VIBRATING GARMENT ASSEMBLY INCLUDING LINEAR MOTORS

Abstract

A garment assembly that includes a garment member with an inner surface and an outer surface, a power source, and at least a first linear motor positioned adjacent the inner surface of the garment member. The first linear motor is electrically coupled to the power source and includes a shaft member that includes a magnet. A distal end of the shaft member is configured to reciprocate against the inner surface of the garment member.

Claims

1. A garment assembly, comprising: a garment member that includes an inner surface and an outer surface, a power source, and at least a first linear motor positioned adjacent the inner surface of the garment member, wherein the first linear motor is electrically coupled to the power source and includes a shaft member that includes a magnet, wherein a distal end of the shaft member is configured to reciprocate against the inner surface of the garment member.

2. The garment assembly of claim 1, wherein the first linear motor includes a coil assembly having a central opening, and wherein the shaft member is configured to reciprocate within the central opening.

3. The garment assembly of claim 2, wherein the shaft member includes a base that is secured to the magnet, wherein the magnet is positioned at least partially within the central opening of the coil assembly, and wherein the distal end of the shaft assembly is part of the base.

4. The garment assembly of claim 1, wherein the garment member includes a first space formed within the garment member between the inner and outer surfaces, wherein the first space is defined by first and second inside surfaces of the garment member, wherein at least a first wire extends from the first linear motor, an electrical communication strip comprising a stretchable fabric member, wherein the first linear motor, the first wire, and the electrical communication strip are disposed in the first space, wherein a slack portion of the first wire is secured to the stretchable fabric member, wherein the electrical communication strip includes a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end is closer to the first linear motor, wherein a stop member is positioned adjacent the distal end of the electrical communication strip, wherein the stop member is secured to at least one of the first and second inside surfaces of the garment member, wherein the slack portion of the first wire is located on a proximal side of the stop member, and wherein a non-slack portion of the first wire is located between the stop member and the first linear motor.

5. The garment assembly of claim 4, wherein the slack portion of the first wire is formed in a wave or zig zag pattern when the stretchable fabric member is in a normal position.

6. The garment assembly of claim 1, wherein the garment member is formed by a knitting process that includes at least first and second layers, wherein during the knitting process the first and second layers are connected in areas of the garment member that does not include the first space and the first and second layers are not connected in areas of the garment member that includes the first space.

7. The garment assembly of claim 1, wherein the garment member comprises a sleeve member that includes a central opening configured to receive a body part of a wearer such that the inner surface of the garment member is adjacent the body part when the sleeve member is received on the body part.

8. The garment member of claim 7, further comprising a control module associated with the sleeve member, wherein the power source is a battery, wherein the control module includes the battery, wherein the first linear motor is in electrical communication with the control module, wherein the control module includes a docking station that includes a battery portion and a control portion, wherein the docking station is secured to the inner surface of the sleeve member, wherein a battery space is defined between the battery portion and the inner surface of the sleeve member, wherein the sleeve member includes a battery opening defined therethrough that couples the battery space with an exterior of the sleeve member, wherein the battery is removable from the control module through the battery opening.

9. The garment assembly of claim 8, wherein the sleeve member is formed by a knitting process, wherein the sleeve member includes a first vibration assembly pocket defined within the sleeve member and between the inner and outer surfaces, and wherein the first linear motor is disposed in the first vibration assembly pocket.

10. The garment assembly of claim 8 further comprising a second linear motor, wherein the first vibration assembly pocket includes first and second pocket fingers, wherein the first linear motor is positioned in the first pocket finger and the second linear motor is positioned in the second pocket finger.

11. The garment assembly of claim 1, wherein the garment assembly is waterproof or water resistant.

12. The garment assembly of claim 4, wherein the first linear motor is sealed in the sleeve member and waterproof.

13. The garment assembly of claim 4, wherein at least one of the control module, the battery, and the docking station are removable from the garment assembly prior to washing.

14. The garment assembly of claim 7 wherein the sleeve member includes a plurality of inflatable chambers associated therewith.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] The invention may be more readily understood by referring to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0054] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vibrating garment assembly in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the vibrating garment assembly of FIG. 1;

[0056] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the vibrating garment assembly of FIG. 1;

[0057] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the vibrating garment assembly of FIG. 1;

[0058] FIG. 5 is an elevational view of the vibration assembly of FIG. 1;

[0059] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the vibrating garment assembly and showing the control module;

[0060] FIG. 7 is a depiction of a person wearing vibrating garment assemblies on their arm and leg;

[0061] FIG. 8 is an elevational view of a vibrating garment assembly for the arm in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention and prior to being formed into a sleeve;

[0062] FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the vibrating garment assembly of FIG. 8;

[0063] FIG. 10 is an elevational view of a portion of the vibrating garment assembly of FIG. 8 with the battery exploded out of the pocket;

[0064] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the inner side of the sleeve member with the docking station and patch exploded therefrom;

[0065] FIG. 12 is an elevational view of a portion of the vibrating garment assembly of FIG. 8 with a portion of the pocket cut away to show the docking station;

[0066] FIG. 13 is an elevational view of the control module with a portion of the battery and docking station removed to see the internal components;

[0067] FIG. 14 is an elevational view of a vibrating garment assembly for the calf in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention and prior to being formed into a sleeve;

[0068] FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an example environment of a vibration therapy system;

[0069] FIG. 16 is a flow diagram depicting a method of providing therapeutic effect using a garment assembly utilizing an intelligence engine in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0070] FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of the inside of a portion of the garment assembly showing a vibration motor, electrical communication strip and the non-slack portion of the wires extending therebetween;

[0071] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a linear motor assembly in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention

[0072] FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of the linear motor assembly;

[0073] FIG. 20 is an exploded view of the linear motor assembly;

[0074] FIG. 21 is an elevational view of a vibrating garment assembly for the arm that includes linear motors in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention and prior to being formed into a sleeve; and

[0075] FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of the inside of a portion of the garment assembly showing a linear motor, electrical communication strip and the non-slack portion of the wires extending therebetween.

[0076] Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0077] The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. References to one or an embodiment in the present disclosure can be, but not necessarily are references to the same embodiment; and, such references mean at least one of the embodiments. If a component is not shown in a drawing then this provides support for a negative limitation in the claims stating that that component is “not” present. However, the above statement is not limiting and in another embodiment, the missing component can be included in a claimed embodiment.

[0078] Reference in this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “a preferred embodiment” or any other phrase mentioning the word “embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure and also means that any particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with one embodiment can be included in any embodiment or can be omitted or excluded from any embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others and may be omitted from any embodiment. Furthermore, any particular feature, structure, or characteristic described herein may be optional. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments. Where appropriate any of the features discussed herein in relation to one aspect or embodiment of the invention may be applied to another aspect or embodiment of the invention. Similarly, where appropriate any of the features discussed herein in relation to one aspect or embodiment of the invention may be optional with respect to and/or omitted from that aspect or embodiment of the invention or any other aspect or embodiment of the invention discussed or disclosed herein.

[0079] The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used to describe the disclosure are discussed below, or elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to the practitioner regarding the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certain terms may be highlighted, for example using italics and/or quotation marks: The use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaning of a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the same context, whether or not it is highlighted.

[0080] It will be appreciated that the same thing can be said in more than one way. Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein. No special significance is to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification including examples of any terms discussed herein is illustrative only, and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification.

[0081] Without intent to further limit the scope of the disclosure, examples of instruments, apparatus, methods and their related results according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. Note that titles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of a reader, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions, will control.

[0082] It will be appreciated that terms such as “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “side,” “short,” “long,” “up,” “down,” “aft,” “forward,” “inboard,” “outboard” and “below” used herein are merely for ease of description and refer to the orientation of the components as shown in the figures. It should be understood that any orientation of the components described herein is within the scope of the present invention.

[0083] Referring now to the drawings, which are for purposes of illustrating the present invention and not for purposes of limiting the same, the drawings show a vibrating garment or sleeve that provides compression and/or vibration therapy to a wearer. It should be appreciated that the garment can take any wearable form, e.g., a sleeve, shirt, shorts, pants, bodysuit, socks, shoes, insoles, inserts, etc. The drawings include an exemplary embodiment where the garment is a compression sleeve that is wearable on the user's arm or leg. However, this is not a limitation on the present invention. FIGS. 1-7 show the garment or garment assembly 10 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, in a preferred embodiment, the garment assembly 10 generally includes an outer or first sleeve member 12, one or more vibration assemblies 14 and a control module 15. As shown in FIG. 4, in a preferred embodiment, the garment assembly 10 includes an inner or second sleeve member 16 that is positioned or disposed in the sleeve interior 18 of the first sleeve member 12. The vibration assemblies 14 and the other associated components, such as the wires 20 are sandwiched between the first sleeve member 12 and the second sleeve member 16. In another embodiment, instead of a full inner sleeve, patches or panels can be utilized to sandwich the vibration assemblies therebetween.

[0085] The vibration assemblies 14 preferably include a plurality of vibration motors 22 in a cluster or arrangement. Any number of vibration motors 22 (e.g., 1-10) can be included in a vibration assembly. Furthermore, the vibration devices can be any type of vibration motor or device. For example, the vibration devices can be puck shaped, similar to the vibration device used in a cell phone. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the vibration motors 22 are cylindrical in shape. In a preferred embodiment, the vibration assembly 14 includes three or first, second and third vibration devices 22a, 22b and 22c that are arranged in a pattern as shown best in FIG. 5. As shown, the first, second and third vibration devices 22a, 22b and 22c are arranged in a circular pattern about a center point P1 and are each positioned an angle A1 from one another. Preferably, the angular distance or separation between each vibration device in the set or assembly is approximately the same. In a preferred embodiment, where three vibration devices are used, the second vibration device 22b is approximately 120° from the first vibration device 22a, the third vibration device 22c is approximately 120° from the first vibration device 22a, and the third vibration device 22c is approximately 120° from the second vibration device 22b. As used herein, the term “approximately” provides a range of within plus or minus 5°. In a preferred embodiment angle A1 (the angular distance) is the same or approximately the same between all vibration devices.

[0086] As is shown in FIG. 5, in a preferred embodiment, the first, second and third vibration devices 22a, 22b and 22c define first, second and third axes X1, X2 and X3. The first, second and third axes are co-planar (and extend generally parallel with the outer and inner surfaces of the garment assembly and the wearer's skin). It will be appreciated that when the garment assembly is worn, due to the undulations in the human body, the axes will not be co-planar. However, when the portion of the garment assembly that includes the vibration assembly is placed on a flat surface, the first, second and third vibration devices will be arranged as shown in FIG. 5. In this position, the axes are co-planar and this is the arrangement for purposes of the claims. As shown in FIG. 5, in this arrangement, the second axis X2 is approximately 120° from the first axis X1, the third axis X3 is approximately 120° from the first axis X1, and the third axis X3 is approximately 120° from the second axis X2 and the axes all pass through the center point P1.

[0087] FIG. 5 also includes a triangle T1 shown therein. This provides another way to quantify the arrangement of the vibration motors 22. Triangle T1 is an equilateral triangle (with angles A2 of 60°) with the first, second and third axes X1, X2 and X3 extending to and/or through the corners of the triangle. It will be appreciated that different shaped vibration devices can be used. For example, if puck or disk shaped vibration devices are used, the first, second and third axes may extend perpendicular to the outer and inner surfaces of the garment assembly and the wearer's skin. In such an arrangement, angle A1 may be measured from the center of the circular vibration device.

[0088] In a preferred embodiment, the wires 20 are part of a flexible or stretchable electronics (or electrical communication) layer, strip or the like (referred to herein as an electrical communication strip 24). The wires 20 are embedded or stitched into the electrical communication strip 24 in a pattern that provides slack in the wires 20 so that when the electrical communication strip 24 stretches during use, the wires 20 can move and do not tighten. See the pattern of the wires shown in FIG. 5. In some embodiments, the pattern can be a wave or zig zag pattern or another predetermined pattern that provides slack so that when the electrical communication strip 24 is stretched, the length of the wire in the slack or non-straight shape can lengthen and become straighter. Using one or more predetermined patterns for the wires 20 in the electrical communication strip 24 may be beneficial for the user's ease and comfort when wearing and using the sleeve or garment assembly and also when pulling the sleeve on, because the garment stretches during these scenarios.

[0089] In a preferred embodiment, the first sleeve member 12 is secured to the second sleeve member 16 at various locations using stitching 28. In a preferred embodiment, each vibration assembly 14 is housed or contained in a vibration assembly pocket 26. Preferably, the vibration assembly pocket 26 is defined or created by stitches 28 that extend closely around the outside of the vibration motors 22 and connect the first sleeve member 12 to the second sleeve member 16. As shown in FIG. 2, each of the vibration assembly pocket 26 includes a plurality of pocket fingers 30, one for each vibration motor 22. Preferably, the electrical communication strips 24 are housed or located within tunnels 32 that are created by connecting and/or stitching 28 the first and second sleeve members to one another, as shown in FIGS. 1-3. The tunnels 32 and vibration assembly pockets 26 are referred to generally herein as a space or first space 76 (shown in FIG. 17), and the first space is defined between first and second inside surfaces 78a and 78b of the garment or sleeve member 12 or 52. The first space 76 is formed within the garment member between the inner and outer surfaces 80a and 80b of the garment member.

[0090] As discussed herein, the material of the first and second sleeves and other portions of the garment assembly 10 (e.g., the electrical communication strip 24) can be made of an elastic, stretchable or compression material so that the garment provides compression to the body part that it is worn on. In a preferred embodiment, the garment assembly includes a compression gradient or change at one or more points or places between the distal end 46 and the proximal end 48 and along the length of the sleeve (see FIG. 2). The compression gradient may be gradual between the distal end 46 and the proximal end 48 or the garment may include two or more sections that each have different compression values. FIG. 2 shows first and second sections 44a and 44b that each include a different compression value. See dividing line C1 in FIG. 2, which delineates the change in compression value between the first or distal section 44a and the second or proximal section 44b. For example, the first section 44a may have a compression value of approximately 20 mmHg and the second section 44b have a compression value of approximately 15 mmHg. The sleeve may include more than two sections (e.g., 2-10 distinct sections). Or, the sleeve can be knitted or otherwise manufactured so that the compression changes gradually along at least a portion of the length of the sleeve such that the sleeve as a first compression value at the distal end and a second compression value at the second end, but the compression values gradually change over the length of the sleeve from the first compression value to the second compression value.

[0091] As is also shown in FIGS. 5 and 17-18, each vibration motor includes two wires 20 that extend therefrom to provide power to the motor. The two wires 20 for each vibration motor (totaling six for the three vibration motors in FIG. 5) extend through the electrical communication strip 24 and the stretchable fabric member 23 thereof. Within the stretchable fabric member 23 the wires 20 are formed in the slack pattern (referred to as the slack pattern portion 20a) discussed herein (e.g., wave or zig zag). The slack pattern portion 20a of the wires 20 may be formed in a wave or zig zag pattern when the stretchable fabric member 23 is in a normal position (e.g., when the stretchable fabric member 23 is not stretched (under compression or tension) and the position to which it will return after the compression or tension is removed). At the end of the stretchable fabric member 23 is a stop member 25. The wires 20 are secured to the stop member 25 (e.g., via adhesive, glue or the like). As shown in FIGS. 5, 17 and 18, after the wires extend beyond the stop member 25, they are no longer embedded in the stretchable fabric and are separate as they extend to the associated vibration motor 22 (referred to as the non-slack pattern portion 20b).

[0092] Because the wires 20 are secured to the stop member 25, the stop member 25 essentially provides a separation between where the wires 20 are in the slack pattern 20a and embedded in or otherwise secured to the stretchable fabric member 23 so that the electrical communication strip 24 can be stretched (to the right of the stop member in FIG. 5) and the separate wires 20 where they are no longer in the slack pattern (to the left or distal side of the stop member 25 in FIG. 5) where the wires 20 cannot be stretched. The stop member 25 is also bonded or otherwise secured to the fabric or sleeve, such as by adhesive 82 (shown in FIG. 17). The stop member 25 provides an anchor point that allows the slack portion of the wires in the electrical communication strip 24 (in the slack pattern) to lengthen or stretch in the areas within the tunnels and prevents the wires that are outside of the electrical communication strip from stretching or lengthening. The slack portions 20a of the wires 20 are configured to straighten when the stretchable fabric member 23 is stretched in a longitudinal or proximal direction (see arrow B1 in FIG. 17) or in a direction away from the vibration motor(s) 22. The stop member 25 provides a strain relief point to protect the portions of the wires (the non-slack portion 20b) that extend between the stop member 25 and the vibration motors 22. This allows the vibration motors 22 to remain in place within the vibration assembly pocket and not be pulled on via the wires. This helps prevent the vibration motors 22 from being pulled out of the pockets or pocket fingers. Put differently, the wires upstream or on the proximal side of the stop member 25 are embedded in, secured to or otherwise associated with the stretchable fabric member 23 and able to have the slack pattern stretched, and the wires downstream or on the distal side of the stop member 25 are not associated with the stretchable fabric member 23 and are protected from stretching and/or can withstand any load when the fabric of the sleeve is stretched. The slack portion 20a of the wires 20 is located on a proximal side of the stop member 25, and the non-slack portion 20b of the wires 20 is located between the stop member 25 and the vibration motor 22. The stop member 25 and wires 20 may be enclosed or encased in a resin or other adhesive or glue to both secure the components therein in place and to help waterproof the components.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 6, in a preferred embodiment, the control module 15 preferably includes a battery 34 that is received in a docking station 36. The docking station 36 may include a magnet 38 that is magnetically attracted to a magnet in the battery to help dock the battery in the docking station 36. The control module 15 can also include a switch or button 40 for turning the device on and off and/or cycling through different modes, frequencies and the like. In another embodiment, multiple switches or buttons can be used. The interior of the control module 15 preferably includes the memory, PCB, programming, wireless connection module and other electronics to control the device as desired and as described herein. As shown in FIG. 1, in a preferred embodiment, the control module 15 and the various components thereof are housed in a pocket 42 or other securing member. The pocket 42 can cover some or all of the control module 15. The entire control module can be removable or the docking station can be permanently attached (via stitching, welding or the like) to one or both of the inner and outer sleeves and the battery can be removable or replaceable. The control module and/or the battery can also have a port (e.g., USB-c) for charging, data connection, etc.

[0094] In a preferred embodiment, the vibration assemblies 14 are strategically located to target or provide therapy or vibration to certain body parts or muscles. For example, for the arm sleeve or garment assembly shown in FIGS. 1-7, four vibration assemblies 14 are included that are positioned over or adjacent to the bicep(s), tricep(s) and front and back of the forearm areas or muscles. In the leg sleeve or garment assembly shown in FIG. 7, the vibration assemblies 14 are positioned over or adjacent to the quadricep(s), hamstring(s), shin and calf areas or muscles. It will be appreciated that the term sleeve does not limit the garment assembly to be a single hollow sleeve for the arms or legs. A garment assembly that surrounds, covers, or touches the torso, midsection, pelvic area, shoulders or any other body part (e.g., shirts, shorts, pants, straps, socks, shoes, insoles, inserts, etc.) is/are also considered sleeves.

[0095] FIGS. 8-13 show another preferred embodiment, of a garment assembly 50 that generally includes a garment or sleeve member 52. All description related to the embodiment shown and described in FIGS. 1-7 applies to all other embodiments described herein. In a preferred embodiment, sleeve member 52 is formed via a knitting process or method. With knitting, the thickness, compression level, stretchability and other properties can be varied throughout the sleeve member or garment. This method can be performed without the need for any or many seams and is similar to 3D printing. The knitting method allows the tunnels, vibration assembly pockets, control module pocket, etc. to be formed as part of the knitting process. The vibration motors 22 and electrical communication strips 24 (electrical wires and/or cables) are inserted into the tunnels and pockets as further described below and then preferably a single seam is used to close the sleeve member lengthwise (e.g., lengthwise with respect to the arm or leg) to create the sleeve interior through which a body part is placed. FIG. 19 shows a stitch or seam 74 that can be used to close the garment or sleeve member 52. In some cases, using various types of seams may result in excess material inside the garment or sleeve that can leave a mark in the wearer's skin due to the compression. Applying seam 74 to the garment or sleeve member 52 can help prevent this from happening. In some embodiments, seam 74 may comprise an overlock seam.

[0096] It should be appreciated that FIG. 8 shows the garment assembly 50 prior to being formed into a cylindrical sleeve. In a preferred embodiment, the garment assembly 50 generally includes sleeve member 52 that includes an inner surface 52a and an outer surface 52b, one or more vibration assemblies 14 and a control module 54. The vibration assemblies 14 are similar to those described above and, therefore, an explanation will be omitted here. In a preferred embodiment, the wires 20 are part of a flexible or stretchable electronics (or electrical communication) layer, strip or the like (referred to herein as an electrical communication strip 24). The wires 20 are embedded or stitched into the electrical communication strip 24 in a pattern that provides slack in the wires 20 so that when the electrical communication strip 24 stretches during use, the wires 20 can move and do not tighten. See the pattern of the wires shown in FIGS. 5 and 8.

[0097] In a preferred embodiment, each vibration assembly 14 is housed or contained in a vibration assembly pocket 26. Preferably, the vibration assembly pocket 26 is defined or created via the knitting process and the vibration assembly pocket outer edges extend closely around the outside of the vibration motors 22. As shown in FIG. 8, each of the vibration assembly pockets 26 includes a plurality of pocket fingers 30, one for each vibration motor 22. Preferably, the electrical communication strips 24 are housed or located within tunnels 32 that are also created via the knitting process. Preferably, the sleeve member 52 also includes indicia 53 or a marking, such as the power symbol thereon that overlies the button 40 in the control module. This shows the user wear to push on the sleeve member to depress the button 40 therebehind. FIG. 27 shows another configuration of the vibration assemblies 14, vibration motors 22 and other components for an arm sleeve assembly.

[0098] As shown in FIGS. 11-13, in a preferred embodiment, the control module 54 preferably includes battery 34 that is received in docking station 36. The docking station 36 may include one or more magnets 38 that are magnetically attracted to one or more magnets in the battery 34 to help dock the battery in the docking station 36 (see FIG. 13). The control module 54 can also include a switch or button 40 for turning the device on and off and/or cycling through different modes, frequencies and the like. In another embodiment, multiple switches or buttons can be used. The interior of the control module 15 preferably includes the memory, PCB, programming, wireless connection module and other electronics to control the device as desired and as described herein.

[0099] FIGS. 11-12 shows a preferred process for securing the docking station 36 to the sleeve member 52 and for defining a control module pocket 56. In a preferred embodiment, the docking station 36 includes a battery portion 58 (that receives the battery 34) and a control portion 60 (that houses at least a portion of the electrical components, e.g., button 40, PCB, etc.). The docking station 36 also includes an outer flange 62 extending therearound. The outer flange 62 is secured to the inner surface 52a of the sleeve member 52. Because the battery portion 58 is recessed within the docking station 36, when the docking station 36 is secured to the inner surface 52a of the sleeve member, a battery space 64 is defined between battery portion 58 and the inner surface 52a. The sleeve member 52 includes a battery opening 66 defined therethrough that communicates the battery space 64 with the outside or exterior of the sleeve member 52. This allows the battery 34 to be removed from an inserted into the docking station 36/control module 54 (see FIG. 10). In a preferred embodiment, an inner layer member 68 is secured to the inner surface 36a of the docking station and the inner surface 52a of the sleeve member 52 to partially form the control module pocket and to help secure the control module 54 in place.

[0100] FIG. 11 also shows a slit 67 through which the vibration assemblies 14 and electrical communication strips 24 can be inserted into the tunnel(s) 32 and fed or moved to the appropriate positions during manufacture. The sleeve member 52 preferably provides a number of slits for this purpose. As is also shown in FIG. 11, in an embodiment of the invention, the garment assembly 50 can include one or more biometric sensors 69 or the like. As described herein, the biometric sensor(s) or a biometric detection, sensor or tracking system can be used to monitor, determine and analyze different biometric data or indices of the user. For example, the garment assembly 50 can include the ability to monitor, heart rate/pulse, heart rate variability, blood oxygen letter, skin, muscle or body part temperature. The data and information collected by the biometric tracking system can be communicated to the software application to provide the user with recommendations for use of the garment assembly 50. The biometric data can also be used to control the vibration assemblies 14 and turn them on and off at different times based on predetermined data points or levels detected by the software (e.g., in the control module 54 or the remote/mobile application). For example, once a predetermined score or level of strain (calculated or otherwise) has been reached or sensed, one or more of the vibration assemblies or individual vibration devices can be switched on (e.g., for a predetermined period of time, in cycles or as otherwise desired or determined by the software).

[0101] FIG. 14 shows a garment assembly 70 for use on a wearer's calf. Garment assembly 70 is similar to the other garment assemblies described herein and all description related to other embodiments apply to garment assembly 70. It should be appreciated that FIG. 14 shows the garment assembly 70 prior to being formed into a cylindrical sleeve. Garment assembly 70 includes first and second vibration assemblies 14. The first vibration assembly includes three vibration motors 22 and the second vibration assembly includes two vibration motors 22. In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve member 52 includes a centering mark 72 thereon. When using the garment assembly 70 for the calf, the control module must be placed to the side of the shin bone. When putting the garment assembly 70 on, the user can align the centering mark 72 with their shin bone so that the control module will be positioned on the side of the calf and the first and second vibration assemblies 14 will overly the calf. While garment assembly 70 is described for use in a wearer's calf, the garment assembly 70 may be implemented in any portion of the wearer's body.

[0102] FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an example environment of a garment assembly system 102. The garment assembly system 102 includes one or more garment assemblies 50, data sources 103, servers 104, applications 105, and a cloud 106.

[0103] The data sources 103 include, for example, online or cloud-based data sources of health and wellness information. The health and wellness information may be aggregated data from a number of unorganized sources upon which statistical analysis may be performed. The data sources 103 may also include biometric information collected from wearable biometric devices, such as, for example, Biostrap wearable devices, Apple® wearable devices, and the like. The data sources 103 may include information from Apple's Apple Health application, MyFitnessPal application, third-party data providers, health-related data applications, and the like.

[0104] The servers 104 may include structure configured to facilitate processing and data storage and transfer. In some embodiments, the servers 104 may include multiple servers or other types of computing devices that can be embodied in any number of ways. For instance, modules, other functional components, and data can be implemented on a single server, a cluster of servers, a server farm or data center, a cloud-hosted computing service, and so forth, although other computer architectures can additionally or alternatively be used. The applications 105 may be standalone applications configured to be executed on a smart device, a standalone computer, a laptop, an entertainment center, or other computing devices.

[0105] In this embodiment, the cloud 106 includes an application 107, a platform 108, and an infrastructure 109. For example, the application 107 may include a variety of applications configured to execute all or portions of the functions of an intelligence engine in connection with the platform 108 and the infrastructure 109. In some embodiments, the application 107 and the platform 108 may be configured to receive data collected from at least one of data sources 103 (e.g., health-related data from wearable biometric devices and/or third-party data providers), applications 105, servers 104, and one or more garment assemblies 50 (e.g., biomechanics data, IMU and EMG data, muscle data, temperature data, or other collected data from one or more sensors or data collection components in the garment assemblies 50). In some embodiments, the application 107 and the platform 108 may use the intelligence engine and/or one or more algorithms that are configured to analyze and process the data and generate recommendations (e.g., recommended protocols) for users of the garment assemblies 50.

[0106] FIG. 16 is a flow diagram depicting a method of providing therapeutic effect using a garment assembly 10 or 50 utilizing the intelligence engine in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0107] At Step 110, manual capture data 201 is generated. The manual capture data 201 is, for example, data input via the touch screen of a mobile device or tablet. The mobile device may comprise an application 202 installed in a memory of the mobile device, in which the application 202 is associated with the garment assembly and configured to implement the functionality of the intelligence engine. The application 202 may prompt a user to input answers to questions regarding health, wellness, or other parameters useful to provide recommendation data to the user. Alternatively, though not shown in connection with FIG. 16, a user may input data directly into the garment assembly 50, which may then be transferred wirelessly to be used by the intelligence engine.

[0108] At Step 111, real-time tracking data 203 is generated. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 16, the application 202 may be configured to wirelessly connect to the garment assembly 50. After establishing a wireless connection with the garment assembly, the application 202 monitors and stores real-time tracking data 203 of a user's use of the garment assembly 50. In an embodiment, the application 202 transmits the real-time tracking data to a cloud-based computing system such as that shown in FIG. 15. In other embodiments, a standalone computing system may be utilized.

[0109] At Step 112, application-based biometric data 204 is provided via one of a remote data sources 205. At Step 113, online health data 206 is provided via another one of the remote data sources 205. At Step 114, data from other databases 207 is provided via another one of the remote data sources 205. In some embodiments, the remote data sources 205 may include the data sources 103.

[0110] In some embodiments, the various input data described herein may be substituted for the particular input data described in connection with FIG. 16 without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention.

[0111] At Step 115, all or portions of the manual capture data 201, real-time tracking data 203, application-based biometric data 204, online health data 206, and data from the other databases 207 are aggregated. In some embodiments, third-party data and user data are aggregated separately. In some embodiments, all data is aggregated. In some embodiments, selected portions of data from manual capture data 201, real-time tracking data 203, application-based biometric data 204, online health data 206, and data from the other databases 207 are aggregated.

[0112] At Step 116, a weighted score is generated based on all or portions of the manual capture data 201, real-time tracking data 203, application-based biometric data 204, online health data 206, and data from the other databases 207. The weighted score may include a recovery determination score, a wellness determination score, and a behavior determination score. As an example, the recovery determination score includes a determination of how long a user's HB returned to a restorative state. Depending on the application's parameters, the score could, for example, determine that a Recovery Score is Poor, as described more fully below in Table 1. As another example, a wellness determination score includes a determination of dietary intake and trends to determine an overall wellness score. Depending on the application's parameters, the score could, for example, determine that a data input regarding dietary intake was within predetermined parameters, thereby increasing the user's wellness determination score. As another example, a behavior determination score includes a determination of sleep metrics and trends to determine an overall behavior determination score. Depending on the application's parameters, the score could, for example, determine that a Sleep Metrics score was Poor, as described more fully below in Table 1.

[0113] At Step 117, recommendation data is generated based on all or portions of (1) the aggregated data (2) the weighted score and (3) all or portions of the manual capture data 201, real-time tracking data 203, application-based biometric data 204, online health data 206, and data from the other databases 207. These data may all be combined to generate the recommendation data. Alternatively, only a weighted score is utilized to generate the recommendation data. In yet another alternative, only real-time tracking data 201 is utilized to generate the recommendation data. In some embodiments, the various data inputs are fluid and may be utilized based on desired parameters for optimum health and wellness.

[0114] At Step 118, a recommended protocol is determined as part of the recommendation data. The recommended protocol is, in an embodiment, obtained from a library of protocols. For example, see FIGS. 26-29 in the '955 publication, which show various protocols that may be obtained from the library of protocols for a percussive massage device. Similar protocols, including time, speed, motor or motor set, pattern (e.g., continuously on, wave, pulse, etc.) and other features can be included in the protocols or routines for the garment assembly. In another embodiment, the recommended protocol is synthesized from available data, i.e., a “bespoke” routine synthesis suitable for a particular user. Table 1 below depicts how routines of the protocol may be prioritized and/or steps within each of the routines may be modified to accommodate various data inputs. For example, the recommended protocol may consist of more than one routine.

[0115] At Step 119, a wellness insight is recommended as part of the recommendation data. The wellness insight, for example, may be based on the weighted score that determines that the user's dietary intake is poor and thus, would provide an insight that may assist the user to modify their dietary intake. Other examples are within the scope of the present invention.

[0116] At Step 120, a behavior modification is recommended as part of the recommendation data. The behavior modification, for example, may be based on the weighted score that determines that a user's Sleep Metrics are Poor, thereby prompting a behavior modification notification to the user to alert the user about his or her poor sleep habits.

[0117] At Step 121, one or more of the recommended protocol, wellness insight, or behavior modification is provided to the device 400 or the application 202. Preferably, the user of the device 400 is notified in accordance with the recommendation data.

[0118] Table 1 below provides an example of input data and output data for a particular scenario in accordance with a preferred embodiment.

TABLE-US-00001 INTELLIGENCE ENGINE INPUT DATA OUTPUT DATA Female Modification of steps in routines 57 Modification of steps in routines Activity = Run Prioritization of specific routines and personalized notifications Duration = 51 minutes Prioritization of specific routines and the modification of steps within them Distance = 8 miles Prioritization of specific routines and the modification of steps within them Trends = X% Faster and longer than normal Prioritization of specific routines and the modification of steps within them Time = Evening Prioritization of second series of routines and personalized notifications Time = Within 2 hours of activity completion Prioritization of specific routines, and personalized notifications Recent Vibration Therapy = Modification of steps in routines and Short + Infrequent highlighting of insights Recovery Score = Poor Prioritization of specific routines, the modification of steps within them, personalized notifications, and highlighting of insights Sleep Metrics = Poor Prioritization of specific routines, the modification of steps within them, personalized notifications, and highlighting of insights

[0119] FIGS. 18-22 show a preferred embodiment of the present invention where the garment assembly 84 includes a linear motor 85. It will be appreciated that the linear motor 85 replaces the counterweight type vibration motors included in the garment assemblies shown in FIGS. 1-17. All description with respect to any other embodiment or component discussed herein applies equally or can be included in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 18-22.

[0120] As shown in FIGS. 18-20, the linear motor 85 includes a coil or stator assembly 86 that includes a central opening 87 and a field or shaft assembly 88. The shaft assembly 88 is configured to reciprocate with respect to the coil assembly 86 and within the central opening 87.

[0121] FIG. 19 shows the shaft assembly 88 in the extended position or at the full stroke position. In a preferred embodiment, linear motor the five allows the amplitude or stroke of the shaft assembly 88 to be adjusted or changed. This allows patterns to be created. For example, the attachment can reciprocate at a 1.0 mm stroke for a first period of time, then increase to 3.0 mm for a short second period of time (e.g., a spike) and then return to the 1.0 mm stroke for a third period of time.

[0122] FIG. 20 shows the components of the linear motor 85 exploded from one another. In a preferred embodiment, the shaft assembly 88 includes a base 89, a magnet 90 and a fixing screw 91. The fixing screw 91 fixes or connects the magnet 90 and base 89 to one another so that they can reciprocate together within the central opening 87 of the coil assembly 86.

[0123] It should be appreciated that FIG. 21 shows the garment assembly 84 prior to being formed into a cylindrical sleeve. In a preferred embodiment, the garment assembly 84 generally includes sleeve member 52 that includes an inner surface 52a and an outer surface 52b, one or more vibration assemblies 14 and the control module 54. The vibration assemblies 14 are similar to those described above and, therefore, an explanation will be omitted here. In a preferred embodiment, the wires 20 are part of the electrical communication strip 24. The wires 20 are embedded or stitched into the electrical communication strip 24 in a pattern that provides slack in the wires 20 so that when the electrical communication strip 24 stretches during use, the wires 20 can move and do not tighten. See the pattern of the wires shown in FIG. 21.

[0124] In a preferred embodiment, each vibration assembly 14 is housed or contained in a vibration assembly pocket 26. Preferably, the vibration assembly pocket 26 is defined or created via the knitting process and the vibration assembly pocket outer edges extend closely around the outside of the vibration or linear motors 85. As shown in FIG. 21, each of the vibration assembly pockets 26 includes a plurality of pocket fingers 30, one for each vibration motor 22. Preferably, the electrical communication strips 24 are housed or located within tunnels 32 that are also created via the knitting process. Preferably, the sleeve member 52 also includes indicia 53 or a marking, such as the power symbol thereon that overlies the button 40 in the control module. This shows the user wear to push on the sleeve member to depress the button 40 therebehind.

[0125] FIG. 22 is similar to FIG. 17 and shows the linear motor 85 in place of the counterweight type vibration motor included in FIG. 17. The tunnels 32 and vibration assembly pockets 26 are referred to generally herein as a space or first space 76 (shown in FIG. 17), and the first space is defined between first and second inside surfaces 78a and 78b of the garment or sleeve member 12 or 52. The first space 76 is formed within the garment member between the inner and outer surfaces 80a and 80b of the garment member.

[0126] The stop member 25 is also bonded or otherwise secured to the fabric or sleeve, such as by adhesive 82 (shown in FIG. 22). The stop member 25 provides an anchor point that allows the slack portion of the wires in the electrical communication strip 24 (in the slack pattern) to lengthen or stretch in the areas within the tunnels and prevents the wires that are outside of the electrical communication strip from stretching or lengthening. The slack portions 20a of the wires 20 are configured to straighten when the stretchable fabric member 23 is stretched in a longitudinal or proximal direction (see arrow B1 in FIG. 17) or in a direction away from the linear motor(s) 85. The stop member 25 provides a strain relief point to protect the portions of the wires (the non-slack portion 20b) that extend between the stop member 25 and the linear motors 85. This allows the linear motors 85 to remain in place within the vibration assembly pocket and not be pulled on via the wires. This helps prevent the vibration motors 22 from being pulled out of the pockets or pocket fingers. Put differently, the wires upstream or on the proximal side of the stop member 25 are embedded in, secured to or otherwise associated with the stretchable fabric member 23 and able to have the slack pattern stretched, and the wires downstream or on the distal side of the stop member 25 are not associated with the stretchable fabric member 23 and are protected from stretching and/or can withstand any load when the fabric of the sleeve is stretched. The slack portion 20a of the wires 20 is located on a proximal side of the stop member 25, and the non-slack portion 20b of the wires 20 is located between the stop member 25 and the vibration motor 22. The linear motors 25 can include shaft assembly 88 that reciprocates in both directions or on both sides of the coil assembly 86.

[0127] Generally, linear motor 85 includes moving or reciprocating shaft assembly 88 that includes a permanent magnet incorporated therein (magnet 90) and, during use, the polarity of the coil assembly is continuously changed or alternated between negative and positive to cause the shaft assembly 88 to reciprocate. The distal end of the shaft assembly 88 reciprocates against the inside surface 78 of the inner layer of the sleeve or garment member, which provides a vibrating sensation against the wearer's skin.

[0128] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling of connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the above Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. The word “or” in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

[0129] The above-detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the teachings to the precise form disclosed above. While specific embodiments of and examples for the disclosure are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Further, any specific numbers noted herein are only examples: alternative implementations may employ differing values, measurements or ranges.

[0130] Although the operations of any method(s) disclosed or described herein either explicitly or implicitly are shown and described in a particular order, the order of the operations of each method may be altered so that certain operations may be performed in an inverse order or so that certain operations may be performed, at least in part, concurrently with other operations. In another embodiment, instructions or sub-operations of distinct operations may be implemented in an intermittent and/or alternating manner.

[0131] The teachings of the disclosure provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. Any measurements or dimensions described or used herein are merely exemplary and not a limitation on the present invention. Other measurements or dimensions are within the scope of the invention.

[0132] Any patents and applications and other references noted above, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Aspects of the disclosure can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further embodiments of the disclosure.

[0133] These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in light of the above Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments. While the above description describes certain embodiments of the disclosure, and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the teachings can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may vary considerably in its implementation details, while still being encompassed by the subject matter disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the disclosure should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features or aspects of the disclosure with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the disclosures to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification unless the above Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the disclosure encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the disclosure under the claims.

[0134] While certain aspects of the disclosure are presented below in certain claim forms, the inventors contemplate the various aspects of the disclosure in any number of claim forms. For example, while only one aspect of the disclosure is recited as a means-plus-function claim under 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6, other aspects may likewise be embodied as a means-plus-function claim, or in other forms, such as being embodied in a computer-readable medium. (Any claims intended to be treated under 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6 will include the words “means for”). Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the disclosure.

[0135] Accordingly, although exemplary embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it is to be understood that all the terms used herein are descriptive rather than limiting, and that many changes, modifications, and substitutions may be made by one having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.