US20230180857A1

US20230180857A1 - Wearable Article and Method of Making the Same

Info

Publication number: US20230180857A1
Application number: US17/924,848
Authority: US
Inventors: Isabel Rose Hepworth
Original assignee: Prevayl Innovations Ltd
Current assignee: Prevayl Innovations Ltd
Priority date: 2020-05-28
Filing date: 2021-05-25
Publication date: 2023-06-15
Also published as: GB2610782A; WO2021240144A1; GB202219096D0

Abstract

The wearable article (100) comprises a first portion (101) having first and second opposed margins (103, 105) and a second portion (111) having first and second opposed margins (103, 105). The second portion (111) overlaps part of the first portion (101) in an overlapping region (121) bounded by the second margin (105) of the first portion (101) and the first margin (113) of the second portion (111). A pocket space (127) is formed between the first portion (101) and the second portion (111) in the overlapping region (121).

Description

The present invention is directed towards a wearable article and a method of making the same and, in particular, a wearable article that forms a pocket space.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from United Kingdom Patent Application number 2008005.7 filed on 28 May 2020, and United Kingdom Patent Application number 2011260.3 filed on 21 Jul. 2020, the whole contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Wearable articles such as garments with pocket spaces are known. The pocket spaces are provided to releasably retain a variety of components.
United States Patent Application Publication No. 2017/238634 A1 discloses a garment that includes a first flap and a second flap. The first flap lies overtop the second flap such that the top edge of the second flap is covered by the first flap. The second flap includes a bottom edge opposite the top edge that is exposed (not covered by first flap) and fixedly coupled to the bottom edge of the waist portion. Once the first flap is oriented to an open position, an opening is created by the first flap and the second flap. The opening provides access to the top edge of the second flap which can be pulled downward to access a pocket.
United States Patent Application Publication No. 2016/143424 A1 discloses a material that forms a band. The material is folded lengthwise in an overlapping manner so as to create a first layer, second layer and third layer. A pouch is formed by the first and second layers. The bottom edge of the pouch is formed by the fold forming the first and second layers. The top portion of the first layer and the top portion of the second layer form a pouch opening.
U.S. Pat. No. 9,242,093 B1 discloses a pocket that is retained on an outside section of a sleeve. The pocket has a lower section surrounding an interior chamber with an opening leading to the interior chamber. An upper covering section encloses the pocket.
International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2016/054386 A1 discloses an article of clothing that comprises an expanse of fabric. A containment portion covers part of the fabric to define a pocket space between the containment portion and the fabric. A cover overlaps part of the containment portion.
United States Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0160751 A1 discloses a first pocket panel that overlaps a second pocket panel.
It is desirable to overcome at least some of the problems associated with the prior art, whether explicitly discussed herein or otherwise.

SUMMARY

According to the present disclosure there is provided a wearable article and method as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.
According to a first aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a wearable article. The wearable article comprises a first portion having first and second opposed margins; and a second portion having first and second opposed margins. The second portion overlaps part of the first portion in an overlapping region bounded by the second margin of the first portion and the first margin of the second portion. A pocket space is formed between the first portion and the second portion in the overlapping region.
Part of the second portion may overlap part of the first portion in the overlapping region. The second portion may not be completely contained within the overlapping region. The second margin of the second portion may extend outside of the overlapping region.
The pocket space may be accessible from an outside surface of the wearable article.
The pocket space may be accessible from the first margin of the second portion.
Advantageously, the pocket space is hidden within the wearable article, but still accessible from an outer side surface of the wearable article via the first margin.
The first margin of the second portion may be unaffixed to the first portion in the region of the pocket space so as to enable the pocket space to be accessed from the first margin of the second portion.
The pocket space may be bounded by a seam of the wearable article connecting the outer layer of the pocket to the first portion. The seam may extend along the first margin of the second portion except for in the vicinity of the pocket space.
The outer layer of the pocket may be the second portion.
The outer layer of the pocket may be a third portion disposed between the first and second portion.
The first portion and the second portion may have third and fourth opposed margins.
The overlapping region may extend between the third and fourth margins of the first and second portions.
The pocket space may be located in a central area of the overlapping region between the third and fourth margins of the first and second portions. The pocket space may be located in a central area of the wearable article between the first margin of the first portion and the second margin of the second portion. The wearable article may be a top. The pocket space may be located in a central torso area of the wearer when worn. The pocket space is not required to be located in a central area. The pocket space may be positioned anywhere on the garment.
The third margins of the first and second portions may be connected to one another in the overlapping region.
The fourth margins of the first and second portions may be connected to one another in the overlapping region.
The wearable article may further comprise a third portion. The third portion may be disposed between the first and second portions in the overlapping region.
The pocket space may be formed between the first portion and the third portion in the overlapping region.
The first portion and the second portion may have third and fourth opposed margins. The overlapping region may extend between the third and fourth margins of the first and second portions. The third portion may extend between the third and fourth margins of the first and second portions.
The third portion may be attached to the first portion in the overlapping region.
The first portion may be an upper portion. The second portion may be a lower portion. The first margins of the upper and lower portions may be upper margins. The second margins of the upper and lower portions may be lower margins.
The overlapping region may extend between side margins of the upper and lower portions.
The side margins of the upper and lower portions may be connected to one another in the overlapping region.
The wearable article may further comprise a conductive element. The conductive element may comprise a conductive trace, wire or other form of conductive pathway. The conductive element may be arranged in the wearable article such that when an electronics module is positioned in the pocket space, the electronics module may be brought into communication with the conductive element. The conductive element may be provided between the first portion and the second portion in the overlapping region. The conductive element may be provided on an inside surface of the first portion. The conductive element may be part of the first portion.
The conductive element may comprise a sensing component. That is, the wearable article may further comprise a sensing component. When an electronics module is positioned in the pocket space, the electronics module may be brought into communication with the sensing component.
The sensing component may comprise a connection terminal.
The connection terminal may be arranged such that when an electronics module is positioned in the pocket space, the electronics module is brought into communication with the connection terminal.
The sensing component may be provided between the first portion and the second portion in the overlapping region.
The sensing component may be provided on an inside surface of the first portion.
The sensing component may be part of the first portion.
The sensing component may comprise an electrode or other element suitable for measuring a biosignal when worn.
Advantageously, the present disclosure provides a wearable article of simple construction that incorporates a pocket space which is not easily visually discernible from the outside of the wearable article.
The first portion and the second portion may be formed from a single piece of material (e.g. textile material). That is, the first portion and the second portion may be integrally formed with one another so as to have a unitary structure. The piece of material may be folded so as to form the overlapping region between the first portion and the second portion. Typically, this folding involves concertina folding the piece of material.
According to a second aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method of manufacturing a wearable article. The method comprises providing a first portion having first and second opposed margins. The method comprises providing a second portion having first and second opposed margins. The method comprises overlapping the second portion over part of the first portion to form an overlapping region bounded by the second margin of the first portion and the first margin of the second portion. A pocket space is formed between the first portion and the second portion in the overlapping region.
According to a third aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a wearable article. The wearable article comprises an upper portion; and a lower portion attached to the upper portion and overlapping the upper portion in a first region. The first region is bounded by a lower margin of the upper portion and an upper margin of the lower portion. A pocket space is formed between the upper portion and the lower portion in the first region.
According to a fourth aspect of the disclosure, there is provided an assembly comprising an electronics module and a wearable article of the first or third aspect of the disclosure.
According to a fifth aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a wearable article. The wearable article comprises a first portion having first and second opposed margins; a second portion having first and second opposed margins, at least part of the second portion overlaps at least part of the first portion in the overlapping region; and a third portion disposed between the first and second portions in the overlapping region, wherein a pocket space is formed between the first portion and the third portion in the overlapping region.
Advantageously, the pocket space is formed between the first portion and the third portion in the overlapping region. The second portion covers the third portion and thus further minimises the appearance of the pocket space from the external surface of the wearable article. The second portion may minimise the appearance of a seam joining the first portion to the third portion. Moreover, by creating the pocket space from the first portion and third portion, they become the weight bearing structures for a component disposed in the pocket space. The visible part of the first portion and the second portion are free from impact from the component disposed in the pocket space. That is, a component disposed in the pocket space does not pull on the second portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Examples of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows an exploded front surface view of an example wearable article according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows an exploded rear surface view of the wearable article of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 shows a side exploded view of the wearable article of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 shows a front surface view of the wearable article of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 5 shows an exploded front surface view of another example wearable article according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 shows an exploded rear surface view of the wearable article of FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 7 shows a simplified exploded view of the wearable article of FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 8 shows an assembled view of the wearable article of FIG. 7 ;

FIG. 9 shows an exploded front surface view of yet another example wearable article according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 shows a rear surface view of the wearable article of FIG. 9 ;

FIG. 11 shows an exploded front surface view of yet another example wearable article according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 shows an exploded front surface view of yet another example wearable article according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 shows an exploded front surface view of yet another example wearable article according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 shows an exploded front surface view of yet another example wearable article according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 shows an exploded front surface view of yet another example wearable article according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 shows an exploded front surface view of yet another example wearable article according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 a flow diagram for an example method of making an article according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 shows an example system according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 shows a schematic diagram for an example electronics module according to aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 shows an exploded view of another example electronics module according to aspects of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 21 shows the bottom surface of the electronics module of FIG. 20 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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.
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.
It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
“Wearable article” as referred to throughout the present disclosure may refer to any form of article which may be worn by a user. The wearable article may be a garment. The garment may refer to an item of clothing or apparel. The garment may be a top. The top may be a shirt, t-shirt, blouse, sweater, jacket/coat, or vest. The garment may be a dress, brassiere, shorts, pants, arm or leg sleeve, vest, jacket/coat, glove, armband, underwear, chest band, headband, hat/cap, collar, wristband, stocking, sock, or shoe, athletic clothing, personal protective equipment, swimwear, wetsuit or drysuit.
The garment may be a tight-fitting garment. Beneficially, a tight-fitting garment helps ensure that the sensor devices of the garment are held in contact with or in the proximity of a skin surface of the wearer. The garment may be a compression garment. The garment may be an athletic garment such as an elastomeric athletic garment.
The wearable articles may be constructed from natural fibres, synthetic fibres, or a natural fibre blended with one or more other materials which can be natural or synthetic. The yarn may be cotton. The cotton may be blended with polyester and/or viscose and/or polyamide according to the application. Silk may also be used as the natural fibre. Cellulose, wool, hemp and jute are also natural fibres that may be used in the wearable article. Polyester, polycotton, nylon and viscose are synthetic fibres that may be used in the wearable article.
Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4 , there is shown a front section 102 (FIG. 4 ) of a wearable article 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The wearable article 100 is arranged to cover a torso of a wearer when worn. The wearable article 100 in this particular example is a sleeveless shirt also known as a tank top, singlet or vest.
The front section 102 of the wearable article 100 covers the front of the wearer when worn. A back section 104 (FIG. 4 ) of the wearable article 100 may also be provided to cover the back of the wearer. The front section 102 may be connected to the back section 104 directly, or a pair of side sections may be provided connecting the front section 102 to the back section 104.
The front section of the wearable article 100 comprises a first portion 101 (FIGS. 1 to 4 ). The first portion 101 is an upper portion 101 that covers an upper torso region of the front of the wearer when worn. The first portion 101 has a first margin 103 which is an upper margin 103. The upper margin 103 is formed by a superior edge of the first portion 101. The first portion 101 has a second margin 105 which is a lower margin 105. The lower margin 105 is formed by an inferior edge of the first portion 101. The upper margin 103 and the lower margin 105 oppose one another. The first portion 101 further has third and fourth margins 107, 109. The third and fourth margins 107, 109 are side margins 107, 109 formed by opposed side edges of the first portion 101.
The first portion 101 is a layer of material and may be formed of one or more textile panels (e.g. fabric panels).
The front section 102 of the wearable article 100 comprises a second portion 111. The second portion 111 is a lower portion 111 that covers a lower torso region of the front of the wearer when worn. The second portion 111 has a first margin 113 which is an upper margin 113. The upper margin 113 is formed by a superior edge of the second portion 111. The second portion 111 has a second margin 115 which is a lower margin 115. The lower margin 115 is formed by an inferior edge of the second portion 111. The upper margin 113 and the lower margin 115 oppose one another. The second portion 111 further has third and fourth margins 117, 119. The third and fourth margins 117, 119 are side margins 117, 119 formed by opposed side edges of the second portion 111.
The second portion 111 is a layer of material and may be formed of one or more textile panels (e.g. fabric panels).
The first portion 101 and the second portion 111 have a similar size in this example.
The second portion 111 overlaps part of the first portion 101 in an overlapping region 121 bounded by the lower margin 105 of the first portion 101 and the upper margin 113 of the second portion 111. The second portion 111 overlaps part of the outer surface 123 of the first portion 101 which faces away from the wearer when worn. The second portion 111 is provided in front of the first portion in the overlapping region 121. In the overlapping region 121, part of the outer surface 123 of the first portion 101 faces part of the inner surface 125 of the second portion 111. The inner surface 125 of the second portion 111 faces towards the wearer when worn. The upper margin 103 of the first portion 101 is provided outside of the overlapping region 121. The lower margin 115 of the second portion 111 is provided outside of the overlapping region 121. In other words, part of the second portion 111 and not the entirety of the second portion 111 overlaps the first portion 101 in the overlapping region 121. Only part of the second portion 111 forms the overlapping region 121.
A pocket space 127 is formed between the first portion 101 and the second portion 111 in the overlapping region 121. The pocket space 127 is smaller than the overlapping region 121 and only occupies part of the overlapping region 121. The pocket space 127 has an upper opening with closed side and bottom edges. The upper opening is accessible from the outside surface of the wearable article 100 via the upper margin 113 of the second portion 111. The closed side and bottom edges are formed by a seam 129 that connects the second portion 111 to the first portion 101 in the overlapping region 121. The pocket space 127 is bounded by the seam 129. The seam 129 affixes the upper margin 113 of the second portion 111 to the first portion 101 except for in the region of the pocket space 127. In the region of the pocket space 127, the upper margin 113 of the second portion 111 is unaffixed to the first portion 101. In the region of the pocket space 127, the seam 129 has an approximate U-shape to form the closed side and bottom edges of the pocket space 127.
The first and second portions 101, 111 are not required to be joined to one another at the edges/margins. Other forms of attachment that form an accessible pocket space 127 are within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the entirety of the second portion 111 may be bonded to the first portion 101 in the overlapping region 121 except for in the vicinity of the pocket space 127.
The pocket space 127 is located in a central region between the third margins 107, 117 and the fourth margins 109, 119. The pocket space 127 is located in a central area of the wearable article 100 between the upper margin 103 of the first portion 101 and the lower margin 115 of the second portion 111. The pocket space 127 is provided spaced apart from the upper margin of the first portion 101 and the lower margin 115 of the second portion 111. In this example, the pocket space 127 is located in an area corresponding to a central torso region of the wearer when worn. This is particularly beneficial for wearable articles 100 incorporating sensing components as it reduces the required length of conductive pathways extending from electrodes in the wearable article 100 to the pocket space 127. Of course, the pocket space 127 may be provided in a different location if desired.
The overlapping region 121 extends from the third margins 107, 117 to the fourth margins 109, 119 of the first and second portions 101, 111. The seam 129 extends from the third margins 107, 117 to the fourth margins 109, 119 of the first and second portions 101, 111 in the overlapping region 121. The seam 129 may be referred to as a horizontal seam as it extends generally in a horizontal direction.
The seam 129 may be a bonded seam. Bonded seams generally refer to double-sided adhesive tapes that can be used to join two pieces of fabric together. Heat and/or pressure may need to be applied to activate the adhesive. The seam 129 may be formed by stitching the second portion 111 to the first portion 101. Other forms of seam are within the scope of the present disclosure.
The second portion 111 is attached to the first portion 101 by seams 131, 133. The seams 131, 133 may be referred to as vertical or side seams as they extend in the vertical direction. The seam 131 joins the third margin 107 of the first portion 101 to the third margin 117 of the second portion 111 in the overlapping region 121. The seam 133 joins the fourth margin 109 of the first portion 101 to the fourth margin 119 of the second portion 111 in the overlapping region 121. Rather than side seams, the seams 131, 133 may be panel seams 131, 133 or any other form of seam.
The seams 131, 133 may be bonded seams. The seam 131, 133 may be formed by stitching the second portion 111 to the first portion 101. Other forms of seam are within the scope of the present disclosure.
The overlapping region 121 is a relatively narrow strip that extends from the third margins 107, 117 of the first and second portions 101, 111 to the fourth margins 109, 119 of the first and second portions 101, 111. The amount of overlap and thus the size of the overlapping region may depend on factors such as the size of the desired pocket space 127.
The depth of the overlapping region 121, that is the distance between the first margin 113 of the second portion 111 and the second margin 105 of the first portion 101 may be more than 10 mm, more than 20 mm, more than 30 mm, more than 40 mm, more than 50 mm, more than 60 mm, more than 70 mm, more than 80 mm, more than 90 mm, or more than 100 mm. The depth of the overlapping region 121 may be less than 200 mm, less than 150 mm, less than 100 mm, less than 90 mm, less than 80 mm, less than 70 mm, less than 60 mm, less than 50 mm, less than 40 mm, less than 30 mm, or less than 20 mm. The depth of the overlapping region 121 may be between 10 mm and 100 mm, 10 mm and 90 mm, 10 mm and 80 mm, 10 mm and 70, 10 mm and 50 mm, 10 mm and 40 mm, 10 mm and 30 mm, or 10 mm and 20 mm. The depth of the overlapping region 121 may be between 20 mm and 100 mm, 30 mm, and 100 mm, 40 mm and 100 mm, 50 mm and 100 mm, 60 mm and 100 mm, 70 mm and 100 mm, 80 mm and 100 mm, or 90 mm and 100 mm.
The pocket space 127 may have a depth that is generally the same as the depth of the overlapping region 121. The depth of the pocket space 127 may be less than the depth of the overlapping region 121. The depth of the pocket space 127 may be between 1 mm and 20 mm less than the depth of the overlapping region 121. The depth of the pocket space 127 may be between 5 mm and 10 mm less than the depth of the overlapping region 121. In some examples, the pocket space 127 has a depth of between 20 mm and 70 mm, optionally between 35 mm and 55 mm.
The width of the pocket space 127, that is the size of the pocket opening may be more than 10 mm, more than 20 mm, more than 30 mm, more than 40 mm, more than 50 mm, more than 60 mm, more than 70 mm, more than 80 mm, more than 90 mm, or more than 100 mm. The width of the pocket space 127 may be less than 200 mm, less than 150 mm, less than 100 mm, less than 90 mm, less than 80 mm, less than 70 mm, less than 60 mm, less than 50 mm, less than 40 mm, less than 30 mm, or less than 20 mm. The width of the pocket space 127 may be between 10 mm and 100 mm, 10 mm and 90 mm, 10 mm and 80 mm, 10 mm and 70, 10 mm and 50 mm, 10 mm and 40 mm, 10 mm and 30 mm, or 10 mm and 20 mm. The width of the pocket space 127 may be between 20 mm and 100 mm, 30 mm, and 100 mm, 40 mm and 100 mm, 50 mm and 100 mm, 60 mm and 100 mm, 70 mm and 100 mm, 80 mm and 100 mm, or 90 mm and 100 mm.
Advantageously, the wearable article 100 provides a pocket space 127 that is accessible from an outside surface of the article 100 but is not easily visually discernible from the outside surface. The pocket space 127 is hidden within the wearable article 100 and is not visually apparent from outside. The only major visual element is horizontal seam line formed as a result of joining the upper margin 113 of the second portion 111 to the first portion 101. The lower margin 105 of the first portion 101 is hidden within the wearable article 100 and not visually apparent from outside the wearable article 100. Having a hidden pocket space 127 not only provides a wearable article 100 that is more visually attractive, the hidden pocket space 127 provides a mechanism for securely storing potentially valuable items on the person. The wearable article 100 reduces the likelihood of theft by minimising the visual appearance of the pocket space 127 from outside the article. Moreover, the wearable article 100 provides a simplified construction for forming the pocket space 127 meaning that the wearable article 100 can be constructed using established manufacturing techniques and using a limited number of components. The pocket space 127 may be used to store an electronics device or other valuables of the wearer. The electronics device may be an active medical device that may be desired to be kept discrete.
The pocket space 127 construction according to the present disclosure can be incorporated into any form of garment. That is, the front panel of any garment may be provided with the split construction of first and second portions 101, 111 that overlap to define the pocket space 127. A specialist construction of the garment, such as by providing an elasticated band to form the pocket space is not required. The pocket space 127 construction requires a limited number of components and does not require specialist manufacturing techniques. Moreover, the first and second portions 101, 111 can be attached to one another using any form of seam including bonded and stitched seams and are not limited to any particular type of fabric material.
While not shown in the figures, the first portion and the second portion may be formed together as a single piece of textile material. That is, a single textile panel may form the first portion and the second portion. The first portion and the second portion may thus be interconnected and integrally formed. The margins therefore do not necessarily refer to ab outer boundary of the textile material but rather refer to the boundaries of the first portion and the second portion. A bridging region of the textile material may be disposed between the lower margin of the first portion and the upper margin of the second portion. The textile material may be folded (e.g. concertina folded) so as to form the overlapping region between the first portion and the second portion. The bridging region is provided in the overlapping region. The first portion, bridging region, and second portion may form an approximate “Z” shape. The bridging region may form the third portion as shown in other examples.
Referring to FIGS. 5 to 12 there is shown a front section of another wearable article 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The wearable article 100 has a similar construction to the wearable article of FIGS. 1 to 4 and like reference numerals are used to indicate like components.
The wearable article 100 further comprises a plurality (two in this example) of sensing components 200 a, 200 b. The sensing components 200 a, 200 b are adhesive attached to the inner, wearer facing, surface 135 of the first portion 101 in the vicinity of the overlapping region 121 by adhesive layer 137. The sensing components 200 a, 200 b have an outer surface 205 that faces the inner surface 135 of the first portion 101 and an inner surface 203 that faces away from the inner surface 135 of the first portion 101. The inner surface 203 of the sensing components 200 a, 200 b faces towards the skin surface of the wearer when the article 100 is worn.
The pocket space 127 is sized to receive an electronics module 300. When positioned in the pocket space 127, the electronics module 300 is brought into communication with the sensing components 200 a, 200 b. This enables the electronics module 300 to send/receive signals from the sensing components 200 a, 200 b, process signals received from the sensing components 200 a, 200 b and communicate said processed signals to an external device.
The sensing components 200 a, 200 b (FIGS. 7 and 8 ) comprise a base component 201. The base component 201 is a non-conductive fabric layer. The base component 201 may be knitted or woven from non-conductive yarn. The base component 201 has an inner surface 203 and an outer surface 205 opposing the first surface 203.
The sensing components 200 a, 200 b comprise conductive regions 209 a, 209 b, 211 a, 211 b, 213 a, 213 b formed of conductive yarn which is integrally knit or woven with the base component 201 to form a sensing component 200 a, 200 b of an integral construction. That is the sensing component 200 a, 200 b is formed from a continuous body of fabric. In this example, Circuitex™ conductive yarn from Noble Biomaterials Limited is used to form the conductive regions. Of course, other conductive yarns may be used. The conductive yarn may comprise a non-conductive or less conductive base yarn which is coated or embedded with conductive material such as carbon, copper and silver.
The sensing component 200 a, 200 b comprises a first conductive region 209 a, 209 b provided on the first surface 203 of the base component 201. The first conductive region 209 a, 209 b is a raised section of conductive material 209 a, 209 b that extends away from the first surface 203. This raised section of conductive material 209 a, 209 b forms a raised electrode 209 a, 209 b for contacting the skin surface of the wearer to measure signals from the wearer and/or introduce signals into the wearer. Having a raised electrode 209 a, 209 b is beneficial in improving electrode contact with the skin surface particularly when the wearer is moving.
The electrode 209 a, 209 b may be arranged to measure one or more biosignals of a user wearing the article 100. Here, “biosignal” may refer to any signal in a living being that can be measured and monitored. The electrode 209 a, 209 b is generally for performing bioelectrical or bioimpedance measurements. Bioelectrical measurements include electrocardiograms (ECG), electrogastrograms (EGG), electroencephalograms (EEG), and electromyography (EMG). Bioimpedance measurements include plethysmography (e.g., for respiration), body composition (e.g., hydration, fat, etc.), and electroimpedance tomography (EIT). The electrode 209 a, 209 b may additionally or separately be used to apply an electrical signal to the wearer. This may be used in medical treatment or therapy applications.
The sensing component 200 a, 200 b further comprises a second conductive region 211 a, 211 b (FIGS. 7 and 8 ) provided on the second surface 205 of the base component 201. The second conductive region 211 a, 211 b forms a connection terminal 211 a, 211 b for electrically connecting with an electronics module 300. The second conductive region 211 a, 211 b is a raised conductive region 211 a, 211 b. Having a raised connection terminal 211 a, 211 b is beneficial in terms of improving the electrical connection between the connection terminal 211 a, 211 b and the electronics module 300.
The sensing component 200 a, 200 b further comprises a conductive pathway 213 a, 213 b (FIGS. 7 and 8 ) of conductive material extending from the raised electrode 209 a, 209 b to the connection terminal 211 a, 211 b. The conductive pathway 213 a, 213 b electrically connects the raised electrode 209 a, 209 b to the connection terminal 211 a, 211 b.
The conductive pathway 213 a, 213 b is incorporated into the base component 201 and is thus flush with the base component 201. In some examples, the conductive pathway 213 a, 213 b extends along the inner or outer surface 203, 205. Having a conductive pathway 213 a, 213 b which is flush with or minimally extends from a surface 203, 205 of the base component 201 is beneficial in terms of improving comfort and minimising the visual appearance of the sensing component 200 a, 200 b on the wearable article 100.
The sensing component 200 a, 200 b may further comprises a gripper component provided on the first surface 203 of the base component 201. The gripper component may be arranged to grip the sensing component 200 a, 200 b to the skin surface and hold it in place even when the wearer is moving. The griper component may comprise a gripper material such as silicone.
The wearable article further comprises an insulating layer 141 (FIG. 6 ) that is attached to the front panel 101 by adhesive layer 145 (FIG. 6 ). The insulating layer 141 and adhesive layer 145 comprise openings 143 a, 143 b, 147 a, 147 b aligned with the electrodes 209 a, 209 b of the sensing component 200 a, 200 b. The insulating layer encapsulates the sensing component 200 a, 200 b and insulates them.
The first portion 101 of the wearable article 100 comprises recesses 139 a, 139 b (FIGS. 5 and 6 ) in the vicinity of the pocket space 127. The recesses 139 a, 139 b extend through the first portion 101. The recesses 139 a, 139 b are aligned with the connection terminals 211 a, 211 b of the sensing component 200 a, 200 b such that when an electronics module 300 is positioned in the pocket space 127, the electronics module 300 is brought into communication with the connection terminals 211 a, 211 b. The connection terminals 211 a, 211 b are aligned with the recesses 139 a, 139 b in the first portion 101 and extend partially into the recesses 139 a, 139 b.
The wearable article 100 further comprises waterproof layer 142 that is attached to the first portion 101 within the pocket space 127 by adhesive layer 144. The waterproof layer 142 is formed from a waterproof film of material. The waterproof layer 142 and adhesive layer 144 have recesses that are aligned with the recesses 139 a, 139 b in the first portion 101.
The electronics module 300 (FIGS. 7 and 8 ) comprises a housing. The housing has a top surface and a bottom surface. The electronics module 300 further comprises a plurality (two in this example) of interface elements 301 a, 301 b provided on an outside surface of the housing. The interface elements 301 a, 301 b comprise conductive pads 301 a, 301 b provided on the bottom surface of the housing.
The electronics module 300 is seated on the outer surface 123 of the first portion 101. The electronics module 300 is seated such that the conductive pad 301 a extends partially through recess 139 a and conductive pad 301 b extends partially through recess 139 b. The electronics module 300 is not permanently attached to the first portion 101 and may be removed and repositioned on the first portion 101 as desired.
When the electronics module 300 is seated on the first portion 101, the conductive pads 301 a, 301 b of the electronics module 300 extend into the openings 139 a, 139 b and contact the connection terminals 211 a, 211 b of the sensing components 200 a, 200 b (FIGS. 11 and 12 ). In particular, the conductive pad 301 a extends into the opening 139 a to contact the connection terminal 211 a and the conductive pad 301 b extends into the opening 139 b to contact the connection terminal 211 b. In this way, the electronics module 300 is electrically connected to the sensing components 200 a, 200 b and is able to receive signals from the electrodes 209 a, 209 b.
In addition, the recesses 139 a, 139 b provide a locating mechanism that facilitates insertion of the electronics module 300 correctly into the pocket space 127 to form the electrical connection. This makes it easier for a user to correctly insert the electronics module 300 into the pocket space. 127. The recesses 139 a, 139 b may also restrict movement of the electronics module 300 to help maintain the electrical connection between the electronics module 300 and the sensing components 200 a, 200 b.
It will be appreciated that electronics module 300 is still seated on the outer surface 123 of the first portion 101 even though the layers 142, 144 may be disposed between the outer surface 1232 and the electronics module 300. That is, seating the electronics module 300 on the outer surface 123 does not require the electronics module 300 to be in direct contact with the outer surface 123.
The second portion 111 (FIG. 5 ) acts as an attachment mechanism that applies pressure to the electronics module 300 to urge the electronics module 300 towards the surface 123 of the first portion 101. In particular, the second portion 111 comprises an elastomeric material that applies pressure to the electronics module 300. Beneficially, the second portion 111 helps restrict movement of the electronics module 300 away from the surface 123. This helps prevent the conductive pads 301 a, 301 b from moving out of contact with the connection terminals 211 a,211 b.
The example of FIGS. 5 to 12 provides a wearable article 100 that is able to measure biosignals of the wearer via sensing components 200 a, 200 b and removable electronics module 300 that can be removably positioned in the pocket space 127 to communicatively couple with the sensing components 200 a, 200 b. Beneficially, the construction of the wearable article 100 minimises/hides the appearance of the pocket space 127 from the outside of the wearable article 100. In this way, the wearable article 100 may appear like a normal garment while still providing the desired monitoring of biosignals for the wearer.
In some example applications such as for EMG, for example, the conductive pathways could be shorter if the pocket space 127 was closer to the muscles which are not at the centre of the wearable article 100. Multiple pocket spaces 127 may be provided on the garment to service multiple EMG sensors required to cover the body. The pocket space 127 could house hardware that is permanently in the wearable article 100 rather than providing a connection to a separate, removable, hardware. The hardware may transmit wirelessly.
Referring to FIGS. 9 to 10 , there is shown another example wearable article 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The wearable article 100 has a similar construction to the wearable article of the preceding figures and like reference numerals are used to indicate like components.
The wearable article 100 further comprises a third portion 149. The third portion 149 is disposed between the first and second portions 101, 111 in the overlapping region 121. The third portion 149 is a narrow strip of material with similar dimensions to the overlapping region 121 such that the third portion 149 is contained within the overlapping region 121 and does not extend outside of the overlapping region. The third portion 149 extends from the third margins 107, 117 of the first and second portions 101, 111 to the fourth margins 109, 119 of the first and second portions 101, 111. The third portion 149 is not required to extend for the complete length of the overlapping region. The third portion 149 may be sized to be slightly larger than the pocket space 127.
The third portion 149 is attached to the first portion 101 in the overlapping region 121 by the horizontal seam 129. The second portion 111 is attached to the first portion 101 by the side seams 131, 133 only.
The pocket space 127 is formed between the first portion 101 and the third portion 149 in the overlapping region. The second portion 111 covers the third portion 149 and thus further minimises the appearance of the pocket space 127 from the external surface of the wearable article 100. The second portion 111 may, in particular, minimise the appearance of the horizontal seam 129 from outside of the wearable article 100. Moreover, by creating the pocket space 127 from panels 101 and 149, they become the weight bearing structures for the electronics module 300 in the overlapping region121 where they are hidden from external view. The visible part of panel 101 and panel 111 are free from impact from the electronics module 300.
The third portion 149 acts as an attachment mechanism that applies pressure to the electronics module 300 to urge the electronics module 300 towards the surface 123 of the first portion 101. The third portion 149 may be comprise an elastomeric material to enable this function. The third portion 149 may perform this function alone or in combination with the second portion 111.
Referring to FIG. 11 , there is shown another example wearable article 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The wearable article 100 has a similar construction to the wearable article of the preceding figures and like reference numerals are used to indicate like components. The sensing components 200 a, 200 b are disposed within the overlapping region 121 such that the sensing components 200 a, 200 b are sandwiched between the first portion 101 and the second portion 111. A separate insulating layer is not required as the first portion 101 performs the insulating function. The sensing components 200 a, 200 b are attached to the first portion 101 by adhesive layer 145. The first portion 101 and the adhesive layer 145 have openings 143 a, 143 b, 147 a, 147 b aligned with the electrodes 209 a, 209 b of the sensing components 200 a, 200 b. The adhesive layer 145 also protects the sensing components 200 a, 200 b from body perspiration.
A magnetic material (magnet) 161 is attached to the waterproof layer 142. The magnet 161 provides an attachment mechanism for coupling the electronics module 300 to the wearable article 100 when the electronics module 300 is positioned in the pocket space 127. The magnet 161 may be incorporated directly into the waterproof layer 142, may be stitched to the waterproof layer 142, or may be housed in a pocket formed by the waterproof layer 142. Particularly for examples when the magnet 161 is stitched to the waterproof layer 142, the magnet 161 may be first encapsulated in a plastic film which is then stitched to the waterproof layer 142. The magnet is provided between the recesses 139 a, 139 b in the waterproof layer 142 and is thus provided between the connection terminals 211 a, 211 b of the sensing components 200 a, 200 b.
Referring to FIG. 12 , there is shown another example wearable article 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The wearable article 100 has a similar construction to the wearable article of the preceding figures and like reference numerals are used to indicate like components. Like the example of FIGS. 9 and 10 a third portion 149 is provided between the first portion 101 and the second portion 111 in the overlapping region 121.
Referring to FIG. 13 , there is shown another example wearable article 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The wearable article 100 has a similar construction to the wearable article of the preceding figures and like reference numerals are used to indicate like components. In this example, the sensing components 200 a, 200 b are not provided as separate articles but instead are provides as a single article. That is, the sensing components 200 a, 200 b share a common base layer 201.
In this example, the magnet 161 is attached to the base layer of the sensing components 200 a, 200 b. The magnet 161 is provided in between the connection terminals of the sensing components 200 a, 200 b and is aligned with the pocket space 127. The magnet 161 may be incorporated directly into the base layer, may be stitched to the base layer, or may be housed in a pocket formed by the base layer. The base layer may be a knitted layer, and the pocket may be integrally knit with the base layer.
Referring to FIG. 14 , there is shown another example wearable article 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The wearable article 100 has a similar construction to the wearable article of the preceding figures and like reference numerals are used to indicate like components. In this example, the sensing components 200 a, 200 b are not provided as separate articles but instead are provides as a single article. A third portion 149 is provided between the first portion 101 and the second portion 111 in the overlapping region 121.
Referring to FIG. 15 , there is shown another example wearable article 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The wearable article 100 has a similar construction to the wearable article of the preceding figures and like reference numerals are used to indicate like components. In this example, the sensing components 200 a, 200 b are not provided as separate articles but instead are provides as a single article. The sensing components 200 a, 200 b form part of the first portion 101 in this example. The base layer 201 of the sensing components 200 a, 200 b is attached to a textile panel to form the first portion 101. In some examples, the sensing components 200 a, 200 b may be integrally formed with the textile panel. That is, the first portion 101 may be an integral structure comprising the sensing components 200 a, 200 b.
Referring to FIG. 16 , there is shown another example wearable article 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The wearable article 100 has a similar construction to the wearable article of the preceding figures and like reference numerals are used to indicate like components. Like FIG. 15 , the sensing components 200 a, 200 b are not provided as separate articles but instead are provides as a single article. The sensing components 200 a, 200 b form part of the first portion 101. Like the examples of FIGS. 9, 10, 12 and 14 a third portion 149 is provided between the first portion 101 and the second portion 111 in the overlapping region 121.
Referring to FIG. 17 , there is shown a method of manufacturing a wearable article according to aspects of the present disclosure.
Step S101 comprises providing a first portion having first and second opposed margins.
Step S102 comprises providing a second portion having first and second opposed margins.
Step S103 comprises overlapping the second portion over part of the first portion to form an overlapping region bounded by the second margin of the first portion and the first margin of the second portion, and wherein a pocket space is formed between the first portion and the second portion in the overlapping region.
The method may comprise attaching the second portion to the first portion to form the overlapping region. This may comprise attaching the third margins of the first and second portion together in the vicinity of the overlapping region. This may comprise attaching the fourth margins of the first and second portion together in the vicinity of the overlapping region. This may comprise attaching the upper margin of the second portion to the first portion except for in the region of the pocket space.
The method may comprise providing a third portion having first and second opposed margins.
The method may comprise attaching the third portion to the first portion to form the pocket space. The third portion may be disposed in the overlapping region between the first and second portions.
In one example method of construction referring to the wearable article 100 of FIG. 17 , for example, the adhesive layer 145 and sensing components 200 a, 200 b may be attached to the first portion 101 by bonding. The waterproof layer 142 and the adhesive layer 144 may be attached to the second portion 101 by stitching. The first portion 101 may then be attached to the second portion 111 by bonding or stitching.
During an example manufacturing process, the second portion may be attached to the first portion to form the front panel (front surface 102, FIG. 4 ) of the wearable article. The front panel may then be attached to rear panel (back surface 104, FIG. 4 ) to form the finished wearable article. The construction of the front panel may take place at a first location/factory and the joining of the front panel to the back panel may take place at a second location/factory. Advantageously, the front panel potentially incorporating electronics components can be manufactured at a first location, the assembled first panel can be transported to a general garment manufacture for final assembly.
While the above examples refer generally to sensing components 200 a, 200 b formed using knitting and weaving techniques the present disclosure is not limited to these examples. The sensing components 200 a, 200 b can comprise any desired conductive material and are not limited to knitted and woven conductive yarns. The conductive material may include printed conductive ink or conductive transfers formed from layers of insulating and conductive ink. Other forms of conductive material that can be incorporated onto a fabric are within the scope of the present disclosure. The sensing components 200 a, 200 b in some examples may be integral with the first portion 101.
Some or all of the adhesive layers 137, 144, 145 may not be required in all examples of the wearable article 100. Some components may have integral adhesive meaning that separate adhesive layers are not required. A different method of joining components together such as through stitching may be provided so that an adhesive is not required. In some examples, components may be integrally formed with one another such that an adhesive is not necessary.
The waterproof layer 142 is not required in all examples of the wearable article 100. The first portion 101 may be waterproof at least in the section adjacent to the pocket space. In addition, the electronics module 300 may be constructed in a way that avoids the need for separate waterproofing.
The third layer of material 141 is not required in all examples of the present disclosure and may be omitted depending on application. For example, the sensing component 200 a, 200 b may include shielding for the conductive pathway 213 a, 213 b.
The electronics module 300 is not required to contact the connection terminals 211 a, 211 b to communicate with the sensing component 200 a, 200 b. For example, the sensing component 200 a, 200 b and the electronics module 300 may wirelessly communicate by forming an inductive coupling. The sensing component 200 a, 200 b and the electronics module 300 may both comprise an antenna for forming the inductive coupling. In this example providing recesses 139 a, 139 b in the first portion is still beneficial in terms of restricting movement of the electronics module 300 so as to form and maintain the inductive coupling. In these examples, the interface element 301 of the electronics module 300 is not required to be conductive and may be a non-conductive locating mechanism although it still may be in the form of one or more pads.
Two separate sensing components 200 a, 200 b are not required in all aspects of the present disclosure. The sensing components 200 a, 200 b may be connected together. A single sensing component may be provided comprising any number of connection terminals and electrodes or other sensing circuitry.
The number of recesses 139 a, 139 b is not required to correspond to the number of interface elements 301 a, 301 b but this is generally preferred. The electronics module 300 may comprise a plurality of interface elements 301 a, 301 b and the first portion 101 may comprise a single recess for receiving the plurality of interface elements. The first portion 101 may comprise more than one recess but the number of recesses may be less than the number of interface elements 301 a, 301 b.
The attachment mechanism does not need to be formed by the second portion 111 or third portion 149. Other forms of attachment such as magnetic attachment may separately or additionally be provided.
The first portion 101 is not required to be an upper portion. The second portion 111 is not required to be a lower portion. The first portion 101 and the second portion 111 may be left and right side portions for example. The seam 129 in such an example may extend vertically rather than horizontally. The wearable article 100 is not required to be a sleeveless shirt. Other wearable articles are within the scope of the present disclosure.
Referring to FIG. 18 , there is shown an example system 1 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The system 1 comprises a wearable article 100, electronics module 300 and a mobile device 400.
The electronics module 300 is able to be disposed within the pocket space formed by the first and second portions 101, 111. The pocket space 127 is accessible via the upper margin 113 of the second portion 111. When positioned within the pocket space, the electronics module 300 is able to integrate with the sensing components so as to obtain signals from the sensing components. The electronics module 300 is further arranged to wirelessly communicate data to the mobile device 400. Various protocols enable wireless communication between the electronics module 300 and the mobile device 400. Example communication protocols include Bluetooth®, Bluetooth® Low Energy, and near-field communication (NFC).
The present disclosure is not limited to electronics modules 300 that communicate with mobile devices 400 and instead may communicate with any electronic device capable of communicating directly with the electronics module 300 or indirectly via a server over a wired or wireless communication network. The electronic device may be a wireless device or a wired device. The wireless/wired device may be a mobile phone, tablet computer, gaming system, MP3 player, point-of-sale device, or wearable device such as a smart watch. A wireless device is intended to encompass any compatible mobile technology computing device that connects to a wireless communication network, such as mobile phones, mobile equipment, mobile stations, user equipment, cellular phones, smartphones, handsets or the like, wireless dongles or other mobile computing devices. The wireless communication network is intended to encompass any type of wireless network such as mobile/cellular networks used to provide mobile phone services.
Beneficially, the removable electronic module 300 may contain all of the components required for data transmission and processing such that the wearable article 100 only comprises the sensing components. In this way, manufacture of the wearable article 100 may be simplified. In addition, it may be easier to clean a wearable article 300 which has fewer electronic components attached thereto or incorporated therein. Furthermore, the removable electronics module 300 may be easier to maintain and/or troubleshoot than embedded electronics. The electronics module 300 may comprise flexible electronics such as a flexible printed circuit (FPC). The electronics module 300 may be configured to be electrically coupled to the wearable article 300.
It may be desirable to avoid direct contact of the electronics module 300 with the wearer's skin while the wearable article 300 is being worn. It may be desirable to avoid the electronics module 300 coming into contact with sweat or moisture on the wearer's skin. The electronics module 300 may be provided with a waterproof coating or waterproof casing. For example, the electronics module 300 may be provided with a silicone casing.
Referring to FIG. 19 , there is shown a schematic diagram of an example of the electronics module 300. The electronics module 300 comprises an interface 301, a controller 303, a power source 305, and a communicator 307.
The interface 301 is arranged to communicatively couple with the sensing component of the fabric article so as to receive a signal from the sensing component. The controller 303 is communicatively coupled to the interface 301 and is arranged to receive the signals from the interface 301. The interface 301 may form a conductive coupling or a wireless (e.g. inductive) communication coupling in some examples. That is, the connection terminal of the fabric article may be in the form of an antenna for inductively coupling to a corresponding antenna of the interface 301. The interface 301 may comprise conductive pads as described above.
The power source 305 is coupled to the controller 303 and is arranged to supply power to the controller 303. The power source 305 may comprise a plurality of power sources. The power source 105 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 305 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 a wearer of the article. 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 a wearer of the article. The energy harvesting device may be a thermoelectric energy harvesting device. The power source may be a super capacitor, or an energy cell.
The communicator 307 may be a mobile/cellular communicator operable to communicate the data wirelessly via one or more base stations. The communicator 307 may provide wireless communication capabilities for the wearable article and enables the wearable article to communicate via one or more wireless communication protocols such as used for communication over: a wireless wide area network (WWAN), a wireless metroarea network (WMAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a wireless personal area network (WPAN), Bluetooth® Low Energy, Bluetooth® Mesh, Bluetooth® 5, Thread, Zigbee, IEEE 802.15.4, Ant, a near field communication (NFC), 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-IoT, fifth generation (5G), sixth generation (6G), and/or any other present or future developed cellular wireless network. A plurality of communicators may be provided for communicating over a combination of different communication protocols.
The electronics module 300 may comprise a Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC) that enables the electronics module 300 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/VMNO profile that the electronics module 300 can utilize to register and interact with an MNO/VMNO. The UICC may be in the form of a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card. The electronics module 300 may have a receiving section arranged to receive the SIM card. In other examples, the UICC is embedded directly into the controller 303 of the electronics module 300. 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 200. The electronics module 300 may comprise a secure element that represents an embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC).
The input unit 309 enables the electronics module 300 to receive a user input for controlling the operation of the electronics module 300. The input unit 309 may be any form of input unit capable of detecting an input event. The input event is typically an object being brought into proximity with the electronics module 300.
In some examples, the input unit 309 comprises a user interface element such as a button. The button may be a mechanical push button.
In some examples, the input unit 309 comprises an antenna. In these examples, the input event is detected by a current being induced in the first antenna. The mobile device 400 is powered to induce a magnetic field in an antenna of the mobile device 400. When the mobile device 400 is placed in the magnetic field of the antenna, the mobile device 400 induces current in the antenna.
In some examples, the input unit 309 comprises a sensor such as a proximity sensor or motion sensor. The sensor may be a motion sensor that is arranged to detect a displacement of the electronics module 300 caused by an object being brought into proximity with the electronics module 300. These displacements of the electronics module 300 may be caused by the object being tapped against the electronics module 300. Physical contact between the object and the electronics module 300 is not required as the electronics module 300 may be in the pocket space 127 of the wearable article 100. This means that there may be a fabric (or other material) barrier between the electronics module 300 and the object. In any event, the object being brought into contact with the fabric of the pocket will cause an impulse to be applied to the electronics module 300 which will be sensed by the sensor.
Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21 , there is shown another example electronics module 300 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The top enclosure 319 is omitted from the Figures so that the internal components of the electronics module 300 are visible.
The electronics module comprises interface elements 301 a, 301 b in the form of conductive pads 201 a, 201 b. The two conductive pads 301 a, 301 b are adhesively attached to the external surface of the bottom enclosure 321 using adhesive layers 327, 329. The adhesive layers 327, 329 comprise openings 331, 333. These openings 331, 333 are aligned with openings 335, 337 provided in the bottom enclosure 321.
Pogo pins 339, 341 extend through openings 335, 337 in the bottom enclosure 321 and openings 331, 333 in the adhesive layers 327, 329 so as to electrically connect to the conductive pads 301 a, 301 b. The openings 331, 333 in the adhesive layers 327, 329 are larger than the openings 335, 337 in the bottom enclosure 321 to help ensure that adhesive does not interfere with the pogo pin mechanism or cause a potential short circuit. The pogo pins 339, 341 electrically connect the printed circuit board 311 to the conductive pads 301 a, 301 b.
Pogo pins 339, 341 are not required in all examples and other forms of force-biased conductor may be used.
The conductive pads 301 a, 301 b are formed from conductive elastomeric material 301 a, 301 b. The conductive elastomeric material used in this example is a conductive silicone rubber material, but other forms of conductive elastomeric material may be used. Beneficially, elastomeric material such as conductive silicone rubber can have an attractive visual appearance and may easily be moulded or extruded to have branded or other visual elements. The pads 301 a, 301 b may be textured to provide additional grip when positioned on the wearable article 100. The texture may be, for example, a ribbed or knurled texture. The elastomeric material 301 a, 301 b has a ribbed texture. The conductive pads 301 a, 301 b are not required to be formed of elastomeric material other conductive materials such as metals or conductive fabric may be used.
The conductive pads 301 a, 301 b together form a split-ring shape, but other shapes and arrangements are within the scope of the present disclosure.
The housing 319, 321 has a circular cross-sectional shape in the example of FIGS. 24 and 25 but this is not required. The housing may have any cross-sectional shape such as oval, square or rectangular.
In the present disclosure, the electronics module may also be referred to as an electronics device or unit. These terms may be used interchangeably.
At least some of the example embodiments described herein may be constructed, partially or wholly, using dedicated special-purpose hardware. Terms such as ‘component’, ‘module’ or ‘unit’ used herein may include, but are not limited to, a hardware device, such as circuitry in the form of discrete or integrated components, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), which performs certain tasks or provides the associated functionality. In some embodiments, the described elements may be configured to reside on a tangible, persistent, addressable storage medium and may be configured to execute on one or more processors. These functional elements may in some embodiments include, by way of example, components, such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components and task components, processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuitry, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables. 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.
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.
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.
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

1-25. (canceled)

26. A wearable article comprising:

a first portion having first and second opposed margins; and

a second portion having first and second opposed margins,

wherein part of the second portion overlaps part of the first portion in an overlapping region bounded by the second margin of the first portion and the first margin of the second portion, and

wherein the second margin of the second portion is provided outside of the overlapping region,

wherein the first margin of the first portion is provided outside of the overlapping region, and

wherein a pocket space is formed between the first portion and the second portion in the overlapping region.

27. The wearable article according to claim 26, wherein the pocket space is accessible from an outside surface of the wearable article.

28. The wearable article according to claim 27, wherein the pocket space is accessible from the first margin of the second portion.

29. The wearable article according to claim 28, wherein the first margin of the second portion is unaffixed to the first portion in the region of the pocket space so as to enable the pocket space to be accessed from the first margin of the second portion.

30. The wearable article according to claim 26, wherein the pocket space is bounded by a seam of the wearable article connecting the outer layer of the pocket to the first portion.

31. The wearable article according to claim 30, wherein the seam extends along the first margin of the second portion except for in the vicinity of the pocket space.

32. The wearable article according to claim 30, wherein the outer layer of the pocket is the second portion.

33. The wearable article according to claim 30, wherein the outer layer of the pocket is a third portion disposed between the first and second portion.

34. The wearable article according to claim 26, wherein the first portion and the second portion have third and fourth opposed margins.

35. The wearable article according to claim 34, wherein the overlapping region extends between the third and fourth margins of the first and second portions.

36. The wearable article according to claim 34, wherein the pocket space is located in a central area of the overlapping region between the third and fourth margins of the first and second portions.

37. The wearable article according to claim 34, wherein the third margins of the first and second portions are connected to one another in the overlapping region, and optionally wherein the fourth margins of the first and second portions are connected to one another in the overlapping region.

38. The wearable article according to claim 26, further comprising a third portion, wherein the third portion is disposed between the first and second portions in the overlapping region.

39. The wearable article according to claim 38, wherein the pocket space is formed between the first portion and the third portion in the overlapping region.

40. The wearable article according to claim 38, wherein the first portion and the second portion have third and fourth opposed margins, wherein the overlapping region extends between the third and fourth margins of the first and second portions, and wherein the third portion extends between the third and fourth opposed margins of the first and second portions.

41. The wearable article according to claim 26, wherein the first portion is an upper portion and the second portion is a lower portion, and wherein the first margins of the upper and lower portions are upper margins, and wherein the second margins of the upper and lower portions are lower margins.

42. The wearable article according to claim 26, further comprising a sensing component.

43. The wearable article according to claim 42, wherein the sensing component comprises a connection terminal, wherein the connection terminal is arranged such that when an electronics module is positioned in the pocket space, the electronics module is brought into communication with the connection terminal.

44. The wearable article according to claim 42, wherein the sensing component is provided between the first portion and the second portion in the overlapping region.

45. A method of manufacturing a wearable article, the method comprises:

providing a first portion having first and second opposed margins; and

providing a second portion having first and second opposed margins,

overlapping part of the second portion over part of the first portion to form an overlapping region bounded by the second margin of the first portion and the first margin of the second portion,