US20140238085A1

US20140238085A1 - Compression shirt

Info

Publication number: US20140238085A1
Application number: US14/193,765
Authority: US
Inventors: Mark W. L. Smith
Original assignee: KNIT-RITE Inc
Current assignee: KNIT-RITE Inc
Priority date: 2013-02-28
Filing date: 2014-02-28
Publication date: 2014-08-28
Also published as: WO2014134489A1

Abstract

A compression shirt operable to apply compression to the torso of a wearer. The compression shirt broadly includes a knitted tubular fabric receptacle to be received on the torso of the wearer. The receptacle is knitted of core-spun yarn. The receptacle is generally undersized in an unstretched condition relative to the torso, such that the receptacle is resiliently stretched when the shirt is donned to thereby apply a compressive force to the torso. The receptacle includes integrally knitted front and back sections that cooperatively form a pair of spaced apart shoulder caps. The receptacle includes a neck opening and a pair of arm openings.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/770,858, filed Feb. 28, 2013, entitled COMPRESSION SHIRT, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Field
The present invention relates generally to knitted garments. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention concern a compression shirt that includes a knitted receptacle with shoulder caps.
2. Discussion of Prior Art
Conventional shirts are available in various shirt styles and exhibit a wide range of features and performance characteristics. For instance, some conventional undershirts (such as those made of cotton) include a seamless tubular torso section and upper shoulder sections, with a seam running along at least the top of the shoulder sections. However, some prior art undershirts have seams alternatively positioned along the shoulder section. While many known undershirts are designed to provide a loose fit, it is also known for some undershirts to be sized and configured to provide compression when donned by the wearer. For example, undershirts constructed with a relatively elastic fabric, such as spandex, are often used to provide a compression fit.
It is known to use compression garments to apply compression for therapeutic purposes. For instance, compression therapy is believed to benefit children and adults with Sensory Processing Dysfunction (SPD), Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and other neuromuscular disorders.
However, prior art shirts have various deficiencies. For instance, conventional undershirts have seams that contact the wearer when the undershirt is donned and can irritate the skin. Skin irritation caused by a shirt seam rubbing or otherwise contacting the skin can occur with loose fit undershirts. However, skin irritation from contact with seams can be more acute for compression fit undershirts. Prior art shirt constructions, including compression shirts, are also prone to wrinkling or presenting uneven material thicknesses, either of which can lead to skin irritation. Conventional shirts with seams are particularly problematic when worn by children and adults who are highly sensitive to skin irritants.
Also, some prior art compression shirts include non-fabric materials such as neoprene rubber to provide a desired level of compression. However, the use of such materials has been found to be uncomfortable because of excessive material thickness and heat retention. Yet further, conventional compression shirts are difficult to don because the materials and configuration of such shirts restrict the required expansion of shirt openings and passages associated with donning the shirt.

SUMMARY

The following brief summary is provided to indicate the nature of the subject matter disclosed herein. While certain aspects of the present invention are described below, the summary is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
Embodiments of the present invention provide a compression shirt that does not suffer from the problems and limitations of the prior art garments set forth above.
A first aspect of the present invention concerns a compression shirt operable to apply compression to the torso of a wearer. The compression shirt broadly includes a knitted tubular fabric receptacle to be received on the torso of the wearer. The receptacle is knitted of core-spun yarn. The receptacle is generally undersized in an unstretched condition relative to the torso, such that the receptacle is resiliently stretched. When the shirt is donned to thereby apply a compressive force to the torso. The receptacle includes integrally knitted front and back sections that cooperatively present opposite receptacle side margins, with the front and back sections being seamlessly joined along the receptacle side margins. The front and back sections cooperatively define an open lower receptacle margin. The front and back sections cooperatively form a pair of spaced apart shoulder caps spaced from the lower receptacle margin. The receptacle includes a neck opening located between the shoulder caps, with the neck opening configured to receive the neck of the wearer. The receptacle includes a pair of arm openings, each being positioned laterally outside a respective one of the shoulder caps and configured to receive one of the arms of the wearer.
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an elevation of a compression shirt constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, with the shirt including a knitted tubular fabric receptacle that includes a neck opening and arm openings, and showing the shirt in a relaxed flat condition where front and back sections of the shirt are laid flat and overlie one another;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the compression shirt shown in FIG. 1, showing the shirt in a stretched condition where a body of the receptacle assumes a tubular shape, with the neck opening and a lower torso opening being opened;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary upper perspective of the compression shirt shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, showing a shoulder cap of the receptacle, with the shoulder cap including front and back cap portions joined to one another by a cap seam;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary lower perspective of the compression shirt shown in FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective of the compression shirt shown in FIGS. 1-4, showing the shirt in the stretched condition, with receptacle including a series of circumferentially extending elastic threads that are depicted schematically; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective of the compression shirt similar to FIG. 5, but with the shirt being donned by a wearer and stretched to conform to the shape of the torso.

The drawing figures do not limit the present invention to the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the preferred embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Turning initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, a compression shirt 20 is constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In at least some applications, the shirt 20 is generally worn as an undershirt and is configured to apply therapeutic compression directly to a torso T when the shirt 20 is donned by a wearer W. The shirt 20 has been found to he particularly effective as a therapeutic garment for children and adults with Sensory Processing Dysfunction (SPD), Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and other neuromuscular disorders. However, it is within the ambit of the present invention where the shirt 20 is donned for other purposes. As will be described in greater detail, the shirt 20 is constructed to be comfortable to wear without causing irritation associated with wearing a shirt having conventional seams. It shall be understood that the term “seam” as used herein means two (2) fabric edges joined together with stitching. The shirt 20 preferably includes a knitted tubular fabric receptacle 22, with the receptacle 22 including a tubular body 24 and shoulder caps 26.
The receptacle 22 preferably comprises a tubular, multi-directional stretch fabric construction. The receptacle 22 is sized and configured to be resiliently stretched on the torso T when the shirt 20 is donned. That is, the receptacle 22 preferably applies a compressive force to the torso T when the shirt 20 is donned. As a result, when the shirt 20 is not donned, the receptacle 22 can preferably assume an unstretched condition where the receptacle 22 is generally undersized relative to the torso T. The receptacle is 22 undersized relative to torso T when a circumferential shirt dimension of the receptacle 22 is less than a circumferential torso dimension of the torso T, with the dimensions being measured at locations that are aligned with one another when the shirt 20 is donned.
The receptacle 22 is preferably weft knitted in roll form using a conventional circular rib-knit machine (not shown). However, it is within the ambit of the present invention Where the receptacle 22 is alternatively knitted. For instance, the receptacle 22 could be knitted seamlessly on a flat bed knitting machine. One such flat bed knitting machine suitable for knitting a seamless compression shirt with or without sleeves is a Mini WholeGarment knitting machine, Model No. SWG021, manufactured by Shima Seiki Mfg, Ltd.
The receptacle 22 preferably includes integrally knitted front and back sections 28,30 that cooperatively present opposite receptacle side margins 32. The front and back sections 28,30 are preferably seamlessly joined along the receptacle side margins 32. The front and back sections 28,30 also cooperatively define an open lower receptacle margin 34. As will be discussed, the front and back sections 28,30 cooperatively form the shoulder caps 26, which are spaced from the lower receptacle margin 34.
Preferably, the front and back sections 28,30 each have a downwardly projecting recess 35 extending between the shoulder caps 26. Each recess 35 preferably has a semicircular shape when the shirt 20 is laid flat (see FIG. 1). However, each recess 35 could be alternatively shaped. In the illustrated embodiment, the recesses 35 cooperatively define a neck opening 36 located between the shoulder caps 26. However, it is within the ambit of the present invention where the neck opening 36 is defined by a recess in only one of the sections 28,30. In the usual manner, the neck opening 36 is configured to receive the neck of the wearer W.
The receptacle 22 includes a torso opening 37 defined by the lower receptacle margin 34 and located at an end of the receptacle opposite the neck opening 36. The receptacle 22 also preferably includes a pair of arm openings 38. Each arm opening 38 is positioned laterally outside a respective one of the shoulder caps 26 and is configured to receive one of the arms of the wearer W.
The arm openings 38 are preferably located immediately adjacent the respective one of the shoulder caps 26 such that the shirt 20 is sleeveless. However, the principles of the present invention are equally applicable where the shirt 20 includes sleeves to receive the arms of the wearer W. Such sleeves could be formed with various sleeve lengths (e.g., to provide a shirt with short sleeves or long sleeves). If the illustrated shirt 20 is modified to attach sleeves to the receptacle 22 at each opening 38, the sleeves could be attached to the receptacle 22 with a seam that is similar to the seam that extends along the shoulder caps 26. Yet further, if the shirt 20 is knitted seamlessly on a flat bed knitting machine, the sleeves can be integrally knitted with the receptacle 22. That is, a seamless knitted shirt with sleeves can be knitted without seams between the sleeves and the receptacle. For instance, a seamless knitted shirt with sleeves can be knitted using the WholeGarment knitting machine discussed above. As will be discussed, a seamless knitted shirt can also be knitted without seams along the shoulder caps 26.
Each of the openings 36,37,38 is preferably formed by first cutting the openings 36,37,38 out of the continuously knitted receptacle 22. To secure the knitted fibers in place along the edges that form each opening 36,37,38, an overedge stitching 39 is applied to each of the edges. In the usual manner, the overedge stitching restricts the edges from unraveling. The overedge stitching 39 is preferably applied using a conventional Merrow Overedge Overlock Sewing Machine, such as one of Merrow Model Nos. MG-MD-45, MG-MD-60, or MG-MD-67. However, it is within the scope of the present invention where the edges that form the openings 36,37,38 are knitted and finished without the use of overedge stitching 39. For instance, the edges that form the openings 36,37,38 could be knitted with a fiat bed knitting machine.
The illustrated receptacle 22 is preferably knitted with multiple courses of core-spun yarn using a 1×1 rib-knit stitch pattern. Preferably, the courses extend in a circumferential direction of the receptacle 22. Furthermore, the receptacle 22 preferably includes laid-in elastic 40 that is periodically laid into the core-spun courses. Preferably, the elastic 40 is laid into the core-spun once every four (4) courses. However, it is within the scope of the present invention for the elastic 40 to be laid into the courses in an alternative pattern (e.g., once every three (3) courses) or even sporadically. However, for some aspects of the present invention, the shirt 20 could be devoid of laid-in elastic 40.
The core-spun yarn preferably includes a pre-tensioned elastomeric core and a twisted fiber sheath. In the illustrated embodiment, the elastomeric core includes a forty (40) denier spandex fiber. However, the elastomeric core could include an alternative elastomeric thread material and/or an alternative thread weight.
The twisted fiber sheath preferably includes non-elastomeric fibers wound about the elastomeric core. In the present embodiment, the non-elastomeric fibers comprise a two hundred thirty-one (231) denier ring-spun synthetic polyester yarn. However, the yarn could include an alternative non-elastomeric fiber and/or an alternative yarn weight.
It has been found that the combination of weft knitted core-spun yarn courses with laid-in elastic provides a multi-directional stretchable material. That is, the knitted construction of the present invention allows the shirt 20 to stretch equally along a longitudinal direction associated with the length of the shirt 20 and along the circumferential direction. Preferably, the illustrated shirt 20 is configured to stretch up to 50% in both directions during anticipated levels of use. By being stretchable in both the longitudinal and circumferential directions, the shirt 20 is able to be stretched in any direction. Yet further, the shirt 20 is able to be stretched in any pair of transverse directions.
The laid-in elastic threads 40 each preferably include an elastomeric core and a textured polyester yarn wrapped around the core to provide a sheath. The elastomeric core is preferably not pre-tensioned. In the present embodiment, the elastomeric core includes either an eight hundred forty (840) denier spandex fiber or an eleven hundred twenty (1120) denier spandex fiber. The polyester yarn of the elastic thread 40 preferably comprises two wraps of a one hundred fifty (150) denier yarn. However, it is within the scope of the present invention where the polyester yarn is alternatively configured. Furthermore, the elastic thread 40 could include a sheath material other than polyester yarn, such as a nylon yarn. Yet further, for some aspects of the present invention, the shirt 20 could be knitted without incorporating laid-in elastic threads 40 into the knitted courses of core-spun yarn.
Where the shirt 20 is knitted seamlessly on a flat bed knitting machine, the shirt 20 could be knitted with core-spun yarn and laid-in elastic similar to those discussed above. The seamlessly knitted shirt 20 is preferably weft-knitted with core-spun yarn in courses of single jersey knitting. However, it is also within the scope of the present invention where the shirt 20 is knitted seamlessly with weft-knitted half-gauge courses (i.e., by knitting on every other needle) or weft-knitted quarter-gauge courses (i.e., by knitting on every fourth needle). Each end of the core-spun yarn preferably includes a forty (40) denier spandex fiber core, and is knitted preferably with two ends of a two hundred thirty-one (231) denier ring-spun synthetic polyester core-spun yarn. Where the shirt 20 is knitted seamlessly on a flat bed knitting machine with core-spun yarn, but without laid-in elastic, the core-spun yarn would likely have an alternative configuration. For instance, a seamless shirt without laid-in elastic could have a core-spun yarn with a relatively heavier spandex core, such as a one hundred forty (140) denier spandex core, to provide adequate compression. At the same time, the core-spun yarn of the seamless shirt could be provided with a relatively lighter sheath, such as two ends of a one hundred seventy-seven (177) denier ring-spun synthetic polyester core-spun yarn.
The compression shirt 20 provides a measured compression along the receptacle 22. For the illustrated embodiment, the measured compression preferably ranges from about ten (10) mmHg to about twenty (20) mmHg. More preferably, the measured compression ranges from about fifteen (15) mmHg to about twenty (20) mmHg when the stretched circumference is about 50% greater than the relaxed circumference of the receptacle 22. Also, the measured compression preferably ranges from about ten (10) mmHg to about fifteen (15) mmHg when the stretched circumference is about 25% greater than the relaxed circumference.
The tubular body 24 of the receptacle 22 is knitted to have a tubular form. In the illustrated embodiment, the tubular body 24 presents a lateral width dimension D measured from one side margin 32 to the other side margin 32 when the shirt 20 is laid flat (see FIG. 1). Preferably, the lateral width dimension D is substantially constant from a lowermost margin of the arm openings 38 to the lower receptacle margin 34. However, it is within the scope of the present invention where at least part of the tubular body 24 presents a lateral width dimension D that tapers along the length thereof.
Such tapering of the tubular body 24 could be provided using different techniques. For instance, where the receptacle 22 is knitted using a circular rib-knit machine with laid-in elastic, the feed speed for laid-in elastic (known as the elastic ratio) can be adjusted to change the lateral width dimension D. Generally, as the feed speed for the elastic increases, the lateral width dimension D increases. Also, as the elastic feed speed decreases, the lateral width dimension D decreases. However, it is within the scope of the present invention where tapering of the tubular body 24 is provided by the inclusion of fashioning stitches. For instance, where the receptacle 22 is knitted using a flat-bed knitting machine, fashioning stitches could be made along the side margins 32 to form a desired tapering of the tubular body 24.
The receptacle 22 also preferably presents a length dimension L measured from the lower receptacle margin 34 to an upper receptacle margin 41 (see FIG. 1). It has been found that particular sizes of the shirt 20 are desirable to suit wearers having a range of sizes and shapes. For a small shirt size, the lateral width dimension D is preferably about nine inches (9″) and the length dimension L is preferably about sixteen and one half inches (16.5″). For a medium shirt size, the lateral width dimension D is preferably about eleven and a half inches (11.5″) and the length dimension L is preferably about eighteen inches (18″). For a large shirt size, the lateral width dimension D is preferably about fourteen and a half inches (14.5″) and the length dimension L is preferably about twenty and one half inches (20.5″). However, it is also within the ambit of the present invention where the shirt 20 is alternatively dimensioned.
The size of the shirt 20 is preferably selected for the wearer W by measuring the circumference of the wearer's chest at the tidiest part of the chest. This chest circumference measurement is located generally at line C (see FIG. 6). The chest circumference is measured while the arms of the wearer are relaxed and located at the wearer's sides. It has been determined that the small shirt size mentioned above is suitably sized for the wearer and provides compression if the chest circumferences ranges from about eighteen inches (18″) to about twenty-five inches (25″). The medium shirt size mentioned above has been found to be suitable for the wearer and provides compression if the chest circumferences ranges from about twenty-three inches (23″) to about thirty inches (30″). The large shirt size mentioned above has been found to be suitable for the wearer and provides compression if the chest circumferences ranges from about twenty-eight inches (28″) to about thirty-five inches (35″).
Turning to FIGS. 1-6, the shoulder caps 26 are configured to restrict movement of the shirt 20 when the shirt 20 is donned. The shoulder caps 26 are preferably knit as part of the receptacle 22, and the preferred shoulder caps 26 are therefore knitted in the same manner with the same materials as the rest of the receptacle 22. Thus, each shoulder cap 21 is preferably knitted with multiple courses of core-spun yarn using a 1×1 rib-knit stitch pattern. Preferably, the courses extend in a circumferential direction. Each shoulder cap 24 also includes laid-in elastic that is periodically laid into the core-spun courses.
The shoulder caps 26 each preferably include opposite cap portions 42,44 that are sewn together along a cap seam 46. In the illustrated embodiment, the cap portions 42,44 are provided as part of corresponding front and back sections 28,30. The opposite cap portions 42,44 of each shoulder cap 26 preferably present upper edges 48 (see FIGS. 1 and 3). The illustrated cap portions 42,44 of each shoulder cap 26 are preferably stitched together while portions thereof overlie another, with the corresponding upper edges 48 aligned (see FIG. 3). Notably, the aligned set of upper edges 48 preferably are not stitched together in end-to-end abutting engagement with each other. Rather, the upper edges 48 are stitched together so that the upper edges 48 extend alongside one another. However, for some aspects of the present invention, the shoulder caps 26 could be devoid of cap seams 46. For instance, where the shirt 20 is knitted seamlessly on a flat bed knitting machine, the cap portions 42,44 can be joined without the cap seam 46 by knitting the cap portions 42,44 together as a continuous shoulder cap.
This construction has been found to produce a very smooth and continuous interior shirt surface along the cap seams 46. Further, when the cap portions 42,44 are generally moved away from one another, it can be seen that this construction produces a slight dimple 50 that is elongated and extends along the interior shirt surface (see FIGS. 3 and 4). It has been found that this dimpled interior shape helps to provide the smooth interior surface along the cap seams 46.
Preferably, the cap seams 46 are positioned to define the upper receptacle margin 41 of the shirt 20, with the upper receptacle margin 41 being opposite the lower receptacle margin 34. However, it is within the scope of the present invention where the cap seams 46 are alternatively positioned.
Turning to FIGS. 3 and 4, the cap seams 46 are each preferably formed by a line of overlock stitching 52. The line of overlock stitching 52 is preferably cooperatively formed by a looper thread 54 and a needle thread 56 (both of which are depicted schematically). The illustrated looper thread 54 is preferably stitched along an exterior surface 58 of the shirt 20, while the needle thread 56 is preferably stitched along an interior surface 60 of the shirt 20. The line of overlock stitching 52 is preferably formed using a conventional Merrow Overedge Overlock Sewing Machine, such as one of Merrow Model Nos. MG-MD-45, MG-MD-60, or MG-MD-67.
Preferably, the looper thread 54 has a thread weight that ranges from about one hundred (100) denier to about four hundred (400) denier and, more preferably, is about two hundred eighty (280) denier. Also, the needle thread 56 preferably has thread weight that ranges from about fifty (50) denier to about two hundred (200) denier and, more preferably, is about one hundred (100) denier. When comparing the weight of threads 54,56, the looper thread 54 is preferably about three times heavier than the needle thread 56. This configuration of the threads 54,56 has been found to contribute to the desired smoothness of the cap seam 46 along the interior surface 60 while providing a suitable level of strength for the cap seams 46. However, it is within the ambit of the present invention where the looper thread 54 and/or the needle thread 56 have an alternative thread weight.
The looper thread 54 is preferably sewn with a stitch count that ranges from about twenty-two (22) stitches per inch to about thirty (30) stitches per inch and, more preferably, is about twenty-six (26) stitches per inch. The needle thread 56 is preferably sewn with a stitch count that ranges from about twenty (20) stitches per inch to about twenty-eight (28) stitches per inch and, more preferably, is about twenty-four (24) stitches per inch. Thus, the looper thread 54 preferably forms stitches that are dense than the stitches formed by the needle thread 56. This construction also contributes to the desired smoothness of the cap seam 46 along the interior surface 60 while providing a suitable level of strength for the cap seams 46. Again, it is within the ambit of the present invention where the looper thread 54 and/or the needle thread 56 have an alternative stitch density.
In use, the shirt 20 is donned by the wearer W by passing the head and arms through the torso opening 37, extending the head through the neck opening 36, and extending the arms through the corresponding arm openings 38. The shirt 20 is moved downwardly along the torso T until the shoulder caps 26 contact (or at least move adjacent to) the shoulders of the wearer W. As the shirt 20 is donned, the shirt 20 elastically stretches to conform to the wearer W and apply compression to the torso T.
Although the above description presents features of preferred embodiments of the present invention, other preferred embodiments may also be created in keeping with the principles of the invention. Such other preferred embodiments may, for instance, be provided with features drawn from one or more of the embodiments described above. Yet further, such other preferred embodiments may include features from multiple embodiments described above, particularly where such features are compatible for use together despite having been presented independently as part of separate embodiments in the above description.
The preferred forms of the invention described above are to be used as illustration only, and should not be utilized in a limiting sense in interpreting the scope of the present invention. Obvious modifications to the exemplary embodiments, as hereinabove set forth, could be readily made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
The inventor hereby states his intent to rely on the Doctrine of Equivalents to determine and assess the reasonably fair scope of the present invention as pertains to any apparatus not materially departing from but outside the literal scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A compression shirt operable to apply compression to the torso of a wearer, said compression shirt comprising:

a knitted tubular fabric receptacle to be received on the torso of the wearer,

said receptacle being knitted of core-spun yarn,

said receptacle being generally undersized in an unstretched condition relative to the torso, such that the receptacle is resiliently stretched when the shirt is donned to thereby apply a compressive force to the torso,

said receptacle including integrally knitted front and back sections that cooperatively present opposite receptacle side margins, with the front and back sections being seamlessly joined along the receptacle side margins,

said front and back sections cooperatively defining an open lower receptacle margin,

said front and back sections cooperatively forming a pair of spaced apart shoulder caps spaced from the lower receptacle margin,

said receptacle including a neck opening located between the shoulder caps, with the neck opening configured to receive the neck of the wearer,

said receptacle including a pair of arm openings, each being positioned laterally outside a respective one of the shoulder caps and configured to receive one of the arms of the wearer.

2. The compression shirt as claimed in claim 1,

said receptacle being formed of knitted courses,

said receptacle including a plurality of laid-in elastic threads that are laid into spaced apart ones of the courses.

3. The compression shirt as claimed in claim 2,

said elastic threads being laid into every fourth course.

4. The compression shirt as claimed in claim 2,

said receptacle being formed of a 1×1 rib-knit stitch pattern.

5. The compression shirt as claimed in claim 1,

said shoulder caps including opposite cap portions defined by the front and back sections, respectively,

said cap portions of each cap being sewn together along a cap seam.

6. The compression shirt as claimed in claim 5,

said receptacle being devoid of seams except for the cap seams.

7. The compression shirt as claimed in claim 6,

said cap seams defining an upper receptacle margin opposite the lower receptacle margin.

8. The compression shirt as claimed in claim 7,

each of said cap seams being formed by a line of overlock stitching.

9. The compression shirt as claimed in claim 8,

said opposite cap portions of each shoulder cap presenting edges, with the cap portions of each shoulder cap being sewn together while overlying one another and having the edges aligned.

10. The compression shirt as claimed in claim 9,

said line of overlock stitching being cooperatively formed by a looper thread and a needle thread.

11. The compression shirt as claimed in claim 10,

said receptacle presenting interior and exterior surfaces, said looper thread being sewn along the exterior surface and said needle thread being sewn along the interior surface.

12. The compression shirt as claimed in claim 11,

said looper thread being about 280 denier and said needle thread being about 100 denier.

13. The compression shirt as claimed in claim 12,

said looper thread being sewn with a stitch count of 26 stitches per inch and said needle thread being sewn with a stitch count of 24 stitches per inch.

14. The compression shirt as claimed in claim 10,

15. The compression shirt as claimed in claim 14,

16. The compression shirt as claimed in claim 9,

said shirt presenting interior and exterior surfaces, said line of overlock stitching being cooperatively formed by an exterior thread sewn along the exterior surface and an interior thread sewn along the interior surface.

17. The compression shirt as claimed in claim 16,

said exterior thread being about 280 denier and said interior thread being about 100 denier.

18. The compression shirt as claimed in claim 17,

said exterior thread being sewn with a stitch count of 26 stitches per inch and said interior thread being sewn with a stitch count of 24 stitches per inch.

19. The compression shirt as claimed in claim 1,

said core-spun yarn including a pre-tensioned elastomeric core and a twisted fiber sheath.

20. The compression shirt as claimed in claim 19,

said elastomeric core comprising spandex fiber,

said sheath including non-elastomeric fibers wound about the elastomeric core,

said non-elastomeric fibers comprising a textured polyester yarn.

21. The compression shirt as claimed in claim 1,

said receptacle including a plurality of laid-in elastic threads,

each of said elastic threads including an elastomeric core and a polyester yarn wrapped around the core.

22. The compression shirt as claimed in claim 1,

said receptacle providing a measured compression determined for a designated stretched circumference of the receptacle greater than a relaxed circumference of the receptacle.

23. The compression shirt as claimed in claim 77,

said measured compression ranging from about 10 mmHg to about 20 mmHg.

24. The compression shirt as claimed in claim 23,

said measured compression ranging from about 15 mmHg to about 20 mmHg when the stretched circumference is about 50% greater than the relaxed circumference.

25. The compression shirt as claimed in claim 24,

said measured compression ranging from about 10 mmHg to about 15 mmHg when the stretched circumference is about 25% greater than the relaxed circumference.

26. The compression shirt as claimed in claim 1,

said front and back sections each having a downwardly projecting recess extending between the shoulder caps,

said recesses cooperatively defining the neck opening.

27. The compression shirt as claimed in claim 26,

each of said recesses being semicircular in shape.

28. The compression shirt as claimed in claim 1,

each of said arm openings being defined along one of the receptacle side margins.

29. The compression shirt as claimed in claim 28,

each of said arm openings being immediately adjacent the respective one of the shoulder caps, such that the compression shirt is sleeveless.

30. The compression shirt as claimed in claim 1,

said lower receptacle margin, neck opening, and arm openings being defined by respective fabric edges,

said edges being provided with overedge stitching to restrict the edges from unraveling.