Adaptive support apparel systems and methods

Abstract

Systems and devices are described for adaptive support garments that include an adaptive support structure, a lacing system, and an adaptive engine. In an embodiment, the adaptive support apparel system includes an activity sensor, an adaptive support garment, and a control circuit. The activity sensor monitors a user's activity. The adaptive support garment includes an embedded adaptive support system coupled to the adaptive engine that automatically adjusts portions of the adaptive support garment through operation of the adaptive support system. The control circuit is configured to send commands to the adaptive engine in response to inputs received from the activity sensor.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 855,712, filed May 31, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The following specification describes various examples of adaptive support apparel and various aspects of lacing systems utilized within adaptive support apparel. For example, various manual and automatic adaptive mechanisms are disclosed, including powered lacing systems, powered and non-powered racing engines, lacing / strap components associated with racing engines, and automatic lacing apparel platforms. [Background technology]

[0003] Apparel such as bras, tops, bottoms, tights, leggings, underwear, and the like may be constructed to support a wearer during various activities. However, such apparel may include minimal adjustments for size, body type, activity preferences, and the like, and may have limited adjustability or adaptability. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The inventors have recognized a need for improved fit and function, particularly in support apparel such as bras, tights, and various other garments, undergarments, or base layers (also referred to herein as support apparel). An example of such apparel is an adaptive bra that can adapt to an individual's body shape and automatically or manually adjust to various dynamic conditions (e.g., changes in activity level). For example, an adaptive bra can adjust from maximum comfort to maximum breast support as the wearer transitions from rest to vigorous exercise. An adaptive bra can also utilize an automatic adjustment mechanism coupled to a motion sensor to dynamically adjust to reduce unwanted breast movement during activities such as running. Adaptive apparel, such as the adaptive tights described below, can also provide dynamic support that may improve performance or reduce the likelihood of injury. Adjustable compression sleeves can aid in recovery and support the body structure during specific activities. Many examples of the various support apparel presented herein are described in the following disclosure.

[0005] The adaptive support apparel described may include support mechanisms such as lacing, straps, lace guides, and automatic, semi-automatic, or manual tightening engines (also described as lacing engines or adaptive engines). Lacing may include complex patterns of thin cords threaded through various portions of an adaptive apparel item to allow selected areas of the apparel to be tightened or loosened depending on the desired outcome. Lacing may include yarns, Brio cables, or similar structures incorporated during the manufacturing (e.g., knitting) process. For example, specialized yarns or Brio cables may be woven into key areas of an adaptive garment and routed around the exterior of the garment to interact with other lacing structures or adaptive engines for easy adjustment. The term "lacing" is used herein to broadly cover various materials and structures used to create adaptive support structures within adaptive support garments. Lacing can function as an adaptive support structure that operates to change the relative position of various portions of the adaptive support apparel. The thin cords or threads may be stretchable or non-stretchable depending on the particular area and the desired outcome. Elastic laces provide a broader closure effect, while non-elastic lacing can transmit the pulling force to a more specific area. Selective use of strap materials (e.g., wide webbing or knit materials) can further distribute the pulling force and increase comfort. In certain instances, lacing may be coupled to straps at one or more locations via fixed or lace-guide-type connections. Lace guides include pivots, eyelets, tube structures, textile-based tunnels, etc., that can guide the lacing into adaptive apparel to create the desired support structure.

[0006] As used herein, the term "support garment" is intended to include any number of support garments, such as bras, sports bras, tank tops, camisoles with built-in support, swimwear tops, bodysuits, base layers, and the like, as well as other styles or types of support garments used to support body tissue (e.g., breast tissue). Support garments also include undergarments, tights, leggings, base layers (e.g., form-fitting tops or bottoms), sleeves, athletic supports, and the like. Furthermore, as used herein, the term "breast-contacting surface" includes any type of structure intended to contact or be positioned adjacent to the wearer's breasts when the support garment is worn. In exemplary embodiments, for a typical wearer, the support garment comprises a first breast-contacting surface configured to contact or be positioned adjacent to, for example, the wearer's right breast, and a second breast-contacting surface configured to contact or be positioned adjacent to, for example, the wearer's left breast. In exemplary embodiments, the support garment comprises separate, individual cups (either shaped or non-shaped), each cup including a breast-contacting surface and configured to cover or encapsulate an individual breast. The support garment may also consist of a single or continuous band of material that contacts both breasts of the wearer. All embodiments and variations thereof are considered within the scope of the embodiments herein. While most of the examples relate to adaptive bras, the principles can be applied to a variety of support garments, such as compression tights, compression sleeves, and even athletic supporters (commonly referred to as jockstraps).

[0007] The inventors have also recognized a need to dynamically modify the support provided by certain types of support apparel based on, among other things, changes in activity level. The need to modify support arises from both long-term comfort and improved functionality required during activity. Accordingly, to facilitate automatic support changes in response to detected changes in activity level, systems have been developed that include activity sensors, such as inertial measurement units (IMUs), global positioning sensors (GPS), or heart rate monitors, in communication with control circuitry that sends commands to adaptive support apparel including an adaptive engine. These systems provide wearers with all-day comfort without compromising performance-oriented support. Prior to incorporating complete systems, wearers were required to change or manually adjust support apparel for different activities.

[0008] Activity sensors as described herein may include any sensor that provides an indication of a user's physical activity level and any sensor that provides an indication of the forces (dynamic or static) applied to the adaptive support garment during use. Sensors may be incorporated into the adaptive support garment to provide data regarding the forces applied to portions of the support structure, such as straps, laces, cables, areas of fabric, etc. Specific sensors, such as strain gauges and stretch capacitance sensors, are described below.

[0009] The following adaptive support apparel examples further illustrate how various structures can be utilized to provide dynamically adaptable support apparel, and the disclosed concepts can also be used with other apparel items not specifically described to perform similar support functions.

[0010] The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and like numbers refer to like components in different views. Like numbers with different suffixes represent different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, and not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 illustrates a system including an adaptive support garment and associated electronics, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1 illustrates a system including an adaptive support garment and associated electronics, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating components included in an adaptive support system, according to some illustrative embodiments. [Figure 1D] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a technique for dynamic adjustment of an adaptive support garment, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 1E] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a technique for dynamic adjustment of an adaptive support garment, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 1F] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a support level calibration and monitoring technique, according to some example embodiments. [Figure 2A] FIG. 10 illustrates adjustable zones of an adaptive bra, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 2B] FIG. 1 illustrates an adaptive bra, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 2C] FIG. 1 illustrates an adaptive bra, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 3A] 1A-1C illustrate an adaptive bra with a continuous support structure, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 3B] 1A-1C illustrate an adaptive bra with a continuous support structure, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 3C]1 is a line drawing of a knit lace tunnel, according to some example embodiments. [Figure 4A] 10A-10C illustrate an adaptive bra with cruciform rear support lacing, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 4B] 10A-10C illustrate an adaptive bra with cruciform rear support lacing, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 4C] 10A-10C illustrate an adaptive bra with cruciform rear support lacing, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 4D] 10A-10C illustrate an adaptive bra with cruciform rear support lacing, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 5A] 10A-10C illustrate an adaptive bra with crisscross gore support lacing, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 5B] 10A-10C illustrate an adaptive bra with crisscross gore support lacing, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 5C] 10A-10C illustrate an adaptive bra with crisscross gore support lacing, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 6A] 10A-10C illustrate an adaptive bra with adaptive breast contact surface and rear support lacing, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 6B] 10A-10C illustrate an adaptive bra with adaptive breast contact surface and rear support lacing, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 6C] 10A-10C illustrate an adaptive bra with adaptive breast contact surface and rear support lacing, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 7A] 1A-1C illustrate various adaptive bra configurations with auto-adjusting mechanisms, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 7B] 1A-1C illustrate various adaptive bra configurations with auto-adjusting mechanisms, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 7C]1A-1C illustrate various adaptive bra configurations with auto-adjusting mechanisms, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 7D] 1A-1C illustrate various adaptive bra configurations with auto-adjusting mechanisms, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 8A] 1A-1C illustrate adaptive bra configurations with multiple auto-adjusting mechanisms, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 8B] 1A-1C illustrate adaptive bra configurations with multiple auto-adjusting mechanisms, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 9A] FIG. 1 illustrates an electric racing engine, according to some illustrative embodiments. [Figure 9B] FIG. 1 illustrates an electric racing engine, according to some illustrative embodiments. [Figure 9C] FIG. 1 illustrates an electric racing engine, according to some illustrative embodiments. [Figure 9D] 1 illustrates an electric racing engine, according to some illustrative embodiments. [Figure 9E] FIG. 1 illustrates an electric racing engine, according to some illustrative embodiments. [Figure 9F] 1 illustrates a mechanism for securing a race within a spool of a racing engine, according to some illustrative embodiments. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating components of a powered lacing system, according to some illustrative embodiments. [Figure 11A] 10A-10C illustrate various adaptive tights configurations, including manual or automatic adaptive adjustment, according to some embodiments. [Figure 11B] 10A-10C illustrate various adaptive tights configurations, including manual or automatic adaptive adjustment, according to some embodiments. [Figure 11C] 10A-10C illustrate various adaptive tights configurations, including manual or automatic adaptive adjustment, according to some embodiments. [Figure 11D]10A-10C illustrate various adaptive tights configurations, including manual or automatic adaptive adjustment, according to some embodiments. [Figure 11E] 10A-10C illustrate various adaptive tights configurations, including manual or automatic adaptive adjustment, according to some embodiments. [Figure 12A] 1 is a diagram illustrating an adaptive sleeve, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 12B] 1 is a line drawing illustrating an adaptive sleeve including an adaptive engine for self-adjustment, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 12C] 1 is a line drawing illustrating an adaptive sleeve including an adaptive engine for self-adjustment, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 12D] 1 is a line drawing illustrating an adaptive sleeve including an adaptive engine for self-adjustment, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 12E] 1 is a line drawing illustrating an adaptive sleeve including an adaptive engine for self-adjustment, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 12F] 1 is a line drawing illustrating an adaptive sleeve including an adaptive engine for self-adjustment, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 12G] 1 is a line drawing illustrating a plurality of adaptive compression sleeves and footwear assemblies operating as a conditioning recovery system, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 13A] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a technique for operating an adaptive compression sleeve, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 13B] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a recovery technique using an adaptive compression recovery system, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example computing device capable of implementing aspects of the various techniques described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The headings provided herein are for convenience only and do not necessarily affect the scope or meaning of the terms used.

[0013] As noted above, various embodiments of adaptive support apparel have been developed using a series of manual and automated mechanisms to enable adaptation, examples of which will be discussed in detail include adaptive bras, adaptive tights, and compression sleeves.

[0014] [Adaptive Support Apparel System] The adaptive support apparel system dynamically changes the tightness and support of the adaptive support garment (e.g., a bra or tights) in response to activity data obtained from activity sensors worn by the user. The adaptive support system can include components integrated into various wearable items, such as footwear, watches, and support apparel. In certain examples, the adaptive support system can be controlled via a smartphone, smartwatch, or similar wearable computing device that wirelessly communicates with other components of the system. In other examples, the adaptive support system is controlled by circuitry built into components integrated into the adaptive support apparel and / or footwear. The following figures illustrate exemplary systems and describe at least some variations envisioned by the inventors.

[0015] 1A and 1B illustrate a system including an adaptive support garment and associated electronics, according to some exemplary embodiments. In this example, adaptive support apparel system 1 includes components such as adaptive support garment 10, footwear assembly 20, and smartwatch 30. Optionally, adaptive support apparel system 1 can also communicate with smartphone 35 for parameter control or adjustment. In this example, footwear assembly 20 includes activity sensors 25, and adaptive support garment 10 includes adaptive engine 15. In this example, adaptive engine 15 is coupled to lacing system 16 (also referred to as adaptive support structure 16) that controls adaptive support structures within adaptive support garment 10. Optionally, system 1 can also incorporate a second adaptive support garment 40, shown herein as adaptive tights.

[0016] In this example, footwear assembly 20 includes activity sensors 25, including sensors such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, heart rate sensors, and global positioning sensors (GPS), to detect changes in activity levels. In one example, footwear assembly 20 includes an inertial measurement unit (IMU) that combines at least an accelerometer and a gyroscope to provide specific force, orientation, or angular velocity rate of change to the monitored body. Data from the IMU can be used to detect movements such as foot strike and cadence, among others. In this example, data from activity sensor 25 is communicated to smartwatch 30 or smartphone 35 for processing to determine whether a change in adaptive support is needed based on the activity data from the activity sensor. In another example, the activity database is sent directly to adaptive engine 15 for processing and determining the required adaptive support level.

[0017] Footstrike data is just one part of a broader set of step metrics that can be determined from sensors such as the activity sensor 25 (e.g., a combination of an IMU and a force sensor). Step metrics can include individual steps or step counts. Steps in this metric can be defined based on parameters such as a minimum vertical force threshold, a minimum average vertical force per step, a minimum step time, and a maximum step time. Step metrics can also include contact time, which is calculated per foot per step using the force signals (e.g., the time when a vertical force exceeds 50 N). Another step metric is swing time, which is calculated per foot per step using the force signals (e.g., the time when a vertical force is less than 50 N until the foot generates a force greater than 50 N). Step metrics also include cadence, which can be defined using the force signals as the inverse of the sum of each foot's contact time and swing time. Step length is another step metric calculated using the force signals (e.g., the sum of contact time and swing time multiplied by average velocity). Another step metric is impulse, which can be calculated in at least two ways. Impulse can be the rising peak velocity of the vertical ground reaction force, i.e., the active peak of the vertical ground reaction force. Impulse is another step metric calculated for each foot step using the force signal (e.g., the integral of the ground reaction force magnitude). Contact is also a step metric derived from motion data. For example, IMU data sampled at 200 Hz is used to determine the angle of the foot relative to the horizontal at the time of foot contact. Contact includes the angles of the rearfoot, midfoot, and forefoot. Any of the step metrics described herein can be used as, or in addition to, other activity data to assist in determining activity levels or to directly determine the target support level of an adaptive support garment.

[0018] In this example, either or both of the smartwatch 30 and smartphone 35, separately, in conjunction with each other, or with access to remote computing resources, contain control circuitry that processes activity data and sends commands to the adaptive engine 15 to modify support features as needed. The adaptive engine 15 receives the commands and activates a motorized system to adjust the adaptive support structure through interaction with a lacing system coupled to and integrated with the adaptive engine 15. Details of an example adaptive engine are described below with reference to Figures 9A-9D.

[0019] FIG. 1B illustrates a user of an adaptive support apparel system transitioning between various activities that may require or benefit from different levels of support. In this example, activity sensor 25, shown within footwear assembly 20, detects various activity levels, from relaxed walking to moderate exercise such as yoga to vigorous exercise such as running. In this example, activity sensor 25 transmits data to control circuitry within smartwatch 30, which runs an application that determines the current activity level based on the sensor's interpreted activity data. In some examples, smartwatch 30 includes an activity sensor that transmits activity data to control circuitry running on smartwatch 30, which in this example provides additional activity level information that informs decisions regarding increasing or decreasing support provided by adaptive support garment 10, such as an adaptive bra. For example, smartwatch 30 may include a built-in heart rate monitor that can be used as additional information related to activity level.

[0020] In the comfort zone, the adaptive apparel support system 1 detects a low level of physical activity determined to correspond to a relaxed level of support needed from the adaptive support garment. Accordingly, the control circuitry commands the adaptive engine 15 to activate and adjust the adaptive support garment 10 to a comfortable setting. The control application (e.g., an application that operates the control circuitry) may include a user interface that provides the user access to different settings of the adaptive support garment. In one example, the settings may include associating different support levels with different predefined activity levels, such as rest = comfortable support level (e.g., low level of support) and higher impact = performance support level (e.g., high level of support). Other mappings may be created, or a user interface may be displayed that allows the user to create custom mappings. Table 1 shows an example mapping of activity levels to support levels.

[0021] [Table 1]

[0022] As shown, a user can transition from comfort to low impact by increasing the movement and / or impact detected by the activity sensors. Dynamically, upon detecting the transition, control circuitry within smartwatch 30 commands adaptive engine 15 to increase the level of support provided by adaptive support garment 10. If the user returns to a comfort level of activity (e.g., resting or walking), the control circuitry can command adaptive engine 15 to return the support level to a comfort level of support. Alternatively, if the user increases their activity by running, the system can dynamically respond by having adaptive engine 15 increase the support level to a higher impact (performance) level.

[0023] In certain examples, a user can select from multiple different activity-related parameters (e.g., heart rate, cadence, impact, etc.) and associate different levels of each parameter with different support levels. For example, a user can create a running activity classification that uses heart rate and cadence as triggers. Running activities can then be associated with a high support level. Support levels can also be configured by associating adjustments of various support structures, such as lace tension in lacing-system-based support structures, with specific support levels. Calibration and monitoring techniques are also described below with reference to FIG. 1. This is another mechanism for personalizing adaptive support garments.

[0024] FIG. 1C is a block diagram illustrating components of an adaptive support system, according to some exemplary embodiments. Note that, herein, the adaptive support system is also referred to as an adaptive support apparel system. In this example, the adaptive support system 1 includes components such as a control circuit 50, an activity sensor 25, and an adaptive engine 15, which is integrated into an adaptive support garment 10. The adaptive support garment 10 may include an adaptive support structure 16. The adaptive support structure 16 includes one or more lacing cables (or similar structures) that pass around one or more lace guides to adjust at least a first portion of the adaptive support garment 10 relative to at least a second portion of the adaptive support garment 10. The lacing cables and lace guides are also referred to herein as a lacing system.

[0025] The control circuitry 50 includes a processor 52, a computer-readable memory device 54, and communication circuitry 56. As mentioned above, in some examples, the control circuitry 50 can be incorporated within the smartwatch 30 or smartphone 35 ( FIG. 1A ). In such examples, the control circuitry 50 is embodied within a software application that runs on an operating system (e.g., iOS or Android) for the smartwatch 30 or smartphone 35 hardware. Thus, the processor 52 and memory device 54 are part of the smartphone 35 or smartwatch 30. In the illustrated examples, the control circuitry 50 is a standalone device or is incorporated into the footwear assembly or adaptive engine 15.

[0026] Processor 52 accesses instructions stored in memory device 54 to process activity data received via communications circuitry 56. Activity data may also be stored in memory device 54, at least during processing operations. Processor 52 also processes instructions that enable processor 52 to generate and send commands to adaptive engine 15 via communications circuitry 56. The commands communicated to adaptive engine 15 control operation of adaptive engine 15 to modify the support characteristics of the adaptive support garment.

[0027] Control circuitry 50 receives activity data from activity sensor 25. In this example, activity sensor 25 may include any combination of IMU 25A, heart rate (HR) sensor 25B, temperature sensor 25C, GPS 25C, or strain gauge 25D, among other sensors capable of generating data indicative of a user's activity level. Activity sensor 25 may include any combination of the above-mentioned sensors and transmits the generated activity data to control circuitry 50 via a wireless communication link, such as Bluetooth® LE (Low Energy). The techniques described below with reference to FIG. 1D provide further details and context regarding the operations provided by control circuitry 50 and activity sensor 25. Furthermore, as alluded to above, the components of system 1 described above may be located in any combination among devices, including a smartwatch, a smartphone, a footwear assembly, or an adaptive support garment (e.g., integrated with an adaptive engine).

[0028] 1D is a flowchart illustrating a technique 60 for dynamic adjustment of adaptive support garment 10, according to some exemplary embodiments. In this example, technique 60 includes operations such as adjusting the support structure at 61, monitoring the support at 65, and automatically adjusting the support at 66. Optionally, technique 60 may also include operations such as receiving activity data at 62, calculating an activity level at 63, and selecting a predefined activity classification at 64. Technique 60 covers operations performed by a combination of control circuitry 50, sensors 25, and adaptive engine 15.

[0029] In this example, technique 60 initiates, at 61, an initial adjustment of support structures 16 within adaptive support garment 10. Initial adjustments include manual and automatic types of adjustments, with automatic adjustments being performed in conjunction with adaptive engine 15. For example, control circuitry 50 may provide a user interface that allows a user to select an initial support level, such as relaxed. Control circuitry 50 may then instruct adaptive engine 15 to adjust support structures 16 within adaptive support garment 10 to the relaxed setting.

[0030] At 62 of technique 60, control circuitry 50 optionally continuously receives activity data from sensor 25. The activity data may include physiological data, such as heart rate, and data describing physical movements of portions of the user's body structure. At 63 of technique 60, control circuitry 50 optionally continuously calculates an activity level based on the activity data received at 62. Technique 60 may optionally use the calculated activity level to select a predefined activity classification at 64. In another example, at 64 of technique 60, a user interface may optionally be provided to allow the user to select a predefined activity classification to activate a desired support level.

[0031] At 65, the control circuit 50 continues to monitor for changes in the support level. Changes in the support level can be triggered by an indication in the activity data, a calculated activity level, or the selection of a predefined activity category that is mapped to a different support level than the current support level. If no change in the support level is indicated, return to 62 and repeat.

[0032] If an adjustment in support level is indicated, continue at 66 and command the control circuitry 50 to adjust the support structure 16 of the adaptive support garment 10. In this example, the control circuitry 50 sends an adjustment command to the adaptive engine 15. The adjustment command is generated based on the selected predefined activity classification, the calculated activity level, and / or the activity data. After adjusting the support level, return to 62 to continue monitoring the change in support level.

[0033] 1E is a flowchart illustrating a technique for dynamically adjusting adaptive support garment 10, according to some exemplary embodiments. Technique 70 may include monitoring activity level at 71, receiving activity data at 72, determining a support level change at 75, sending a control command at 76, and adjusting support at 77. Optionally, technique may also include calculating activity level at 73 and selecting a predefined activity classification at 74. While technique 70 is described below as being performed on system 1 described with reference to FIG. 1C, the technique may be executed on any general-purpose computing device (e.g., a smartphone) in conjunction with the necessary activity sensors and adaptive engine coupled to adaptive support garment 10.

[0034] In this example, technique 70 begins at 71 with activity sensor 25 monitoring activity levels. At 72, control circuitry 50 receives activity data from activity sensor 25 via communications circuitry 56. In a particular example, activity sensor 25 is within a footwear assembly, such as footwear assembly 20, and communicates the activity data to control circuitry 50 within adaptive engine 15 via a Bluetooth LE wireless connection. In another example, activity sensor 25 is within smartwatch 30 and communicates via a communications path within the operating system to an application that performs the functions of control circuitry 50, also running on the smartwatch.

[0035] At 73, control circuitry 50 optionally continues calculating the activity level based on the activity data received from activity sensor 25. At 74, control circuitry 50 optionally continues selecting a predefined activity classification based on the calculated activity level. At 75, control circuitry 50 continues determining whether the support level of the adaptive support garment needs to be changed based on the current calculated activity level. In some examples, the change in support level is determined at least in part based on the selected predefined activity classification. In other examples, the change in support level is determined at least in part based on the calculated activity level. In yet other examples, the change in support level is determined based on various combinations of activity data received from activity sensor 25, the calculated activity level, and / or the selected predefined activity classification.

[0036] If the control circuitry 50 determines that the support level needs to be changed, then at 76, the control circuitry 50 sends a command to the adaptive engine 15 to change the support level of the adaptive support garment 10. The command sent to the adaptive engine 15 may include a command to increase or decrease support, depending on whether the change requires more or less support. In certain examples, the adaptive support garment 10 may include multiple adaptive engines controlling multiple support structures. In these examples, the control circuitry 50 sends commands to control the operation of all of the adaptive engines to achieve the desired support level. If the control circuitry 50 determines that the support level does not need to be changed, then it returns to monitoring the activity level at 71.

[0037] At 77, the processing loop is completed by adjusting the adaptive support garment 10 by the adaptive engine 15 to achieve the commanded support level by appropriately manipulating the support structure 16 coupled to the adaptive engine 15. After adjusting the support level, the process returns to monitoring the activity level at 71.

[0038] 1F is a flowchart illustrating a support level calibration and monitoring technique 80 according to some exemplary embodiments. Technique 80 outlines how adaptive support garment 10 can be initially calibrated for a particular user and how the garment can adjust its support level over time based on a monitored activity level and related parameters monitored for adaptive support garment 10. In this example, technique 80 includes the following operations: initializing control circuitry at 81; receiving activity data at 82; calibrating the support level at 83; monitoring support characteristics at 84; determining whether a change in the support level calibration is necessary at 85; and analyzing the support characteristics at 86. Technique 80 includes operations (81-84) for initially calibrating the adaptive support garment upon a user's first use and operations (84-86) for updating the support level calibration during use. A second set of operations may include using machine learning or artificial intelligence algorithms to learn user preferences and update the adaptive support garment's support level calibration. Support level calibration adjusts the predefined support level to the individual user's physiology. For example, a user of an adaptive bra with a C cup bust size will utilize different adjustments of the support structure to achieve a particular support level compared to a user of an adaptive bra with a DD cup bust size. The calibration process can also adjust for user preference, as some users may prefer more aggressive support compared to other users with similar physical characteristics.

[0039] In this example, technique 80 initializes a control circuit, such as control circuit 50, at 81 to initiate operation of an adaptive support garment, such as support garment 10. Initializing the control circuit includes powering on the adaptive support garment and preparing the control circuit for operation of the adaptive support garment. Activity data, such as from sensor 25, is received by control circuit 50 at 82. During initial calibration, a user is instructed to perform specific or repetitive movements to aid in calibration. Data from the performance of these specific movements is received by control circuit 50 at 82. Control circuit 50 then uses the activity data generated by performing known physical movements to calibrate the user's initial support level of the adaptive support garment at 83. The known physical movements are selected to invoke specific soft tissues supported by the affected adaptive support garment. Collected data characterizing this soft tissue movement is included in the activity data used to perform the calibration. For example, an adaptive bra may include sensors located in the breast-contacting surface and / or shoulder straps that can characterize breast tissue movement during known movements.

[0040] Once the initial calibration is complete at 83, the process may proceed to begin a monitoring / learning mode at 84. 84-86 may stand alone as a continuous monitoring / learning mode of operation of the adaptive support system 1. At 84, the control circuit 50 continues to monitor the support features, which may include the activity data described above. At 85, the control circuit determines whether the support level calibration needs to be updated based on the monitored support features. If the support level calibration does not need to be changed, the process returns to 84 to continue monitoring the support features. If the support level calibration needs to be changed, the process optionally continues at 86 to analyze the support feature data to facilitate an update to the support level calibration. The process then returns to 83 to update the calibrated support level based on the analysis.

[0041] [Adaptive Bra] Depending on the activity experienced by a wearer of a bra (or other support garment), the desired fit of the bra may change. For example, during sedate (relaxed) activities, the wearer may prefer a bra with less compression or tension than during active activities. However, when the wearer changes activity levels, they may not have the opportunity to change from a first bra with an initial fit to a second bra with a different fit. Also, the wearer could benefit from a bra that can dynamically adapt as they transition from activity to activity. Also, during different active activities, the wearer could benefit from different types of additional support. Currently, bra users may select a bra for one activity level, even though they experience different activity states while wearing it. This selection results in the selected bra not being the preferred choice for some activities.

[0042] Thus, an adaptive bra that can be adjusted while being worn, with fit characteristics modified based on the user's desires or needs, offers the advantage of being able to change support levels and enhance comfort levels across all activities. For example, a first bra fit supports sedate activities, providing a comfortable fit that provides gentle support while allowing breast tissue movement. Then, as activity increases, the bra can automatically or be manually adjusted by the wearer (e.g., manually) to a second fit that applies increased force to breast tissue to stabilize and secure it during higher-impact activities. For example, a wearer can adjust the bra to the first fit while preparing for an athletic activity and then adjust the bra to the second fit as they begin exercising. After exercising, the wearer can return the bra fit to the first fit. Breast tissue and surrounding soft tissues experience dramatic changes in movement during various activities, which can be measured as changes in the magnitude of acceleration. Such measurements can be one piece of information for a dynamically adaptive bra as described herein. It should be noted that although breast tissue has been used as an example above, the concept of adaptive support can be applied to any body tissue that would benefit from increased support during certain activities.

[0043] Adaptive bras include breast tissue adjustment capabilities, particularly in the breast contact areas, bridges between the breast contact areas, shoulder straps, wings, and / or along the back. Adjustment capabilities include strap tightening / loosening, strap widening, gore (bridge) tightening, band tightening, encapsulation, and bust correction.

[0044] FIG. 2A illustrates adjustable zones for an adaptive bra, according to some exemplary embodiments. In this example, the bra 200A may include multiple adaptive zones. The adaptive zones may include an under-bra 210, a breast contact area size 212, a strap width 214, a gore 216, a strap length 218, and compression (wings) 220. In some examples, additional adaptive zones may target breast shape (not specifically shown in FIG. 2A ). Adjustment of the underband 210 may include tightening or loosening to alter underbust support and / or breast lift. In traditional sports bras, up to 60% of a wearer's bust load is carried by the underband 210 around the ribs. Adjustment of the breast contact area size 212 may provide three-dimensional variation in the breast contact area size of the adaptive bra 200A, such as through a dynamic padding system or structured air pillows. Dynamic padding systems include those described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0140928, entitled "Apparel with Dynamic Padding System," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Adapting the breast-contacting surface size 212 can also include adjusting the shape. Adjusting the strap width 214 can distribute the load on the bra straps over a wider area under certain conditions. In one example, adjusting the strap width 214 can be achieved using an auxetic material. An auxetic is a structure or material with a negative Poisson's ratio. When an auxetic material stretches, it thickens in the direction perpendicular to the applied force. This thickening occurs because its internal structure causes a specific deformation when the sample is uniaxially loaded. An auxetic can be a specific structure of a single molecule, a crystal, or a macroscopic substance. Auxetic materials and structures are expected to have mechanical properties such as high energy absorption and fracture resistance.

[0045] Adjustment of the gore 216 allows the position of the breast-contacting surfaces to be adjusted relative to one another, providing breast encapsulation or separation. Adjustment zones for the strap length 218 are shown in several exemplary locations, providing the ability to adjust lift and / or size-type fit. In traditional sports bras, up to 40% of the wearer's breast load is transferred from the shoulders to the back by the straps. Adjustment of the compression 220 allows for adjustment across the entire breast-contacting material, separate from the underband 210. In some examples, compression adjustment is achieved using a rear adjustment mechanism (or adaptive support structure). Breast compression can be utilized to stabilize breast tissue during high-impact activities such as running. As discussed above, wearers of adaptive bras can benefit from adaptive support during various impact activities, such as walking, yoga, and running. Each activity presents its own support challenges. For example, during yoga, the wearer benefits from moderate support while allowing for high flexibility. On the other hand, during running, flexibility is not as important and maximum support is required.

[0046] FIG. 2B illustrates a restraint bra, according to some exemplary embodiments. In this example, the restraint bra 200B is an adaptive support garment (adaptive bra) that allows the wearer to adjust the degree of restraint of breast tissue movement. In this example, the adjustable restraint bra 200B includes a first breast contact portion 232, a second breast contact portion 234, and a bridge 236 extending between and connecting the first breast contact portion 232 and the second breast contact portion 234. The first breast contact portion 232, the second breast contact portion 234, and the bridge 236 may be formed from a common material or a collection of common materials. For example, they may be formed from a material that is relatively less stretchable (e.g., has a relatively higher modulus) than the rest of the bra. Modulus is measured based on tensile stress versus tensile strain along a tensile axis. Here, when describing relative modulus, the tensile axis of the first material is parallel to the tensile axis of the second material. For example, if a first portion of bra 200B has a lower modulus of elasticity than a second portion, the tensile axes of both the first and second portions are parallel in the as-formed state (e.g., both are perpendicular when bra 200B is in the configuration as worn by a conventional wearer).

[0047] In restraint bra 200B, bridge 236 has upper portion 240 and lower portion 242. The restraint bra also includes an adjuster 246 (shown in FIG. 2C) extending between bridge upper portion 238 and bridge lower portion 230. Adjuster 246 is adjustable between a first length and a shorter second length. The adjuster may be a trim piece (e.g., hardware with a buckle, lugs, clasp, hook, etc.) that joins with bra material, straps, or other elements (such as cords). Additionally, in some examples, the adjuster may be an adaptive engine that adjusts automatically or through wearer actuation.

[0048] Restraint bra 200B may constrain breast tissue movement through adjustment of adjuster 246 (see FIG. 2C). For example, adjuster 246 may shorten the distance between upper portion 238 and lower portion 230, creating a bunched texture from the condensed material. This shortened distance brings the breast-contacting surfaces closer together, limiting the volume of space that breast tissue can fill. This reduced volume creates a compressive force on the breast tissue, thereby constraining movement when the wearer engages in physical activity.

[0049] Aspects herein relate to material strata. A strata is a layer of material that may have different characteristics (e.g., physical, chemical, or appearance) than other material strata. For example, in a multi-layer knitted material, one layer may have different characteristics (e.g., material or yarn selection, color, stitching technique, knit construction type, knit stitch sequence, etc.) from the other layers, even though all layers are knitted simultaneously. Similarly, a laminate is formed by permanently bonding two or more materials, but each original material forms a different strata within the laminate. Thus, aspects herein describe layers that may or may not be separable from other layers. In an adjustable bra, a non-stretch material is encapsulated or layered between the body-facing surface of a first stretch material and the exterior-facing surface of a second stretch material. The term "non-stretch" contrasts with the term "stretch." For example, a "non-stretch" material is less stretchable (e.g., has a higher modulus) than a stretch material. A "non-stretchable" material will stretch with sufficient force, but in exemplary embodiments, requires more force than a stretchable material or stretches less than a stretchable material.

[0050] 2C is a diagram of an adaptive restraint bra, according to some exemplary embodiments. The restraint bra 200C shown in FIG. 2C includes an adaptive engine 250, compression lacing 255, and a user-actuated cord (e.g., adjuster 246). The adjuster 246 can activate the adaptive engine 250, which can shorten the compression lacing 255 and activate the motion restraint of the restraint bra 200C. In some examples, the adaptive engine 250 can include an external release button that the wearer can activate to release the tension on the compression lacing 255 and reduce the motion restraint.

[0051] 3A and 3B are rear views of an adaptive bra 300 with a continuous support structure, according to some exemplary embodiments. The adaptive bra 300 illustrates an exemplary support structure (e.g., lacing 305) that provides adaptive support to the wearer. The adaptive bra 300 includes components such as lacing 305, manual handles 310, adjusters 315, guides 320, lace hubs 325, and anchor tabs 330. The adaptive bra 300 utilizes a continuous lacing 305 support structure that runs around the underband, through the breast-contacting material, and to each shoulder strap. The lacing 305 is guided to a desired position on the adaptive bra 300 by guides 320. The guides 320 may be fabric channels, tubes, or tunnels of material that may extend along a more significant portion of the lace path to provide improved support and comfort. In certain examples, the guides 320 are formed from a knitted component, such as knitted component 350, described below with reference to FIG. 3C. Adaptive bra 300 includes a manual adjuster 315 that allows the wearer to activate the adaptive support via a manual handle 310. As further described below, all of the support architectures illustrated in the various adaptive support garments can incorporate an automatic adaptive engine that allows for fully or semi-automatic adjustment.

[0052] The adaptive bra 300 includes a lace hub 325 positioned along the underband at the rear of the garment. The lace hub 325 supports the continuous lacing 305 that runs laterally around the underband, down the shoulders. The lace hub 325 is shown as a simple triangular slot structure; however, alternative structures may include small pulleys or fixed circular lace guides. In some instances, the lace hub 325 may be replaced with a lacing engine to provide automatic or semi-automatic adjustment and lacing. An exemplary adaptive engine is described below with reference to Figures 9A-9E.

[0053] The lacing architecture shown in adaptive bra 300 facilitates breast tissue isolation, underband compression, and lift through shoulder strap compression.

[0054] FIG. 3C is a diagram illustrating an example of a knit tube 352 formed from a multi-layer knit structure, such as a tubular knit structure. The tubular knit structure can be formed from any suitable tubular knitting technique, such as a flat knitting technique, e.g., circular knitting or flat knitting, or a warp knitting technique. As an example, a flat knitting process includes a first knit layer formed on a first needle bed of the knitting machine for multiple courses while remaining separable (e.g., having an unlocked center) from a second knit layer formed on a second needle bed. For example, referring to an enlarged view of one knit tube 352, a first layer 354 of the tube 352, which defines an outer surface 356 of the knit component 350, can be formed on a first needle bed of the knitting machine (using a single jersey or similar knit structure). A second layer 358 of the knit tube 352, which defines an inner surface of the knit component 350, can be formed on a second needle bed of the knitting machine (using a single jersey or similar knit structure). The ends 360, 362 of the knit tube 352 (extending along the length of the tube) can be where the end courses (knitting directions) of the tubular knit structure utilize both needle beds to lock the first layer 354 and the second layer 358 together. In the resulting knitted component 350, a channel / tunnel may be formed between the first layer 354 and the second layer 358 of the knit tube 352, and the same channel may be used to house the tensioned strands (e.g., lace cable) 370.

[0055] In the adaptive apparel described herein, knitted tubes, such as knitted tube 352, can be utilized to route lacing cables that form an adaptive support structure within each garment. For example, any of the adaptive bras described above can include shoulder strap and underband portions that include knitted tubes that include lacing cables as part of the integrated adaptive support structure. All of the adaptive bra and tight examples described above can be constructed with at least a portion of the lacing system housed within a knitted tube or channel structure similar to knitted component 350 described herein. Routing the lacing cable through knitted component 350 can both hide the lacing system for improved aesthetics and distribute forces from the lacing system for improved comfort and support for the wearer.

[0056] 4A-4D are diagrams of an adaptive bra 400 with crisscross-shaped rear support lacing, according to some exemplary embodiments. The adaptive bra 400 provides an alternative adaptive support structure, including a right adjuster 405A and a left adjuster 405B that can be replaced with adaptive adjustment engines. The adaptive bra 400 also includes a rear lacing cover 410, as shown in FIG. 4B. FIGS. 4C and 4D show the rear adaptive structure with the rear lacing cover 410 pulled. The rear adaptive support structure includes lacing 415, lace pulleys 420, adjustment engines 425, adjusters 430, and an underband 435. In this example, the lacing 415 forms a crisscross pattern across the rear portion of the adaptive bra 400, from the adjustment engines 425 located along the underband to the shoulder strap anchor points. The lacing 415 traverses a series of lace pulleys 420 on both sides of the adaptive bra 400. The race pulley 420 is secured to the understrap or gore type adjustment location. The rear adaptive support structure is also secured to the shoulder straps, which simultaneously provide lift support.

[0057] The adjustment mechanism of the adaptive bra 400 includes left and right adjusters 405A, 405B and an adaptive engine 425 along the rear underband. The left and right adjusters 405A, 405B directly adjust the underband, while the adaptive engine 425 pulls the rear support structure via the lacing 415. In this example, the adaptive engine 425 is manually actuated via the adjuster 430. In other examples, the adaptive engine 425 can be replaced with an automatic or semi-automatic adjustment engine to provide wearer-actuated or sensor-actuated automatic adjustment. In certain examples, the adjustment engine can be adapted to adjust both the lacing 415 and the underband, thereby eliminating the need for manual adjustment of the left and right adjusters 405A / 405B. In some examples, multiple adaptive engines are used to automatically adjust the lacing 415 and the left and right adjusters 405A / 405B independently.

[0058] 5A-5C are diagrams of an adaptive bra 500 with crisscross gore support lacing and adaptive back straps, according to some example embodiments. In this example, the adaptive bra 500 includes front support structures in the form of crisscross lacings 530 for adjusting the breast contacting surface 505. The front support structures also include a central anchor overlay 510 that supports lace anchors 515 along the inner portion of each breast contacting surface 505. The central anchor overlay 510 is formed from a stiffer material than the rest of the breast contacting surface 505 and helps distribute forces from the cross lacings 530. The lacings 530 are secured to side anchors 520A, 520B and thread to right and left shoulder anchors 525A, 525B. From the left and right shoulder anchors 525A, 525B, the lacings 530 descend, creating a crisscross pattern with the lace anchors 515 threaded along the inner edges of the breast contacting surface 505. The front support structure is adjusted via adjuster 535, which in this example is a manual tension adjustment mechanism that provides the ability to tension lacing 530, as shown in Figure 5B.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 5B, the anterior support structure of the adaptive bra 500 can generate lift as well as gore tension via the shoulder straps. In this example, the breast-contacting surface 505 is an essentially inelastic material, providing additional encapsulation and support for breast tissue when the anterior support structure is tensioned (as shown in FIG. 5B). In another example, the central anchor overlay 510 is a stiffer material designed to maintain a desired shape and distribute load, while the breast-contacting surface 505 is a softer, elastic material that provides support and comfort.

[0060] The rear side of adaptive bra 500 is shown in Figure 5C and includes support straps 540, strap adjustments 550, and underband anchors 545. Strap adjustments 550 provide another initial adjustment mechanism, allowing adaptive bra 500 to fit a wider range of sizes. As shown, adaptive bra 500 also includes a more traditional hook-and-loop closure along the underband below support straps 540.

[0061] 6A-6C show an adaptive bra 600 with an adaptive breast contact surface and rear support lacing, according to some example embodiments. In this example, the adaptive bra 600 includes an adaptive support structure that focuses on bust shape and lift through front structure and tension through gore and underband structure. The front support structure includes a breast contact surface 605, lacing 615, and lace guides 620, while trim 610 provides dimensional structure around the perimeter of the adaptive bra 600.

[0062] The breast-contacting surface 605 may comprise a substantially inelastic (or at least less elastic than the surrounding non-support material) material that is contoured to provide specific breast tissue shaping when tension is applied to the lacing 615. In this example, the contouring includes two slots 606 formed in the top of the breast-contacting surface 605, which allow the material to wrap around the breast tissue and provide lift and some compression when tension is applied. The breast-contacting surface 605 includes three spaced-apart lace guides 615 at the upper end of the separated portion. In this example, the lace guides 615 are formed from a hemmed material, forming tunnels of material. In another example, the lace guides can be plastic tubes with varying degrees of stiffness depending on the desired shape designed into the adaptive bra.

[0063] The rear structure of the adaptive bra 600 is shown in FIG. 6C, with hidden lines indicating where the lacing 615, anchors 625, and underband 635 run within the adaptive bra 600. As shown, the lacing 615 forms a crisscross structure that extends down from the shoulder straps, and the lacing 615 crosses down from the front side. The crisscross pattern allows the adaptive engine 630 to collectively tension the underband, gore, and front structure. The rear support structure can be actuated via an adjuster 640, which in this example is a pull tab. In other examples, the adjuster 640 can include a tension button and a release button, or a separate pull tab.

[0064] FIGS. 7A-7D are diagrams of various adaptive bras 700 with self-adjusting mechanisms, according to some exemplary embodiments. The examples of adaptive bras 700 shown in these figures are similar, but differ in the number and placement of lace guides 710, which can create different support adaptations. FIG. 7A shows adaptive bra 700A with two lace guides 710 positioned to apply tension to the right and left wings, thereby providing enhanced compression across the breast tissue and gore area. FIG. 7B shows adaptive bra 700B with five lace guides 710 positioned to apply tension to the shoulder straps and wing area. FIG. 7C shows adaptive bra 700C with seven lace guides arranged in a pattern that focuses on tension in the gore and underband. FIG. 7D shows adaptive bra 700D with nine lace guides 710 positioned to create additional tension through the shoulder straps relative to the pattern of FIG. 7C.

[0065] All variations of the adaptive bra 700 include a continuous lace cable 705, lace guides 710, a lacing engine pocket 715, and a lacing engine 720 (also referred to herein as an adaptive engine). The lacing engine may include an open spool configuration, allowing the lacing engine 720 to be removed for garment cleaning, internal battery charging, or replacement. The continuous lace cable 705 engages with the spool of the lacing engine 720, providing automatic or semi-automatic adjustment for the adaptive bra 700. In this example, the lace guides 710 are circular, open-type lace guides, although other lace guides may be utilized. For example, closed, cylindrical lace guides may be implemented to prevent the continuous lace cable from disengaging. In another example, the lace guides 710 may include a snap-on cover that holds the lace cable in place during use. Each lace guide 710 may be attached to a reinforced fabric overlay to aid in lacing force distribution and extend the life of the support garment.

[0066] Adaptive bra 700A, shown in FIG. 7A, is an example of a minimal adaptive support garment that includes two lace guides 710, a continuous lace cable 705, and a lace engine pocket 715 for accommodating a lace engine. Adaptive bra 700B adds three lace guides 710 to 700A. One of the additional lace guides 710 is attached to a shoulder strap anchor overlay 730, which distributes forces on the shoulder straps when tensioning the lace cable 705. Adaptive bra 700B also includes a left wing strap 735A and a right wing strap 735B, each of which includes a lace guide 710. The two remaining lace guides 710 added to adaptive bra 700B (compared to 700A) primarily function to guide the lace cable 705 away from exposed tissue. Adaptive bra 700C includes seven lace guides 710 in a slightly different configuration that concentrates adjustment for accommodation in left wing region 735A, right wing region 735B, left underband region 740A, and right underband region 740B (adaptive bra 700C does not include straps or overlays in the wing or underband regions). Adaptive bra 700D, on the other hand, includes reinforced straps or overlays to secure the wing regions, underband region, and shoulder straps. Specifically, adaptive bra 700D includes nine lace guides 710, which are secured to shoulder strap anchor overlays 730, left wing strap 735A, right wing strap 735B, left underband strap 740A, and right underband strap 740B. Adaptive bra 700D is thus configured to adjust support for the underband, wing regions, and shoulder straps, which in turn adjusts compression and support for breast tissue.

[0067] 8A-8B are diagrams of an adaptive bra 800 with multiple automatic adjustment mechanisms (e.g., adaptive engines), according to some exemplary embodiments. In one example, adaptive bra 800A shows a rear support structure including three separate adjustment zones, each containing a separate adaptive engine pocket 835 that holds an adaptive engine for automatic or semi-automatic adjustment. Adaptive bra 800A includes an underband zone with lace cables 805 connected to underband 830 and passing through lower (tail) adaptive engine pockets 835C. This example also includes wing zones in which lace cables 810 are connected to anchors 820 that distribute tension generated in lace cables 810 over a wider area along the sides of adaptive bra 800A. Lace cables 810 are adjusted by a central adaptive engine located within central adaptive engine pocket 835B. Anchors 820 can be pulleys, circular anchors, tubular lace guides, fabric loops, or the like. The gore zone lace cable 810, in this example, is configured as a single lace cable that runs from the lower left anchor across the back of the adaptive bra 800A to the upper right anchor. In other examples, the gore zone lace cable 810 can be configured as three individual lace cables (see FIG. 8B) or other combinations of lace cables. In FIG. 8B, all three individual lace cables 810 pass through the central adaptive engine 840B for simultaneous adjustment. The adaptive bra 800A also includes a shoulder zone with dual lace cables 815 that run from the right shoulder to the left shoulder through the upper (cranial) adaptive engine pocket 835A.

[0068] The adaptive bra 800B shown in FIG. 8B includes lacing (adaptive) engines 840A-840C in adaptive engine pocket 835. Lacing engine 840A functions to adjust shoulder zone lace cables 815, which provides shoulder strap adjustment and additional lift to the front breast contacting area of ​​adaptive bra 800B. Lacing engine 840B adjusts gore zone lace cables 810 to provide compression to the breast contacting area. Lacing engine 840C functions to adjust underband zone lace cables 805, which provides tensile support to the underband of adaptive bra 800B.

[0069] As described in more detail below, racing engines 840A-840C may be operated by manual input (e.g., semi-automatically) or in response to sensor inputs indicative of activity level, tension on racing cables, etc.

[0070] [Shape control] The ability to adjust the shape of the breast-contacting surface is particularly useful in adaptive bras that attempt to provide different levels of support for various breast structures. In several examples described above, adaptive support structures are provided that include the ability to control or adjust the shape of the breast-contacting surface. Adaptive support structures developed for use with dynamic padding systems can be utilized to provide different levels of shape control. Details of dynamic padding systems are described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0140928, entitled "Apparel Article with Dynamic Padding System," which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0071] In one example, the breast contacting surface of the adaptive bra can utilize a variation of the dynamic padding system described in the Dynamic Padding System Application. The control lacing of the dynamic padding system can be routed through an adaptive engine to provide automatic or semi-automatic control of the dynamic shaping structures within the adaptive bra.

[0072] [Adaptive Support Structure - Lacing System] Various adaptive support structures for adaptive bras have been described with reference to Figures 2A-8B. Such adaptive support structures typically include a lacing system that runs through various lace guides, tubes, or fabric anchors. In another example, the lacing system can be embedded in the fabric used to construct the adaptive support garment. Fabrics include knits, wovens, nonwovens, knitted fabrics, etc. For example, the fabric may be configured or fabricated to include tubes or tunnels through which the lace cables of various lacing systems run.

[0073] In examples utilizing knitted fibers, a weft knitting process known as flat knitting (among other knitting processes) can be used to form the knitted components of adaptive support garments. Various functions can be incorporated into the knitted components. For example, the knitted component can define a tube formed from a single knit structure, with strands (lace cables) extending within the tube. As another example, the knitted component can have a pair of at least partially coextensive knit layers formed from a single knit structure, with multiple floats extending between the knitted layers. In some configurations, the knit type or yarn type can vary in different regions of the knitted component to provide various features. Additionally, the knitted component can incorporate thermoplastic yarns that are melted in different regions of the knitted component to provide various features. U.S. Patent No. 8,745,896, entitled "Footwear with Upper Incorporating a Knitted Component," provides detailed information about using knitted fibers to create textile tubes or tunnels for lacing systems. U.S. Patent No. 8,745,896 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0074] The knitting process can be used to telescope the yarns, strands, or cables that can be used in the lacing systems described herein. At least a portion of the cable (yarn or strand) may be telescoped between specific loops of the knitted component by a knitting machine during the manufacture of the knitted component. The cable may be inserted into the knit tube during the knitting process, for example, by a telescope process. For example, a telescope process can include using a telescope feeder or other mechanical telescope device (e.g., a combination feeder) on the knitting machine to place the cable between two needle beds (e.g., a front needle bed and a back needle bed) during the knitting process. An example of a telescope process, along with a combination feeder that enables such a process, is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0145652, published June 13, 2013, in the name of NIKE, Inc., and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Alternatively, the cable may be threaded through the knit tube of the knitted component by hand or other suitable method. The cable may be attached to the rest of the lacing system in a variety of ways (e.g., other than being placed within a tube), such as using an adhesive to secure the cable directly to a support structure or component of the lacing system, as described herein.

[0075] A knitted tube (illustrated, for example, in FIG. 3C and described above) is generally a hollow structure formed by two overlapping, at least partially coextensive layers of knitted material. While the sides or edges of one layer of knitted material forming the tube may be secured to the other layer (e.g., if the two-layer structure extends beyond the tube), the central region is generally unsecured to allow another element (e.g., a cable) to be positioned between the two layers of knitted material and threaded through the tube.

[0076] More specifically, the tube may be formed by a multilayer knit structure, such as a tubular knit structure. The tubular knit structure may be formed by a tubular knitting process in which a first knit layer formed on a first needle bed of a knitting machine remains separable (e.g., unlocked at the center) from a second knit layer formed on a second needle bed for multiple courses. For example, a first layer of the tube, which may define the outer surface of the knitted component, may be formed on a first needle bed of the knitting machine (e.g., single jersey or similar knit structure). A second layer of the tube, which may define the inner surface of the knitted component, may be formed on a second needle bed of the knitting machine (e.g., single jersey or similar knit structure). The edges of the tube (extending along the length of the tube) may correspond to positions where end courses of the tubular knit structure (in the knitting direction) utilize both needle beds, thus locking the first and second layers together (although in some embodiments, individual layers may optionally continue beyond the edges in a secured state). In the resulting knitted component, a channel / tunnel may be formed between the first and second layers of tubing, and the same channel may be used to house cables.

[0077] The yarns, strands, or cables described above may include, for example, embedded strands having a filament (e.g., monofilament), multifilament, twine, yarn, thread, rope, webbing, cable, or chain configuration. The embedded strands may be thicker than the knitted yarns forming the knitted elements, such as the adaptive support garment 10. In some configurations, the embedded strands may have a significantly greater thickness than the knitted yarns of the knitted elements. The cross-sectional shape of the embedded strands may be circular, but may also be triangular, square, rectangular, oval, or irregular. Furthermore, the material forming the embedded strands may include the material of the knitted yarns of the knitted elements, such as cotton, elastane, polyester, rayon, wool, or nylon. As noted above, the embedded strands may exhibit greater stretch resistance than the remainder of the knitted element. Suitable materials for such embedded strands include various engineering filaments used in high-tensile applications, such as glass, aramid (e.g., para-aramid, meta-aramid), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, and liquid crystal polymer. As another example, a polyester yarn braid can also be used as the inlay strand.

[0078] The lacing systems described throughout this disclosure are only a few example arrangements that may provide the desired support within an adaptive support garment. Other lacing structures may be adopted from related garments or footwear. For example, the automatic footwear platform disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2019 / 0116935, entitled "Lacing Structure for Automatic Footwear Platform," and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0110298, entitled "Lacing Structure for Automatic Footwear Platform," both disclose lacing structures that may be adapted for use in adaptive support garments. U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2019 / 0116935 and 2018 / 0110298 are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0079] [Sensor and Control Systems] To effectively and automatically operate an adaptive support garment in response to changes in physical activity, the control system must be able to collect data that indicates how the body structures associated with the adaptive support garment move and / or how parts of the adaptive support garment are stressed. Examples of sensors that can be used to provide the necessary data include motion tracking sensors and force measurement sensors (e.g., strain gauges).

[0080] Force sensors can be embedded in relevant portions of the adaptive support garment, can be separate devices worn by the user, and / or can be incorporated into the adaptive adjustment engine to detect forces applied to support structures within the adaptive support garment. In response to changes in force, various adjustments can be made to counteract such forces. For example, sensors can be used to detect impact forces on the shoulder straps of an adaptive bra. Impact force data can be interpreted to indicate the level of compression or breast tissue isolation that the adaptive bra should provide to the wearer.

[0081] In addition to, or instead of, force sensors embedded in an adaptive support garment, the garment can include stretchable capacitance sensors to monitor increased activity levels. By way of example, an adaptive support garment can include one or more stretchable capacitance sensors in key locations, such as the shoulder straps and underband, as well as in association with anchor points of the various adaptive support structures and lacing systems described herein. The stretchable capacitance sensors can detect athletic motions indicative of the wearer's activity level, and signals from these sensors can be processed by control circuitry described herein to determine the desired support level of the adaptive support garment.

[0082] Further implementation details relating to stretchable capacitive sensors are disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2019 / 0059461, entitled "Sense-Enabled Apparel," the entire contents of which are incorporated herein for all non-limiting purposes. Examples of stretchable capacitive sensors that can be used in accordance with various embodiments are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,958,789 and International Publication No. WO 2014 / 204323 A1, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein for all non-limiting purposes. The control circuit 50 described above can also utilize the sensor input to activate lighting integrated into the adaptive apparel. Lighting can be integrated for safety during nighttime activities.

[0083] In some examples, motion tracking sensors are used to detect the activity level of a wearer of an adaptive support garment. Motion tracking sensors, such as inertial measurement units (IMUs), are capable of tracking up to six degrees of freedom (DOF) and can be applied to various parts of the body structure to provide feedback to the control system monitoring the adaptive support garment. Such sensors are available from Polhemus (https: / / polhemus.com / micro-sensors / ), although similar sensors are also available from other manufacturers. Six-DOF motion sensors can capture both linear and rotational displacement, frequency of movement, and speed of movement with up to six degrees of freedom. In the example of an adaptive bra, sensors associated with the breast structure, particularly the nipple portion of the breast structure, can accurately capture the displacement experienced by the breast structure during movement. Furthermore, because the nipple portion is located at the anterior-most part of the breast tissue, placing the sensors in this location can capture the maximum amount of displacement experienced by the breast structure. A control system within the auto-adaptive bra can utilize this sensor data (e.g., displacement data, frequency, velocity data) to adaptively adjust the support structure to compensate for changes in collected data as activity levels change. The above description is intended to expand and / or enrich the previous description of sensors 25, also referred to throughout this specification as activity sensors.

[0084] [Adaptive Adjustment Engine] Below, we describe an example of a motorized racing engine that is utilized in some of the example adaptive bras described as an adaptive adjustment engine. While this disclosure focuses largely on motorized racing engines, many of the mechanical aspects of the described designs are applicable to human-powered racing engines and other motorized racing engines with greater or lesser capabilities. Thus, the terms "automated" and "adaptive" as used in "adaptive apparel" and "automated apparel platform" do not exclusively refer to systems that operate without user (e.g., manual) input; the term "automatic / adaptive apparel platform" includes a variety of motorized and human-powered, automatically and manually operated mechanisms for the adaptive support systems described herein.

[0085] In one example, the adaptive support system can include or be configured to interface with one or more sensors that can monitor or determine dynamic physical characteristics, such as acceleration or displacement of the breast (e.g., soft tissue). Based on information from the one or more sensors, an adaptive support system including a motorized racing engine (also referred to herein as an adaptive engine), such as one of the adaptive bras described above, can be configured to perform various functions. For example, the sensors can be configured to detect activity levels to which the adaptive support system can respond by adjusting the support structure. In one example, the adaptive apparel includes a processor circuit that can receive or interpret signals from the sensor. The processor circuit can optionally be embedded within or along with the racing engine 900.

[0086] An example racing engine 900 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 9A-9F. Figures 9A-9F illustrate an electric racing engine according to some exemplary embodiments. Note that reference numbers in Figures 9A-9F may overlap with reference numbers used elsewhere in this disclosure. Figure 9A introduces external features of the exemplary racing engine 900, including a housing structure 905, case threads 908, a race channel 910 (also referred to as a race guide relief 910), a race channel wall 912, a race channel transition 914, a spool recess 915, a button opening 920, a button 921, a button membrane seal 924, a programming header 928, a spool 930, and a race groove 932.

[0087] In one example, racing engine 900 is held in place by one or more screws, such as case screws 908. Case screws 908 are located near the primary drive mechanism to increase the structural integrity of racing engine 900. Case screws 908 also function to aid in the assembly process, such as holding the case in place while the exterior seams are ultrasonically welded.

[0088] In this example, the lacing engine 900 includes a lacing channel 910 that accommodates the lacing or lacing cable when incorporated into the self-adaptive garment platform. The lacing channel 910 may include lacing channel walls 912. The lacing channel walls 912 may include chamfered edges to provide a smooth guide surface for the lacing cable to pass through during operation. A portion of the smooth guide surface of the lacing channel 910 may include a channel transition 914, which is a widened portion of the lacing channel 910 that leads to a spool recess 915. The spool recess 915 leads from the channel transition 914 to a generally circular portion that closely matches the profile of the spool 930. The spool recess 915 retains the wound lacing cable and maintains the position of the spool 930. However, in other embodiments, it provides temporary retention for the spool 930. In this example, spool 930 is shaped similarly to half a yo-yo, with raceways 932 running through the flat top surface and a spool shaft 933 (not shown in FIG. 9A) extending downward from the opposite surface.

[0089] The side of racing engine 900 includes a button opening 920 that allows a button 921 that activates a mechanism to extend into housing structure 905. Button 921 provides an external interface for actuating switch 922, which is shown in a later figure. In some examples, housing structure 905 includes a button membrane seal 924 that provides protection from dirt and water. In this example, button membrane seal 924 is a clear plastic (or similar material) up to a few mils (1 / 1000 inch) thick that is glued from the top of housing structure 905 over the corners to the sides. In another example, button membrane seal 924 is a 2 mil thick vinyl adhesive-backed membrane that covers button 921 and button opening 920.

[0090] FIG. 9B illustrates various internal components of racing engine 900, according to an exemplary embodiment. In this example, racing engine 900 further includes spool magnet 136, O-ring seal 938, worm drive 940, bushing 941, worm drive key 942, gearbox 944, gear motor 945, motor encoder 946, motor circuit board 947, worm gear 950, circuit board 960, motor header 961, battery connection 962, and wired charging header 963. Spool magnet 936 helps track the movement of spool 930 through detection by a magnetometer (not shown in FIG. 9B). O-ring seal 938 seals around spool shaft 933 to prevent the entry of dirt and moisture that may otherwise find its way into racing engine 900.

[0091] In this example, the primary drive components of the racing engine 900 include a worm drive 940, a worm gear 950, a gear motor 945, and a gearbox 944. The worm gear 950 backdrives the worm drive 940 and gear motor 945; the large forces coming from the lacing cable via the spool 930 are distributed by the relatively large worm gear and worm drive teeth. This arrangement eliminates the need for gearbox 944 to have gears strong enough to withstand both the dynamic loads from aggressive use of the adaptive garment or the clamping loads from tightening the lacing system. The worm drive 940 includes additional features to protect the more fragile portions of the drive system, such as a worm drive key 942. In this example, the worm drive key 942 is a radial slot on the motor end of the worm drive 940 that interfaces with a pin that passes through the drive shaft and exits the gearbox 944. This arrangement allows the worm drive 940 to move freely axially (away from the gearbox 944) and transfer those axial loads to the bushing 941 and housing structure 905, preventing the worm drive 940 from applying axial forces to the gearbox 944 or gear motor 945.

[0092] FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view of a racing engine 900 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 9C helps explain the structure of a spool 930 as well as how the race grooves 932 and race channel 910 interface with a race cable 931. As shown in this example, the race 931 runs continuously through the race channel 910 and into the race grooves 932 of the spool 930. The cross-sectional view also depicts a race recess 935 and a mid-spool section, which are the areas where the race 931 is wound and accumulated as the spool 930 rotates. The mid-spool section 937 is a circular, reduced-diameter section located below the top surface of the spool 930. The race recess 935 is formed by the spool recess 915, the sides and floor of the spool recess 915, and the top of the spool 930, which extends radially to substantially fill the mid-spool section 937. In some examples, the top of spool 930 may extend beyond spool recess 915. In other examples, spool 930 fits completely within spool recess 915, with a radial portion of the top extending to the sidewall of spool recess 915, allowing spool 930 to rotate freely with spool recess 915. Because race 931 is captured in race groove 932 as it moves across racing engine 900, as spool 930 rotates, race 931 rotates about the body of spool 930 within race recess 935.

[0093] As shown by the cross-sectional view of the racing engine 900, the spool 930 includes a spool shaft 933 that passes through an O-ring 938 before connecting with the worm gear 950. In this example, the spool shaft 933 is connected to the worm gear via a keyed connecting pin 934. In some examples, the keyed connecting pin 934 extends from the spool shaft 933 in only one axial direction and contacts a key on the worm gear such that when the worm gear 950 reverses rotation, the worm gear 950 rotates nearly a full revolution before the keyed connecting pin 934 contacts. A clutch system may also be implemented to connect the spool 930 to the worm gear 950. In such examples, the clutch mechanism can be deactivated to allow the spool 930 to pass freely during delacing. In the example where the keyed contact pin 934 extends only uniaxially from the spool shaft axis 933, the spool is allowed to move freely as the relaxation process begins, while driving the worm gear 950 rearward. Allowing the spool 930 to move freely during the initial delacing process helps prevent tangling of the lace 931 by providing time for the adaptive support garment to react, thus applying tension in a direction that loosens the lace 931 before being driven by the worm gear 950.

[0094] Figure 9D is another cross-sectional view of racing engine 900 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2G shows a more internal cross-section of racing engine 900 compared to Figure 2F, which shows additional components such as circuit board 160, wireless charging interconnect 165, and wireless charging coil 966. Figure 2G is also used to show additional detail around the interface of spool 930 and race 931.

[0095] FIG. 9E is an exploded view of racing engine 900 according to an exemplary embodiment. The exploded view of racing engine 900 illustrates how the various components fit together. FIG. 9E shows racing engine 900 upside down, with bottom section 904 on top and top section 902 on the bottom. In this example, wireless charging coil 966 is shown attached to the exterior (bottom) of bottom section 904. This exploded view also clearly shows how worm drive 940 is assembled with bushing 941, drive shaft 943, gearbox 944, and gear motor 945. This view does not include the drive shaft pin, which is housed in worm drive key 942 at the first end of worm drive 940. As described above, the worm drive 940 slides on the drive shaft 943 and engages with a drive shaft pin in the worm drive key 942, which is a slot running essentially transverse to the drive shaft 943 at a first end of the worm drive 940.

[0096] FIG. 9F is a diagram illustrating a mechanism for securing a race within a spool of a racing engine, according to some exemplary embodiments. In this example, spool 930 of racing engine 900 receives race cable 931 within race groove 932. FIG. 9F shows a race cable with a ferrule and a spool with a race groove that includes a recess that receives the ferrule. In this example, the ferrule is a snap fit (e.g., an interference fit) into the recess, helping to retain the race cable within the spool. Other exemplary spools, such as spool 930, do not include a recess and use other automated components of the adaptive garment to retain the race cable in the spool's race groove. These examples further highlight the need, or at least the usefulness, of an adaptive adjustment engine that can be easily removed from the adaptive garment for cleaning the garment.

[0097] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating components in a powered lacing system for adaptive support garments, according to some exemplary embodiments. System 1000 illustrates basic components of a powered lacing system, including interface buttons, foot presence sensors, a printed circuit board assembly (PCA) with processor circuitry, a battery, a charging coil, an encoder, a motor, a transmission, a spool, etc. In this example, the interface buttons and sensors (such as those described above) communicate with the circuit board (PCA), which in turn communicates with the battery and charging coil. The encoder and motor are also interconnected with the circuit board. A transmission couples the motor to the spool to form a drive mechanism. In adaptive garment applications, sensor inputs are utilized to receive sensor inputs from sensors monitoring body structure parameters (e.g., movement, displacement, velocity, acceleration, etc.) or adaptive garment parameters, rather than foot presence detection, as occurs when a powered lacing system is integrated into a footwear assembly.

[0098] In one example, the processor circuit controls one or more aspects of the drive mechanism. For example, the processor circuit can be configured to receive information from all or any of the buttons, sensors (exemplified as foot presence sensors), batteries, drive mechanism, and encoders, and can be further configured to issue commands to the drive mechanism, such as tightening or loosening the adaptive support garment, capturing or recording sensor information, etc.

[0099] [Adaptive tights] 11A-11E illustrate various adaptive tight configurations, including manual or automatic adaptive adjustments, according to some examples. In one example, adaptive tights 1100A are compression-type athletic tights constructed from a variety of fabrics with different properties. The body fabric (white / solid areas) may be woven, nonwoven, knit, or the like, and has at least enough stretch to comfortably mold to the wearer's body shape. The superstretch fabric (dark gray / heavy patterned areas) is highly stretchable and provides the majority of the built-in compression offered by the tights. In some examples, adaptive tights 1100A also include mesh areas to increase the breathability of the garment.

[0100] The adaptive tights 1100A also include adaptive support structures in the form of laces 1110 and guide tubes 1120. In this example, the laces 1110 are split spiral lacing, with an interior-facing portion along the lower portion (distal to the knee) and an exterior-facing portion along the upper portion (proximal to the knee), and threaded along the rear portion of the waistline to the adjustment mechanism 1130. Split spiral lacing patterns have been found to provide increased springiness during movement. Other lacing patterns can be implemented to provide additional compression or other types of adaptive support. In certain examples, the adjustment mechanism 1130 can be replaced with an adaptive engine, as described above, to automatically control the support structures (e.g., laces 1110 through guide tubes 1120).

[0101] 11B-11D show alternative examples of adaptive tights incorporating various fabric layouts along with compression bands (e.g., horizontal bands of superstretch fabric). For example, adaptive tights 1100C shown in FIG. 11C incorporate webbed compression bands into the tights to provide increased compression in the thigh and calf areas. Adaptive tights 1100D shown in FIG. 11D also include compression bands, but in a different pattern, providing a lower level of compression. In these examples, the compression bands interface with guide tubes 1120 in at least some locations to distribute tension applied to the lace 1110 over a larger area of ​​the garment.

[0102] FIG. 11E shows an example of adaptive tights in use. During an activity such as running, the laces 1110 release when the wearer bends their knees but fully engage when the leg straightens, providing additional support to the leg muscle groups during the corresponding foot strike, then release and provide freedom of movement during leg lift. Thus, the support provided to the wearer varies with their running stride, operating to provide increased support to the legs at moments of need while allowing freedom of movement during times when less support is needed during the running cycle. In some examples, the adaptive engine can be engaged to increase the support variability, further enhancing support during high-impact portions of the running stride. Additionally, the support structure can be modified to achieve higher energy return and improve the wearer's performance.

[0103] The benefit of the dynamic support described above is that it provides additional support during landing, increasing support to the leg masses such as the thighs and calves, and then releases support as the leg lifts after landing, providing freedom of movement as the leg swings back down.

[0104] [Compression sleeve] Sleeves can be used to support exercise and aid in post-exercise recovery. As described herein, sleeves include leg sleeves, arm sleeves, and other tubular garments, such as shirts, pants, tights, and leggings. FIG. 12A illustrates an adaptive compression sleeve according to some exemplary embodiments. In this example, the adaptive compression sleeve 1200A includes laces 1205 running crisscross between a series of lace guides 1210 on either side of an adjustment zone (e.g., the space between the lace guides). The compression sleeve 1200A also includes a zipper 1224 and zipper tab 1222 to facilitate donning the compression sleeve by allowing it to be easily wrapped around a target anatomy, such as the upper or lower leg. The zipper 1224 divides the compression sleeve 1200A into a first half 1220A and a second half 1220B, each half composed primarily of an elastic or non-elastic mesh material. In this example, the first half 1220A and second half 1220B are also joined by an underlayer 1214, which is a layer of fabric that spans both halves and underlies the conditioning zone.

[0105] The adaptive compression sleeve 1200A illustrated here is manually adjusted using laces 1205. However, the adaptive compression sleeve 1200A can incorporate an adaptive adjustment engine to provide automatic or semi-automatic adjustment. As shown in Figures 12B-12E, the automatic adaptive compression sleeve 1200B can be programmed to detect increases in the wearer's physical activity through acceleration or other information provided by an IMU as disclosed herein and respond by automatically increasing compression based on the detected activity level.

[0106] Alternatively, the adaptive compression sleeve 1200B, described below, can be configured to aid recovery by pulsing the compression level or gradually varying the compression level and / or compression location throughout the length of the sleeve. As an example, the compression sleeve 1200B can pulse the compression and / or move the compression location up and down the longitudinal length of the sleeve to promote circulation and reduce recovery time. The adaptive compression sleeve 1200B is controlled by an application running on a smartphone, smartwatch, or a separate standalone computing device that may be embedded within the sleeve or adaptive engine.

[0107] 12B-12E illustrate an adaptive compression / recovery sleeve 1200B including an adaptive engine 1230 for self-adjustment, according to some exemplary embodiments. In this example, the adaptive compression sleeve 1200B includes the following components: a lace cable 1205, a lace cable 1206, an airbag 1208, a lace guide 1210, a lace return guide 1212, a lace guide overlay 1215, a longitudinal stiffener 1216, mesh side panels 1220A / 1220B (also referred to as first half 1220A and second half 1220B, collectively referred to as mesh side panels 1220), and an adaptive engine 1230. The adaptive sleeve 1200B also includes a flared distal end 1226 configured to accommodate a portion of the wearer's body structure, such as the ankle. In certain examples, the adaptive sleeve 1200B includes a full-length zipper along the back (eg, back of the leg) to facilitate easy entry and exit into the sleeve.

[0108] FIG. 12B shows an example of a transtibial adaptive sleeve according to some embodiments. The adaptive sleeve 1200B distributes compressive forces from the adaptive engine 1230 to the top and bottom of the sleeve through a two-zone crisscross lacing pattern that includes lace cables 1205, 1206, each threaded through a series of lace guides 1210. The lower (distal) lacing pattern formed by the lace cable 1206 includes a return loop that runs along the outside of the lacing zone and returns to the top (proximal end) of the adaptive sleeve 1200B through a return guide 1212. The return loop helps distribute pulling forces evenly throughout the sleeve. Both lace cables 1205, 1206 are captured in lace stops 1218, further allowing for manual adjustment. For example, the tension level between the lace cables 1205, 1206 can be adjusted using the lace stops 1218 (also referred to as lace anchors 1218). By varying the relative tension between lace cables 1205 and 1206, an upper lacing zone (e.g., the zone controlled by lace cable 1205) can have different compression characteristics than a lower lacing zone. The relative terms "upper," "top," or "topmost" are generally used to refer to the more proximal end of adaptive sleeve 1200B, while "lower," "lower," or "bottom" are generally used to refer to the more distal end of adaptive sleeve 1200B. FIG. 12B includes proximal and distal references to aid in orientation.

[0109] In this example, both lace cables 1205 and 1206 are fed into an adaptive engine 1230 located midway through the adaptive sleeve 1200B. In other examples, multiple adaptive engines can be used to control individual lacing zones as needed to achieve the desired compression throughout the sleeve. In this example, the lace cable 1205 passes through the adaptive engine 1230 and engages with a lace spool within the adaptive engine. The lace cable 1205 crisscrosses up the sleeve from the adaptive engine 1230 to the proximal end and passes through the lace anchor 1218. The lace cable 1206 also passes through the adaptive engine 1230 and engages with the lace spool parallel to the lace cable 1205. The lace cable 1206 crosses from the adaptive engine 1230 and down the adaptive sleeve 1200B to the distal end, where each end of the lace cable 1206 passes around the lacing (e.g., adjustment zone) and returns through the return guide 1212 to the proximal end. In this example, the adjustment zone is defined by the boundaries of the longitudinal stiffeners 1216. In other examples, the adjustment zone can be defined by other structures, such as the boundaries of the lace guide overlay 1215. In this example, the return guide 1212 is formed from fabric loops or tunnels as described above. In other examples, the return guide 1212 can be a plastic lace guide or similar lace routing structure known in the art.

[0110] In this example, the lace guide overlay 2015 is a longitudinal strip of reinforcing fabric extending inward from two longitudinal reinforcements 2016 toward a throat, which is the open space between a series of lace guides that runs the majority of the longitudinal length of the adaptive sleeve 1200B. The longitudinal reinforcements 2016 help the sleeve 1200B maintain its shape and ensure that lace cable loads are evenly distributed by the mesh side panels 1220. The throat (not specifically shown) is the area between the lace guide overlays 2015 that contains (or exposes) at least a portion of the airbag 1208. The airbag 1208, in this example, functions to distribute lace cable forces and protect the wearer's shins. In this example, the airbag 1208 contains a volume of air that is either pre-filled or inflated by the user as part of the donning process. Sleeves designed for use on the upper thigh may not include airbag 1208 because there is no rigid body structure to protect from point pressures caused by the sleeve's lacing (e.g., lacing cables 1205 and 1206). In an alternative example, airbag 1208 is replaced with a rigid or semi-rigid plastic shield that acts to distribute lacing forces.

[0111] 12C is a side view of the adaptive sleeve that better illustrates the lace return guide 1212 and a portion of the return path of the lace cable 1206. The side view also shows how the lace return guide 1212 is positioned adjacent to the side edge of the longitudinal support 1216. In this example, the longitudinal support 2016 is a fabric material coated with plastic; in other examples, the longitudinal support 2016 is a rigid or semi-rigid structure embedded between layers of fabric (see FIG. 12E below).

[0112] 12D illustrates an embodiment of an exemplary adaptive engine 1230 incorporated into an adaptive support sleeve 1200B. In these examples, the adaptive engine 1230 includes components such as a housing 1232, a race spool lid 1234, a lid latch 1235, a lid hinge 1236, and a lid race guide 1238. As noted above, the adaptive engine 1230 is similar to the adaptive engine described above with reference to FIGS. 9A-9E; however, the following describes several adaptations made to this exemplary adaptive compression sleeve.

[0113] The housing 1232 is designed to hold an adaptive engine as described above. The housing 1232 includes recesses (or cutouts) on either side of the housing 1232 to accommodate lid hinges 1236. The race spool lid 1234 also includes a lid latch 1235 that mates with a complementary feature on the housing 1232. In this example, the lid latch 1235 includes a chamfered protrusion that fits into a recess in the vertical wall of the housing 1232. The race spool lid 1234 guides the race cables to the race spools within the adaptive engine 1230, allowing for automatic changes in the effective length of the race cables (e.g., race cables 1205 and 1206). The race spool lid 1234 also includes race guides 1238 on each side edge that guide the race cables into position to engage the race spools.

[0114] 12E is a diagram illustrating a cross section of an adaptive compression sleeve, according to some exemplary embodiments. In this example, the adaptive sleeve 1200B includes an airbag 1208, a race guide overlay 1215, a longitudinal stiffener 1216, a rigid or semi-rigid baton 1217, mesh side panels 1220, an adaptive engine 1230, a notch 1232, and a pressure sensor 1240. The cross section of the longitudinal stiffener 1216 shows an example of the longitudinal stiffener 1216 including the rigid or semi-rigid baton 1217 sandwiched between layers of the adaptive sleeve 1200B. In some examples, the baton 1217 is replaceable from a pocket formed in the longitudinal stiffener 1216.

[0115] The cross-sectional view also shows an example of the cross-sectional shape of the airbag 1208, which includes a notch 1232 to accommodate the adaptive engine 1230. The notch 1232 may occur only in the area of ​​the adaptive engine 1230. The airbag 1208 also includes a pressure sensor 1240 that provides information regarding the air pressure within the airbag 1208, which can be used to determine the compression applied by the adaptive sleeve 1200B.

[0116] 12F illustrates a posterior view of an adaptive sleeve 1200B, according to some exemplary embodiments. In this example, the adaptive sleeve 1200B includes a zipper 1224, which is a longitudinal zipper that runs the length of the adaptive sleeve. The zipper 1224 includes a zipper tab 1222 and divides the mechanical side panel 1220 into a first half 1220A and a second half 1220B. The adaptive sleeve 1200B also includes a flared distal end 1226 configured to accommodate a wearer's anatomy, such as the ankle.

[0117] 12G is a diagram of a full leg recovery system 1250 including multiple adaptive compression sleeves and footwear assemblies, according to some exemplary embodiments. In this example, recovery system 1250 includes an upper thigh adaptive compression sleeve 1252, a lower thigh adaptive compression sleeve 1254, and an adaptive footwear assembly 1256. The system is controlled by an application running on a computing device such as a smartwatch 30 or smartphone 35.

[0118] In this example, the adaptive compression sleeves and footwear assemblies are configured to provide varying levels of compression to promote post-exercise recovery. The compression and release of each adaptive device in system 1250 can be controlled via an application with pre-programmed sequences and / or user-defined routines. For example, system 1250 can be arranged to instruct footwear assembly 1256 to compress, followed a number of seconds later by lower leg adaptive compression sleeve 1254, then upper leg adaptive compression sleeve 1252. This sequence can be reversed, repeated, or reordered as needed to achieve a desired recovery strategy.

[0119] As described above, the adaptive engine controlling each adaptive compression device in recovery system 1250 may communicate via wireless communication with a controller (such as smartwatch 30 or smartphone 35 in these examples) that may control the compression and release sequence to correspond to a predefined protocol or a user-generated sequence.

[0120] 13A is a flowchart illustrating a technique for operating an adaptive compression garment, according to some exemplary embodiments. In this example, technique 1300 may include the following operations: initiating control circuitry at 1305, receiving a sequence selection at 1320, sending a command at 1325, and operating an adaptive engine at 1330. Optionally, technique 1300 may also include operations such as displaying compression sequence options at 1310 and modifying the compression sequence(s) at 1315. Further, in technique 1300, operating the adaptive engine may optionally include actuating a lacing system at 1332 and manipulating a lacing spool at 1334.

[0121] In this example, technique 1300 initiates operation of a control circuit, such as control circuit 50, at 1305. The control circuit is a dedicated circuit or application running on a computing device, such as a wearable computing device. The control circuit operates an adaptive compression garment, such as adaptive compression sleeve 1200B described above. At 1310, the control circuit optionally continues to generate a display of available compression sequences for a user to select from. Also optionally included is modifying the compression sequence at 1315. The control circuit may also generate a user interface that allows a user to modify or create a compression sequence. A compression sequence typically includes a series of compression and release commands with associated delays.

[0122] The technique 1300 continues at 1320 with receiving a compression sequence selection at the control circuitry. The selected compression sequence is implemented by the adaptive compression garment. At 1325, the control circuitry sends a command to the adaptive engine to implement the selected compression sequence. At 1330, the adaptive engine executes the received command to implement the selected compression sequence. Operation of the adaptive engine includes attaching a lacing system to the adaptive compression garment at 1332 and manipulating lace spools in the adaptive engine to change the effective length of lace cables in the lacing system. Changing the effective length of one or more lacing cables can apply or remove compression.

[0123] 13B is a flowchart illustrating a recovery technique using an adaptive compression recovery system, according to some exemplary embodiments. Technique 1350 details an example of operating a recovery system including multiple adaptive compression garments, as described above with reference to FIG. 12G. In this example, technique 1300B may include operations such as activating a control circuit at 1355, receiving and / or processing a selection of a recovery sequence at 1370, sending an adjustment command at 1375, operating a first adaptive garment at 1380, operating a second adaptive garment at 1385, and optionally operating an adaptive footwear assembly at 1390. Optionally, technique 1350 also includes displaying recovery sequence options at 1360 and modifying or creating a recovery sequence at 1365.

[0124] The technique 1350 initiates operation of a control circuit, such as operation of an application running on the smartwatch 30 or smartphone 35 that controls the adaptive compression garments in the system, at 1355. The control circuit optionally continues, at 1360, with displaying recovery sequence options for the user to select. The control circuit optionally continues, at 1365, with generating an interface that allows the user to modify or create a recovery sequence. The control circuit (e.g., an application running on the smartwatch 30 or smartphone 35) continues, at 1370, with receiving and / or processing the selected recovery sequence. Processing the selected recovery sequence includes generating a series of coordination commands that perform coordinated compression and release actions on the adaptive compression garments in the adaptive recovery system. Coordination between the adaptive compression garments includes, for example, timing of actions.

[0125] At 1375, the control circuitry then sends the adjusted commands to each adaptive compression garment in the adaptive recovery system. Technique 1350 then performs an adjustment operation on the first adaptive garment at 1380, an adjustment operation on the second adaptive garment at 1385, and optionally an adjustment operation on the adaptive footwear at 1390. As an example, an adjustment operation on the adaptive compression garment may include compressing adaptive footwear assembly 1256, X seconds later compressing adaptive compression sleeve 1254, and X seconds later compressing adaptive compression sleeve 1252. In an exemplary sequence, adaptive compression sleeve 1252 may be released, followed by adaptive compression sleeve 1254, followed by adaptive compression sleeve 1256. The compression releases may include short delays between each release, as well as delays between compressions. Sequences may include pulse compression and other more complex interactions.

[0126] FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating components of a machine 1300 (e.g., a computing device) capable of reading instructions from a machine-readable medium (e.g., a machine-readable storage medium) and performing any one or more of the methodologies (techniques) described herein, according to some exemplary embodiments. Specifically, FIG. 14 is a schematic representation of a machine 1400 in the exemplary form of a computer system, within which instructions 1416 (e.g., software, programs, applications, applets, apps, or other executable code) are executed to cause the machine 1400 to perform any one or more of the methodologies described herein. For example, the instructions cause the machine to perform the flows of FIGS. 1D, 12G, and 13. Additionally or alternatively, the instructions implement aspects of the system, including the control circuitry 50, as well as aspects of the adaptive engine 15. The instructions also implement functionality described as belonging to or operating on the smartwatch 30 or smartphone 35. The instructions transform a general, unprogrammed machine into a specific machine programmed to perform the functions described and illustrated in the manner described. In alternative embodiments, machine 1400 may operate as a stand-alone device or may be coupled (e.g., networked) to other machines. In a network deployment, machine 1400 may operate as a server machine or a client machine in server-client network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment.The machine 1400 may be, but is not limited to, a server computer, a client computer, a personal computer (PC), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a netbook, a set-top box (STB), a personal digital assistant (PDA), an entertainment media system, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a mobile device, a wearable device (e.g., a smart watch), a smart home device (e.g., a smart appliance), other smart device, a web appliance, a network router, a network switch, a network bridge, or any machine capable of executing instructions 1416, sequentially or otherwise, that specify actions to be performed by the machine 1400. Furthermore, although only one machine 1400 is illustrated, the term “machine” shall also be considered to include a collection of machines 1400 that individually or collectively execute instructions 1416 to perform any one or more of the methodologies described herein.

[0127] Machine 1400 may include processor 1410, memory 1430, and I / O components 1450, which may be configured to communicate with each other via a bus 1402 or the like. In an exemplary embodiment, processor 1410 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a reduced instruction set computing (RISC) processor, a complex instruction set computing (CISC) processor, a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a radio-frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), other processor, or any suitable combination thereof) may include, for example, processors 1412 and 1414 capable of executing instructions 1416. The term "processor" is intended to include multi-core processors consisting of two or more independent processors (sometimes referred to as "cores") capable of executing instructions concurrently. Although FIG. 14 shows multiple processors, machine 1400 may include one processor with one core, one processor with multiple cores (e.g., a multi-core process), multiple processors with one core, multiple processors with multiple cores, or any combination thereof.

[0128] Memory / storage 1430 may include memory 1432, such as main memory, or other memory storage and storage units 1436, both of which are accessible to processor 1410, such as via bus 1402. Storage units 1436 and memory 1432 store instructions 1416 that embody any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein. The instructions 1416 may also reside, completely or partially, within memory 1432, within storage units 1436, within at least one processor 1410 (e.g., within a processor's cache memory), or a combination thereof while being executed by machine 1400. Thus, memory 1432, storage units 1436, and memory of processor 1410 are examples of machine-readable media.

[0129] As used herein, “machine-readable medium” means a device capable of temporarily or permanently storing instructions and data, including, but not limited to, random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), buffer memory, flash memory, optical media, magnetic media, cache memory, other types of storage (such as erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM)), and / or any suitable combination thereof. The term “machine-readable medium” is intended to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, or associated caches and servers) capable of storing instructions 1416. The term “machine-readable medium” is also intended to include any medium, or combination of media, capable of storing instructions (e.g., instructions 1416) for execution by a machine (e.g., machine 1400), which, when executed by one or more processors (e.g., processor 1410) of machine 1400, cause machine 1400 to perform any one or more of the methods described herein. Thus, a "machine-readable medium" refers to a single storage device or device, as well as a "cloud-based" storage system or storage network that includes multiple storage devices or devices. The term "machine-readable medium" excludes the signal itself.

[0130] The I / O components 1450 may include a wide variety of components that receive input, provide output, generate output, transmit information, exchange information, capture measurements, etc. The specific I / O components 1450 included in a particular machine will vary depending on the type of machine. For example, a portable machine such as a mobile phone may include a touch input device or other such input mechanism, while a headless server machine may not include such a touch input device. It will be understood that the I / O components 1450 may include many other components not shown in FIG. 14 . The I / O components 1450 are grouped according to function solely to simplify the following description, and the grouping is in no way limiting. In various exemplary embodiments, the I / O components 1450 may include output components 1452 and input components 1454. The output components 1452 may include visual components (e.g., displays such as a plasma display panel (PDP), light emitting diode (LED) display, liquid crystal display (LCD), projector, or cathode ray tube (CRT)), acoustic components (e.g., speakers), tactile components (e.g., vibration motors, resistance mechanisms), other signal generators, etc. The input components 1454 may include alphanumeric input components (e.g., a keyboard, a touchscreen configured to receive alphanumeric input, an optical keyboard, or other alphanumeric input component), point-based input components (e.g., a mouse, touchpad, trackball, joystick, motion sensor, other pointing device, etc.), tactile input components (e.g., physical buttons, a touchscreen that provides the location and force of a touch or touch gesture, or other tactile input component), and audio input components (e.g., a microphone).

[0131] In further exemplary embodiments, the I / O components 1450 may include a biometric component 1456, a motion component 1458, an environmental component 1460, or a position component 1462, among a wide range of other components. In a particular example, the I / O components include the sensors 25 described above. In one example, the biometric component 1456 may include a component that detects facial expressions (e.g., hand expressions, facial expressions, vocal expressions, body gestures, or eye tracking), a component that measures biosignals (e.g., blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, sweat, or brain waves), a component that identifies a person (e.g., voice identification, retinal identification, face identification, fingerprint identification, or brainwave-based identification), etc. The motion component 1458 may include an acceleration sensor component (e.g., an accelerometer), a gravity sensor component, a rotation sensor component (e.g., a gyroscope), etc. The environmental components 1460 may include, for example, a lighting sensor component (e.g., a light meter), a temperature sensor component (e.g., one or more thermometers that detect ambient temperature), a humidity sensor component, a pressure sensor component (e.g., a barometer), an acoustic sensor component (e.g., one or more microphones that detect background noise), a proximity sensor component (e.g., an infrared sensor that detects nearby objects), a gas sensor (e.g., a gas detection sensor that detects hazardous gas concentrations for safety purposes or measures pollutants in the air), or other components that may provide an indication, measurement, or signal corresponding to the surrounding physical environment. The position component 1462 may include a position sensor component (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS) receiving mechanism component), an altitude sensor component (e.g., an altimeter or barometer that detects air pressure from which altitude can be derived), a direction sensor component (e.g., a magnetic system), etc. All of the various I / O components 1450 described herein can be incorporated into the system 1 described above, and the data output from these various I / O components can be used within the adaptive support system techniques described in FIGS. 1D, 12G, and 13.

[0132] Communication can be implemented using a wide variety of technologies. I / O component 1450 may include a communication component 1464 operable to couple machine 1400 to network 1480 or device 1470 via couplings 1482 and 1472, respectively. For example, communication component 1464 may include a network interface component or other suitable device for interfacing with network 1480. In further examples, communication component 1464 may include a wired communication component, a wireless communication component, a cellular communication component, a near field communication (NFC) component, a Bluetooth® component (e.g., Bluetooth® Low Energy), a Wi-Fi® component, and other communication components providing communication via other modalities. Device 1470 may be another machine or a wide variety of peripheral devices (e.g., a peripheral device coupled via Universal Serial Bus (USB)).

[0133] Additionally, the communication component 1464 may detect an identifier or may include a component operable to detect an identifier. For example, the communication component 1464 may include a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag reading component, an NFC smart tag detection component, an optical reading component (e.g., an optical sensor for detecting one-dimensional barcodes such as Universal Product Code (UPC) barcodes, multidimensional barcodes such as Quick Response (QR) codes, Aztec codes, Data Matrix, Dataglyph, MaxiCode, PDF417, Ultra Code, UCC RSS-2D barcodes, or other optical codes), or an acoustic detection component (e.g., a microphone for identifying tagged audio signals). Additionally, various information can be derived via the communication component 1464, such as location information via Internet Protocol (IP) geolocation, Wi-Fi signal triangulation, or NFC beacon signal detection, which may indicate a specific location.

[0134] [Transmission means] In various exemplary embodiments, one or more portions of network 1480 may be an ad-hoc network, an intranet, an extranet, a virtual private network (VPN), a local area network (LAN), a wireless LAN (WLAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wireless WAN (WWAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a portion of the Internet, a portion of a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), a Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) network, a cellular network, a wireless network, a Wi-Fi network, another type of network, or a combination of two or more such networks. For example, network 1480 or a portion of network 1480 may include a wireless or cellular network, and coupling 1482 may be a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) connection, a Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) connection, or other type of cellular or wireless coupling.In this example, coupling 1482 may implement Single Carrier Radio Transmission Technology (1xRTT), Evolution-Data Optimized (EVDO) technology, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) technology, Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) technology, third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), fourth generation (4G) wireless networks, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Long Term Evolution (LTE) standards, other standards defined by various standards-setting bodies, other long-range protocols, or other data transfer technologies.

[0135] The instructions 1416 may be received and transmitted over the network 1480 using a transmission medium via a network interface device (e.g., a network interface component included in the communications component 1464) and utilizing any one of many well-known transfer protocols (e.g., Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)). Similarly, the instructions 1416 may be transmitted and received using a transmission medium to a device 1470 via a coupling 1472 (e.g., a peer-to-peer coupling). The term "transmission medium" is intended to include any intangible medium capable of storing, encoding, or transmitting the instructions 1416 executed by the machine 1400, including digital or analog communications signals or other intangible media that facilitate the communication of such software.

[0136] 〔postscript〕

[0137] Throughout this specification, multiple instances may perform components, operations, or structures described as a single instance. Although individual operations in one or more methods are illustrated and described as separate operations, one or more of the individual operations may be performed simultaneously and need not be performed in the order illustrated. In example configurations, structures and functions presented as separate components may be implemented as combined structures or components. Similarly, structures and functions presented as a single component may be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are within the scope of the subject matter of this specification.

[0138] Although the scope of the inventive subject matter has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader scope of the disclosed embodiments. Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter, individually or collectively, may be referred to simply by the term "invention" for convenience, and where in fact more than one is disclosed, without intentionally attempting to limit the scope of this application to any one disclosure or inventive concept.

[0139] The embodiments set forth herein are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the teachings disclosed. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not to be construed in a limiting sense, and the scope of the various embodiments includes the full range of equivalents to which the disclosed subject matter is entitled.

[0140] As used herein, the term "or" may be interpreted in either an inclusive or exclusive sense. Furthermore, multiple instances may be provided for resources, operations, or structures described herein as a single instance. Moreover, boundaries between various resources, operations, modules, engines, and data stores are somewhat arbitrary, and specific operations are described in the context of specific exemplary configurations. Other allocations of functionality are contemplated and may be included within the scope of various embodiments of the present disclosure. In general, structures or functions presented as separate resources in an exemplary configuration may also be implemented as a combination of structures or resources. Similarly, structures or functions presented as a single resource may also be implemented as separate resources. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are within the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure, as defined by the appended claims. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative sense, and not in a restrictive sense.

[0141] Each of these non-limiting examples can stand alone or can be combined with one or more of the other examples in various permutations or combinations.

[0142] Example 1 is an adaptive support garment configured to support a portion of a body structure, the adaptive support garment comprising an adaptive support structure incorporated into the adaptive support garment and configured to adjust the portion of the adaptive support garment, and an adaptive engine coupled to the adaptive support structure and actuating the adjustment of the portion of the adaptive support garment.

[0143] In Example 2, which includes the subject matter of Example 1, the adaptive support structure comprises a lacing system.

[0144] In Example 3, which includes the subject matter of Examples 1 and 2, the lacing system includes a lacing cable that passes through a plurality of lacing guides to adjust a portion of the adaptive support garment.

[0145] In Example 4, which includes the subject matter of Examples 1-3, the adaptive engine operates to adjust the effective length of the lace cable.

[0146] In Example 5, which includes the subject matter of Examples 1-4, the adaptive engine includes a motor and a control system to automatically or semi-automatically adjust the adaptive support structure.

[0147] In Example 6, which includes the subject matter of Examples 1-5, a sensor is placed relative to a portion of a body configuration to monitor a parameter of the portion of the body configuration.

[0148] In Example 7, which includes the subject matter of Example 6, the sensor monitors a parameter indicative of at least one of displacement, acceleration, velocity, and movement of a body member.

[0149] In Example 8, which includes the subject matter of Examples 1-7, the adaptive engine includes a motor and a control system, the control system configured to control the motor in response to information received from the sensor.

[0150] In Example 9, which includes the subject matter of Examples 1-8, the adaptive support garment is a brassiere that includes shoulder straps, a breast contact surface, and an underband.

[0151] In Example 10, which includes the subject matter of Examples 1-9, the adaptive support structure comprises lacing connecting to at least one of the shoulder straps, the breast contacting surface, and the underband.

[0152] In Example 11, which includes the subject matter of Examples 1-10, the adaptive support structure includes a rear lacing system coupled to the right and left wing portions to provide gore compression.

[0153] In Example 12, which includes the subject matter of Examples 1-11, the rear lacing system comprises a crisscross lacing pattern running between the right and left wings of the brassiere.

[0154] In Example 13, which includes the subject matter of Examples 1-12, the rear lacing system comprises lacing connected to the rear base of the shoulder strap.

[0155] In Example 14, which includes the subject matter of Examples 1-13, the rear lacing system includes lacing that extends to the shoulder straps and connects to an upper portion of the breast contacting surface.

[0156] In Example 15, which includes the subject matter of Examples 1-14, the adaptive support structure comprises lacing connected to the underband.

[0157] In Example 16, which includes the subject matter of Examples 1-15, the adaptive support structure comprises an anterior lacing system extending between the breast contacting surfaces.

[0158] In Example 17, which includes the subject matter of Examples 1-16, the anterior lacing system includes lacing that creates a crisscross lacing pattern between a plurality of lace guides along the central edge of each breast contacting surface.

[0159] In Example 18, which includes the subject matter of Examples 1-17, the front lacing system includes lacing extending through lace guides located on a portion of each shoulder strap.

[0160] In Example 19, which includes the subject matter of Examples 1-18, the adaptive support structure includes a lacing system passing through a plurality of lace guides positioned adjacent a portion of the adaptive support garment.

[0161] In Example 20, which includes the subject matter of Examples 1-19, at least some of the plurality of lace guides include pulleys that pass through a portion of the lacing system.

[0162] Example 21 is an adaptive support garment configured to support a portion of a body structure, the adaptive support garment comprising an adaptive support structure incorporated into the adaptive support garment and configured to adjust the portion of the adaptive support garment, and an adaptive engine including a motor and a control system, coupled to the adaptive support structure, and configured to automatically adjust the portion of the adaptive support garment.

[0163] Example 22 is an adaptive support system comprising: an adaptive support garment configured to support a portion of a body configuration; an adaptive support structure incorporated into the adaptive support garment configured to adjust a first portion of the adaptive support garment relative to a second portion of the adaptive support garment; a sensor positioned relative to the portion of the body configuration and monitoring parameters related to the portion of the body configuration; and an adaptive engine coupled to the adaptive support structure and configured to adjust the first portion of the adaptive support garment based at least in part on data received from the sensor.

[0164] Example 23 is an adaptive support apparel system comprising: an activity sensor that monitors a user's activity; an adaptive support garment including an adaptive support system incorporated into the adaptive support garment and an adaptive engine coupled to the adaptive support system that automatically adjusts portions of the adaptive support garment through operation of the adaptive support system; and a control circuit configured to send commands to the adaptive engine in response to input received from the activity sensor.

[0165] In Example 24, which includes the subject matter of Example 23, the control circuitry is configured to select a predefined activity classification based on data received from the activity sensor.

[0166] In Example 25, which includes the subject matter of Examples 23 and 24, the predefined activity categories include high impact and comfort.

[0167] In example 26, including the subject matter of examples 23-25, the control circuitry is further configured to determine a support level based on the selected predefined activity classification.

[0168] In Example 27, which includes the subject matter of Examples 23-26, the adaptive engine adjusts the adaptive support system based on control commands received from the control circuitry in response to the determined support level.

[0169] In Example 28, which includes the subject matter of Examples 23-27, the activity sensor is embedded within a footwear assembly.

[0170] In Example 29, which includes the subject matter of Examples 23-28, the activity sensor is configured to detect a footstrike activity.

[0171] In example 30, which includes the subject matter of examples 23-29, the control circuitry is configured to receive footstrike activity data from the activity sensor and calculate a predefined activity classification based on the footstrike activity data.

[0172] In Example 31, which includes the subject matter of Examples 23-30, the activity sensor is an inertial measurement unit (IMU).

[0173] In Example 32, which includes the subject matter of Examples 23-31, activity sensors are embedded within an adaptive support garment.

[0174] In Example 33, which includes the subject matter of Examples 23 to 32, the activity sensor is configured to detect soft tissue movement.

[0175] In Example 34, which includes the subject matter of Examples 23-33, the adaptive support garment is a brassiere and the activity sensor is located on a portion of the breast contacting surface.

[0176] In Example 35, which includes the subject matter of Examples 23-34, the adaptive support garment is a brassiere and the activity sensors are located on portions of the shoulder straps.

[0177] In Example 36, which includes the subject matter of Examples 23 to 35, the activity sensor includes at least one of the following: an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, a global positioning sensor (GPS), a heart rate monitor, a temperature sensor, and a strain gauge.

[0178] In Example 37, which includes the subject matter of Examples 23-36, the control circuitry is located within a computing device that includes the display and communication circuitry.

[0179] In example 38, which includes the subject matter of examples 23-37, the communication circuitry is configured to wirelessly send commands to the adaptive engine.

[0180] In Example 39, which includes the subject matter of Examples 23-38, the computing device is a smartwatch, a smartphone, or a heart rate monitor.

[0181] In Example 40, which includes the subject matter of Examples 23-39, the adaptive support system includes lacing that connects individual portions of the adaptive support garment, and the lacing can adjust the relative positions of the individual portions of the adaptive support garment to create various support characteristics.

[0182] In Example 41, which includes the subject matter of Examples 23-40, the adaptive support system includes a plurality of lace guides for routing lacing to individual locations on the adaptive support garment.

[0183] In Example 42, which includes the subject matter of Examples 23-41, at least a portion of the lacing is coupled to a lacing spool component of the adaptive engine, allowing the adaptive engine to vary the effective length of the lacing.

[0184] In example 43, which includes the subject matter of examples 23-42, the control circuitry is configured to analyze data received from the activity sensor and determine whether to adjust an adaptive support system incorporated in the adaptive support garment.

[0185] In Example 44, which includes the subject matter of Examples 23-43, when it is determined that an adjustment of the adaptive support system is necessary, an adjustment command is sent to the adaptive engine to make the adjustment.

[0186] Example 45 is an adaptive support apparel system comprising: an activity sensor that monitors a parameter indicative of a user's activity level; an adaptive support garment including an adaptive support system incorporated into the adaptive support garment and an adaptive engine coupled to the adaptive support system and configured to adjust a first portion of the adaptive support garment relative to a second portion of the adaptive support garment by operation of the adaptive support system; and a control circuit configured to send commands to the adaptive engine in response to input received from the activity sensor.

[0187] Example 46 is an adaptive support apparel system comprising: an adaptive support garment including an adaptive support system incorporated into the adaptive support garment; and an adaptive engine coupled to the adaptive support system that adjusts a first portion of the adaptive support garment relative to a second portion of the adaptive support garment by operation of the adaptive support system; and a control circuit configured to control the adaptive engine in response to received input indicative of a user's activity level.

[0188] In Example 47, which includes the subject matter of Example 46, the wearable computing device includes a user interface configured to receive input indicating a user's activity level, and the control circuit is configured to receive the activity level from the wearable computing device.

[0189] In example 48, which includes the subject matter of examples 46 and 47, the activity sensor monitors activity of a user, and the control circuitry is configured to process input received from the activity sensor to control the adaptive engine.

[0190] In Example 49, which includes the subject matter of Examples 46-47, the control circuitry sends a predefined support level command to the adaptive engine based on input received from the activity sensor.

[0191] In example 50, which includes the subject matter of examples 46-49, a predefined activity category is selected based on activity level data received from an activity sensor.

[0192] In Example 51, which includes the subject matter of Examples 46-50, the predefined activity classification is selected from the group of low, moderate, increasing, and high activity levels.

[0193] In Example 52, which includes the subject matter of Examples 46-51, a support level is determined based on a selected predefined activity category.

[0194] In Example 53, which includes the subject matter of Examples 46-52, the adjustment of a portion of the adaptive support garment is based on a control command received from a control circuit in response to the determined level of support.

[0195] In Example 54, which includes the subject matter of Examples 46-53, activity level data is received by the control circuitry via a wireless communication link with the activity sensor housed in the footwear assembly.

[0196] In Example 55, which includes the subject matter of Examples 46-54, footstrike activity is extracted from activity level data from an activity sensor.

[0197] In Example 56, which includes the subject matter of Examples 46-55, a predefined activity classification is calculated based on footstrike activity extracted from activity level data.

[0198] In Example 57, which includes the subject matter of Examples 46-56, the activity level is calculated based on activity level data from the activity sensor including at least one of acceleration data, angular velocity data, and orientation data.

[0199] In Example 58, which includes the subject matter of Examples 46-57, a predefined activity category is selected based on the calculated activity level.

[0200] In Example 59, which includes the subject matter of Examples 46-57, the automatic adjustment of a portion of the adaptive support garment is based at least in part on the calculated activity level.

[0201] In example 60, which includes the subject matter of examples 46-59, activity level data is received by the control circuitry via a communications link, with the adaptive support garment including an activity sensor.

[0202] In example 61, which includes the subject matter of examples 46-60, receiving activity level data includes receiving soft tissue motion data from activity sensors embedded in the adaptive support garment.

[0203] In example 62, which includes the subject matter of examples 46-61, the activity level data is received by the control circuitry via a communications link with a heart rate monitor, and receiving the activity level data includes receiving heart rate data.

[0204] In Example 63, which includes the subject matter of Examples 46-62, the activity level data is received by the control circuitry via a communications link with a global positioning sensor (GPS), and receiving the activity level data includes receiving at least one of position data, velocity data, and acceleration data.

[0205] In Example 64, which includes the subject matter of Examples 46-63, automatically adjusting portions of the adaptive support garment includes manipulating a lacing system connecting separate portions of the adaptive support garment, the lacing system being adjustable to change the relative positions of the separate portions of the adaptive support garment to create different support characteristics.

[0206] In example 65, inclusive of the subject matter of examples 46-64, operating the lacing system includes operating an adaptive engine to change the effective length of at least a portion of the lacing system.

[0207] In Example 66, which includes the subject matter of Examples 46-65, operating the adaptive engine to vary the effective length includes rotating a lacing spool coupled to a portion of the lacing system.

[0208] Example 67 is a method for dynamically adapting a support apparel system including an adaptive support garment and a control circuit, the method including receiving an activity level indicator in the control circuit; sending a control command to an adaptive engine incorporated in the adaptive support garment; and automatically adjusting a portion of the adaptive support garment based on the adaptive engine operating an adaptive support structure within the adaptive support garment in response to the control command.

[0209] In Example 68, which includes the subject matter of Example 67, the method includes monitoring a user's activity level with an activity sensor, and receiving the activity level indicator includes receiving activity level data generated by the activity sensor.

[0210] In Example 69, including the subject matter of Examples 67-68, receiving the activity level indicator includes receiving a support level selection from the control circuitry.

[0211] In Example 70, which includes the subject matter of Examples 67-69, the selection of the support level is obtained from input received by the control circuit from a user interface adapted to receive input from the wearer.

[0212] In Example 71, which includes the subject matter of Examples 67-70, receiving the activity level indicator includes receiving activity data from an activity sensor disposed within the footwear assembly and processing the activity data on the control circuitry to determine the activity level indicator.

[0213] In example 72, which includes the subject matter of examples 67-71, the method includes extracting one or more step metrics from activity level data from the activity sensor.

[0214] In Example 73, which includes the subject matter of Examples 67-72, the method includes calculating an activity level indicator based on one or more step metrics extracted from the activity level data.

[0215] In example 74, which includes the subject matter of examples 67-73, sending the control command includes determining a support level for the adaptive support garment based on the activity level indicator.

[0216] Example 75 is an adaptive support garment comprising a support structure configured to encase a wearer's body structure and provide compression to a portion of the body structure; a plurality of lace guides disposed on the support structure; lace cables extending through the lace guides and forming a lacing pattern on the lace area of ​​the support structure and around a portion of the circumference of the portion of the support structure; and an adaptive engine coupled to the support structure and engaging with the lace cables, wherein the adaptive engine is configured to increase or decrease tension on the lace cables to increase or decrease compression of the support structure.

[0217] In Example 76, which includes the subject matter of Example 75, the lacing pattern includes lacing cables that run entirely around the perimeter of the lacing region of the support structure.

[0218] In Example 77, which includes the subject matter of Examples 75-76, the lace guide includes a plurality of tubular lace guides arranged along the periphery, and the lace cables extend through the tubular lace guides.

[0219] In Example 78, which includes the subject matter of Examples 75-77, an adaptive engine is positioned within a racing region of a support structure.

[0220] In Example 78, which includes the subject matter of Examples 75-78, an adaptive engine is positioned across the center of the racing region of the support structure.

[0221] In Example 80, which includes the subject matter of Examples 75-79, race cables extend from opposite sides of the adaptive engine.

[0222] In Example 81, which includes the subject matter of Examples 75-80, the lacing cables form a crisscross pattern across the lacing areas of the upper and lower support structures of the adaptive engine.

[0223] In Example 82, which includes the subject matter of Examples 75-81, a lace cable is secured to the outer periphery.

[0224] In Example 83, which includes the subject matter of Examples 75-82, an anchor is secured to the support structure and a lace cable is secured to the anchor.

[0225] In Example 84, which includes the subject matter of Examples 75-83, the anchor is configured to scoop the race around the anchor.

[0226] In Example 85, which includes the subject matter of Examples 75-84, the lace cable includes a first lace cable and a separate second lace cable.

[0227] In Example 86, which includes the subject matter of Examples 75-85, a first lace cable forms a first lace zone extending proximally from a proximal side of the adaptive engine, and a second lace cable forms a second lace zone extending distally from a distal side of the adaptive engine.

[0228] In Example 87, which includes the subject matter of Examples 75-86, a second lace cable passes from the distal end of the adaptive support garment around the periphery of the support structure to the proximal end.

[0229] In Example 88, which includes the subject matter of Examples 75-86, the adaptive engine is positioned at a midpoint along the proximal-distal length of the support structure.

[0230] Example 89 is an adaptive support garment comprising: a support structure configured to encase a portion of a wearer's body structure and provide compression to the portion of the body structure; a plurality of lace guides disposed on the support structure; lace cables extending through the lace guides and forming a lacing pattern across a lacing area of ​​the support structure; an adaptive engine coupled to the support engine, engaged with the lace cables, and configured to increase or decrease tension on the lace cables and increase or decrease compression of the support structure; and an airbag disposed between the lacing area and a wearer-facing surface of the adaptive support garment, configured to distribute force from the lace cables along the airbag.

[0231] In Example 90, which includes the subject matter of Example 89, the airbag defines a notch sized to at least partially receive the adaptive support engine, the adaptive support engine being disposed within the notch.

[0232] In Example 91, which includes the subject matter of Examples 89 and 90, the adaptive support engine is configured to retract into the notch when tension is applied to the race cable.

[0233] In Example 92, which includes the subject matter of Examples 89-91, the notch is located at a central point along the proximal-distal length of the airbag.

[0234] In Example 93, which includes the subject matter of Examples 89-92, the support structure comprises a first layer and a second layer, a cavity is formed between the first layer and the second layer, and an airbag is disposed within the cavity.

[0235] In Example 94, which includes the subject matter of Examples 89-93, the reinforcing elements extend longitudinally along the longitudinal axis of the support structure.

[0236] In Example 95, which includes the subject matter of Examples 89-94, the reinforcing element extends along a first side of the lacing region.

[0237] In Example 96, which includes the subject matter of Examples 89-95, the reinforcing element is a first reinforcing element and further includes a second reinforcing element disposed along a second side of the lacing region opposite the first side of the lacing region.

[0238] In Example 97, which includes the subject matter of Examples 89-96, a reinforcing element is disposed between the first and second layers.

[0239] In Example 98, which includes the subject matter of Examples 89-97, the airbag is generally coextensive with the racing area.

[0240] In Example 99, which includes the subject matter of Examples 89-98, the vehicle includes a pressure sensor configured to detect pressure within the airbag, the pressure sensor operably coupled to the adaptive engine, and the adaptive engine configured to increase or decrease tension in the race based in part on the pressure within the airbag detected by the pressure sensor.

[0241] In Example 100, which includes the subject matter of Examples 89-99, a pressure sensor is disposed within an airbag.

[0242] In example 101, which includes the subject matter of examples 89-100, the adaptive engine is positioned at the center of the support structure.

[0243] In Example 102, which includes the subject matter of Examples 89-101, lacing patterns extend above and below the adaptive engine along the longitudinal axis of the support structure.

[0244] In Example 103, which includes the subject matter of Examples 89-102, the race cables extend from opposite sides of the adaptive engine.

[0245] In Example 104, which includes the subject matter of Examples 89-103, the adaptive engine includes a spool configured to take up a lace cable, the lace cable configured to exit the spool on opposite sides of the spool.

[0246] In Example 105, which includes the subject matter of Examples 89-104, the lacing cables form a crisscross pattern across the lacing areas of the upper and lower support structures of the adaptive engine.

[0247] In Example 106, which includes the subject matter of Examples 89-105, the support structure comprises a first half and a second half and a zipper extending along a longitudinal axis of the support structure, the zipper configured to join the first half to the second half to form a tubular support structure.

[0248] In Example 107, which includes the subject matter of Examples 89-106, the support structure includes a first elastic portion extending between a first side of the lacing region and the zipper, and a second elastic portion extending between a second side of the lacing region and the zipper.

[0249] In Example 108, which includes the subject matter of Examples 89-107, the first and second elastic portions are formed of mesh.

[0250] In Example 109, which includes the subject matter of Examples 89-108, a portion of the wearer's anatomy is a first portion, and the support structure forms a flared portion below the lacing area to accommodate a second portion of the wearer's anatomy.

[0251] In Example 110, which encompasses the subject matter of Examples 89-109, the flared portion is sized to accommodate the wearer's ankles.

[0252] In Example 111, which includes the subject matter of Examples 89-110, the lacing pattern does not extend into the flared portion.

[0253] In Example 112, which includes the subject matter of Examples 89-111, the flared portion is not compressed when tensioning the lace cable.

[0254] In Example 113, which includes the subject matter of Examples 89-112, the lacing pattern is a split spiral pattern.

[0255] In Example 114, which includes the subject matter of Examples 89-113, a split spiral pattern is formed along a lower interior portion of the support structure and an upper side portion of the support structure.

[0256] Example 115 is a method of operating an adaptive compression garment, the method including: activating a control circuit communicatively coupled to an adaptive engine on the adaptive compression garment; receiving a selection of a compression sequence on the control circuit; transmitting a series of compression and release commands from the control circuit to the adaptive engine; and operating the adaptive engine in response to the series of compression and release commands to perform the compression sequence.

[0257] In example 116, which includes the subject matter of example 115, operating the adaptive engine includes engaging a lacing system with the adaptive engine and pulling the lacing system in response to the compression command.

[0258] In Example 117, which includes the subject matter of Examples 115 and 116, tensioning the lacing system includes shortening an effective length of a lacing cable within the lacing system to create compression in the adaptive compression garment.

[0259] In example 118, which includes the subject matter of examples 115-117, operating the adaptive engine includes engaging the adaptive engine with a lacing system and releasing the lacing system in response to a release command.

[0260] In Example 119, which includes the subject matter of Examples 115-118, loosening the lacing system includes increasing the effective length of the lacing cables within the lacing system to relieve compression of the adaptive compression garment.

[0261] In example 120, which includes the subject matter of examples 115-119, the series of compress and release commands includes compress commands, hold commands, and release commands arranged in a predefined order.

[0262] In Example 121, which includes the subject matter of Examples 115-120, operating the adaptive engine includes rotating a lace spool to engage a lace cable of a lacing system incorporated into the adaptive compression garment.

[0263] In Example 122, which includes the subject matter of Examples 115-121, rotating the lacing spool in a first direction shortens the effective length of the lacing cable, tensioning the lacing system and causing compression in a portion of the adaptive compression garment.

[0264] In Example 123, which includes the subject matter of Examples 115-122, rotating the lace spool in a second direction increases the effective length of the lace cable and relieves tension on the lacing system.

[0265] In example 124, which includes the subject matter of examples 115-123, operating the adaptive engine includes operating a race spool within the adaptive engine, the race spool pulling a plurality of race cables of a lacing system incorporated into the lacing system.

[0266] Example 125 is an adaptive recovery system comprising: a first adaptive compression garment including a first lacing system coupled to a first adaptive engine configured to automatically manipulate tension on the lacing system; a second adaptive compression garment including a second lacing system coupled to a second adaptive engine configured to automatically manipulate tension on the second lacing system; and control circuitry communicatively coupled to the first adaptive engine and the second adaptive engine, the control circuitry including a processor and a memory device containing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the control circuitry to send commands to the first adaptive engine and the second adaptive engine to adjust the tension of the first lacing system and the second lacing system.

[0267] In example 126, which includes the subject matter of example 125, the memory device further includes instructions for sending commands to the first adaptive engine and the second adaptive engine to generate a series of tensioning and release cycles.

[0268] In Example 127, which includes the subject matter of Examples 125 and 126, the first adaptive compression garment is configured to apply compression to an upper thigh region of a wearer.

[0269] In Example 128, which includes the subject matter of Examples 125-127, a second adaptive compression garment is configured to apply compression to a lower leg region of the wearer.

[0270] In Example 129, which includes the subject matter of Examples 125-128, the first adaptive compression garment is configured to apply compression to a lower leg region of a wearer.

[0271] In Example 130, which includes the subject matter of Examples 125-129, the adaptive footwear assembly includes a third adaptive engine coupled to a third lacing system disposed within the footwear assembly, the third adaptive engine and the third lacing system configured to apply compression to the wearer's foot.

[0272] In Example 131, which includes the subject matter of Examples 125-130, the adaptive footwear assembly includes a control circuit.

[0273] In example 132, which includes the subject matter of examples 125-131, the control circuit is a component of the second adaptive engine.

[0274] In Example 133, which includes the subject matter of Examples 125-132, the control circuitry is communicatively coupled to the first adaptive engine and the second adaptive engine via a wireless connection.

[0275] In example 134, which includes the subject matter of examples 125-133, the control circuit is configured to coordinate tension of the third lacing system with tension of the first and second lacing systems.

[0276] In Example 135, which includes the subject matter of Examples 125-134, the first adaptive engine includes a sensor operably coupled to the control circuit and configured to output a signal indicative of a physiological condition of a wearer of the first adaptive compression garment or a condition of the first lacing system, and the control circuit is further configured to adjust tension in the first lacing system and the second lacing system based at least in part on the signal output from the sensor.

[0277] In Example 136, which includes the subject matter of Examples 125-135, the sensor is a first sensor, and the second adaptive engine includes a second sensor operably coupled to the control circuit and configured to output a signal indicative of a physiological condition of the wearer or a state of the second lacing system, and the control circuit is further configured to adjust the first and second lacing systems based at least in part on the signals output from the first and second sensors.

[0278] Example 137 is a method of operating an adaptive recovery system, the method including: activating a control circuit communicatively connected to a first adaptive engine of a first adaptive recovery garment and a second adaptive engine of a second adaptive recovery garment; receiving a selection of a compression sequence at the control circuit; transmitting a series of coordinated compression and release commands from the control circuit to the first and second adaptive engines; and operating the first and second adaptive engines in response to the series of coordinated compression and release commands to perform the compression sequence.

[0279] In example 138, which includes the subject matter of example 137, the series of coordinated compression and release commands includes separate compression and release commands to the first and second adaptive engines, creating differential compression between the first and second adaptive recovery garments.

[0280] In example 139, which includes the subject matter of examples 137 and 138, the series of coordinated compression and release commands further includes individual compression and release commands to the first and second adaptive engines to dynamically vary the differential compression by varying the differential compression over time.

[0281] In example 140, which includes the subject matter of examples 137-139, operating the first and second adaptive engines includes engaging the first and second lacing systems, respectively, and tensioning the first and second lacing systems, respectively, in response to a compression command.

[0282] In example 141, which includes the subject matter of examples 137 to 140, the compression commands include a first compression command for a first adaptive engine and a second compression command for a second adaptive engine, and the first compression command can be selected separately from the second compression command.

[0283] In Example 142, which includes the subject matter of Examples 137-141, tensioning the first and second lacing systems includes shortening effective lengths of the first and second lacing cables, respectively, to create compression of the first and second adaptive recovery garments.

[0284] In example 143, which includes the subject matter of examples 137-142, operating the first and second adaptive engines includes engaging the first and second lacing systems, respectively, and releasing the first and second lacing systems, respectively, in response to a release command.

[0285] In Example 144, which includes the subject matter of Examples 137-143, loosening the lacing system includes increasing the effective length of a lacing cable within the lacing system to relieve compression of the adaptive recovery garment.

[0286] In Example 145, which includes the subject matter of Examples 137-144, the series of compress and release commands includes compress commands, hold commands, and release commands arranged in a predefined order.

[0287] In Example 146, which includes the subject matter of Examples 137-145, operating the first and second adaptive engines includes rotating first and second lace spools, respectively, and engaging and incorporating first and second lace cables, respectively, into the first and second adaptive recovery garments, respectively.

[0288] In Example 147, including the subject matter of Examples 137-146, operating the control circuitry further includes communicatively coupling to a third adaptive engine and incorporating the third adaptive engine into the footwear assembly.

[0289] In example 148, which includes the subject matter of examples 137 to 147, sending the series of coordinated compression and release commands includes sending at least a portion of the series of coordinated compression and release commands to a third adaptive engine.

[0290] In example 149, which includes the subject matter of examples 137-148, the method includes operating the third adaptive engine in response to a portion of the series of coordinated compression and decompression commands received by the third adaptive engine.

[0291] In example 150, which includes the subject matter of examples 137-149, a portion of the series of coordinated compression and release commands received by the third adaptive engine generates at least one of a differential compression between the footwear assembly and at least one of the first and second adaptive recovery garments and a dynamically changing differential compression between the footwear assembly and at least one of the first and second adaptive recovery garments.

[0292] Example 151 is a method of operating an adaptive compression system, the method including: activating a control circuit communicatively coupled to a first adaptive recovery garment and a second adaptive recovery garment, wherein the first adaptive recovery garment is configured to apply compression to a first portion of a body structure and the second adaptive recovery garment is configured to apply compression to a second portion of the body structure; receiving on the control circuit a selection of a coordinated recovery sequence, the coordinated recovery sequence including a series of coordinated compression and release commands including a first series of compression and release commands and a second series of compression and release commands; executing the first series of compression and release commands on the first adaptive recovery garment; and executing the second series of compression and release commands on the second adaptive recovery garment in coordination with the first adaptive recovery garment.

[0293] Example 152 is a system in which control information obtained from footwear sensors and / or apparel sensors is processed by a central control device (e.g., a smartphone or a central processing system in a racing engine).

[0294] Example 153 is at least one machine-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a processing circuit, cause the processing circuit to perform operations to implement any of Examples 1-152.

[0295] Example 154 is an apparatus including means for carrying out any one of Examples 1 to 152.

[0296] Example 155 is a system that executes any one of Examples 1 to 152.

[0297] Example 156 is a method for carrying out any one of Examples 1 to 152.

[0298] The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as "examples." Such examples may include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Furthermore, the inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or permutation of those elements (or one or more aspects thereof) with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof) or with respect to any other example (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein.

[0299] In the event of a conflict between this document and a document incorporated by reference, this document will take precedence.

[0300] The term "a" or "an" is used herein, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more, regardless of any other instance or usage of "at least one" or "one or more." The term "or" is used herein to refer to non-exclusion, or "A or B" is used to include "A but not B," "B but not A," and "A and B," unless specifically stated otherwise. The terms "comprise" and "in" are used herein as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms "comprise" and "in which." Also, in the following claims, the terms "comprise" and "comprising" are open-ended, i.e., systems, apparatus, articles, compositions, designs, or processes that include elements in addition to those recited after such terms in a claim are still deemed to be within the scope of the claim. Furthermore, in the following claims, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" are used merely as designations and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

[0301] Example methods described herein, such as example operation of an adaptive support garment, can be implemented at least in part by a machine or computer. Some examples may include a computer-readable or machine-readable medium encoded with instructions operable to configure an electronic device to perform the methods described in the examples above. An implementation of such methods may include code, such as microcode, assembly language code, or high-level language code. Such code may include computer-readable instructions for performing various methods. Such code may constitute part of a computer program product. Further, in one example, the code may be tangibly stored, such as during execution or otherwise, on one or more volatile, non-transitory, or non-volatile tangible computer-readable media. Examples of these tangible computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to, hard disks, removable magnetic disks, removable optical disks (e.g., compact disks or digital video disks), magnetic cassettes, memory cards or sticks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), and the like.

[0302] The above description is intended to be illustrative, not limiting. For example, the above examples (or one or more aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments may be utilized by those skilled in the art upon reviewing the above description. In accordance with 37 CFR §1.72(b), an Abstract is provided to enable the reader to quickly ascertain the technical disclosure. This specification is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Additionally, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This should not be construed as intending that any unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may comprise less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description as examples or embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, and such embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

1. an activity sensor that monitors the activity of a user; an adaptive support garment including an adaptive support system incorporated into the adaptive support garment and an adaptive engine coupled to the adaptive support system that automatically adjusts portions of the adaptive support garment through operation of the adaptive support system; control circuitry configured to send commands to the adaptive engine in response to inputs received from the activity sensor; Equipped with the control circuitry is configured to select a predefined activity classification based on data received from the activity sensor; the control circuitry is configured to instruct the adaptive engine to adjust the adaptive support system according to an initial support level selected by the user before the control circuitry receives data from the activity sensor; the control circuitry is configured to analyze data received from the activity sensor to determine whether to adjust the adaptive support system incorporated in the adaptive support garment; upon determining that an adjustment to the adaptive support system is necessary, sending an adjustment command to the adaptive engine to make the adjustment; the activity sensor is embedded in the adaptive support garment; the activity sensor is configured to detect soft tissue movement; Adaptive support apparel system.

2. The adaptive support apparel system of claim 1 , wherein the predefined activity categories include high impact and comfort.

3. The adaptive support apparel system of claim 1 , wherein the control circuitry is further configured to determine a support level based on the selected predefined activity classification.

4. The adaptive support apparel system of claim 3 , wherein the adaptive engine adjusts the adaptive support system based on control commands received from the control circuitry in response to the determined support level.

5. The adaptive support apparel system of claim 1 , wherein the adaptive support garment is a brassiere and the activity sensor is positioned within a portion of a breast contacting surface.

6. The adaptive support apparel system of claim 1 , wherein the adaptive support garment is a bra and the activity sensor is located within a shoulder strap.

7. The activity sensor comprises: accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, global positioning sensor (GPS), Heart rate monitor, temperature sensor, or Strain gauge The adaptive support apparel system of claim 1 , comprising at least one of:

8. 10. The adaptive support apparel system of claim 1, wherein the adaptive support system includes lacing that connects separate portions of the adaptive support garment, the lacing being adjustable to change the relative positions of the separate portions of the adaptive support garment to create different support characteristics.

9. The adaptive support apparel system of claim 8 , wherein the adaptive support system comprises a plurality of lace guides that thread the lacing through the separate portions of the adaptive support garment.

10. 10. The adaptive support apparel system of claim 8, wherein at least one segment of the lacing is coupled to a lacing spool component of the adaptive engine, enabling the adaptive engine to vary the effective length of the lacing.

11. The adaptive support apparel system of claim 1 , wherein the control circuitry is disposed within a computing device that includes a display and communication circuitry.

12. The adaptive support apparel system of claim 11 , wherein the communications circuitry is configured to wirelessly transmit commands to the adaptive engine.

13. 12. The adaptive support apparel system of claim 11, wherein the computing device is one of a smartwatch, a smartphone, or a heart rate monitor.

14. an activity sensor that monitors the activity of a user; an adaptive support garment including an adaptive support system incorporated into the adaptive support garment and an adaptive engine coupled to the adaptive support system that automatically adjusts portions of the adaptive support garment through operation of the adaptive support system; control circuitry configured to send commands to the adaptive engine in response to inputs received from the activity sensor; Equipped with the control circuitry is configured to calibrate a predefined initial support level for the user based on data received from the activity sensor; the data was generated when the user performed a known physical movement; the activity sensor is embedded in the adaptive support garment; the activity sensor is configured to detect soft tissue movement; Adaptive support apparel system.

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