DESC:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&

THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]

LOOSE FITTING ADAPTIVE DRAPE GARMENT WITH INTEGRATED PHYSIOLOGICAL SENSING FOR SMART FITNESS WEARABLES;

ARVIND LIMITED, A COMPANY INCORPORATED UNDER THE COMPANIES ACT, 1956, WHOSE ADDRESS IS NARODA ROAD, AHMEDABAD - 380025, GUJARAT, INDIA

THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to smart wearable garments and more particularly to wearable clothing designed for ambulatory and non-invasive measurement of physiological parameters of wearer.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Physiological sensors have long been known and widely used for medical and health related applications. Various physiological sensors embedded in textile or garments, sometimes called portable or wearable sensors, have been described before in publications and patents--a non-exhaustive list includes Portable Blood Pressure in U.S. Pat. No. 4,889,132; Portable device for sensing cardiac function in U.S. Pat. No. 4,928,690; Heart rate monitor in garment in U.S. Pat. No. 7,680,523 B2.
The term “wearable sensors” is now commonly used to describe a variety of body-worn sensors to monitor activity, environmental data, body signals, biometrics, health related signals, and other types of data.
Typical smart wear garments comprise integral woven electrodes appropriately located such that when the garment is being worn the electrodes are positioned against user’s skin to detect electrical signals associated with a user's physiological activity. Because the electrodes need to be maintained in contact against a user's skin, the garment itself needs to be tight fitting. However, it is not always desirable that a garment is tight fitting. Tight fitting garments can become uncomfortable either because they are restrictive or because they cause covered areas of the skin to sweat more readily. Restrictive garments can be disadvantageous to performance where sporting activity is concerned. Some users can perceive tight fitting garments to give sub-optimal aesthetic performance, including body image issues when such garments can become embarrassing. Furthermore, it may simply be a preferred option that a garment is relatively loose fitting rather than tight fitting, especially where such garments are traditionally of a loose fit.
Various attempts have been made previously by Philips (US 2006/0117805 A1) & Textronics (US 8082762 B2) to make a loose fit garment with tight segments for sensor placement, however, the overall garment still takes the shape of the body of the user. This results in a perceived poor appearance for some people. Quasar (US 20050275416 A1) provides a mechanism for vertical and horizontal sensing band but the design fails to produce a loose fit garment as the loops in which the band is placed are still connected to the garment and thus will cause the garment to wrap around the user giving a tight fit.
Accordingly, there is a need for loose fitting garments having sensors that overcomes all the drawbacks of the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Provided herein is wearable clothing (garment) which is loose fitting and drapes well on various body shapes. Such clothing will have a provision for measuring a user’s respiration rate, heart rate, step count, body temperature, EMG, EEG, galvanic skin response, blood pressure, sweat and other physiological parameters, dependent on the sensors used in the garment. The clothing described herein comprises adjustable elastic bands attached into / on to the clothing and span closable openings in the garment. The adjustable elastic bands comprise sensors and/or wires and/or mechanisms and the like for measuring physiological parameters of the individual wearing the garment. The garment remains loose fitting and when the openings are closed, only the elastic bands comprising the sensors and/or wires and/or mechanisms and the like contact the body of the individual while the rest of the garment remains loose fitting, thereby providing an adaptive drape garment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Figure 1 (A), (B) and (C) provide different examples of locations of openings (e.g., zippers) on garments described herein;
Figure 2 shows an example of positioning of elasticated bands on garments described herein.
Figure 3 shows examples of locations where elasticated bands in/on garments contact the body.
Figure 4 shows examples of elasticated bands having stretch and/or non-stretch segments and with or without jacket.
Figure 5 shows an exploded view of elasticated bands on garments having sensors and/or wires thereon.
Figure 6 shows a finished garment comprising sensors.
Figure 7 shows a detailed view of conductive traces on clothing connected to sensors and snaps for connection to sensors on the elasticated bands.
Figure 8 shows an example of an elasticated band with size adjustment markings thereon; and
Figure 9 shows an EEG and other sensors attached to an elasticated band in a jacket hood.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The invention described herein is explained using specific disclosures/mechanisms exemplary details for better understanding. However, the invention disclosed can be worked on by a person skilled in the art without the use of these specific disclosures.
References in the specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
References in the specification to “preferred embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in detail thereby omitting known constructions and functions for clear description of the present invention.
The present invention is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, throughout which reference numbers indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. These reference numbers are shown in bracket in the following description.
Accordingly, the present invention provides garment that comprises skin-contacting sensors while also avoiding a tight fit. The garments described herein incorporate sensors using means described herein so that the sensors can be incorporated in existing garments such as a loose jacket / shirt / t-shirt / vest / pant / shorts. These garments are provided with an opening via zipper / Velcro / snap / hook / buttons etc. A plurality of sensors is attached end to end from the opening in the garment to make the sensors as a part of the loose clothing an elasticated band. In an embodiment, the term garment may include a stretchable harness.
In the context of the present invention, the garment remains loosely draped onto the user since the elasticated band having the sensor is only connected to the garment at the opening point. The elasticated band connected to openings in the garment hangs loosely inside the garment and wraps around the user tightly once the opening is closed such that the goals of both optimal sensing performance and loose-fitting garments are met.
The sensor comprising garments described herein comprise elasticated bands which corresponding to openings having closure mechanisms in regular garments like jacket / shirt / t-shirt / vest / pant / shorts etc. Examples of such openings having closure mechanisms include and are not limited to zippers, Velcro® tabs, ties/laces, snaps, buttons, hooks or similar closures used in garments.
Now referring to Figure 1, an opening is placed at one or multiple places for a shirt / t-shirt / jacket or any similar clothing wherein the location can be at, but is not limited to, front centre openings (e.g., zippers) (1), side seam openings (e.g., zippers) (4), shoulders and/or arms openings (e.g., zippers) (3), back centre openings (e.g., zippers) (2), arm inseams, hood/forehead, collar etc. For a pair of trousers/ shorts or any similar clothes the opening can be placed at one or multiple places. The location can be at, but is not limited to, front centre, side seam, leg openings (e.g., zippers) (6), ankle, thigh openings (e.g., zippers) (5) etc. The aforementioned openings are configured to be closed by a locking member such as zippers, snaps, velcro, buttons, hooks or similar closures used in garments
Referring to Figure 2, an elasticated band (8) is connected to the clothing at the ends of the band (9). The elasticated band (8) connects to the clothing at any place along the opening (e.g., the zipper opening (7)). The connection is done using metal hooks and stitched loop in elastic or snaps, Velcro® tabs or permanently stitched. Multiple attachment locations are provided on the clothing along the opening for the user to adjust the elasticated band to a comfortable and reliable position (except when the band is permanently stitched).
Referring to Figure 3, the elasticated band (8) itself optionally comprises sensing members such as sensors, electrodes, wiring, microcontroller, battery, communication device, and serves to act as a sensor depending on the material that the elasticated band (8) is manufactured from. The elasticated band (8) also ensures that the sensors and electrodes are in proper contact with the body of the user at points (10) without any discomfort. Alternatively, the sensors, electrodes, wiring, microcontroller, battery, communication device may be place in the vicinity of the elasticated band (8).
Referring to Figure 4, the elasticated band (8) comprises a simple elastic band (11), stretchable fabric segments (12, 13) of elastic band and/or non-stretch material side by side (14) or on top of each other. A tubular elastic band or stretchable fabric may be used (17). A simple elastic band (16) jacketed with a relatively less elastic material (15) can also be used.
Referring to Figure 5, the sensing members such as electronic devices (18), sensors or electrodes (19) can be mounted on the elasticated band (20) via stitching, thermal fusion, adhesion or any other suitable technique. In an embodiment, the sensing members can also be stitched, thermally fused, or bonded through adhesive onto a non-stretch segment (22) / onto a non-stretch jacket over the elastic material. In an alternative embodiment, the sensing members can be attached to the elasticated band via stitching, thermal fusion, adhesion or through a specially designed holder mounted on the elasticated band. The band may comprise wires (21) according to one embodiment of the present invention.
In one embodiment, the electronic device (18) can also be attached / placed inside the tube for a tubular elasticated band design or a jacketed elastic band design. In an embodiment, a separate pouch can also store the electronic device (18) which is stitched or attached to the elasticated band. The electronic device may also be attached to the clothing by putting it inside a pocket or fixing it on to the clothing. Wires for connecting the sensors/ electrodes to the electronic device are placed and can move along the elasticated band in a guiding channel / inside the jacket of elasticated band / inside the tubular elasticated band.
Referring to Figure 6, in an alternative embodiment, the sensing member such as the electronic device (18) may be attached on the clothing away from the elasticated band the wires (23) may protrude out of the elasticated band from its ends or anywhere in between. These protruding wires are then connected to wires on clothing via a connector. The wires on clothing (24) are concealed inside a sewn tube on the clothing. The sewn tube guides the wires towards the electronic device storage location on the clothing. A seam sealing technique may also be used to guide and attach the wire on to the clothing.
Referring to Figure 7, in one alternative embodiment, conductive traces (28) on the fabric in the form of cut conductive fabric or conductive ink can be used to connect the electronic device (25) to sensors or electrodes. The elasticated band (27) is fastened to the garment via snaps / other connectors (26) and may be removed from the clothing while washing and shall be washed separately or along with the clothing. The elasticated band may also be washed inside a safe bag to prevent wear and tear of components during the washing process.
Referring to Figure 8, the elasticated band also has an adjuster mechanism (29) (e.g., a buckle) to change its length to match a user’s body size. This adjustment mechanism can be connected to elastic or non-elastic segment of the elasticated band. An indication of size is provided on the elasticated band near the adjustment mechanism for ease of adjustment without a need to wear the garment every time and check for a comfortable fit. Different types of plastic webbing adjusters, readily available in the market, can be used for this purpose. In an alternative embodiment, an automatic adjustment mechanism can also be used which either works on motorized adjustment or uses a shape memory polymer activated by electrical stimuli.
In the context of the present invention, the electronic device (18) consists of a printed circuit board housing essential components like microcontroller, data storage, battery protection and recharge components, communication components for BLE, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi and/or other long range low power technology like Zigbee, LoRa with inbuilt antenna. In an embodiment, a battery supplying power to circuit may be placed inside the electronic device (18) or separately. The components of electronic device (18) may be sealed inside water proof housing with port available to connect the wiring. The electronic device (18) may or may not be detachable from the garment for washing. The electronic device (18) may also be powered from an external power source like power bank, cell phones, laptops, gym equipment like treadmills, or any other equipment which has charging connectivity. The electronic device (18) may also be partly or wholly powered by turboelectric charge generated on the clothing with the help of special chemical(s) coated or printed on to the clothing.
In the context of the present invention, sensors or electrodes (19) may be stitched, adhered or placed inside/outside the elasticated band. Sensors like temperature sensor can be placed inside a pouch with thermally conductive fabric as an interface to skin. Alternatively, electrodes (19) for ECG can be placed on the elasticated band at specific position to provide good noise free signals to the electronic device (18). In one embodiment, conductive stretchable sensor (19) can be attached to the elasticated band to measure the breathing pattern. In an alternative embodiment, the elasticated band (8) on arms can be used to measure blood pressure.
In an embodiment, an elongated finger loop on the garment with conductive electrodes (19) can be used to measure galvanic skin responses. In an embodiment, conductivity measuring sensors (19) can be used to determine the sweat level. In one embodiment, inertial moment sensors (19) can be used to ascertain physical motion and posture. Alternatively, inertial sensor (19) on thighs can provide more accurate insight on physical activity. In an embodiment of the present invention elasticated bands (8) along important muscles can be used to measure muscle response and fitness level. For instance, as shown in Figure 9, a headband (30) placed inside a hoodie of the clothing can have EEG sensors to sense the brain response. Alternatively, a provision can be made on the elasticated band (8) to measure saturated O2 levels in blood.
In operation, the data collected from the elasticated band (8), the electronic device (18) and the sensors (19) may be displayed in an application on a smart device like smart phone, dedicated monitor or a computer. Alternatively, the data may also be stored in a display device and can be further uploaded to a cloud from the same. The stored data may also be uploaded to cloud from the electronic device via Wi-Fi or via an application of display device. The data can be analysed to more meaningful results on the display device or cloud. Cloud can also be used to store long term user data and maintain a user profile. The cloud server can also be used to analyse data from multiple users anonymously and generate trends or predictions.
The foregoing description of specific embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.
The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others, skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
It is understood that various omission and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1) A loose fitting adaptive drape garment with integrated physiological sensing for smart fitness wearables, said garment comprising:
at least one opening defined at a predefined location on the garment, the opening configured to be opened or closed by a locking member;
an elasticated band (8) connected to the garment along the opening, the elasticated band (8) having an adjuster mechanism (29), the adjuster mechanism (29) configured to adjust the elasticated band (8) along a length thereof; and
a sensing member connected to the elasticated band (8), the sensing member having at least one electronic device (18), at least one sensor or electrode (19) and a plurality of wires (21) connected thereto.

2) The loose fitting adaptive drape garment with integrated physiological sensing for smart fitness wearables as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predefined location of the opening for a shirt / t-shirt / jacket or any similar clothing is a front centre opening (1), a side seam openings (4), a shoulder or an arm openings (3), a back centre openings (2), an arm inseam, a forehead or a collar.

3) The loose fitting adaptive drape garment with integrated physiological sensing for smart fitness wearables as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predefined location of the opening for trousers/ shorts or any similar clothing is a front centre, a side seam, an ankle, leg openings (6) or thigh openings (5).

4) The loose fitting adaptive drape garment with integrated physiological sensing for smart fitness wearables as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locking member is selected from zippers, snaps, Velcro, buttons, hooks and the like.

5) The loose fitting adaptive drape garment with integrated physiological sensing for smart fitness wearables as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elasticated band (8) facilitates contact of the sensors and electrodes (19) with the body of the user.

6) The loose fitting adaptive drape garment with integrated physiological sensing for smart fitness wearables as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elasticated band (8) includes a simple elastic band (11), a plurality of stretchable fabric segments (12, 13) or a non-stretch material.

7) The loose fitting adaptive drape garment with integrated physiological sensing for smart fitness wearables as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elasticated band (8) includes a tubular elastic band or stretchable fabric (17).

8) The loose fitting adaptive drape garment with integrated physiological sensing for smart fitness wearables as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elasticated band (8) includes a simple elastic band (16) jacketed with a relatively less elastic material (15).

9) The loose fitting adaptive drape garment with integrated physiological sensing for smart fitness wearables as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensing member is mounted on the elasticated band (20) via a joining technique such as stitching, thermal fusion, adhesion and the like.

10) The loose fitting adaptive drape garment with integrated physiological sensing for smart fitness wearables as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic device (18) is attached on the clothing away from the elasticated band (8) such that the wires (23) protrude out of the elasticated band (8) thereby connecting to a connector.

11) The loose fitting adaptive drape garment with integrated physiological sensing for smart fitness wearables as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wires (23) on clothing (24) are concealed inside a sewn tube on the clothing such that said sewn tube guides the wires towards the storage location of the electronic device (18) on the clothing.

12) The loose fitting adaptive drape garment with integrated physiological sensing for smart fitness wearables as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic device (18) connects to the electrodes or sensors (19) through conductive traces (28) on the fabric in the form of cut conductive fabric or conductive ink.

13) The loose fitting adaptive drape garment with integrated physiological sensing for smart fitness wearables as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adjuster mechanism is an automatic adjuster mechanism that facilitates motorized adjustment and utilizes a shape memory polymer activated by electrical stimuli.

14) The loose fitting adaptive drape garment with integrated physiological sensing for smart fitness wearables as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic device (18) includes a printed circuit board housing essential components such as microcontroller, data storage, battery protection and recharge components, communication components for BLE, Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi with inbuilt antenna.

Dated this 24th day of December 2018.

For ARVIND LTD.
By their Agents

GIRISH VIJAYANAND SHETH) (IN/PA 1022)
KRISHNA & SAURASTRI ASSOCIATES LLP