WO2021140335A1

WO2021140335A1 - Garment with embedded electrical path and method

Info

Publication number: WO2021140335A1
Application number: PCT/GB2021/050042
Authority: WO
Inventors: Isabel Rose HEPWORTH
Original assignee: Prevayl Limited
Priority date: 2020-01-10
Filing date: 2021-01-08
Publication date: 2021-07-15
Also published as: GB2594889A; GB2594889B; GB202111031D0

Abstract

Garment (100) having a front face (101) for covering at least part of the front of a user when worn and a rear face (103) for covering at least part of the rear of the user when worn. The garment (100) comprises a plurality of panels (105, 107, 109) joined together with seams (111, 113, 115). An electrically conductive pathway (116) extends from a first terminal region (117) located on the front face (101) of the garment (100) to a second terminal region (119) located on the rear face of the garment (100). The electrically conductive pathway (116) is provided on a single panel (107) of the garment (100) such that the electrically conductive pathway (116) does not intersect any of the seams (111, 113, 115) of the garment (100).

Description

GARMENT WITH EMBEDDED ELECTRICAL PATH AND METHOD

The present invention is directed towards a garment and method for making the same.

Background

Garments can be 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. Garments have electrically conductive pathways to allow for signal transmission between an electronics module for processing and communication and sensing components of the garment. Such garments which are commonly referred to as ‘smart clothing’ and may also be referred to as ‘biosensing garments’ if they measure biosignals. Typically, different types of garments may have different sensors. It is desirable to provide a system which overcomes 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 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, there is provided a garment having a front face for covering at least part of the front of a user when worn and a rear face for covering at least part of the rear of the user when worn. The garment comprises a plurality of panels joined together with seams. The garment comprises an electrically conductive pathway extending from a first terminal region located on the front face of the garment to a second terminal region located on the rear face of the garment. The electrically conductive pathway is provided on a single panel of the garment such that the electrically conductive pathway does not intersect any of the seams of the garment.

Advantageously, the electrically conductive pathway is provided on a single panel of the garment and does not intersect with any of the seams of the garment. This means that the electrically conductive pathway does not cross over or interact with any of the seams of the garment. This means that the signal transmission over the electrically conductive pathway is not affected by the presence of seams in the garment. Therefore, effective signal transmission from the front of the garment to the rear of the garment and vice versa is provided. The plurality of panels may comprise a left panel and a right panel. The left panel and the right panel may be joined together by a seam extending along a central region of the garment. The electrically conductive pathway may be provided on one of the left and right panels of the garment.

Advantageously, a seam may be provided in a central region of the garment. The seam may be located along the centre of the garment such that the left and right panels are symmetrical when viewed from the front or rear of the garment. The central seam helps create shape in the garment and compensate for the omission of shape in the garment caused by the construction of the left or right panel on which the electrically conductive pathway is provided.

The left panel and the right panel may be joined together by a central front seam extending along a central front region of the garment and a central rear seam extending along a central rear region of the garment.

Advantageously, a seam may be provided in a central front region of the garment and the central rear region of the garment. The seams may be located along the centre of the garment such that the left and right panels are symmetrical when viewed from the front and rear of the garment. The central seams help create shape in the garment and compensate for the omission of shape in the garment caused by the construction of the left or right panel on which the electrically conductive pathway is provided.

The electrically conductive pathway may be provided on the left panel of the garment. This is generally preferred as it enables for the electrically conductive pathway to transmit signals sensed by an electrode of the first and/or second terminal region arranged to monitor signals from the left side of the garment. It is generally preferably to have the electrode on the left panel of the garment for effective cardiac monitoring. The right panel may comprise a front right panel and a rear right panel. The front right panel and the rear right panel may be joined together by a right-side seam extending along a right side of the garment.

The garment may further comprise an electronics module holder arranged to retain an electronics module. When positioned in the electronics module holder, the electronics module may be arranged to be brought into communication with the first or second terminal region of the electrically conductive pathway. Advantageously, the electronics module holder may be arranged to releasably retain an electronics module. The electronics module may receive signals from the electrically conductive pathway. The electronics module may perform processing on the receiving signal. The electronics module may transmit the signals to an external device.

The electronics module holder may be aligned with the first or second terminal region of the electrically conductive pathway.

The electronics module holder may be located on the front face of the garment and the electronics module, when positioned in the electronics module holder, may be arranged to be brought into communication with the first terminal region of the electrically conductive pathway.

Advantageously, the electronics module holder may be provided on the front face of the garment so as to allow for a user wearing the garment to easily access the electronics module holder and position and/or remove the electronics module from the electronics module holder.

The electronics module holder may be located on the rear face of the garment. This may be preferred in contact sports, for example, to reduce the risk of the electronics module impacting against the wearer.

The electronics module holder may be a pocket. The electronics module holder may be located on an external surface of the garment. The electronics module holder may be located on an inner surface of the garment.

The second terminal region may comprise an electrode. The electrode may be for use in electropotential and/or electroimpedance measurements on a user wearing the garment.

The garment may be a form-fitting garment. The garment may be a top. The garment may be a sleeveless top such as tank top. The garment may be a t-shirt. The garment may be a bra.

The seams may be stitched seams or welded seams. Preferably, the seams are bonded seams. The seams may be reinforced. The seams may be reinforced with tape provided on an inside surface of the garment. The tape may be a stay tape. The stay tape beneficially reduces movement of the garment relative to the user wearing the garment.

The electrically conductive pathway may be provided on an inside surface of the garment. This is beneficial as electrodes and other sensing components are generally preferred to be placed close to or in contact with the skin of the user wearing the garment. The electrically conductive pathway may be adhered to the garment. The electrically conductive pathway may be stitched into the garment. The electrically conductive pathway may be integral with the garment. The electrically conductive pathway may be printed onto the garment.

The electrically conductive pathway may be a first electrically conductive pathway. The garment may further comprise a second electrically conductive pathway. The second electrically conductive pathway may extend from the first terminal region to a third terminal region of the garment. The second electrically conductive pathway may be provided on a single panel of the garment such that the electrically conductive pathway does not intersect any of the seams of the garment.

The third terminal region may be located on the front face of the garment. The third terminal region may comprise an electrode. The electrode may be for use in electropotential and/or electroimpedance measurements on a user wearing the garment.

According to a second aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method of manufacturing a garment. The method comprises joining a plurality of panels together with seams so as to form a garment having a front face for covering at least part of the front of a user when worn and a rear face for covering at least part of the rear of the user when worn. The method comprises providing an electrically conductive pathway on a single panel of the garment, wherein the electrically conductive pathway extends from a first terminal region located on the front face of the garment to a second terminal region located on the rear face of the garment, and wherein the electrically conductive pathway does not intersect any of the seams of the garment.

Providing the electrically conductive pathway may comprise adhering the electrically conductive pathway to the panel.

Providing the electrically conductive pathway may comprise stitching the electrically conductive pathway to the panel.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a garment. The garment comprises a front portion; a back portion; and an underband extending around a lower margin of the front portion and the back portion. The garment further comprises an electrically conductive pathway provided on an inner surface of the underband facing the skin surface of a user when worn. The electrically conductive pathway extends from a first terminal region to a second terminal region. Advantageously, the electrically conductive pathway is provided on an inner surface of the underband. This is beneficial as electrodes and other sensing components are generally preferred to be placed close to or in contact with the skin of the user wearing the garment.

The underband may comprise an opening to allow an electronics module on an outer surface of the underband to conductively connect to the electrically conductive pathway.

The electrically conductive pathway may extend through the opening such that the first terminal region is located on the outer surface of the underband.

The first terminal region may be located on the inner surface of the underband in the vicinity of the opening.

The electrically conductive pathway may be arranged such that the electrically conductive pathway does not intersect any of the seams of the underband.

Advantageously, the electrically conductive pathway is provided on the underband and is positioned such that it does not intersect with any of the seams of the underband. This means that the electrically conductive pathway does not cross over or interact with any of the seams of the garment. This means that the signal transmission over the electrically conductive pathway is not affected by the presence of seams in the garment. Therefore, effective signal transmission s provided.

The garment may further comprise an electronics module holder arranged to retain an electronics module. When positioned in the electronics module holder, the electronics module may be arranged to be brought into communication with the electrically conductive pathway via the first or second terminal region.

Advantageously, the electronics module holder may be arranged to releasably retain an electronics module. The electronics module may receive signals from the electrically conductive pathway. The electronics module may perform processing on the receiving signal. The electronics module may transmit the signals to an external device.

The electronics module holder may be provided on the underband.

The electronics module holder may be provided on the front face of the garment. Advantageously, the electronics module holder may be provided on the front face of the garment so as to allow for a user wearing the garment to easily access the electronics module holder and position and/or remove the electronics module from the electronics module holder.

The electronics module holder may be provided on an outer surface of the underband.

The electronics module holder may be provided on an inner surface of the underband. The electronics module holder may be a pocket.

The underband may comprise a first layer of material and a second layer of material positioned adjacent and external to the first layer of material. The pocket space of the pocket may be formed between the first layer of material and the second layer of material.

The garment may be a form-fitting garment. The garment may be a top. The garment may be a sleeveless top such as tank top. The garment may be a t-shirt. The garment may be a bra. The front portion may comprise at least a first breast contacting surface, a second breast contacting surface.

The front portion may comprise a left panel and a right panel. The left panel and the right panel may be joined together by a seam extending along a central front region of the garment.

Advantageously, a seam may be provided in a central front region of the garment. The seam may be located along the centre of the garment such that the left and right panels are symmetrical when viewed from the front of the garment. The central seam also helps create shape in the garment.

The back portion may comprise a left panel and a right panel. The left panel and the right panel may be joined together by a seam extending along a central back region of the garment.

Advantageously, a seam may be provided in a central back region of the garment. The seam may be located along the centre of the garment such that the left and right panels are symmetrical when viewed from the back of the garment. The central seam also helps create shape in the garment.

The front portion and the back portion may both comprise a left panel and a right panel. The left front panel and the right front panel may be joined together by a seam extending along a central front region of the garment. The left back panel and the right back panel may be joined together by a seam extending along a central back region of the garment.

Advantageously, a seam may be provided in a central front region of the garment and the central back region of the garment. The seams may be located along the centre of the garment such that the left and right panels are symmetrical when viewed from the front and back of the garment. The central seams help create shape in the garment.

The front left panel and the back left panel may from an integral panel.

The front right panel and back right panel may be joined together by a right-side seam extending along a right side of the garment.

The seams may be stitched seams or welded seams. Preferably, the seams are bonded seams. The seams may be reinforced. The seams may be reinforced with tape provided on an inner surface of the garment. The tape may be a stay tape. The stay tape beneficially reduces movement of the garment relative to the user wearing the garment.

The electrically conductive pathway may be provided on the left side of the garment. This is generally preferred as it enables the electrically conductive pathway to transmit signals sensed by an electrode arranged to monitor signals from the left side of the garment. It is generally preferable to have the electrode on the left side of the garment for effective cardiac monitoring.

The electrically conductive pathway may be adhered to the garment. The electrically conductive pathway may be stitched into the garment. The electrically conductive pathway may be integral with the garment. The electrically conductive pathway may be printed onto the garment.

The electrically conductive pathway may be a first electrically conductive pathway. The garment may further comprise a second electrically conductive pathway. The second electrically conductive pathway may extend from the first terminal region to a third terminal region of the garment. The second electrically conductive pathway may be provided on the underband.

According to a fourth aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method of manufacturing a garment. The method comprises providing a garment comprising: a front portion; a back portion; and an underband extending from a lower margin of the front portion and the back portion. The method comprises providing an electrically conductive pathway on an inner surface of the underband facing the skin surface of a user, when worn, the electrically conductive pathway extending from a first terminal region to a second terminal region.

Providing the electrically conductive pathway may comprise adhering the electrically conductive pathway to the underband and/or stitching the electrically conductive pathway to the underband.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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

Figure 1 is a front view of an example garment according to aspects of the present disclosure;

Figure 2 is a front view of the garment of Figure 1 showing the electrical components provided on an inner surface of the garment;

Figure 3 is a rear view of the garment of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 is a rear view of the garment of Figure 1 showing the electrical components provided on the inner surface of the garment;

Figure 5 is a side view of the garment of Figure 1 ;

Figure 6 is a side view of the garment of Figure 1 showing the electrical components provided on the inner surface of the garment;

Figure 7 is a sectional view of an electronics module holder of an example garment with an electronics module provided in the electronics module holder;

Figure 8 is a sectional view of an electronics module holder of another example garment with an electronics module provided in the electronics module holder;

Figure 9 is a simplified view of an example system according to aspects of the present disclosure; and

Figure 10 is a process flow diagram for an example method according to aspects of the present disclosure;

Figure 11 is a front view of another example garment according to aspects of the present disclosure;

Figure 12 is a front view of the garment of Figure 11 showing the electrical components provided on an inner surface of the garment;

Figure 13 is a back view of the garment of Figure 11 ;

Figure 14 is a back view of the garment of Figure 11 showing the electrical components provided on the inner surface of the garment;

Figure 15 is a side view of the garment of Figure 11 ;

Figure 16 is a side view of the garment of Figure 11 showing the electrical components provided on the inner surface of the garment; Figure 17 is a front view of another example garment according to aspects of the present disclosure;

Figure 18 is a front view of yet another example garment according to aspects of the present disclosure; and Figure 19 is a process 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. 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, vest, jacket/coat, underwear, athletic clothing, swimwear, wetsuit or drysuit. The present disclosure is not limited to these particular examples of garment. Other forms of garment are within the scope of the present disclosure.

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. 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.

Referring to Figures 1 to 6, there is shown a garment 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The garment 100 is a form-fitting garment 100 and, in particular, is a tank-top 100. The garment 100 has a front face 101 for covering at least part of the front of a user when worn and a rear face 103 for covering at least part of the rear of the user when worn. The garment 100 comprises a plurality of panels 105, 107, 109 joined together with seams 111 , 113, 115.

The plurality of panels 105, 107, 109 comprise a left panel 107, a front right panel 105 and a rear right panel 109. The front right panel 105 covers at least part of the front right region of the user when worn. The rear right panel 109 covers at least part of the rear right region of the user when worn. The left panel 107 extends from the front left region of the user when worn to the rear left region of the user when worn. Therefore, the left panel 107 covers at least part of the front and back of the user when worn.

The front right panel 105 and the rear right panel 109 are joined together by a right-side seam 111 extending along a right side of the garment 100. The left panel 107 and the front right panel 105 are joined together by a seam 113 extending along a front central region of the garment 100. The left panel 107 and rear right panel 109 are joined together by a seam 115 extending along the rear central region of the garment 100. The seams 111 , 113, 115 extend vertically along (at least a part) of the length of the garment 100.

The seams 111 , 113, 115 may be formed by stitching the panels 105, 107, 109 together using thread. Alternatively, the panels may be joined together by welding overlapping edges using heat and pressure. When heat is applied, the overlapping edge portions of the sheets melt and fuse together to form a seam. This seam may be known as a welded seam. An alternative to creating seams using welding techniques involves joining the panels together using an adhesive. This may involve using adhesive strips to join the panels together. This type of seam may be referred to as a bonded seam. The seams 111 , 113, 115 are reinforced with silicon stay tape provided on the inside surface of the garment 100. The silicon stay tape helps reduce relative movement of the garment and the user which may be desirable to ensure good and consistent electrode contact with the skin of the user. It will, however, be appreciated that the seams do not need to be reinforced in all aspects of the disclosure and a different form of reinforcement may also be used. Referring to Figures 5 and 6, there is shown that a seam 125 is also provided to join the left panel together in the shoulder region of the garment 100 above the armhole for the garment 100. However, a seam is not provided on the left panel 107 below the armhole of the garment 100.

A first electrically conductive pathway 116 extends from a first terminal region 117 located on the front face 101 of the garment 100 to a second terminal 119 located on the rear face 103 of the garment 100. The first electrically conductive pathwayl 15 is provided on the left panel 107 and is thus provided on a single panel 107 of the garment 100 such that the first electrically conductive pathway 116 does not intersect any of the seams 111 , 113, 115 of the garment 100.

The second terminal region 119 comprises an electrode 119. The electrode 119 is for monitoring a biosignal of a user wearing the garment 100. The electrode 119 may be for performing an electropotential measurement.

The electrically conductive pathway 116 is provided inside the garment 100. This is generally desired so that the garment 100 has an attractive outwards appearance. It is also beneficial as the sensing components that the electrically conductive pathway 116 are connected to are generally preferred to be on the inside surface of the garment 100 at a position close to or in contact with the skin surface.

A second electrically conductive pathway 121 extends from the first terminal region 117 to a third terminal region 123 of the garment 100. The second electrically conductive pathway 121 is provided on the left panel 107 and is thus provided on a single panel 107 of the garment 100 such that the second electrically conductive 121 pathway does not intersect any of the seams 111 , 113, 115 of the garment 100. The third terminal region 123 is located on the front face 101 of the garment 100. The first terminal region 117 may comprise a first contact region connected to the first electrically conductive pathway 116 and a second contact region connected to the second electrically conductive pathway 121.

The third terminal region 123 comprises an electrode 123. The electrodes 119, 123 may be used for performing differential measurements such as for use in electrocardiography (ECG).

The first and second electrically conductive pathways 116, 121 may be adhered to the garment 100, stitched into the garment 100, or printed onto the garment 100 amongst other examples. The electrically conductive pathways 116, 121 may comprise a conductive fabric material. The conductive pathways 116, 121 may be formed from conductive transfers. Examples of conductive transfers 116, 121 are disclosed in UK Patent Publication GB2555592 A. The electrically conductive pathways 116, 121 may be formed from a conductive thread or wire. The electrically conductive pathways 116, 121 may be incorporated into the garment 100. The electrically conductive pathways 116, 121 may be an electrically conductive track or film. The conductive material may be formed from a fibre or yarn of the garment 100. This may mean that an electrically conductive materials are incorporated into the fibre/yarn of the garment 100. The present disclosure is not limited to any particular construction of electrically conductive pathway 116, 121.

The garment 100 further comprises an electronics module holder 125 arranged to retain an electronics module. The electronics module holder 125 is located on the front face 101 of the garment 100. When positioned in the electronics module holder 125, the electronics module 200 is arranged to be brought into communication with the first terminal region 117 of the electrically conductive pathway 116. A conductive element of the electronics module 200 may be arranged to be brought into contact with the first terminal region 117. Alternatively, the electronics module 200 may wirelessly communicate with the first terminal region 117. The first terminal region 117 may comprise a communicator such as a near filed communication (NFC) antenna for communicating with a corresponding communication of the electronics module 200. Other mechanisms for communicating between the electronics module 200 and the first terminal region 117 are within the scope of the present disclosure.

The electronics module holder 125 is a pocket 125. The electronics module holder 125 is located on an external surface of the garment 100 in this example. The electronics module holder 125 is bonded on to the external face of the garment 100 but may also be stitched or welded ono the garment 100 or may even be integral with the garment. In some examples, the electronics module 200 may be integral with the garment 100 and thus an electronics module holder 125 may not be required.

The electrically conductive pathways 116, 121 are connected to one or more sensing components. That is the second terminal region 119 and the third terminal region 123 may comprise one or more sensing components. The sensing components may be biosensing components. The sensing components may comprise one or more components of a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a motion sensor, an electropotential sensor, an electroimpedance sensor, an optical sensor, and/or an acoustic sensor. Here, “component” means that not all of the components of the sensor may be provided in the garment 100. The processing logic, power and other functionality may be provided in the electronics module. The garment 100 may only comprise the minimal functionality to perform the sensing such as by only including sensing electrodes. The temperature sensor may be arranged to measure an ambient temperature, a skin temperature of a human or animal body, or a core temperature of a human or animal body. The humidity sensor may be arranged to measure humidity or skin-surface moisture levels for a human or animal body. The motion sensor may comprise one or more of an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a magnetometer sensor. The motion sensor may comprise an inertial measurement unit. The electropotential sensor may be arranged to perform one or more bioelectrical measurements. The electropotential sensor may comprise one or more of electrocardiography (ECG) sensor modules, electrogastrography (EGG) sensor modules, electroencephalography (EEG) sensor modules, and electromyography (EMG) sensor modules. The electroimpedance sensor may be arranged to perform one or more bioimpedance measurements. Bioimpedance sensors can include one or more of plethysmography sensor modules (e.g., for respiration), body composition sensor modules (e.g., hydration, fat, etc.), and electroimpedance tomography (EIT) sensors. An optical sensor may comprise a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor module or an orthopantomogram (OPG) sensor module.

Referring to Figure 7, there is shown a cross-sectional view of an example garment 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure. In this example garment 100, the electronics module holder 125 is provided on the external surface of the garment 100. The electronics module 200 is disposed within the electronics module holder 125. The garment 100 has an opening to enable the electronics module 200 to conductively connect with the electrically conductive pathway 116 on the inside of the garment 100 via the first terminal region 117.

The electronics module 200 of Figure 7 comprises a controller 201 , communicator 203, power source 205 and interface element 207.

The interface element 207 is arranged to communicatively couple with the first terminal region 117 of the garment 100 so as to receive a signal from the garment 100.

The controller 201 is communicatively coupled to the interface 207 and is arranged to receive the signals from the interface 207.The interface 207 may form a conductive coupling or a wireless (e.g. inductive) communication coupling with the first terminal region 117.

The power source 205 is coupled to the controller 201 and is arranged to supply power to the controller 201 . The power source 205 may comprise a plurality of power sources. The power source 205 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 205 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 the garment. 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 203 is arranged to communicatively couple with an external device or server. The communicator 203 may be arranged to communicate data wirelessly via one or more base stations. For example, the communicator 203 may be able 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. The communicator 203 may be able to communicate via short-range local communication over WLAN, WPAN, NFC, or Bluetooth ®, WiFi or any other electromagnetic RF communication protocol.

The electronics module 200 may additionally comprise a Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC) that enables the garment to access services provided by a mobile network operator (MNO). The UICC may include at least a read-only memory (ROM) configured to store an MNO profile that the garment can utilize to register and interact with an MNO. The UICC may be in the form of a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card. The garment may have a receiving section arranged to receive the SIM card. In other examples, the UICC is embedded directly into a controller of the garment. 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 garments. The electronics module 200 may comprise a secure element that represents an embedded Universal Integrated Circuit Card (eUICC).

The electronics module 200 is not required to have all of the components described above and may comprise other or additional components. The electronics module 200 may comprise a memory, light source, and one or more sensors.

The electronics module 200 may further comprise a housing for housing the electronics components.

Referring to Figure 8, there is shown a cross-sectional view of another example garment 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure. In this example garment 100, the electronics module holder 125 is provided on the internal surface of the garment 100. The electronics module 200 is disposed within the electronics module holder 125. When positioned in the electronics module holder 125, the electronics module 200 is conductively connected with the electrically conductive pathway 116 on the inside of the garment 100 via the first terminal region 117. The electronics module 200 is the same as the electronics module 200 of Figure 7.

Referring to Figure 9, there is shown an example system 10 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The system 10 comprises an electronics module 200, a garment 100, and a mobile device 300. The garment 100 is worn by a user. The electronics module 200 is attached to the garment 100. The electronics module 200 is arranged to integrate with electronic components incorporated into the garment 100 via the electrically conductive pathways of the garment so as to obtain signals from the electronic components as described above. The electronics components may comprise components of sensors. The electronics components may comprise electrodes. The electronics module 200 is further arranged to wirelessly communicate data to the mobile device 300. Various protocols enable wireless communication between the electronics module 200 and the mobile device 300. Example communication protocols include Bluetooth ®, Bluetooth ® Low Energy, and near-field communication (NFC).

The electronics module 200 may be removable from the garment 100. The electronics module 200 may be configured to be releasably mechanically coupled to the garment 100. The mechanical coupling of the electronic module 200 to the garment 100 may be provided by a mechanical interface such as a clip, a plug and socket arrangement, etc. The mechanical coupling or mechanical interface may be configured to maintain the electronic module 200 in a particular orientation with respect to the garment 100 when the electronic module 200 is coupled to the garment 100. This may be beneficial in ensuring that the electronic module 200 is securely held in place with respect to the garment 100 and/orthat any electronic coupling of the electronic module 200 and the garment 100 (or a component of the garment 100) can be optimized. The mechanical coupling may be maintained using friction or using a positively engaging mechanism, for example.

Beneficially, the removable electronic module 200 may contain all of the components required for data transmission and processing such that the garment 100 only comprises the sensor components and conductive pathways. In this way, manufacture of the garment 100 may be simplified. In addition, it may be easier to clean a garment 100 which has fewer electronic components attached thereto or incorporated therein. Furthermore, the removable electronic module 200 may be easier to maintain and/or troubleshoot than embedded electronics. The electronic module 200 may comprise flexible electronics such as a flexible printed circuit (FPC). The electronic module 200 may be configured to be electrically coupled to the garment 100. It may be desirable to avoid direct contact of the electronic module 200 with the wearer’s skin while the garment 100 is being worn. It may be desirable to avoid the electronic module 200 coming into contact with sweat or moisture on the wearer’s skin. The electronic module 200 may be provided with a waterproof coating or waterproof casing. For example, the electronic module 200 may be provided with a silicone casing. It may further be desirable to provide a pouch or pocket in the garment 100 to contain the electronic module 200 in order to prevent chafing or rubbing and thereby improve comfort for the wearer. The pouch or pocket may be provided with a waterproof lining in order to prevent the electronic module 200 from coming into contact with moisture.

Referring to Figure 10, there is shown a process flow diagram for an example method according to aspects of the present disclosure for manufacturing a garment.

Step S101 of the method comprises joining a plurality of panels together with seams so as to form a garment having a front face for covering at least part of the front of a user when worn and a rear face for covering at least part of the rear of the user when worn.

Step S102 of the method comprises providing an electrically conductive pathway on a single panel of the garment, wherein the electrically conductive pathway extends from a first terminal region located on the front face of the garment to a second terminal region located on the rear face of the garment, and wherein the electrically conductive pathway does not intersect any of the seams of the garment.

Providing the electrically conductive pathway may comprise adhering the electrically conductive pathway to the panel. Providing the electrically conductive pathway may comprise stitching the electrically conductive pathway to the panel.

Referring to Figures 11 to 16, there is shown a garment 400 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The garment 400 is a bra 400. The bra 400 comprises a front portion 401 , a back portion 403 and an underband 405 extending around a lower margin of the front portion 401 and the back portion 403. The front portion 401 is configured to contact at least a user’s breasts when the bra 400 is worn by the user. The back portion 403 is configured to contact at least a portion of the user’s back torso when the bra 400 is worn by the user. The underband 405 extends circumferentially around the torso area of the user when the bra 100 is worn by the user. The underband 405 may be formed from the same material used to form, for instance, the front portion 401 and the back portion 403. The material may exhibit some degree of elastic resilience to help tension the underband 405 against the torso of the user when the bra 400 is worn. In some aspects, an additional elastically resilient band may be used in the underband 405 to provide further tensioning when the bra 400 is worn. The different portions 401 , 403, 405 of the bra 400 may comprise separate constructions that are joined together at one or more seam lines using affixing technologies such as stitching, bonding, welding, adhesives, and the like. In other aspects, the different portions 401 , 403, 405 may 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 portions 401 , 403, 405 to form the bra 400. In yet another aspect, one or more of the portions 401 , 403, 405 may be seamlessly and integrally knit or woven with another portion while remaining portions may comprise separate constructions that are joined to the integrally knit or woven portions using affixing technologies described herein. Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within aspects herein.

A first electrically conductive pathway 407 is provided on an inner surface of the underband 405. The inner surface of the underband 405 faces the skin surface of the user when worn. The first electrically conductive pathway 407 extends from a first terminal region 409 to a second terminal region 411 . The first and second terminal regions 409 are provided on a front region of the underband 405.

A second electrically conductive pathway 413 is provided on the inner surface of the underband 405. The second electrically conductive pathway 413 extends from the first terminal region 109 to a third terminal region 415. The third terminal region 415 is provided on a back region of the underband 405.

The first electrically conductive pathway 407 and the second electrically conductive pathway 413 do not intersect any of the seams of the bra 400.

The first terminal region 409 may comprise a first contact region connected to the first electrically conductive pathway 407 and a second contact region connected to the second electrically conductive pathway 413.

The second terminal region 411 comprises an electrode 411 . The electrode 411 is for monitoring a biosignal of a user wearing the bra 400. The electrode 411 may be for performing an electropotential measurement. The third terminal region 415 comprises an electrode 415. The electrodes 411 , 415 may be used for performing differential measurements such as for use in electrocardiography (ECG).

The electrically conductive pathways 407, 413 are provided inside the bra 400 This is generally desired so that the bra 100 has an attractive outwards appearance. It is also beneficial as the sensing components that the electrically conductive pathways 407, 413 are connected to are generally preferred to be on the inner surface of the bra 400 at a position close to or in contact with the skin surface.

The first and second electrically conductive pathways 407, 413 may be adhered to the bra 400, stitched into the bra 400, or printed onto the bra 400 amongst other examples. The electrically conductive pathways 407, 413 may comprise a conductive fabric material. The conductive pathways 407, 413 may be formed from conductive transfers. The electrically conductive pathways 407, 413 may be formed from a conductive thread or wire. The electrically conductive pathways 407, 413 may be incorporated into the bra 400. The electrically conductive pathways 407, 413 may be an electrically conductive track or film. The conductive material may be formed from a fibre or yarn of the bra 400. This may mean that an electrically conductive materials are incorporated into the fibre/yarn of the bra 400. The present disclosure is not limited to any particular construction of electrically conductive pathway 407, 413.

The front portion 401 comprises a first, right, breast contacting surface 417 and a second, left, breast contacting surface 419. The first breast contacting surface 417 covers at least part of the right breast of the user wearing the bra 400. The second breast contacting surface 419 covers at least part of the left breast of the user wearing the bra 400. The term "breast contacting surface" is meant to encompass any type of structure that is in contact with the wearer's breasts. For instance, each breast contacting surface may comprise a breast cup such as a moulded cup, or an unmoulded cup. The breast contacting surfaces may comprise separate distinct components with each contacting surface configured to cover or encapsulate a separate breast, or the breast contacting surfaces may comprise a unitary or continuous band of material that makes contact with both of the wearer's breasts.

The front portion 401 comprises a right panel 421 and a left panel 423. The right panel 421 and the left panel 423 are joined together by a seam 425 extending along a central front region of the front portion 401 .

The back portion 403 comprises a left panel 427 and a right panel 429. The left panel 427 and the right panel 429 are joined together by a seam 431 extending along a central back region of the bra 400.

The front left panel 423 and the back left panel 427 form an integral panel.

The front right panel 421 and the back right panel 429 are joined together by a right-side seam 443 extending along the right side of the bra 400. The seams 425, 431 , 443 extend vertically along (at least a part) of the length of the bra 100

The seams 425, 431 , 443 may be formed by stitching the panels together using thread. Alternatively, the panels may be joined together by welding overlapping edges using heat and pressure. When heat is applied, the overlapping edge portions of the sheets melt and fuse together to form a seam. This seam may be known as a welded seam. An alternative to creating seams using welding techniques involves joining the panels together using an adhesive. This may involve using adhesive strips to join the panels together. This type of seam may be referred to as a bonded seam. The seams 425, 431 , 443 are reinforced with silicon stay tape provided on the inner surface of the bra 400. The silicon stay tape helps reduce relative movement of the bra 100 and the user which may be desirable to ensure good and consistent electrode contact with the skin of the user. It will, however, be appreciated that the seams do not need to be reinforced in all aspects of the disclosure and a different form of reinforcement may also be used.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4, there is shown that a seam 433 is also provided to join the left panel together in the shoulder region of the bra 100 above the armhole forthe bra 400. However, a seam is not provided on the left panel below the armhole of the bra 400. A seam 435 is also provided to join the front right panel 421 and the back right panel 429 together. The seams 433, 435 may be constructed in the same way as described above in relation to seams 425, 431 , 443.

In some examples, the underband 405 comprises an opening to allow an electronics module on an outer surface of the underband 405 to conductively connect to the electrically conductive pathways 407, 413.

In some examples, the electrically conductive pathways 407, 413 extend through the opening such that the first terminal region 409 is located on the outer surface of the underband 405. In these examples, the electrically conductive pathways 407, 413 may be fabric based conductors stitched into the underband 405. The fabric based conductors may extend through the opening in the underband 405. The underband 405 may comprise a first opening for the first conductive pathway 407 and a second opening forthe second conductive pathway 413.

In other examples, the first terminal region 409 is located on the inner surface of the underband 405 in the vicinity of the opening.

The electrically conductive pathways 407, 413 are arranged such that the electrically conductive pathways 407, 413 do not intersect any of the seams of the underband 405. The electrically conductive pathways 407, 413 are connected to one or more sensing components. That is the second terminal region 411 and the third terminal region 415 may comprise one or more sensing components. The sensing components may be biosensing components.

Referring to Figure 17, there is shown another example bra 400. The bra 400 comprises an electronics module holder 437 located on the outer surface of the underband 405. The electronics module holder 437 is in the form of a pocket 437 sized to receive an electronics module. When positioned in the pocket 437, the electronics module is arranged to be brought into communication with the electrically conductive pathway 407, 413 (Figures 11 to 16) via the first terminal region 409 (Figures 11 to 16). A conductive element of the electronics module may be arranged to be brought into contact with the first terminal region 409. Alternatively, the electronics module may wirelessly communicate with the first terminal region 409. The first terminal region 409 may comprise a communicator such as a near field communication (NFC) antenna for communicating with a corresponding communication of the electronics module. Other mechanisms for communicating between the electronics module and the first terminal region 409 are within the scope of the present disclosure.

The electronics module holder 437 is bonded on to the outer surface of the underband 405 but may also be stitched or welded ono the bra 400 or may even be integral with the bra 400. In some examples, the electronics module may be integral with the bra 100 and thus an electronics module holder 437 may not be required.

Referring to Figure 18, there is shown another example bra 400 with an alternative arrangement of a pocket 437. In this example, the pocket 437 is a hidden pocket 437 incorporated into the underband 405. The underband 405 comprises a first layer of material and a second layer of material positioned adjacent and external to the first layer of material, and the pocket space of the pocket 437 is formed between the first layer of material and the second layer of material. In this example, the second layer of material is selectively attached to the first layer of material to define the pocket space.

Referring to Figure 19, there is shown an example method of manufacturing a garment according to aspects of the present disclosure.

Step S201 of the method comprises providing a garment comprising: a front portion; a back portion; and an underband extending from a lower margin of the front portion and the back portion. Step S202 of the method comprises providing an electrically conductive pathway on an inner surface of the underband facing the skin surface of a user, when worn. The electrically conductive pathway extending from a first terminal region to a second terminal region. Providing the electrically conductive pathway may comprise adhering the electrically conductive pathway to the underband and/or stitching the electrically conductive pathway to the underband.

The term bra as used above may also apply to other types of support garments such as tank tops, camisoles with built-in support, swimming suit tops, body suits, and other styles or types of support garments used to support breast tissue. Moreover, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to bras and may encompass any form of garment with a front portion, back portion, and underband. Further, positional terms used herein such as "front”, “back”, “left”, and “right and the like are to be given their common anatomical meaning with respect to the bra being worn by a hypothetical wearer standing in anatomical position.

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. A garment having a front face for covering at least part of the front of a user when worn and a rear face for covering at least part of the rear of the user when worn, the garment comprising: a plurality of panels joined together with seams; and an electrically conductive pathway extending from a first terminal region located on the front face of the garment to a second terminal region located on the rear face of the garment, wherein the electrically conductive pathway is provided on a single panel of the garment such that the electrically conductive pathway does not intersect any of the seams of the garment.

2. A garment as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the plurality of panels comprise a left panel and a right panel, wherein the left panel and the right panel are joined together by a seam extending along a central region of the garment, and wherein the electrically conductive pathway is provided on one of the left and right panels of the garment.

3. A garment as claimed in claim 2, wherein the left panel and the right panel are joined together by a central front seam extending along a central front region of the garment and a central rear seam extending along a central rear region of the garment.

4. A garment as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein the electrically conductive pathway is provided on the left panel of the garment.

5. A garment as claimed in claim 4, wherein the right panel comprises a front right panel and a rear right panel, and wherein the front right panel and the rear right panel are joined together by a right side seam extending along a right side of the garment.

6. A garment as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising an electronics module holder arranged to retain an electronics module, wherein, when positioned in the electronics module holder, the electronics module is arranged to be brought into communication with the first or second terminal region of the electrically conductive pathway.

7. A garment as claimed in claim 6, wherein the electronics module holder is aligned with the first or second terminal region of the electrically conductive pathway.

8. A garment as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the electronics module holder is located on the front face of the garment and the electronics module, when positioned in the electronics module holder, is arranged to be brought into communication with the first terminal region of the electrically conductive pathway.

9. A garment as claimed in any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the electronics module holder is a pocket.

10. A garment as claimed in any of claims 6 to 9, wherein the electronics module holder is located on an external surface of the garment.

11. A garment as claimed in any of claims 6 to 10, wherein the electronics module holder is located on an inner surface of the garment.

12. A garment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the second terminal region comprises an electrode.

13. A garment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the garment is a form-fitting garment.

14. A garment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the garment is a top.

15. A garment as claimed in claim 14, wherein the garment is a bra.

16. A garment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the seams are bonded seams.

17. A garment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the electrically conductive pathway is provided on an inside surface of the garment.

18. A garment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the electrically conductive pathway is adhered to the garment.

19. A garment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the electrically conductive pathway is stitched into the garment.

20. A garment as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the electrically conductive pathway is a first electrically conductive pathway, wherein the garment further comprises a second electrically conductive pathway, wherein the second electrically conductive pathway extends from the first terminal region to a third terminal region of the garment.

21 . A garment as claimed in claim 20, wherein the second electrically conductive pathway is provided on a single panel of the garment such that the electrically conductive pathway does not intersect any of the seams of the garment.

22. A garment as claimed in claim 20 or 21 , wherein the third terminal region is located on the front face of the garment.

23. A method of manufacturing a garment, the method comprising: joining a plurality of panels together with seams so as to form a garment having a front face for covering at least part of the front of a user when worn and a rear face for covering at least part of the rear of the user when worn; and providing an electrically conductive pathway on a single panel of the garment, wherein the electrically conductive pathway extends from a first terminal region located on the front face of the garment to a second terminal region located on the rear face of the garment, and wherein the electrically conductive pathway does not intersect any of the seams of the garment.

24. A method as claimed in claim 23, wherein providing the electrically conductive pathway comprises adhering the electrically conductive pathway to the panel.

25. A method as claimed in claim 23 or 24, wherein providing the electrically conductive pathway comprises stitching the electrically conductive pathway to the panel.