Wearable article with detachable module

Abstract

A method of manufacturing a housing assembly including a socket defining a cavity and having an access opening providing access to the cavity to removably receive an electronic module within the cavity. The housing assembly also includes first and second contact members each having a contact pad outside the cavity and an arm extending from the contact pad into the cavity to form an electrical contact exposed to an interface in the cavity. The method includes connecting a conductive lead to the contact pad to place the lead in electronic communication with the contact and bonding the housing assembly to a wearable article. The housing assembly is bonded between a top layer and a bottom layer of material forming a portion of the wearable article such that the top and bottom layers are bonded to the socket by the bonding material. The article has an electrically powered component and the lead is connected to the component.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on April 12, 2018, with application number 201880038672.8 and invention title "Wearable Article with Demountable Module".

[0002] Cross-references to related applications

[0003] This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 484,725, filed April 12, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] This invention relates to a garment. More specifically, aspects of this disclosure relate to a garment article incorporating an electronic device that is retained within the garment article but can be operated from the outside of the garment article and can be partially seen. Background Technology

[0005] When participating in sports activities (such as running), athletes want to keep their focus on the movement. While many mobile devices can be updated to include "apps" or modules that provide information related to exercise or fitness, these are often ineffective for many athletes, including those engaged in strenuous physical activity. Removing an electronic device, such as a mobile phone or music player, from a pocket to operate it can be distracting. Additionally, the device may fall out while the athlete is fumbling to remove it from their pocket or put it back. Furthermore, many athletes, including but not limited to professional, semi-professional, and league athletes, are bound by rules and regulations that can significantly limit the materials they wear during competitions or tournaments. Unfortunately, previously acceptable clothing was not designed to reliably house motion-sensing devices. This disclosure addresses these and other shortcomings of the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The general aspect of this disclosure relates to methods and structures for attaching housing components to clothing articles or other wearable articles, and articles having housing components attached to the articles and electronic modules possibly attached to or otherwise housed within the housing components.

[0007] This disclosure relates to a method for use with a housing assembly including a receptacle defining a cavity and having an access opening providing access to the cavity, such that the receptacle is configured to removably house an electronic module within the cavity by inserting the electronic module through the access opening. The housing assembly further includes: a first contact member having a first contact pad located outside the cavity and a first arm extending from the first contact pad into the cavity to form a first electrical contact; and a second contact member having a second contact pad located outside the cavity and a second arm extending from the second contact pad into the cavity to form a second electrical contact, such that the first and second electrical contacts form an interface exposed within the cavity and configured for connection to a connector of the electronic module when the electronic module is housed in the receptacle. The method includes connecting a first conductive lead to the first contact pad and a second conductive lead to the second contact pad to make the first and second leads electrically communicate with the first and second electrical contacts, and bonding the housing assembly to a wearable article. The housing assembly is bonded between a top layer and a bottom layer of material forming at least a portion of the wearable article, such that the top layer and the bottom layer are bonded to the socket by an adhesive material. The wearable article has a motor component, and the first conductive lead and the second conductive lead are connected to the motor component.

[0008] According to one aspect, the method further includes assembling the housing assembly. This assembly may include mounting the first contact member and the second contact member on a bracket, and inserting the bracket into a cavity in the receptacle to engage the bracket with the receptacle, such that the bracket supports the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact to form the interface. The first arm and the second arm extend to the outside of the receptacle, such that the first contact pad and the second contact pad are positioned adjacent to the outer surface of the receptacle.

[0009] According to another aspect, the method further includes covering at least the first contact pad and the second contact pad with an insulating material.

[0010] According to another aspect, the adhesive material is a heat-sealable material, and bonding the housing assembly to the wearable article includes placing the heat-sealable material between the socket and the top and bottom layers, and heat-pressing the top and bottom layers to the socket. In one configuration, the socket has a flange extending outward around the periphery of the socket, and heat-pressing is applied at least around the flange of the socket.

[0011] According to yet another aspect, the top layer and the bottom layer are formed of different materials and / or the top layer forms the outer surface of the wearable article during use.

[0012] According to another aspect, the access opening is on the top side of the socket, and the first arm and the second arm extend from the bottom side of the socket opposite the top side, wherein when the wearable is in use, the bottom layer is located inside the top layer, and the top layer at least covers a portion of the top side of the socket, allowing access to the access opening from the outside of the wearable. In one configuration, a portion of the top layer extends into the access opening and is bonded to the inner surface of the socket defining the chamber. In another configuration, the first conductive lead and the second conductive lead are connected to the first contact pad and the second contact pad at a location inside the inner surface of the wearable during use.

[0013] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a method for use with a housing assembly including a receptacle defining a cavity and having an access opening providing access to the cavity, such that the receptacle is configured to removably house an electronic module within the cavity by inserting an electronic module through the access opening. The housing assembly further includes: a first contact member having a first contact pad located outside the cavity and a first arm extending from the first contact pad into the cavity to form a first electrical contact; and a second contact member having a second contact pad located outside the cavity and a second arm extending from the second contact pad into the cavity to form a second electrical contact, such that the first and second electrical contacts form an interface exposed within the cavity and configured for connection to a connector of the electronic module when the electronic module is housed in the receptacle. The method includes bonding the housing assembly to the wearable article between a top layer and a bottom layer of material forming at least a portion of the wearable article, such that the top and bottom layers are bonded to the receptacle by an adhesive material. When the wearable item is in use, the bottom layer is located inside the top layer, and the first arm and the second arm extend through the bottom layer and are positioned adjacent to the inner surface of the wearable item.

[0014] According to one aspect, the access opening is on the top side of the socket, and the first arm and the second arm extend from the bottom side of the socket opposite to the top side, and the top layer covers at least a portion of the top side of the socket, allowing access to the access opening from the outside of the wearable item. In one configuration, a portion of the top layer extends into the access opening and is bonded to the inner surface of the socket defining the chamber.

[0015] According to another aspect, the bottom layer forms the inner surface of the wearable article during use, and / or the first contact pad and the second contact pad have a wider width than the first arm and the second arm.

[0016] According to another aspect, the method further includes assembling the housing assembly. This assembly may include mounting the first contact member and the second contact member on a bracket, and inserting the bracket into a cavity in the socket to engage the bracket with the socket, such that the bracket supports the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact to form the interface, wherein the first arm and the second arm extend to the outside of the socket.

[0017] According to another aspect, the method further includes covering at least the first contact pad and the second contact pad, as well as a portion of the inner surface of the wearable article, with an insulating material.

[0018] According to another aspect, the adhesive material is a heat-sealable material, and bonding the housing assembly to the wearable article includes placing the heat-sealable material between the socket and the top and bottom layers, and heat-pressing the top and bottom layers to the socket. In one configuration, the socket has a flange extending outward around the periphery of the socket, and heat-pressing is applied at least around the flange of the socket.

[0019] According to another aspect, the method further includes connecting a first conductive lead to the first contact pad and a second conductive lead to the second contact pad, such that the first lead and the second lead are in electronic communication with the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact, and the wearable article has a motor component such that the first conductive lead and the second conductive lead are connected to the motor component.

[0020] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a method for use with a housing assembly including a receptacle defining a cavity and having an access opening on a top side of the receptacle providing access to the cavity, such that the receptacle is configured to removably house an electronic module within the cavity by inserting the electronic module through the access opening. The housing assembly further includes: a first contact member having a first electrical contact exposed in the cavity; and a second contact member having a second electrical contact exposed in the cavity, such that the first and second electrical contacts form an interface exposed in the cavity and configured for connection to a connector of the electronic module when the electronic module is housed in the receptacle. The method includes bonding the housing assembly to the wearable article between a top layer and a bottom layer of material forming at least a portion of the wearable article, such that the top and bottom layers are bonded to the receptacle by an adhesive material, and the top layer at least covers a portion of the top side of the receptacle. When the wearable article is in use, the bottom layer is located inside the top layer and is accessible from the outer surface of the wearable article through the access opening.

[0021] According to one aspect, the adhesive material is a heat-sealable material, and bonding the housing assembly to the wearable article includes placing the heat-sealable material between the socket and the top and bottom layers, and heat-pressing the top and bottom layers to the socket. In one configuration, the socket includes a flange extending outwardly around the periphery of the socket, and heat-pressing is applied at least around the flange of the socket.

[0022] According to another aspect, the top layer forms the outer surface of the wearable item during use.

[0023] Other aspects of this disclosure relate to a system manufactured using the methods described herein. In one example, the system includes: a wearable article configured to be worn on a user's body, the wearable article having: a top layer and a bottom layer of material forming at least a portion of the wearable article; a socket; and a first contact member and a second contact member. The socket defines a cavity and has an access opening on a top side of the socket providing a passage to the cavity, such that the socket is configured to removably house an electronic module within the cavity by inserting the electronic module through the access opening. The first contact member includes a first contact pad located outside the cavity and a first arm extending from the first contact pad into the cavity to form a first electrical contact. The second contact member includes a second contact pad located outside the cavity and a second arm extending from the second contact pad into the cavity to form a second electrical contact, such that the first and second electrical contacts form an interface exposed within the cavity and configured for connection to a connector of the electronic module when the electronic module is housed in the socket. The socket is bonded to the wearable article between the top layer and the bottom layer, such that the top layer and the bottom layer are bonded to the socket by an adhesive material and are accessible from the outer surface of the wearable article through the access opening. The top layer covers at least a portion of the top side of the socket, and a portion of the top layer extends into the access opening and is bonded to the inner surface of the socket defining the cavity, and the top layer has an opening to allow access to the interface through the top layer. The bottom layer covers at least a portion of the bottom side of the socket, such that the first arm and the second arm extend through the bottom layer to place the first contact pad and the second contact pad inside the bottom layer.

[0024] According to one aspect, the top layer forms the outer surface of the wearable article during use, and the bottom layer forms the inner surface of the wearable article during use. In one configuration, the system further includes an insulating material that at least covers the first contact pad and the second contact pad, as well as a portion of the inner surface of the wearable article adjacent to the first contact pad and the second contact pad.

[0025] According to another aspect, the adhesive material is a heat-sealable material located between the socket and the top and bottom layers and is heat-pressed onto the socket.

[0026] According to another aspect, the socket has a flange that extends outward around the periphery of the socket, and the top layer and the bottom layer are bonded to the socket at least around the flange.

[0027] According to another aspect, the system includes a housing comprising a socket and a bracket having a first contact member and a second contact member mounted thereon, wherein the bracket is received in a cavity in the socket to engage the bracket with the socket such that the bracket supports the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact to form the interface.

[0028] Other features and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0029] To gain a more complete understanding of this disclosure, it will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 This describes an example system, based on an example embodiment, that can be configured to provide personal training and / or obtain data from a user's physical movements;

[0031] Figure 2 Explanation can be Figure 1 A part of the system or an example computer device connected to the system.

[0032] Figure 3 An illustrative sensor assembly that can be worn by a user, according to an example embodiment, is shown;

[0033] Figure 4 Another example sensor component that can be worn by a user, according to an example embodiment, is shown;

[0034] Figure 5 Illustrative locations of sensory inputs are shown, which may include physical sensors located on / in the user's clothing and / or based on the identification of the relationship between two moving body parts of the user;

[0035] Figure 6 These are top and side views of one embodiment according to aspects of this disclosure;

[0036] Figure 7 These are top and side views of another embodiment of an aspect of this disclosure;

[0037] Figure 8 This is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a module according to an aspect of this disclosure;

[0038] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 A bottom-view perspective of the module;

[0039] Figure 10 yes Figure 7 The side view of the module;

[0040] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of one embodiment of a mold for manufacturing a belt according to aspects of this disclosure;

[0041] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of the mold along its longitudinal axis;

[0042] Figure 13 yes Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of the mold along the horizontal axis;

[0043] Figure 14 Is it like this? Figure 13 An enlarged view of a portion of the mold shown in the image;

[0044] Figure 15 This is a top view of another embodiment of an aspect of this disclosure;

[0045] Figure 16 It turned outwards from the inside. Figure 15 A top view of the belt;

[0046] Figure 17 It turned outwards from the inside. Figure 15 A top view of the belt;

[0047] Figure 18 yes Figure 15 A top view of the belt;

[0048] Figure 19 yes Figure 15 A bottom view of the belt;

[0049] Figures 20 to 22 It is used to manufacture such as Figures 15 to 19 The top view of the component shown in the image;

[0050] Figure 23 Is it like this? Figures 15 to 19 The top view of the outer casing of the belt is shown in the image;

[0051] Figure 24 yes Figure 23 A bottom view of the outer shell;

[0052] Figures 25 to 26 It is used to manufacture such as Figures 15 to 19 The top view of the additional components of the belt shown in the image;

[0053] Figure 27 yes Figure 23 Side view of the outer shell;

[0054] Figure 28 yes Figure 23 A bottom-view perspective view of the outer shell;

[0055] Figure 29 yes Figure 23 A bottom-view perspective view of the outer shell;

[0056] Figure 30 yes Figure 23 Top perspective view of the outer shell;

[0057] Figure 31 yes Figure 23 Side view of the outer shell;

[0058] Figures 32 to 40 It is an illustrative explanation of the use. Figures 20 to 31 A plan view of the method of manufacturing the components and housing according to aspects of this disclosure;

[0059] Figure 41 This is an illustrative description of a mold for hot pressing a portion of a belt according to aspects of this disclosure, and a mold that can be combined with... Figures 32 to 40 The method used Figure 23 A perspective view of one embodiment of the casing;

[0060] Figure 42 This is an illustrative description of the operation. Figure 41 A perspective view of the mold in use;

[0061] Figure 43 This is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a housing that can be used to manufacture a belt according to aspects of this disclosure;

[0062] Figure 44 yes Figure 43 A bottom-view perspective view of the outer shell;

[0063] Figure 45 yes Figure 43 Top perspective view of the outer shell;

[0064] Figure 46 This is a bottom perspective view of another embodiment of a housing that can be used to manufacture a belt according to aspects of this disclosure;

[0065] Figure 47 yes Figure 46 Top perspective view of the outer shell;

[0066] Figure 48 This is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of a housing and additional input device that can be used in conjunction with the tape and module according to aspects of this disclosure;

[0067] Figure 49 yes Figure 48 Top perspective view of the housing and additional input devices;

[0068] Figure 50 This is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of a housing and additional input device that can be used in conjunction with the tape and module according to aspects of this disclosure;

[0069] Figure 51 yes Figure 50 Top perspective view of the housing and additional input devices;

[0070] Figure 52 yes Figure 48 The outer casing and inserted into the outer casing Figure 7 A bottom-view perspective of the module;

[0071] Figure 53 These are perspective views and enlarged perspective views of another embodiment of the additional input device and module according to aspects of this disclosure, showing the connection between the additional input device and the module;

[0072] Figure 54 These are perspective views and enlarged perspective views of another embodiment of the additional input device and module according to aspects of this disclosure, showing the connection between the additional input device and the module;

[0073] Figure 55 This is a perspective view of one embodiment of a belt having an additional input device connected to the belt, according to aspects of this disclosure;

[0074] Figure 56 This is an exemplary perspective view of another embodiment of the module, additional input device, and belt according to aspects of this disclosure, showing the module connected to the additional input device and then connected to the belt;

[0075] Figure 57 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of a strap having an additional input device connected to the strap, wherein the strap is worn on a user's arm and the additional input device is in communication with one or more external devices;

[0076] Figure 58 This is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of an operational method according to aspects of this disclosure that can be used to connect with external devices and additional input devices;

[0077] Figure 59 This is a flowchart illustrating another embodiment of an operational method according to aspects of this disclosure that can be used to connect with external devices and additional input devices;

[0078] Figure 60 This describes an embodiment of a display of an external device operated in conjunction with an additional input device according to aspects of this disclosure;

[0079] Figure 61 Another embodiment of a display of an external device operated in conjunction with an additional input device according to aspects of this disclosure is described;

[0080] Figure 62 This is a top front perspective view of an embodiment of an electronic module according to aspects of this disclosure;

[0081] Figure 63 It is an embodiment of the enclosure that is joined according to aspects of this disclosure. Figure 1 Top-down rear perspective view of the module;

[0082] Figure 64 yes Figure 63 A partial cross-sectional view of the casing and module;

[0083] Figure 65 yes Figure 63 Top-view front perspective of the outer shell;

[0084] Figure 66 yes Figure 63 Top-down rear perspective view of the outer shell;

[0085] Figure 67 This includes aspects of the disclosure. Figure 63 A rear perspective view of one embodiment of the housing assembly of the housing;

[0086] Figure 68 Based on the aspects of this disclosure Figure 67 A top rear perspective view of an embodiment of a pair of electrical contact members of a housing assembly;

[0087] Figure 69 It is in accordance with aspects of this disclosure that it engages with the contact member. Figure 67 A top rear perspective view of one embodiment of the housing assembly bracket;

[0088] Figure 70 yes Figure 69 A front perspective view of the bracket and contact components from below;

[0089] Figure 71 yes Figure 69 Top front perspective view of the bracket and contact components;

[0090] Figure 72 Is with Figure 69 The bracket and contact components are joined. Figure 62 A top-down rear perspective view of the module, in which the brackets and contact components are shown as partially transparent;

[0091] Figure 73 yes Figure 67 A partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the housing assembly;

[0092] Figure 74 yes Figure 67 A side cross-sectional view of the housing assembly;

[0093] Figure 75 Based on the aspects of this disclosure Figure 67A top rear perspective view of an enclosure assembly, showing an embodiment in which insulating material covers a portion of the enclosure assembly;

[0094] Figure 76 This is a bottom view of another embodiment of the housing assembly according to aspects of this disclosure;

[0095] Figure 77 This is a bottom view of another embodiment of the housing assembly according to aspects of this disclosure;

[0096] Figure 78 This is a rear view of an embodiment of a wearable article in the form of a shirt or jacket according to aspects of this disclosure, the shirt or jacket having a shell assembly attached thereto, the rear view showing the exterior of the article;

[0097] Figure 79 yes Figure 78 A plan view of the outer shell components and a portion of the exterior of a wearable item;

[0098] Figure 80 yes Figure 78 A rear view of the wearable item and housing assembly, shown from the inside out to illustrate the interior of the item;

[0099] Figure 81 yes Figure 78 A plan view of the housing assembly and a portion of the interior of the wearable item, wherein conductive leads are connected to the housing assembly;

[0100] Figure 82 This is a bottom rear perspective view of another embodiment of the housing assembly according to aspects of this disclosure;

[0101] Figure 83 yes Figure 82 A rear perspective view of the outer casing assembly;

[0102] Figure 84 This is a bottom front perspective view of another embodiment of the bracket, contact member, and conductive lead according to aspects of this disclosure;

[0103] Figure 85 It is shown in this disclosure that it is used for... Figure 62 A top rear perspective view of a step in one embodiment of the process of attaching the outer shell to a wearable item;

[0104] Figure 86 It shows the method used to... Figure 62 An exploded perspective view of another step in an embodiment of the process of attaching the outer shell to a wearable item;

[0105] Figure 87 It shows the method used to... Figure 62A perspective view of another step in an embodiment of the process of attaching the outer shell to a wearable item;

[0106] Figure 88 This is a bottom view of another embodiment of the housing assembly according to aspects of this disclosure, wherein conductive leads are connected to the housing assembly;

[0107] Figure 89 This is a plan view of another embodiment of a housing assembly connected to a wearable item according to aspects of this disclosure;

[0108] Figure 90 This is a plan view of another embodiment of a housing assembly connected to a wearable item according to aspects of this disclosure;

[0109] Figure 91 It is along Figure 89 Cross-sectional view taken from line 29-29;

[0110] Figure 92 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an electronic module according to aspects of this disclosure; and

[0111] Figure 93 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of an electronic module according to aspects of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0112] This disclosure relates to acquiring, storing, and / or processing motion data relating to an athlete's physical movement. Motion data may be actively or passively sensed and / or stored in one or more non-transitory storage media. Further aspects relate to using motion data to generate outputs, such as calculated motion attributes, feedback signals providing guidance, and / or other information. These and other aspects will be discussed in the context of the following illustrative examples of personal training systems.

[0113] The following applications are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 828,893, filed March 14, 2013; U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 946,682, filed November 19, 2015; U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 946,670, filed November 19, 2015; U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 946,674, filed November 19, 2015; U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 946,691, filed November 19, 2015; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 082,113, filed November 19, 2014; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 100,782, filed January 7, 2015; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 100,782, filed April 2015. U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 146,029, filed on 10 May 2015; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 168,357, filed on 29 May 2015; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 168,502, filed on 29 May 2015; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 215,497, filed on 8 September 2015; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 359,879, filed on 8 July 2016; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 356,960, filed on 30 June 2016.

[0114] In the following description of the various embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description, and various embodiments in which aspects of the present disclosure can be practiced are illustrated by way of illustration in the drawings. It should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the headings within this disclosure should not be considered as limiting aspects of the present disclosure, and the exemplary embodiments are not limited to the exemplary headings.

[0115] I. Example Personal Training System

[0116] A. Descriptive Network

[0117] This disclosure relates to systems and methods that can be utilized across multiple networks. In this regard, some embodiments can be configured to adapt to dynamic network environments. Other embodiments can operate in different discrete network environments. Figure 1 This describes an example of a personal training system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The example system 100 may include one or more interconnected networks, such as an illustrative Body Area Network (BAN) 102, a Local Area Network (LAN) 104, and a Wide Area Network (WAN) 106. Figure 1As shown (and throughout this disclosure), one or more networks (e.g., BAN 102, LAN 104, and / or WAN 106) may overlap or otherwise include each other. Those skilled in the art will understand that illustrative networks 102 to 106 are logical networks, each of which may each include one or more different communication protocols and / or network architectures, and may be configured to have gateways to each other or other networks. For example, each of BAN 102, LAN 104, and / or WAN 106 may be operatively connected to the same physical network architecture, such as cellular network architecture 108 and / or WAN architecture 110. For example, a portable electronic device 112, which can be considered a component of both BAN 102 and LAN 104, may include a network adapter or network interface card (NIC) configured to convert data and control signals into network messages and vice versa via one or more of architectures 108 and / or 110 according to one or more communication protocols, such as Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), Internet Protocol (IP), and User Datagram Protocol (UDP). These protocols are well known in the art and will not be discussed in detail here.

[0118] Network architectures 108 and 110 may individually or in combination include one or more information distribution networks of any type or topology, such as cable, fiber optic, satellite, telephone, cellular, wireless, etc., and therefore can be configured in various ways, for example, having one or more wired or wireless communication channels (including but not limited to: Near Field Communication (NFC) and / or ANT technology. Therefore, any device within the network of Figure 1 (e.g., portable electronic device 112 or any other device described herein) can be considered as comprising one or more of the different logical networks 102 to 106. In light of the foregoing, example components of an illustrative BAN and LAN (which may be coupled to WAN 106) will be described.

[0119] 1. Example Local Area Network

[0120] LAN 104 may include one or more electronic devices, such as computer device 114. Computer device 114 or any other component of system 100 may include a mobile terminal, such as a telephone, music player, tablet computer, netbook, or any portable device. In other embodiments, computer device 114 may include a media player or recorder, desktop computer, server, game console, etc. XBOX Playstation and / or Wii game console. Those skilled in the art will understand that these are merely example devices for illustrative purposes, and this disclosure is not limited to any console or computing device.

[0121] Those skilled in the art will understand that the design and structure of computer device 114 can vary depending on several factors, such as its intended purpose. Figure 2 An example implementation of computer device 114 is provided in FIG2, which illustrates a block diagram of computing device 200. Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosure of FIG2 can be applied to any device disclosed herein. Device 200 may include one or more processors, such as processors 202-1 and 202-2 (generally referred to herein as "processor 202"). Processors 202 may communicate with each other or with other components via an interconnect network or bus 204. Processor 202 may include one or more processing cores, such as cores 206-1 and 206-2 (referred to herein as "cores 206" or more generally as "core 206"), which may be implemented on a single integrated circuit (IC) chip.

[0122] Kernel 206 may include a shared cache 208 and / or dedicated caches (e.g., caches 210-1 and 210-2, respectively). One or more caches 208 / 210 may locally cache data stored in system memory, such as memory 212, for faster access by components of processor 202. Memory 212 may communicate with processor 202 via chipset 216. In some embodiments, cache 208 may be part of system memory 212. Memory 212 may include, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and includes one or more of solid-state memory, optical or magnetic storage devices, and / or any other medium that can be used to store electronic information. In other embodiments, system memory 212 may be omitted.

[0123] System 200 may include one or more I / O devices (e.g., I / O devices 214-1 to 214-3, each typically referred to as I / O device 214). I / O data from one or more I / O devices 214 may be stored at one or more caches 208, 210 and / or system memory 212. Each of the I / O devices 214 may be permanently or temporarily configured to communicate operationally with components of system 100 using any physical or wireless communication protocol.

[0124] return Figure 1Four example I / O devices (shown as elements 116-122) are shown in communication with computer device 114. Those skilled in the art will understand that one or more of devices 116-122 may be standalone devices or may be associated with another device besides computer device 114. For example, one or more I / O devices may be associated with or interact with components of BAN 102 and / or WAN 106. I / O devices 116-122 may include, but are not limited to, motion data acquisition units, such as sensors. One or more I / O devices may be configured to sense, detect, and / or measure motion parameters from, for example, a user 124. Examples include, but are not limited to: accelerometers, gyroscopes, location determination devices (e.g., GPS), light (including invisible light) sensors, temperature sensors (including ambient temperature and / or body temperature), sleep pattern sensors, heart rate monitors, image capture sensors, humidity sensors, force sensors, compasses, angular rate sensors, and / or combinations thereof.

[0125] In other embodiments, I / O devices 116 to 122 may be used to provide output (e.g., auditory, visual, or tactile cues) and / or receive input, such as user input from athlete 124. Example uses of these illustrative I / O devices are provided below; however, those skilled in the art will understand that such discussions describe only a few of the many options within the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, any reference to any data acquisition unit, I / O device, or sensor should be construed as disclosing an embodiment that may have one or more I / O devices, data acquisition units, and / or sensors (alone or in combination) disclosed herein or known in the art.

[0126] Information from one or more devices (across one or more networks) can be used to provide (or to form) a variety of different parameters, measures, or physiological characteristics, including but not limited to: motion parameters such as speed, acceleration, distance, stride length, direction, relative motion of certain body parts or objects relative to other body parts or objects; or other motion parameters, which may be expressed as angular velocity, linear velocity, or a combination thereof; physiological parameters such as calories, heart rate, perspiration, force, oxygen consumption, oxygen dynamics; and other measures that may fall into one or more categories, such as: stress, impact force, information about the athlete, such as height, weight, age, demographic information, and combinations thereof.

[0127] System 100 can be configured to send and / or receive motion data, including parameters, measurements, or physiological characteristics collected within or otherwise provided to system 100. As an example, WAN 106 may include server 111. Server 111 may have… Figure 2The system 200 comprises one or more components. In one embodiment, server 111 includes at least a processor and memory, such as processor 206 and memory 212. Server 111 may be configured to store computer-executable instructions on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Instructions may include motion data, such as raw or processed data collected within system 100. System 100 may be configured to send data, such as energy consumption points, to or host such data on a social networking site. Server 111 may be used to allow one or more users to access and / or compare motion data. Thus, server 111 may be configured to send and / or receive notifications based on motion data or other information.

[0128] Returning to LAN 104, computer device 114 is shown operatively communicating with display device 116, image capture device 118, sensor 120, and exercise device 122, all of which are discussed below with reference to exemplary embodiments. In one embodiment, display device 116 may provide audiovisual cues to athlete 124 to perform specific movement. The audiovisual cues may be provided in response to computer-executable instructions executed on computer device 114 or any other device, including devices of BAN 102 and / or WAN. Display device 116 may be a touchscreen device or otherwise configured to receive user input.

[0129] In one embodiment, data can be obtained from image capture device 118 and / or other sensors, such as sensor 120, which can be used alone or in combination with other devices to detect (and / or measure) motion parameters or detect stored information. Image capture device 118 and / or sensor 120 may include transceiver devices. In one embodiment, sensor 128 may include an infrared (IR), electromagnetic (EM), or acoustic transceiver. For example, image capture device 118 and / or sensor 120 may transmit waveforms into the environment, including transmitting waveforms toward athlete 124, and receive “reflections” or otherwise detect changes in those emitted waveforms. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that, according to various embodiments, signals corresponding to multiple different data spectra can be utilized. In this regard, device 118 and / or 120 may detect waveforms emitted from an external source (e.g., not system 100). For example, device 118 and / or 120 may detect heat emitted from user 124 and / or the surrounding environment. Therefore, image capture device 126 and / or sensor 128 may include one or more thermal imaging devices. In one embodiment, the image capture device 126 and / or the sensor 128 may include an IR device configured to perform distance phenomenology.

[0130] In one embodiment, exercise equipment 122 can be any device that can be configured to allow or facilitate physical movement by an athlete 124, such as a treadmill, stepper, etc. The device does not need to be fixed. In this regard, wireless technology allows the use of portable devices, and thus bicycles or other mobile exercise devices may be used according to certain embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that device 122 can be an interface for receiving or including an electronic device containing motion data remotely executed from computer device 114. For example, a user can use the exercise device (described hereinafter with respect to BAN 102) and download motion data to element 122 or any other device in system 100 when returning home or locating device 122. Any I / O device disclosed herein can be configured to receive activity data.

[0131] 2. Body area network

[0132] BAN 102 may include two or more devices (including passive devices) configured to receive, transmit, or otherwise facilitate the collection of motion data. Exemplary devices may include one or more data acquisition units, sensors, or devices known in the art or disclosed herein, including but not limited to I / O devices 116 to 122. Two or more components of BAN 102 may communicate directly, but in other embodiments, they may communicate via a third device, which may be part of BAN 102, LAN 104, and / or WAN 106. One or more components of LAN 104 or WAN 106 may form part of BAN 102. In some embodiments, whether a device such as portable device 112 is part of BAN 102, LAN 104, and / or WAN 106 may depend on the athlete's proximity to the access point allowing communication with mobile cellular network architecture 108 and / or WAN architecture 110. User activity and / or preferences may also influence whether one or more components are used as part of BAN 102. Example implementations are provided herein.

[0133] User 124 may be associated with (e.g., possess, carry, wear, and / or interact with) any number of devices (e.g., portable device 112, shoe-mounted device 126, wrist-worn device 128, and / or sensing location such as sensing location 130), which may include physical devices or locations used to collect information. One or more devices 112, 126, 128, and / or 130 may not be specifically designed for fitness or exercise purposes. In fact, aspects of this disclosure involve using data from multiple devices, some of which are not fitness devices. In some embodiments, one or more devices of BAN 102 (or any other network) may include fitness or exercise devices specifically designed for a particular sport. As used herein, the term “exercise device” includes any physical object that may be used or involved during a specific sport or fitness activity. Exemplary exercise devices may include, but are not limited to: golf balls, basketballs, baseballs, footballs, rugby balls, powerballs, hockey balls, weights, bats, clubs, sticks, rackets, mats, and combinations thereof. In other embodiments, the exemplary fitness device may include objects within the motion environment in which the specific movement takes place, including the environment itself such as a net, rim, backboard, etc., court portions such as center line, outer boundary markings, court, etc., and combinations thereof.

[0134] In this regard, those skilled in the art will understand that one or more motion devices can also be part of (or form part of) a structure, and vice versa, and the structure can include one or more motion devices or can be configured to interact with motion devices. For example, the first structure can include a basketball hoop and backboard, which can be detachable and can be replaced by goalposts. In this regard, one or more motion devices can include one or more sensors, such as those referenced above. Figures 1 to 3 One or more sensors, discussed elsewhere in this document, may be used independently or in combination with other sensors (e.g., one or more sensors associated with one or more structures) to provide the utilized information. For example, a backboard may include a first sensor configured to measure the force exerted by a basketball on the backboard and the direction of that force, and the rim may include a second sensor for detecting the force. Similarly, a golf club may include a first sensor configured to detect grip properties of the shaft and a second sensor configured to measure the impact on the golf ball.

[0135] Note the illustrative portable device 112, which can be, for example, a multi-functional electronic device including a telephone or digital music player, including branded devices available from Apple Inc. in Cupertino, California. or Or it can be purchased from Microsoft in Redmond, Washington. or Windows device. As is known in the art, a digital media player can be used as an output device, input device, and / or storage device for a computer. Device 112 can be configured as an input device for receiving raw or processed data collected from one or more of the following devices: BAN 102, LAN 104, or WAN 106. In one or more embodiments, portable device 112 may include one or more components of computer device 114. For example, portable device 112 may include display 116, image capture device 118, and / or one or more data acquisition devices, with or without other components, such as any of the I / O devices 116 to 122 discussed above, to include a mobile terminal.

[0136] a. Illustrative clothing / accessory sensors

[0137] In some embodiments, I / O devices may be formed within or associated with the user 124's clothing or accessories, including watches, armbands, wristbands, necklaces, shirts, shoes, etc. These devices may be configured to monitor the user's motion. It should be understood that they may detect motion during user 124's interaction with computer device 114 and / or operate independently of computer device 114 (or any other device disclosed herein). For example, one or more devices in BAN 102 may be configured to act as an all-day activity monitor that measures activity regardless of the user's proximity to or interaction with computer device 114. It should also be understood that the following paragraphs describe… Figure 3 The sensory system 302 shown in the figure and Figure 4 The device components 400 shown are each merely illustrative examples.

[0138] i. Shoe-mounted device

[0139] In some embodiments, Figure 1 The illustrated device 126 may include footwear, which may include one or more sensors, including but not limited to those disclosed herein and / or known in the art. Figure 3This description illustrates an example embodiment of a sensor system 302 that provides one or more sensor components 304. Component 304 may include one or more sensors, such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, position determination components, force sensors, and / or any other sensors disclosed herein or known in the art. In the illustrated embodiment, component 304 incorporates multiple sensors, which may include a force-sensitive resistor (FSR) sensor 306; however, other sensors may be used. Port 308 may be located within a sole structure 309 of a shoe and is generally configured to communicate with one or more electronic devices. Port 308 may optionally be configured to communicate with an electronic module 310, and the sole structure 309 may optionally include a housing 311 or other structure to receive module 310. Sensor system 302 may also include multiple leads 312 connecting the FSR sensor 306 to port 308 to enable communication with module 310 and / or another electronic device via port 308. Module 310 may be contained within a well or cavity in the sole structure of the shoe, and housing 311 may be located within said well or cavity. In one embodiment, at least one gyroscope and at least one accelerometer are housed within a single housing, such as module 310 and / or housing 311. In at least another embodiment, one or more sensors are provided that are configured to provide orientation information and angular rate data during operation. Port 308 and module 310 include complementary interfaces 314, 316 for connection and communication.

[0140] In some embodiments, Figure 3 At least one force-sensitive resistor 306 shown may include a first electrode or electrical contact 318 and a second electrode or electrical contact 320, and a force-sensitive material 322 disposed between the electrodes 318, 320 to electrically connect the electrodes 318, 320 together. When pressure is applied to the force-sensitive material 322, the resistivity and / or conductivity of the force-sensitive material 322 change, which alters the potential between the electrodes 318, 320. The change in resistance can be detected by the sensor system 302 to detect the force applied to the sensor 316. The force-sensitive material 322 can change its resistance under pressure in a variety of ways. For example, the force-sensitive material 322 may have an internal resistance that decreases when the material is compressed. Another embodiment may utilize "volume-based resistance" that can be implemented through "smart materials". As another example, the material 322 can change its resistance by changing, for example, the degree of surface-to-surface contact between two pieces of force-sensitive material 322 or between the force-sensitive material 322 and one or both electrodes 318, 320. In some cases, the performance of this type of force-sensitive resistor can be described as "contact-based resistance".

[0141] ii. Wrist-worn devices

[0142] like Figure 4As shown, device 400 (which may be similar to or include) Figure 1 The illustrated sensing device 128 can be configured to be worn by a user 124, for example, around the wrist, arm, ankle, neck, etc. Device 400 may include an input mechanism, such as a pressable input button 402 configured for use during operation of device 400. Input button 402 may be operatively connected to controller 404 and / or any other electronic components, such as those related to... Figure 1 The computer device 114 shown represents one or more elements discussed. The controller 404 may be embedded in or otherwise part of a housing 406. The housing 406 may be formed of one or more materials including elastomeric components and includes one or more displays, such as display 408. A display can be considered an illuminated portion of the device 400. Display 408 may include a series of individual illumination elements or lamp components, such as LED lamps 410. The lamps may be formed in an array and operatively connected to the controller 404. The device 400 may include an indicator system 412, which may also be considered part or a component of the entire display 408. The indicator system 412 may operate and illuminate with and be illuminated by the display 408 (which may have pixel components 414), or may be completely separate from the display 408. The indicator system 412 may also include a plurality of additional illumination elements or lamp components, which, in an exemplary embodiment, may also be in the form of LED lamps. In some embodiments, the indicator system may provide visual indication of a target, for example by illuminating a portion of the illumination components of the indicator system 412, to indicate completion toward one or more targets. The device 400 can be configured to display data, expressed in terms of activity points or currency earned by the user based on the user's activities, via a display 408 and / or an indicator system 412.

[0143] The fastening mechanism 416 can be released, wherein the device 400 can be positioned around a portion of the wrist or user 124, and the fastening mechanism 416 can then be placed in an engaged position. In one embodiment, the fastening mechanism 416 may include an interface, including but not limited to a USB port, for operative interaction with computer device 114 and / or devices such as devices 120 and / or 112. In some embodiments, the fastening member may include one or more magnets. In one embodiment, the fastening member may have no moving parts and rely entirely on magnetic force.

[0144] In some embodiments, device 400 may include a sensor assembly ( Figure 4(Not shown in the image). The sensor assembly may include multiple different sensors, including those disclosed herein and / or known in the art. In the example embodiment, the sensor assembly may include or be operatively connected to any sensor disclosed herein or known in the art. The device 400 and its sensor assembly may be configured to receive data obtained from one or more external sensors.

[0145] iii. Clothing and / or body position sensing

[0146] Figure 1 Element 130 illustrates an example sensing location, which may be associated with a physical device such as a sensor, data acquisition unit, or other means. However, in other embodiments, the sensing location may be a specific location of a body part or area monitored, for example, via an image capture device (e.g., image capture device 118). In some embodiments, element 130 may include sensors such that elements 130a and 130b may be sensors integrated into clothing, such as sportswear. Such sensors may be placed at any desired location on the body of user 124. Sensors 130a / b may be in communication (e.g., wireless communication) with one or more devices (including other sensors) of BAN 102, LAN 104, and / or WAN 106. In some embodiments, a passive sensing surface may reflect waveforms, such as infrared light, emitted by image capture device 118 and / or sensor 120. In one embodiment, a passive sensor located on user 124's clothing may include a generally spherical structure made of glass or other transparent or translucent surfaces that reflect waveforms. Different categories of clothing can be utilized, with each category featuring specific sensors configured to be located near specific parts of the user's body when worn correctly. For example, golf apparel may include one or more sensors positioned on the garment in a first configuration, while soccer apparel may include one or more sensors positioned on the garment in a second configuration.

[0147] Figure 5Illustrative locations for sensory input are shown (see, for example, sensory locations 130a to 130o). In this regard, the sensor may be a physical sensor located on / in the user's clothing, but in other embodiments, sensor locations 130a to 130o may be based on the identification of a relationship between two moving body parts. For example, sensor location 130a can be determined by identifying the movement of user 124 using an image capture device such as image capture device 118. Thus, in some embodiments, the sensor may not be physically located at a specific location (e.g., one or more of sensor locations 130a to 130o), but is configured to sense the characteristics of said location, for example, using image capture device 118 or other sensor data collected from other locations. In this regard, the overall shape or part of the user's body may allow the identification of certain body parts. Regardless of whether an image capture device and / or a physical sensor located on user 124 are used, and / or whether data from other devices (e.g., sensory system 302) is used to utilize device component 400 and / or any other device or sensor disclosed herein or known in the art, the sensor may sense the current position of the body part and / or track the movement of the body part. In one embodiment, sensory data relating to position 130m can be used in determining the user's center of gravity (i.e., center of mass). For example, the relationship between position 130a and positions 130f / 130l relative to one or more positions 130m to 130o can be used to determine (e.g., during a jump) whether the user's center of gravity has risen along the vertical axis or whether the user is attempting to "fake" a jump by bending and flexing their knees. In one embodiment, sensor position 1306n can be located around the sternum of user 124. Similarly, sensor position 130o can be located near the navel of user 124. In some embodiments, data from sensor positions 130m to 130o (alone or in combination with other data) can be used to determine the user 124's center of gravity. In another embodiment, the relationship between multiple sensor positions (e.g., sensors 130m to 130o) can be used to determine the orientation and / or rotational forces of user 124, such as the torsion of user 124's torso. Additionally, one or more positions, such as position 1306n, can be used as (or near) the center of torque position. For example, in one embodiment, one or more locations 130m to 130o can be used as points representing the torque center location of user 124. In another embodiment, one or more locations can be used as the torque center of a specific body part or area.

[0148] II. Movement belt with detachable module

[0149] This disclosure relates to a system that can measure one or more attributes of a user during physical activity (e.g., physiological, biomedical, athletic, and it should be understood that these may be overlapping examples). In one embodiment, the system and method can measure one or more attributes of a user while performing strenuous physical exercise or activity. For example, the user may be participating in professional sports activities, including but not limited to: American football, rugby, basketball, swimming, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the system and method can consistently provide measurements to the user during exercise, wherein the system experiences impact and / or acceleration measures typically encountered in strenuous activities such as professional sports.

[0150] Some aspects relate to a modular system that can securely hold or otherwise hold at least one sensor against a user's skin during strenuous physical activity. In one embodiment, the system can be configured to hold a heart rate sensor against a user's skin during strenuous physical activity in a manner that allows for accurate readings during the activity. The strap can also hold at least one sensor against the skin and allow the sensor to move less than 1 mm relative to the user's skin during exercise activity or during exercise that is typically associated with average force and / or acceleration metrics for a particular exercise activity. In yet another embodiment, the strap can be configured such that a detachable sensor moves less than 0.5 mm relative to the user's skin surface during exercise activity. The system may include a strap 920 configured to be held against the user's skin or clothing. In one embodiment, the strap is configured as an armband; however, it can be configured as a wristband, waist belt, or other configuration. In one embodiment, the strap 920 is configured to be worn between the user's elbow and wrist. In another embodiment, the strap is configured to be worn between the elbow and shoulder.

[0151] The belt 920 can be any suitable clothing item that can be attached to the body, such as, but not limited to, armbands, wristbands, legbands, and belts. Additionally, clothing items can be any suitable clothing item that can be worn on the body, such as shirts, jackets, coats, sweatshirts, vests, shorts, and trousers, as well as various other clothing items.

[0152] In one embodiment, the strap 920 may be configured without fasteners configured to hold the strap around the arm. In another embodiment, the strap may exhibit a modulus of elasticity that allows the strap to be secured around a user's limb (e.g., arm) without the need for fasteners to secure the strap 920 to the limb, in order to obtain accurate sensor readings during activity (potentially vigorous physical activity). In yet another embodiment, fasteners may be used to join at least one or more portions of the strap together to attach it to the limb. As those skilled in the art will know, any suitable fasteners may be used, such as Velcro fasteners, snaps, buttons, buckles, and zippers.

[0153] In another aspect of the invention, as shown in the accompanying drawings, the wristband or armband may be a continuous tubular band made of an elastic material that can be pulled onto the wrist or arm. As described below, a cavity (e.g., cavity 940) may be attached to or integrally formed with the band 920. As further discussed below, the band 920 may be configured to include a “cavity” configured to hold an electronic module. In this respect, the band may form a seal or other surface around a portion of the user’s skin in a distributed force manner, such that at least a portion of the band 920 is held against the user’s skin with a smaller force per unit area compared to any surface of the electronic module 930 held in the cavity 940 pressing against the skin when the user wears the band 920. The band 920 may be further configured such that specific portions blocking ambient light from contacting the user’s skin beneath the band 920. In this respect, during normal use, the band 920 may block light in one or more specific areas and / or across the entire area covered by the band. In one embodiment, at least 75% of ambient light is blocked from reaching the area of ​​the strip adjacent to where the sensor extends from the strip's opening and contacts the user's skin surface.

[0154] Typically, the device includes a strap 920 configured to be worn by or otherwise attached to a user's body, and a module 930 configured to be connected to the strap 920 for wear or otherwise attachment to the user. Figures 15 to 19As shown, in one embodiment, the band 920 may be an armband configured to be worn on a user's upper forearm, just below the elbow. In this embodiment, the band 920 includes a tubular body 921 defining a central channel 922, through which the user's arm is received, and the tubular body 921 wraps around the arm. In the illustrated embodiment, the tubular body 921 is slightly truncated conical in shape, with a wider apex 923 configured to be positioned closer to the elbow, and a relatively narrower apex 924 configured to be positioned closer to the wrist, where the forearm is typically smaller. When worn on a user's forearm during activity, the truncated conical shape of the tubular body 921 helps to resist slippage of the band 920. In another embodiment, a band 920 with a similar structure may be configured to be worn elsewhere on the body. For example, the band 920 may be configured to be worn elsewhere on the arm, such as the upper arm, wrist, hand, etc. As another example, the strap 920 can be configured to wrap around different parts of the user's body, such as the legs, neck, torso, head, etc. It should be understood that the size and profile of the strap 920 can be adjusted to wrap around different body parts.

[0155] In one embodiment, the band 920 may be formed of a flexible, elastic material that can be stretched to allow a user to comfortably wear the band 920 and place and remove it from the user's body; for example, an elastic fabric. The band 920 may be made of two or more layers of material bonded together and may be part of a single piece folded to form multiple layers. Figures 15 to 19 An embodiment of the band 920 utilizing the housing 963 as described herein is shown.

[0156] exist Figures 6 to 7 In the embodiments shown in 15 to 19, the tape 920 is made of a single piece of fabric folded over itself to form two layers, which are bonded together by an adhesive applied between the two layers. In some embodiments, the adhesive may be patterned, which may be visible in the final product, thus creating a unique visual appearance. The adhesive pattern may also be functional, for example, in controlling the maximum degree of stretch of the tape 920, controlling the stretching position or other deformation of the tape 920, enhancing the durability of the tape 920, and / or other functions. Figures 6 to 7 As shown, adhesive is applied to multiple lines 925 extending axially along the strip 920 (i.e., between ends 923, 924) and spaced circumferentially from each other. In these configurations, radial stretching of the strip 920 occurs between the lines 925, and the adhesive lines 925 provide low-stretch areas. Figures 6 to 7The band 920 may have broken or discontinuous adhesive lines 925 (i.e., segments), with one or more gaps 926 along each line 925. Additionally, in this embodiment, the gaps 926 of each line 925 may be offset or staggered from the gaps 926 of adjacent lines 925. In another embodiment, the band 920 may have solid adhesive lines (which may be straight and / or curved) or one or more solid adhesive blocks. The configuration of the adhesive lines as described herein provides several advantages. First, the axially extending lines 925 allow most of the radial stretch of the band to occur between the lines 925, such that the modulus or elastic response of the elastic material of the band 920 controls the amount of stretch. Additionally, the axially extending lines 925 allow the adhesive of the lines 925 to have a greater influence on the modulus or elastic response of the band 920 in the axial direction, thus limiting the amount of axial stretch that occurs. This helps to avoid overstretching when the band 920 is pulled onto the user's body (e.g., forearm), causing the band 920 to slip as needed, rather than wasting the energy applied by the user by stretching the band. The “offset” of gap 926 also helps to limit axial tension. Additionally, the intermittent application of adhesive thread 925 provides greater breathability, as the fabric of the strip material is generally more breathable than the adhesive. In another embodiment, the strip 920 is made of a single piece of fabric folded over itself to form two layers and joined around ends 923, 924, for example by adhesive, stitching, etc.

[0157] The strip 920 is typically configured to hold an electronic module 930, which can be detached from the strip 920. In one embodiment, the strip 920 has a cavity 940 defining a cavity 941 configured to detachably house the module 930. In one embodiment, as... Figures 6 to 7 and 15 to Figure 19 As shown, the cavity 940 can be accessed from the inner surface 927 of the belt 920, which is configured to face and / or contact the user's body. In this configuration, the cavity 940 has an access opening 942 defined on the inner side 927 of the belt 920, through which the module 930 can be inserted and removed. In other embodiments, the access opening 942 may be located on the outer side 928 of the belt 920. The belt 920 can be flipped from the inside out to facilitate this access. Figures 6 to 7 and 15 to Figure 19In each embodiment shown, the cavity 940 has an outer wall 943 forming a portion of the outer surface 928 of the band 920 and an inner wall 944 forming a portion of the inner surface 927 of the band 920, wherein a cavity 941 is defined between the walls 943, 944. In one embodiment, these walls 943, 944 are at least partially flexible and may be made of a single layer and / or a single piece or multiple layers and / or multiple pieces. In other embodiments, the walls 943, 944 may be rigid and may be made of the same material as or a different material from the other portions of the band 920. Figures 6 to 7 and 15 to Figure 19 In one embodiment, the access opening 942 is defined within the inner wall 944 at one end of the cavity 941, such that the module 930 is inserted by inserting one end of the module 930 (in one embodiment, the USB connector 135) into the opening 942 and then pushing the rest of the module 930 through the opening 942 and into the cavity 941.

[0158] Figures 6 to 7 The embodiment with 920 is illustrated, wherein module 930 is inserted into cavity 940. Figure 6 In this configuration, cavity 940 is arranged for insertion of module 930, with lamp 934 and button 933 positioned closer to the top end 923 of band 920 (i.e., closer to the user's elbow), and connector 935 positioned closer to the bottom end 924 of band 920 (i.e., closer to the user's wrist). Figure 7 In this configuration, cavity 940 is arranged for insertion of module 930, with lamp 934 and button 933 positioned closer to the bottom end 924 of band 920 (i.e., closer to the user's wrist), and connector 935 positioned closer to the top end 923 of band 920 (i.e., closer to the user's elbow). It should be understood that access opening 942 ( Figures 6 to 7 (not shown in the image) can be located in Figure 6 The top of the middle 923 and Figure 7 Near the bottom of the range, around 924. Figure 7 The configuration in this design is more ergonomic and easier to use. For example, when these components are located near the wrist, viewing the light 934 and pressing the button 933 may require less movement and a more natural motion. Similarly, the force required to push the button 933 compresses the user's arm, and if the button 933 is closer to the wrist, where the bone is closer to the skin, then less soft tissue can be compressed under the force of pushing the button. Figure 7 In this configuration, the protective housing 948 (described below) protects the connector 935 because it is located in the area where the user can grip to pull the strap 920 onto the arm.

[0159] The cavity 940 may also include one or more sensor openings 945 configured to allow the sensors 932 of the module 930 to directly sense the user's body without obstruction, such as by contact with the user's body (e.g., a heart rate sensor), or by otherwise directly interacting with the user's body (e.g., using optical, thermal, or other radiation-based sensors). Figures 15 to 19 In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity 940 has an opening 942 on its inner wall 944 that extends into the cavity 941 and is configured to serve as both a sensor opening and an access opening. In other words, the opening 942 is large enough to allow the module 930 to be inserted into the cavity 941 through the opening 942, and a portion of the opening 942 allows a protrusion 939 of the module 930 to extend through to allow the sensor 932 to be close to the user's body. In other embodiments, the cavity 940 may have a sensor opening 945 on its inner wall 944 that is separate from the access opening 942. The cavity 940 may have multiple sensor openings 945.

[0160] The outer wall 943 of the cavity is configured to cover the module 930 and can be configured to allow reading and / or manipulation of the module through the outer wall 943. For example, the outer wall 943 may include one or more windows 946 to allow viewing of the display of the module 930. Such a window 946 may be an opening on the outer wall 943 or a transparent or translucent portion allowing viewing of a light or illuminated display. Figures 6 to 7 and 15 to Figure 19 In the illustrated embodiment, the outer wall 943 has a window 946 to allow viewing of a single lamp, and may additionally or alternatively have one or more windows 946 configured to allow viewing of multiple LEDs on the module 930 (i.e., a readable display). It should be understood that the cavity 940 may have one or more windows 946 configured to be complementary to the structure of the module 930.

[0161] As another example, the outer wall 943 may have one or more button portions 947 configured to allow operation of one or more buttons 933 of the module 930 via the outer wall 943. It should be understood that a "button" can include a mechanical / electrical button, a touchscreen interface, or other manually operated component. The button portion 947 may simply be a flexible portion of the outer wall 943 that allows a user to press the button portion 947 to activate a button 933 of the module 930. The outer wall 943 may further have one or more flexural areas (not shown) to control the flexural properties of the outer wall 943 and / or the portion with band 920, such as recessed or retracted portions with greater flexibility. In another embodiment, the button portion 947 may have a button mechanism for actuating one or more buttons 933(of) of the module 930. For example, in Figures 15 to 19In one embodiment, the outer wall 943 of the cavity has a button portion 947 configured to interact with a button 933 on the module 930 and a window 946 configured to allow viewing of the lamp 934 through the outer wall 943. In another embodiment, the button portion 947 may also serve as the window 946, for example, if the module 930 has a button with a light thereon or if the module 930 has an illuminated touchscreen display. The outer wall 943 may further have markings, logos, instructions, etc., such as indications of the location of the button 933 on the module 930.

[0162] The strip 920 can be assembled using a hot-pressing operation, wherein a thermally activated film bonds the individual sheets of the strip 920 together. In one embodiment, as described in U.S. Patent Applications Nos. 14 / 946,682; 14 / 946,670; 14 / 946,674; and 14 / 946,691, the material sheets of the strip 920 can be hot-pressed to mold the material to define the cavity 940 and increase the stiffness of the material. Formed in this manner Figure 6 arrive Figure 7 The one with 920. Figures 11 to 14 An example embodiment of mold 970 is shown, which can be used to manufacture belt 920 using components and techniques as described in the above-referenced application. Mold 970 includes two mold plates 971, 972 pressed together around assembled belt components such that these components are housed in a mold cavity 973 between the mold plates 971, 972. Each mold plate 971, 972 has an enlarged portion 974 forming a secondary cavity 975 within the mold cavity 973 for molding a slot 940. One or both of the plates 971, 972 may include one or more holes 978 to allow gas to escape during molding. Figures 12 to 14 As shown, during hot pressing, a plug 976 is inserted between the layers forming the band 920 to create the internal shape of the cavity 940. Figure 12 and Figure 14As shown, the plug 976 includes a protrusion 977 that extends through the sensor opening 945 during molding. After hot pressing is completed, the templates 971 and 972 are separated, the plug 976 is removed from the cavity 940 (e.g., through the opening 942), and the assembled strip 920 is removed from the mold 970. Additional manufacturing steps may then be taken. It should be understood that the structure and configuration of the mold 970 and its components can be modified for strips 920 with different sizes, shapes, structures, etc. After the process is completed, the assembly is removed from the mold, and the final structure of the strip 920 is assembled into a flat piece. A protective shell can be placed within the cavity 941 to protect at least a portion of the module 930 and can be formed of a rigid material such as a rigid plastic or fiber-reinforced polymer (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane), a metallic material, or other materials. Various adhesives, decorations, and closures can be used to fully define the final form of the strip 920, as shown in Figures 6 to 7. Figure 7 As shown. Figure 6 An embodiment with 920 is shown, wherein module 940 is received in cavity 940, and Figure 7 A similar band 920 is shown, as described elsewhere in this document.

[0163] Figures 15 to 19 The belt 920 utilizes a housing 963, which is separately formed from and connected to the belt 920 to form a cavity 940. One embodiment of the housing 963 is... Figures 23 to 24 and 27 to Figure 31 As shown in the figure. In one embodiment, the housing 963 may be made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material and formed as a single piece (e.g., by injection molding), but in other embodiments, the housing may be made partially or entirely of other materials, multiple pieces, and / or other technologies. In this embodiment, the housing 963 is a moderately rigid shell that fully defines the cavity 941 and defines an opening 942 on the inner wall 944 and a window 946 on the outer wall 943. In one embodiment, the rigidity of the housing 963 may be stiff enough to protect the module 930 and flexible enough to allow the button 933 to be operated by pressing the button portion 947 of the band 920. The rigidity of the housing 963 may be greater than the rigidity of the fabric material forming the band 920. In one embodiment, the housing 963 may also have a protrusion 987 on the outer wall 943 to facilitate operation of the button 933 by the button portion 947 on the outer surface 928 of the band 920 and / or enhance the "feel" of the button 933, such as... Figure 28As shown. The protrusion 987 can gently engage or abut against the button 933, such that operating the button 933 requires a small amount of movement / flexion of the adjacent portion of the housing 963. The embodiment of Figure 28 has a protrusion 987 formed as a dome-shaped protrusion, which is formed from an epoxy resin material applied to the inner surface of the outer wall 943. In other embodiments, the protrusion may be formed differently, for example, integrally formed with the housing 963 (e.g., molded), or may be constructed or positioned differently. Figures 27 to 31 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the housing 963 has a lip 964 that extends inwardly around an opening 942 and is used to retain the module 930 within a cavity 940. The opening 942 has a narrow portion 965 configured to engage with a protrusion 939 of the module 930 to retain the protrusion 939 in place, and the lip 964 has a recessed portion 966 surrounding the narrow portion 965, such as... Figure 27 , Figure 29 and Figure 31 As shown. The recessed portion 966 allows the protrusion 939 to extend further outward relative to the lip 964 for better access to the user's skin. The housing 963 also has a wall 969 configured to form a cavity that encloses and holds the connector 935 of the module 930.

[0164] In one embodiment, the housing 963 further has a flange 967 that extends outwardly around at least a portion of the periphery of the housing 963 and is configured for connection to the band 920. Figure 23 To Figures 24 and 27 Figure 31 In the illustrated embodiment, flange 967 typically extends around the entire periphery of housing 963 within a single plane. In other embodiments, flange 967 may have a different configuration (e.g., intermittent), or may be absent. Generally, Figures 23 to 24 and Figures 27 to 31 The outer surface of the housing 963 shown is smoothly contoured for aesthetic purposes and to increase comfort when the housing 963 is in contact with the user's body.

[0165] In one embodiment, the window 946 of the housing 963 may be an empty channel, or in another embodiment, it may have a transparent filler to prevent material from entering from the outer surface 928 of the strip 920. In another embodiment, the window 946 may include light scattering and / or light collecting structures to enhance the transmission of light through the window 946, thereby making the light from the display 934 brighter at the outer surface 928 of the strip 920 from various angles. For example, in one embodiment, the window 946 may include a clear silicone print aligned with the window 946. As another example, in another embodiment, the window 946 may have a screen-printed fabric or finely woven material aligned with the window 946. As another example, in yet another embodiment, the window 946 may have a membrane attached above the window 946, such as a polycarbonate membrane attached by adhesive or acoustic welding. It should be understood that in various embodiments, these structures may be located inside the window 946 and / or above the inner and / or outer surfaces of the window 946. When compared with, for example, Figures 27 to 31 This can be particularly advantageous when used with the housing 963 shown, which can have a significant wall thickness between the displays 934, which can make the light dimmer or more difficult to detect from a circumferential angle.

[0166] Figures 20 to 40 As shown Figures 15 to 19 The illustrated set of components and one embodiment of a method for manufacturing the belt 920 are shown, wherein the belt may be made from a single piece of fabric folded on itself to form two layers and joined by stitching and / or applying an adhesive between the two layers. It will be understood that, in another embodiment, the belt 920 may be made from two or more separate pieces joined together. The belt 920 may be assembled using a thermoforming operation, wherein a heat-activated film bonds the individual pieces of the belt 920 together. Figures 32 to 40 The embodiments of the method shown utilize more localized hot pressing and do not involve the methods described above. Figures 11 to 14 The method described involves hot-pressing the entire belt at 920°C. Figures 20 to 31 It can be shown that Figures 32 to 40 The components used in the method shown below, relative to Figures 32 to 40 These components are described in more detail.

[0167] exist Figures 20 to 40 In one embodiment, the main body 950 is formed (e.g., cut) from a fabric material (e.g., a polyethylene-based material) with elastic properties, such as... Figure 32 As shown, the fold lines are represented by dashed lines. Depending on the need, this can be achieved, for example, by... Figure 33The screen printing shown applies a pattern 958 to the outer surface 928 of the strip 920. The body 950 has a first hole 950A and a second hole 950B, the first hole serving as a housing 963 to extend through the strip 920 and accessible from the inner surface 927 of the strip 920, and the second hole aligning with and / or forming a portion of the window 946. Figure 34 As shown, in one embodiment, holes 950A-B can be formed in the body 950 by cutting or laser etching, and can be formed before or after patterning (if patterning is applied). A central fold line divides the body 950 into a first or inner portion 950D forming the inner surface 927 of the band 920 and a second or outer portion 950E forming the outer surface 928 of the band 920, and the body 950 has an inner surface 950F and an outer surface 950G (in... Figures 32 to 40 The image is shown in shaded areas. The outer surface 950G, after assembly, forms the inner surface 927 and outer surface 928 of the band 920, and the inner surface 950F is folded over itself during manufacturing and does not form any portion of the inner surface 927 or outer surface 928 of the band 920. It should be understood that a graphic 958 configured to be visible on the inner surface 927 or outer surface 928 of the band 920 can be applied to the outer surface 950G of the body part 950.

[0168] like Figure 35 As shown, a frame adhesive 980 is applied around a first hole 950A on the inner surface 950F of the first portion 950D, and the frame adhesive is configured to bond to the flange 967 of the housing 963. A light-aligning adhesive 981 is applied around a second hole 950B on the inner surface 950F of the second portion 950E, and the light-aligning adhesive is configured to bond to the housing 963 around the window 946. In this configuration, the light-aligning adhesive 981 resists displacement of the hole 950B relative to the window 946, which could cover the window 946 and block light from passing through. Although in Figure 35 The image shows the application of light to align the adhesive 981, but in one embodiment, this can be done before folding the inner and outer portions 950D-E together. Figure 38 At the stage shown, light is applied to align the adhesive 981. In one embodiment, these adhesives 980, 981 can initially be gently bonded by applying slight heat and pressure to hold the component in place during assembly, and then can be properly bonded during subsequent assembly. Strips 960 of adhesive material are also placed across the edge of the inner surface 950F of the outer portion 950E of the body member 950, configured to bond the inner and outer edges 950D-E together after folding, as shown. Figure 35As shown. Another adhesive strip 968 can also be placed along the central fold line on the inner surface 950F to provide additional strength and structural support to the bottom end 924 of the finished strip 920, as shown. Figure 35 As shown.

[0169] Next, the housing 963 can be connected to the belt 920 such that the flange 967 is placed around the periphery of the hole 950A, and the portion of the housing 963 including the opening 942 extends through the hole 950A, as shown. Figure 36 As shown. In one embodiment, flange 967 can be attached to the inner surface 950F of body 950 by stitching and / or bonding a portion or all of flange 967 to frame adhesive 980. As described above, in one embodiment, flange 967 can be lightly bonded to inner surface 950F via frame adhesive 980 before stitching, and then more firmly bonded subsequently during assembly. After housing 963 is attached to strap 920, trim 983 can be attached to outer surface 950G of inner portion 950D of body 950, as shown. Figure 37 As shown. This decorative element 983 forms part of the inner surface 927 of the band 920 and covers the connection between the housing 963 and the body portion 950. The decorative element 983 may be formed of the thermally activated material described herein and, in one embodiment, may be hot-pressed into place. The decorative element 983 may be initially lightly pressed and then more forcefully pressed at a later time, or, in various embodiments, may be fully compressed from the outset.

[0170] In one embodiment, such as Figure 22 As shown, the support member 982 can also be positioned between the outer shell 963 and the inner surface 950F of the outer portion 950E of the main body 950 before the main body 950 is folded. In one embodiment, Figures 32 to 40 The method shown does not include this support 982, and the support 982 (if used) can be Figures 37 to 38 The steps in the document connect the housing 963 and the body 950. The support 982 may be formed of a thermally activated material as described herein and may be hot-pressed into place. The support 982 may have a hole (not shown) cut in alignment with the window 946. The support 982 may be included if the graphic is printed on or around the area of ​​the band 920 above the cavity 940 and the housing 963, to resist stretching or deformation of the graphic. If no graphic is printed in this location, the support 982 may not be included.

[0171] Figures 43 to 45 Examples of various embodiments described herein that can be used to manufacture housing 963 with band 920 are shown. Figures 46 to 47 Shown to be with Figures 43 to 45Another embodiment of housing 963 is configured in a similar manner to housing 963, and unless otherwise stated, this document refers to... Figure 43 arrive Figure 45 The description is equally applicable Figures 46 to 47 . Figures 43 to 45 The housing 963 includes one or more slots 992 extending through one or more walls 993 of the housing 963. It should be understood that the walls 993 of the housing 963 define cavities 941 and may include outer walls 943, inner walls 944, and possibly other walls.

[0172] The slot 992 helps prevent the buildup of moisture (e.g., sweat) inside the housing 963 during use by allowing moisture to easily escape from the housing 963. In one embodiment, the housing 963 may include at least one slot 992 located at the end of the housing 963 closest to the bottom end 924 of the strap 920, i.e., the end of the housing 963 configured to be at the bottom when the strap 920 is worn on the user's arm in a normal standing position. When the housing 963 is... Figures 16 to 17 and Figure 40 When installed in the direction shown on belt 920, in this position, Figures 43 to 45 The outer casing 963 has a slot 992 at the bottom end of its outer wall 943. In this position, the downward-facing slot 992 facilitates enhanced water passage because gravity tends to push water towards the slot 992. During exercise, the centrifugal force generated by the swinging arm also pushes water towards the downward-facing slot 992. In various embodiments, the outer casing 963 may also have one or more additional slots 992 in other locations. For example, as in... Figure 43 arrive Figure 45 In some embodiments, the housing 963 may also have slots 992 in one or both of the left and right sides of the inner wall 944. These side slots 992 may also facilitate enhanced water permeability by gravity and / or centrifugal force, as one of these slots 992 will face downwards when the runner's arm is bent at a 90° angle (as is common in running and many other exercises).

[0173] In other embodiments, the housing 992 may have additional slots 992 and / or slots 992 located in different positions, which may or may not be located where gravity and / or centrifugal force promotes water flow. For example, in another embodiment, if the housing 963 is positioned in different orientations, then the downward-facing end of the housing 963 may be different. In such embodiments, for example, by using the housing 963 with... Figures 43 to 45The end slot 992 of the housing has a slot 992 at one end and the slot 992 can be located in different positions to facilitate enhanced water passage. In another embodiment, the housing 963 may have slots 992 located at the lower left and lower right corners. Other configurations may be used in other embodiments.

[0174] exist Figures 43 to 45 In one embodiment, slots 992 are formed in the outer wall 943 of the housing 963. These slots 992 can be considered to be formed at least partially or entirely in a portion of the outer wall 943 of the housing 963 and in a sidewall 993A extending transversely to the flange 967. In this location, the slots 992 are located only on the portion of the housing 963 positioned outward from the flange 967 (towards the outer side 928 of the belt 920). This configuration allows moisture to pass from the interior of the housing 963 to the exterior of the housing and be absorbed by the material of the belt 920. In other embodiments, slots 992 may be additionally or alternatively located elsewhere. For example, the housing 963 may include one or more slots 992 in the inner wall 944, which allows moisture to pass to the exterior of the belt 920, or the housing 963 may have other exposed surfaces (e.g., in belts 920 in different configurations) in which slots 992 may be present. Additionally, the size of the slot 992 can affect the water permeability characteristics, as a larger slot 992 can help block any meniscus that may form due to moisture buildup. In one embodiment, the slot 992 at the end of the housing 963 can be at least 50% of the width of the wall 993 it is located on (i.e., excluding the flange 967), and the slots 992 on the sidewalls 993 of the housing 963 can each be at least 20% of the length of the sidewall 993 it is located on. Furthermore, the housing 963 can have a surfactant applied to the inner surface of the housing 963 to enhance the ability of water to travel into the pores and block any meniscus that may form. The use of a surfactant makes it possible to use smaller slots 992.

[0175] In various embodiments, the slot 992 can be formed using any of a variety of different forming techniques. For example, in one embodiment, the slot 992 can be formed in the housing 963 after the housing is formed, for example, by using laser cutting, mechanical cutting, thermal cutting, or other cutting techniques; processing techniques; or other material removal techniques. In another embodiment, the slot 992 can be formed as part of a forming process, for example, by pressing or molding the material of the housing 963 using a tool configured to form the slot 992. For example, a one-piece injection-molded TPU housing 963 as described above can be injection-molded into the cavity forming the slot 992. Other techniques known in the art can also be used.

[0176] Figures 41 to 42One embodiment of a hot-pressing assembly 988 is shown, which is configured to hot-press around a flange 967 of a housing 963 after the housing 963 has been attached to the belt 920, for example by stitching, as described herein. Figure 36 As described. Figures 41 to 42 As shown, the hot-pressing assembly 988 includes two opposing mold parts 989 and 990, which are configured for hot-pressing around the flange 967 of the housing 963. Figure 42 The diagram schematically shows strip 920 to illustrate that a hot-pressing assembly 988 is configured to hot-press strip 920 together with housing 963. In operation, a first mold member 989 is positioned on the inner surface 950F of an inner portion 950D of body member 950, and a second mold member 989 is positioned on the outer surface 950G of an inner portion 950D of body member 950. Mold members 989 and 990 are annular and each has an internal opening 991, such that mold members 989 and 990 are configured to press only around the flange 967 of housing 963. In this configuration, the body of housing 963 is received within the opening 991, such that mold members 989 and 990 do not press the body of housing 963 or adjacent portions of strip 920, thus positioning the heat application and preventing the formation of undesirable marks or discoloration on the unpressed portions of strip 920 and housing 963. In one embodiment, Figure 37 The decorative element 983 shown can be applied prior to the operation of the hot-pressing assembly 988, and the shapes of the mold parts 988 and 989 conform to the shape of the decorative element 983 as shown. Figure 36 and 37 After the assembly steps shown, and in Figure 38 Before the belt 920 is folded (discussed below), a heat-pressing assembly 988 can be applied to the belt 920 and the housing 963. Additional heat-sealable material parts can be used in different locations along with the heat-pressing assembly 988. For example, as discussed herein, Figure 22 The support member 982 can also be applied prior to the operation of the hot-pressing assembly 988. It should be understood that the configuration of the mold parts 988 and 989 can vary depending on the shape and configuration of the housing 963 and the decorative part 983 (or other heat-sealable material parts that may be used).

[0177] Next, fold the main body 950 so that the inner and outer parts 950D-E face each other, as shown. Figure 38 As shown. The outer surfaces 950G of the inner and outer portions 950D-E respectively form the inner surface 927 and outer surface 928 of the band 920, and in this configuration, the inner surface 950F is located inside the band 920. A seam adhesive strip 961 is placed along the edge where the folded ends of the inner and outer portions 950D-E intersect to cover the edge, as shown. Figure 39As shown. In one embodiment, strips 960, 961, 968, frame adhesive 980, decorative element 983, light alignment adhesive 981, and optionally support element 982 (if present) can be fully bonded at this point in the process, for example, by a local bonding technique. For example, bonding can be achieved by bonding each element separately and sequentially, or by hot pressing using a tool surface configured to press the desired element at the desired location without pressing other locations of the strip 920. The body portion 950 can be cut to a certain size at this point in the process, for example, by cutting the end 950 of the body element 950 to form a beveled edge, such as... Figure 40 As shown. The closed decorative strip 962 can be used to bond the ends of the main body 950 together to form a tubular main body 921, as... Figure 40 As shown. In one embodiment, the ends of the body member 950 are first wrapped to form a tubular body 921, and then the ends of the body member 950 are sewn together along the seam. A decorative strip 962 with a closure is then applied to cover the seam and secure the connection. During assembly, the decorative strip 962 wraps around the inner surface 927 and outer surface 928 of the strip 920, and... Figure 19 An embodiment with a closure strip can be seen in more detail. In one embodiment, the closure strip 962 is locally heat-pressed after the additional heat-pressing operation described above. After the strip 962 is sewn and joined, the final structure of the strip 920 is formed, wherein the cavity 940 is defined on the inner surface 927.

[0178] Figures 8 to 10 An example of module 930 is shown, which can be used in conjunction with clothing or other devices, such as an armband that can be inserted into during strenuous athletic activities. Module 930 may include one or more mechanical, electrical, and / or electromechanical components, such as computer components described elsewhere herein, and a housing 931 forming a structural configuration for module 930. Module 930 may include at least one of a processor, a non-transitory computer-readable medium, a sensor, and / or a transceiver. One or more components may be associated with the components described above. Figures 1 to 5 Any components shown and described herein are similar to and / or identical. Those skilled in the art will understand that module 930 and housing 931 may have a variety of different structural configurations, and the illustrations are merely exemplary.

[0179] exist Figures 8 to 10 In this embodiment, module 930 has at least one sensor 932, which may take the form of, for example, a heart rate sensor or other sensors for sensing another physiological parameter of the user. Module 930 may be configured to contact the user's skin during wear while being secured within a strap or device. For example, in the embodiment shown here, the heart rate sensor 932 is an optical sensor that works best when in contact with or in close proximity to the skin. Figures 8 to 10 As shown, the housing 931 of module 930 has a protrusion 939 on its lower side 936, and the sensor 932 is mounted on the end of the protrusion 939. The protrusion 939 extends the sensor 932 away from the surrounding surface of the housing 931, thereby allowing increased ability to form continuous contact with the user's body. The band 920 may have openings that allow the front surface of the protrusion to contact the user's skin; however, the remainder of the bottom side 938 is held within the band 920, or separated from the user's skin by at least one layer of material. In one embodiment, the material layer may be configured to absorb moisture (e.g., sweat) from the sensing surface core on the user's skin. In other embodiments, the material layer may be configured to prevent moisture, light, and / or physical materials from contacting the sensing surface or location during physical activity. In one embodiment, the material layer may selectively block certain wavelengths of light. In some embodiments, at least 95% of ambient light is blocked within the immediate vicinity of the sensing surface. In another embodiment, at least 99% of ambient light is blocked. This may be advantageous for optical sensors, such as optical heart rate sensors. Those skilled in the art will understand that other sensors (either alone or in combination with each other, including those mentioned above) can be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Figures 1 to 5 The sensors described.

[0180] In a general embodiment, module 930 may include one or more user input interfaces, such as button 933, to provide user-actuated input. An example user input interface may include a single mechanical button, such as button 933, shown on a top side 937 opposite the bottom side 936. In other embodiments, display feature 934 may be configured as a user input interface. Those skilled in the art will understand that one or more user-actuated inputs may also be received via one or more transceivers of module 930. For example, the system may be configured to allow a user to input user input into an electronic mobile device, which may be emulated using button 933, or alternatively, perform a function different from that available in the particular example of actuating button 933. Module 933 may also include one or more display features 934.

[0181] In one embodiment, the slot 940 of the belt or device may be configured to house a module 930 having a display feature 934 on its surface that provides at least one visual indication to a user. The display feature 934 may be a simple light source, such as a light-emitting diode (LED). In certain embodiments, the color, intensity, or pattern of illumination from at least one light source in the display feature may be used to provide visual indication to a user. Those skilled in the art will further understand that more sophisticated display devices, such as LEDs, OLEDs, LCDs, etc., may be utilized. Other output mechanisms, such as auditory and tactile, are also within the scope of this disclosure.

[0182] Module 930 may further include one or more connectors 935 for charging and / or connection to external devices. In one embodiment, connector 935 may include a serial bus connection, such as a serial bus connection conforming to one or more Universal Serial Bus (USB) standards. In one embodiment, connector 935 may be configured to provide at least the same electronic information to an external device that can be transmitted via one or more transceivers of module 930.

[0183] When Figures 8 to 10 In the embodiment, module 930 is housed in Figures 6 to 7 Or 15 to Figure 19 When the connector 935 is housed within the cavity 940 shown, the connector 935 is concealed within the housing 948. Figures 6 to 7 ) or the end of the casing 963 ( Figures 15 to 19 Inside, the lower side 936 of the housing 931 is positioned to contact the inner wall 944 of the cavity 940, and the top side 937 of the housing 931 is positioned to contact the outer wall 943 of the cavity 940. In this arrangement, the protrusion 939 extends through the sensor opening 945 to position the sensor 932 closer to the user's body, the button 933 is positioned adjacent to the button portion 947 on the outer wall 943, and the lamp 934 is positioned aligned with the window 946 to allow the lamp 934 to be viewed through the outer wall 943. The protrusion 939 extending through the sensor opening 945, and in some embodiments, may also help hold the module 930 in place. In this configuration, the end of the module 930 opposite the connector 935 protrudes slightly from the access opening 942 to facilitate gripping for removal of the module 930.

[0184] The housing 931 may have a structural configuration to increase comfort when wearing the module 930 close to the user's skin. For example, the housing 931 may have a flat configuration to form a thin profile, making the module 930 less noticeable when worn on the user's body. As another example, the housing 931 may have curved profiles on the lower side 936 and the top side 937, as well as curved or beveled edges, to improve comfort. Figures 8 to 10 In some embodiments, the housing 931 of module 930 has curved or beveled edges to improve comfort. It should be understood that this module 930 can be utilized as described herein and can have additional or alternative features as described herein. Figures 15 to 19 and Figures 27 to 31 The housing 963 shown with 920 is configured to be suitable for Figures 8 to 10 The module shown is 930.

[0185] In some embodiments, computer-executable instructions may be used to calibrate the apparatus or system, for example, to instruct the position, orientation, or configuration of a sensor or group of sensors. As an example, module 930 may include a heart rate sensor. The heart rate sensor may be configured such that, when correctly oriented on or within a band, the heart rate sensor is positioned or oriented in a certain way relative to the user. For example, if the heart rate sensor is an optical heart rate sensor, it may be within a range of distances from the skin (relative to multiple axes and positions). Additionally, one or more sensors may be configured such that, when correctly oriented within a band (e.g., placed within a cavity), the sensor's contactor is configured to communicate with the user (e.g., their skin or alternatively their clothing). Excessive variation regarding the orientation or position of the sensor may result in inaccurate and / or imprecise data. In some embodiments, the appropriate or preferred positioning or location of the sensor may be determined using raw or calculated measurements from one or more sensors.

[0186] Figures 48 to 57 An embodiment is shown for use with band 920, the band comprising... Figure 15 To some or all of the features of band 920 shown in Figure 19, and can be in a similar manner Figures 20 to 40 The method shown is used for manufacturing. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, it is unnecessary to describe again the characteristics and manufacturing techniques similar to those of the already described strips. Figures 48 to 57 The features and manufacturing techniques of the 920 are described. Similar reference numerals can be used to refer to similar components that have already been described.

[0187] exist Figures 48 to 57 In one embodiment, the strip 920 includes an input device 1000 connected to the housing 963 and / or otherwise housed within a cavity 940, and configured to connect to the module 930 when the module 930 is housed within the cavity 940. The input device 1000 has one or more buttons 1001 accessible, for example, via the outer wall 943 of the strip 920 from its outer surface 928. The input device 1000 is configured to communicate with an external device 1002, such as… Figure 57 As shown, and may include any of the components of the aforementioned computer device 200. In one embodiment, the input device 1000 includes: a wireless transmitter 1003 (which may be part of a transceiver) configured to communicate with an external device 1002; a port 1004 for connection to a connector 935 of module 930; and a small memory and / or processor, possibly for operating the button 1001, the transmitter 1003, and the port 1004. In one embodiment, the input device 1000 may not include an internal operating system or significant software, and the input device 1000 may be configured to simply transmit a signal that the button 1001 has been pressed, as well as the sequence and / or length of button presses.

[0188] The button 1001 of the input device 1000 can be one of several different types, including tactile / mechanical buttons, touchscreens, thermal buttons, or other devices capable of recording user touches. It should be understood that some types of buttons 1001 may need to be operated through a window or other passageway in the outer wall 943 of the outer wall 920. Figures 48 to 57 In some embodiments, the input device 1000 includes a tactile button 1001. The input device 1000 may include one or more additional buttons 1001, such as... Figures 48 to 56 As shown and described below. For example, Figures 48 to 55 Each embodiment includes a main button 1001A and an optional additional volume control button 1001B. Various techniques and methods for operating the button 1001 are also described below. The strip 920 may also have markings 1008 on its outer surface 928 to indicate to the user where to press to activate the button 1001, such as... Figure 55 As shown.

[0189] The transmitter 1003, which may be part of a transceiver as described above, is configured for wireless communication with one or more external devices 1002, such as... Figure 57 As shown. It should be understood that, Figures 48 to 57 Any embodiment may include this transmitter 1003. In one embodiment, transmitter 1003 may be a Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE) transmitter. In other embodiments, transmitter 1003 may use different transmissions, frequencies, protocols, etc., such as a Wi-Fi transmitter.

[0190] Port 1004 can include any connection structure, and the configuration of port 1004 can depend on the configuration of the module 930 connected to it. Figures 48 to 57 In this embodiment, port 1004 is a USB or USB-compatible port, which is configured to connect with... Figures 7 to 10 The USB connector 935 on module 930 is connected. It should be understood that in one embodiment, port 1004 may not include all the hardware of a typical USB port, as port 1004 can be configured to draw power from module 930 only to operate input device 1000 without exchanging data with module 930. In another embodiment, input device 1000 can be configured, for example, to serve as a wireless communication interface between module 930 and external device 1002 by receiving data from and / or sending data to module 930 via port 1004 and by receiving data from and / or sending data to external device 1002 via transmitter 1003.

[0191] The input device 1000 may also include haptic feedback features such as a vibration motor or other haptic feedback mechanism 1009 (schematically shown in FIG. 52) to convey various signals (e.g., alarms) to the user. The input device 1000 may be configured to provide different types of haptic feedback, such as steady vibration, pulsed vibration, etc. The input device 1000 may receive signals from an external device 1002 to generate specific haptic feedback. In one embodiment, the decision of when and which haptic feedback should be generated is performed by the external device 1002, such that the input device only needs to receive signals and generate haptic feedback. The external device 1002 may utilize user settings to provide specific haptic feedback when a specific event occurs, such as an incoming call, an emergency alarm, arrival at an activity milestone, or other event. Haptic feedback can be used in conjunction with various applications and functions described below.

[0192] In various embodiments, the input device 1000 may be located within the cavity 940 and / or the housing 963, may be positioned adjacent to the cavity 940 and / or the housing 963, may form part of the cavity 940 and / or the housing 963, or may be a separate element connected to the module 930. Figures 48 to 49 In this embodiment, the input device 1000 is a separate device permanently or detachably attached to the housing 963. In this embodiment, the input device 1000 is in the form of a housing positioned within the narrow portion 965 of the housing 963 near the opening 942 (i.e., the location for housing the connector 935 of the module 930), with the port 1004 having an opening facing the cavity 940 defined by the housing 963. In this position, the module 930 can be inserted into the housing 963 such that the connector 935 is housed within the port 1004, as... Figure 53 The diagram is schematically illustrated. In one embodiment, the input device 1000 may be permanently attached to the housing 963, for example, by adhesives or other bonding techniques, fasteners, integral molding, or other techniques. In another embodiment, the input device 1000 may be detachably attached to the housing 963. This detachable input device 1000 can be removed from the housing to connect or disconnect from the module 930, such as... Figure 53 As shown in Figure 56 and described below. Alternatively, when module 930 is connected and disconnected, this removable input device 1000 can be retained within housing 963, for example by a releasable retaining structure on input device 1000 and / or housing 963, a high-friction fit sufficient to hold input device 1000 in place during movement or removal of module 930 from port 1004, or other removable configuration. Housing 963 may also have features that facilitate access to button 1001. For example, as Figure 49As shown, the housing 963 has one or more openings 1005 on its outer wall 943 to allow access to the button 1001. In another embodiment, the housing 963 may have one or more protrusions on the inner surface of the outer wall 943 adjacent to the button 1001, such that, similar to the protrusions 987 described above, a force applied to the housing 963 can reliably activate the button 1001.

[0193] exist Figures 50 to 51 In some embodiments, the input device 1000 forms part of the housing 963 or is part of an integral structure with the housing 963. In this embodiment, the input device 1000 forms the end of the narrow portion 965 of the housing 963 near the opening 942, and has an external shape and profile substantially continuous with the external shape and profile of the housing 963. Figures 50 to 51 As shown, the input device 1000 has a flange 967 continuous with the flange 967 of the housing 963. The input device 1000 engages with the housing 963, and the housing 963 has an opening end 1006 adjacent to the input device 1000, the opening end communicating with a cavity 940, such that a port 1004 of the input device 1000 communicates with the cavity 940 defined by the housing 963. In this configuration, when the module 930 is inserted into the housing 963, the connector 935 of the module 930 is received within the port 1004, as... Figure 52 The diagram is schematically illustrated. In one embodiment, the input device 1000 may be permanently attached to the housing 963, or in another embodiment, the input device 1000 may be detachably attached to the housing 963, for example, by using one of the permanent or detachable attachment techniques described elsewhere herein. In the embodiment described, the button 1001 may be located on the outer surface of the input device 1000, such as... Figure 51 As shown.

[0194] exist Figures 53 to 54 In these embodiments, the input device 1000 is a separate device configured for insertion into and removal from the housing 963 and cavity 940, together with the module 930. In each of these embodiments, the input device 1000 is in the form of a housing connected to the module 930 by inserting the connector 935 of the module 930 into a port 1004 on the outside of the housing 963, and then simultaneously inserting the module 930 and the input device 1000 into the housing 963. Once inserted, the input device 1000 is positioned within the end of the housing 963 near the narrow portion 965 of the opening 942, similar to... Figure 48 The location shown. In Figure 56 The diagram schematically shows the connection between module 930 and input device 1000 to form connection structure 1007 and the insertion of connection structure 1007 into cavity 940 defined by housing 963. Figure 53 Input device 1000 and Figure 54 The main difference of the input device 1000 lies in the position of the volume control button 1001B, which is located in Figure 53 In the embodiment, it is located on the top surface of the input device 1000 and on Figure 54 In this embodiment, it is located on the side surface of the input device 1000. It should be understood that the housing 963 and / or the strip 920 can be configured for use with... Figures 53 to 54 It can be used together with any of the input devices 1000, for example by the effective position of features for operating button 1001, including opening 1005, protrusion 987, mark 1008, etc.

[0195] Figures 48 to 56 The input device 1000 is shown and described as being compatible with, for example, Figures 15 to 19 The 920 shown is used in combination and as... Figures 20 to 40 Manufactured as shown. In other embodiments, various embodiments of the input device 1000 described herein can be used with the tape 920 described herein (e.g., Figure 6 arrive Figure 7 It is used in conjunction with other embodiments of the input device 1000 (with band 920) and is manufactured as described herein. It should be understood that the input device 1000 and / or band 920 can be modified to provide suitable functionality for this combination.

[0196] As described above, the input device 1000 is configured to communicate with the external device 1002 via the transmitter 1003, such as... Figure 57 As shown. External device 1002 may include any component of the aforementioned computer device 200, and may be a mobile phone or other mobile device that can be carried or placed near the user during a sporting activity. Also as described above, input device 1000 may be configured to send signals to the external device using button input indicating that button 1001 is activated, the button input including the sequence and / or length of button presses 1001. External device 1002 may include software configured to receive button inputs as input and take further action based on the button inputs. For example, the software on external device 1002 may interpret a specific sequence of button 1001 presses (e.g., single click, double click, or triple click) as different input signals, and / or may interpret a long press of button 1001 as different from a button tap. Furthermore, external device 1002 may be programmed to interpret button inputs and use them as different inputs for different purposes, and device 1002 may include various pre-programmed and / or user-selected settings that control the interpretation of button inputs. Depending on the settings, external device 1002 may include various applications and functionalities controlled and / or influenced by button inputs.

[0197] Input device 1000 can communicate simultaneously or alternatively with multiple external devices 1002, and module 930 can communicate with input device 1000 and / or external devices 1002. Input device 1000 and / or external devices 1002 can also communicate with external camera 1008, such as a vehicle-mounted camera capable of capturing video and / or still photos. Input device 1000 and / or external devices 1002 can also communicate with one or more components, such as... Figures 4 to 5 Components 400 and 304, shown in the diagram and described herein, are used to collect and / or communicate additional data. It should be understood that external device 1002 can collect data from different types of input devices (e.g., module 930, such as...). Figure 4 The component 400 shown or other wearable components (e.g., a smartwatch) receive button input, and the methods, functions, and operations of the external device 1002 as described herein are not limited to use with the input device 1000 according to the embodiments described herein. Examples of functions and applications that can be operated by the external device 1002 without input from the input device 1000 or any other input device include (but are not limited to): storing or deleting information; sending signals to one or more other devices; initiating, answering, or ending a call; sending text, picture, or video messages; posting information to websites, social media, blogs, RSS feeds, etc.; sharing information with specific groups of people and / or other devices; sending location signals; controlling music and / or video being played by the external device 1002; controlling cameras associated with the external device 1002, including the integrated camera of the external device 1002 or external cameras; interacting with the module 930; sending data received from the module 930; powering on or off the external device 1002 and / or the input device 1000; and other functions. The function of the input device 1000 relative to the external device 1002 can be controlled by settings on the external device 1002. Furthermore, it should be understood that some processing of information performed by the external device 1002 may include sending information to another device (e.g., a server) for processing and receiving other information from another device.

[0198] In other embodiments, aspects of the structures and methods described herein can be used and / or adapted to clothing articles or other wearable articles other than the straps described herein. For example, such as Figures 78 to 80As shown, the housing 20 can be attached to the garment article 10 in the form of a shirt or jacket. The housing 20 is configured to engage an electronic module 80, which may include at least some aspects of the module 930 described herein and may be configured to perform any of the aforementioned functionalities and can operate within various of the aforementioned network environments. In one embodiment, the garment article 10 includes one or more electric components 14, and the functionality of the electronic module 80 includes powering the electric components(one or more) 14. In this embodiment, the housing 20 and / or the garment article 10 include various connection structures to establish an electrical connection between the housing 20 and the electric components(one or more) 14, allowing the module 80 to power the components(one or more) 14 when engaged with the housing 20.

[0199] exist Figures 78 to 80 An example of a garment article 10 is shown in the form of an upper garment (e.g., a shirt or jacket) having a shell 20 mounted on the article 10 and located in the shoulder area. It should be understood that the shell 20 and other aspects described herein can be used with any garment article 10, including conventional garment articles such as shirts, trousers, tights, coats, footwear, hats, gloves, belts, etc., or specialized garment articles specifically designed to support the shell 20, such as armbands, belts, suspenders, etc., or other wearable items. In one embodiment, the article 10 has at least one electrically connected component 14 thereto. Figures 78 to 80 The illustrated item 10 includes an electric component 14, which is in the form of one or more arrays 16 of light-emitting devices 18 (e.g., light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or other devices). Figures 78 to 80 In this embodiment, article 10 has an array 16 located on the forearm region of each arm portion 15. A pair of conductive leads 17 (e.g., + / - or power / ground) are connected to each array 16 and configured to power all the light-emitting devices 18 of the array 16. Figures 78 to 80 In the embodiments, the lead 17 is constructed in a corrugated or serrated shape and is mounted on a resiliently deformable material. This construction allows the lead 17 to be stretched and bent without damage, which is advantageous when the lead 17 extends across an area of ​​the article 10 that moves or bends during use. The lead 17 extends to a power source for powering the array 16 or other electrical components 14, and... Figure 78 arrive Figure 80 In this embodiment, lead 17 extends to housing 20 to allow module 80 to be used as a power source. It should be understood that clothing article 10 can be considered as part of an assembly that includes article 10 as well as component 14, housing 20 and other features.

[0200] exist Figures 63 to 75An example embodiment of housing 20 is shown. Housing 20 is formed separately from article 10 and is attached to article 10, for example, by adhesive, mechanical connection, or a combination thereof. Housing 20 is configured to engage and retain module 80 and may be provided as part of housing assembly 19, which includes housing 20 and electrical connection structure 30, which forms an interface 31 configured for electronic connection to module 80 when module 80 is engaged with housing 20. Figure 63 In the embodiment shown in Figure 75, the housing 20 includes a socket 21 that defines a chamber 22 configured to receive the module 80. However, in another embodiment, the housing 20 may use a different structure to engage and retain the module 80. In one embodiment, the housing 20 may be made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material and formed by injection molding. However, in other embodiments, the housing may be made partially or entirely of other materials and / or other technologies. In one embodiment, the socket 21 is formed from a single piece by injection molding. In this embodiment, the socket 21 is a moderately rigid shell having walls 23 defining the chamber 22 and also having an inlet 24 providing access to the chamber 22. In one embodiment, the rigidity of the socket 21 may be sufficient to protect the module 80. The rigidity of the material forming the socket 21 may be greater than the rigidity of the material forming the article 10. Figures 63 to 66 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the socket 21 has a lip 25 that extends inwardly around at least a portion of the inlet 24 and serves to retain the module 80 within the chamber 22. The wall 23 of the socket 21 is configured to enclose and receive a portion of the module 80 (e.g., connector 81), as described in more detail herein. Figures 63 to 66 In one embodiment, one of the walls 23 extends on the top side 27 of the socket 21 to form this enclosure, such that the wall 23 and the lip 25 define the inlet 24 on the top side 27.

[0201] In one embodiment, the housing 20 also has a flange 26 that extends outwardly around at least a portion of the periphery of the socket 21 and is configured for connection to the article 10. Figures 63 to 75 In the illustrated embodiment, flange 26 extends substantially around the entire periphery of socket 21 in a single plane. In other embodiments, flange 26 may have a different construction (e.g., discontinuous), or may be absent. Typically, Figure 63 and Figure 75 The outer surface of the housing 20 shown is smoothly contoured for aesthetic appeal and to increase comfort when the housing 20 is fitted to the user's body. The housing 20 also has a bottom side 28 opposite the top side 27. Figures 63 to 75In one embodiment, wall 23 forms a large portion of bottom side 28 and defines a second opening or cavity opening 29 in bottom side to allow electrical connection structure 30 to enter housing 20 for connection with interface 31.

[0202] In one embodiment, housing 20 further includes a bracket 40 connected to socket 21 and receiving and supporting a portion of electrical connection structure 30 exposed in chamber 22 to form interface 31. (See Figures 63 to...) Figure 75 In one embodiment, the bracket 40 is formed as a separate, independent piece from the socket 21 and is connected to the socket 21 by a mechanical engagement structure. In this embodiment, the bracket 40 has two retaining tabs 41 that extend outward from the side of the bracket 40 and engage with an engagement surface 42 on the inner side of the wall 23 located on the side of the socket 21 to retain the bracket 40 connected to the socket 21. Figure 74 This engagement is illustrated in the diagram, where the engagement surface 42 is defined within a slot 43 on the wall 23 of the socket 21, and a tab 41 is received in said slot. In this embodiment, the bracket 40 is inserted through a cavity opening 29 on the bottom side 28 of the socket 21 until the tab 41 is received in the slot 43, and the tab 41 has an inclined surface to facilitate this insertion. It should be understood that additional connection structures may be used in this embodiment, including other mechanical engagement structures (including separate connectors or fasteners) and / or other types of connection structures, such as welding, bonding, etc. In other embodiments, different connection structures and / or techniques (including any of the structures described above or combinations thereof) may be used to connect the bracket 40 to the socket 21.

[0203] The bracket 40 is at least partially received within a cavity 52 inside the socket 21 communicating with the chamber 22, thereby allowing the bracket 40 to position the electrical contact 34 exposed within the chamber. The bracket 40 is constructed to include a shelf 46 extending into the chamber 22, wherein the bracket 40 has a slot 49 extending through the shelf 46 to receive the electrical contact 34. The bracket 40 also includes a support 47 hanging from the rear end of the shelf 46 and a base 48 extending forward from the support 47, such that the bracket 40 has a C-shaped shape, as... Figures 71 to 73 As shown. In one embodiment, when module 80 is received in chamber 22, connector 81 of module 80 can be received between shelf 46 and base 48, as shown. Figure 72 As shown. Additionally, in Figure 63 arrive Figure 75 In one embodiment, a portion of the base 48 extends further forward and mates with the socket 21 to extend below the wall of the socket 21, as... Figure 73As shown. This configuration establishes a more balanced multi-point connection between the bracket 40 and the socket 21. In another embodiment, the bracket 40 may have a different structure, and / or the bracket 40 may be integrally formed with the socket 21 or a portion of the socket 21, so that the bracket 40 is not a separate piece. Other structures of the bracket 40 for supporting the portion of the electrical connection structure 30 are described in more detail below.

[0204] When module 80 is engaged with housing 20, electrical connection structure 30 typically creates paths for electrically connecting external components (e.g., electrical components 14 and / or leads 17) to module 80. Figures 63 to 75 In this embodiment, the electrical connection structure 30 includes two contact members 32 and 33, which are separated from each other and have portions exposed within the chamber 22 to form electrical contacts 34 of the interface 31. It is understood that the number of contact members 32 and 33 may be the same as the number of active terminals 83 on the module 80. For example, Figures 63 to 75 The interface 31 has two electrical contacts 34 (power / ground or + / -), and the connector 81 has two active terminals 83, as described in more detail below. Figures 63 to 75 The contact members 32 and 33 shown each include: a contact pad 35 configured to connect to an external component (e.g., lead 17); and an arm 36, the wall of which extends from the contact pad 35 into the chamber 22 to form an electrical contact 34. In one embodiment, the arm 36 and the contact members 32 and 33 themselves each form a 180° bend between the contact pad 35 and the electrical contact 34, as shown. Figures 68 to 69 As shown, arm 36 extends along the bottom side 28 of socket 21, then enters upward into socket 21, and then returns to chamber 22 to form electrical contact 34. In this embodiment, contact 34 is configured as a contact spring that extends into chamber 22 and applies a downward force on connector 81 to maintain a firm contact, while being able to bend upward to accommodate the shape of connector 81; however, different configurations may be possible in other embodiments. In one embodiment, contact members 32, 33 may each be made from a single blank of sheet metal formed into contact members 32, 33 by various forming operations (e.g., cutting, die-cutting, stamping, bending, etc.). This allows for the rapid and easy manufacture of contact members 32, 33 at low cost. In other embodiments, contact members 32, 33 may be formed from different materials and / or by different techniques.

[0205] Contact pad 35 Figures 67 to 69The diagram shows an increased width relative to arm 36, thus providing a large surface area for connecting lead 17 or other external components. The connection between lead 17 and contact pad 35 allows lead 17 and one or more components connecting lead 17 to communicate with contact members 32, 33, and thereby with interface 31. Figure 67 As shown, the width of the contact pad 35 may be greater than half the width of the bottom side 28 of the socket 21, and the contact pad 35 is staggered with overlapping widths and has a structure (e.g., angled surfaces) to provide the maximum contact area within the boundary of the bottom side 28 of the socket 21.

[0206] Contact pads 35 can be configured to connect to leads 17 using various different structures, which may be particularly suited to connecting to specific types of leads 17 (e.g., wires, fabrics, cords, conductive traces, etc.). In one embodiment, each contact pad 35 may have at least one protrusion 37 for connecting the lead 17 by wrapping around one or more protrusions 37. Figure 63 In the embodiment shown in Figure 75, each contact pad 35 has two protrusions 37, and the lead wire 17 is connected by winding around the two protrusions 37, as shown in Figure 75. Figure 81 As shown. In other embodiments, the contact pad 35 may be located in different positions and may have any structure for forming a connection with an external component. For example, Figure 76 The contact pad 35 has a ridged structure with a central slot 54, which allows the lead 17 to be wound around the outside (e.g., a wire lead) or allows the lead 17 to pass through the slot 54 (e.g., a sewn conductive threaded lead). As another example, Figure 77 The contact pad 35 has a pair of slots 54, which allow the lead 17 to be wound between the slots 54 or to pass through both slots 54. As another example, the lead 17 can be connected to the intermediate conductor 55, such as... Figure 88 As shown, the intermediate conductor is then connected to contact members 32 and 33. Figure 88 In this embodiment, lead 17 is a conductive threaded lead, and intermediate conductor 55 is a piece of conductive fabric. In this configuration, lead 17 is sewn / stitched to intermediate conductor 55, which is then sewn / stitched to contact pads 35 of two contact members 32, 33, the contact members being as follows: Figure 77 The configuration is shown. In other embodiments, other types and configurations of intermediate conductors 55 may be used, including connections with leads 17 and / or contact members 32, 33 of different configurations. It should be understood that in Figures 76 to 77 and Figure 26 In the embodiments, contact members 32 and 33 may additionally interact with... Figures 63 to 75The contact members 32 and 33 are constructed in a substantially similar manner, or according to any other embodiment described herein.

[0207] like Figure 67 and Figure 73 As shown, in this embodiment, the contact pad 35 is located outside the housing 20, adjacent to the bottom side 28 of the socket 21, and the arm 36 extends from the outside of the housing 20 through one of the walls 23 of the socket 21 (e.g., through the cavity opening 29) and into the chamber 22. Additionally, in one embodiment, the contact members 32 and 33 each have a mounting structure for connection to the housing 20. Figure 68 arrive Figure 74 As shown in the embodiment, the bracket 40 has two posts 44 on its rear surface, and the arms 36 of the contact members 32, 33 each have a receiver 38 for receiving one of the posts 44. In this embodiment, the portion of the arm 36 surrounding the receiver 38 is enlarged, and the receiver 38 is configured to receive the post 44 in a press-fit connection. It should be understood that in one embodiment, the contact members 32, 33 may be provided with a greater number of connection points and / or support points to hold the contact members 32, 33 in place after full assembly, and it should be understood that in one embodiment, mounting structures (e.g., posts 44 and receiver 38) can be used to connect the contact members 32, 33 to the bracket 40 during assembly and before connecting the bracket 40 to the socket 21. In other embodiments, the contact members 32, 33 may have additional or different mounting structures.

[0208] exist Figure 84 In another embodiment shown, contact members 32, 33 may have contact pads 35 that are not located on the outside of the housing 20. In this embodiment, after assembly, the contact pads 35 are positioned along the rear wall of the bracket 40 and within the cavity 52. Figure 84 As shown, in this embodiment, the electrical contact 34 extends directly from the contact pad 35. Lead 17 is... Figure 84 The image shows the contact pad 35 being welded to it, but in other embodiments, the contact pad 35 may be provided with other connection structures. Figure 84 The contact pad 35 also includes a mounting structure 38 for connecting to the bracket 40, as described in more detail below.

[0209] In addition to mounting structures 38 and 44, bracket 40 is configured to position the electrical contacts 34 of contact members 32 and 33 within the cavity 22 exposed to the housing 20 for connection to module 80. In one embodiment 3, as... Figures 69 to 74As shown, the electrical contact 34 is received within a slot 49 of the bracket 40. As described above, in this embodiment, the arms 36 of the contact members 32, 33 extend along the rear surface of the bracket 40, and the slot 49 extends through the rear of the bracket 40, such that the electrical contact 34 extends forward into the slot 49 and is at least partially received within it. The slot 49 allows the electrical contact 34 to be exposed in the chamber 22, below the shelf 46 of the bracket 40, while also providing space for the contact 34 to bend upward as needed when engaged by the module 80. In this configuration, the bracket 40 provides a positioning or alignment function relative to the module 80 to position both the electrical contact 34 and the module connector 81 in a position for connection, and provides protection for the electrical contact 34. In other embodiments, the bracket 40 and / or the contact members 32, 33 may have different structures and may have complementary structures to facilitate positioning and protection functions.

[0210] In one example embodiment, housing 20 includes a magnet 50 connected to housing 20 and configured to interact with module 80 when module 80 is engaged with socket 21, as described in more detail below. Magnet 50 is positioned such that the magnetic field of magnet 50 penetrates chamber 22. Figure 63 In the embodiment shown in Figure 75, the housing 20 includes a magnet 50 that engages with the bracket 40 and is received within a recess 51 on the bracket 40 adjacent to the chamber 22. The recess 51 is located on the distal end of the base 48. Figures 69 to 73 In the illustrated embodiment, the distal end is away from the support post 47. In this embodiment, the magnet 50 is embedded within the housing 20 and is not physically exposed in the chamber 22, wherein one of the walls 23 of the socket 21 is located between the magnet 50 and the chamber 22, and the magnet 50 is located on the outer surface of the wall 23, as shown. Figure 73 As shown. In one embodiment, the magnet 50 may be received within the recess 51 by engagement of the bracket 40 and the adjacent wall 23 of the socket 21. In other embodiments, additional or alternative retaining structures may be used, including adhesive materials, mechanical retaining structures, fasteners, etc. In other embodiments, the magnet 50 may be integrally molded within the housing 20, for example within the bracket 40 or within the wall 23 of the socket 21, or the magnet 50 may be mounted on the bracket 40 using different structures. In yet another embodiment, the magnet 50 may be mounted on the socket 21 and / or the magnet 50 may be positioned such that at least a portion of the magnet 50 is physically exposed within the chamber 22.

[0211] According to one embodiment, the housing assembly 19 is assembled by first connecting the contact members 32, 33 and the magnet 50 to the bracket 40. Figures 63 to 75In this embodiment, the magnet 50 can be secured by placing the magnet 50 within the groove 51 and applying any adhesive material or other retaining structure. This is achieved by placing the contact members 32, 33 within... Figures 69 to 71 In the position shown, contact members 32 and 33 can be connected to the bracket 40, wherein the post 44 is received in the receiver 38 and the electrical contact 34 is received in the slot 49. The bracket 40 and the sub-assemblies connected to the magnet 50 and contact members 32 and 33 can then be connected to the socket 21. This connection can be achieved by inserting the bracket 40 into the cavity 52 in the socket 21. Figures 63 to 75 In this embodiment, insertion of the bracket 40 causes the retaining tab 41 to slide into the slot 43 and engage the engagement surface 42 to hold the bracket 40 within the cavity 52. ​​When connected in this manner, portions of the contact members 32, 33 engage between the surfaces defining the cavity 52 of the bracket 40 and the socket 21, and the magnet 50 engages between the adjacent wall 23 of the bracket 40 and the socket, which increases the stability of the connection between the bracket 40 and the magnet 50 and the contact members 32, 33. The bottom of the bracket 40 and the opening 29 of the cavity 52 can then be covered by the covering member 53, such as... Figure 75 As shown. The cover member 53 may be, for example, a patch of material or an applied coating of material adhered to the components of the housing assembly 19. Additionally, the cover member 53 may be moisture-proof and serve to seal the cavity to prevent the ingress of moisture, dirt, or other contaminants and / or may be electrically insulating to insulate the contact members 32, 33 to prevent short circuits. Next, at this stage, the housing assembly 19 may be connected to the wearable item 10.

[0212] In one embodiment, lead 17 is connected to contact members 32, 33 before the housing assembly 19 is connected to the article 10. As described above, in one embodiment, lead 17 is connected to contact pads 35 on contact members 32, 33, and in Figure 81 In the illustrated embodiment, lead 17 is connected by winding around the protrusion 37 on contact pad 35. In other embodiments, lead 17 may be configured differently (e.g., Figures 76 to 77 The housing 20 (as shown in 84 and 88) is connected to contact members 32 and 33. Alternatively, after the housing assembly 19 is connected to the article 10, the lead 17 can be connected to the contact members 32 and 33. In another embodiment, the housing 20 may be provided with touch features to allow the lead 17 and contact pad 35 to be touched after the housing 20 is connected to the article 10, such as... Figures 82 to 83 As shown. Figure 82The housing 20 is shown, wherein the receptacle 21 has an opening 70 extending through a wall 23 forming the bottom side 28 of the receptacle 21, thereby providing access to the lead 17 and the contact pad 35 from within the chamber 22. When desired access is achieved, the opening 70 can be sealed with a cover 71 to prevent impact and / or contamination. The cover 71 can be applied to the inner surface of the chamber 22, for example, with a liquid sealant, filling resin, or a cap attached to the receptacle 21, and the cover 71 can be permanent or removable.

[0213] In one example embodiment, the housing assembly 19 is attached to the article 10 by bonding the housing assembly 19 to the article 10. Figures 85 to 87 An embodiment of a method and a hot-pressing assembly 60 for bonding a housing assembly 19 to an article 10 by performing a hot-pressing operation on at least a portion of the housing 20 is shown. The hot pressing may utilize an adhesive material 61, such as a heat-activated film. Figures 86 to 87 The hot-pressing assembly 60 is configured for hot-pressing around the flange 26 of the housing 20, wherein the flange 26 is pressed between at least a top layer 62 and a bottom layer 63 of fabric or other material forming an adjacent portion of the article 10. The top layer 62 and the bottom layer 63 may be separate pieces, or may be part of a single piece folded to form two layers 62, 63. It should be understood that additional layers may be used, and in Figures 85 to 87 In the illustrated embodiment, the top layer 62 and the bottom layer 63 may each include multiple top layers 62 or multiple bottom layers 63. In such... Figures 85 to 87 Prior to the hot pressing shown, the components to be bonded are assembled in a layered configuration for bonding, for example, by applying adhesive material 61 around the top and bottom sides of the flange 26 of the housing 20, with the top layer 62 and the bottom layer 63 located above the top side and below the bottom side of the flange 26, respectively. In one embodiment, the housing assembly 19 may first be temporarily attached to one or both layers 62, 63 of the article 10 by means of a temporary connection (e.g., by stitching) to hold the housing assembly 19 in place during operation.

[0214] like Figures 86 to 87 The illustrated hot-press assembly 60 includes two annular, opposing molded parts 64, 65, each having an internal opening 66 such that the molded parts 64, 65 are configured to apply pressure only around the flange 26 of the housing 20. In this configuration, the body of the housing 20 is received within the opening 66, such that the molded parts 64, 65 do not compress the body of the housing 20 or adjacent portions of the layers 62, 63, thus positioning the heat supply and preventing the formation of undesirable marks or discoloration on the unpressed portions of the article 10 and the housing 20. Figures 85 to 87In the illustrated embodiment, layers 62 and 63 of material cover the top side 27 and bottom side 28 of the socket 21. In this configuration, a hole or slit (not shown) is formed in the top layer 62 to provide access to the interface 31, while another hole or slit (not shown) is formed in the bottom layer 63 to provide access to the contact pad 35. Figure 89 and 91 As shown, the top layer 62 can be pushed downward into the cavity 22 of the socket 21, and the arms 36 and contact pads 35 of the contact members 32 and 33 can extend through the bottom layer 63 and be located below the bottom layer 63, as shown. Figure 81 and Figure 91 As shown. In one embodiment, the top layer 62 may further be positioned between the top layer 62 and one or more inner surfaces of the socket 21 (e.g., in...). Figure 91 Additional adhesive material is applied at location 67 (shown) to bond to the housing 20 within the chamber 22 of the socket 21. The additional adhesive material can be hot-pressed at the desired location by modifying the top mold 64, or by using a separate mold (not shown) in the same or subsequent hot-pressing operation. Alternatively, other adhesive materials may not require hot pressing, such as glue, bonding agents, or other adhesives. Other portions of the housing 20 can be bonded to layers 62, 63 in a similar manner. In another embodiment, a larger opening can be cut into the top layer 62, such as an opening 68 approximately the same size as the inlet 24 of the socket 21, as shown. Figure 90 As shown.

[0215] In one embodiment, after the leads 17 are connected to the contact members 32, 33 and the housing assembly 19 is connected to the article 10, an insulating material 69 may be applied to cover part or all of the exposed portion of the electrical connection structure 30, such as... Figure 81 As shown. In this embodiment, the insulating material 69 at least covers the contact pad 35 and the connection to the lead 17. Figure 81In this embodiment, insulating material 69 covers all portions of the electrical connection structure 30 exposed to the exterior of the housing 20 and below the bottom side 28 of the socket 21, including the portions of the contact pads 35 and the arms 36 of the contact members 32, 33 not yet covered by the covering member 53, as well as portions of the lead wire 17. This insulating material 69 protects against potential short circuits and electric shocks if the two contact members 32, 33 come into contact when power is applied. Insulating material 69 also provides at least some sealing to the electrical connection structure 30 against the ingress of environmental materials, particularly moisture. This is particularly advantageous when the housing assembly 19 is attached to athletic clothing, as sweat can affect the function of the module 80 and / or the electrical connection structure 30 and increase the risk of electric shock. In one embodiment, insulating material 69 may be the same material used for the covering member 53. Examples of materials that can be used as insulating material 69 and / or covering member 53 include material patches or applied coatings that adhere to components of the housing assembly 19.

[0216] In other embodiments, different connection technologies can be used to attach the housing assembly 19 to the article 10. These connection technologies do not utilize heat pressing, for example, by using different adhesive materials 61 or by using mechanical connection technologies such as sewing or fasteners. Additionally, in other embodiments, the housing assembly 19 can be used in conjunction with a non-wearable article 10. The housing assembly 19 offers numerous advantages that can be achieved when attached to the wearable article 10 using any connection technology, and also when used in conjunction with different types of articles 10.

[0217] exist Figures 62 to 64 and Figure 72 An example of an electronic module 80 that can be used in conjunction with system 12 and / or housing assembly 19 is shown. Figures 62 to 64 and Figure 72 As shown, module 80 in this embodiment includes a housing 87 that supports an external connector 81 and contains one or more electronic components 82. The external connector 81 can have various configurations depending on the intended use of module 80. Figure 62 arrive Figure 64 and Figure 72 In one embodiment, connector 81 is a USB-format connector that includes a plurality of terminals 83 that can be connected to a USB port, for example for charging and / or communicating with a computer device connected to the port. Figure 92 and Figure 93 An embodiment of module 80 is illustrated schematically. In one embodiment, electronic component 82 may include at least a power supply 90 and may include additional electronic components, such as a processor 91, memory 92, input / output devices (I / O) 93, transmitter / receiver (TX / RX) 94, and / or other components, such as... Figure 92 As shown in Figure 93 and described in more detail herein. Figure 92 One embodiment is shown in which module 80 is configured solely for power supply and not for data collection, performance monitoring, or communication. In this embodiment, module 80 includes a power supply 90, a processor 91 (which may be in the form of a printed circuit board), and a magnetic sensor 86, as described in more detail below. Other embodiments may include other components, such as memory. Figure 93 Another embodiment is shown, in which module 80 is configured for multiple functions, including power supply and data collection, performance monitoring, and / or communication. In this embodiment, module 80 further includes memory 92, I / O 93, and TX / RX 94. Module 80 may include additional components, such as the sensors described herein, which are not shown for simplicity, and it should be understood that in other embodiments, module 80 may also include additional or alternative components.

[0218] Connector 81 can be connected to one or more electronic components 82 of module 80. For example, in Figures 62 to... Figure 64 and Figure 73 In one embodiment, module 80 is configured to provide power output via connector 81, and connector 81 is connected to power supply 90 to perform this operation, as... Figure 92 and Figure 93 As shown. Additionally, in Figures 62 to 64 and Figure 73 In this embodiment, connector 81 has a plurality of terminals 83 (four in the illustrated embodiment), and only two terminals 83 are actively engaged by interface 31, such that the additional terminals 83 are not engaged. More specifically, in Figures 63 to 75 In the embodiment, interface 31 includes two electrical contacts 34 (power and ground), and when Figures 62 to 64 and Figure 73 When module 80 is inserted into housing 20, power contact 34 engages the first terminal 83 of the plurality of terminals 83 of connector 81, and ground contact 34 engages the second terminal 83. In this configuration, power supply 90 of module 80 is configured to be powered via two active terminals 83 through power contacts and ground contact 34, and the remaining portions of terminals 83 of connector 81 are passive or not actively engaged by interface 31, such as... Figure 92 As shown. This configuration allows connector 81 to be configured as a USB format connector, which is configured to be inserted into a USB port of a computer device, while also having the function of supplying power through interface 31 having only two electrical contacts 34.

[0219] In another embodiment, module 80 may additionally or alternatively be configured to send and receive data, instructions, and other information via connector 81. Figure 93As shown, in this embodiment, connector 81 can be connected to processor 91, memory 92, TX / RX 94, and / or other components to achieve this function. For example, module 80 and connector 81 can be configured to receive data via interface 31 from other components communicating with the interface, such as motion sensors (e.g., accelerometers, gyroscopes, force sensors, angular velocity sensors, compasses, etc.), location determination devices (e.g., GPS), light (including invisible light) sensors, temperature sensors (including ambient temperature and / or body temperature), sleep pattern sensors, heart rate monitors, image capture sensors, and / or humidity sensors, etc. As another example, module 80 and connector 81 can also be configured to send commands via interface 31 to control other components connected to interface 31. As another example, module 80 and connector 81 can be configured to communicate via a port on a separate computer device, for example by removing module 80 from housing 20 and inserting connector 81 into the port, as described above. It should be understood that in other embodiments, such communication with other components can be accomplished wirelessly or by using multiple connectors 81.

[0220] Module 80 may also include one or more buttons 84 configured to control the operation of one or more electronic components 82. For example, in Figures 62 to 64 In one embodiment, module 80 includes a single button 84 configured to function as a "power" button to activate or deactivate the output of power supply 90 via connector 81. The housing 87 of module 80, connector 81, and button 84 (if present) can also be sealed to prevent moisture ingress, which is particularly advantageous when used in conjunction with moving article 10. In one embodiment, the seal can be achieved by ultrasonic welding around any engagement points 85 in housing 87 and around any engagement points between housing 87 and terminal 83 or button 84.

[0221] The housing 20 includes a structure for physically and electronically engaging the module 80 when it is received within the housing 20. As described above, the interface 31 and its electrical contacts 34 are used for physically and electronically engaging the connector 81 of the module 80. The bracket 40 engages the top, bottom, and sides of the ends of the connector 81, such as... Figure 73As shown. In this configuration, shelf 46 and base 48 engage the top and bottom of connector 81, and shelf 46, support 47, and base 48 combine to define a receiver 57 configured to receive the end of connector 81. Bracket 40 also has sidewalls 58 extending between shelf 46 and base 48 to further define the sides of receiver 57. In this embodiment, wall 23 of socket 21 also defines a portion of receiver 57, including walls 23 on the top side 27 and bottom side 28 of socket 21 and adjacent walls 23 on the sides of socket 21. The base 48 of bracket 40 and wall 23 on the bottom side 28 of socket 21 combine to create an inclined surface 59 leading to receiver 57, and wall 23 on the top side 27 of socket 21 similarly defines inclined surface 59 to facilitate insertion of connector 81. Receiver 57 and the structure defining receiver 57 also enclose connector 81 to protect it from accidental short circuits, dirt, dust, moisture, etc. A lip 25 surrounding at least a portion of the inlet 24 further engages with the module 80 to retain the module 80 within the chamber 22, as... Figures 63 to 64 As shown. In this embodiment, the lip 25 extends inward only around a portion of the inlet 24, including the end 56 across the opening 24 opposite to the interface 31, and extends downward along a portion adjacent to the end 56 on each side 24 of the opening 24. Constructed in this way, the connector 81 of the module 80 is retained around the bracket 40 of the receiver 57 and the receptacle 21, and the lip 25 retains the end of the module 80 opposite to the connector 81, thereby forming a stable, multi-point retention structure. In other embodiments, the module 80 may be engaged and retained by the housing 20 in other ways using different connection and retention structures.

[0222] Module 80 may be configured with a locking feature to prevent activation of terminals 83 of connector 81 when module 80 is not engaged with housing 20 and / or interface 31. Figures 62 to 75 In one embodiment, module 80 includes a magnetic sensor 86, such as a Hall effect sensor, configured to detect magnet 50 when it is near the magnet 50. Figure 72 The magnetic sensor 86 is schematically shown, and the magnetic field of the magnet 50 is sufficiently strong that when the module 80 is received in the chamber 22, the magnetic field extends into the chamber 22 and can be detected by the sensor 86. In this embodiment, the module 80 is configured to deactivate the connector 81 when the sensor 86 does not sense the magnet 50, and to activate the connector 81 when the sensor 86 senses the magnet 50. When the connector is activated, i.e., when the module 80 is engaged with the housing 20 and its interface 31, the module 80 is powered only by the power supply 90 through the terminal 83. This locking feature improves the security of the module 80 because if a user touches both terminals 83 while the module 80 is active outside the socket 21, a short circuit or electric shock may occur.

[0223] The various embodiments of athletic straps and other apparel items, housings, and modules described herein offer advantages over the prior art. For example, the configuration of the modules and the cavities housing the modules can be used to place physiological sensors near the user's skin, which can enhance the ability of such sensors to capture the user's physiological data. As another example, the structure of the straps and / or housings described herein can control the stretching of the elastic material to make back-and-forth pulling of the strap on the attachment faster and easier, assist in preventing the strap from slipping during use; facilitate the avoidance of moisture from passing through the electronic module during use; and improve the durability and washability of the strap, as well as other benefits described herein and / or recognized by those skilled in the art. As another example, additional input devices as described herein provide enhanced communication and interaction with external devices, and a simpler interface for athletes to continuously operate and communicate with this external device during competition or other sports. Various embodiments of the manufacturing methods described herein also offer advantages over the prior art. For example, the manufacturing method of the straps described herein produces a durable structure that can be efficiently produced. The various operating methods of the modules, input devices, and external devices described herein can enhance the performance monitoring operation of the modules and provide enhanced functionality to the user in combination with the use of the straps and modules. Further benefits are also recognized by those skilled in the art.

[0224] Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described and illustrated herein. Those skilled in the art will understand the features of the various embodiments and the possible combinations and variations of components. Those skilled in the art will further understand that any embodiment can be provided in any combination with other embodiments disclosed herein. It should be understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. Therefore, these examples and embodiments should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects, and the invention is not limited to the details given herein. Terms such as “first,” “second,” “top,” “bottom,” etc., as used herein, are intended for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the embodiments in any way. Additionally, as used herein, the term “plural” indicates any number greater than one, separately or jointly, up to infinity, as needed. Furthermore, as used herein, “providing” an article or apparatus broadly means making the article available or accessible for future actions to be performed on it, and does not imply that the party providing the article has manufactured, produced, or supplied the article, or that the party providing the article has ownership or control over the article. Therefore, although specific embodiments have been shown and described, many modifications are contemplated without obviously departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A system for connecting a housing assembly to a wearable article, comprising: a wearable article having a top layer and a bottom layer of material forming at least a portion of the wearable article; a housing assembly, the housing assembly including a receptacle defining a cavity and having an access opening providing access to the cavity, such that the receptacle is configured to removably receive an electronic module within the cavity by insertion through the access opening, wherein the housing assembly is bonded to the wearable article between the top layer and the bottom layer, such that the top layer and the bottom layer are bonded to the receptacle by a bonding material, the housing assembly further including a first contact member and a second contact member, the first contact member including a first contact pad located outside the cavity and a first arm extending from the first contact pad into the cavity to form a first electrical contact, the second contact member including a second contact pad located outside the cavity and a second arm extending from the second contact pad into the cavity to form a second electrical contact, such that the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact form an interface exposed to the cavity and configured to connect with a connector of the electronic module when the electronic module is received in the receptacle; a first conductive lead connected to the first contact pad to place the first conductive lead in electronic communication with the first electrical contact; a second conductive lead connected to the second contact pad to place the second conductive lead in electronic communication with the second electrical contact; and an electrically powered component connected to the wearable article, wherein the first conductive lead and the second conductive lead are connected to the electrically powered component.

2. The system for connecting a housing assembly to a wearable article of claim 1, wherein, the first contact member and the second contact member are mounted on a carrier housed in the cavity of the receptacle, such that the carrier engages with the receptacle and supports the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact to form the interface, and wherein the first arm and the second arm extend outside the receptacle, such that the first contact pad and the second contact pad are positioned adjacent an outer surface of the receptacle.

3. The system for connecting a housing assembly to a wearable article of claim 1, wherein, at least the first contact pad and the second contact pad are covered with an insulating material.

4. The system for connecting a housing assembly to a wearable article of claim 1, wherein, the bonding material is a heat sealable material located between the receptacle and the top layer and the bottom layer, and wherein the top layer and the bottom layer are heat pressed onto the receptacle to bond the housing assembly to the wearable article.

5. The system for connecting a housing assembly to a wearable article of claim 4, wherein, the receptacle includes a flange extending outwardly around a perimeter of the receptacle, and wherein heat pressing is applied around the flange of the receptacle.

6. The system for connecting a housing assembly to a wearable article of claim 1, wherein, the top layer and the bottom layer are formed of different materials.

7. The system for connecting a housing assembly to a wearable article of claim 1, wherein, the top layer forms an outer surface of the wearable article in use.

8. The system for connecting a housing assembly to a wearable article of claim 1, wherein, the access opening is on a top side of the receptacle, the first arm and the second arm extending out of a bottom side of the receptacle opposite the top side, wherein the bottom layer is located inside the top layer when the wearable article is in use, and wherein the top layer covers at least a portion of the top side of the receptacle such that the access opening is accessible from an exterior of the wearable article.

9. The system for connecting a housing assembly to a wearable article of claim 8, wherein, a portion of the top layer extends into the access opening and is bonded to an inner surface of the receptacle defining the cavity.

10. The system for connecting a housing assembly to a wearable article of claim 8, wherein, The first and second conductive leads are connected to the first and second contact pads, in use, at a location inside an interior surface of the wearable article.

11. A system for connecting a housing assembly to a wearable article, comprising: a wearable article having a top layer and a bottom layer of material forming at least a portion of the wearable article, wherein the bottom layer is configured to be located interior to the top layer when the wearable article is in use; and a housing assembly including a receptacle defining a cavity and having an access opening providing access to the cavity, such that the receptacle is configured to removably receive an electronic module within the cavity by insertion through the access opening, the housing assembly further including a first contact member and a second contact member, the first contact member including a first contact pad located exterior to the cavity and a first arm extending from the first contact pad into the cavity to form a first electrical contact, the second contact member including a second contact pad located exterior to the cavity and a second arm extending from the second contact pad into the cavity to form a second electrical contact, such that the first and second electrical contacts form an interface exposed to the cavity and configured to connect with a connector of the electronic module when the electronic module is received in the receptacle; wherein the housing assembly is bonded to the wearable article between the top and bottom layers, such that the top and bottom layers are bonded to the receptacle by a bonding material, and wherein the first and second arms extend through the bottom layer and are positioned adjacent to an interior surface of the wearable article.

12. The system for connecting a housing assembly to a wearable article of claim 11, wherein, the access opening is on a top side of the receptacle, the first and second arms extend from a bottom side of the receptacle opposite the top side, and wherein the top layer covers at least a portion of the top side of the receptacle such that the access opening is accessible from an exterior of the wearable article.

13. The system for connecting a housing assembly to a wearable article of claim 12, wherein, a portion of the top layer extends into the access opening and is bonded to an interior surface of the receptacle defining the cavity.

14. The system for connecting a housing assembly to a wearable article of claim 11, wherein, the bottom layer forms an interior surface of the wearable article, in use.

15. The system for connecting a housing assembly to a wearable article of claim 11, wherein, the first and second contact pads have a width greater than a width of the first and second arms.

16. The system for connecting a housing assembly to a wearable article of claim 11, wherein, the first and second contact members are mounted on a carrier housed in a cavity of the receptacle, such that the carrier engages with the receptacle and supports the first and second electrical contacts to form the interface, and wherein the first and second arms extend exterior to the receptacle.

17. The system for connecting a housing assembly to a wearable article of claim 11, wherein, at least the first and second contact pads and a portion of the interior surface of the wearable article are covered with an insulating material.

18. The system for connecting a housing assembly to a wearable article of claim 11, wherein, the bonding material is a heat sealable material located between the receptacle and the top and bottom layers, and wherein the top and bottom layers are heat pressed onto the receptacle to bond the housing assembly to the wearable article.

19. The system for connecting a housing assembly to a wearable article of claim 18, wherein, the receptacle includes a flange extending outward around a perimeter of the receptacle, and wherein heat pressure is applied around the flange of the receptacle.

20. The system for connecting a housing assembly to a wearable article of claim 11, wherein, A first conductive lead is connected to the first contact pad and a second conductive lead is connected to the second contact pad to place the first and second conductive leads in electronic communication with the first and second electrical contacts, and wherein the system further includes an electrically powered component connected to the wearable article and the first and second conductive leads are connected to the electrically powered component.

21. A system for connecting a housing assembly to a wearable article, comprising: a wearable article having a top layer and a bottom layer of material forming at least a portion of the wearable article, wherein the bottom layer is configured to be located interior to the top layer when the wearable article is in use; and a housing assembly including a receptacle defining a cavity and having an access opening on a top side of the receptacle providing access to the cavity, such that the receptacle is configured to removably receive an electronic module within the cavity by insertion through the access opening, the housing assembly further including a first contact member and a second contact member, the first contact member including a first electrical contact exposed to the cavity, the second contact member including a second electrical contact exposed to the cavity, such that the first and second electrical contacts form an interface exposed to the cavity and configured to connect with a connector of the electronic module when the electronic module is received in the receptacle, wherein the first and second contact members extend from the first and second electrical contacts, respectively, to outside of the cavity, and wherein the first and second contact members at locations outside of the cavity are connected to conductive leads, wherein the housing assembly is bonded to the wearable article between the top and bottom layers, such that the top and bottom layers are bonded to the receptacle by a bonding material, and the top layer covers at least a portion of the top side of the receptacle, and wherein the access opening is accessible from an exterior surface of the wearable article.

22. The system for connecting a shell assembly to a wearable article of claim 21, wherein, the bonding material is a heat sealable material located between the receptacle and the top and bottom layers, and wherein the top and bottom layers are heat pressed onto the receptacle to bond the housing assembly to the wearable article.

23. The system for connecting a shell assembly to a wearable article of claim 22, wherein, the receptacle includes a flange extending outwardly around a perimeter of the receptacle, and wherein heat pressing is applied around at least the flange of the receptacle.

24. The system for connecting a housing assembly to a wearable article of claim 21, wherein, the top layer forms an exterior surface of the wearable article in use. the receptacle includes a flange extending outwardly around a perimeter of the receptacle, and wherein heat pressing is applied around at least the flange of the receptacle. the top layer forms an exterior surface of the wearable article in use.

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