Garment-integrated proprioceptive feedback system

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to a flexible, detachable, pressure- providing garment that can be worn by a subject in order to provide to the subject sensory and body awareness.

1 . A garment-integrated proprioceptive feedback system, comprising a garment that comprises:
 a torso portion having incorporated one or more inflatable bladders;   sleeve portions, each sleeve portion having incorporated one or more inflatable bladders;   leg portions, each leg portion having incorporated one or more inflatable bladders;   a pressurizing mechanism, the pressurizing mechanism pneumatically coupled to the inflatable bladders;   a controller device, communicatively coupled to the pressurizing mechanism; wherein each said torso, sleeve and leg portion is detachable from said garment.   
   
   
       2 . The garment-integrated proprioceptive feedback system of  claim 1 , wherein the pressurizing mechanism comprises at least one pump. 
   
   
       3 . The garment-integrated proprioceptive feedback system of  claim 1 , wherein the pressurizing mechanism comprises at least one pre-compressed air source. 
   
   
       4 . The garment-integrated proprioceptive feedback system of  claim 1 , having incorporated one or more pressure sensors associated with the inflatable bladders. 
   
   
       5 . The garment-integrated proprioceptive feedback system of  claim 4 , further wherein the pressure sensors are located in the bladders. 
   
   
       6 . The garment-integrated proprioceptive feedback system of  claim 4 , further wherein the pressure sensors are located between the bladders and the garment material. 
   
   
       7 . The garment-integrated proprioceptive feedback system of  claim 4 , further wherein the pressure sensors are located in the pressurizing mechanism. 
   
   
       8 . The garment-integrated proprioceptive feedback system of  claim 4 , further wherein the controller device is further communicatively coupled to the one or more pressure sensors. 
   
   
       9 . The garment-integrated proprioceptive feedback device of  claim 4 , wherein the controller device incorporates an automatic shut-off feature. 
   
   
       10 . The garment-integrated proprioceptive feedback device of  claim 1 , wherein the controller device allows the user to control adjust the pressurization of the bladders. 
   
   
       11 . The garment-integrated proprioceptive feedback system of  claim 1 , wherein power for the system is provided by a battery source. 
   
   
       12 . The garment-integrated proprioceptive feedback device of  claim 1 , wherein power for the system is provided by a standard wall outlet. 
   
   
       13 . The garment-integrated proprioceptive feedback device of  claim 1 , wherein the torso portion is separate from the sleeve portions. 
   
   
       14 . The garment-integrated proprioceptive feedback device of  claim 1 , wherein the torso portion is integrated with the sleeve portions by material around the shoulder. 
   
   
       15 . The garment-integrated proprioceptive feedback device of  claim 14 , further wherein the material around the shoulder is not restrictive of joint movement. 
   
   
       16 . The garment-integrated proprioceptive feedback device of  claim 1 , wherein the portions are closed around the wearer by a quick-release type fastener. 
   
   
       17 . The garment-integrated proprioceptive feedback device of  claim 16 , further wherein the quick-release type fastener is hook-and-loop material. 
   
   
       18 . The garment-integrated proprioceptive feedback device of  claim 16 , further wherein the quick-release type fastener is adjustable to provide a tight fit over a range of wearer sizes. 
   
   
       19 . The garment-integrated propioceptive feedback device of  claim 1 , wherein one or more or each of the joint areas of the garment are free to allow freedom of movement without direct pressure from the device. 
   
   
       20 . (canceled)