Bra, Garment and Method

Abstract

A bra (1) for use in measuring biosignals of a wearer, a garment (120) comprising such a bra (1) and a method of manufacture. The bra (1) comprises a front region (2); a rear region (4); a pair of side regions (6, 8) extending between the front region (2) and the rear region (4); and a measuring apparatus (100) comprising a sensor assembly (104) comprising one or more electrodes (106, 108, 110). One of the side regions (6, 8) comprises a mounting arrangement for removably receiving an electronics module (102) of the measuring apparatus (100). The electronics module (102) is arranged to receive measurement signals from the one or more electrodes (106, 108, 110). The electronics module (102) may be located in a pocket (54) provided on or in one of the side regions (6, 8), optionally a hidden pocket.

Claims

1-15. (canceled)

16. A bra for use in measuring biosignals of a wearer, the bra comprising: a front region; a rear region; a pair of side regions extending between the front region and the rear region; an underband extending below a lower edge of the front region, rear region and side regions; and a measuring apparatus comprising a sensor assembly comprising one or more sensors, wherein all of the sensor assembly is provided in one of the side regions and is not provided in the underband.

17. The bra as claimed in claim 16, wherein the side region where the sensor assembly is provided comprises a pocket.

18. The bra as claimed in claim 17, wherein the pocket is an elastically resilient pocket.

19. The bra as claimed in claim 17, wherein the pocket is a hidden pocket.

20. The bra as claimed in claim 17, wherein the inside of the pocket is accessible to provide access to an electronics module of the measuring apparatus.

21. The bra as claimed in claim 20, wherein the electronics module is removable from the pocket.

22. The bra as claimed in claim 20, wherein the one or more sensors are releasably connectable to the electronics module.

23. The bra as claimed in claim 17, wherein the front region comprises a front panel and the rear region comprises a rear panel, and the front panel and/or the rear panel extend into the side region, and the pocket is provided on or in the panel or panels in the side region.

24. The bra as claimed in claim 17, wherein the side region comprises a side panel, and the pocket is provided on or in the side panel.

25. The bra as claimed in claim 23, wherein at least a part of the sensor assembly is provided on an inner panel surface and the pocket is provided on an outer panel surface.

26. The bra as claimed in claim 20, wherein the electronics module and the sensor assembly are electrically or wirelessly connected.

27. The bra as claimed in claim 16, wherein the one or more sensors comprise one or more skin contact sensors.

28. The bra as claimed in claim 16, wherein the one or more sensors comprise one or more electrodes.

29. The bra as claimed in claim 16, wherein the measuring apparatus is configured to make one or more of the following measurements: electrocardiography; bioelectricity; bioimpedance.

30. A method of manufacturing a bra as claimed in claim 16, the method comprising the steps of: providing a bra comprising: a front region; a rear region; a pair of side regions extending between the front region and the rear region; an underband extending below a lower edge of the front region, rear region and side regions; and a measuring apparatus comprising a sensor assembly comprising one or more sensors, wherein all of the sensor assembly is provided in one of the side regions and is not provided in the underband.

31. The method as claimed in claim 30, further comprising providing a pocket in the side region where the sensor assembly is provided.

32. The method as claimed in claim 31, wherein the pocket is an elastically resilient pocket.

33. A bra for measuring biosignals of a wearer, the bra comprising a front region, a rear region, and a pair of side regions extending between the front region and the rear region, and a measuring apparatus comprising an electronics module, wherein one of the side regions comprises an elastically resilient pocket arranged to removably receive the electronics module, wherein the inside of the pocket is accessible to provide access to the electronics module.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying diagrammatic Figures in which:

[0040] FIGS. 1-3 show a front, rear and side view respectively of a bra according to the present invention;

[0041] FIGS. 4-6 show a front, rear and side view respectively of the bra of FIGS. 1-3 with the pocket, side overlay panel and front overlay panel omitted;

[0042] FIGS. 7-9 show a front, rear and side view respectively of a garment comprising a bra according to the present invention; and

[0043] FIG. 10 shows general methodology associated with the present invention, in terms of manufacture of a bra according to example embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 1-6, there is shown a bra 1. The bra 1 comprises a front region 2, a rear region 4, and a pair of side regions 6, 8 extending between the front region 2 and the rear region 4. The front 2, rear 4 and side regions 6, 8 are together configured to extend circumferentially around the torso of the wearer when the bra 1 is in the as-worn configuration. The front region 2 comprises a front underlay panel 10a and the rear region 4 comprises a rear panel 12. The front underlay panel 10a and rear panel 12 are both formed from a breathable knit fabric material. The front underlay panel 10a and rear panel 12 extend into the side regions 6, 8 to connect at either side of the bra 1. The lower edge of the front underlay panel 10a and the lower edge of the rear panel 12 are parallel and vertically aligned. A narrow underband 14 extends below the lower edge of the front underlay panel 10a and rear panel 12.

[0045] The front region 2 further comprises a pair of breast-contacting surfaces in the form of moulded cups 16, 18, a sternal panel 20 formed of a breathable mesh material, a pair of front shoulder strap portions 22, 24 and a front overlay panel 10b. As can be seen from FIGS. 1-3, the front overlay panel 10b is arranged to overlay the moulded cups 16, 18 and the medial region of the front underlay panel 10a. The sternal panel 20 extends laterally between the medial edges of the front shoulder strap portions 22, 24, and downwardly from an upper edge 25 to the upper edge of the front overlay panel 10b. In this exemplary embodiment, the front shoulder strap portions 22, 24 are formed integrally with the front underlay panel 10a. Nevertheless, the person skilled in the art will appreciate that the front shoulder strap portions 22, 24 may be formed separately and subsequently connected to the front underlay panel 10b.

[0046] The rear region 4 further comprises an upper back panel 26 formed of a breathable mesh material and a pair of rear shoulder strap portions 28, 30. The upper back panel 26 extends laterally between the medial edges of the rear shoulder strap portions 28, 30 and downwardly from an upper edge 27 to the upper edge of the rear panel 12. The front and rear shoulder strap portions 22, 24, 28, 30 connect over the shoulders to form shoulder straps, shown generally at 32 and 34. The shoulder straps 32, 34 widen toward the shoulder. The lateral edges of the shoulder straps 36 and upper corners 29 of the rear panel 12 define armholes 3. At the shoulders, the shoulder straps 32, 34 each comprise a rounded cut-out, which, together with the upper edge 25 of the sternal panel and the upper edge 27 of the upper back panel, define a neckline.

[0047] A funnel collar 44 is attached about the neckline and configured to extend circumferentially around the neck of the wearer when the bra is in the as-worn configuration. The collar 44 and armholes 3 have a relaxed fit to avoid irritating the wearer.

[0048] Each side region 6, 8 comprises a side overlay panel 50, 52. Each side overlay panel 50, 52 overlays the front and rear panels 10, 12 in the region below the armholes 3, and extend around the side regions 6, 8 to project slightly onto the front and rear regions 2, 4. Each side overlay panel 50, 52 extends downwardly from the lower edge of the respective armhole to the upper edge of the underband 14, and the side overlay panels 50, 52 widen toward the underband 14.

[0049] A pocket 54 is provided on the left side overlay panel 52. The pocket 54 extends between the widening edges of the side overlay panel 52 at a height of approximately ⅗ of the height of the side overlay panel 52. A horizontal top opening 56 at the top edge of the pocket 54 provides access therein.

[0050] The bra 1 is for use in measuring biosignals of a wearer and further comprises a measuring apparatus 100 comprising an electronics module 102 and a sensor assembly 104 comprising three sensors. In this exemplary embodiment, the three sensors are two concentric ring electrodes 106, 108 and a blob electrode 110.

[0051] The electrodes 106, 108, 110 are formed of conductive transfers or conductive threads, which are also suitable for use as tracking between the electrodes and the electronics module. Conductive transfers comprise a conductive layer, comprising a mixture of silver and graphene ink (or other conductive ink), sandwiched between an inwardly-facing layer and an outwardly-facing layer. Where conductive transfers are used as tracking, the inwardly-facing layer is arranged such that, when the bra is in use, the inwardly-facing layer faces the skin of the wearer. Areas of the conductive layer can be exposed by forming inwardly-facing layer in sections such that the inwardly-facing layer has openings which expose areas of the conductive layer, and the electrodes are formed from the exposed areas of the conductive layer. Conductive transfers are described in more detail in GB 2555592 B.

[0052] The electrodes 106, 108, 110 are arranged to contact the wearer's skin when the bra 1 is in use. In this exemplary embodiment, the electrodes 106, 108, 110 are displaced from being directly beneath the underband 14 (that is, they are not provided between the underband 14 and the wearer's skin—in other words, the electrodes 106, 108, 110 are not contacted by the underband 14), and are provided in the vicinity of the electronics module 102. Providing the electrodes 106, 108, 110 at a location displaced from the underband 14 increases comfort and allows for electrodes 106, 108 with a larger surface area to be used without requiring an increased width of underband 14. Nevertheless, the electrodes 106, 108, 110 remain secure by the applied pressure from the panels 10a, 12, 52. Additionally, providing the electrodes 106, 108, 110 in the vicinity of the electronics module 102 helps to reduce collected signal noise as the communication distance between the electronics module 102 and the electrodes 106, 108, 110 is reduced.

[0053] The electronics module 102 is provided in the pocket 54. Tracking 112 extends from the electrodes 106, 108, 110 to a position adjacent the electronics module 102. A connection is formed between the tracking 112 and the electronics module 102 through the panels 10a, 12, 52 and into the pocket 54. To enable the connection to be made, areas of the conductive layer are exposed by removing areas of the outwardly-facing layer. A conductive connection, such as a pogo pin or conductive thread, releasably connects the conductive layer to the electronics module 102. The tracking 112 being releasably connected the electronics module 102 enables the electronics module 102 to be disconnected from the tracking 112 and removed from the pocket 54 through the opening 56 where necessary or desirable, for example for washing or battery replacement.

[0054] The electronics module 102 comprises a power source 114 and, shown generally at 116, a processor, a 5G communications chip and a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) chip. The electronics module 102 is appropriately programmed (which include the module being programmable, or the program being embedded) to perform the functions described herein. The 5G communications chip and/or BLE chip enable information to be transmitted from the electronics module 102 for subsequent processing or analysis. The electronics module 102 and the sensor assembly comprising electrodes 106, 108, 110 are configured to measure electrocardiography, bioelectricity and bioimpedance. Such particular measurements are informative in monitoring health and fitness of a wearer, particularly during exercise.

[0055] Turning now to FIGS. 7-9, a garment 120 is shown comprising a top provided over a bra 1 according to the present invention. In this exemplary embodiment, the top is a loose-fitting sleeveless top 122 comprising an opening 124 at the side hem 126. The top 122 is attached to the bra 1 along the shoulder line 128 either side of the collar 44 such that the top is able to move freely relative to the bra and the bra does not pull on the top when the garment is in an as-worn configuration.

[0056] In FIG. 10, general methodology principles are shown. Step A comprises providing a bra comprising: a front region; a rear region; a pair of side regions extending between the front region and the rear region; and a measuring apparatus comprising an electronics module and one or more sensors. Step B comprises the step of positioning the electronics module in one of the side regions.

[0057] In summary, there is provided a bra, garment and method. The bra comprises: a front region; a rear region; a pair of side regions extending between the front region and the rear region; and a measuring apparatus comprising an electronics module and one or more sensors. The electronics module is located on one of the side regions.

[0058] Although a few preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

[0059] The preceding 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.

[0060] The terms and words used in the preceding description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the disclosure is provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0061] It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms “front”, “rear”, “side”, “upper”, “lower”, “over”, “under”, “inner”, “outer”, “medial”, “lateral” and like terms are used to refer to the bra and its components in the orientation in which it is illustrated, which is the orientation in which it is intended to be used but should not be taken as otherwise limiting. Like reference numerals are used to denote like features throughout the drawings, which are not to scale.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.