Close-fitting sports garment

p0001Disclosed adjusted sportswear and clothing intended for particular activities requiring postural support. Postural support is especially important for endurance sports, for example, running feet in the mountains or in difficult terrain, tennis, cycling, Nordic skiing or Alpine. The invention may also be useful for other balance sports such as water sports.

p0002The demand <patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="FR2889033"><text>FR 2889033</text></patcit> discloses sportswear adjusted compounds having portions of a laminated compound of which one layer is elastic and has a plurality of cutouts. Such a garment improves blood circulation and facilitates recovery after exercise but does not offer a sufficient muscular support.

p0003by the <patcit id="pcit0002" dnum="WO9836652A"><text>WO 98/36652</text></patcit> it is known to make fitting clothing made of an elastic base fabric such as Lycra ® which are sewn strips of elastic resistance. These elastic bands exert elastic resistance to movement so as to help the weight of the body. However the purpose of the suit is to beef up the body so that it is built to resist the muscles rather than to provide postural support.

p0004The document <patcit id="pcit0003" dnum="US7631367B"><text>US 7631367</text></patcit> also discloses a sport garment includes elastic bands glued or sewn onto the textile, the objective is to store a portion of energy produced by a muscle during a movement, to be able to return during the next opposite movement. Such strips are narrow and have a small size relative to the length of between 1 and 5 cm for wider bands, such that would round a thigh or arm oppose too much resistance and would be a discomfort to the sport than a help.

p0005All documents of the prior art with sports clothes that were designed for practitioners of jogging or running were for sports can be practiced on the flat, athletics track, road, etc., these sports requiring no or little postural support. Thus, these clothes are not suitable for sports requiring such support and in particular to the new practice of "Trail-running," or road racing, including race or mountain terrain.

p0006The trail running is characterized by a rugged mid race including portions with high elevation gain (amount) and portions with high vertical drop (down). In sum, the developed muscle power is the power of energy that requires good blood flow with optimal venous return but also a good ventilation of the body. Downhill, developed the muscular energy is mainly directed towards the postural support. The athlete must maintain its posture at every step, not sag or lose balance the body which results in an additional energy expenditure to offset this imbalance. The balance of the body is directly related to the position of the center of gravity of the athlete. With postural support, position the center of gravity varies less, which is good for the body balance. Running, sports adds a dynamic balance related to its inertia. This is what makes the difference between walking down where a relative sagging posture with every step helps to cushion the step, and the current downhill when this slump is much lower. Therefore, also in the race, poor postural causes a significant change in the origin to the center of gravity of additional energy expenditure, the dynamic balance that does not allow fully compensate this oscillation.

p0007The trail running is characterized partly by a wide variety of land on which practitioners run, rocks, scree, sand, grass, dirt, mud, etc ... but also by the fact that the land is not generally not flat and are strewn with stones, roots, ruts, puddles, etc ... adapting to this variety of terrain and obstacle not only demand feet as is the case in the traditional jogging, but the body to constantly maintain its balance whatever the local slope of the terrain.

p0008The practice of trail running is very recent, there is no specific product developed for the latter.

p0009These balance problems and the need for compression are also found for endurance sports and / or balance as mentioned above. Alpine hiking, the constraints related to the rise and fall times are like.

p0010An object of the invention to provide sports clothes that allow the sport to be free of the disadvantages of current clothes, including proposing a garment that offers an optimal balance between compression, ventilation and postural support.

p0011An object of the invention is to provide clothing especially suited to the practice of trail running.

p0012Or that the objectives of the invention are solved by providing a sports garment intended to cover at least one member of a user having an essentially textile base carried in contact with the body and comprising a compression zone surrounding said member, said compression zone comprises at least one film applied to the textile base, said film having a plurality of openings. Said compression zone comprises an exclusive compression zone and a postural support zone. The resistance to elongation of the garment portion constituting the postural support area is greater than that of the garment portion being the sole compression zone along at least one loading direction.

p0013The postural support area, combined with exclusive compression zone, enhances the maintenance of the body. Thus, this construction allows the user to keep a good posture when his effort. In this posture, joints are correctly aligned thereby balancing the constraints suffered. The user does not suffer from excessive pressure in the neck, shoulders, back, hips, knees or ankles. Accordingly, the joints are less stressed thus improving the amplitude of movement, flexibility and operation of internal organs. The alignment head (ears), shoulders, hips, ankles and contributes to the stability of the body. This postural stabilization allows better guide members during movement.

p0014In the compression zone, the garment supports the internal and external muscles, ligaments and tendons, determinants for the posture of the user. Postural support prevents sagging and therefore brings balance, stability and motion control. Improving these three characteristics significantly improves its user performance by reducing fatigue.

p0015Indeed, the internal muscles that support the spine, shoulders and hips directly affect the stability of the body.

p0016The garment allows the muscular stabilization which results in a limitation of internal vibrations, especially in the muscles and joints.

p0017According to the invention, there are two distinct compression zones whose compression characteristics vary.

p0018The first circulatory said compression zone comprises portions of the body located below the waist belt. The objective for this area, in addition to stability, is the improvement of the blood circulation and in particular the blood return. For those garments, a compression of 10 to 20 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) is described. Targeted clothes for this first compression zone are the shorts or leggings.

p0019The second compression zone said detection consists of the parts located above the lap belt. The desired objective for this area is proprioception. At this level, the compression zone acts as a sensor to inform the user of changes posture. Postural support is preferred over compression. For these clothes, compression 5 to 15 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) is targeted. Preferably, an attempt to have a compression in this second zone corresponding substantially to half the compression obtained in the first zone. Targeted clothes for this second compression zone are the T-shirts or shorts high.

p0020In this second compression zone, the internal muscles of the abdominal and lower back are responsible for the sensitivity of the body where it is located in space. For example, when you lose balance, these internal muscles at Layers "root" of the spine can move quickly to adjust the weight distribution in order to regain balance. The body's center of gravity can be adjusted rapidly as the body detects an imbalance. Postural support sagging limit of the body and therefore energy expenditure necessary to make up for imbalance. The user saves forces to regain stability. He spends less energy since it must perform under compensatory movements. Consequently, the athlete with less fatigue.

p0021It is therefore worth supporting these internal muscles via, for example, a T-shirt and / or shorts of the invention.

p0022This garment structure also allows good proprioception throughout the body. The garment acts as a sensor allowing the user to respond when the body weakens. The change of posture causes a local action on the garment that results in heightened local pressure on the body to alert the user of this change. The user can then respond quickly. It delays fatigue as stated previously.

p0023Other features and advantages of the invention will be better understood using the following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating, according to non-limiting embodiments, how the invention can be achieved, and where :<ul><li>the <figref idrefs="f0001">figure 1</figref> ¾ is a view of a practitioner trail running with three pieces of clothing according to first embodiments of the invention: a shirt, shorts, and a pair of leggings;</li><li>the <figref idrefs="f0002">Figures 2, 3</figref> represent the views of the front and back of a shirt in a first mode of the invention;</li><li>the <figref idrefs="f0003">4</figref> shows a detailed view of a portion of an exclusive compression zone;</li><li>the <figref idrefs="f0003">5</figref> shows a detailed view of a portion of a postural support zone;</li><li>the <figref idrefs="f0003">6</figref> is a detail sectional view of the clothing worn, at the postural support zone;</li><li>the <figref idrefs="f0004">Figures 7 and 8</figref> respectively represent a front view and rear shorts according to another embodiment of the invention;</li><li>the <figref idrefs="f0003">9</figref> is a detail sectional view of a portion of the compression zone of a garment according to another embodiment of the invention;</li><li>the <figref idrefs="f0003">Figures 10 and 11</figref> represent the views of front and back of a pad according to a first mode of the invention;</li><li>the <figref idrefs="f0004">Figure 12</figref> shows a detailed view of a portion of the retaining region postural according to another embodiment;</li><li>the <figref idrefs="f0004">13</figref> shows a detailed view of a portion of a compression zone shorts according to one embodiment;</li><li>the <figref idrefs="f0004">Figure 14</figref> is a detail sectional view of a portion of the compression zone of a garment according to another embodiment of the invention;</li></ul>

p0024According to the invention, each of its clothing includes areas where a compression effect is achieved by a particular configuration. Not limited to, four fields are described in: calf compression zone 4, compression zone 5 of the thigh, chest compression zone 6 and the compression zone of the arm 7. Of course, the apparel being symmetrical right / left, there is a right thigh area and a left thigh area and the same for the arm and calf, but for simplicity we will speak later in the area of ​​the thigh / arm / leg. Moreover, it is possible to consider other common compression zones at the forearm in the case of a long-sleeved shirt.

p0025The T-shirt of 1 <figref idrefs="f0001 f0002">Figures 1 to 3</figref> consists of a textile base 10 on which are affixed to different locations of the films. The fabric base 10 is made up of various main panels: a front panel 101, two side panels 102, a back panel 103, two handle panels 104, and a number of second panels such as used for making the neck 11 . the main panels can be assembled by various methods such as sewing, gluing or welding. The base can be woven textile when knitted. In the various embodiments described herein, the textile base is expandable and is obtained by knitting.

p0026A first compression area 6 is formed on the T-shirt 1 is the compression zone of the thorax, it completely surrounds the thorax following a strip 6 of average thickness between 5 and 15 cm. In some places, such as the sternum, the local thickness of the tape will be slightly less than 4 cm. However continuity of the compression band is always carried out so that the compression zone completely surrounds the member concerned, here the torso.

p0027According to the invention, the compression zone is not uniformly performed. It comprises an exclusive compression zone 61 wherein a compression effect is desired and a holding zone 62 postural dorsal, less elastic.

p0028In the compression zone, the pressure on the member is surrounded substantially uniform over the entire periphery at a given height. Thus, whether in the exclusive compression zone 61 or in the holding zone postural ridge 62, the force exerted on the member by the corresponding garment portion is equivalent. However, in the exclusive compression zone, the garment part is more elastic and deforms to conform to the morphology of the member induces a compression effect related to the elasticity of the fabric. The muscle growth is favored in this area. Conversely, in the postural support area, the garment part is stiffer, less extensible. The muscle extends little in this area which provides muscle compression effect.

p0029The holding zone postural ridge 62 is obtained by bonding a textile film 12 on the back panel 103. The film may be laminated textile. The collage is made for example by setting up a hot melt film between the textile and the textile panel film.

p0030Exclusive compression zone 61 is obtained by bonding a polyurethane film 14 on the side panels 102 and the front panel 101.

p0031The resistance to elongation of the film bonded fabric 12 is greater than that of the polyurethane film 14.

p0032The <figref idrefs="f0003">4</figref> represents a portion of the exclusive compression zone 61. In this embodiment, the elastic polyurethane film 14 which is bonded to the textile base 10 is previously cut so as to form a grid 17 that surrounds a plurality of 16 hexagonal openings. The elastic film 14 is arranged so that two opposite sides of the hexagon 16h 16 are horizontal when the shirt is worn by the user. In this configuration, we speak of horizontal position of the grid constituted by the elastic film. The elastic polyurethane film 14 is thus characterized by a film comprising a plurality of openings 16. The distribution of these openings can be regular, as is the case in the<figref idrefs="f0003">4</figref> where the cutouts reproduce a repetitive pattern. Alternatively, this distribution may be irregular. Other reasons that may be provided hexagonal ones such as diamonds, rectangles, squares.

p0033The size of hexagons, defined by the dimension C1 caught between two opposite sides of the hexagon, and the width L1 of the film portions defining links in the gate surrounding are chosen so that the compromise between the compression effect and skin ventilation is optimized. In practice, the area of ​​an opening 16 (part of the textile base delimited by the polyurethane film) is between 30 mm² and 200 mm² and preferably between 60 and 170 mm².

p0034Another way to determine the proper sizing of reasons cutouts and width of the grid links is to consider the percentage of area of ​​openings versus the percentage of area covered by the grid on an area completely covered by the film 14. we can choose a repetitive pattern of cutting such that the total area not covered by the film 14 is between 40% and 80% of the total area of ​​the zone when the garment is not worn.

p0035The <figref idrefs="f0003">5</figref> represents a portion of the retaining region postural ridge 62 showing the detail of the cutouts in the textile film 12 prior to bonding. In the embodiment, the textile film 12 is a tight weave much less elastic than the textile base of the main panel 10 forming the tee. The thickness of this film is between 5 and 30 .mu.m, preferably between 10 and 15 .mu.m. It is formed, for example by laser cutting, a plurality of cuts in a pattern. Is chosen to make cuts in a hexagonal shape in view of the benefits of this form, although other forms of blanks may also be envisaged such as lozenges, rectangles, squares. hexagons or grid because the textile film 12 is arranged so that two opposite sides of the hexagon 16v This refers to the vertical position are vertical when the shirt is worn by the user.

p0036The size of hexagons, defined by the outlet C2 dimension between two opposite sides of the hexagon, and the width L2 of the film portions defining links in the gate surrounding are chosen to optimize the compromise between postural support, effect compression and ventilation of the skin. In practice, the area of ​​an opening 16 (part of the textile base delimited by the polyurethane film) is between 30 mm² and 200 mm² and preferably between 60 and 170 mm².

p0037The width L2 of the film portions defining the gate of the links is comprised between 1 and 7 mm, preferably between 1.5 and 5 mm. Another way to determine the proper sizing of reasons cutouts and width of the grid links is to consider the percentage of area of ​​openings versus the percentage of area covered by the grid on an area completely covered by the textile film 12 . We can choose a repetitive pattern of cutting such that the total area not covered by the film 12 is between 40% and 80% of the total area of ​​the zone when the garment is not worn.

p0038In the example described in <figref idrefs="f0003">5</figref>, C2 odds cutting hexagons, sandwiched between two opposite sides of a hexagon, is equal to 10 mm. The width L2 of the film portions defining the links is equal to 3 mm. Thus, the uncoated area is approximately 60% of the area of ​​the postural support area and the area covered by the film 12 corresponds to about 40% of the area of ​​the postural support zone.

p0039It should be noted that these measurements are made while the garment is not worn, and as it is a garment intended to be adjusted to the user's body and exert compression in some places there has an elongation of certain portions of the garment when it is worn. It is estimated that the average elongation of the garment when positioned on the user is between 5% and 25%. Optimal elongation would be approximately 15%.

p0040Alternatively, the orientation of the bonded film 12 and 14 may be different.

p0041For example, the garment may have an inverted configuration, that is to say, a vertical position of the hexagons or grid in the exclusive compression zone 61 and a horizontal position of the hexagons or grid in the holding area postural 62.

p0042Note that in the example illustrated, said textile base 10 is made by assembling at least two panels 101, 102, 103, 104. A first film 14 is affixed to a first panel 101, 102, 104 and a second film 12 is affixed to the second panel 103.

p0043Alternatively, the orientations of the bonded films are identical in both zones 61, 62 (exclusive compression zone and soaking zone postural) is in a vertical position hexagons or grid, or in a horizontal position hexagons or wire rack.

p0044The <figref idrefs="f0003">6</figref> illustrates two particularly interesting effects of the device according to the invention. This is a detail sectional view of the garment worn on the dorsal postural maintenance area 62. When the garment is worn, 13a compressed regions of the epidermis 13 are compressed at the portions of the back panel 103 covered by the film 12. the skin 13b of flexible regions 13, which are only covered with the back panel 103 benefit from a relative ease and as can be seen, they can very slightly swell. So in these flexible regions 13b, the skin breathes better and can ventilate more easily because the physiological functions that manage thermoregulation are not hampered by too much compression. The cuts and allow for better ventilation of the supported member.

p0045Furthermore, the compression effect is partial to the extent that, unlike clothes to medical use, it does not apply across the muscle area. Thus, there is a compression which is better suited to a sport requiring high ventilation for cooling the heated by muscle effort.

p0046Preferably, the sportswear of the invention will be worn directly on the skin of the user so that the compression effects, postural support, massage and aeration of the skin are greatest.

p0047Another benefit of these cuts is easing the garment. One can obtain a good compression without necessarily fully cover the compression zone of a compression fabric. The cuts significantly reduce the weight of the garment, which is important especially for practicing an endurance sport.

p0048According to the invention, the chest level to the compression zone is formed by the exclusive compression zone 61 and the lower part 63 of the holding zone postural ridge 62, in which the alignment of the exclusive compression zone 61 is a band completely surrounding the thorax. Relative to the circumference of the compression zone, the lower part of the dorsal postural support area corresponds to a portion between 10% and 40% of the circumference of the compression zone. For a size T-shirt "L" whose bust is 76 cm, width of the lower part of the back postural support zone is about 13 cm. In the example shown, for aesthetic reasons, the cutting patterns of the film 14 PU (polyurethane) are identical to those of the textile film 12, they give an impression of continuity.

p0049The holding zone postural ridge 62 forms substantially a "1" and comprises three portions: a lower horizontal portion 63, a vertical central portion 64 and a horizontal top part 73. The bottom part 63 connects the two ends 61a, 61b of the area proprietary compression 61 located in the back. Thus, as we have seen, the bottom part 63 of the holding zone 62 and postural back the exclusive compression zone 61 form the band constituting the compression zone of the thorax. The holding zone postural back 62 rises along the spine in a strip 64 that connects the center of the lower part 63 in the center of the upper part 73. The upper part is the postural support zone shoulder 73. The postural support zone shoulder 73 extends from the compression area of ​​the right arm 71 to the compression area of ​​the left arm 72 passing close to the neckline of the shirt. compression of an arm areas extend from one shoulder and along the affected arm to the end of the shirt. Advantageously, the compression zone of the right arm 71 and the compression zone of the left arm 72 are also connected by an exclusive compression zone through the front panel 101, just below the neck 10.

p0050The choice of an elastic film bonded to the PU exclusive compression zone and a film bonded to the textile postural support zone is not limiting in the scope of the invention. We can indeed realize the exclusive compression zones and postural support zones of different ways. For example, the exclusive compression zone or the postural support area can be realized by printing, that is to say, deposition of a material in a repeating grid pattern or other liquid or semi-pasty form on a base textile. The postural support zone may also be achieved by affixing a PU film that is less elastic than that of the exclusive compression zone. In another embodiment, the textile base, areas of compression and exclusive postural support are integrally produced by knitting. In this case, the knitting of the exclusive compression zone defines a grid tightening the garment of a certain factor in relation to the rest of the garment and the holding zone, included in the compression zone, defines a less elastic grid.

p0051The <figref idrefs="f0004">Figures 7 and 8</figref> represent the views of front and rear shorts according to one of embodiments of the invention. It is adjusted with 2 or jogging shorts sticky mainly produced by assembling various textile panels. For example, the textile panels can be made of a material similar to that sold under the trade name Lycra ®. Of course numerous equivalent textile substrates may be used within the framework of the invention.

p0052For ease of understanding, the assembly of various textile panels is not detailed in the figures except hems and waistband.

p0053According to the invention, the short is improved by the presence of compression zones comprising an exclusive compression zone and a postural support zone.

p0054The compression zone of each leg 5 is provided to surround completely transversely across the member, here the right or left thigh, or the greater part thereof. Longitudinally, the compression zone covers most of the major muscles of the thigh, ie, adductors, hamstrings and quadriceps femoral. In practice, the longitudinal extension L5 of the compression zone of the thigh is between 5 and 40 cm, preferably between 8 and 30 cm. In this case, for a short size "L" (off), the compression zone of the leg extends over 20 cm.

p0055The compression zone of the leg 5 includes an exclusive compression zone 51, placed in particular on the front and back of the thigh, an internal area of ​​postural support leg 52 and the lower part 54 of an outer postural support area thigh 53. in this example, the internal area of ​​postural support leg 52 forms a triangle whose base corresponds to a part of the circumference of shorts at the lower thigh, with one side along the front of the thigh until the upper thigh and the third oblique side connecting the apex of the triangle located on the front part of the shorts to the end of the base at the rear of the shorts, in the bottom of the thigh.

p0056Relative to the circumference of the compression zone, the zones of the inner and outer postural support thigh represent a proportion of between 10% and 40% of the total circumference of the compression zone thigh, depending on the height of this area compression.

p0057The outer thigh postural support zone 53 extends upward beyond the compression area of ​​the thigh 5. Combined with internal postural support zone 52, it provides a very good stability of the posture of the athlete, especially during descent phases.

p0058In an alternative not shown, only an outer postural support zone 53 is placed on the textile base, the inner zone being replaced by the extension of the exclusive compression zone 51. With such shorts, postural support, but remain present compression aspect will be privileged.

p0059As for the shirt described above, the exclusive compression zone 51 is formed by bonding an elastic film on the textile base. The film is cut in a repetitive pattern of apertures all having a diamond shape. The surface areas not covered by the film is between 40 and 80% of the surface of the exclusive compression zone 51 thigh.

p0060The holding zone postural outer thigh 53 and the holding zone postural inner leg 52 are formed by bonding a textile film 12 on the textile base fabric 10. The film 12 is cut in a pattern of cuts so as to provide a mesh enclosing a plurality of apertures each having a diamond shape. The size of the diamond is slightly lower than that of lozenges of the exclusive compression zone of the leg 51, thus giving it greater resistance to elongation.

p0061In a not shown variant of the shorts <figref idrefs="f0004">Figures 7 and 8</figref>, The outer postural support thigh area 53 extends up to and including 15 in the belt.

p0062The <figref idrefs="f0003">9</figref> shows a sectional detail view of a shorts 2 according to another embodiment of the invention. Shorts is made in the same manner as described with reference to shorts<figref idrefs="f0004">Figures 7 and 8</figref> and includes compression zones and postural support zones placed in the same locations as those of the shorts <figref idrefs="f0004">Figures 7 and 8</figref>. The difference lies in the form of apertures in the elastic film of the polyurethane exclusive compression zone and in the textile film postural support areas. These are of shape and dimensions identical to those described with reference to<figref idrefs="f0002 f0003">Figures 2 to 5</figref>, That is to say hexagonal. Moreover, as can be seen the<figref idrefs="f0003">9</figref>, Textile film 12 is placed on the inner face of the textile base while the elastic film 14 is placed on the outer face.

p0063Thus, the film 12 which constitutes the grid postural support area is directly in contact with the skin. This has the effect of improved proprioception to help the user to properly balance his posture, especially in the descent phase, for trail running or execution of technical movements in other sports.

p0064Furthermore, there is obtained a different aesthetic effect, only the exclusive compression zones being visible (externally). <tables id="tabl0001" num="0001"><table frame="all"><tgroup cols="6"><colspec colnum="1" colname="col1" colwidth="29mm" /><colspec colnum="2" colname="col2" colwidth="29mm" /><colspec colnum="3" colname="col3" colwidth="31mm" /><colspec colnum="4" colname="col4" colwidth="19mm" /><colspec colnum="5" colname="col5" colwidth="30mm" /><colspec colnum="6" colname="col6" colwidth="30mm" /><thead><row><entry namest="col1" nameend="col6" align="center" valign="top"><b><u>TABLE 1</u></b></entry></row><row><entry align="center" valign="top" /><entry align="center" valign="top">Traction / textile base</entry><entry align="center" valign="top">Traction / hexagon</entry><entry align="center" valign="top">Force (N)</entry><entry align="center" valign="top">Spread / textile base</entry><entry align="center" valign="top">Spread / compression area</entry></row></thead><tbody><row><entry morerows="1" valign="middle">Short: only textile base</entry><entry align="center">chain</entry><entry align="center" /><entry align="center">2</entry><entry morerows="1" align="center" /><entry morerows="1" align="center" /></row><row><entry align="center">weft</entry><entry align="center" /><entry align="center">1.5</entry></row><row><entry morerows="1" valign="middle">Short: compression area</entry><entry align="center">chain</entry><entry align="center">horizontal</entry><entry align="center">5.5</entry><entry align="center">x 2.8</entry><entry morerows="1" align="center" /></row><row><entry align="center">weft</entry><entry align="center">vertical</entry><entry align="center">6.25</entry><entry align="center">x 4.2</entry></row><row><entry morerows="1" valign="middle">Short: maintenance area</entry><entry align="center">chain</entry><entry align="center">horizontal</entry><entry align="center">10</entry><entry align="center">x 5</entry><entry align="center">x 1.8</entry></row><row><entry align="center">weft</entry><entry align="center">vertical</entry><entry align="center">9</entry><entry align="center">x 6</entry><entry align="center">x 1.4</entry></row><row><entry morerows="1" valign="middle">Specimen 1: textile base + PU movie</entry><entry align="center">chain</entry><entry align="center">vertical</entry><entry align="center">7.75</entry><entry align="center">x 3.9</entry><entry morerows="1" align="center" /></row><row><entry align="center">weft</entry><entry align="center">horizontal</entry><entry align="center">5.5</entry><entry align="center">x 3.7</entry></row><row><entry morerows="1" valign="middle">Specimen 2: textile textile base + movie</entry><entry align="center">chain</entry><entry align="center">vertical</entry><entry align="center">10</entry><entry align="center">x 5</entry><entry align="center">x 1.3</entry></row><row><entry align="center">weft</entry><entry align="center">horizontal</entry><entry align="center">10</entry><entry align="center">x 6.7</entry><entry align="center">x 1.8</entry></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>

p0065-1- Table above shows different tensile measurements made on the shorts of the <figref idrefs="f0004">8</figref> as well as two pieces. The measurement protocol is the following: two layers of a shorts portions are secured to bite by 25 mm wide and spaced from each other of 100 mm are subjected to traction until d an elongation of 15%. This tensile force is measured in Newtons. As measured on two layers, it is easier to perform non-destructive measurements on garments already made.

p0066The short is made by assembling panels textile, knitted in chain, so placed that the warp son extend vertically, when the shorts is worn by the user. Hexagonal grids exclusive compression zones and postural support zones are arranged substantially vertically which corresponds to the detailed configuration previously to<figref idrefs="f0003">5</figref>. Called "horizontal" direction of pull of a hexagon or a grid, the direction parallel to two opposite sides of the hexagon and management "vertical" pull a hexagon or a grid, the direction perpendicular to the "horizontal" direction. In the example of shorts, as shown in<figref idrefs="f0004">13</figref>, Direction "horizontal" pulling a hexagon or grid corresponds to a substantially vertical direction of the shorts when worn. Thus, when the short stretches along the thigh, that is to say vertically, a pull is exerted in the direction "horizontal" H of the hexagon in the direction or "chain" C of the textile base . Conversely, when a circumferential force exerted on the thighs, that is to say transversely or horizontally, it pulls in the direction "vertical" V of the hexagon in the direction or "frame" T of the textile base. The circumferential force corresponds to the force obtained during conventional compression thighs.

p0067The test pieces 1 and 2 are constituted by an identical textile basis to the shorts to which is fixed an elastic PU film 14, respectively a textile film 12, similar to those used for short, but with the hexagonal grid placed so that the horizontal direction of the grid is parallel to the direction "chain" of the textile base.

p0068The presence of the elastic PU film increases the tensile strength of the textile base in the transverse direction (direction "frame") by a factor between 2 and 7, preferably between 3 and 6. Increasing resistance the tension due to the presence of textile film postural support is of the order of a factor of between 3 and 9, preferably between 4 and 8 in the direction "chain" as in the direction "frame". For example, for short described in<figref idrefs="f0004">8</figref> this factor is 4.2 for increased resistance to transverse traction exclusive compression zone and respectively 6 and 5 for increasing the resistance to transverse and vertical traction of the postural support zone.

p0069The postural support area is more resistant to traction than the exclusive compression zone in both vertical and horizontal directions by a factor between 1.1 and 3. In other words, the resistance to elongation of the postural support area is greater than that of the exclusive compression zone. More resistance to elongation, the higher the tensile force is important to obtain a given elongation.

p0070The specimens 1 and 2 show that it is possible to obtain similar results by changing the relative orientation of the hexagonal grid in the direction "chain" of the textile base. In practice, to make a sports garment according to the invention, we can combine different textile panel with meaning "chain" non-parallel and / or screened movies whose gates have different orientations (cf.<figref idrefs="f0002 f0003">figures 2-5</figref>).

p0071In one embodiment, a pair of shorts is composed of a textile base, a first film in the exclusive compression zone and a second film in the postural support zone. The yield strength of the second film is 1.5 to 3 times greater than the resistance to elongation of the first film, preferably twice as large. The resistance to elongation of the first film is 1.5 to 3 times greater than the resistance to elongation of the textile base, preferably twice as large. For a pad, the proportion between the resistance to elongation of different materials can be transposed.

p0072The <figref idrefs="f0003">Figures 10 and 11</figref> respectively the front view and back of a leg 3 of the invention. It consists of a textile base made of a blend of different woven or knitted panels having elasticity on which is fixed a textile film 12 defining the holding zone postural calf 42 positioned along the tibia and an elastic film 14 defining an exclusive calf compression zone 41.

p0073According to the invention, the calf compression region 4 surrounds the calf of the user and is constituted by the juxtaposition of the exclusive calf compression zone 41 and the holding zone 42 postural calf.

p0074Of course, the alternatives described for the shirt apply mutatis mutandis to other embodiments that are the shorts or the leg and back.

p0075The sportswear according to the invention uses the same base fabric 10, for example ® Lycra to cover the body. This textile base preferably has elasticity and low compression in order to provide the ease and comfort to the user. For the exclusive compression zones and areas of postural support, the garment includes additional elements providing the desired function: compression or retention. Thus, in the absence of these additional elements, the only garment comprising the textile base exerts little or no pressure on the body in normal use. The compression of such a garment, without reinforcing member is preferably less than 5%. The patronage of the garment is such that it allows an ease and comfort when worn.

p0076As mentioned above, additional items may be a coating affixed to the fabric. This may be the bonding of an elastic film 14 to the exclusive compression zone or a reinforcement film 12 for the postural support zone. It can also be the printing or impregnating with an additional layer of a material having the elasticity characteristics sought or maintenance. These techniques have the advantage of not adding extra seams and thus limit the risk of damage inherent seams when they are regularly solicited. In addition, the reduced number of seams brings an undeniable comfort of use (reduced friction, reduced risk of injuries).

p0077Whether for the exclusive compression zone or for postural support zone, the coating (film or extra layer) includes a plurality of openings / cutouts 16. These openings can take any shape. In the previous examples, they form hexagons and lozenges. The distribution of these openings in the exclusive compression zone or in the postural support zone may be random or regular. In the latter case, these openings form the patterns of a repetitive pattern a grid component. The openings allow for better ventilation of the garment and an easing of the garment. The openings may be larger in external areas.

p0078In these cases, a preliminary step is to perform parts of a garment on a soft patronage so that the assembly of these parts form a classic garment noncompressive or slightly compressive. This classic garment can be sized to provide maximum comfort to the user by choosing, for example, materials and a section allowing to have little or no compression on the body.

p0079The manufacture of sportswear according to this embodiment of the invention includes other steps of affixing the proper coating on the textile base in the appropriate areas. A step allows for an exclusive compression zone. Another step allows a postural support zone. These steps can be performed during the production of parts of the garment, that is to say, before the assembly of different parts, or after the making of classic clothing.

p0080Alternatively, the additional element area is directly knitted with the textile base. The additional element does not cover all the textile base but is knitted so as to reproduce a similar grid with previous coatings. The clothing will have a plurality of areas consisting only of the textile base. These areas will be surrounded by portions of the garment made ​​up of knitted additional element with the textile base. These zones form the repeating units constituting the grid. The patterns can take any shape.

p0081In all cases, the number of seams can be reduced compared with a reinforcing panel which would be sewn onto or with compressive fabric panels.

p0082These various additional elements described above are as many variations forming a film applied to a textile base.

p0083The compression zone of the garment according to the invention surrounds the member concerned and includes an exclusive compression zone and a postural support zone. Alternatively, this compression zone further comprises a free area composed only of the textile base. The compression zone can be comprised of a combination or succession of area (s) exclusive compression zone (s) and postural support zone (s) open (s). However, to actually get the desired compression in the muscles, it is necessary that or the free areas are low. Preferably, the free area is less than 10% of the compression zone (surrounded the periphery of the member). The addition of a free zone can provide additional comfort. For example, placing the sternum to a tee, the user will feel less oppressed since the compression will be reduced locally at that level.

p0084In another embodiment, the resistance to extension of the exclusive compression zones or postural support zones varies depending on the loading direction. Preferably, the yield strength is substantially uniform regardless of the loading direction. However, it may be advantageous to favor a better resistance to elongation in a specific loading direction. For example, as shown in<figref idrefs="f0004">Figure 12</figref>The postural support zone may have a low resistance to elongation when the garment portion is urged longitudinally in a direction V, that is to say, when a force is exerted along the limb surrounded and have a high resistance to elongation when the garment portion is biased transversely (perpendicular to the longitudinal force) in a direction H, that is to say, when one exerts a circumferential force. For example, for a short, it allows good support muscles without affecting the range of motion of the thigh. One may also wish to increase a resistance to elongation in one direction and to keep the resistance to elongation of the textile base in the other directions of stresses. These illustrations can be transferred to the exclusive compression zone.

p0085To achieve this variation in yield strength, a simple solution is to use cutting patterns to create this difference in behavior. The<figref idrefs="f0004">Figure 12</figref> illustrates such a construction for the lateral postural support zone 53 shorts 2. The textile film 12 bonded to the textile base 10 includes several repeated 16 hexagonal openings. Each opening 16 defines a link 18 of a grid constituting the bonded film. The width L of the film portions defining the gate of the links is not constant. For example, two opposite sides 18a, horizontal 18d of each link have a width L greater than the other four sides 18b, 18c, 18e, 18f of the link. Thus, when seeking such part of the retaining region posture in a horizontal direction H, it stretches more difficult because of the dimensioning of the reinforcing film patterns. The yield strength of this part of the postural support zone is greater when it is requested in a horizontal direction H that when asked in a vertical direction V because in the latter case, it is the sides 18b , 18c, 18e, 18f finer who are solicited.

p0086Of course, other embodiments of the links 18 may be considered to obtain this variation of behavior.

p0087According to another embodiment shown in <figref idrefs="f0004">Figure 14</figref>, Exclusive compression zone 41, 51, 61 of the compression zone is formed by assembly of a textile film 12 on the base fabric 10 with a more elastic adhering means 81 that the adhesion means 82 used for assembly textile film 12 of the holding zone postural 42, 52, 53, 62. to this exclusive compression zone, use may be a sacrificial film 81 having a lower modulus of elasticity than that of the sacrificial film 82 used for bonding textile film in the postural support zone. In other words, the resistance to elongation of the thermoplastic film 82 of the postural support zone is greater than the resistance to elongation of the thermoplastic film 81 of the exclusive compression zone. Thus, the resistance to elongation of the garment portion forming the holding zone postural 42, 52, 53, 62 is greater than that of the garment portion being the sole compression zone 41, 51, 61 due to the variation of the elastic modulus of the thermally fusible film, regardless of the loading direction determined.

p0088The use of a textile film 12 associated with an elastic adhesion means 81 instead of a polyurethane film 14 for the exclusive compression zone makes it more breathable garment more pleasant to the touch, more aesthetic and less heat. Indeed, a polyurethane film 14 is waterproof to 100% while the textile film 12 associated with an elastic adhesion means 81 is more airy. On the other hand, a polyurethane film 14 exposed to the sun tends to restore heat to the body part covered by the film. This is not the case of a textile film 12.

p0089the same textile film for the exclusive compression zone and postural support area, which facilitates the manufacture of the garment can be used. One can also use different textile films, which allows to obtain a greater difference in yield strength between the exclusive compression zone and postural support area by the choice of suitable textile materials.

p0090The <figref idrefs="f0004">Figure 14</figref> illustrates an embodiment wherein the fabric film is positioned between the textile base and the skin either for the exclusive compression zone or the postural support zone. One can also consider placing the textile film on the other side of the textile base, outer side. Alternatively, the textile film may be placed on either side of the textile base according to the target area. For example, the film is internal in the holding zone while it is in the exclusive external compression zone analogously to the provision of the<figref idrefs="f0003">9</figref>.

p0091Using adhesion means having different spring characteristics, one can vary the elasticity of the various parts of the same compression zone. We can target specific locations of the compression zone where we want more support or more flexibility.

p0092It is also possible to modify the characteristics of the parts of the compression zone by varying the textile base. Indeed, it is the combination of the base with its textile coating which characterizes the compression or maintenance of the portion of the compression zone.

p0093Thus, the factors for varying the resistance to elongation of the portion of the garment component postural support zone relative to that of the garment portion being the sole compression zone along at least one loading direction, can be :<ul><li>the choice of the material of the coating 12, 14 covering an area textiles, polyurethane ...</li><li>the reasons cutouts 16 in each zone: hexagon, triangle, diamond, rectangle, ellipse ...</li><li>the orientation of the patterns in each area: H horizontal, vertical V</li><li>the adhesion means 81, 82 of the coating 12, 14 on the textile base 10: melt film, impregnation, printing, knitting ...</li><li>the choice of the material of the textile base 10</li></ul>

p0094The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments or application examples. It applies to all sports where a similar problem arises or equivalent.<tables id="tabl0002" num="0002"><table frame="all"><title><b>NOMENCLATURE</b></title><tgroup cols="2"><colspec colnum="1" colname="col1" colwidth="19mm" /><colspec colnum="2" colname="col2" colwidth="127mm" /><tbody><row><entry>1</entry><entry>T-shirt</entry></row><row><entry>2</entry><entry>Short, sticky</entry></row><row><entry>3</entry><entry>pad</entry></row><row><entry>4</entry><entry>calf area</entry></row><row><entry>5</entry><entry>Thigh area</entry></row><row><entry>6</entry><entry>Area of ​​the thorax</entry></row><row><entry>7</entry><entry>arm area</entry></row><row><entry>10</entry><entry>textile base</entry></row><row><entry>11</entry><entry>Neck</entry></row><row><entry>12</entry><entry>textile film</entry></row><row><entry>13</entry><entry>Epidermis</entry></row><row><entry>13a</entry><entry>compressed regions of the epidermis</entry></row><row><entry>13b</entry><entry>flexible regions of the epidermis</entry></row><row><entry>14</entry><entry>elastic film</entry></row><row><entry>15</entry><entry>Belt</entry></row><row><entry>16</entry><entry>Opening</entry></row><row><entry>16h</entry><entry>horizontal sides of the hexagon grille of a "horizontal"</entry></row><row><entry>16v</entry><entry>vertical sides of the hexagon a "vertical" grid</entry></row><row><entry>17</entry><entry>Wire rack</entry></row><row><entry>18</entry><entry>link</entry></row><row><entry>18a</entry><entry>Side (horizontal) of a hexagonal link (film portion)</entry></row><row><entry>18b</entry><entry>Next to a hexagonal link (film portion)</entry></row><row><entry>18c</entry><entry>Next to a hexagonal link (film portion)</entry></row><row><entry>18d</entry><entry>Side (horizontal) of a hexagonal link (film portion)</entry></row><row><entry>18th</entry><entry>Next to a hexagonal link (film portion)</entry></row><row><entry>18f</entry><entry>Next to a hexagonal link (film portion)</entry></row><row><entry>41</entry><entry>exclusive calf compression zone</entry></row><row><entry>42</entry><entry>calf postural support zone</entry></row><row><entry>51</entry><entry>exclusive thigh compression zone</entry></row><row><entry>52</entry><entry>internal postural support zone thigh</entry></row><row><entry>53</entry><entry>external postural support zone thigh</entry></row><row><entry>54</entry><entry>Lower part of the thigh outer postural support zone</entry></row><row><entry>61</entry><entry>exclusive chest compression zone</entry></row><row><entry>61a</entry><entry>1 end of the exclusive compression zone thorax</entry></row><row><entry>61b</entry><entry>End 2 of the exclusive compression zone thorax</entry></row><row><entry>62</entry><entry>postural support zone dorsal</entry></row><row><entry>63</entry><entry>lower part of the dorsal postural support zone</entry></row><row><entry>64</entry><entry>central part of the backbone postural support zone</entry></row><row><entry>71</entry><entry>compression zone right arm</entry></row><row><entry>72</entry><entry>compression zone left arm</entry></row><row><entry>73</entry><entry>shoulder postural support zone</entry></row><row><entry>81</entry><entry>Membership means textile movie in the exclusive compression zone</entry></row><row><entry>82</entry><entry>Membership means textile film in the postural support zone</entry></row><row><entry>101</entry><entry>front panel</entry></row><row><entry>102</entry><entry>side panel</entry></row><row><entry>103</entry><entry>back panel</entry></row><row><entry>104</entry><entry>handle panel</entry></row><row><entry>C1</entry><entry>Distance between two opposite sides of a hexagon in the exclusive compression zone</entry></row><row><entry>L1</entry><entry>Width of the film portions defining a link in the exclusive compression zone</entry></row><row><entry>C2</entry><entry>Distance between two opposite sides of a hexagon in the postural support zone</entry></row><row><entry>L2</entry><entry>Width of film portions defining a link in the postural support zone</entry></row><row><entry>L</entry><entry>Great width of the film portions defining a specific link</entry></row><row><entry>L5</entry><entry>Length of the thigh compression zone</entry></row><row><entry>H</entry><entry>Direction "horizontal" one hex</entry></row><row><entry>V</entry><entry>Direction "vertical" one hex</entry></row><row><entry>C</entry><entry>Direction "chain" of the textile base</entry></row><row><entry>T</entry><entry>Direction "frame" of the textile base</entry></row></tbody></tgroup></table></tables>