WEARABLE ARTICLES HAVING REMOVABLE MODULES - Patent application

Abstract

To provide methods and structures for connecting a housing assembly to an article of apparel or other wearable article, as well as an article with the housing assembly connected thereto that is wearable.SOLUTION: In an article 10 of apparel, a housing assembly 19 includes first and second contact members 32, 33. Each contact member has a contact pad 35 positioned outside a chamber, and an arm extending from the contact pad into the chamber to form electrical contacts of an interface exposed to the chamber. The method includes connecting conductive thread leads 17 to the contact pads to place the leads in electronic communication with the contacts, and bonding the housing assembly to a wearable article. The housing assembly is bonded between top and bottom layers 63 of material forming a portion of the wearable article, so that the top and bottom layers are bonded to a receptacle 21 by a bonding material. The article has an electrically powered component, and the leads are connected to the electrically powered component.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 81

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to clothing, and more particularly to articles of clothing incorporating electronic devices that are operatively retained within the article of clothing and that may be partially visible from outside the article of clothing.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 484,725, filed April 12, 2017, which is incorporated herein in its entirety. [Background technology]

[0003] When performing a physical activity such as running, athletes want to maintain focus on the activity. Although many mobile devices may be updated to include "apps" or modules that provide athletic or health related information, they are often ineffective for many athletes, including those engaged in strenuous physical activity. Removing an electronic device, such as a cell phone or music player, from a pocket and manipulating the device may be distracting to an athlete. Additionally, an athlete may drop the device while fumbling to remove or replace the device from a pocket. Furthermore, many athletes, including but not limited to professional, semi-professional, and league athletes, are bound by rules and regulations that may significantly constrain the materials worn by athletes during a game or tournament. Unfortunately, historically acceptable clothing has not been designed to allow for reliable reception of athletic sensing devices. The present disclosure addresses these and other shortcomings of the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A general aspect of the disclosure relates to methods and structures for connecting a housing assembly to an article of clothing or other wearable article, as well as to articles having the connected housing assemblies, and potentially electronic modules connected to or otherwise received within the housing assemblies.

[0005] Aspects of the disclosure relate to a method for use with a housing assembly including a container defining a chamber and having an access opening providing access to the chamber, whereby the container is configured to removably receive an electronic module within the chamber by insertion of the electronic module through the access opening. The housing assembly further includes a first contact member having a first contact pad positioned outside the chamber and a first arm extending from the first contact pad into the chamber to form a first electrical contact, and a second contact member having a second contact pad positioned outside the chamber and a second arm extending from the second contact pad into the chamber to form a second electrical contact, whereby the first and second electrical contacts are exposed to the chamber and form an interface configured for connection with a connector of the electronic module when the electronic module is received within the container. The method includes connecting a first conductive lead to a first contact pad and a second conductive lead to a second contact pad to place the first and second leads in electrical communication with the first and second electrical contacts, and bonding a housing assembly to the wearable article. The housing assembly is bonded between top and bottom layers of material forming at least a portion of the wearable article, whereby the top and bottom layers are bonded to the container by a bonding material. The wearable article has an electrically powered component, and the first and second conductive leads are connected to the component.

[0006] According to one embodiment, the method further includes assembling the housing assembly, which may include mounting the first and second contact members on a carrier and inserting the carrier into a cavity in the container to engage the carrier with the container, whereby the carrier supports the first and second electrical contacts to form an interface. The first and second arms extend outside the container, whereby the first and second contact pads are positioned adjacent an exterior surface of the container.

[0007] According to another aspect, the method further includes coating at least the first contact pad and the second contact pad with an insulating material.

[0008] According to a further aspect, the bonding material is a heat sealable material, and bonding the housing assembly to the wearable article includes disposing the heat sealable material between the container and the top and bottom layers, and heat pressing the top and bottom layers to the container. In one configuration, the container has a flange extending outwardly around a periphery of the container, and the heat press is applied to at least a periphery of the flange of the container.

[0009] According to yet additional embodiments, the top and bottom layers are formed of different materials and / or the top layer forms an exterior surface of the wearable article during use.

[0010] According to yet further embodiments, the access opening is on an upper side of the container, the first and second arms extend from a bottom side of the container opposite the upper side, the bottom layer is positioned inside the upper layer when the wearable article is in use, and the upper layer covers at least a portion of the upper side of the container such that the access opening is accessible from outside the wearable article. In one configuration, a portion of the upper layer extends into the access opening and is bonded to an inner surface of the container that defines the chamber. In another configuration, the first and second conductive leads are connected to the first and second contact pads at a location inside the inner surface of the wearable article in use.

[0011] An additional aspect of the disclosure relates to a method for use with a housing assembly including a container defining a chamber and having an access opening providing access to the chamber, whereby the container is configured to removably receive an electronic module within the chamber by insertion of the electronic module through the access opening. The housing assembly further includes a first contact member having a first contact pad positioned outside the chamber and a first arm extending from the first contact pad into the chamber to form a first electrical contact, and a second contact member having a second contact pad positioned outside the chamber and a second arm extending from the second contact pad into the chamber to form a second electrical contact, whereby the first and second electrical contacts are exposed to the chamber and form an interface configured for connection with a connector of the electronic module when the electronic module is received within the container. The method includes bonding the housing assembly between top and bottom layers of material forming at least a portion of the wearable article, whereby the top and bottom layers are bonded to the container by a bonding material. The bottom layer is positioned inside the top layer when the wearable article is in use, and the first and second arms extend through the bottom layer and are positioned adjacent an inner surface of the wearable article.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the access opening is on a top side of the container, the first and second arms extend from a bottom side of the container opposite the top side, and the top layer covers at least a portion of the top side of the container such that the access opening is accessible from outside the wearable article. In one configuration, a portion of the top layer extends into the access opening and is joined to an inner surface of the container that defines the chamber.

[0013] According to additional embodiments, the bottom layer forms an inner surface of the wearable article during use, and / or the first and second contact pads have a width greater than the first and second arms.

[0014] According to another aspect, the method further includes assembling the housing assembly, which may include mounting the first and second contact members on a carrier and inserting the carrier into a cavity in the container to engage the carrier with the container, whereby the carrier supports the first and second electrical contacts to form an interface, the first arm and the second arm extending outside the container.

[0015] According to a further embodiment, the method further includes coating at least the first and second contact pads and a portion of the inner surface of the wearable article with an insulating material.

[0016] According to yet another aspect, the bonding material is a heat sealable material, and bonding the housing assembly to the wearable article includes disposing the heat sealable material between the container and the top and bottom layers, and heat pressing the top and bottom layers to the container. In one configuration, the container has a flange extending outwardly around a periphery of the container, and the heat press is applied to at least the periphery of the flange of the container.

[0017] According to still further aspects, the method further includes connecting the first conductive lead to the first contact pad and connecting the second conductive lead to the second contact pad to place the first and second leads in electrical communication with the first and second electrical contacts, wherein the wearable article has an electrically powered component whereby the first and second conductive leads are connected to the electrically powered component.

[0018] A further aspect of the disclosure relates to a method for use with a housing assembly including a container defining a chamber, the container having an access opening on an upper side of the container providing access to the chamber, whereby the container is configured to removably receive an electronic module within the chamber by insertion of the electronic module through the access opening. The housing assembly further includes a first contact member including a first electrical contact exposed to the chamber and a second contact member including a second electrical contact exposed to the chamber, whereby the first and second electrical contacts are exposed to the chamber and form an interface configured for connection with a connector of the electronic module when the electronic module is received within the container. The method includes bonding the housing assembly between a top layer and a bottom layer of material forming at least a portion of the wearable article, whereby the top layer and the bottom layer are bonded to the container by a bonding material, the top layer covering at least a portion of the top side of the container. The bottom layer is positioned inside the top layer when the wearable article is in use, and the access opening is accessible from an exterior surface of the wearable article.

[0019] According to one aspect, the bonding material is a heat sealable material, and bonding the housing assembly to the wearable article includes disposing the heat sealable material between the container and the top and bottom layers, and heat pressing the top and bottom layers to the container. In one configuration, the container includes a flange extending outwardly around a periphery of the container, and the heat press is applied to at least the periphery of the flange of the container.

[0020] According to another aspect, the top layer forms the exterior surface of the wearable article during use.

[0021] Other aspects of the disclosure relate to systems 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 top and bottom layers of material forming at least a portion thereof, a container, and first and second contact members. The container defines a chamber and has an access opening on an upper side of the container providing access to the chamber, whereby the container is configured to removably receive an electronic module within the chamber by insertion of the electronic module through the access opening. The first contact member includes a first contact pad positioned outside the chamber and a first arm extending from the first contact pad into the chamber to form a first electrical contact. The second contact member includes a second contact pad positioned outside the chamber and a second arm extending from the second contact pad into the chamber to form a second electrical contact, whereby the first and second electrical contacts are exposed to the chamber and form an interface configured for connection with a connector of the electronic module when the electronic module is received within the container. The container is bonded to the wearable article between the top layer and the bottom layer, whereby the top layer and the bottom layer are bonded to the container by a bonding material, and the access opening is accessible from an exterior surface of the wearable article. The top layer covers at least a portion of an upper side of the container, a portion of the top layer extends into the access opening and is bonded to an interior surface of the container defining the chamber, the top layer having an opening that allows access to the interface through the top layer. The bottom layer covers at least a portion of a bottom side of the container, whereby the first and second arms extend through the bottom layer to position the first and second contact pads inside the bottom layer.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the top layer forms an exterior surface of the wearable article during use and the bottom layer forms an interior surface of the wearable article during use. In one configuration, the system further includes an insulating material covering at least the first and second contact pads and a portion of the interior surface of the wearable article adjacent the first and second contact pads.

[0023] According to another embodiment, the bonding material is a heat sealable material that is positioned between the container and the top and bottom layers and is heat pressed to the container.

[0024] According to a further aspect, the container includes a flange extending outwardly around a periphery of the container, the top layer and the bottom layer being joined to the container at least around the periphery of the container flange.

[0025] According to yet another embodiment, a system includes a container and a carrier having first and second contact members mounted thereon, the carrier being received within a cavity in the container to engage the carrier with the container, such that the carrier supports the first and second electrical contacts to form an interface.

[0026] Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] In order that the present disclosure may be more fully understood, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an example of a system that may be configured to provide personal training and / or obtain data from a user's physical activity, according to an example embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 illustrates an example of a computing device that may be part of or in communication with the system of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 1 illustrates an exemplary sensor assembly that may be worn by a user, according to an example embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates an example of another sensor assembly that may be worn by a user, according to an example embodiment. [Diagram 5] 13 illustrates example locations for sensory inputs that may include physical sensors located on / in the user's clothing and / or may be based on identifying a relationship between two moving body parts of the user. [Figure 6] 1A-1D are top and side views of one embodiment of a band, according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 13A-13C are top and side views of another embodiment of a band in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a module according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the module of FIG. 7. [Figure 10] FIG. 8 is a side view of the module of FIG. 7. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a mold for manufacturing a band, according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the mold of FIG. 11 taken along the longitudinal axis. [Figure 13] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the mold of FIG. 11 taken along the horizontal axis. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of a portion of the mold shown in FIG. 13. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a top view of another embodiment of a band, according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a top view of the band of FIG. 15 turned inside out. [Figure 17] FIG. 16 is a top view of the band of FIG. 15 turned inside out. [Figure 18] FIG. 16 is a top view of the band of FIG. 15. [Figure 19] FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the band of FIG. 15. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a top view of components for manufacturing the band shown in FIGS. [Figure 21] FIG. 20 is a top view of components for manufacturing the band shown in FIGS. [Figure 22] FIG. 20 is a top view of components for manufacturing the band shown in FIGS. [Diagram 23] FIG. 20 is a top view of a housing of the band shown in FIGS. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a bottom view of the housing of FIG. 23. [Diagram 25]FIG. 20 is a top view of additional components for producing the band shown in FIGS. 15-19. [Figure 26] FIG. 20 is a top view of additional components for producing the band shown in FIGS. 15-19. [Figure 27] FIG. 24 is a side view of the housing of FIG. 23. [Figure 28] FIG. 24 is a bottom perspective view of the housing of FIG. 23. [Figure 29] FIG. 24 is a bottom perspective view of the housing of FIG. 23. [Diagram 30] FIG. 24 is a top perspective view of the housing of FIG. 23. [Diagram 31] FIG. 24 is a side view of the housing of FIG. 23. [Diagram 32] FIG. 32 is a plan view that diagrammatically illustrates a method of manufacturing a band according to an embodiment of the present disclosure using the components and housing of FIGS. [Diagram 33] FIG. 32 is a plan view that generally illustrates a method of manufacturing a band according to an embodiment of the present disclosure using the components and housing of FIGS. [Diagram 34] FIG. 32 is a plan view that diagrammatically illustrates a method of manufacturing a band according to an embodiment of the present disclosure using the components and housing of FIGS. [Diagram 35] FIG. 32 is a plan view that generally illustrates a method of manufacturing a band according to an embodiment of the present disclosure using the components and housing of FIGS. [Diagram 36] FIG. 32 is a plan view that generally illustrates a method of manufacturing a band according to an embodiment of the present disclosure using the components and housing of FIGS. [Figure 37] FIG. 32 is a plan view that generally illustrates a method of manufacturing a band according to an embodiment of the present disclosure using the components and housing of FIGS. [Figure 38] FIG. 32 is a plan view that generally illustrates a method of manufacturing a band according to an embodiment of the present disclosure using the components and housing of FIGS. [Figure 39]FIG. 32 is a plan view that generally illustrates a method of manufacturing a band according to an embodiment of the present disclosure using the components and housing of FIGS. [Diagram 40] FIG. 32 is a plan view that generally illustrates a method of manufacturing a band according to an embodiment of the present disclosure using the components and housing of FIGS. [Diagram 41] FIG. 24 is a perspective view that generally illustrates one embodiment of a mold for heat pressing a portion of a band according to an aspect of the present disclosure that can be used in conjunction with the housing of FIG. 23 and in conjunction with the method of FIGS. 32-40. [Diagram 42] FIG. 42 is a perspective view illustrating the use of the mold of FIG. 41 in operation. [Diagram 43] FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a housing that can be used in manufacturing a band, according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Diagram 44] FIG. 44 is a bottom perspective view of the housing of FIG. 43. [Diagram 45] FIG. 44 is a top perspective view of the housing of FIG. 43. [Figure 46] FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of another embodiment of a housing that can be used in manufacturing a band, according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 47] FIG. 47 is a top perspective view of the housing of FIG. 46. [Figure 48] 13 is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of a housing and additional input devices that can be used with the band and module in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 49] FIG. 49 is a top perspective view of the housing and additional input device of FIG. 48. [Figure 50] FIG. 13 illustrates a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of a housing and additional input device usable with the band and module in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 51] FIG. 51 is a top perspective view of the housing and additional input device of FIG. 50. [Figure 52] FIG. 49 is a bottom perspective view of the housing of FIG. 48 and the module of FIG. 7 inserted within the housing. [Figure 53]13A-13C are perspective and exploded perspective views of another embodiment of an additional input device and module in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, showing connections between the additional input device and the module; [Figure 54] 13A-13C are perspective and exploded perspective views of another embodiment of an additional input device and module in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, showing connections between the additional input device and the module; [Figure 55] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a band having an additional input device connected to the band, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 56] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of a module, additional input device, and band in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, showing the module connected to the additional device and then connected to the band. [Figure 57] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of a band having an additional input device connected to the band, the band being worn on a user's arm, the additional input device communicating with one or more external devices. [Figure 58] 1 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method of operation that may be used with respect to an external device and additional input devices in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 59] 11 is a flow chart illustrating another embodiment of a method of operation that may be used in connection with an external device and an additional input device in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 60] 1 illustrates one embodiment of a display of an external device being operated in conjunction with an additional input device, according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 61] 1 illustrates another embodiment of a display of an external device operated in conjunction with an additional input device, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 62] FIG. 1 illustrates a top front perspective view of one embodiment of an electronic module in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 63] FIG. 2 is a top rear perspective view of the module of FIG. 1 engaged with one embodiment of a housing, according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 64]FIG. 64 is a partial cross-sectional view of the housing and module of FIG. 63. [Figure 65] FIG. 64 is a top front perspective view of the housing of FIG. 63. [Figure 66] FIG. 64 is a top rear perspective view of the housing of FIG. 63; [Figure 67] FIG. 64 is a bottom rear perspective view of one embodiment of a housing assembly including the housing of FIG. 63 according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 68] FIG. 68 is a top rear perspective view of one embodiment of a pair of electrical contact members of the housing assembly of FIG. 67 according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 69] FIG. 68 is a top rear perspective view of one embodiment of a carrier of the housing assembly of FIG. 67 engaged with a contact member in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 70] FIG. 70 is a partial bottom front perspective view of the carrier and contact member of FIG. 69. [Figure 71] FIG. 70 is a partial top front perspective view of the carrier and contact member of FIG. 69; [Figure 72] 70 is a top rear perspective view of the module of FIG. 62 engaged with the carrier and contact members of FIG. 69, the carrier and contact members being shown partially transparent; FIG. [Figure 73] FIG. 68 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the housing assembly of FIG. 67. [Figure 74] FIG. 68 is a cross-sectional view of the housing assembly of FIG. 67. [Figure 75] FIG. 68 is a bottom rear perspective view of the housing assembly of FIG. 67 including one embodiment of an insulating material covering a portion of the housing assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 76] FIG. 13 is a bottom view of another embodiment of a housing assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 77] FIG. 13 is a bottom view of another embodiment of a housing assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 78] FIG. 2 is a rear view of one embodiment of a wearable article in the form of a skirt or jacket having a housing assembly connected thereto, showing the exterior of the article, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 79] FIG. 79 is a plan view of a housing assembly and an exterior portion of the wearable article of FIG. 78. [Figure 80] FIG. 79 is a rear view of the wearable article and housing assembly of FIG. 78, shown inside out to illustrate the inside of the article. [Figure 81] FIG. 79 is a plan view of a housing assembly and a portion of the inside of the wearable article of FIG. 78, with conductive leads connected to the housing assembly. [Figure 82] FIG. 13 is a bottom rear perspective view of another embodiment of a housing assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 83] FIG. 83 is a bottom rear perspective view of the housing assembly of FIG. 82. [Figure 84] FIG. 13 is a bottom front perspective view of another embodiment of a carrier, contact members, and conductive leads in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 85] 63 is a top rear perspective view showing steps in one embodiment of a process for connecting the housing of FIG. 62 to a wearable article according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 86] 63 is an exploded perspective view showing another step in an embodiment of a process for connecting the housing of FIG. 62 to a wearable article. [Figure 87] 63 is a perspective view showing another step in an embodiment of a process for connecting the housing of FIG. 62 to a wearable article. [Figure 88] FIG. 13 is a bottom view of another embodiment of a housing assembly, with conductive leads connected thereto, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 89] FIG. 13 is a plan view of another embodiment of a housing assembly connected to a wearable article according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 90] FIG. 13 is a plan view of another embodiment of a housing assembly connected to a wearable article according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 91] FIG. 89 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 29-29 of FIG. [Figure 92]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an electronic module, according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 93] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of an electronic module in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0029] Aspects of the present disclosure involve acquiring, storing, and / or processing athletic data relating to an athlete's physical exertion. The athletic data may be actively or passively sensed and / or stored in one or more non-transitory storage media. Still further aspects relate to using the athletic data to generate outputs, such as, for example, calculated athletic attributes, feedback signals that provide guidance, and / or other information. These and other aspects will be discussed in the context of the following illustrative example of a personal training system.

[0030] This application is incorporated by reference into 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 / 082,113 ... This application incorporates U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 100,782 filed on May 7, 2015, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 146,029 filed on April 10, 2015, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 168,357 filed on May 29, 2015, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 168,502 filed on May 29, 2015, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 215,497 filed on September 8, 2015, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 359,879 filed on July 8, 2016, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 356,960 filed on June 30, 2016.

[0031] In the following description of various embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof and which show by way of illustration various embodiments in which aspects of the present disclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope and concept of the present disclosure. Additionally, headings within this disclosure should not be considered to limit aspects of the present disclosure, and example embodiments are not limited to the example headings.

[0032] I. Examples of personal training systems A. Exemplary Network Aspects of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods that may be utilized across multiple networks. In this regard, certain embodiments may be configured to adapt to dynamic network environments. Further embodiments may be operable in different separate network environments. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a personal training system 100, according to an example embodiment. The example system 100 may include one or more interconnected networks, such as an example body area network (BAN) 102, a local area network (LAN) 104, and a wide area network (WAN) 106. As shown in FIG. 1 (and as described throughout this disclosure), one or more networks (e.g., BAN 102, LAN 104, and / or WAN 106) may overlap with one another or may otherwise be inclusive of one another. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the example networks 102-106 are logical networks that may each comprise one or more different communication protocols and / or network architectures, and may further be configured to have gateways to one another or to other networks. For example, each of the BAN 102, LAN 104 and / or WAN 106 may be operatively connected to the same physical network architecture, such as the cellular network architecture 108 and / or the WAN architecture 110. For example, the portable electronic device 112, of which components of both the BAN 102 and the LAN 104 may be considered, may include a network adapter or network interface card (NIC) configured to convert data and control signals to and from network messages according to one or more communication protocols, such as Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), Internet Protocol (IP), and User Datagram Protocol (UDP) over architectures 108 and / or 110. These protocols are well known in the art and therefore will not be discussed in greater detail herein.

[0033] The network architectures 108 and 110 may include one or more information distribution networks of any type or topology, such as cable, fiber, satellite, telephone, cellular, wireless, etc., alone or in combination, and thus may be variously configured, such as having one or more wired or wireless communication channels (including, but not limited to, WiFi, Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC) and / or ANT technologies). Thus, any device in the network of FIG. 1 (such as the portable electronic device 112 or any other device described herein) may be considered collectively to one or more of the different logical networks 102-106. With this in mind, examples of components of an exemplary BAN and LAN (which may be coupled to the WAN 106) will now be described.

[0034] 1. Local Area Network Example LAN 104 may include one or more electronic devices, such as, for example, computing device 114. Computing device 114, or any other component of system 100, may comprise a mobile terminal, such as a phone, music player, tablet, netbook, or any portable device. In other embodiments, computing device 114 may comprise a media player or recorder, a desktop computer, a server, a gaming console, such as, for example, a Microsoft® XBOX, a Sony® Playstation, and / or a Nintendo® Wii gaming console. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that these are merely example devices for illustrative purposes and that the present disclosure is not limited to any console or computing device.

[0035] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the design and structure of the computing device 114 may vary depending on several factors, such as its intended purpose. One example of an implementation of the computing device 114 is provided in FIG. 2, which illustrates a block diagram of a computing device 200. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosure of FIG. 2 may be applicable to any device disclosed herein. The device 200 may include one or more processors, such as processors 202-1 and 202-2 (generally referred to herein as “multiple processors 202” or “processor 202”). The processors 202 may communicate with each other or with other components via an interconnection network or bus 204. The processor 202 may include one or more processing cores, such as cores 206-1 and 206-2 (generally referred to herein as “multiple cores 206” or more generally as “core 206”), which may be implemented on a single integrated circuit (IC) chip.

[0036] The cores 206 may include a shared cache 208 and / or a private cache (e.g., caches 210-1 and 210-2, respectively). One or more caches 208 / 210 may locally cache data stored in a system memory, such as memory 212, for faster access by components of the processor 202. The memory 212 may communicate with the processor 202 via a chipset 216. The cache 208 may be part of the system memory 212 in certain embodiments. The memory 212 may include, but is not limited to, one or more of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), solid-state memory, optical or magnetic storage devices, and / or any other medium that may be used to store electronic information. Still other embodiments may omit the system memory 212.

[0037] System 200 may include one or more I / O devices (e.g., I / O devices 214-1 through 214-3, each generally referred to as an I / O device 214). I / O data from one or more of I / O devices 214 may be stored in one or more caches 208, 210 and / or system memory 212. Each of I / O devices 214 may be permanently or temporarily configured to operatively communicate with components of system 100 using any physical or wireless communication protocol.

[0038] 1, examples of four I / O devices (shown as elements 116-122) are shown in communication with computing device 114. One skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of devices 116-122 may be standalone devices or may be associated with another device other than computing device 114. For example, one or more of 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 athletic data acquisition units, such as, but not limited to, sensors. One or more of I / O devices may be configured to sense, detect, and / or measure athletic parameters from a user, such as user 124. Examples include, but are not limited to, accelerometers, gyroscopes, location-determining devices (e.g., GPS), light (including non-visible light) sensors, temperature sensors (including ambient and / or body temperature), sleep pattern sensors, heart rate monitors, image capture sensors, humidity sensors, force sensors, compasses, angular velocity sensors, and / or combinations thereof, among others.

[0039] In further embodiments, I / O devices 116-122 may be used to provide output (e.g., audio, visual, or tactile cues) and / or receive input, such as user input from athlete 124. Examples of the use of these exemplary I / O devices are provided below, although those skilled in the art will understand that such discussion is merely a description of some of the many options within the scope of this disclosure. Additionally, reference to any data acquisition unit, I / O device, or sensor should be construed to disclose an embodiment that may have one or more I / O devices, data acquisition units, and / or sensors (either individually or in combination) disclosed herein or known in the art.

[0040] Information from one or more devices (across one or more networks) may be used to provide (or be utilized in the form of) a variety of different parameters, criteria or physiological characteristics, including, but not limited to, motion parameters such as speed, acceleration, distance, steps, direction, relative motion of a particular body part or object relative to another, or other motion parameters that may be expressed as angular velocity, linear velocity or combinations thereof, physiological parameters such as calories, heart rate, sweat detection, effort, oxygen consumption, oxygen reaction rate, and other criteria that may fall within one or more classifications, such as information about the athlete, e.g., height, weight, age, demographic information and combinations thereof.

[0041] The system 100 may be configured to transmit and / or receive athletic data, including parameters, criteria, or physiological characteristics, collected within the system 100 or otherwise provided to the system 100. As an example, the WAN 106 may comprise a server 111. The server 111 may have one or more components of the system 200 of FIG. 2. In one embodiment, the server 111 comprises at least a processor and memory, such as the processor 206 and the memory 212. The server 111 may be configured to store computer-executable instructions on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The instructions may include athletic data, such as raw or processed data collected within the system 100. The system 100 may be configured to transmit data, such as energy expenditure points, to a social networking website or to host such a site. The server 111 may be utilized to enable one or more users to access and / or compare athletic data. As such, the server 111 may be configured to transmit and / or receive notifications based on the athletic data or other information.

[0042] Returning to the LAN 104, the computing device 114 is shown in operative communication with a display device 116, an image capture device 118, a sensor 120, and an athletic device 122, which are then discussed below with reference to example embodiments. In one embodiment, the display device 116 may provide audiovisual cues to the athlete 124 to perform a particular athletic movement. The audiovisual cues may be provided in response to computer-executable instructions executed on the computing device 114 or any other device, including devices of the BAN 102 and / or the WAN. The display device 116 may be a touch screen device or may otherwise be configured to receive user input.

[0043] In one embodiment, data may be obtained from other sensors, such as image capture device 118 and / or sensor 120, or stored information that may be used to detect (and / or measure) athletic performance parameters, either alone or in combination with other devices. Image capture device 118 and / or sensor 120 may comprise a transmitting / receiving device. In one embodiment, sensor 128 may comprise 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 toward athlete 124, receive "reflections" or otherwise detect variations in those associated waveforms. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that signals corresponding to a number of different data spectra may be utilized by various embodiments. 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 being emitted from user 124 and / or the surrounding environment. Thus, image capture device 126 and / or sensor 128 may comprise one or more thermal imaging devices. In one embodiment, image capture device 126 and / or sensor 128 may comprise an IR device configured to perform range phenomenology.

[0044] In one embodiment, the athletic device 122 can be any device configurable to enable or facilitate the athlete 124 to perform physical exercise, such as, for example, a treadmill, step machine, etc. The device need not be stationary. In this regard, wireless technology allows portable devices to be utilized, and thus, a bicycle or other mobile athletic device may be utilized by certain embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the equipment 122 can be or may include an interface for accepting an electronic device containing athletic data performed remotely from the computing device 114. For example, the user may use the sports device (described below with respect to the BAN 102) to download the athletic data to the element 122 or any other device of the system 100 upon returning home or to the location of the equipment 122. Any of the I / O devices disclosed herein may be configured to receive activity data.

[0045] 2. Body Area Network The BAN 102 may include two or more devices (including passive devices) configured to receive, transmit, or otherwise facilitate collection of athletic 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 116-122. Two or more components of the BAN 102 may communicate directly, and in yet other embodiments, communication may occur via a third device that may be part of the BAN 102, the LAN 104, and / or the WAN 106. One or more components of the LAN 104 or the WAN 106 may form part of the BAN 102. In certain implementations, a device such as the portable device 112 enables communication with the mobile cellular network architecture 108 and / or the WAN architecture 110 depending on the athlete's proximity to an access point, whether or not it is part of the BAN 102, the LAN 104, and / or the WAN 106. User activity and / or preferences may also influence whether one or more components may be utilized as part of BAN 102. Example embodiments are provided below.

[0046] A user 124 may be associated with any number of devices, such as a portable device 112, a shoe-mounted device 126, a wrist-worn device 128, and / or a sensing location, such as a sensing location 130, which may include a physical device or location used to collect information. One or more of the devices 112, 126, 128, and / or 130 may not be specifically designed for health or athletic purposes. Indeed, aspects of the present disclosure relate to utilizing data from multiple devices, some of which are not health devices, to collect, detect, and / or measure athletic data. In certain embodiments, one or more devices of the BAN 102 (or any other network) may comprise a health device or a sports device that is specifically designed for a particular sports application. As used herein, the term "sports device" includes any physical object that may be used during or related to a particular sports or health activity. Exemplary sports devices may include, but are not limited to, golf balls, basketballs, baseballs, soccer balls, footballs, power balls, hockey pucks, weights, bats, clubs, sticks, paddles, mats, and combinations thereof. In further embodiments, exemplary fitness devices may include objects within a sports environment in which a particular sport is played, including the environment itself, such as goal nets, hoops, backboards, portions of a field, e.g., center lines, outer boundary markers, bases, and combinations thereof.

[0047] In this regard, those skilled in the art will understand that one or more sports devices may also be part of (or form) a structure, and conversely, a structure may comprise or be configured to interact with one or more sports devices. For example, a first structure may comprise a basketball hoop and backboard, which may be removed and replaced along with goal posts. In this regard, one or more sports devices may comprise one or more sensors, such as one or more of the sensors discussed above with respect to Figures 1-3, that may provide information that may be utilized independently or in conjunction with other sensors, such as one or more sensors associated with one or more structures. For example, the backboard may comprise a first sensor configured to measure the force and direction of the force by the basketball, and the backboard and hoop may comprise a second sensor to detect the force. Similarly, a golf club may comprise a first sensor configured to detect the grip attributable to the shaft and a second sensor configured to measure the impact with the golf ball.

[0048] Turning to an exemplary portable device 112, it can be a multi-purpose electronic device including a phone or digital music player, including, for example, an IPOD®, IPAD®, or iPhone® available from Apple, Inc. of Cupertino, California, or a Zune® or Microsoft® Windows device available from Microsoft of Redmond, Washington. As known in the art, a digital media player can function as an output device, an input device, and / or a storage device for a computer. The device 112 can be configured as an input device to receive raw or processed data collected from one or more devices in the BAN 102, the LAN 104, or the WAN 106. In one or more embodiments, the portable device 112 can comprise one or more components of a computer device 114. For example, the portable device 112 may include a display 116, an image capture device 118, and / or one or more data acquisition devices, such as any of the I / O devices 116-122 discussed above, with or without additional components, so as to comprise a mobile terminal.

[0049] a. Exemplary Clothing / Jewelry Sensors In certain embodiments, the I / O devices may be formed within or otherwise associated with the user's 124 clothing or jewelry, including watches, armbands, wristbands, necklaces, shirts, shoes, and the like. These devices may be configured to monitor the user's athletic movements. It should be understood that they may detect athletic movements during the user's 124 interaction with the computing device 114 and / or during independent operation of the computing device 114 (or any other device disclosed herein). For example, one or more devices in the BAN 102 may be configured to function as an all-day activity monitor, measuring activity regardless of the user's proximity or interaction with the computing device 114. It should be further understood that the sensing system 302 shown in FIG. 3 and the device assembly 400 shown in FIG. 4, each described in the following paragraphs, are merely illustrative examples.

[0050] i. Shoe-mounted device In certain embodiments, the device 126 shown in FIG. 1 may comprise footwear that may include one or more sensors, including, but not limited to, those disclosed herein and / or known in the art. FIG. 3 illustrates an example of an embodiment of a sensor system 302 that provides one or more sensor assemblies 304. The assembly 304 may comprise one or more sensors, such as, for example, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a location determination component, a force sensor, and / or any other sensor disclosed herein or known in the art. In an exemplary embodiment, the assembly 304 incorporates multiple sensors, which may include a force sensing resistor (FSR) sensor 306, although other sensors may be utilized. The port 308 may be positioned within a sole structure 309 of the shoe and is generally configured for communication with one or more electronic devices. The port 308 may optionally be provided to communicate with an electronic module 310, which may optionally include a housing 311 or other structure to receive the module 310. The sensor system 302 may also include a number of leads 312 connecting the FSR sensor 306 to the port 308 to enable communication with the module 310 and / or another electronic device via the port 308. The module 310 may be contained within a hole or cavity within the sole structure of the shoe, and the housing 311 may be positioned within the hole or cavity. In one embodiment, at least one gyroscope and at least one accelerometer are provided within a single housing, such as the module 310 and / or the housing 311. In at least a further embodiment, one or more sensors are provided and configured to provide orientation information and angular rate data during operation. The port 308 and the module 310 include complementary interfaces 314, 316 for connection and communication.

[0051] In certain embodiments, at least one force-sensing resistor 306 shown in FIG. 3 may include first and second electrodes or electrical contacts 318, 320 and a force-sensing resistive material 322 disposed between the electrodes 318, 320 to electrically connect the electrodes 318, 320 together. When pressure is applied to the force-sensing material 322, the resistance and / or conductivity of the force-sensing material 322 changes, which changes the electrical potential between the electrodes 318, 320. The change in resistance may be detected by the sensor system 302 to detect the force applied on the sensor 316. The force-sensing resistive material 322 may change its resistance under pressure in various means. For example, the force-sensing material 322 may have an internal resistance that decreases when the material is compressed. Further embodiments may utilize a "capacitance-based resistance" that may be implemented via a "smart material." As another example, the material 322 may change resistance by changing the degree of surface-to-surface contact, such as between two pieces of force sensing material 322, or between the force sensing material 322 and one or both electrodes 318, 320. In some circumstances, this type of force sensing resistor behavior may be described as "contact-based resistance."

[0052] ii. Wrist-worn devices As shown in FIG. 4, the device 400 (which may be similar to or comprise the sensing device 128 shown in FIG. 1) may be configured to be worn by the user 124, such as around the wrist, arm, ankle, neck, etc. The device 400 may include an input mechanism, such as a depressible input button 402 configured to be used during operation of the device 400. The input button 402 may be operably connected to a controller 404 and / or any other electronic components, such as one or more of the elements discussed with respect to the computing device 114 shown in FIG. 1. The controller 404 may be embedded or otherwise part of a housing 406. The housing 406 may be formed from one or more materials, including an elastic component, and may include one or more displays, such as a display 408. The display may be considered an illumination portion of the device 400. The display 408 may include a series of individual light-emitting elements or members, such as LED lights 410. The lights may be formed into an array and operably connected to the controller 404. The device 400 may include an indicator system 412, which may also be considered a portion or component of the overall display 408. The indicator system 412 may operate and illuminate in conjunction with the display 408 (which may have pixel members 414) or may be completely separate from the display 408. The indicator system 412 may also include a number of additional light-emitting elements or members, which may also take the form of LED lights in an exemplary embodiment. In certain embodiments, the indicator system may provide a visual indication of a goal, such as by illuminating a portion of the light-emitting members of the indicator system 412 to represent achievement toward one or more goals. The device 400 may be configured to display, via either the display 408 and / or the indicator system 412, data expressed in terms of activity points or currency earned by the user based on the user's activity.

[0053] The fastening mechanism 416 may be disengaged when the device 400 may be positioned around a wrist or portion of the user 124, and the fastening mechanism 416 may then be placed into an engaged position. In one embodiment, the fastening mechanism 416 may comprise an interface, including a USB port, for operatively interacting with devices such as, but not limited to, the computing device 114 and / or the devices 120 and / or 112. In certain embodiments, the fastening members may comprise one or more magnets. In one embodiment, the fastening members may have no moving parts and rely entirely on magnetic forces.

[0054] In certain embodiments, device 400 may include a sensor assembly (not shown in FIG. 4). The sensor assembly may include a number of different sensors, including those disclosed herein and / or known in the art. In example embodiments, the sensor assembly may include or allow for an operative connection to any sensor disclosed herein and / or known in the art. Device 400 and / or its sensor assembly may be configured to obtain data obtained from one or more external sensors.

[0055] iii. Clothing and / or body location detection Element 130 in FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a sensing location that may be associated with a physical apparatus such as a sensor, a data acquisition unit, or other device. In yet other embodiments, it may be a specific location of a body part or area monitored, such as via an image capture device (e.g., image capture device 118). In certain embodiments, element 130 may comprise a sensor, whereby elements 130a and 130b may be sensors integrated into clothing, such as an athlete's clothing. Such sensors may be placed at any desired location on the body of user 124. Sensors 130a / b may communicate (e.g., wirelessly) with one or more devices (including other sensors) of BAN 102, LAN 104, and / or WAN 106. In certain embodiments, a passive sensing surface may reflect a waveform, such as infrared light, emitted by image capture device 118 and / or sensor 120. In one embodiment, a passive sensor located on the clothing of user 124 may comprise a generally spherical structure made of glass or other transparent or translucent surface that may reflect a waveform. Different categories of garments may be utilized, with a given category of garment having particular sensors configured to be positioned proximate to particular portions of the body of the user 124 when properly worn. For example, garments for golf may include one or more sensors positioned on the garment in a first configuration, and garments for soccer may include one or more sensors positioned on the garment in a second configuration.

[0056] FIG. 5 illustrates exemplary locations for sensory inputs (see, e.g., sensor locations 130a-130o). In this regard, the sensors may be physical sensors located on / in the user's clothing, and in other embodiments, the sensor locations 130a-130o may be based on identifying a relationship between two moving body parts. For example, the sensor location 130a may be determined by identifying the movement of the user 124 by an image capture device, such as the image capture device 118. Thus, in certain embodiments, the sensor may not be physically located at a particular location (such as one or more of the sensor locations 130a-130o), but is configured to sense the nature of that location, such as with sensor data collected from the image capture device 118 or other locations. In this regard, the overall shape or portion of the user's body may enable identification of a particular body part. Whether an image capture device is utilized and / or a physical sensor is located on the user 124, data from other devices (such as the sensing system 302) may be utilized, such as the device assembly 400 and / or any other device or sensor disclosed herein or known in the art, that may sense the current location of the body part and / or track the movement of the body part. In one embodiment, the sensing data regarding the location 130m may be utilized to determine the user's center of gravity (also known as center of mass). For example, the relationship between the locations 130a and 130f / 130l relative to one or more of the locations 130m-130o may be utilized to determine whether the user's center of gravity has risen along a vertical axis (such as during a jump) or whether the user is attempting to "fake" a jump by bending and flexing their knees. In one embodiment, the sensing location 1306n may be located around the sternum of the user 124. Similarly, the sensing location 130o may be located proximate to the navel of the user 124. In certain embodiments, data from sensing locations 130m-130o may be utilized (alone or in combination with other data) to determine the center of gravity of user 124. In further embodiments, relationships between multiple sensor locations, such as sensors 130m-130o, may be utilized in determining the orientation of user 124 and / or rotational forces, such as twisting of the torso of user 124.Additionally, one or more locations, such as multiple locations, may be utilized as a center of motion location (or approximation thereof). For example, in one embodiment, one or more of locations 130m-130o may serve as a point relative to the location of the center of moment of user 124. In another embodiment, one or more locations may serve as a center of moment for a particular body part or region.

[0057] II. Athletics Bands with Removable Modules Aspects of the present disclosure relate to systems that may measure one or more attributes of a user (e.g., physiological, biomedical, athletic attributes, with the understanding that these may be overlapping examples) during physical exercise. In one embodiment, the systems and methods may measure one or more attributes of a user while performing an intense physical exercise or workout. For example, a user may be participating in a professional athletics activity, including, but not limited to, American football, soccer, basketball, swimming, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the systems and methods may provide measurements from a user consistently during exercise, where the user experiences magnitudes of impact forces and / or accelerations typically encountered during an intense activity, such as engaging in a professional athletics sport.

[0058] Certain aspects relate to a modular system that may hold or otherwise secure at least one sensor against the user's skin during vigorous physical activity. In one embodiment, the system may be configured to hold a heart rate sensor against the user's skin during vigorous physical activity in a manner that allows for accurate readings during the activity. The band may further secure the at least one sensor against the skin and allow for less than 1 mm movement of the sensor against the user's skin during the athletic activity or during movements generally associated with the average force and / or acceleration magnitude of a particular athletic activity. In yet another embodiment, the band may be configured such that the removable sensor moves less than 0.5 mm relative to the surface of the user's skin during the athletic activity. The system may include a band 920 configured to be secured against the user's skin or clothing. In one embodiment, the band is configured as an armband, but may be configured as a wristband, waistband, or other configuration. In one embodiment, the band 920 is configured to be worn between the user's elbow and wrist. In another embodiment, the band is configured to be worn at a location between the elbow and shoulder.

[0059] The band 920 can be any suitable article of clothing that can be attached to the body, such as, but not limited to, bands such as arm bands, wrist bands, leg bands, belts, etc. Additionally, the article of clothing can be any suitable article of clothing that can be worn on the body, such as shirts, jackets, coats, sweatshirts, vests, athletic pants, and pants, as well as various other articles of clothing.

[0060] In one embodiment, the band 920 may be configured without fasteners configured to hold the band around the arm. In one embodiment, the band may exhibit an elastic modulus that allows the band to be held around a user's appendage in a manner that does not require fasteners to secure the band 920 to the appendage in order to obtain accurate sensor readings during what may be vigorous athletic activities. In yet another embodiment, fasteners may be utilized to connect at least a portion of the band together for attachment to the appendage. Any suitable fasteners within the skill of the art may be used, such as Velcro, snaps, buttons, buckles, and zippers.

[0061] In another aspect of the invention, as shown in the figures herein, 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 discussed below, a pocket (e.g., pocket 940) may be attached to or integrally formed with the band 920. As discussed further below, the band 920 may be configured to include a "pocket" configured to hold an electronic module. In this regard, the band may form a seal or other surface around a portion of the user's skin in a force-distributing manner such that at least a portion of the band 920 is secured against the user's skin with less force per unit area being pressed against the skin when the user is wearing the band 920 compared to any surface of the electronic module 930 secured within the pocket 940. The band 920 may be further configured such that a certain portion of ambient light is blocked from contact with the user's skin beneath the band 920. In this regard, the band 920 may block light in one or more specific regions and / or over the entire area covered by the band during normal use. In one embodiment, at least 75% of ambient light is blocked from reaching the area of ​​the band immediately adjacent to where the sensor extends from the hole in the band and contacts the surface of the user's skin.

[0062] In general, the device includes a band 920 configured to be worn or otherwise attached to a user's body to be worn or otherwise attached by the user, and a module 930 configured to be connected to the band 920. The band 920 may be an armband, in one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 15-19, configured to be worn on a user's upper forearm, just below the elbow. The band 920 of this embodiment includes a tubular body 921 defining a central passageway 922, such that the user's arm is received through the passageway 922 and the tubular body 921 wraps around the arm. The tubular body 921 is generally frusto-conical in the illustrated embodiment, having a wide top end 923 configured to be positioned near the elbow and a narrow bottom end 924 configured to be positioned near the wrist, where arm circumference is generally smaller. The frusto-conical shape of the tubular body 921 may help resist slipping of the band 920 during activity when worn on the user's forearm. In another embodiment, a similarly constructed band 920 may be configured to be worn anywhere on the body. For example, the band 920 may be configured to be worn anywhere on the arm, such as the upper arm, wrist, hand, etc. As another example, the band 920 may be configured to be wrapped around different body parts of the user, such as various locations on the leg, neck, torso, head, etc. It will be appreciated that the size and configuration of the band 920 may be adjusted to wrap around different body parts.

[0063] In one embodiment, the band 920 may be formed of a flexible elastic material, such as an elastic fabric, that may have stretch properties to allow the user to wear the band 920 comfortably and to move the band 920 on and off the user's body. The band 920 may be made of two or more layers of material that are bonded together, or they may be part of a single piece that is folded over to create multiple layers. Figures 15-19 illustrate one embodiment of a band 920 that utilizes a housing 963, as described herein.

[0064] In the embodiments shown in Figures 6 and 7, and 15-19, the band 920 is made from a piece of fabric that is folded over itself to form two layers and bonded by adhesive applied between the two layers. The adhesive, in some embodiments, may be formed into a pattern and may be visible in the final product to create a distinct visual appearance. The adhesive pattern may also have functionality, such as controlling the maximum degree of stretchability of the band 920, controlling the location of stretch or other deformation of the band 920, enhancing the durability of the band 920, and / or other functions. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the adhesive is applied in multiple lines 925 (between ends 923, 924) that extend axially along the band 920 and are circumferentially spaced from one another. In these configurations, radial stretch of the band 920 occurs between the lines 925, and the adhesive lines 925 provide low stretch areas. The bands 920 of FIGS. 6 and 7 may have broken or discontinuous adhesive lines 925 (i.e., line segments) with one or more gaps 926 along each line 925. Additionally, the gaps 926 of each line 925 in this embodiment may be offset or staggered from the gaps 926 of adjacent lines 925. In another embodiment, the bands 920 may have solid adhesive lines (which may be straight and / or curved), or one or more solid blocks of adhesive. The adhesive line configurations described herein provide several advantages. First, the axially extending lines 925 allow the majority of the band's radial stretch to occur between the lines 925, so 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 fuller effect on the modulus or elastic response of the band 920 in the axial direction, thus limiting the amount of axial stretch that occurs. This is advantageous to avoid excessive stretching as the band 920 is pulled onto the user's body, so that the band 920 slides as desired without wasting the energy applied by the user by stretching the band. The "offset" of the gap 926 also helps limit axial stretching.Additionally, the intermittent application of the adhesive lines 925 provides better breathability as the fabric of the band material is typically more breathable than the adhesive. In another embodiment, the band 920 is made from a piece of fabric that is folded over on itself to form two layers and joined around the edges 923, 924 by adhesive, stitching, etc.

[0065] The band 920 is generally configured to secure an electronic module 930, which may be removable from the band 920. In one embodiment, the band 920 has a pocket 940 defining a cavity 941 configured to receive the module 930 in a removable configuration. In one embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, and 15-19, the pocket 940 is accessible from an inner surface 927 of the band 920 configured to face and / or contact the user's body. In this configuration, the pocket 940 has an access opening 942 defined on the inner surface 927 of the band 920, through which the module 930 may be inserted and removed. In other embodiments, the access opening 942 may be located on the outer surface 928 of the band 920. The band 920 may be inverted inside out to facilitate this access. The pocket 940 in the embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7, and 15-19 has an outer wall 943 that forms part of the outer surface 928 of the band 920, and an inner wall 944 that forms part of the inner surface 927 of the band 920, with a cavity 941 defined between the walls 943, 944. The walls 943, 944 are at least somewhat flexible in one embodiment and may be made of a single layer and / or piece, or multiple layers and / or pieces. In other embodiments, the walls 943, 944 may be rigid and may be made of the same or a different material as the rest of the band 920. An access opening 942 is defined in the inner wall 944 at one end of the cavity 941 in the embodiments of Figures 6 and 7, and 15-19, 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 remainder of the module 930 through the opening 942 and into the cavity 941.

[0066] 6A and B illustrate an embodiment of a band 920 with a module 930 inserted into a pocket 940. In FIG. 6A, the pocket 940 is configured for insertion of a module 930 having a light 934 and a button 933 positioned near a top end 923 of the band 920 (i.e., near the user's elbow) and a connector 935 positioned near a bottom end 924 of the band 920 (i.e., near the user's wrist). In FIG. 7, the pocket 940 is configured for insertion of a module 930 having a light 934 and a button 933 positioned near a bottom end 924 of the band 920 (i.e., near the user's elbow) and a connector 935 positioned near a top end 923 of the band 920 (i.e., near the user's elbow). It is understood that an access opening 942 (not shown in FIGS. 6 and 7) may be located near the top end 923 in FIG. 6 and near the bottom end 924 in FIG. 7. The configuration of FIG. 6B may provide better ergonomics and ease of use. For example, viewing the light 934 and pressing the button 933 may require less movement and more natural motion when these components are located near the wrist. Also, the force of pressing the button 933 compresses the user's arm, and when the button 933 is near the wrist where the bone is closer to the skin, there is less soft tissue that can be compressed by the force of pressing the button. In the configuration of FIG. 6B, a protective shell 948 (described below) protects the connector 935 when it is located in an area where the user may grip the band 920 on the arm to pull it.

[0067] The pocket 940 may also include one or more sensor openings 945 configured to allow an unobstructed path for the sensor 932 of the module 930 to directly sense the user's body, such as by contacting the user's body (e.g., a heart rate sensor) or otherwise interacting directly with the user's body (e.g., a light, heat, or other radiation-based sensor). In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 15-19, the pocket 940 has an opening 942 on an inner wall 944 that extends into the cavity 941 and is configured to act as both a sensor opening and an access opening. In other words, the opening 942 is large enough to allow insertion of the module 930 into the cavity 941 via the opening 942, and a portion of the opening 942 allows the protrusion 939 of the module 930 to extend therethrough to allow the sensor 932 to be brought into proximity with the user's body. In other embodiments, the pocket 940 may have a sensor opening 945 on the inner wall 944 that is separate from the access opening 942. The pocket 940 may have multiple sensor openings 945 .

[0068] The outer wall 943 of the pocket is configured to cover the module 930 and may be further configured to allow reading and / or operation 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 a display of the module 930. Such a window 946 may be an opening in the outer wall 943 or may be a transparent or translucent portion that allows viewing of a light or lighted display therethrough. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, and 15-19, the outer wall 943 has a window 946 that allows viewing of a single light, and may additionally or alternatively have one or more windows 946 configured to allow viewing of multiple LEDs (i.e., a readable display) on the module 930. It is understood that the pocket 940 may have one or more windows 946 configured to be complementary to the structure of the module 930.

[0069] As another example, the outer wall 943 may have one or more button portions 947 configured to enable operation of one or more buttons 933 of the module 930 via the outer wall 943. It is understood that a "button" may include a mechanical / electrical button, a touch screen interface, or other manually operable 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 the button 933 of the module 930. The outer wall 943 may further have one or more flex zones (not shown) that control the flexure of the outer wall 943 of the band 920, and / or portions such as concave or recessed portions having greater flexibility. In another embodiment, the button portion 947 may have a button mechanism(s) that actuates the button 933 of the module 930. 15-19, the pocket's exterior wall 943 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 light 934 through the exterior wall 943. In further embodiments, the button portion 947 may double as the window 946 if the module 930 has a button with a light thereon or if the module 930 has a lighted touch screen display. The exterior wall 943 may further have indicia, such as an indication of the location of the button 933 on the module 930, a logo, instructions, etc.

[0070] The band 920 may be constructed using a heat pressing operation, with a heat activated film bonding the parts of the band 920 together. In one embodiment, the pieces of material of the band 920 may be heat pressed to mold the material to define the pockets 940 and increase the hardness of the material, as described in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 14 / 946,682, 14 / 946,670, 14 / 946,674, and 14 / 946,691. The band 920 of Figures 6 and 7 is created in this manner. Figures 11-14 illustrate an example embodiment of a mold 970 that may be used to manufacture the band 920 using the components and techniques described as described in the above referenced application. The mold 970 includes two mold plates 971, 972 that are pressed together around the constructed band components, such that these components are received within a mold cavity 973 between the mold plates 971, 972 in a collective fashion. Each of the mold plates 971, 972 has an enlarged portion 974 that creates a secondary cavity 975 within the mold cavity 973 for forming the pocket 940. One or both of the plates 971, 972 may include one or more holes 978 that allow gas to escape during molding. A plug 976 is inserted between the layers that form the band 920 during heat pressing to form the inner shape of the pocket 940, as shown in Figures 12-14. As illustrated in Figures 12 and 14, the plug 976 includes a protrusion 977 that extends through the sensor opening 945 during the molding process. After the heat pressing is completed, the mold plates 971, 972 are separated, the plug 976 is removed from the pocket 940 (such as through the opening 942), and the constructed band 920 is removed from the mold 970. Additional manufacturing steps may then be performed. It is understood that the structure and configuration of the mold 970 and its components may be altered for bands 920 having different sizes, shapes, configurations, etc. After processing is complete, the assembly is removed from the mold and the final structure of band 920 is constructed as a flat piece. A protective shell may be placed within cavity 941 to protect at least a portion of module 930, and may be formed of a hard material, such as a hard plastic or fiber reinforced polymer (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane), metallic material, or other material.Various joins, trims, and closure pieces may be used to completely define the final form of band 920 shown in Figures 6-7. Figure 6 illustrates one embodiment of band 920 with modules 940 received within pockets 940, and Figure 7 illustrates a similar band 920 as described elsewhere herein.

[0071] The band 920 of Figures 15-19 utilizes a housing 963 that is formed separately from the band 920 and connected to the band 920 to form a pocket 940. One embodiment of the housing 963 is shown in Figures 23 and 24, and 27-31. The housing 963 is made of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material and in one embodiment is formed in a single piece (by injection molding), but in other embodiments may be partially or completely made of other materials, multiple pieces, and / or other techniques. The housing 963 in this embodiment is a moderately rigid shell that completely 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 sufficiently rigid to protect the module 930 and may be sufficiently flexible to allow operation of the button 933 by pressing the button portion 947 of the band 920. The stiffness of the housing 963 may be greater than the stiffness of the fabric material forming the band 920. The housing 963 may also have a protrusion 987 on the outer wall 943 in one embodiment to facilitate operation of the button 933 with the button portion 947 on the outer surface 928 of the band 920 and / or to enhance the "feel" of the button 933, as shown in FIG. 28. The protrusion 987 may lightly engage the button 933 or may be in close proximity to the button 933, such that operation of the button 933 requires a small amount of movement / flexion of the adjacent portion of the housing 963. The embodiment of FIG. 28 has the protrusion 987 formed as a dome-shaped protrusion formed of an epoxy material applied to the inner surface of the outer wall 943. In other embodiments, the protrusion may be formed differently, such as being integrally formed (e.g., molded) with the housing 963, or may be structured differently or located differently. As shown in FIGS. 27-31 , the housing 963 of the illustrated embodiment has a lip 964 that extends inwardly around the opening 942 and serves to retain the module 930 within the pocket 940 .27, 29 and 31, the opening 942 has a narrow portion 965 configured to engage the protrusion 939 of the module 930 to secure the protrusion 939 in place, and the lip 964 has a recessed portion 966 located about the narrow portion 965. The recessed portion 966 allows the protrusion 939 to extend outwardly greater relative to the lip 964 to have better access to the user's skin. The housing 963 also has a wall 969 configured to form a pocket that surrounds and secures the connector 935 of the module 930.

[0072] In one embodiment, the housing 963 further has a flange 967 extending outwardly around at least a portion of the circumference of the housing 963 and configured for connection to the band 920. In the embodiment shown in Figures 23 and 24, and 27-31, the flange 967 generally extends in a single plane around the entire circumference of the housing 963. In other embodiments, the flange 967 may have a different configuration (e.g., intermittent) or may not be present. Generally, the exterior surface of the housing 963 shown in Figures 23 and 24, 27-31 is a smooth profile for both aesthetics and to enhance comfort when the housing 963 engages the user's body.

[0073] The window 946 of the housing 963 may be an empty passageway in one embodiment, or a transparent filter in another embodiment to resist ingress of materials from the outer surface 928 of the band 920. In further embodiments, the window 946 may have light scattering and / or light collecting structures to enhance the transmission of light through the window 946, causing the light from the display 934 to appear brighter at the outer surface 928 of the band 920 from a variety of wide angles. For example, the window 946 may include a clear silicone print aligned with the window 946 in one embodiment. As another example, the window 946 may have a silk screen fabric or finely woven material aligned with the window 946 in another embodiment. As a further example, the window 946 may have a film connected over the window 946, such as a polycarbonate film connected by adhesive or sonic welding in yet another embodiment. It is understood that these structures may be located within the window 946 and / or on the inner and / or outer surfaces of the window 946 in various embodiments. This may be particularly advantageous when used with the housing 963 shown in Figures 27-31, which may have a large wall thickness between the displays 934, which may make the light dimmer or more difficult to detect from peripheral angles.

[0074] 20-40 illustrate one embodiment of a set of components and a method for manufacturing the band 920 shown in FIGS. 15-19, which may be made from a piece of fabric that is folded on itself to form two layers and may be joined by stitching and / or adhesive applied between the two layers. It is understood that the band 920 may be made from two or more separate pieces joined together in another embodiment. The band 920 may use a heat pressing operation in the construction, with a heat activated film that bonds the parts of the band 920 together. The embodiment of the method shown in FIGS. 32-40 utilizes a more localized heat press and does not include heat pressing the entire band 920 as in the method described above with respect to FIGS. 11-14. FIGS. 20-31 illustrate components that may be used in the method illustrated in FIGS. 32-40, which are described in more detail below in connection with FIGS. 32-40.

[0075] In the embodiment of Figures 20-40, the main body piece 950 is formed (e.g., cut) from a textile material having elastic properties (e.g., a polyethylene-based material), as shown in Figure 32, with fold lines indicated by dashed lines. A pattern 958 may be applied to the outer surface 928 of the band 920, if desired, such as by screen printing, as shown in Figure 33. The main body piece 950 has a first hole 950A for the housing 963 that extends through the band 920 and is accessible from the inner surface 927 of the band 920, and a second hole 950B that is aligned with and / or forms part of the window 946. The holes 950A and B may be formed in the main body piece 950 by cutting or laser etching in one embodiment, as shown in Figure 34, and may be formed before or after the application of the pattern (if a pattern is applied). The central fold line divides the main body piece 950 into a first or inner portion 950D that forms the inner surface 927 of the band 920 and a second or outer portion 950E that forms the outer surface 928 of the band 920, the main body piece 950 having an inner surface 950F and an outer surface 950G (illustrated as shading in FIGS. 32-40). The outer surface 950G forms the inner surface 927 and outer surface 928 of the band 920 after construction, while the inner surface 950F is folded upon itself during manufacture and does not form any part of the inner surface 927 and outer surface 928 of the band 920. It will be understood that a design 958 configured to be visible on the inner surface 927 or outer surface 928 of the band 920 may be applied to the outer surface 950G of the main body piece 950.

[0076] As shown in Fig. 35, a frame bond 980 is applied around the first hole 950A on the inner surface 950F of the first portion 950D and configured to bond to the flange 967 of the housing 963, and a light alignment bond 981 is applied around the second hole 950B on the inner surface 950F of the second portion 950E and configured to bond to the housing 963 around the window 946. In this configuration, the light alignment bond 981 resists displacement of the hole 950B relative to the window 946, which may cover the window 946 and block the light path. Although the light alignment bond 981 is shown as applied in Fig. 35 in one embodiment, the light alignment bond 981 may be applied at a stage illustrated in Fig. 38 immediately prior to folding the inner and outer portions 950D-E together. These bonds 980, 981 may first be lightly bonded by slight application of heat and pressure in one embodiment to secure the components in place during build, and then normally bonded later during build. A small piece of bonding material 960 is also placed over the edge of the inner surface 950F of the outer portion 950E of the main body piece 950, and is configured to bond the edges of the inner and outer sides 950D-E together after folding, as shown in FIG. 35. Another bonding small piece 968 may also be placed on the inner surface 950F along the center fold line to provide additional strength and structural support to the bottom end 924 of the completed band 920, as also shown in FIG.

[0077] The housing 963 may then be connected to the band 920 such that the flange 967 seats around the periphery of the hole 950A and a portion of the housing 963 including the opening 942 protrudes through the hole 950A, as shown in FIG. 36. The flange 967 may be connected to the inner surface 950F of the main body piece 950, in one embodiment, by stitching around some or all of the flange 967 and / or by bonding to a frame bond 980. As noted above, in one embodiment, the flange 967 may be lightly bonded to the inner surface 950F by the frame bond 980 prior to stitching and then more firmly bonded later during construction. After the housing 963 is connected to the band 920, a trim piece 983 may be connected onto the outer surface 950G of the inner portion 950D of the main body piece 950, as shown in FIG. 37. This trim piece 983 forms a portion of the inner surface 927 of the band 920 and covers the connection between the housing 963 and the main body portion 950. The trim piece 983 may be in the form of a heat activated material as described herein and in one embodiment may be heat pressed into place, the trim piece 983 may in various embodiments be lightly pressed first and then more firmly pressed thereafter or may be fully pressed initially.

[0078] In one embodiment, the support piece 982 may also be positioned between the housing 963 and the inner surface 950F of the outer portion 950E of the main body piece 950, prior to folding of the main body piece 950, as shown in FIG. 22. The method illustrated in FIGS. 32-40 does not include this support piece 982, and the support piece 982 (if used) may be connected to the housing 963 and the main body piece 950 between the steps of FIGS. 37 and 38 in one embodiment. The support piece 982 may be in the form of a heat activated material as described herein and may be heat pressed into place. The support piece 982 may have holes (not shown) cut in registration with the windows 946. This support piece 982 may be included to resist stitching or distortion of the graphic if the graphic is printed on or around the area of ​​the band 920 that spans the pocket 940 and the housing 963. If the graphic is not printed in this location, the support piece 982 may not be included.

[0079] Figures 43-45 illustrate one embodiment of a housing 963 that can be used in the manufacture of a band 920 according to various embodiments described herein. Figures 46 and 47 illustrate another embodiment of a housing 963 that is configured in a similar manner as the housing 963 of Figures 43-45, and the description herein regarding Figures 43-45 applies equally to Figures 46 and 47 unless otherwise noted. The housing 963 of Figures 43-45 includes one or more slots 992 that extend through one or more of the walls 993 of the housing 963. It will be understood that the walls 993 of the housing 963 define a cavity 941 and may include an outer wall 943, an inner wall 944, and potentially other walls as well.

[0080] The slots 992 may help avoid the accumulation of moisture (e.g., sweat) within the housing 963 during use by allowing moisture to easily exit the housing 963. In one embodiment, the housing 963 may include at least one slot 992 located at an end of the housing 963 positioned closest to the bottom end 924 of the band 920, i.e., the end of the housing 963 configured to be at the bottom when the band 920 is worn on the user's arm in a normal standing position. The housing 963 of Figures 43-45 has the slot 992 on the bottom end of the outer wall 943 in this position when the housing 963 is placed on the band 920 in the orientation shown in Figures 16, 17, and 40. In this position, the downwardly facing slot 992 promotes increased moisture passage because gravity tends to urge moisture toward the slot 992. Centrifugal forces generated by swinging the arms during exercise may also urge moisture toward the downwardly facing slot 992. The housing 963 may also have one or more additional slots 992 in other locations in various embodiments. For example, the housing 963 may also have slots 992 on one or both of the left and right sides of the interior wall 944, such as in the embodiment of Figures 43-45. These side slots 992 may also promote increased fluid passage through gravity and / or centrifugal force, as one of these slots 992 will face downward when the user's arm is bent at a 90° angle, as is common during running and many other exercises.

[0081] The housing 992 has additional slots 992 and / or slots 992 located in different locations in other embodiments, which may or may not be located where gravity and / or centrifugal forces promote moisture flow. For example, the housing 963 may be positioned in a different orientation in another embodiment, whereby the end of the housing 963 that faces downward may be different. In such an embodiment, the slots 992 may be located differently to promote increased moisture passage, for example, by having slots 992 at opposite ends of the housing 963, such as the end slots 992 of FIGS. 43-45. In a further embodiment, the housing 963 may have slots 992 located at the bottom left and bottom right corners. Still further configurations may be used in other embodiments.

[0082] The slots 992 in the embodiment of Figures 43-45 are formed in the outer wall 943 of the housing 963. These slots 992 may be considered to be formed at least partially or completely in the side wall 993A of the housing 963 that forms part of the outer wall 943 and extends across the flange 967. In this location, the slots 992 are located only on a portion of the housing 963 that is located outwardly (towards the exterior 928 of the band 920) from the flange 967. This configuration allows moisture to pass from inside the housing 963 to the exterior of the housing and to be absorbed by the material of the band 920. In other embodiments, the slots 992 may additionally or alternatively be located elsewhere. For example, the housing 963 may include one or more slots 992 in the inner wall 944 that allow moisture to pass to the exterior of the band 920, or the housing 963 may have other exposed surfaces that may have slots 992 therein (such as in a differently configured band 920). Additionally, the size of the slots 992 may affect moisture passage properties, with larger slots 992 aiding in breaking up any meniscus that may form from moisture accumulation. In one embodiment, the slots 992 at the ends of the housing 963 may be at least 50% of the width of the wall 993 (not including the flange 967) in which it is located, and the slots 992 on the side walls 993 of the housing 963 may each be at least 20% of the length of the side wall 993 in which it is located. Additionally, the housing 963 may have a surfactant applied to the interior surface of the housing 963 to enhance the ability of moisture to migrate toward the holes and to break up any meniscus that may form. The use of a surfactant may enable the use of smaller slots 992.

[0083] The slot 992 may be formed using any of a number of different forming techniques in various embodiments. For example, in one embodiment, the slot 992 may be formed in the housing 963 after the housing is formed, such as by using laser cutting, mechanical cutting, thermal cutting, or other cutting techniques, machining techniques, or other material removal techniques. In another embodiment, the slot 992 may be formed as part of the forming process, such as by pressing or molding the material of the housing 963 with a tool configured to form the slot 992. For example, a single piece injection molded TPU housing 963 as described above may be injection molded into a cavity that forms the slot 992. Other techniques known in the art may be used as well.

[0084] 41 and 42 illustrate one embodiment of a heat press assembly 988 configured to heat press around the flange 967 of the housing 963 after the housing 963 has been connected to the band 920, for example, by stitching, as described herein with respect to FIG. 36. As shown in FIGS. 41 and 42, the heat press assembly 988 includes two opposing mold pieces 989, 990 configured to heat press around the flange 967 of the housing 963. The band 920 is illustrated diagrammatically in FIG. 42, showing that the heat press assembly 988 is configured to heat press the band 920 in conjunction with the housing 963. In operation, the first mold piece 989 is positioned on the inner surface 950F of the inner portion 950D of the main body piece 950, and the second mold piece 989 is positioned on the outer surface 950G of the inner portion 950D of the main body piece 950. The mold halves 989, 990 are annular in shape and each have an internal opening 991 such that the mold halves 989, 990 are configured to press only around the flange 967 of the housing 963. In this configuration, the main body of the housing 963 is received within the opening 991 such that the mold halves 989, 990 do not press the main body of the housing 963 or adjacent portions of the band 920, which localizes the application of heat and avoids causing undesired marks or discoloration on the unpressed portions of the band 920 and housing 963. The trim pieces 983 shown in FIG. 37 may be applied prior to the operation of the heat press assembly 988 in one embodiment, with the shape of the mold halves 988, 989 following the shape of the trim pieces 983 as shown. The heat press assembly 988 may be applied to the band 920 and housing 963 following the build process shown in FIGS. 36 and 37 and before the band 920 is folded over in FIG. 38 (discussed below). Additional pieces of heat-sealable material may be used in various locations with respect to the heat press assembly 988. For example, the support piece 982 of FIG. 22 may also be applied prior to operation of the heat press assembly 988, as discussed herein. It is understood that the configuration of the mold pieces 988, 989 may vary depending on the shape and configuration of the housing 963 and trim piece 983 (or other pieces of heat-sealable material that may be used).

[0085] The main body piece 950 is then folded over so that the inner and outer portions 950D-E face each other as shown in FIG. 38. The outer surfaces 950G of the inner and outer portions 950D-E form the inner and outer surfaces 927 and 928 of the band 920, respectively, with the inner surface 950F located internally within the band 920 in this configuration. Seam bond strips 961 are placed along the edges where the folded ends of the inner and outer portions 950D-E meet to cover the edges, as shown in FIG. 39. In one embodiment, strips 960, 961, 968, frame bond 980, trim strip 983, light alignment bond 981, and optionally support strip 982 (if present) may be fully bonded at this point in the process, such as by localized bonding techniques. For example, the joining may be accomplished by joining each piece individually and sequentially, or by heat pressing with a tool surface configured to press the desired pieces in the desired locations and not press other locations of the band 920. The main body portion 950 may be cut to size at this point in the process, such as by cutting the ends 950 of the main body piece 950 to form angled edges, as seen in FIG. 40. Band closure trim pieces 962 may be used to join the ends of the main body pieces 950 together to form the tubular body 921, as shown in FIG. 40. In one embodiment, the ends of the main body pieces 950 are first rolled to form the tubular body 921, then stitched together along the seam, and then the band closure trim pieces 962 are applied to cover the stitching and secure the connection. The band closure trim piece 962 wraps around both the inner surface 927 and the outer surface 928 of the band 920 when constructed, and one embodiment of the band closure piece can be seen in more detail in Figure 19. In one embodiment, the closure trim piece 962 is locally heat pressed, followed by the additional heat pressing operation described above. After stitching and connecting the trim pieces 962, the final structure of the band 920 is formed, having the pocket 940 defined on the inner surface 927.

[0086] 8-10 show an example of a module 930 that may be used in association with a garment or other device, such as being inserted into an armband that may be used during strenuous physical activity. The module 930 may include one or more mechanical, electrical, and / or electromechanical components, such as computer components, described elsewhere herein, and a casing 931 that forms the structural configuration of the module 930. The module 930 may include at least one of a processor, a non-transitory computer-readable medium, a sensor, and / or a transceiver. The one or more components may be similar and / or identical to any of the components shown in FIGS. 1-5 and described above. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the module 930 and casing 931 may have a number of different configurations and the examples are merely representative.

[0087] In the embodiment of Figs. 8-10, the module 930 has at least one sensor 932, which may be in the form of, for example, a heart rate sensor or other sensor for sensing another physiological parameter of the user. The module 930 may be configured to contact the user's skin during wear while the module 930 is secured within a band or device. For example, the heart rate sensor 932 in this illustrated embodiment is an optical sensor that works best in contact or close proximity to the skin. As shown in Figs. 8-10, the casing 931 of the module 930 has a protrusion 939 on the underside 936, and the sensor 932 is mounted on the end of the protrusion 939. The protrusion 939 allows the sensor 932 to extend farther away from the surrounding surface of the casing 931, allowing for better performance of forming continuous contact with the user's body. The band 920 may have holes that allow the front of the protrusion to contact the user's skin, while the remainder of the underside 938 is secured within the band 920 or at least separated from the user's skin by at least one layer of material. In one embodiment, the layer of material may be configured to wick moisture (such as sweat) away from the sensing surface on the user's skin. In other embodiments, it may be configured to prevent moisture, light, and / or physical materials from contacting the sensing surface or location during physical activity. In one embodiment, it may selectively block certain wavelengths of light. In certain embodiments, at least 95% of the ambient light is blocked within the immediate vicinity of the sensing surface. In another embodiment, at least 99% of the ambient light is blocked. This may be advantageous for optical sensors, such as optical heart rate sensors. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other sensors, including those described above with respect to FIGS. 1-5, may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, either alone or in combination with each other sensor.

[0088] In one general embodiment, the module 930 may include one or more user input interfaces, such as, for example, a button 933 that provides a user-actuated input. An example of a user input interface may consist of a single mechanical button, such as the button 933, which is shown on an upper side 937 opposite the lower side 936. In yet other embodiments, the display feature 934 may be configured as a user input interface. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more user-actuated inputs may also be received via one or more transceivers of the module 930. For example, the system may be configured such that a user can enter user input on an electronic mobile device that may mimic using the button 933, or alternatively perform a different function than is available in a particular instance of activating the button 933. The module 933 may include one or more display features 934.

[0089] In one embodiment, the pocket 940 of the band or device may be configured to receive a module 930 having a display feature 934 on its surface that provides at least one visual indicia to the user. The display feature 934 may be a simple light source, such as a light emitting diode. In certain embodiments, the color, brightness, or pattern of illumination of at least one light source of the display feature may be used to provide a visual indication to the user. Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that more complex display devices, such as LEDs, OLEDs, LCDs, etc., may be utilized. Other output mechanisms, such as auditory and tactile, are within the scope of this disclosure.

[0090] 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 may conform 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 may be transmitted via one or more transceivers of module 930.

[0091] When the module 930 of the embodiment of Figures 8-10 is received within the pocket 940 illustrated in Figures 6 and 7 or 15-19, the connector 935 is received within an end of the shell 948 (Figures 6-7) or housing 963 (Figures 15-19), the underside 936 of the casing 931 is positioned in contact with the inner wall 944 of the pocket 940, and the upper side 937 of the casing 931 is positioned in contact with the outer wall 943 of the pocket 940. In this configuration, the protrusion 939 extends through the sensor opening 945 to position the sensor 932 in proximity to the user's body, the button 933 is positioned adjacent the bottom portion 947 on the outer wall 943, and the light 934 is positioned in alignment with the window 946 to allow viewing of the light 934 through the outer wall 943. A protrusion 939 extending through the sensor opening 945 may further in certain embodiments help secure 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 grasping for removal of the module 930.

[0092] The casing 931 may have a structural configuration to improve comfort of wearing the module 930 in close proximity to the user's skin. For example, the casing 931 may have a flat configuration to create a thin profile, making the module 930 less noticeable when worn on the user's body. As another example, the casing 931 may have a curved profile on the lower side 936 and upper side 937, as well as curved or beveled edges to improve comfort. The casing 931 of the module 930 of the embodiment of Figures 8-10 has curved or beveled edges to improve comfort. It is understood that this module 930 may be utilized as described herein and may have additional or alternative features as described herein. The housing 963 of the band 920 illustrated in Figures 15-19 and 27-31 is configured to suit the module 930 illustrated in Figures 8-10.

[0093] In certain embodiments, the computer executable instructions may be used to calibrate the device or system, taking into account the location, orientation, or configuration of the sensor or group of sensors, etc. As an example, the module 930 may include a heart rate sensor. The heart rate sensor may be configured such that when correctly oriented on or within the band, the heart rate sensor is located or oriented in a particular direction relative to the user. For example, if the heart rate sensor is an optical heart rate sensor, it may be within a distance range relative to the skin (for multiple axes and locations). Additionally, one or more sensors may be configured such that when correctly oriented within the band (e.g., when placed within a pocket), the sensor contacts are configured to communicate with the user (e.g., their skin or alternatively their clothing). Excessive variation in sensor orientation or location may result in inaccurate and / or imprecise data. In certain embodiments, one or more sensor measurements, either raw or calculated, may be utilized to determine the appropriate or preferred orientation or location of the sensor.

[0094] Figures 48-57 illustrate an embodiment for use with a band 920 that includes some or all of the features of the band 920 illustrated in Figures 15-19 and that may be manufactured in a manner similar to that illustrated in Figures 20-40. Thus, features and manufacturing techniques of the band 920 of Figures 48-57 that are similar to those already described need not be described again for the sake of brevity. Similar components already described may be referred to using similar reference numbers.

[0095] In the embodiment of Figs. 48-57, the band 920 is connected to the housing 963 and / or otherwise received within the pocket 940, and includes an input device 1000 configured for connection to the module 930, particularly the module 930 received within the pocket 940. The input device 1000 has one or more buttons 1001 thereon that are accessible from the outer surface 928 of the band 920, such as via the outer wall 943 of the band 920. The input device 1000 is configured for communication with an external device 1002, as shown in Fig. 57, and may have any of the components of the computing device 200 described above. In one embodiment, the input device 1000 includes a wireless transmitter 1003 (which may be part of a transceiver) configured for communication with the external device 1002, a port 1004 for connection to the connector 935 of the module 930, and potentially a small memory and / or processor for operation of 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 simply be configured to transmit a signal that the button 1001 is pressed in conjunction with the sequence and / or duration in which the button 1001 is pressed.

[0096] The button 1001 of the input device 1000 can be one of several different types, including tactile / mechanical buttons, touch screens, heat-sensitive buttons, or other devices capable of registering contact by a user. It is understood that some types of buttons 1001 may require a window or other passage through the outer wall 943 of the band 920 for operation. In the embodiment of Figs. 48-57, the input device 1000 includes a tactile button 1001. The input device 1000 may include one or more additional buttons 1001, as illustrated in Figs. 48-56 and described below. For example, each of the embodiments of Figs. 48-55 has a primary button 1001A and an optional additional capacitive control button 1001B. Various techniques and methods of operation of the button 1001 are also described below. The band 920 may also have indicia 1008 on the outer surface 928 that tells the user where to press to activate the button 1001, as shown in Fig. 55.

[0097] The transmitter 1003, which may be part of the transceiver described above, is configured for wireless communication with one or more external devices 1002, as illustrated in FIG. 57. It is understood that any of the embodiments of FIGS. 48-57 may have such a transmitter 1003. In one embodiment, the transmitter 1003 may be a Bluetooth® or Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE) transmitter. In other embodiments, the transmitter 1003 may use a different transmission, frequency, protocol, etc., such as a Wi-Fi transmitter.

[0098] The port 1004 may include any connection structure, and the configuration of the port 1004 may depend on the configuration of the module 930 to which it is connected. In the embodiment of FIGS. 48-57, the port 1004 is a USB or USB-compatible port configured to connect with the USB connector 935 on the module 930 of FIGS. 7-10. It is understood that the port 1004 may not include all of the hardware of a typical USB port in one embodiment, since the port 1004 may be configured only to draw power from the module 930 for operation of the input device 1000, and may not exchange data with the module 930. In another embodiment, the input device 1000 may be configured to operate as a wireless communication interface between the module 930 and the external device 1002, for example, by receiving and / or transmitting data from / to the module 930 via the port 1004 and receiving and / or transmitting data from / to the external device 1002 via the transmitter 1003.

[0099] The input device 1000 may further include haptic feedback features, such as a vibration motor or other haptic feedback device 1009 (shown diagrammatically in FIG. 52) to communicate various signals (e.g., alerts) to the user. The input device 1000 may be configured to provide different types of haptic feedback, such as a solid vibration, a pulsed vibration, etc. The input device 1000 may receive a signal from the external device 1002 to generate a specific haptic feedback. In one embodiment, the resolution of when and which haptic feedback to generate is performed by the external device 1002, such that the input device only needs to receive a signal and generate the haptic feedback. The external device 1002 may utilize user settings to provide specific haptic feedback upon certain events, such as an incoming call, an emergency alert, reaching an activity milestone, or the occurrence of other events. The haptic feedback may be used in connection with various applications and functions described below.

[0100] The input device 1000 may, in various embodiments, be positioned within the pocket 940 and / or the housing 963, adjacent to the pocket 940 and / or the housing 963, form part of the pocket 940 and / or the housing 963, or may be a separate element connected to the module 930. In the embodiment of Figs. 48 and 49, the input device 1000 is a separate device permanently or removably connected within the housing 963. In this embodiment, the input device 1000 is in the form of a casing positioned within the end of the housing 963 and adjacent the narrow portion 965 of the opening 942 (in which the connector 935 of the module 930 is received), and the port 1004 has an opening facing into the pocket 940 defined by the housing 963. In this position, the module 930 may be inserted within the housing 963 such that the connector 935 is received within the port 1004, as shown diagrammatically in Fig. 53. The input device 1000 may be permanently connected within the housing 963 in one embodiment, such as by adhesive or other bonding techniques, fasteners, molding-in, or other techniques. The input device 1000 may be removably connected within the housing 963 in another embodiment. Such a removable input device 1000 may be removed from the housing for connection or disconnection of the module 930, as shown in FIGS. 53-56 and described below. Alternatively, such a removable input device 1000 may be retained within the housing 963 when the module 930 is connected and disconnected, such as by releasable retention structures on the input device 1000 and / or the housing 963, a high friction fit sufficient to hold the input device 1000 in place during activity or to remove the module 930 from the port 1004, or other removable configurations. The housing 963 may also have features that facilitate access to the button 1001. For example, as shown in FIG. 49, the housing 963 has one or more openings 1005 on the 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 so that a force applied on the housing 963 can reliably activate the button 1001, similar to the protrusion 987 described above.

[0101] In the embodiment of FIGS. 50 and 51 , the input device 1000 forms a part of the housing 963 or forms part of an integral structure with the housing 963. The input device 1000 in this embodiment forms one end of the housing 963 adjacent the narrow portion 965 of the opening 942 and has an outer shape and contour that is substantially continuous with the shape of the housing 963. As shown in FIGS. 50 and 51 , the input device 1000 has a flange 967 that is continuous with the flange 967 of the housing 963. The input device 1000 is coupled to the housing 963, which has an open end 1006 adjacent the input device 1000 that communicates with the pocket 940, such that the port 1004 of the input device 1000 is placed in communication with the pocket 940 defined by the housing 963. In this configuration, the connector 935 of the module 930 is received in the port 1004 when the module 930 is inserted into the housing 963, as shown generally in FIG. 52. The input device 1000 may be permanently connected within the housing 963 in one embodiment, or removably connected within the housing 963 in another embodiment, by using one of the permanent or removable connection techniques described elsewhere herein. In this embodiment, the button 1001 may be located on the exterior surface of the input device 1000, as shown in FIG.

[0102] 53 and 54, the input device 1000 is a separate device configured for insertion into and removal from the housing 963 and pocket 940 in conjunction with the module 930. The input device 1000 in each of these embodiments is in the form of a casing that is connected to the module 930 by inserting the connector 935 of the module 930 into an exterior port 1004 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 one end of the housing 963 adjacent the narrow portion 965 of the opening 942, similar to the position shown in FIG. 48. The connection of the module 930 to the input device 1000 to form a connected structure 1007 and the insertion of the connected structure 1007 into the pocket 940 defined by the housing 963 is shown diagrammatically in FIG. The input device 1000 of FIG. 53 differs from the input device 1000 of FIG. 54 primarily in the location of the capacitive control button 1001B, which is located on a top surface of the input device 1000 in the embodiment of FIG. 53 and on a side surface of the input device 1000 in the embodiment of FIG. 54. It will be understood that the housing 963 and band 920 may be configured for use with either of the input devices 1000 of FIGS. 53 and 54, such as by the effective location of features for operating the button 1001, including openings 1005, protrusions 987, indicia 1008, and the like.

[0103] The input device 1000 of Figures 48-56 is shown and described as usable in conjunction with a band 920 as illustrated in Figures 15-19 and manufactured as illustrated in Figures 20-40. In other embodiments, the various embodiments of the input device 1000 described herein may be utilized with other embodiments of the band 920 described herein, such as the band 920 shown in Figures 6 and 7, and manufactured as described herein. It is understood that the input device 1000 and / or band 920 may be modified to provide suitable functionality for such combinations.

[0104] As described above, the input device 1000 is configured for communication with the external device 1002 via the transmitter 1003, as shown in FIG. 57. The external device 1002 may include any of the components of the computing device 200 described above and may be a mobile phone or other mobile device that may be carried by or positioned near the user during physical activity. Also as described above, the input device 1000 may be configured to transmit a signal to the external device including a button input indicating activation of the button 1001, including the sequence and / or duration of pressing the button 1001. The external device 1002 may include software configured to receive the button input as an input and perform further actions based on the button input. For example, the software on the external device 1002 may interpret a particular sequence of pressing the button 1001 (e.g., single, double, or triple tap) as a different signal and / or may interpret a long press of the button 1001 differently than a button tap. Additionally, the external device 1002 may be programmed to interpret and use the button input as different inputs for different purposes, and the device 1002 may include various programmed and / or user configured settings that govern the interpretation of the button input. The external device 1002 may include various uses and functions that may be controlled and / or affected by the button input according to the settings.

[0105] The input device 1000 may communicate with multiple external devices 1002, and either simultaneously or alternatively, the module 930 may communicate with the input device 1000 and / or the external device 1002. The input device 1000 and / or the external device 1002 may also communicate with an external camera 1008, such as a body-worn camera that may be capable of capturing video and / or still images. The input device 1000 and / or the external device 1002 may also communicate with one or more assemblies, such as the assemblies 400, 304 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 and described herein, for additional data collection and / or communication. It is understood that the external device 1002 may receive button inputs from different types of input devices, for example, the module 930, the assembly 400 shown in FIG. 4 or other wearable assemblies (e.g., a smart watch), and that the methods, functions, and operations of the external device 1002 described herein are not limited to use with the input device 1000 according to the embodiments described herein. Examples of functions and uses that may be operated by the external device 1002 without input from the input device 1000 or any other input device include (without limitation) storing and deleting information, sending signals to one or more other devices, initiating, answering, or ending phone calls, sending text, photo, or video messages, posting information to websites, social media outlets, blogs, RSS feeds, etc., sharing information with specific groups of people and / or other devices, sending location signals, controlling music and / or videos being played by the external device 1002, controlling a camera associated with the external device 1002, including an internal camera of the external device 1002 or an external camera, interacting with the module 930, transmitting data received from the module 930, powering the external device 1002 and / or the input device 1000 on or off, and other functions. The functions of the input device 1000 relative to the external device 1002 may be governed by settings on the external device 1002.It will be further understood that some of the processing of information performed by the external device 1002 may include transmitting the information to another device (e.g., a server) for processing and receiving further information from the other device.

[0106] In other embodiments, aspects of the structures and methods described herein may be used and / or adapted with respect to articles of clothing or other wearable articles beyond the scope of the bands described herein. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 78-80, a housing 20 may be connected to an article of clothing 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 of the aspects of the module 930 described herein, and the electronic module 80 may be configured to perform any of the functions described above and operate within the various network environments described above. In one embodiment, the article of clothing 10 includes one or more electrically powered components 14, and the function of the electronic module 80 includes powering the electrically powered components 14. The housing 20 and / or article of clothing 10 of this embodiment include various connection structures to establish an electrical connection between the housing 20 and the electrically powered components 14 to enable the module 80 to power the components 14 when engaged with the housing 20.

[0107] One example of an article of clothing 10 is shown in FIGS. 78-80 in the form of an upper body garment (e.g., a shirt or jacket) having a housing 20 worn on the article 10 and positioned within the shoulder region. It is understood that the housing 20 and other aspects described herein may be used with any article of clothing 10, including traditional articles of clothing such as shirts, pants, body suits, outerwear, footwear, hats, gloves, belts, or specialized articles of clothing specifically designed to support the housing 20, such as arm bands, waist bands, harnesses, or other wearable articles. In one embodiment, the article 10 has at least one electrically powered component 14 connected thereto. The article 10 illustrated in FIGS. 78-80 includes an electrically powered component 14 in the form of one or more arrays 16 of light emitting devices 18, e.g., light emitting diodes (LEDs) or other devices. The article 10 has an array 16 located on the forearm area of ​​each arm portion 15 of FIGS. 78-80. A set of conductive leads 17 (e.g., + / - or power / ground) are connected to each array 16 and configured to provide power to all of the light emitting devices 18 of the array 16. The leads 17 in the embodiment of Figs. 78-80 are configured in a wave or zigzag pattern and mounted on an elastically deformable material. This configuration allows the leads 17 to be stitched and flexed without damage, which is advantageous when the leads 17 extend over areas of the article 10 that move or flex during use. The leads 17 extend to a power source to power the arrays 16 or other electrically powered components 14, and in the embodiment of Figs. 78-80, the leads 17 extend to the housing 20 to allow the module 80 to function as a power source. It is understood that the article of clothing 10 may be considered to be part of an assembly, including the article 10, the components 14, the housing 20, and other features.

[0108] An example of an embodiment of the housing 20 is illustrated in FIGS. 63-75. The housing 20 is formed separately from the article 10 and connected to the article 10, such as by bonding, mechanical connection, or a combination thereof. The housing 20 may be provided as part of a housing assembly 19 including the housing 20 in conjunction with an electrical connection structure 30 configured to engage and hold the module 80 and forming an interface 31 configured for electrical connection to the module 80 when the module 80 is engaged within the housing 20. In the embodiment of FIGS. 63-75, the housing 20 comprises a receptacle 21 defining a chamber 22 configured to receive the module 80, although the housing 20 may engage and hold the module 80 using different structures in alternative embodiments. The housing 20 is made of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material and in one embodiment is formed by injection molding, but in other embodiments may be partially or completely made of other materials and / or other techniques. In one embodiment, the receptacle 21 is formed in a single piece by injection molding. The container 21 of this embodiment is a moderately rigid shell having walls 23 that define the chamber 22 and an access opening 24 that provides access to the chamber 22. In one embodiment, the rigidity of the container 21 may be sufficient to protect the module 80. The rigidity of the material forming the container 21 may be greater than the rigidity of the material forming the article 10. As shown in FIGS. 63-66, the housing 21 of the illustrated embodiment has a lip 25 that extends inwardly around at least a portion of the access opening 24 and functions to retain the module 80 within the chamber 22. The walls 23 of the container 21 are configured to surround and retain a portion of the module 80 (e.g., the connector 81), as described in more detail herein. In the embodiment of FIGS. 63-66, one of the walls 23 extends across the top side 27 of the container 21 to form this surround, whereby the wall 23 and the lip 25 define the access opening 24 on the top side 27.

[0109] In one embodiment, the housing 20 further has a flange 26 extending outwardly around at least a portion of the periphery of the container 21 and configured for connection to the article 10. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 63-75, the flange 26 generally extends in a single plane around the entire circumference of the housing 21. In other embodiments, the flange 26 may have a different configuration (e.g., intermittent) or may not be present. Generally, the exterior surface of the housing 20 shown in Figs. 63-75 is a smooth profile for both aesthetics and improved comfort when the housing 20 engages the user's body. The housing 20 also has a bottom side 28 opposite the top side 27. In the embodiment of Figs. 63-75, the wall 23 forms a majority of the bottom side 28 with a second opening or cavity opening 29 defined in the bottom side to allow the electrical connection structure 30 to enter the housing 20 and connect with the interface 31.

[0110] In one embodiment, the housing 20 further includes a carrier 40 that is connected to the container 21 and that secures and supports a portion of the electrical connection structure 30 that will be exposed to the chamber 22 to form the interface 31. The carrier 40 is formed as a separate piece from the container 21 in the embodiment of Figures 63-75 and is connected to the container 21 by a mechanical engagement structure. The carrier 40 in this embodiment has two retention tabs 41 that extend outwardly from the lateral sides of the carrier 40 and engage engagement surfaces 42 located on the inside of the walls 23 on the lateral sides of the container 21 to hold the carrier 40 relative to the container 21. This engagement is shown in Figure 74, where the engagement surfaces 42 are defined in slots 43 on the walls 23 of the container 21 in which the tabs 41 are received. In this embodiment, the carrier 40 is inserted through the cavity openings 29 on the bottom side 28 of the container 21 until the tabs 41 are received in the slots 43, the tabs 41 having an angled surface to aid in this insertion. It is 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, carrier 40 may be connected to container 21 using different connection structures and / or techniques, including any of the structures described above or combinations of such structures.

[0111] The carrier 40 is at least partially received within an inner cavity 52 of the container 21 that communicates with the chamber 22, allowing the carrier 40 to position the electrical contacts 34 so as to be exposed to the chamber. The structure of the carrier 40 includes a shelf 46 that extends into the chamber 22, and the carrier 40 has a slot 49 that extends through the shelf 46 to accommodate the electrical contacts 34. The carrier 40 also includes a post 47 that depends from the rear end of the shelf 46 and a base 48 that extends forward from the post 47, as shown in Figs. 71-73, such that the carrier 40 has a C-shape. The connector 81 of the module 80 can be received between the shelf 46 and the base 48 when the module 80 is received within the chamber 22 in one embodiment, as illustrated in Fig. 72. Additionally, a portion of the base 48 of the embodiment of Figs. 63-75 extends further forward and mates with the container 21, extending below the wall of the container 21, as shown in Fig. 73. This configuration provides a more stable, multi-point connection between carrier 40 and container 21. In further embodiments, carrier 40 may have a different structure and / or carrier 40 may be integrally formed with container 21 or with a portion of container 21 such that carrier 40 is not a separate component. Further structures of carrier 40 for supporting a portion of electrical connection structure 30 are described in more detail below.

[0112] The electrical connection structure 30 generally creates a path for electrical connection of an external component (e.g., the electrically-driven component 14 and / or the leads 17) to the module 80 when the module 80 is engaged with the housing 20. In the embodiment of Figs. 63-75, the electrical connection structure 30 includes two contact members 32, 33 that are separate from one another and have portions exposed within the chamber 22 to form the electrical contacts 34 of the interface 31. It is understood that the number of contact members 32, 33 can be the same as the number of active terminals 83 on the module 80. For example, the interface 31 of Figs. 63-75 has two electrical contacts 34 (power / ground or + / -), and the connector 81 has two active terminals 83, as described in more detail below. The contact members 32, 33 illustrated in Figs. 63-75 each include a contact pad 35 configured to be connected to an external component (e.g., the leads 17) and an arm 36 extending from the contact pad 35 into the chamber 22 to form the electrical contacts 34. In one embodiment, the arm 36 and contact members 32, 33 themselves form a 180° bend between the contact pad 35 and the electrical contact 34, as shown in Figs. 68 and 69, with the arm 36 extending along the bottom side 28 of the container 21, then extending upward into the container 21, then back into the chamber 22 to form the electrical contact 34. The contact 34 in this embodiment is configured as a contact spring that extends into the chamber 22 and exerts a downward force on the connector 81 to maintain a firm contact, while being able to flex upward to accommodate the shape of the connector 81, but may be configured differently in other embodiments. The contact members 32, 33 in one embodiment are each made from a single blank of sheet metal material, which is formed into the contact members 32, 33 by various forming operations such as cutting, stamping, punching, bending, etc. This allows the contact members 32, 33 to be manufactured quickly, easily and at low cost. In other embodiments, the contact members 32, 33 may be formed of different materials and / or by different techniques.

[0113] Contact pads 35 are shown in FIGS. 67-69 as having an enlarged width relative to arms 36, providing a large surface for connection of leads 17 or other external components. Connection of leads 17 to contact pads 35 positions leads 17 and components to which they are in communication with contact pads 32, 33, and thereby in communication with interface 31. As shown in FIG. 67, contact pads 35 may have a width that is greater than half the width of bottom side 28 of container 21, with contact pads 35 staggered by overlapping widths and having a structure (e.g., angled surfaces) that provides maximum contact area within the confines of bottom side 28 of container 21.

[0114] The contact pads 35 may be configured for connection to the leads 17 using a variety of different structures, and may be more particularly suited for certain types of leads 17 (e.g., wire, fabric, thread, conductive traces, etc.). The contact pads 35 may each have at least one prong 37 for connection of the leads 17 by wrapping around the prong 37 in one embodiment. In the embodiment of Figs. 63-75, each contact pad 35 has two prongs 37, and the leads 17 are connected by wrapping around both prongs 37, as shown in Fig. 81. In other embodiments, the contact pads 35 may be located in different locations and may have any structure that functions to form a connection with an external component. For example, the contact pad 35 of Fig. 76 has a ridged structure with a central slot 54, allowing for wrapping of the leads 17 around the outside (e.g., wire leads) or threading of the leads 17 through the slot 54 (e.g., stitching a conductive thread lead). As another example, the contact pad 35 of FIG. 77 has a pair of slots 54, which may allow for wrapping of the lead 17 between the slots 54 or threading of the lead 17 through both slots 54. As a further example, the lead 17 may be connected to an intermediate conductor 55, as shown in FIG. 88, which is then connected to the contact members 32, 33. In the embodiment of FIG. 88, the lead 17 is a conductive thread lead and the intermediate conductor 55 is a conductive fabric strip. The lead 17 of this configuration may be sewn / stitched to the intermediate conductor 55, which is then sewn / stitched to the contact pads 35 of the two contact members 32, 33, configured as shown in FIG. 77. In other embodiments, other types and configurations of intermediate conductors 55 may be used, including with differently configured leads 17 and / or contact members 32, 33. It will be understood that the contact members 32, 33 of the embodiments of Figures 76-77 and 26 may be otherwise configured substantially similarly to the contact members 32, 33 of Figures 63-75 or in accordance with any other embodiment described herein.

[0115] As illustrated in FIGS. 67 and 73, the contact pads 35 in this embodiment are external to the housing 20 and positioned adjacent the bottom side 28 of the container 21, and the arms 36 extend from outside the housing 20 through one of the walls 23 of the container 21 (e.g., through the cavity opening 29) into the chamber 22. Additionally, the contact members 32, 33 each have a mounting structure for connection to the housing 20 in one embodiment. As shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 68-74, the carrier 40 has two posts 44 on the back surface, and the arms 36 of the contact members 32, 33 each have a receiver 38 that receives one of the posts 44. The portion of the arms 36 surrounding the receiver 38 is enlarged, and the receiver 38 is configured to receive the posts 44 in a press-fit connection in this embodiment. It is understood that in one embodiment, contact members 32, 33 may include more connection and / or support points to secure contact members 32, 33 in place after build is complete, and that mounting structures (e.g., posts 44 and receivers 38) may be used in one embodiment to connect contact members 32, 33 to carrier 40 during build and prior to connection of carrier 40 to container 21. Contact members 32, 33 may have additional or different mounting structures in other embodiments.

[0116] In another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 84, the contact members 32, 33 may have contact pads 35 that are not located on the outside of the housing 20. In this embodiment, the contact pads 35 are located along the rear wall of the carrier 40 and within the cavity 52 after construction. As shown in FIG. 84, the electrical contacts 34 extend directly from the contact pads 35 in this embodiment. Although the leads 17 are shown in FIG. 84 as being fused to the contact pads 35, the contact pads 35 may comprise other connection structures in other embodiments. The contact pads 35 of FIG. 84 further include mounting structures 38 for connection to the carrier 40, as will be described in more detail below.

[0117] In addition to the mounting structures 38, 44, the carrier 40 is configured to position the electrical contacts 34 of the contact members 32, 33 in a position exposed to the chamber 22 of the housing 20 for connection to the module 80. In one embodiment 3, the electrical contacts 34 are received in a slot 49 in the carrier 40, as shown in FIGS. 69-74. The arms 36 of the contact members 32, 33 in this embodiment extend along the back surface of the carrier 40 as described above, and the slot 49 extends through to the rear of the carrier 40, such that the electrical contacts 34 extend forwardly into and are at least partially received within the slot 49. The slot 49 allows the electrical contacts 34 to be exposed to the chamber 22 beneath the shelf 46 of the carrier 40, while also providing space for the contacts 34 to flex upwardly, if necessary, when engaged by the module 80. The carrier 40 in this configuration provides both a positioning or alignment function for the module 80, positioning both the electrical contacts 34 and the module connector 81 in a fixed position for connection, as well as a protective function for the electrical contacts 34. The carrier 40 and / or contact members 32, 33 may have different structures in other embodiments, or may have complementary structures to facilitate the positioning and protective functions.

[0118] In one example embodiment, the housing 20 includes a magnet 50 connected to the housing 20 and configured to interact with the module 80 when the module 80 is engaged with the vessel 21, as described in more detail below. The magnet 50 is positioned such that the magnetic field of the magnet 50 penetrates the chamber 22. The housing 20 of the embodiment of Figs. 63-75 includes a magnet 50 engaged with the carrier 40 and received within a recess 51 on the carrier 40 adjacent the chamber 22. The recess 51 is located on a distal end of the base 48, which is distal from the post 47 in the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 69-73. The magnet 50 of this embodiment is embedded within the housing 20 and is not physically exposed to the chamber 22, one of the walls 23 of the vessel 21 positioned between the magnet 50 and the chamber 22, and the magnet 50 is positioned on an exterior surface of the wall 23, as illustrated in Fig. 73. The magnet 50 may be secured within the recess 51 by engagement with both the carrier 40 and the adjacent wall 23 of the vessel 21 in one embodiment. Additional or alternative retention structures may be used in other embodiments, including bonding materials, mechanical retention structures, fasteners, etc. In other embodiments, the magnet 50 may be integrally molded within the housing 20, such as within the carrier 40 or within the wall 23 of the vessel 21, or the magnet 50 may be mounted on the carrier 40 using a different structure. In additional embodiments, the magnet 50 may be mounted on the vessel 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.

[0119] The housing assembly 19 is constructed according to one embodiment by first connecting the contact members 32, 33 and magnet 50 to the carrier 40. In the embodiment of Figs. 63-75, the magnet 50 may be secured in place by placing the magnet 50 inside the recess 51 and applying any bonding material or other retaining structure. The contact members 32, 33 may be connected to the carrier 40 by placing the contact members 32, 33 in the positions shown in Figs. 69-71 with the posts 44 received in the receivers 38 and the electrical contacts 34 received in the slots 49. The subassembly including the carrier 40 and the magnets 50 and contact members 32, 33 connected to the carrier 40 may then be connected to the container 21. This connection may be accomplished by inserting the carrier 40 into the cavity 52 in the container 21. In the embodiment of Figs. 63-75, insertion of the carrier 40 causes the retention tabs 41 to slide into the slots 43 and engage the engagement surfaces 42 to retain the carrier 40 within the cavity 52. When connected in this manner, a portion of the contact members 32, 33 are engaged between the carrier 40 and the surface of the container 21 that defines the cavity 52, and the magnet 50 is engaged between the carrier 40 and the adjacent wall 23 of the container, which adds stability to the connection between the carrier 40 and the magnet 50 and the contact members 32, 33. The bottom of the carrier 40 and the opening 29 of the cavity 52 may then be covered with a covering member 53, as shown in FIG. 75. The covering member 53 may be, for example, a piece of material or an applied coating that adheres to the components of the housing assembly 19. Additionally, the covering member 53 may be moisture resistant and may function to seal the cavity against the ingress of moisture, dirt, or other foreign objects, and / or may be electrically insulating to insulate the contact members 32, 33 against short circuits. The housing assembly 19 at this stage may then be connected to the wearable article 10.

[0120] In one embodiment, the leads 17 are connected to the contact members 32, 33 prior to connection of the housing assembly 19 to the article 10. As discussed above, the leads 17 are connected to the contact pads 35 on the contact members 32, 33 in one embodiment, where the leads 17 are connected by wrapping around the protrusions 37 on the contact pads 35 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 81. In other embodiments, the leads 17 may be connected to the contact members 32, 33 in another configuration, such as the configurations shown in FIGS. 76, 77, 84, and 88. Alternatively, the leads 17 may be connected to the contact members 32, 33 after the housing assembly 19 is connected to the article 10. In another embodiment, the housing 20 may be provided with access features to access the leads 17 and contact pads 35 after connection of the housing 20 to the article 10, such as shown in FIGS. 82 and 83. FIG. 82 illustrates a housing 20 in which the container 21 has an opening 70 extending through the wall 23 forming the bottom side 28 of the container 21, providing access from within the chamber 22 to the leads 17 and contact pads 35. Opening 70 may be sealed with cover 71 when desired access is complete to provide protection against electric shock and / or foreign objects. Cover 71 may be applied over the interior surface of chamber 22, such as a liquid sealant, a resin filler, or a cover piece connected to container 21, and cover 71 may be permanent or removable.

[0121] In one example embodiment, the housing assembly 19 is connected to the article 10 by bonding the housing assembly 19 to the article 10. FIGS. 85-87 illustrate one embodiment of a method and heat press assembly 60 for bonding the housing assembly 19 to the article 10 using a heat press operation on at least a portion of the housing 20. The heat press may utilize a bonding material 61, such as a heat activated film. The heat press assembly 60 of FIGS. 86 and 87 is configured to heat press around the flange 26 of the housing 20, the flange 26 being pressed between at least a top layer 62 and a bottom layer 63 of fabric or other material that form adjacent portions of the article 10. The top layer 62 and bottom layer 63 may be separate components or may be part of a single piece that is folded to create both layers 62, 63. It is understood that additional layers may be used and that the top layer 62 and bottom layer 63 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 85-87 may include multiple top layers 62 or bottom layers 63, respectively. 85-87, the components to be joined are constructed into a layered configuration for joining, such as having joining material 61 applied around the top and bottom sides of flange 26 of housing 20, and top layer 62 and bottom layer 63 positioned above the top side and below the bottom side, respectively, of flange 26. In one embodiment, housing assembly 19 may first be connected to one or both layers 62, 63 of article 10 by a temporary connection, such as by stitching, to secure housing assembly 19 during operation.

[0122] As shown in FIGS. 86 and 87, the heat press assembly 60 includes two opposing mold halves 64, 65 that are annular in shape and each have an internal opening 66 so that the mold halves 64, 65 are configured to press only around the flange 26 of the housing 20. In this configuration, the main body of the housing 20 is received within the opening 66 so that the mold halves 64, 65 do not press the main body of the housing 20 or adjacent portions of the layers 62, 63, which localizes the application of heat and avoids causing undesired marks or discoloration on the non-pressed portions of the article 10 and the housing 20. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 85-87, the layers 62, 63 of material cover both the top side 27 and the bottom side 28 of the container 21. In this configuration, a hole or slit (not shown) is formed in the top layer 62 to provide access to the interface 31 and another hole or slit (not shown) is formed in the bottom layer 63 to provide access to the contact pads 35. The top layer 62 may be pressed down into the chamber 22 of the container 21, as shown in Figs. 89 and 91, and the arms 36 and contact pads 35 of the contact members 32, 33 may extend through and be located below the bottom layer 63, as shown in Figs. 81 and 91. In one embodiment, the top layer 62 may be further bonded to the housing 20 within the chamber 22 of the container 21, such as by application of additional bonding material between the top layer 62 and one or more interior surfaces of the container 21, such as at location 67 shown in Fig. 91. The additional bonding material may be heat pressed either by modification of the top mold 64 to heat press in the desired location, or by use of another mold (not shown) in the same or a subsequent heat pressing operation. Alternatively, additional bonding material such as glue, cement, or other adhesive may not require heat pressing. Other portions of the housing 20 may be bonded to the layers 62, 63 in a similar manner. In another embodiment, a larger opening can be cut in the top layer 62, such as an opening 68 that is approximately the same size as the access opening 24 of the container 21, as shown in FIG.

[0123] 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 some or all of the exposed portions of the electrical connection structure 30, as shown in FIG. 81, in one embodiment. In this embodiment, the insulating material 69 covers at least the contact pads 35 and the connections to the leads 17. The insulating material 69 in the embodiment of FIG. 81 covers all of the portions of the electrical connection structure 30 exposed on the outside of the housing 20 and below the bottom side 28 of the container 21, including the contact pads 35 and portions of the arms 36 of the contact members 32, 33 and portions of the leads 17 that are not already covered by the covering member 53. This insulating material 69 resists short circuits and electric shocks that may occur if both of the contact members 32, 33 are touched when power is applied. The insulating material 69 may also provide at least some sealing of the electrical connection structure 30 against the ingress of substances in the environment, particularly moisture. This is particularly advantageous when the housing assembly 19 is connected to athletic clothing, as perspiration can affect the functionality of the module 80 and / or electrical connection structure 30 and increase the risk of electric shock. The insulating material 69, in one embodiment, can be the same material used for the covering member 53. Examples of materials that can be used for the insulating material 69 and / or covering member 53 include a section of material or an applied coating that adheres to the components of the housing assembly 19.

[0124] In other embodiments, different connection techniques that do not utilize a heat press may be used to connect the housing assembly 19 to the article 10, such as by using a different bonding material 61 or by using mechanical connection techniques such as sewing or fasteners. Additionally, the housing assembly 19 may be used in other embodiments with non-wearable articles 10. The housing assembly 19 offers a number of advantages that can be recognized when connected to a wearable article 10 using any connection technique and also when used with different types of articles 10.

[0125] An example of an electronic module 80 that can be used with the system 12 and / or housing assembly 19 is shown in FIGS. 62-64 and 72. As illustrated in FIGS. 62-64 and 72, the module 80 of this embodiment includes a casing 87 that supports an external connector 81 and contains one or more electronic components 82. The external connector 81 can have a variety of configurations depending on the intended use of the module 80. In the embodiment of FIGS. 62-64 and 72, the connector 81 is a USB-style connector that includes a number of terminals 83 that can be connected to a USB port, such as for charging and / or communicating with a computer device connected to the port. FIGS. 92 and 93 generally illustrate an embodiment of the module 80. The electronic components 82 can include at least a power source 90 in one embodiment, and can include additional electronic components, including a processor 91, a memory 92, an input / output device (I / O) 93, a transmitter / receiver (TX / RX) 94, and / or other components illustrated in FIGS. 92 and 93 and described in more detail below. FIG. 92 illustrates an embodiment in which the module 80 is configured for power supply only and not for data collection, performance monitoring, or communication. In this embodiment, the 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, which will be described in more detail below. Other components, such as memory, may be included in other embodiments. FIG. 93 illustrates another embodiment in which the module 80 is configured for multiple functions, including power supply, as well as data collection, performance monitoring, and / or communication. In this embodiment, the module 80 additionally includes a memory 92, an I / O 93, and a TX / RX 94. The module 80 may include additional components, such as sensors described herein that are not illustrated for brevity, and it is understood that the module 80 may further include additional or alternative components in other embodiments.

[0126] The connector 81 may be connected to one or more electronic components 82 of the module 80. For example, in the embodiment of Figs. 62-64 and 73, the module 80 is configured to provide power output via the connector 81, which is connected to a power source 90 to do so, as shown in Figs. 92 and 93. Additionally, in the embodiment of Figs. 62-64 and 73, the connector 81 has a plurality of terminals 83 (four in the embodiment shown), and only two of the terminals 83 are actively engaged by the interface 31, such that the additional terminal 83 is not engaged. More specifically, in the embodiment of Figs. 63-75, the interface 31 includes two electrical contacts 34 (power and ground), and when the module 80 of Figs. 62-64 and 73 is inserted into the housing 20, the power contact 34 engages a first terminal 83 and the ground contact 34 engages a second terminal 83 of the plurality of terminals 83 of the connector 81. In this configuration, the power supply 90 of the module 80 is configured to provide power through the power and ground contacts 34 via two active terminals 83, with the remainder of the terminals 83 of the connector 81 being inactive or not actively engaged by the interface 31, as illustrated in Fig. 92. This configuration allows the connector 81 to be configured as a USB-style connector configured for insertion into a USB port of a computing device, while also functioning to provide power through the interface 31 using only two electrical contacts 34.

[0127] In another embodiment, the module 80 may additionally or alternatively be configured to send and receive data, instructions, and other information through the connector 81. The connector 81 of this embodiment may be connected to the processor 91, memory 92, TX / RX 94, and / or other components to enable this functionality, as shown in FIG. 93. For example, the module 80 and connector 81 may be configured to receive data through the interface 31 from other components in communication 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 non-visible light) sensors, temperature sensors (including ambient temperature and / or body temperature), sleep pattern sensors, heart rate monitors, image capture sensors, and / or humidity sensors, among others. As another example, the module 80 and connector 81 may also be configured to send instructions through the interface 31 to control other components in communication with the interface 31. As a further example, module 80 and connector 81 may be configured for communication via a port on another computing device, such as by removal of module 80 from housing 20 and insertion of connector 81 into the port, as described above. It will be understood that such communication with other components may be accomplished wirelessly or through the use of multiple connectors 81 in other embodiments.

[0128] Module 80 may further include one or more buttons 84 configured to control operation of electronic components 82. For example, in the embodiment of FIGS. 62-64, module 80 includes a single button 84 configured for use as a "power" button to activate or deactivate output of power source 90 through connector 81. Casing 87 and connector 81 of module 80, and button 84, if present, may also be sealed against ingress of moisture, which may be particularly advantageous when used in connection with article 10 for athletic applications. In one embodiment, sealing may be achieved by ultrasonic welding around any joints 85 within casing 87 and around any joints between casing 87 and terminals 83 or buttons 84.

[0129] The housing 20 includes structure that physically and electrically engages the module 80 when it is received within the housing 20. The interface 31 and its electrical contacts 34, which function to physically and electrically engage the connector 81 of the module 80, are as described above. The carrier 40 engages the top, bottom and sides of an end of the connector 81, as shown in FIG. 73. In this configuration, the shelf 46 and base 48 engage the top and bottom of the connector 81, and the shelf 46, post 47 and base 48 combine to define a receiver 57 configured to receive the end of the connector 81. The carrier 40 also has sidewalls 58 that extend between the shelf 46 and base 48 to further define the sides of the receiver 57. The walls 23 of the container 21 also define a portion of the receiver 57 in this embodiment, including walls 23 on the top 27 and bottom 28 of the container 21, as well as adjacent walls 23 on the sides of the container 21. The base 48 of the carrier 40 and the walls 23 on the bottom side 28 of the container 21 combine to create an angled surface 59 that guides into the receptacle 57, and the walls 23 on the top side 27 of the container 21 similarly define an angled surface 59 to facilitate insertion of the connector 81. The receptacle 57 and the structure defining the receptacle 57 also enclose the connector 81 to protect the connector 81 from unintentional shorting, dirt, dust, moisture, and the like. A lip 25 around at least a portion of the access opening 24 further engages the module 80 to retain the module 80 within the chamber 22, as illustrated in FIGS. 63-64. In this embodiment, the lip 25 extends inwardly around only a portion of the access opening 24, including across an edge 56 of the opening 24 opposite the interface 31, and down a portion of each side 24 of the opening 24 adjacent the edge 56. So configured, the structure of carrier 40 and container 21 around receptacle 57 retains connector 81 of module 80, and lip 25 retains the end of module 80 opposite connector 81, thus providing a stable, multi-point retention structure. In other embodiments, module 80 may be engaged and retained by housing 20 in other ways, using different connection and retention structures.

[0130] The module 80 may be configured with a lockout feature that functions to prevent activation of the terminals 83 of the connector 81 when the module 80 is not engaged with the housing 20 and / or the interface 31. In the embodiment of Figs. 62-75, the module 80 includes a magnetic sensor 86, such as a Hall effect sensor, configured to detect the magnet 50 when in proximity to the magnet 50. The magnetic sensor 86 is shown diagrammatically in Fig. 72, where the magnetic field of the magnet 50 is sufficient for the magnetic field to extend into the chamber 22 and be detectable by the sensor 86 when the module 80 is received within the chamber 22. The module 80 of this embodiment is configured to deactivate the connector 81 when the sensor 86 does not detect the magnet 50, and to activate the connector 81 when the sensor 86 detects the magnet 50. The module 80 only draws power from the power source 90 through the terminals 83 when the connector is activated, i.e., when the module 80 is engaged with the housing 20 and its interface 31. This lockout feature improves the safety of module 80 because if a user touches both of terminals 83 while module 80 is active outside of enclosure 21, a short circuit or electric shock could occur.

[0131] Various embodiments of the athletic bands and other articles of apparel, housings, and modules described herein provide benefits over existing technology. For example, the configuration of the module and the pocket in which it is received can operate to place physiological sensors in close proximity to the user's skin, which can enhance the ability of such sensors to capture physiological data of the user. As another example, the structure of the bands and / or housings described herein can control the stretching of elastic materials to quickly and easily pull the band to and from the appendages, can help prevent slippage of the band during use, can facilitate the passage of moisture from the electronic module during use, and can improve the durability and washability of the band, among other benefits described herein and / or recognized by those skilled in the art. As a further example, the additional input devices described herein provide enhanced capabilities for communication and interaction with external devices and a simple interface for in-activity operation of and communication with such external devices by the athlete during a competition or other athletic event. Various embodiments of the manufacturing methods described herein also provide benefits over existing technology. For example, the manufacturing methods of the bands described herein result in a durable structure that can be efficiently produced. The various methods for operation of the modules, input devices, and external devices described herein can enhance the performance monitoring operations of the modules and can provide enhanced functionality to users regarding use of the bands and modules. Further benefits will be recognized by those skilled in the art.

[0132] Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described and illustrated herein. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the features of the individual embodiments, possible combinations and variations of components. Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that any of the embodiments may be provided in any combination with other embodiments described herein. It is understood that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its concept or central characteristics. The present examples and embodiments should therefore be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the present invention should not be limited to the details given herein. Terms such as "first", "second", "top", "bottom", etc., as used herein are intended for illustrative purposes only and in no way limit the embodiments. In addition, the term "plurality" as used herein, either in a non-combined or combined manner, refers to any number greater than one, up to an infinite number, as appropriate. Furthermore, as used herein, the term "providing" an article or device broadly means making the article available or accessible for future operations to be performed on the article, 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 of the article. Thus, while particular embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications are contemplated without significantly departing from the inventive concept.

Claims

1. 1. A system comprising: a wearable article having top and bottom layers of material forming at least a portion of the wearable article, the bottom layer positioned inside the top layer when the wearable article is in use; a housing assembly comprising a container defining a chamber, the container having an access opening on an upper side of the container providing access to the chamber, whereby the container is configured to removably receive an electronic module within the chamber by insertion of the electronic module through the access opening, the housing assembly being bonded to the wearable article between the top layer and the bottom layer, whereby the top layer and the bottom layer are bonded to the container by a bonding material, the housing assembly further comprising an interface having first and second electrical contacts exposed to the chamber and configured for connection with a connector of the electronic module when the electronic module is received within the container; a first conductive lead, the first conductive lead passing through a bottom side of the container opposite the top side of the container and connected to the first electrical contact, placing the first conductive lead in electrical communication with the interface; a second conductive lead, the second conductive lead passing through the bottom side of the container and connected to the second electrical contact, placing the second conductive lead in electrical communication with the interface; The housing assembly further comprises a shelf extending into the chamber, supporting the first and second electrical contacts within the chamber and forming the interface.

2. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the housing assembly further comprises first and second contact members extending from the first and second electrical contacts of the interface through the bottom side of the container, the first and second conductive leads being connected to the first and second contact members at the bottom side of the container.

3. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the first and second contact members are mounted on a carrier inserted into a cavity in the container, such that the carrier engages the container and supports the first and second electrical contacts to form the interface.

4. 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising an electrically powered component connected to the wearable article, the first and second conductive leads being connected to the electrically powered component and configured to provide power from the electronics module to the electrically powered component.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the housing assembly further comprises a carrier that engages the container and is positioned at least partially within the chamber, the carrier having the shelf.

6. The system of claim 5 , wherein the carrier has a post depending from the shelf and a base connected to the post and positioned proximate the bottom side of the container.

7. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the shelf has first and second slots that receive the first and second electrical contacts to support the first and second electrical contacts within the chamber.

8. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the container has an opening on the bottom side, the first and second conductive leads are connected to the first and second electrical contacts through the opening, and a portion of the carrier is located within the opening.

9. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a flange extending outwardly around at least a portion of a circumference of the container, the flange being received between the top layer and the bottom layer, the top layer and the bottom layer being joined to the flange by the joining material.

10. 1. A system comprising: a wearable article having top and bottom layers of material forming at least a portion of the wearable article, the bottom layer positioned inside the top layer when the wearable article is in use; a housing assembly comprising a container defining a chamber, the container having an access opening on an upper side of the container providing access to the chamber, whereby the container is configured to removably receive an electronic module within the chamber by insertion of the electronic module through the access opening, the housing assembly being bonded to the wearable article between the top layer and the bottom layer, whereby the top layer and the bottom layer are bonded to the container by a bonding material, the housing assembly further comprising an interface having a plurality of electrical contacts exposed to the chamber and configured for connection with a connector of the electronic module when the electronic module is received within the container; a plurality of conductive leads, the plurality of conductive leads passing through a bottom side of the container opposite the top side of the container and connected to the plurality of electrical contacts, placing the plurality of conductive leads in electrical communication with the interface; an electrically-powered component connected to the wearable article, the plurality of electrically-powered leads being connected to the electrically-powered component; The housing assembly further comprises a shelf extending into the chamber, the shelf supporting the plurality of electrical contacts within the chamber and forming the interface.

11. The system of claim 10 , wherein the plurality of conductive leads are configured to deliver power from the electronics module to the electrically powered components.

12. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the housing assembly further comprises a plurality of contact members extending from the plurality of electrical contacts of the interface through the bottom side of the container, the plurality of conductive leads being connected to the plurality of contact members at the bottom side of the container.

13. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the plurality of contact members are mounted on a carrier inserted into a cavity in the container, such that the carrier engages the container and supports the plurality of electrical contacts to form the interface.

14. The system of claim 10 , wherein the housing assembly further comprises a carrier that engages the container and is positioned at least partially within the chamber, the carrier having the shelf.

15. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the carrier comprises a post depending from the shelf and a base connected to the post and positioned proximate the bottom side of the container.

16. The system of claim 15 , wherein the shelf has a plurality of slots that receive the plurality of electrical contacts and support the plurality of electrical contacts within the chamber.

17. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the container has an opening on the bottom side, the conductive leads are connected to the electrical contacts through the opening, and a portion of the carrier is located within the opening.

18. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the container comprises a flange extending outwardly around at least a portion of a circumference of the container, the flange being received between the top layer and the bottom layer, the top layer and the bottom layer being joined to the flange by the joining material.

19. 1. A system comprising: a wearable article having top and bottom layers of material forming at least a portion of the wearable article, the bottom layer positioned inside the top layer when the wearable article is in use; a housing assembly comprising a container defining a chamber, the container having an access opening on an upper side of the container providing access to the chamber, whereby the container is configured to removably receive an electronic module within the chamber by insertion of the electronic module through the access opening, the housing assembly being bonded to the wearable article between the top layer and the bottom layer, whereby the top layer and the bottom layer are bonded to the container by a bonding material, the housing assembly further comprising an interface having a plurality of electrical contacts exposed to the chamber and configured for connection with a connector of the electronic module when the electronic module is received within the container; the housing assembly further comprises a carrier engaging the container and positioned at least partially within the chamber, the carrier having a shelf extending into the chamber and supporting the plurality of electrical contacts within the chamber and forming the interface, a post depending from the shelf, and a base connected to the post and positioned proximate a bottom side of the container opposite the top side of the container; a plurality of conductive leads, the plurality of conductive leads passing through the bottom side of the container and connected to the plurality of electrical contacts to place the plurality of conductive leads in electrical communication with the interface.

20. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the shelf has a plurality of slots that receive the plurality of electrical contacts and support the plurality of electrical contacts within the chamber.

21. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the container comprises a flange extending outwardly around at least a portion of a circumference of the container, the flange being received between the top layer and the bottom layer, the top layer and the bottom layer being joined to the flange by the joining material.

22. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the container has an opening on the bottom side, the conductive leads are connected to the electrical contacts through the opening, and a portion of the carrier is located within the opening.

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