WO2021048536A1 - Article, garment and method - Google Patents

Article, garment and method Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2021048536A1
WO2021048536A1 PCT/GB2020/052158 GB2020052158W WO2021048536A1 WO 2021048536 A1 WO2021048536 A1 WO 2021048536A1 GB 2020052158 W GB2020052158 W GB 2020052158W WO 2021048536 A1 WO2021048536 A1 WO 2021048536A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
textile
article
pocket
electrically conductive
pouch
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2020/052158
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Isabel Rose HEPWORTH
Original Assignee
Prevayl Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Prevayl Limited filed Critical Prevayl Limited
Publication of WO2021048536A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021048536A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A41—WEARING APPAREL
    • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
    • A41D27/00—Details of garments or of their making
    • A41D27/20—Pockets; Making or setting-in pockets
    • A41D27/205—Pockets adapted to receive a mobile phone or other electronic equipment
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A41—WEARING APPAREL
    • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
    • A41D1/00—Garments
    • A41D1/002—Garments adapted to accommodate electronic equipment
    • A41D1/005—Garments adapted to accommodate electronic equipment with embedded cable or connector
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A41—WEARING APPAREL
    • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
    • A41D13/00—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches
    • A41D13/12—Surgeons' or patients' gowns or dresses
    • A41D13/1236—Patients' garments
    • A41D13/1281—Patients' garments with incorporated means for medical monitoring
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/68—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
    • A61B5/6801—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient specially adapted to be attached to or worn on the body surface
    • A61B5/6802—Sensor mounted on worn items
    • A61B5/6804—Garments; Clothes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/68—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
    • A61B5/6801—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient specially adapted to be attached to or worn on the body surface
    • A61B5/6802—Sensor mounted on worn items
    • A61B5/6804—Garments; Clothes
    • A61B5/6805—Vests
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
    • H05K1/00—Printed circuits
    • H05K1/02—Details
    • H05K1/03—Use of materials for the substrate
    • H05K1/038—Textiles

Definitions

  • the present disclosure is directed towards a provided an article, garment and method of making the same.
  • the present disclosure is directed, in particular, to mounting electronic elements to the article.
  • Garments incorporating sensors are wearable electronics designed to interface with a wearer of the garment, and to determine information such as the wearer's heart rate, rate of respiration, activity level, and body positioning. Such properties can be measured with a sensor assembly that includes a sensor for signal transduction and/or microprocessors for analysis. Such garments are commonly referred to as ‘biosensing garments’ or ‘smart clothing’. Garments may also incorporate electronics components to be powered such as heaters to increase the comfort of the wearer.
  • the article comprises a first textile.
  • the article comprises a second textile.
  • the article comprises a first element provided on a first side of the first textile.
  • the first textile is attached to the second textile to form a pocket.
  • the first side of the first textile faces away from the pocket and a second, opposing, side of the first textile faces into the pocket.
  • a first side of the second textile faces into the pocket and a second, opposing, side of the second textile faces away from the pocket.
  • the first side of the second textile comprises a mounting arrangement for mounting a second element to the first side of the second textile such that the second element is communicatively coupled to the first element.
  • the mounting arrangement is provided on the first side of the second textile.
  • the first side of the second textile faces into the pocket.
  • the second element is mounted inside the pocket and is therefore protected by the pocket.
  • the second element is separated from the first element. This reduces the likelihood of the second element impacting or damaging the first element.
  • this arrangement generally means that the second element does not distort, drag or pull on the fabric.
  • the article may be a wearable article.
  • the article may be incorporated into a garment.
  • the article may be incorporated into a non-wearable article such as an item of furnishing such as an item of furniture.
  • the mounting arrangement may comprise a pouch for receiving the second element.
  • the pouch may be a textile pouch that is attached to the first side of the second textile.
  • the textile pouch may have a knit structure, and optionally the textile pouch is a knit fabric pouch.
  • the first side of the second textile may comprise a plurality of pouches for receiving a corresponding plurality of second elements.
  • the plurality of pouches may be formed from a sheet of textile material that is attached to the first side of the second textile at a plurality of points to define the plurality of pouches.
  • the pouch may have one or more openings to allow the second element to be inserted and/or removed from the pouch.
  • An electrically conductive pathway may be provided on the first side of the first textile. A first end of the electrically conductive pathway may be in electrical connection with the first element. A second end of the electrically conductive pathway may form an electrical contact region arranged to be conductively connected to the second element. An electrically conductive pathway may not be required if, for example, the first element and second element are able to communicate with one another over a wireless communication protocol.
  • the electrically conductive pathway enables the transfer of electrical signals and/or power between the first element and the second element.
  • the electrically conductive pathway may enable signals to be transferred from the second element to the first element. This may be for controlling the first element.
  • the electrically conductive pathway may enable signals to be transferred from the first element to the second element.
  • the signals transferred from the first element to the second element are measurement signals.
  • the measurement signals may be biosignals relating to physiological aspects of a user wearing the textile.
  • a conductive element may extend through the first textile to form the conductive connection between the electrically conductive pathway and the second element.
  • the conductive element may be a conductive stud, pin or thread or other conductive structure which is able to extend through the first textile to form a conductive connection with the electrically conductive pathway.
  • the first element may be provided in a first region on the first side of the first textile.
  • the electrically conductive pathway may extend from the first element to a foldable region of the first textile.
  • a second end of the electrically conductive pathway may be provided on the foldable region or may extend beyond the foldable region.
  • the foldable region may be arranged to be folded into the pocket to allow the electrically conductive pathway to be electrically connected to the second element.
  • the first aspect of the disclosure may therefore provide a first textile with an electrically conductive pathway arranged on a first side thereof.
  • the first textile is arranged to be folded to form an electrical connection between a first element disposed on the first side of the textile and a second element disposed on a second side of the textile.
  • a separate bridging sewable substrate is not required to form the electrical connection between the first element and second element.
  • the second side of the foldable region may face the second side of the first region.
  • the first side of the foldable region may face away from the first side of the first region.
  • the first textile may comprise a fold line that separates the foldable region of the first textile from the first region of the first textile.
  • An end portion of the foldable region may be narrower than the widest portion of the first region of the first textile. Beneficially, this means that, when folded, the foldable region may not extend beyond the width of the first region.
  • the foldable region may taper towards the end portion.
  • the first textile may be in the form of a tab that extends from the first region of the first textile. Beneficially, the tab provides a minimal amount of material in the foldable region which reduces the cost, complexity and weight of the textile.
  • the first region may be integral with the foldable region. That is, a single integral textile may be used to form the first region and the foldable region. A textile sheet may be cut to form the first region and the foldable region.
  • the electrically conductive pathway may terminate in a connector for forming an electrical connection with the second element.
  • the connector may be a clincher connector.
  • the electrical connection may be in the form of an electrical clip.
  • the electrical clip may be a piano key connector.
  • the electrically conductive pathway may be deposited on the textile.
  • the electrically conductive pathway may be screen printed, digitally (e.g. inkjet) printed, transfer printed, sublimation printed, pad printed, adhered, coated, transferred, transfer coated, sprayed, or extruded onto a surface of the textile.
  • the electrically conductive pathway may comprise a conductive ink, conductive laminate, conductive transfer or conductive trace.
  • the electrically conductive pathway may be provided on a transfer substrate. An exposed layer of the electrically conductive pathway may be adhered to the textile using adhesive and the transfer substrate may then be removed. Conductive transfers are advantageous as they are lightweight, flexible and can withstand high temperatures.
  • the electrically conductive pathway may comprise conductive yarn.
  • the first element may be welded, adhered, stitched or otherwise attached to the textile.
  • the first element may be deposited on the textile.
  • the first element may be screen printed, digitally (e.g. inkjet) printed, transfer printed, sublimation printed, pad printed, adhered, coated, transferred, transfer coated, sprayed, or extruded onto a surface of the textile.
  • the first element may comprise a conductive ink, conductive paste, conductive coating, conductive laminate, conductive transfer or conductive trace, or a combination thereof.
  • the first element may be provided on a transfer substrate. An exposed layer of the first element may be adhered to the textile using adhesive and the transfer substrate may then be removed.
  • the first element and the electrically conductive pathway may form a single integral unit that may be deposited on the textile in a single step.
  • the first element and the electrically conductive pathway may be provided by the same conductive transfer. Beneficially, this enables the first element and the electrically conductive pathway to be deposited onto the textile in a single operation.
  • the first element may be integral with the textile.
  • the first element may be formed of one or more fibres of the textile. That is, one or more fibres of the textile may be woven or knit to form the first element.
  • the first element may be formed from conductive yarn.
  • the first element may comprise a sensing unit.
  • the sensing unit may comprise an electrode.
  • the sensing unit may be a biosensing unit.
  • a biosensing unit may be arranged to measure one or more biosignals of the user wearing the garment.
  • biosignal may refer to any signal in a living being that can be measured and monitored.
  • the term “biosignal” is not limited to electrical signals and can refer to other forms of non-electrical biosignals.
  • a biosensing unit therefore refers to an electronic component that is able to measure a biosignal of the wearer.
  • the biosensing unit may comprise one or more electrodes but is not limited to this arrangement.
  • the biosensing unit may be a textile-based biosensing unit.
  • biosignal and “biodata” are used synonymously throughout the specification.
  • the biosensing unit may be used for measuring one or a combination of bioelectrical, bioimpedance, biochemical, biomechanical, bioacoustics, biooptical or biothermal signals of the wearer.
  • the bioelectrical measurements include electrocardiograms (ECG), electrogastrograms (EGG), electroencephalograms (EEG), and electromyography (EMG).
  • ECG electrocardiograms
  • ECG electrogastrograms
  • EEG electroencephalograms
  • EMG electromyography
  • the bioimpedance measurements include plethysmography (e.g., for respiration), body composition (e.g., hydration, fat, etc.), and electroimpedance tomography (EIT).
  • the biomagnetic measurements include magnetoneurograms (MNG), magnetoencephalography (MEG), magnetogastrogram (MGG), magnetocardiogram (MCG).
  • the biochemical measurements include glucose/lactose measurements which may be performed using chemical analysis of the wearer’s sweat.
  • the biomechanical measurements include blood pressure.
  • the bioacoustics measurements include phonocardiograms (PCG).
  • the biooptical measurements include orthopantomogram (OPG).
  • the biothermal measurements include skin temperature and core body temperature measurements.
  • the biosensing unit may comprise a radar unit.
  • the first element may comprise an output element for generating an output.
  • the output element may be an environmental control element capable of manipulating the environment around a user’s body.
  • Environmental control elements may comprise thermal haptic elements such as heating elements and cooling elements.
  • Output elements may include mechanical components such as mechanical haptic elements.
  • the first textile may comprise a plurality of first elements.
  • the first textile may comprise a corresponding plurality of electrically conductive pathways.
  • a first end of the electrically conductive pathway may be in electrical connection with the corresponding first element provided on the first side of the textile.
  • the electrically conductive pathway may extend from the first element to a foldable region of the textile.
  • a second end of the electrically conductive pathway may be provided on the foldable region.
  • the foldable region is arranged to be folded to allow the electrically conductive pathway to be electrically connected to the second element located on the second, opposing, side of the textile to therefore form an electrical connection between the first element and the second element located on opposing sides of the textile.
  • the plurality of electrically conductive pathways may be arranged adjacent to one another.
  • the plurality of first elements may be connected to a plurality of second elements. Each of the first elements may be connected to a different one of the second elements. The plurality of first elements may be connected to a single second element. The first element may be connected to one or a plurality of second elements. The second element may comprise a controller for controlling the first element. The second element may comprise a communicator.
  • the communicator may be a mobile/cellular communicator operable to communicate the data wirelessly via one or more base stations.
  • the communicator may provide wireless communication capabilities for the garment and enables the garment to communicate via one or more wireless communication protocols such as used for communication on: a wireless wide area network (WWAN), a wireless metroarea network (WMAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a wireless personal area network (WPAN), a near field communication (NFC), and a cellular communication network.
  • the cellular communication network may be a fourth generation (4G) LTE, LTE Advanced (LTE-A), fifth generation (5G), sixth generation (6G), and/or any other present or future developed cellular wireless network.
  • a first communicator on the garment may be provided for cellular communication and a separate communicator may be provided for short-range local communication over WLAN, WPAN, NFC, or Bluetooth ®, WiFi or any other electromagnetic RF communication protocol.
  • the second element may comprise a power source or plurality of power sources.
  • the power source 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 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 garment. 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 a garment.
  • the energy harvesting device may be a thermoelectric energy harvesting device.
  • the controller and communicator and/or power source may be provided as separate second elements or may be integrated into a single second element.
  • the article may further comprise the second element.
  • the first textile may be integral with the second textile. That is, a single textile may be provided which may be folded to form the pocket.
  • the textiles may be textile panels and may be fabrics or fabric panels.
  • the textiles may be constructed from a woven or a non-woven material.
  • the textiles 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 particular 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 textiles.
  • Polyester, polycotton, nylon and viscose are synthetic fibres that may be used in the textiles.
  • the textiles may comprise a mesh material or a webbing material.
  • a garment comprising an article according to the first aspect of the disclosure.
  • the garment may comprise an outer textile layer.
  • the article may be disposed within the outer textile layer and may be attached to the outer textile layer.
  • the inner textile layer may be able to move relative to the outer textile layer.
  • the textile may be incorporated into an article according to the second or third aspect of the present disclosure. That is, the inner textile layer may comprise the article according to the second or third aspect of the present disclosure.
  • the garment of the fourth or fifth aspect of the disclosure may refer to any 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, headband, hat/cap, collar, wristband, stocking, sock, or shoe, athletic clothing, swimwear, wetsuit ordrysuit.
  • the garment may be constructed from a woven or a non-woven material.
  • the garment 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 particular 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 garment.
  • Polyester, polycotton, nylon and viscose are synthetic fibres that may be used in the garment.
  • a method of manufacturing an article comprising providing a first textile having a first element on a first side of the first textile.
  • the method comprises providing a second textile.
  • the method comprises attaching the first textile to the second textile to form a pocket.
  • the first side of the first textile faces away from the pocket and a second, opposing, side of the first textile faces into the pocket.
  • a first side of the second textile faces into the pocket and a second, opposing, side of the second textile faces away from the pocket.
  • the first side of the second textile comprises a mounting arrangement for mounting a second element to the first side of the second textile such that the second element is communicatively coupled to the first element.
  • Figures 1 shows a schematic view of a first side of a textile according to aspects of the present disclosure
  • Figure 2 shows a side-on view of the textile of Figure 1 with a foldable region of the textile folded to connect a second element to an electrically conductive pathway of the textile;
  • Figure 3 shows a schematic view of a first side of another textile according to aspects of the present disclosure
  • Figure 4 shows a view of the second side of the textile of Figure 3;
  • Figure 5 shows a view of the second side of the textile of Figure 3 with a foldable region of the textile folded to connect a second element to an electrically conductive pathway of the textile;
  • Figure 6 shows a side-on view of an article according to aspects of the present disclosure
  • Figure 7 shows a schematic view of a first side of a second textile according to aspects of the present disclosure
  • Figure 8 shows a schematic view of a first side of a second textile according to aspects of the present disclosure
  • Figure 9 shows a schematic view of a first side of a second textile according to aspects of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 10 shows a front view of an example garment according to aspects of the present disclosure
  • Figure 11 shows a rear view of the garment of Figure 10
  • Figure 12 shows a front view of another example garment according to aspects of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 13 shows a rear view of the garment of Figure 12
  • Figure 14 shows a side view of the garment of Figure 12
  • Figure 15 shows a flow diagram for an example method according to aspects of the present disclosure.
  • the textile 100 is a textile panel 100.
  • the textile panel 100 comprises a first region 101 , a foldable region 103 and a fold line 105 that separates the first region 101 from the foldable region 103.
  • the foldable region 103 has an end portion which is narrower than the widest point of the first region 101 indicated by the fold line 105.
  • the foldable region 103 tapers from the fold line 105 to the end portion and has a generally trapezoidal shape.
  • the narrower/tapered shape of the foldable region 103 improves the folding of the foldable region 103 and reduces, amongst other things, the weight of the textile panel 100 and the thickness and profile of the textile panel 100 once folded.
  • the three sensing units 107, 109, 111 are electrodes 107, 109, 111.
  • a first of the electrodes 107 is a blob electrode 107 formed as a continuous circular blob of conductive material.
  • a second and third of the electrodes 109, 111 are provided separately to the first electrode 107 and arranged as concentric rings of conductive material.
  • the sensing units 107, 109, 111 are also not limited to electrodes and other forms of sensing unit 107, 109, 111 are within the scope of the present disclosure.
  • An electrically conductive pathway 113 extends from the first electrode 107 to the foldable region 103 of the textile panel 100.
  • An electrically conductive pathway 117 extends from the second electrode 109 to the foldable region 103 of the textile panel 100.
  • An electrically conductive pathway 119 extends from the third electrode 111 to the foldable region 103 of the textile panel 100.
  • the electrically conductive pathways 113, 117, 119 are provided adjacent to one another and extend to the end of the foldable region 103.
  • the electrically conductive pathways 113, 117, 119 are connected to an electrical connector 121 which in this example is a clincher connector and, in particular, a piano clip connector 121.
  • the first ends of the electrically conductive pathways 113, 117, 119 are connected to their respective sensing unit 107, 109, 111 and the second ends of the electrically conductive pathways 113, 117, 119 are provided on the foldable region 103 and are connected to the electrical connector 121.
  • the foldable region 103 is arranged to be folded to allow the electrically conductive pathways 113, 117, 119 to be electrically connected to a second element located on a second, opposing, side of the textile panel 100 to therefore form an electrical connection between the sensing unit 107, 109, 111 and the second element located on opposing sides of the textile panel.
  • Figure 2 shows a side view of the textile panel 100 after the foldable region 103 has been folded.
  • the second side 104 of the foldable region 103 faces the second side 104 of the first region 101 .
  • the first side 102 of the foldable region 103 faces away from the first side
  • a second element 200 is located proximate to the second side 104 of the first region 101 but may be attached to another textile as shown in Figure 6.
  • the foldable region 103 being folded enables the electrically conductive pathways 113, 117, 119 to be electrically connected to the second element 200.
  • the electrical connector 121 may enable the connection to be formed but this is not required in all examples of the present disclosure.
  • FIG 3 there is shown a view of a first side 102 of a textile panel 100 according to another example of the present disclosure.
  • the textile panel 100 is similar to the textile panel 100 of Figure 1 and like reference numerals have been used to indicate like components.
  • the foldable region 103 in the form of a narrow tab of textile material 103 which extends from the first region 101 .
  • a minimal amount of textile material is required to be folded which improves the folding of the foldable region 103 and reduces, amongst other things, the weight of the textile panel 100 and the thickness and profile of the textile panel 100 once folded.
  • FIG 4 there is shown a view of a second side 104 of the textile panel 100 shown in Figure 3.
  • the second side 104 is opposite to the first side 102.
  • a second element 200 is located on the second side 104 of the textile panel 100.
  • the second element 200 is in the form of two separate electronics components 201 , 203.
  • the component 201 is a controller 201 for controlling the sensing units 107, 109, 111 provided on the first side of the textile panel 100.
  • the component 203 is a power source 203 for powering the controller 200.
  • the electrical connector 121 has been brought into position close to the electronics components 201 , 203 such that the electronics components 201 , 203 can be electrically connected to the electrical connector 121.
  • the electronics components 2103, 203 are brought into electrical connection with the sensing units 107, 109, 111 via the electrical connector 121 and the electrically conductive pathways 113, 117, 119.
  • the article 300 comprises a first textile panel 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure and such as the textile panel 100 shown in Figures 1 to 5.
  • the article 300 further comprises a second textile panel 301 .
  • the second textile panel 301 is not required to have sensing units or electrically conductive pathways provided thereon.
  • the second textile panel 301 is attached to the textile panel 100 to form a pocket.
  • the pocket has an internal space 302 in which the second element 200 is provided.
  • the second side 104 of the textile panel 100 faces the internal space 302 of the pocket.
  • the first side 102 of the textile panel 100 faces away from the internal space 302 of the pocket.
  • the first side 304 of the second textile panel 301 faces into the internal space 302 of the pocket.
  • the second side 306 of the second textile panel 306 faces away from the pocket.
  • the first side 304 of the second textile panel 301 comprises a mounting arrangement for mounting a second element 200 to the first side 304 of the second textile panel 301 such that the second element 200 is communicatively coupled to the first element 107, 109, 111.
  • the foldable region 103 folds into the internal space 302 of the pocket. This allows the electrically conductive pathways 113, 117, 119 to be electrically connected to the second element 200 located in the pocket to therefore form an electrical connection between the sensing units 107, 109, 111 and the second element 200.
  • the pocket covers the second element 200 and therefore protects the second element 200.
  • the second element is separated from the first element. This reduces the likelihood of the second element impacting or damaging the first element.
  • this arrangement generally means that the second element does not distort, drag or pull on the fabric.
  • the different panels 100, 301 may comprise separate constructions that are joined together at one or more seam lines using connecting technologies such as stitching, bonding, welding, adhesives, and the like.
  • the different panels 100, 301 comprise integral extensions of one another.
  • a knitting or weaving process may be used to seamlessly and integrally knit or weave the different panels 100, 301.
  • one or more of the panels 100, 301 are seamlessly and integrally knit or woven with another region while remaining panels 100, 301 comprise separate constructions that are connected to the integrally knit or woven portions using connecting technologies described herein.
  • the first side 304 of the second textile panel 301 comprises a mounting arrangement 305.
  • the mounting arrangement 305 is in the form of two pouches 309, 311.
  • Each pouch 309, 311 is arranged to receive a second element 200.
  • the two pouches 309, 311 are formed of a single sheet of textile material.
  • the single sheet of the textile material is attached to the first side 304 of the second textile panel 301 along the lines 307, 317, 319 to define the two pouches 309, 311 .
  • the textile material is attached by stitches.
  • the ends 313, 315 of the pouches 309, 311 are not attached to the second textile panel 311 .
  • the ends 313, 315 define openings to allow the second elements 200 to be disposed within the pouches 309, 311 .
  • the single sheet of textile material in this example is formed from a knit fabric material. This gives the pouches 309, 311 stretch and allows them to expand to receive second elements 200 and hold them tightly in place within the pouches 309, 311.
  • Figure 8 shows to second elements 201 , 203 positioned over the pouches 309, 311 .
  • Figure 9 shows the second elements 201 , 203 positioned in the pouches 309, 311 .
  • the second element 201 which is a controller 201 is larger than the pouch 309. This arrangement means that a connection point of the second element 201 is exposed to allow for an electrical connection to be formed with the second element 201 .
  • the garment 400 comprises a T-shirt 401 with an article 300 as described above in relation to Figure 6 incorporated into a side of the T-shirt 401 .
  • the article 300 extends round to the back of the T-shirt 401 as shown in Figure 11.
  • the article 300 has access openings 303 at the sides to allow the electronics component 200 to be accessed.
  • the garment 400 comprises an outer textile layer 401 in the form of a T-shirt 401 .
  • the garment 400 comprises an inner textile layer 403 disposed within the outer textile layer 401 .
  • the inner textile layer 403 comprises the article 300.
  • the article 300 is incorporated into the side of the inner textile layer 403 and extends round the back of the inner textile layer 403 as shown in Figures 13 and 14.
  • the article 300 has access openings 303 at the sides to allow the electronics component 200 to be accessed.
  • the inner textile layer 403 is in the form of a crop that covers the front and back upper chest regions of the wearer.
  • the crop provides a relatively tight fit so as to help hold the sensing units in close proximity/skin contact with the skin surface of the wearer.
  • the outer textile layer 401 may be loose fitting for comfort and appearance.
  • the inner textile layer 403 is attached to the outer textile layer 401 at the shoulder regions 405 using a twin needle top stitch.
  • the inner textile layer 403 defines armholes through which the arms may pass through when worn.
  • the inner textile layer 403 formed of a raw edge mesh material.
  • the panels forming the article 300 are made of a woven textile material.
  • Step S101 of the method comprises providing a first textile panel having a first element on a first side of the first textile panel.
  • Step S102 of the method comprises providing a second textile panel.
  • Step S103 of the method comprises attaching the first textile panel to the second textile panel to form a pocket.
  • the first side of the first textile panel faces away from the pocket and a second, opposing, side of the first textile panel faces into the pocket.
  • a first side of the second textile panel faces into the pocket and a second, opposing, side of the second textile panel faces away from the pocket.
  • the first side of the second textile panel comprises a mounting arrangement for mounting a second element to the first side of the second textile panel such that the second element is communicatively coupled to the first element.
  • the method may comprise electrically connecting the first element to the second element.
  • 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.
  • FPGA Field Programmable Gate Array
  • ASIC Application Specific Integrated Circuit
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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  • Outerwear In General, And Traditional Japanese Garments (AREA)

Abstract

The article (300) comprises a first textile (100), a second textile (301) and a first element provided on a first side (102) of the first textile (100). The first textile (100) is attached to the second textile (301) to form a pocket. The first side (102) of the first textile (100) faces away from the pocket and a second, opposing, side (104) of the first textile (100) faces into the pocket. A first side (304) of the second textile (301) faces into the pocket and a second, opposing, side (306) of the second textile (301) faces away from the pocket. The first side (304) of the second textile (301) comprises a mounting arrangement for mounting a second element (200) to the first side (304) of the second textile (301) such that the second element (200) is communicatively coupled to the first element.

Description

ARTICLE, GARMENT AND METHOD
Cross-Reference to Related Applications
This application claims priority from United Kingdom Patent Application number 1912943.6 filed on 9 September 2019, the whole contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
Background
The present disclosure is directed towards a provided an article, garment and method of making the same. The present disclosure is directed, in particular, to mounting electronic elements to the article.
Garments incorporating sensors are wearable electronics designed to interface with a wearer of the garment, and to determine information such as the wearer's heart rate, rate of respiration, activity level, and body positioning. Such properties can be measured with a sensor assembly that includes a sensor for signal transduction and/or microprocessors for analysis. Such garments are commonly referred to as ‘biosensing garments’ or ‘smart clothing’. Garments may also incorporate electronics components to be powered such as heaters to increase the comfort of the wearer.
It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an arrangement for mounting one or more electronic elements to an article.
Summary
According to the present disclosure there is provided an article, garment 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, the article comprises a first textile. The article comprises a second textile. The article comprises a first element provided on a first side of the first textile. The first textile is attached to the second textile to form a pocket. The first side of the first textile faces away from the pocket and a second, opposing, side of the first textile faces into the pocket. A first side of the second textile faces into the pocket and a second, opposing, side of the second textile faces away from the pocket. The first side of the second textile comprises a mounting arrangement for mounting a second element to the first side of the second textile such that the second element is communicatively coupled to the first element. Beneficially, the mounting arrangement is provided on the first side of the second textile. The first side of the second textile faces into the pocket. In this way, the second element is mounted inside the pocket and is therefore protected by the pocket. Importantly still, by mounting the second element on the second textile, the second element is separated from the first element. This reduces the likelihood of the second element impacting or damaging the first element. Moreover, when incorporated into a garment this arrangement generally means that the second element does not distort, drag or pull on the fabric.
The article may be a wearable article. The article may be incorporated into a garment. The article may be incorporated into a non-wearable article such as an item of furnishing such as an item of furniture.
The mounting arrangement may comprise a pouch for receiving the second element.
The pouch may be a textile pouch that is attached to the first side of the second textile. The textile pouch may have a knit structure, and optionally the textile pouch is a knit fabric pouch.
The first side of the second textile may comprise a plurality of pouches for receiving a corresponding plurality of second elements. The plurality of pouches may be formed from a sheet of textile material that is attached to the first side of the second textile at a plurality of points to define the plurality of pouches. The pouch may have one or more openings to allow the second element to be inserted and/or removed from the pouch.
An electrically conductive pathway may be provided on the first side of the first textile. A first end of the electrically conductive pathway may be in electrical connection with the first element. A second end of the electrically conductive pathway may form an electrical contact region arranged to be conductively connected to the second element. An electrically conductive pathway may not be required if, for example, the first element and second element are able to communicate with one another over a wireless communication protocol.
The electrically conductive pathway enables the transfer of electrical signals and/or power between the first element and the second element. The electrically conductive pathway may enable signals to be transferred from the second element to the first element. This may be for controlling the first element. The electrically conductive pathway may enable signals to be transferred from the first element to the second element. Optionally, the signals transferred from the first element to the second element are measurement signals. The measurement signals may be biosignals relating to physiological aspects of a user wearing the textile. A conductive element may extend through the first textile to form the conductive connection between the electrically conductive pathway and the second element. The conductive element may be a conductive stud, pin or thread or other conductive structure which is able to extend through the first textile to form a conductive connection with the electrically conductive pathway.
The first element may be provided in a first region on the first side of the first textile. The electrically conductive pathway may extend from the first element to a foldable region of the first textile. A second end of the electrically conductive pathway may be provided on the foldable region or may extend beyond the foldable region. The foldable region may be arranged to be folded into the pocket to allow the electrically conductive pathway to be electrically connected to the second element.
The first aspect of the disclosure may therefore provide a first textile with an electrically conductive pathway arranged on a first side thereof. The first textile is arranged to be folded to form an electrical connection between a first element disposed on the first side of the textile and a second element disposed on a second side of the textile. Beneficially, this means that an electrical connection between the first element and the second element can be formed without requiring a hole to be formed in the textile. Moreover, a separate bridging sewable substrate is not required to form the electrical connection between the first element and second element. When folded, the second side of the foldable region may face the second side of the first region. When folded, the first side of the foldable region may face away from the first side of the first region.
The first textile may comprise a fold line that separates the foldable region of the first textile from the first region of the first textile.
An end portion of the foldable region may be narrower than the widest portion of the first region of the first textile. Beneficially, this means that, when folded, the foldable region may not extend beyond the width of the first region. The foldable region may taper towards the end portion. The first textile may be in the form of a tab that extends from the first region of the first textile. Beneficially, the tab provides a minimal amount of material in the foldable region which reduces the cost, complexity and weight of the textile.
The first region may be integral with the foldable region. That is, a single integral textile may be used to form the first region and the foldable region. A textile sheet may be cut to form the first region and the foldable region.
The electrically conductive pathway may terminate in a connector for forming an electrical connection with the second element. The connector may be a clincher connector. The electrical connection may be in the form of an electrical clip. The electrical clip may be a piano key connector.
The electrically conductive pathway may be deposited on the textile. The electrically conductive pathway may be screen printed, digitally (e.g. inkjet) printed, transfer printed, sublimation printed, pad printed, adhered, coated, transferred, transfer coated, sprayed, or extruded onto a surface of the textile. The electrically conductive pathway may comprise a conductive ink, conductive laminate, conductive transfer or conductive trace. The electrically conductive pathway may be provided on a transfer substrate. An exposed layer of the electrically conductive pathway may be adhered to the textile using adhesive and the transfer substrate may then be removed. Conductive transfers are advantageous as they are lightweight, flexible and can withstand high temperatures. The electrically conductive pathway may comprise conductive yarn.
The first element may be welded, adhered, stitched or otherwise attached to the textile. The first element may be deposited on the textile. The first element may be screen printed, digitally (e.g. inkjet) printed, transfer printed, sublimation printed, pad printed, adhered, coated, transferred, transfer coated, sprayed, or extruded onto a surface of the textile. The first element may comprise a conductive ink, conductive paste, conductive coating, conductive laminate, conductive transfer or conductive trace, or a combination thereof. The first element may be provided on a transfer substrate. An exposed layer of the first element may be adhered to the textile using adhesive and the transfer substrate may then be removed.
The first element and the electrically conductive pathway may form a single integral unit that may be deposited on the textile in a single step. The first element and the electrically conductive pathway may be provided by the same conductive transfer. Beneficially, this enables the first element and the electrically conductive pathway to be deposited onto the textile in a single operation.
The first element may be integral with the textile. The first element may be formed of one or more fibres of the textile. That is, one or more fibres of the textile may be woven or knit to form the first element. The first element may be formed from conductive yarn.
The first element may comprise a sensing unit. The sensing unit may comprise an electrode. The sensing unit may be a biosensing unit. A biosensing unit may be arranged to measure one or more biosignals of the user wearing the garment. Here, “biosignal” may refer to any signal in a living being that can be measured and monitored. The term “biosignal” is not limited to electrical signals and can refer to other forms of non-electrical biosignals. A biosensing unit therefore refers to an electronic component that is able to measure a biosignal of the wearer. The biosensing unit may comprise one or more electrodes but is not limited to this arrangement. The biosensing unit may be a textile-based biosensing unit. The terms “biosignal” and “biodata” are used synonymously throughout the specification.
The biosensing unit may be used for measuring one or a combination of bioelectrical, bioimpedance, biochemical, biomechanical, bioacoustics, biooptical or biothermal signals of the wearer. The bioelectrical measurements include electrocardiograms (ECG), electrogastrograms (EGG), electroencephalograms (EEG), and electromyography (EMG). The bioimpedance measurements include plethysmography (e.g., for respiration), body composition (e.g., hydration, fat, etc.), and electroimpedance tomography (EIT). The biomagnetic measurements include magnetoneurograms (MNG), magnetoencephalography (MEG), magnetogastrogram (MGG), magnetocardiogram (MCG). The biochemical measurements include glucose/lactose measurements which may be performed using chemical analysis of the wearer’s sweat. The biomechanical measurements include blood pressure. The bioacoustics measurements include phonocardiograms (PCG). The biooptical measurements include orthopantomogram (OPG). The biothermal measurements include skin temperature and core body temperature measurements. The biosensing unit may comprise a radar unit.
The first element may comprise an output element for generating an output. The output element may be an environmental control element capable of manipulating the environment around a user’s body. Environmental control elements may comprise thermal haptic elements such as heating elements and cooling elements. Output elements may include mechanical components such as mechanical haptic elements.
The first textile may comprise a plurality of first elements. The first textile may comprise a corresponding plurality of electrically conductive pathways. For each of the corresponding electrically conductive pathways, a first end of the electrically conductive pathway may be in electrical connection with the corresponding first element provided on the first side of the textile. The electrically conductive pathway may extend from the first element to a foldable region of the textile. A second end of the electrically conductive pathway may be provided on the foldable region. The foldable region is arranged to be folded to allow the electrically conductive pathway to be electrically connected to the second element located on the second, opposing, side of the textile to therefore form an electrical connection between the first element and the second element located on opposing sides of the textile. In the foldable region, the plurality of electrically conductive pathways may be arranged adjacent to one another.
The plurality of first elements may be connected to a plurality of second elements. Each of the first elements may be connected to a different one of the second elements. The plurality of first elements may be connected to a single second element. The first element may be connected to one or a plurality of second elements. The second element may comprise a controller for controlling the first element. The second element may comprise a communicator. The communicator may be a mobile/cellular communicator operable to communicate the data wirelessly via one or more base stations. The communicator may provide wireless communication capabilities for the garment and enables the garment to communicate via one or more wireless communication protocols such as used for communication on: a wireless wide area network (WWAN), a wireless metroarea network (WMAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a wireless personal area network (WPAN), a near field communication (NFC), and a cellular communication network. The cellular communication network may be a fourth generation (4G) LTE, LTE Advanced (LTE-A), fifth generation (5G), sixth generation (6G), and/or any other present or future developed cellular wireless network. A first communicator on the garment may be provided for cellular communication and a separate communicator may be provided for short-range local communication over WLAN, WPAN, NFC, or Bluetooth ®, WiFi or any other electromagnetic RF communication protocol.
The second element may comprise a power source or plurality of power sources. The power source 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 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 garment. 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 a garment. The energy harvesting device may be a thermoelectric energy harvesting device. The controller and communicator and/or power source may be provided as separate second elements or may be integrated into a single second element.
The article may further comprise the second element. The first textile may be integral with the second textile. That is, a single textile may be provided which may be folded to form the pocket.
The textiles may be textile panels and may be fabrics or fabric panels. The textiles may be constructed from a woven or a non-woven material. The textiles 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 particular 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 textiles. Polyester, polycotton, nylon and viscose are synthetic fibres that may be used in the textiles. The textiles may comprise a mesh material or a webbing material.
According to a second aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a garment comprising an article according to the first aspect of the disclosure. The garment may comprise an outer textile layer. The article may be disposed within the outer textile layer and may be attached to the outer textile layer. The inner textile layer may be able to move relative to the outer textile layer. The textile may be incorporated into an article according to the second or third aspect of the present disclosure. That is, the inner textile layer may comprise the article according to the second or third aspect of the present disclosure.
The garment of the fourth or fifth aspect of the disclosure may refer to any 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, headband, hat/cap, collar, wristband, stocking, sock, or shoe, athletic clothing, swimwear, wetsuit ordrysuit. The garment may be constructed from a woven or a non-woven material. The garment 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 particular 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 garment. Polyester, polycotton, nylon and viscose are synthetic fibres that may be used in the garment.
According to a third aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method of manufacturing an article. The method comprises providing a first textile having a first element on a first side of the first textile. The method comprises providing a second textile. The method comprises attaching the first textile to the second textile to form a pocket. The first side of the first textile faces away from the pocket and a second, opposing, side of the first textile faces into the pocket. A first side of the second textile faces into the pocket and a second, opposing, side of the second textile faces away from the pocket. The first side of the second textile comprises a mounting arrangement for mounting a second element to the first side of the second textile such that the second element is communicatively coupled to the first element.
Brief Description of the Drawings Examples of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figures 1 shows a schematic view of a first side of a textile according to aspects of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 shows a side-on view of the textile of Figure 1 with a foldable region of the textile folded to connect a second element to an electrically conductive pathway of the textile;
Figure 3 shows a schematic view of a first side of another textile according to aspects of the present disclosure; Figure 4 shows a view of the second side of the textile of Figure 3;
Figure 5 shows a view of the second side of the textile of Figure 3 with a foldable region of the textile folded to connect a second element to an electrically conductive pathway of the textile;
Figure 6 shows a side-on view of an article according to aspects of the present disclosure; Figure 7 shows a schematic view of a first side of a second textile according to aspects of the present disclosure;
Figure 8 shows a schematic view of a first side of a second textile according to aspects of the present disclosure;
Figure 9 shows a schematic view of a first side of a second textile according to aspects of the present disclosure;
Figure 10 shows a front view of an example garment according to aspects of the present disclosure;
Figure 11 shows a rear view of the garment of Figure 10;
Figure 12 shows a front view of another example garment according to aspects of the present disclosure;
Figure 13 shows a rear view of the garment of Figure 12;
Figure 14 shows a side view of the garment of Figure 12;
Figure 15 shows a flow diagram for an example method according to aspects of the present disclosure.
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 notforthe 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.
Referring to Figure 1 , there is shown a view of a first side 102 of a textile 100 according to aspects of the first disclosure. The textile 100 is a textile panel 100. The textile panel 100 comprises a first region 101 , a foldable region 103 and a fold line 105 that separates the first region 101 from the foldable region 103. The foldable region 103 has an end portion which is narrower than the widest point of the first region 101 indicated by the fold line 105. The foldable region 103 tapers from the fold line 105 to the end portion and has a generally trapezoidal shape. The narrower/tapered shape of the foldable region 103 improves the folding of the foldable region 103 and reduces, amongst other things, the weight of the textile panel 100 and the thickness and profile of the textile panel 100 once folded.
Three first elements 107, 109, 111 in the form of sensing units 107, 109, 111 are provided on the first region 101 of the textile panel 100. The three sensing units 107, 109, 111 are electrodes 107, 109, 111. A first of the electrodes 107 is a blob electrode 107 formed as a continuous circular blob of conductive material. A second and third of the electrodes 109, 111 are provided separately to the first electrode 107 and arranged as concentric rings of conductive material. Of course, different numbers and arrangements of the electrodes are within the scope of the present disclosure. The sensing units 107, 109, 111 are also not limited to electrodes and other forms of sensing unit 107, 109, 111 are within the scope of the present disclosure.
An electrically conductive pathway 113 extends from the first electrode 107 to the foldable region 103 of the textile panel 100. An electrically conductive pathway 117 extends from the second electrode 109 to the foldable region 103 of the textile panel 100. An electrically conductive pathway 119 extends from the third electrode 111 to the foldable region 103 of the textile panel 100. In the foldable region 103, the electrically conductive pathways 113, 117, 119 are provided adjacent to one another and extend to the end of the foldable region 103. The electrically conductive pathways 113, 117, 119 are connected to an electrical connector 121 which in this example is a clincher connector and, in particular, a piano clip connector 121. In this way, the first ends of the electrically conductive pathways 113, 117, 119 are connected to their respective sensing unit 107, 109, 111 and the second ends of the electrically conductive pathways 113, 117, 119 are provided on the foldable region 103 and are connected to the electrical connector 121.
The foldable region 103 is arranged to be folded to allow the electrically conductive pathways 113, 117, 119 to be electrically connected to a second element located on a second, opposing, side of the textile panel 100 to therefore form an electrical connection between the sensing unit 107, 109, 111 and the second element located on opposing sides of the textile panel. Figure 2 shows a side view of the textile panel 100 after the foldable region 103 has been folded. As a result of the folding, the second side 104 of the foldable region 103 faces the second side 104 of the first region 101 . The first side 102 of the foldable region 103 faces away from the first side
102 of the first region 101. A second element 200 is located proximate to the second side 104 of the first region 101 but may be attached to another textile as shown in Figure 6. The foldable region 103 being folded enables the electrically conductive pathways 113, 117, 119 to be electrically connected to the second element 200. The electrical connector 121 may enable the connection to be formed but this is not required in all examples of the present disclosure.
Referring to Figure 3, there is shown a view of a first side 102 of a textile panel 100 according to another example of the present disclosure. The textile panel 100 is similar to the textile panel 100 of Figure 1 and like reference numerals have been used to indicate like components. Unlike in Figure 1 , the foldable region 103 in the form of a narrow tab of textile material 103 which extends from the first region 101 . In this way, a minimal amount of textile material is required to be folded which improves the folding of the foldable region 103 and reduces, amongst other things, the weight of the textile panel 100 and the thickness and profile of the textile panel 100 once folded.
Referring to Figure 4, there is shown a view of a second side 104 of the textile panel 100 shown in Figure 3. The second side 104 is opposite to the first side 102. A second element 200 is located on the second side 104 of the textile panel 100. The second element 200 is in the form of two separate electronics components 201 , 203. The component 201 is a controller 201 for controlling the sensing units 107, 109, 111 provided on the first side of the textile panel 100. The component 203 is a power source 203 for powering the controller 200.
Referring to Figure 5, there is shown the textile panel 100 of Figure 4 after the foldable region
103 has been folded. The electrical connector 121 has been brought into position close to the electronics components 201 , 203 such that the electronics components 201 , 203 can be electrically connected to the electrical connector 121. In this way, the electronics components 2103, 203 are brought into electrical connection with the sensing units 107, 109, 111 via the electrical connector 121 and the electrically conductive pathways 113, 117, 119.
Referring to Figure 6, there is shown an example article 300 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The article 300 comprises a first textile panel 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure and such as the textile panel 100 shown in Figures 1 to 5. The article 300 further comprises a second textile panel 301 . The second textile panel 301 is not required to have sensing units or electrically conductive pathways provided thereon. The second textile panel 301 is attached to the textile panel 100 to form a pocket. The pocket has an internal space 302 in which the second element 200 is provided. The second side 104 of the textile panel 100 faces the internal space 302 of the pocket. The first side 102 of the textile panel 100 faces away from the internal space 302 of the pocket. The first side 304 of the second textile panel 301 faces into the internal space 302 of the pocket. The second side 306 of the second textile panel 306 faces away from the pocket.
The first side 304 of the second textile panel 301 comprises a mounting arrangement for mounting a second element 200 to the first side 304 of the second textile panel 301 such that the second element 200 is communicatively coupled to the first element 107, 109, 111. In particular, the foldable region 103 folds into the internal space 302 of the pocket. This allows the electrically conductive pathways 113, 117, 119 to be electrically connected to the second element 200 located in the pocket to therefore form an electrical connection between the sensing units 107, 109, 111 and the second element 200. The pocket covers the second element 200 and therefore protects the second element 200. Moreover, by mounting the second element on the second textile panel, the second element is separated from the first element. This reduces the likelihood of the second element impacting or damaging the first element. Moreover, when incorporated into a garment this arrangement generally means that the second element does not distort, drag or pull on the fabric.
The different panels 100, 301 may comprise separate constructions that are joined together at one or more seam lines using connecting technologies such as stitching, bonding, welding, adhesives, and the like. Alternatively, the different panels 100, 301 comprise integral extensions of one another. For instance, a knitting or weaving process may be used to seamlessly and integrally knit or weave the different panels 100, 301. Alternatively, one or more of the panels 100, 301 are seamlessly and integrally knit or woven with another region while remaining panels 100, 301 comprise separate constructions that are connected to the integrally knit or woven portions using connecting technologies described herein.
Referring to Figure 7, there is shown a schematic view of the first side 304 of the second textile panel 301 . The first side 304 of the second textile panel 301 comprises a mounting arrangement 305. The mounting arrangement 305 is in the form of two pouches 309, 311. Each pouch 309, 311 is arranged to receive a second element 200. The two pouches 309, 311 are formed of a single sheet of textile material. The single sheet of the textile material is attached to the first side 304 of the second textile panel 301 along the lines 307, 317, 319 to define the two pouches 309, 311 . The textile material is attached by stitches. The ends 313, 315 of the pouches 309, 311 are not attached to the second textile panel 311 . This means that the ends 313, 315 define openings to allow the second elements 200 to be disposed within the pouches 309, 311 . The single sheet of textile material in this example is formed from a knit fabric material. This gives the pouches 309, 311 stretch and allows them to expand to receive second elements 200 and hold them tightly in place within the pouches 309, 311. Figure 8 shows to second elements 201 , 203 positioned over the pouches 309, 311 . Figure 9 shows the second elements 201 , 203 positioned in the pouches 309, 311 . The second element 201 which is a controller 201 is larger than the pouch 309. This arrangement means that a connection point of the second element 201 is exposed to allow for an electrical connection to be formed with the second element 201 .
Referring to Figure 10, there is shown a front view of an example garment 400 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The garment 400 comprises a T-shirt 401 with an article 300 as described above in relation to Figure 6 incorporated into a side of the T-shirt 401 . The article 300 extends round to the back of the T-shirt 401 as shown in Figure 11. The article 300 has access openings 303 at the sides to allow the electronics component 200 to be accessed.
Referring to Figure 12, there is shown a front view of an example garment 400 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The garment 400 comprises an outer textile layer 401 in the form of a T-shirt 401 .The garment 400 comprises an inner textile layer 403 disposed within the outer textile layer 401 . The inner textile layer 403 comprises the article 300. The article 300 is incorporated into the side of the inner textile layer 403 and extends round the back of the inner textile layer 403 as shown in Figures 13 and 14. The article 300 has access openings 303 at the sides to allow the electronics component 200 to be accessed.
The inner textile layer 403 is in the form of a crop that covers the front and back upper chest regions of the wearer. The crop provides a relatively tight fit so as to help hold the sensing units in close proximity/skin contact with the skin surface of the wearer. The outer textile layer 401 may be loose fitting for comfort and appearance. The inner textile layer 403 is attached to the outer textile layer 401 at the shoulder regions 405 using a twin needle top stitch. The inner textile layer 403 defines armholes through which the arms may pass through when worn. The inner textile layer 403 formed of a raw edge mesh material. The panels forming the article 300 are made of a woven textile material. The woven textile material in this example is cut on the grain Referring to Figure 15, there is shown an example method of manufacturing a textile panel according to aspects of the present disclosure. Step S101 of the method comprises providing a first textile panel having a first element on a first side of the first textile panel. Step S102 of the method comprises providing a second textile panel. Step S103 of the method comprises attaching the first textile panel to the second textile panel to form a pocket. The first side of the first textile panel faces away from the pocket and a second, opposing, side of the first textile panel faces into the pocket. A first side of the second textile panel faces into the pocket and a second, opposing, side of the second textile panel faces away from the pocket. The first side of the second textile panel comprises a mounting arrangement for mounting a second element to the first side of the second textile panel such that the second element is communicatively coupled to the first element. The method may comprise electrically connecting the first element to the second element.
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 . An article comprising: a first textile; a second textile; a first element provided on a first side of the first textile; and wherein the first textile is attached to the second textile to form a pocket, wherein the first side of the first textile faces away from the pocket and a second, opposing, side of the first textile faces into the pocket, wherein a first side of the second textile faces into the pocket and a second, opposing, side of the second textile faces away from the pocket, and wherein the first side of the second textile comprises a mounting arrangement for mounting a second element to the first side of the second textile such that the second element is communicatively coupled to the first element.
2. An article as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the mounting arrangement comprises a pouch for receiving the second element.
3. An article as claimed in claim 2, wherein the pouch is a textile pouch that is attached to the first side of the second textile.
4. An article as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein the textile pouch has a knit structure, and optionally wherein the textile pouch is a knit fabric pouch.
5. An article as claimed in any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first side of the second textile comprises a plurality of pouches for receiving a corresponding plurality of second elements.
6. An article as claimed in claim 5, wherein the plurality of pouches are formed from a sheet of textile material that is attached to the first side of the second textile at a plurality of points to define the plurality of pouches.
7. An article as claimed in any of claims 2 to 6, wherein the pouch has one or more openings to allow the second element to be inserted and/or removed from the pouch.
8. An article as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein an electrically conductive pathway is provided on the first side of the first textile, wherein a first end of the electrically conductive pathway is in electrical connection with the first element, and wherein a second end of the electrically conductive pathway forms an electrical contact region arranged to be conductively connected to the second element.
9. An article as claimed in claim 8, wherein a conductive element extends through the first textile to form the conductive connection between the electrically conductive pathway and the second element.
10. An article as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first element is provided in a first region on the first side of the first textile, wherein the electrically conductive pathway extends from the first element to a foldable region of the first textile, and wherein the foldable region is arranged to be folded into the pocket to allow the electrically conductive pathway to be electrically connected to the second element.
11. An article as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first element comprises a sensing unit, optionally wherein the sensing unit comprises an electrode.
12. An article as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising the second element.
13. An article as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the second element comprises a controller for controlling the first element, and/or a communicator, and/or a power source.
14. A garment comprising an article as claimed in any preceding claim.
15. A method of manufacturing an article, the method comprises: providing a first textile having a first element on a first side of the first textile; providing a second textile; attaching the first textile to the second textile to form a pocket, wherein the first side of the first textile faces away from the pocket and a second, opposing, side of the first textile faces into the pocket, wherein a first side of the second textile faces into the pocket and a second, opposing, side of the second textile faces away from the pocket, and wherein the first side of the second textile comprises a mounting arrangement for mounting a second element to the first side of the second textile such that the second element is communicatively coupled to the first element.
PCT/GB2020/052158 2019-09-09 2020-09-08 Article, garment and method WO2021048536A1 (en)

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GB1912943.6A GB2586876B (en) 2019-09-09 2019-09-09 Article, garment and method

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Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20070038057A1 (en) * 2005-08-12 2007-02-15 Nam Seung H Garment for measuring physiological signal

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20070038057A1 (en) * 2005-08-12 2007-02-15 Nam Seung H Garment for measuring physiological signal

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GB2586876A (en) 2021-03-10
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