone 23 of the arms 12. As shown in FIG. figure 9 also protuberances 5 which can contribute to the massage have been placed on a part of the back 13. A toilet 16 is used in the armpits to obtain a pressure gradient between the elbow 14 and the shoulder 15.

These protuberances may also contain active substances, in particular microencapsulated, whether for a cosmetic or hygienic purpose.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated, given by way of non-exhaustive examples. In particular, the protruding raised structure in the zone or zones to be treated can be made in any suitable form provided that the technical effect of locally increasing the compression exerted by the garment is achieved, because of the modification of the curvature. of the knitted envelope. It may in particular be a structure obtained during knitting, creating mesh in extra thickness, sufficiently rigid so that they remain projecting when wearing the garment, including the type of sport exercised with said garment.

Claims (10)

1. Garment (1) intended to combat cellulite and/or venous and lymphatic insufficiency in at least one given area of a lower and/or upper member, comprising an elastic knitted sheath having an inner face (1 a) and an outer face (1 b) and having a projecting relief structure (5) disposed on the inner face part, characterised in that

   - the elastic knitted sheath has a restraining effect with a decreasing rate of pressure from the distal extremity of said member towards its proximal extremity,

   - the projecting relief structure (5) is provided in the form of a plurality of protuberances spaced apart from one another and disposed on the part of the inner face corresponding to said area (20, 23) to be treated, the protuberances having a spacing between them which assures that the area is aerated so as to avoid causing sudation,

   - said projecting structure is capable of locally modifying the curvature of the knitted sheath when the garment is worn so as to locally increase the compression applied by the garment in said area (20, 23).
2. Garment as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the projecting relief structure is made up of a plurality or protuberances (5), in particular of a substantially semi-spherical shape, for example made from plastic, preferably semi-rigid, thermoplastic elastomer, silicone or a composite.
3. Garment as claimed in one of claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the projecting structure is formed by impression, with deposits in relief.
4. Garment as claimed in one of claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the projecting structure is obtained by forming stitches in relief during knitting.
5. Garment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the projecting relief structure of the inner face is disposed on a level with parts of the garment intended to be in contact with the areas affected by cellulite and saphenous venous lymphatic collectors.
6. Garment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the projecting relief structure (5') is disposed on the outer face (1 b) on a level with parts of the garment intended to be in contact with the areas (21) affected by cellulite.
7. Garment as claimed in claims 2 and 6, characterised by a plurality of protuberances (5') on the outer face (1 b) of the garment superposed on protuberances (5) on the inner face (1 a) of the garment.
8. Garment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the projecting relief structure on the inner face contains active substances, in particular micro-encapsulated.
9. Garment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in the form of a tee-shirt (11), characterised in that it has a gusset (16) under the armpits in order to maintain the decreasing rate of pressure between the elbow (14) and the shoulder (15).
10. Garment as claimed in one of claims 2, 6 or 7, characterised in that the protuberances (5) on the inner face (1 a) of the elastic sheath have a height (H) of less than 6 mm, preferably in the order or 0.5 to 3 mm, and are spaced apart from one another by a distance in the order of 1 to 3 times said height (H).

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