GB2621011A

GB2621011A - Breast support garment

Info

Publication number: GB2621011A
Application number: GB2307821.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Elizabeth Strach Rosalind
Original assignee: Prevayl Innovations Ltd
Current assignee: Prevayl Innovations Ltd
Priority date: 2022-06-01
Filing date: 2023-05-25
Publication date: 2024-01-31
Also published as: GB202208135D0; GB202307821D0

Abstract

A breast support garment, for example a longline sports bra, comprising a front portion having an upper part 106 and a lower part 108, with a sensor band 146 along a lower margin 110 of the upper part and a base band 144 along a lower margin of the lower part. Preferably the lower part contacts the abdomen, waist or hips, and the sensor band surrounds the chest. The sensor band may be formed of a resilient, i.e. elastic, material to hold sensors against the skin, and the base band may also comprise a resilient material to hold the garment in place. The base band may also be adjustable. The sensor band may comprise electrodes and a holder for an electronic module for monitoring bio-electric signals from the wearer.

Description

BREAST SUPPORT GARMENT

[0001] The present disclosure is directed towards a breast support garment such as a sports bra. BACKGROUND [0002] It is known to provide bras such as sports bras for use in biosensing applications. Existing biosensing sports bras typically comprise electrodes incorporated in base band that is provided just below the bra cups.

[0003] European Patent Application Publication No. 3510922 Al discloses a bra used for biosensing applications. The bra comprises a base band which includes fabric electrodes for performing biosensing measurements. To distance from the apex of the shoulder portion of the bra to an upper margin of the base band is between 20.0 cm and 35.0 cm.

[0004] United Kingdom Patent Application Publication No. 2530739 A discloses a bra used for biosensing applications. The bra comprises a base band which includes fabric electrodes for performing biosensing measurements. The base band is located immediately below the bra cups.

[0005] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved breast support garment that allows for the base band to be positioned at a location other than just below the bra cups.

SUMMARY

[0006] According to the present invention, there is provided a breast support garment as set out in the accompanying claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a breast support garment.

The breast support garment comprises a front portion defining an upper part and a lower part. The breast support garment comprises a sensor band providing along a lower margin of the upper part. The breast support garment comprises a base band provided along a lower margin of the lower part.

[0008] Advantageously, the breast support garment comprises a sensor band that can accommodate a sensor for performing measurements of the wearer. The sensor band avoids the requirement for the base band of the breast support garment to perform the sensor functionality. This means that the base band is not required to be located just below the bra cups and instead can be located towards the waist/hips of the wearer. This helps provide more coverage for the wearer as the wearer's abdomen can be covered. The lowered base band construction can also provide more support for the wearer and reduce strain on the wearer by better distributing the weight of the wearer's breast tissue. The breast support garment of the present disclosure is able to have the construction of a longline bra while still performing the desired measurement functionality.

[0009] The base band may also be referred to as a base hem. The base band is generally the lowest part of the breast support garment.

[0010] The upper part may define a pair of breast contacting surfaces. [0011] The lower part may define an abdomen contacting surface.

[0012] The base band may be arranged to surround the waist and/or hips of the wearer.

[0013] The sensor band may be arranged to surround the chest of the wearer. The sensor band may be arranged to surround the chest of the wearer just below the breasts of the wearer.

[0014] The sensor band may be provided immediately below the breast contacting surfaces of the upper part of the front portion.

[0015] The distance from the apex of a shoulder portion of the breast support garment to an upper margin of the sensor band may be between 20 and 35 cm.

[0016] The distance from the apex of a shoulder portion of the breast support garment to an upper margin of the base band may be greater than 35 cm.

[0017] The distance from the apex of a shoulder portion of the breast support garment to an upper margin of the base band may be greater than 40 cm.

[0018] The sensor band may be covered by the lower part of the front portion. The sensor band may be disposed internally such that it is hidden by the lower part and not visible externally.

[0019] The sensor band may include an elastically resilient material. The sensor band is therefore able to stretch and conform to the wearer.

[0020] The sensor band may be adjustable. The sensor band may comprise an adjustment mechanism to allow for the sensor band to be loosened/tightened.

[0021] The base band may include an elastically resilient material. The base band is therefore able to stretch and conform to the wearer.

[0022] The base band may be adjustable. The base band may comprise an adjustment mechanism to allow for the base band to be loosened/tightened.

[0023] The breast support garment may also comprise a rear portion.

[0024] The rear portion may define an upper part and a lower part.

[0025] The front portion may be connected to the rear portion by a pair of side portions.

[0026] The sensor band may be associated with an electrode.

[0027] The sensor band may comprise the electrode.

[0028] The sensor band may be integrally formed with the electrode.

[0029] The electrode may comprise conductive fabric.

[0030] The electrode may be knitted.

[0031] The electrode may be integrally knitted with the sensor band.

[0032] The breast support garment may also comprise an electronics module holder arranged to removably receive an electronics module.

[0033] The sensor band may comprise the electronics module holder. [0034] The electronics module holder may comprise a pocket.

[0035] The electronics module holder may be accessible via an opening provided on the front portion.

[0036] According to a second aspect of the disclosure, there is provided an assembly comprising: a breast support garment. The breast support garment comprises a front portion defining an upper part and a lower part. The breast support garment comprises a sensor band providing along a lower margin of the upper part. The breast support garment comprises a base band provided along a lower margin of the lower part. The assembly further comprises an electronics module.

[0037] The breast support garment may comprise an electronics module holder arranged to removably retain the electronics module. The sensor band may comprise the electronics module holder. The electronics module holder may comprise a pocket.

[0038] According to a third aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a breast support garment. The breast support garment comprises a front portion defining an upper part and a lower part. The breast support garment comprises a sensor band providing along a lower margin of the upper part.

[0039] The breast support garment may comprise any of the features of the breast support garment of the first aspect of the disclosure.

[0040] According to a fourth aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a breast support garment. The breast support garment comprises a front portion. The breast support garment comprises a sensor band. The sensor band is covered by the front portion. The sensor band may be disposed internally such that it is hidden by the front portion and not visible externally.

[0041] The breast support garment may comprise any of the features of the breast support garment of the first aspect of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.

[0043] FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of an example breast support garment according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 1B illustrates a rear view of the breast support garment of FIG. 1A.

[0045] FIG. 1C illustrates an inner surface of the breast support garment of FIG. 1A.

[0046] FIG. 2 illustrates a sensor band of the breast support garment of FIG. 1A. [0047] FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of part of the sensor band of FIG. 1A.

[0048] FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of an example sensor band according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic for an example electronics module in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0050] FIG. 6 illustrates an example sensor band in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0051] FIG. 7 illustrates an example wearable assembly comprising an electronics module and breast support garment/sensor band in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0052] FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic for an example electronics module in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0053] FIG. 9 illustrates a more detailed schematic for an example electronics module in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0054] FIG. 10 illustrates an example analogue-to-digital frontend of an electronics module

according to aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0056] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings but are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the disclosure is provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0057] It is to be understood that the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0058] The term "breast support garment" refers to a garment designed to support and (at least partially) cover the breasts of the wearer. The "breast support garment" may be a bra also known as a brassiere. Bras are typically used as undergarments but may be provided as or incorporated into outerwear. Bras may be built into garments such as swimsuits, camisoles, and dresses and in particular backless dresses.

[0059] "Electronics module" may refer to an electronic device that is typically removably coupled to the breast support garment such that it is retained by the breast support garment when worn. The electronics module can be removed from the breast support garment so that the breast support garment can be washed without damaging the internal electronics of the electronics module. The electronics module can also be removed from the breast support garment for charging.

[0060] Generally, the electronics module comprises all of the components required for data transmission and processing. In this way, the manufacture of the breast support garment may be simplified. In addition, it may be easier to clean a breast support garment which has fewer electronic components attached thereto or incorporated therein. Furthermore, the removable electronics module may be easier to maintain or troubleshoot than embedded electronics. The electronics module may comprise flexible electronics such as a flexible printed circuit (FPC).

[0061] FIG. 1A to FIG. 1C show an example breast support garment 102 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The breast support garment 102 is in the form of a sports bra and in particular a longline sports bra that extends past the bustline and down to the waist of the wearer. The breast support garment 102 may be worn in other applications besides sports or other fitness activities.

[0062] The breast support garment 102 comprises a front portion 104 (FIG. 1A) arranged to cover at least part of the front torso of the wearer. The front portion 104 extends from the bust to the waist of the wearer when worn.

[0063] The front portion 104 comprises an upper part 106 arranged to cover at least part of the bust region of the wearer and a lower part 108 arranged to cover at least part of the abdomen of the wearer. The upper part 106 and lower part 108 may be integrally formed or may be formed from separate panels that are attached together. The upper part 106 defines a pair of breast contacting surfaces and may be structured to support the bust of the wearer. The upper part 106 may comprises moulded cups but this is not required in all examples. Such breast cups may be in the form of foam pads and may be removably from the front portion 104.

[0064] The upper part 106 comprises a lower margin 110. The lower part 108 comprises a lower margin 112. The lower part 108 is provided below the lower margin 110 of the upper part 106.

[0065] The front portion 104 in this example comprises different panels that are joined together to form the front portion 104. The different panels have different material properties and impart different properties to the breast support garment 102.

[0066] A centre front panel 114 of the front portion 104 has a two layer construction which comprises an outer perforated/breathable fabric layer and an inner mesh layer. The inner mesh layer in this example is a power mesh layer. The power mesh layer comprises 79% nylon and 21 % spandex. The centre front panel 114 is lightweight and breathable.

[0067] Panels 116 118, 120 bounding the centre front panel 114 have at least a two layer construction which comprises an outer fabric layer and an inner mesh layer. The outer fabric layer comprises 80% nylon and 20% spandex. The outer fabric layer is heavier than the perforated/breathable fabric layer used in the centre front panel 114. The inner mesh layer in this example is a power mesh layer. The panels 116, 118, 120 provide enhanced support. In some regions, the inner mesh region may be sandwiched between fabric layers.

[0068] Shoulder panels 122, 124 that join to shoulder straps 126, 128 of the breast support garment 102 are formed from a two layer construction which comprises an outer perforated/breathable fabric layer and an inner mesh layer. The shoulder panels 122, 124 have the same construction as the centre front panel 114.

[0069] The breast support garment 102 comprises a rear portion 130 (FIG. 18) arranged to cover at least part of the rear torso of the wearer. The rear portion 130 extends from the upper back of the wearer to the waist of the wearer when worn.

[0070] The rear portion 130 comprises an upper part 132 arranged to cover at least part of the upper back of the wearer and a lower part 134 arranged to cover at least part of the lower back of the wearer. The upper part 132 and lower part 134 may be integrally formed or may be formed from separate panels that are attached together.

[0071] The upper part 132 comprises a lower margin 136. The lower part 134 comprises a lower margin 138. The lower part 134 is provided below the lower margin 136 of the upper part 132.

[0072] The rear portion 130 in this example comprises different panels that are joined together to form the rear portion 130. The different panels have different material properties and impart different properties to the breast support garment 102.

[0073] A main panel 162 of the rear portion 130 has a two layer construction which comprises an outer fabric layer and an inner mesh layer. The outer fabric layer is heavier than the perforated/breathable fabric layer used in the centre front panel 114. The inner mesh layer in this example is a power mesh layer.

[0074] An upper panel 164 that joins to shoulder straps 126, 128 is formed from a single layer of mesh material in this example and in particular from a power mesh material.

[0075] The breast support garment 102 comprises side regions 140, 142 that connect the front portion 104 to the rear portion 130. The side regions 140, 142 are formed from a single layer of mesh material in this example and in particular from a power mesh material.

[0076] The shoulder straps 126, 128 connect the front portion 104 to the rear portion 130. The shoulder straps 126, 128 are spaced from each other and extend from the front portion 104 to define a neck opening configured to receive a neck of the wearer.

[0077] The breast support garment 102 further comprises a base band 144. The base band 144 is provided along the lower margin 112 of the lower part 108 of the front portion 104. The base band 144 is provided along the lower margin 138 of the lower part 134 of the rear portion 130. The base band 144 extends below the lower margin 112 of the lower part 108 of the front portion 104 and the lower margin 138 of the lower part 134 of the rear portion 130. An upper margin of the base band 144 is connected to the lower margin 112 of the lower part 108 of the front portion 104 and the lower margin 138 of the lower part 134 of the rear portion 130. The base band 144 may extend continuously around the lower margin 112 and lower margin 138 but this is not required in all examples.

[0078] The base band 144 in this example extends below the front portion 104, rear portion 130 and side regions 140, 142 to form a circumference that surrounds the wearer. The base band 144 is continuously attached to the front portion 104, rear portion 130 and side regions 140, 142 but this is not required in all examples.

[0079] The base band 144 may function as a traditional bra base band and provides support for the wearer. The base band 144 is formed from an elastically resilient material and is arranged to conform to the wearer's body. The base band 144 in this example is formed from a continuous loop of material but this is not required in all examples. The base band 144 may comprise an adjustment mechanism to allow for the circumference of the base band 144 to be adjusted.

[0080] The inner surface of the base band 144 (FIG. 1C) comprises gripper material 160 which in this example is in the form of a silicone material which is applied to the inner surface of the base band 144.

[0081] The breast support garment 102 further comprises a sensor band 146. The sensor band 146 is provided along the lower margin 110 of the upper part 106 of the front portion 104. The sensor band 146 is provided along the lower margin 136 of the upper part 132 of the rear portion 130. The sensor band 146 extends below the lower margin 110 of the upper part 106 of the front portion 104 and the lower margin 136 of the upper part 132 of the rear portion 130. An upper margin of the sensor band 146 is connected to the lower margin 110 of the upper part 106 of the front portion 104 and the lower margin 136 of the upper part 132 of the rear portion 130. The sensor band 146 may extend continuously along the lower margin 110 and the lower margin 136 but this is not required in all examples.

[0082] The sensor band 146 in this example extends from the front portion 104 of the breast support garment 102 to the rear portion 130 of the breast support garment 102 to form a circumference that surrounds the wearer. The sensor band 146 may be continuously attached to the front portion 104, rear portion 130 and side regions 140, 142 but this is not required in all examples.

[0083] The sensor band 146 is an additional band that can provide additional support for the breast support garment 102. The sensor band 146 may be covered by the front portion 104, rear portion 130 and side regions 140, 142 such that it is not visible externally when the breast support garment 102 is worn.

[0084] The sensor band 146 is formed from an elastically resilient material and is arranged to conform to the wearer's body. The sensor band 146 comprises an adjustment mechanism 148 to allow for the circumference of the sensor band 146 to be adjusted. The sensor band 146 may therefore be tightened or loosened to provide the desired fit for the wearer. The adjustment mechanism 148 is accessible via an opening 150 formed in the rear portion 130. In other examples, the sensor band 146 is formed from a continuous loop of material.

[0085] The sensor band 146 is located just below the bust of the wearer to allow for measurements of the wearer to be performed by a sensor incorporated into or otherwise associated with the sensor band 146. The sensor band 146 is located at an optimal position for performing measurements of the wearer in a breast support garment 102. This is particularly the case for biopotential (e.g., ECG), bioimpedance and optical (e.g. PPG measurements).

[0086] The sensor band 146 is arranged to tightly fit against the wearer to help ensure good signal coupling between a sensor associated with the sensor band 146 and the wearer.

[0087] The sensor band 146 may be associated with one or more electrodes. The sensor band 146 may comprise the electrode. The electrode may be integrally formed with the sensor band 146. The electrode may be of knitted construction. The electrodes may be arranged to perform measurements from the wearer such as bioelectrical (e.g., ECG) or bioimpedance measurements. Additionally, or separately, the electrodes may apply signals to the wearer for therapeutic applications.

[0088] In this example, the sensor band 146 comprises a first electrode 154 and a second electrode 156 (FIG. 1C). The first electrode 154 and second electrode 156 are attached to the sensor band 146. The first electrode 154 and second electrode 156 are in the form of a conductive fabric.

[0089] The first electrode 154 and the second electrode 156 may be integrally knitted with the sensor band 146.

[0090] The breast support garment 102 may comprise an electronics module holder arranged to removably retain an electronics module. The sensor band 146 may comprise the electronics module holder. The electronics module holder in this example comprises a pocket 158 (FIG. 1C). When positioned in the pocket 158, the electronics module is brought into communication with the first electrode 154 and the second electrode 156 and is able to receive measurement signals from the first electrode 154 and the second electrode 156. The electronics module may also apply signals to the first electrode 154 and the second electrode 156 such as for use in therapeutic applications.

[0091] The pocket 158 is accessible via a pocket opening 152 (FIG. 1A) formed in the front portion. The pocket opening 152 enables the electronics module to be inserted and removed from the pocket 158 while the breast support garment 102 is being worn.

[0092] In this example, the pocket 158 is located in a centre front region of the sensor band 146. This is not required in all examples. The electronics module holder may be located on a side or rear aspect of the sensor band 146.

[0093] Advantageously, the breast support garment 102 provides a longline bra construction that is still able to perform measurements of the wearer via an internal sensor band 146. Longline bras provide greater coverage of the wearer and can provide enhanced support for the wearer. However, the base band 144 of longline bras is typically positioned in a suboptimum position for measurements of the wearer. The hidden sensor band 146 of the breast support garment 102 enables measurements to be effectively performed.

[0094] In some examples, the depth 166 of the breast support garment 102 from an apex of a shoulder region to an upper margin of the base band 144 is greater than 35 cm. The depth 166 may be greater than 40 cm.

[0095] In some examples, the depth from an apex of a shoulder region to an upper margin of the sensor band 146 is between 20 cm and 35 cm.

[0096] In some examples, the depth 168 of the breast support garment 102 from an apex of a centre front of the front portion 104 to an upper margin of the base band 144 is between 25 cm and 35 cm. The depth 168 may be between 28 cm and 32 cm.

[0097] In some examples, the depth 170 of the base band 144 is between 3 cm and 10 cm. The depth 170 may be between 4 cm and 8 cm. In some examples, the depth 170 is 6 cm.

[0098] In some examples, the depth of the sensor band 146 is between 2 cm and 6 cm. The depth of the sensor band 146 in some examples is 4 cm.

[0099] It will be appreciated that the above dimensions are just examples. The breast support garment 102 dimensions will depend in part on the size of the wearer that the breast support garment 102 is intended to be used with.

[0100] FIG. 2 shows the sensor band 146 in isolation. The sensor band 146 comprises a length of elastomeric material 206. Part of the elastomeric material 206 is covered by inner fabric layer 202 and outer fabric layer 204. The first electrode 154 and second electrode 156 extend through the inner fabric layer 202 such that they are exposed and able to contact the skin when the sensor band 146 is worn. The inner fabric layer 202 and outer fabric layer 204 define the pocket 158.

[0101] The adjustment mechanism 148 comprises a series of hooks that are arranged to engage with different eyelets to loosen or tighten the sensor band 146. Other forms of adjustment mechanism 148 may be provided such as swan hooks, buckles, sliders or Velcro.

[0102] FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of part of an example sensor band 146 according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0103] The inner fabric layer 202 and outer fabric layer 204 of the sensor band 146 have similar dimensions and overlap one another. The elastomeric material 206 is provided between the inner fabric layer 202 and the outer fabric layer 204. The elastomeric material 206 is arranged to stretch and conform to the wearer.

[0104] The elastomeric material 206 definers an open region 302 in the pocket 158 formed between the inner fabric layer 202 and the outer fabric layer 204. In this way, the elastomeric material 206 does not affect the interaction between the electronics module 304 and the skin surface when the electronics module 304 is positioned in the pocket 158.

[0105] The elastomeric material 206 is a continuous strip of material that comprises a first end 306 and a second end 308. The first end 306 and the second end 308 are spaced apart from one another to define the open region 302. That is, the first end 306 and the second end 308 of the elastomeric material 206 are not connected to one another.

[0106] The outer fabric layer 204 is stitched to the inner fabric layer 202 along the lines 310, 312 either side of the pocket 158. The stitches along the line 310 extend through the first end 306 of the elastomeric material 206 to join the first end 306 to the inner fabric layer 202 and the outer fabric layer 204. The stitches along the line 312 extend through the second end 308 of the elastomeric material 206 to join the second end 308 to the inner fabric layer 202 and the outer fabric layer 204. Therefore, in this example, rather than joining the first end 306 and the second end 308 of the elastomeric material 206 together to form a continuous loop of material, the first end 306 and the second end 308 are not connected to one another and are spaced apart to define the open region 302. The attachment of the outer fabric layer 204 to the inner fabric layer 202 to form the pocket 158 joins the elastomeric material 206 to the inner fabric layer 202 and the outer fabric layer 204. The elastomeric material 206 may only be connected to the inner fabric layer 202 and the outer fabric layer 204 along the lines 310, 312.

[0107] The inner fabric layer 202 comprises an opening 314. The opening 314 is positioned such that when the electronics module 304 is positioned in the pocket 158, a sensor of the electronics module 304 is aligned with the opening 314 and has line of sight with a skin surface of the wearer. The sensor may extend partially or fully extend through the opening 314. This enables the electronics module 304 to perform measurements while positioned in the pocket 158.

[0108] It is not required that the inner fabric layer 202 and the outer fabric layer 204 are stitched together. Other forms of attachment such as bonding may be used.

[0109] Additional layers such as a waterproof layer may be provided in the pocket 158 to restrict water ingress from the skin surface into the pocket 158. The waterproof layer may also comprise an opening to allow for the sensor of the electronics module 304 to have line of sight with the skin surface.

[0110] The elastomeric material 206 is not required to have spaced apart ends 306, 308 that define an open region 302 in the pocket 158. In some examples, the pocket 158 may be formed between the elastomeric material 206 and the inner fabric layer 202. In some examples, the elastomeric material 206 may comprise an opening through which the sensor of the electronics module 304 has line of sight.

[0111] The elastomeric material 206 may not extend around the full circumference of the wearer. The elastomeric material 206 may comprise two separate strips of elastomeric material to define the open region 302 or may comprise a continuous strip of material such as when the pocket space is formed between the elastomeric material and the inner fabric layer 202 or the elastomeric material comprises an opening as described above.

[0112] FIG. 4 shows a simplified schematic diagram of an electronics module 304 positioned in a pocket 158 formed between an inner fabric layer 202 and an outer fabric layer 204 such as in a sensor band 146 of a breast support garment 102 as described above.

[0113] The elastomeric material 206 is not shown in this example but may be provided. The elastomeric material 206 is not required in all examples.

[0114] The electronics module 304 comprises a sensor 402 disposed within a housing 404. The housing 404 comprises a window 406 that allows for the sensor 402 to have line of sight through the housing. The inner fabric layer 202 comprises an opening 314 that is aligned with the sensor 402. This allows for the sensor 402 to have line of sight with the skin surface 408 of a wearer of the sensor band 146. Rather than providing an opening 314, a window may instead be provided. The window may be constructed from a transparent, translucent, or light diffracting material. The use of a light diffracting material may provide a light pipe effect. The present disclosure is not limited to forming openings 314 or windows in the inner fabric layer 202 and the inner fabric layer 202 may be otherwise constructed to enable the sensor 402 of the electronics module 304 to have line of sight with the skin surface 408 of the wearer.

[0115] Additional electronics components such as a processor, communicator, power source, motion sensor and temperature sensor may also be provided within the housing 404 of the electronics module 304.

[0116] In the above examples, the sensor 402 may comprise an optical sensor. The optical sensor may measure light in one or more of the infrared, visible, and ultraviolet spectrums. The optical sensor may be a pulse oximeter. The optical sensor may be arranged to measure the oxygen saturation of the wearer. Oxygen saturation is the fraction of oxygen-saturated haemoglobin relative to total haemoglobin (unsaturated + saturated) in the blood. The optical sensor may be arranged to measure the capillary perfusion of the wearer. A pulse oximeter may be useable to measure the capillary perfusion using a double-wavelength method. The capillary perfusion can be derived from a variation in the detected signal strength. The optical sensor may be arranged to measure the temperature of the wearer.

[0117] The sensor 402 is not required to comprise an optical sensor in all examples. The sensor is generally arranged to monitor a property of the environment external to the electronics module. The property may be a property of the user wearing the breast support garment 102. The sensor 402 may comprise one or more of an altitude sensor, pressure sensor, temperature sensor, optical sensor, humidity sensor, presence sensor, and air quality sensor. The presence sensor may for detecting a touch input from a user. The presence sensor may comprise one or more of a capacitive sensor, inductive sensor, and ultrasonic sensor.

[0118] The sensor may comprise an infrared temperature sensor arranged to measure the skin surface temperature of a user wearing the breast support garment 102. The temperature sensor may be an ambient temperature sensor.

[0119] FIG. 5 shows a simplified diagram of an example electronics module 304 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The electronics module 304 comprises a controller 502 and a sensing interface 504 communicatively coupled to the controller 502.

[0120] The sensing interface 504 in this example comprises a first electrical contact 506 and a second electrical contact 508. The sensing interface 504 receives measurement signals from the electrical contacts 506, 508. The measurement signals, or a processed version thereof, are provided to the controller 502. The measurement signals may be any form of biosignal as described above. The sensing interface 504 is therefore able to receive physiological signals from a wearer of the electronics module 304.

[0121] The controller 502 is able to process the signals received from the sensing interface. The controller 502 may control a wireless communicator (not shown) of the electronics module 304 to transmit data to an external device such as a user electronic device.

[0122] FIG. 6 shows a simplified diagram of the sensor band 146.

[0123] A first communication interface 602 is provided on the sensor band 146. The first communication interface 602 is accessible from the electronics module holder of the sensor band 146.

[0124] The first communication interface 602 is communicatively coupled to the first electrode 154 via a first communication pathway 604. The first communication interface 602, first electrode 154 and first communication pathway 604 form a first sensing unit of the sensor band 146. The first electrode 154 may be arranged to be provided on the sensor band 146 such that it faces the skin surface of the wearer when the sensor band 146 is worn. This enables the first electrode 154 to contact the skin surface and measure biosignals from the skin surface and/or apply signals to the skin surface. Signals may be applied to the skin surface in therapeutic applications for example.

[0125] A second communication interface 606 is provided on the sensor band 146. The second communication interface 606 is accessible from the electronics module holder of the sensor band 146.

[0126] The second communication interface 606 is communicatively coupled to the second electrode 156 via a second communication pathway 608. The second communication interface 606, second electrode 156, and second communication pathway 608 form a second sensing unit of the sensor band 146. The second electrode 156 may be arranged to be provided on the sensor band 146 such that it faces the skin surface of the wearer when the sensor band 146 is worn. This enables the second electrode 156 to contact the skin surface and measure biosignals from the skin surface and/or apply signals to the skin surface. Signals may be applied to the skin surface in therapeutic applications for example.

[0127] The sensor band 146 is not required to comprise electrodes. Other forms of sensors such as temperature sensors, optical sensors, chemical sensors, and moisture sensors may be included. The sensor band 146 may include any combination of different types of sensors.

[0128] In some examples, the sensor band 146 does not comprise sensors. The sensing may be performed solely by the sensors of the electronics module 304. The sensor band 146 may constructed so as to enable one or more sensors of the electronics module 304 to have line of sight with a skin surface of the wearer. The sensor band 146 may comprise an opening that enables a sensor of the electronics module 304 to perform a measurement of the wearer. This is described above in relation to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.

[0129] FIG. 7 shows a simplified diagram of an electronics module 304 coupled to a sensor band 146 to form an example wearable assembly. The electronics module 304 is positioned inside an electronics module holder of the sensor band 146 which in this example is in the form of a pocket 158.

[0130] The first communication interface 602 and the second communication interface 606 are provided on a first surface of sensor band 702 such that they are located within the pocket space. The first electrode 154 and the second electrode 156 are provided on a second surface of sensor band 704 that opposes the first surface of sensor band 702. The first electrode 154 and second electrode 156 are arranged such that they face towards the skin surface of the wearer of the sensor band 146. The first and second communication pathways are not shown in FIG. 7 but, as discussed above in relation to FIG. 6, couple the sensors to their respective communication interfaces 602, 606.

[0131] The electronics module 304 is positioned within the pocket space. The first electrical contact 506 of the electronics module 304 contacts and is electrically coupled to the first communication interface 602. The second electrical contact 508 of the electronics module 304 contacts and is electrically coupled to the second communication interface 606. The electronics module 304 is therefore coupled to the first electrode 154 and the second electrode 156 via the communication pathways, communication interfaces 602, 606, and electrical contacts 506, 508.

[0132] FIG. 8 shows a simplified schematic diagram for an example electronics module 304 as shown in FIG. 7. It will be appreciated that not all of the components shown in FIG. 8 are required and additional components may also be provided.

[0133] The electronics module 304 comprises a controller 502 and a sensing interface 504 as described in FIG. 7. The sensing interface 504 comprises a first electrical contact 506 and a second electrical contact 508. The controller 502 is communicatively coupled to the sensing interface 504 and is operable to receive signals from the sensing interface 504 for further processing.

[0134] The sensing interface 504 comprises electrical contacts 506, 508 in this example. This means that the communicative coupling in this example is a conductive coupling formed by direct contact between the electrical contacts 506, 508 and the connection regions of the sensor band 146, but this is not required in all examples. The communicative coupling may be a wireless (e.g., inductive) coupling.

[0135] The electronics module 304 further comprises a power source 802 and a power receiving interface 804.

[0136] The power source 802 may comprise one or a plurality of power sources. The power source 802 may be a battery. The battery may be a rechargeable battery. The battery may be a rechargeable battery adapted to be charged wirelessly such as by inductive charging. The power source 802 may comprise an energy harvesting device. The energy harvesting device may be configured to generate electric power signals in response to kinetic events such as kinetic events performed by the wearer of the sensor band 146. The kinetic event could include walking, running, exercising or respiration of the wearer. The energy harvesting material may comprise a piezoelectric material which generates electricity in response to mechanical deformation of the converter. The energy harvesting device may harvest energy from body heat of the wearer. The energy harvesting device may be a thermoelectric energy harvesting device. The power source may be a super capacitor, or an energy cell.

[0137] The power receiving interface 804 is operable to receive power from an external power store for charging the power source. The power receiving interface 804 may be a wired or wireless interface. A wireless interface may comprise one or more wireless power receiving coils for receiving power from the external power store. In some examples, one or both of the first and second electrical contacts 506, 508 may also function as the power receiving interface 804 to enable power to be received from the external power store.

[0138] The power receiving interface 804 may also be coupled to the controller 502 to enable direct communication between the controller 502 and an external device if required.

[0139] The electronics module 304 further comprises a wireless communicator 806. The wireless communicator 806 may utilise any communication protocol such as used for communication over: a wireless wide area network (VVVVAN), a wireless metro area network (VVMAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a wireless personal area network (WPAN), Bluetooth Low Energy, Bluetooth ® Mesh, Thread, Zigbee, IEEE 1002.15.4, Ant, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), a cellular communication network, or any other electromagnetic RE communication protocol. The cellular communication network may be a fourth generation (4G) LTE, LTE Advanced (LTE-A), LTE Cat-M1, LTE Cat-M2, NB-IoT, fifth generation (5G), sixth generation (6G), and/or any other present or future developed cellular wireless network.

[0140] The electronics module 304 further comprises a sensor 808. The sensor 808 may comprise one or a combination of an optical sensor, temperature sensor, motion sensor, magnet sensor, and location sensor. Other sensors may also be included in the electronics module 304.

[0141] FIG. 9 shows a more detailed schematic diagram for the example electronics module 304 shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8.

[0142] The electronics module 304 comprises a controller 502, sensing interface 504, first electrical contact 506, second electrical contact 508, sensor 808, power source 802, and power receiving interface 804 as described above.

[0143] The controller 502 comprises an internal memory 902. The controller 502 is also communicatively connected to an external memory 904 which in this example is a NAND Flash memory. The external memory 904 is used to for the storage of data when no wireless connection is available between the electronics module 304 and an external device such as a user electronic device. The external memory 904 may have a storage capacity of at least 1GB and preferably at least 2 GB. [0144] The electronics module 304 also includes additional peripheral devices that are used to perform specific functions as will be described in further detail herein.

[0145] The power source 802 in this example is a lithium ion battery. The battery is rechargeable and charged via power receiving interface 804. The power receiving interface 804 is arranged to receive wireless power inductively. Of course, the present disclosure is not limited to recharging via inductive charging and instead other forms of charging such as a wired connection or far field wireless charging are within the scope of the present disclosure. Additional battery management functionality is provided in terms of a charge controller 906, battery monitor 908 and regulator 910. These components may be provided through use of a dedicated power management integrated circuit (PM IC).

[0146] The controller 502 is communicatively connected to a battery monitor 908 so that that the controller 502 may obtain information about the state of charge of the battery.

[0147] The electronics module 304 comprises a first wireless communicator 912 and a second wireless communicator 914.

[0148] The first wireless communicator 912 s arranged to communicatively couple with an external device over a first wireless communication protocol. The first wireless communication protocol may be a Bluetooth 0 protocol, Bluetooth 0 5 or a Bluetooth 0 Low Energy protocol but is not limited to any particular communication protocol. In the present embodiment, the first wireless communicator 912 is integrated into controller 502. The first wireless communicator 912 enables communication between the external device and the controller 502 for configuration and set up of the controller 502 and the peripheral devices as may be required. Configuration of the controller 502 and peripheral devices utilises the Bluetooth protocol in this example.

[0149] Other wireless communication protocols can also be used, such as used for communication over: a wireless wide area network (VVVVAN), a wireless metro area network (VVMAN), a wireless local area network (VVLAN), a wireless personal area network (VVPAN), Bluetooth 0 Low Energy, Bluetooth ® Mesh, Thread, Zig bee, IEEE 802.15.4, Ant, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), a cellular communication network, or any other electromagnetic RF communication protocol. The cellular communication network may be a fourth generation (4G) LTE, LTE Advanced (LTE-A), LTE Cat-M1, LTE Cat-M2, NB-loT, fifth generation (5G), sixth generation (6G), and/or any other present or future developed cellular wireless network.

[0150] The second wireless communicator 914 is arranged to communicatively couple with an external device using a second communication protocol. The external device is powered to induce a magnetic field in an antenna of the second wireless communicator 914. When the external device is placed in the magnetic field of the antenna of the second wireless communicator 914, the external device induces current in the second wireless communicator 914. This ind uced current is used to retrieve the information from a memory and transmit the same back to the external device. The controller 502 is arranged to energize the second wireless communicator 914 to transmit information.

[0151] In an example operation, the external device is a user electronic device. The user electronic device is brought into proximity with the electronics module 304. In response to this, the electronics module 304 is configured to energize the second wireless communicator 914 to transmit information to the user electronic device over the second wireless communication protocol. Beneficially, this means that the act of the user electronic device approaching the electronics module 304 energizes the second wireless communicator 914 to transmit the information to the user electronic device.

[0152] The information may comprise a unique identifier for the electronics module 304. The unique identifier for the electronics module 304 may be an address for the electronics module 304 such as a MAC address or Bluetooth 0 address.

[0153] The information may comprise authentication information used to facilitate the pairing between the electronics modules 304 and the user electronic device over the first wireless communication protocol. This means that the transmitted information is used as part of an out of band (00B) pairing process.

[0154] The information may comprise application information which may be used by the user electronic device to start an application on the user electronic device or configure an application running on the user electronic device. The application may be started on the user electronic device automatically (e.g., without user input). Alternatively, the application information may cause the user electronic device to prompt the user to start the application on the user electronic device. The information may comprise a uniform resource identifier such as a uniform resource location to be accessed by the user electronic device, or text to be displayed on the user electronic device for example. It will be appreciated that the same electronics module 304 can transmit any of the above example information either alone or in combination. The electronics module 304 may transmit different types of information depending on the current operational state of the electronics module 304 and based on information it receives from other devices such as the user electronic device.

[0155] The electronics module 304 has sensors 808 including a motion sensor 916, a temperature sensor 918, a magnetic field sensor 920, and a location sensor 922. It will be appreciated that not all of these sensors 808 are required in all examples and additional sensors, such as optical sensors, chemical sensors, humidity sensors, and pressure sensors may also be provided.

[0156] The location sensor 922 may be a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) device which is arranged to provide location and position data for applications as required. In particular, the location sensor 922 provides geographical location data at least to a nation state level. Any device suitable for providing location, navigation or for tracking the position could be utilised. The GNSS device may include Global Positioning System (GPS), BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) and the Galileo system devices.

[0157] The motion sensor 916 in this example is in the form of an inertial measurement unit (IMU) which may comprise an accelerometer and optionally one or both of a gyroscope and a magnetometer. A gyroscope/magnetometer is not required in all examples, and instead only an accelerometer may be provided, or a gyroscope/magnetometer may be present but put into a low power state.

[0158] The IMU can therefore be used to detect can detect orientation and gestures with event-detection interrupts enabling motion tracking and contextual awareness. It has recognition of free-fall events, tap and double-tap sensing, activity or inactivity, stationary/motion detection, and wakeup events in addition to 6D orientation. A single tap, for example, can be used enable toggling through various modes or waking the electronics module 304 from a low power mode.

[0159] Known examples of IMUs that can be used for this application include the ST LSM6DSOX manufactured by STMicroelectronics. This IMU a system-in-package IMU featuring a 3D digital accelerometer and a 3D digital gyroscope.

[0160] Another example of a known IMU suitable for this application is the LSM6DSO also be STMicroelectronics.

[0161] The IMU can include machine learning functionality, for example as provided in the ST LSM6DSOX. The machine learning functionality is implemented in a machine learning core (MLC). The machine earning processing capability uses decision-tree logic. The MLC is an embedded feature of the IMU 211 and comprises a set of configurable parameters and decision trees. As is understood in the art, decision tree is a mathematical tool composed of a series of configurable nodes. Each node is characterized by an "if-then-else" condition, where an input signal (represented by statistical parameters calculated from the sensor data) is evaluated against a threshold.

[0162] Decision trees are stored and generate results in the dedicated output registers. The results of the decision tree can be read from the application processor at any time. Furthermore, there is the possibility to generate an interrupt for every change in the result in the decision tree, which is beneficial in maintaining low-power consumption.

[0163] Decision trees can be generated using a known machine learning tool such as Waikato Environment for Knowledge Analysis software (VVeka) developed by the University of Waikato or using MATLAB® or Python TM.

[0164] The electronics module 304 further comprises a light source 924, such as a light emitting diode, for conveying status information about the electronics module 304 and/or the wearer of the electronics module 304. More generally, any form of output unit may be provided in addition to or instead of the light source 924. The output unit may comprise one or a combination of an audio output unit, a visual output unit (e.g., light source 924 or a display) and a ha ptic feedback unit.

[0165] The electronics module 304 also comprises conventional electronics components which are not shown in FIG. 9 including a power-on-reset generator, a development connector, a real time clock and a FROG header.

[0166] The electronics module 304 in this example comprises first wireless communicator 912 and second wireless communicator 914 but this is not required in all examples. More generally, the electronics module 304 may have one or a plurality of wireless communicators to enable the electronics module 304 to communicate wirelessly over an external device such as a user electronic device or a remote server.

[0167] The electronics module 304 may additionally comprise a Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC) that enables the electronics module 304 to access services provided by a mobile network operator (MNO) or virtual mobile network operator (VMNO). The UICC may include at least a read-only memory (ROM) configured to store an MNO or VMNO profile that the electronics module 304 can utilize to register and interact with an MNO or VMNO. The UICC may be in the form of a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card. The electronics module 304 may have a receiving section arranged to receive the SIM card. In other examples, the UICC is embedded directly into a controller of the electronics module 304. That is, the UICC may be an electronic/embedded UICC (eUICC). A eUICC is beneficial as it removes the need to store a number of MNO profiles, i.e. electronic Subscriber Identity Modules (eSIMs). Moreover, eSIMs can be remotely provisioned to electronics modules 304.

The electronics module 304 may comprise a secure element that represents an embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC).

[0168] The sensing interface comprises an analogue-to-digital frontend that couples signals received from the electrical contacts 506, 508 to the controller 502 and optionally an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit. The analogue-to-digital frontend is shown in detail in FIG. 10.

[0169] FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of the component circuitry for the analogue-to-digital frontend 926 shown in FIG. 9.

[0170] In the example described herein, the analogue-to-digital frontend 926 is an integrated circuit (IC) chip which converts the raw analogue biosignal received via the sensing interface into a digital signal for further processing by the controller (e.g., controller 502 of FIG. 9). ADC IC chips are known, and any suitable one can be utilised to provide this functionality. ADC IC chips for ECG applications include, for example, the MAX30003 chip produced by Maxim Integrated Products Inc. [0171] The analogue-to-digital frontend 926 includes an input 1002 and an output 1004.

[0172] Raw biosignals from the sensing interface (e.g., sensing interface 504 of FIG. 9) are input to the analogue-to-digital frontend 926, where received signals are processed in an ECG channel 1006 and subject to appropriate filtering through high pass and low pass filters for static discharge and interference reduction as well as for reducing bandwidth prior to conversion to digital signals. The reduction in bandwidth is important to remove or reduce motion artefacts that give rise to noise in the signal due to movement of the sensors coupled to the sensing interface.

[0173] The output digital signals may be decimated to reduce the sampling rate prior to being passed to a serial programmable interface 1008 of the analogue-to-digital frontend 926.

[0174] ADC front end IC chips suitable for ECG applications may be configured to determine information from the input biosignals such as heart rate and the QRS complex and including the R-R interval of the QRS complex. Support circuitry 1010 provides base voltages for the ECG channel 1006.

[0175] The determining of the QRS complex can be implemented for example using the known Pan Tomkins algorithm as described in Pan, Jiapu; Tompkins, Willis J. (March 1985). "A Real-Time QRS Detection Algorithm". IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering. BME-32 (3): 230-236.

[0176] Signals are output to the controller via the serial programmable interface 1008.

[0177] The controller can also be configured to apply digital signal processing (DSP) to the digital signal from the analogue-to-digital frontend 926.

[0178] The DSP may include noise filtering additional to that carried out in the analogue-to-digital frontend 926 and may also include additional processing to determine further information about the signal from the analogue-to-digital frontend 926.

[0179] The controller is configured to send the biosignals to an external device such as a user electronic device using a wireless communicator (e.g., first wireless communicator 912 of FIG. 9).

[0180] Although the example embodiments have been described with reference to the components, modules and units discussed herein, such functional elements may be combined into fewer elements or separated into additional elements. Various combinations of optional features have been described herein, and it will be appreciated that described features may be combined in any suitable combination. In particular, the features of any one example embodiment may be combined with features of any other embodiment, as appropriate, except where such combinations are mutually exclusive. Throughout this specification, the term "comprising" or "comprises" means including the component(s) specified but not to the exclusion of the presence of others.

[0181] All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

[0182] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0183] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS1 A breast support garment comprising a front portion defining an upper part and a lower part; a sensor band providing along a lower margin of the upper part and a base band provided along a lower margin of the lower part.
2. The breast support garment of claim 1, wherein the upper part defines a pair of breast contacting surfaces.
3. The breast support garment of claim 1 or 2, wherein the lower part defines an abdomen contacting surface.
4. The breast support garment of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the base band is arranged to surround the waist and/or hips of the wearer.
5. The breast support garment of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sensor band is arranged to surround the chest of the wearer.
6. The breast support garment of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the distance from the apex of a shoulder portion of the breast support garment to an upper margin of the sensor band is between 20 and 35 cm.
7. The breast support garment of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the distance from the apex of a shoulder portion of the breast support garment to an upper margin of the base band is greater than 35 cm.
8. The breast support garment of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the sensor band is covered by the lower part of the front portion.
9. The breast support garment of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the sensor band comprises an elastically resilient material
10. The breast support garment of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the sensor band is adjustable.
11. The breast support garment of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the base band comprises an elastically resilient material.
12. The breast support garment of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the base band is adjustable.
13. The breast support garment of any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a rear portion.
14. The breast support garment of claim 13, wherein the rear portion defines an upper part and a lower part.
15. The breast support garment of claim 13 or 14, wherein the front portion is connected to the rear portion by a pair of side portions
16. The breast support garment of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the sensor band is associated with an electrode.
17. The breast support garment of claim 16, wherein the sensor band comprises the electrode.
18. The breast support garment of claim 17, wherein the sensor band is integrally formed with the electrode.
19. The breast support garment of any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the electrode comprises conductive fabric.
20. The breast support garment of any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the electrode is knitted.
21. The breast support garment of claim 20, wherein the electrode is integrally knitted with the sensor band.
22. The breast support garment of any one of claims 1 to 21, further comprising an electronics module holder arranged to removably receive an electronics module.
23. The breast support garment of claim 22, wherein the sensor band comprises the electronics module holder.
24. The breast support garment of claim 22 or 23, wherein the electronics module holder comprises a pocket.
25. The breast support garment of any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the electronics module holder is accessible via an opening provided on the front portion.