Adaptive support apparel systems and methods

Abstract

The present invention relates to systems and devices relating to adaptive support garments that include adaptive support structures, lacing systems, and adaptive engines. In one embodiment, an adaptive support garment can include a fabric-based support structure, and an adaptive support structure and an adaptive engine are described. The fabric-based support structure is configured to support a portion of a wearer's anatomy. The adaptive support structure is integrated with the fabric-based support structure and configured to adjust the portion of the fabric-based support structure. The adaptive engine is coupled to the adaptive support structure to actuate the adjustment of the portion of the fabric-based support structure.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 855,712, filed May 31, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

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

[0003] Apparel such as bras, tops, bottoms, tights, leggings, underwear, etc., can be constructed to provide support to the wearer during various activities. Such apparel can include minimal adjustments for size, body type, activity preferences, among other things, and may have limited adjustability or adaptability. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0140928 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 8,745,896 [Patent Document 3] US Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0145652 [Patent Document 4] US Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0116935 [Patent Document 5] US Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0110298 [Patent Document 6] US Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0059461 [Patent Document 7] U.S. Patent No. 7,958,789 [Patent Document 8] International Publication No. 2014 / 204323 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The inventors have recognized a need for improved fit and function for support apparel, such as bras, tights, and various other garments, undergarments, or base layers (also referred to herein as support apparel), among other things. One example of such apparel is an adaptive bra that custom fits to individual body contours and can automatically or manually adjust to different 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 counteract unwanted breast movement during an activity, 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 or support anatomical structures during certain activities. Numerous examples of the various support apparel introduced herein are described throughout the following disclosure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The adaptive support apparel discussed may include support mechanisms such as drawstrings, straps, lace guides, and automatic, semi-automatic, or manual tightening engines (also discussed as lace engines or adaptive engines). The drawstrings may include intricate patterns of thin cords stretched across various portions of the adaptive apparel item to tighten or loosen selected areas of the apparel depending on the desired outcome. The drawstrings may include threads, Brio cables, or similar structures integrated during the manufacturing (e.g., knitting) process. For example, specialized threads or Brio cables may be woven into key areas of the adaptive garment and routed through the exterior of the garment to interface with other lacing structures and / or adaptive engines to facilitate adjustment. The term "drawstring" is used broadly in this application to cover a variety of materials and structures used to create adaptive support structures within adaptive support garments. The drawstrings may function as adaptive support structures that operate to change the relative positions of various portions of the adaptive support apparel. The thin cords or threads may be either elastic or inelastic, depending on the particular area and the desired outcome. Elastic cords can provide a tightening effect over a wider area, while inelastic drawstrings can transmit tension to a more specific area. Strap materials (e.g., webbing or knit materials with a certain width dimension) can be selectively utilized to better distribute tension, potentially increasing comfort. In certain embodiments, drawstrings can be coupled to the straps at one or more locations via fixed or drawstring-guide-type connections. The drawstring guides can include pivots, eyelets, tubular structures, and fabric-based tunnels, among others, to guide the drawstrings through the adaptive apparel to create a desired support structure.

[0007] As used herein, the term "support garment" is intended to encompass any number of support garments, such as bras, sports bras, tank tops, camisoles with built-in support, swim tops, bodysuits, base layers, and other styles or types of support garments used to support body tissue (e.g., breast tissue). Support garments also include, among others, undergarments, tights, leggings, base layers (e.g., tight-fitting tops and bottoms), sleeves, and athletic supports. Furthermore, as used herein, the term "breast contacting surface" is intended to encompass any type of structure intended to contact or be positioned adjacent to the wearer's breasts when the support garment is worn. In an exemplary embodiment, for a typical wearer, the support garment includes a first breast contacting surface configured to be positioned adjacent to or in contact with the wearer's right breast, for example, and a second breast contacting surface configured to be positioned adjacent to or in contact with the wearer's left breast, for example. In exemplary embodiments, the support garment may include separate, detachable cups (shaped or unshaped), each cup including a breast-contacting surface and configured to cover or enclose a separate breast, or the support garment may include a single or continuous band of material that contacts both breasts of the wearer. All embodiments, and any variations thereof, are considered within the scope of the embodiments herein. While the majority of the examples include adaptive bras, the principles are applicable to a variety of other support garments, including compression tights, compression sleeves, and even athletic supports (commonly referred to as jockstraps).

[0008] The inventors have also recognized the need to dynamically change the support provided by a particular type of support apparel based on, among other things, changes in activity level. The need to change support arises from both long-term comfort during activity and the need for improved function. Accordingly, systems have been developed that include activity sensors, such as inertial measurement units (IMUs), global positioning sensors (GPSs), or heart rate monitors, in communication with control circuits that send commands to adaptive support apparel that includes an adaptive engine to facilitate automatic changes in support based on detected changes in activity level. These systems can provide wearers with all-day comfort without compromising performance-oriented support. Prior to full system integration, wearers may need to change support apparel for different activities or may struggle with multiple manual adjustments.

[0009] Activity sensors discussed herein can include any sensor that provides an indication of a user's level of physical activity, as well as any sensor that provides an indication of the forces (dynamic or static) applied to the adaptive support garment during use. Sensors can be embedded in the adaptive support garment to provide data related to forces applied to portions of the support structure, such as straps, drawstrings, cables, or areas of fabric. Specific sensors, such as strain gauges or stretch capacitance sensors, are described below.

[0010] The following adaptive support apparel examples further outline how various structures can be used to provide dynamically adaptable support apparel, and the disclosed concepts can also be used in additional apparel items not specifically discussed to perform similar support functions.

[0011] The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and like reference numerals may describe like components in different drawings. Like reference numerals with different suffixes may represent different instances of like components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present specification. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a system including an adaptive support garment and associated electronics, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1 is a diagram of 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] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a technique for dynamic adjustment of an adaptive support garment, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 1E] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a technique for dynamic adjustment of an adaptive support garment, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 1F] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a support level calibration and monitoring technique, according to some example embodiments. [Figure 2A] FIG. 10 is a diagram of adjustable zones for an adaptive bra, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 2B] FIG. 1 illustrates an adaptive bra, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 2C] 1 is a diagram of an adaptive bra, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 illustrates an adaptive bra with a continuous support structure, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 3B] FIG. 1 illustrates an adaptive bra with a continuous support structure, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 3C]FIG. 10 is a line drawing of a braided tunnel, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 4A] 1A-1C are diagrams of an adaptive bra with crisscross rear support drawstrings, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 4B] 1A-1C are diagrams of an adaptive bra with crisscross rear support drawstrings, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 4C] 1A-1C are diagrams of an adaptive bra with crisscross rear support drawstrings, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 4D] 1A-1C are diagrams of an adaptive bra with crisscross rear support drawstrings, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 5A] 1A-1C are diagrams of an adaptive bra with crisscross gore support drawstrings and adaptive back straps, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 5B] 1A-1C are diagrams of an adaptive bra with crisscross gore support drawstrings and adaptive back straps, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 5C] 1A-1C are diagrams of an adaptive bra with crisscross gore support drawstrings and adaptive back straps, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 6A] 1A-1C are diagrams of an adaptive bra with adaptive breast contact surface and rear support drawstrings, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 6B] 1A-1C are diagrams of an adaptive bra with adaptive breast contact surface and rear support drawstrings, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 6C] 1A-1C are diagrams of an adaptive bra with adaptive breast contact surface and rear support drawstrings, 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 are diagrams of adaptive bra configurations with multiple auto-adjusting mechanisms, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 8B] 1A-1C are diagrams of adaptive bra configurations with multiple auto-adjusting mechanisms, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 9A] FIG. 1 illustrates an electric lace-up engine, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 9B] FIG. 1 illustrates an electric lace-up engine, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 9C] FIG. 1 illustrates an electric lace-up engine, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 9D] FIG. 1 illustrates an electric lace-up engine, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 9E] FIG. 1 illustrates an electric lace-up engine, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 9F] 10A-10C illustrate mechanisms for securing lace within a spool of a lace engine, according to some illustrative embodiments. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating components of a powered lacing system, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 11A] 10A-10C illustrate various adaptive tights configurations including manual or automatic adaptive adjustments, according to some embodiments. [Figure 11B] 10A-10C illustrate various adaptive tights configurations including manual or automatic adaptive adjustments, according to some embodiments. [Figure 11C] 10A-10C illustrate various adaptive tights configurations including manual or automatic adaptive adjustments, according to some embodiments. [Figure 11D] 10A-10C illustrate various adaptive tights configurations including manual or automatic adaptive adjustments, according to some embodiments. [Figure 11E] 10A-10C illustrate various adaptive tights configurations including manual or automatic adaptive adjustments, according to some embodiments. [Figure 12A] 1 is a line drawing 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] FIG. 1 is a line drawing illustrating multiple adaptive compression sleeves and footwear assemblies operating as a coordinated 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 discussed herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The headings provided herein are for convenience only and do not necessarily affect the scope or meaning of the terms used.

[0014] As noted above, various embodiments of adaptive support apparel have been developed using a range of manual and automated mechanisms to enable adaptation. Examples that have been described in detail include adaptive bras, adaptive tights, and compression sleeves, among others.

[0015] Adaptive Support Apparel System The adaptive support apparel system dynamically alters the fit and support of an adaptive support garment (e.g., a bra or tights) in response to activity data obtained from activity sensors worn by a user. The adaptive support system can include components integrated into various garments, such as footwear, watches, or 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 with circuitry built into components integrated into the adaptive support apparel and / or footwear. The following drawings illustrate exemplary systems and discuss at least some variations envisioned by the inventors.

[0016] 1A-1B are diagrams of 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 integrate a second adaptive support garment 40, shown herein as adaptive tights.

[0017] In this example, footwear assembly 20 includes activity sensor 25, which may include sensors such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, heart rate sensor, or global positioning sensor (GPS), to detect changes in activity level. 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 changes to the monitored body. Data from the IMU can be used to detect movements such as footstrike 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 determination of the required adaptive support level.

[0018] 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 for this metric can be defined based on parameters such as a minimum normal force threshold, a minimum average normal force per step, a minimum step time, and a maximum step time. Step metrics can also include contact time (e.g., the time when a normal force is >50 N) calculated for each step per stride using the force signal. Another step metric is swing time (e.g., the time when a normal force is <50 N until the foot generates a force >50 N) calculated for each step per stride using the force signal. Step metrics also include cadence, which can be defined as the inverse of the sum of the contact time and swing time for each foot using the force signal. Step length is another step metric calculated using the force signal (e.g., the sum of the contact time and swing time multiplied by the average velocity). Another step metric is impulse, which can be calculated in at least two ways. Impact can be the peak rate of rise of the vertical ground reaction force or the active peak of the vertical ground reaction force. Impulse is another step metric calculated per stride using the force signal (e.g., the integral of the ground reaction force magnitude). Contact is another step metric derived from kinematic 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 can include rearfoot, midfoot, and forefoot angles. Any of the step metrics described herein can be used as, or in addition to, other activity data to assist in determining activity level or to directly determine target support levels for adaptive support garments.

[0019] In this example, one or both of smartwatch 30 and smartphone 35, separately, in conjunction with each other, or by accessing a remote computing resource, include control circuitry that processes activity data and sends commands to adaptive engine 15 to change support characteristics as needed. Adaptive engine 15 receives the commands and activates a motorized system to adjust the adaptive support structure through interaction with an integrated lacing system coupled to adaptive engine 15. Details of an exemplary adaptive engine are provided below with reference to Figures 9A-9D.

[0020] FIG. 1B illustrates a user of an adaptive support apparel system transitioning between different activities that may require or benefit from various levels of support. In this example, activity sensor 25 shown within footwear assembly 20 operates to detect different activity levels, from relaxed walking to the moderate physical exertion of performing yoga to the more extreme impact and physical exertion associated with running. In this example, activity sensor 25 transmits data to control circuitry within smartwatch 30 running an application that determines the current activity level based on the activity data interpreted from the sensor. In some examples, smartwatch 30 may also include an activity sensor that transmits activity data to control circuitry operating on smartwatch 30 to provide additional activity level information that informs a decision to increase or decrease the support provided by adaptive support garment 10 (such as an adaptive bra in this example). For example, smartwatch 30 may include an integrated heart rate monitor that can be used as additional information related to activity level.

[0021] 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 desired from the adaptive support garment. Accordingly, the control circuitry instructs the adaptive engine 15 to activate and adjust the adaptive support garment 10 to a comfortable setting. The control application (e.g., an application operating the control circuitry) may include a user interface that provides user access to different settings of the adaptive support garment. In one embodiment, the settings include associating different support levels with different predetermined activity levels, such as rest = comfort 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 presented to allow the user to create custom mappings. Table 1 shows an example activity level-to-support level mapping table.

[0022] [Table 1]

[0023] As shown, a user can transition from comfort to lower impact by increasing physical exertion and / or impact detected by the activity sensors. Dynamically, upon detecting the transition, the control circuitry of smartwatch 30 instructs adaptive engine 15 to increase the level of support provided by adaptive support garment 10. When the user returns to a comfort level of activity (e.g., resting or walking), the control circuitry can then instruct adaptive engine 15 to ease the support level back to the comfort level of support. Alternatively, if the user increases their activity by going for a run, the system can dynamically respond by adaptive engine 15 to increase the support level to a higher impact (performance) level of support.

[0024] In certain embodiments, 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 mapped to a high support level. Support levels can also be configured by associating adjustments of different support structures, such as lace tension of a lacing system-based support structure, with specific support levels. Calibration and monitoring techniques are also described below with reference to FIG. 1D , which is another mechanism for personalizing adaptive support garments.

[0025] FIG. 1C is a block diagram illustrating components of an adaptive support system, according to some exemplary embodiments. Note that throughout this application, 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 within 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) routed around one or more lacing 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 lacing guides are also referred to herein as a lacing system.

[0026] The control circuitry includes a processor 52, a computer-readable memory device 54, and communication circuitry 56. As noted above, in some embodiments, the control circuitry 50 can be integrated within the smartwatch 30 or smartphone 35 (see FIG. 1A ). In these embodiments, 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 can be part of the smartphone 35 or smartwatch 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the control circuitry 50 is a standalone device or is integrated into the footwear assembly or adaptive engine 15.

[0027] 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 during at least 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 activation of adaptive engine 15 to modify the support characteristics of the adaptive support garment.

[0028] Control circuitry 50 receives activity data from activity sensor 25. In this example, activity sensor 25 may include any combination of an IMU 25A, a heart rate (HR) sensor 25B, a temperature sensor 25C, a GPS 25C, or a 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 listed sensors and transmits the generated activity data to control circuitry 50 via a wireless communication link, such as Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE). The techniques discussed below with reference to FIG. 1D provide additional details and context related to 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 supplied in any combination across devices including a smartwatch, a smartphone, a footwear assembly, or an adaptive support garment (e.g., integrated with an adaptive engine).

[0029] 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 the following operations: adjusting support structure at 61, monitoring support at 65, and automatically adjusting support at 66. Optionally, technique 60 may also include the following operations: receiving activity data at 62, calculating an activity level at 63, and selecting a predetermined activity classification at 64. Technique 60 covers operations performed by a combination of control circuitry 50, sensors 25, and adaptive engine 15.

[0030] In this example, technique 60 begins at 61 with an initial adjustment of support structures 16 within adaptive support garment 10. The initial adjustment can include both manual and automatic type adjustments, with the automatic adjustments being made in coordination with adaptive engine 15. For example, control circuitry 50 can provide a user interface that allows a user to select an initial support level, such as relaxed. Control circuitry 50 can then instruct adaptive engine 15 to adjust support structures 16 within adaptive support garment 10 to a relaxed setting.

[0031] At 62, technique 60 can optionally continue receiving activity data from sensor 25 by control circuitry 50. The activity data can include physiological data such as heart rate, as well as data describing physical movements of portions of the user's anatomy. At 63, technique 60 can optionally continue calculating an activity level by control circuitry 50 based on the activity data received at 62. Technique 60 can optionally use the calculated activity level to select a predetermined activity classification at 64. In another embodiment, technique 60 can optionally include providing a user interface at 64 that allows a user to select a predetermined activity classification to activate a desired support level.

[0032] At 65, the technique continues with monitoring for changes in support level by control circuitry 50. A change in support level may be triggered by a display of activity data, by a calculated activity level, or by selection of a pre-defined activity classification that maps to a different support level than the current support level. If there is no change in support level, technique 60 continues by returning to operation 62.

[0033] If an adjustment in support level is indicated, technique 60 continues to operation 66 where control circuitry 50 commands an adjustment of support structure 16 of adaptive support garment 10. In this embodiment, control circuitry 50 sends an adjustment command to adaptive engine 15. The adjustment command is generated based on a selected predetermined activity classification, a calculated activity level, and / or activity data. After adjusting support, technique 60 returns to operation 62 to continue monitoring for changes in support level.

[0034] 1E is a flowchart illustrating a technique for dynamic adjustment of adaptive support garment 10, according to some exemplary embodiments. Technique 70 may include operations such as 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 70 may also include calculating activity level at 73 and selecting a predetermined activity classification at 74. While technique 70 is discussed below as operating on system 1 discussed with reference to FIG. 1C, the technique may be executed on any general-purpose computing device (e.g., a smartphone) in combination with necessary activity sensors and an adaptive engine coupled to adaptive support garment 10.

[0035] In this example, technique 70 begins at 71 with activity sensor 25 monitoring an activity level. At 72, technique 70 continues with receipt of activity data from activity sensor 25 by control circuitry 50 via communications circuitry 56. In a particular example, activity sensor 25 resides 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 resides within smartwatch 30 and communicates with an application running on the smartwatch that performs the functions of control circuitry 50 via a communications path within the operating system.

[0036] At 73, the technique optionally continues with calculation, by control circuitry 50, of an activity level based on activity data received from activity sensor 25. At 74, the technique optionally continues with selection, by control circuitry 50, of a predetermined activity level based on the calculated activity level. At 75, the technique continues with determination, by control circuitry 50, of whether a support level of the adaptive support garment needs to be changed based on the current calculated activity level. In some embodiments, the change in support level is determined at least in part based on the selected predetermined activity classification. In other embodiments, the change in support level is determined at least in part based on the calculated activity level. In still other embodiments, 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 predetermined activity classification.

[0037] If the control circuitry 50 determines that the support level needs to be changed, the technique 70 continues at 76 with the control circuitry 50 sending 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 additional or less support. In certain embodiments, the adaptive support garment 10 may include multiple adaptive engines controlling multiple support structures. In these embodiments, the control circuitry 50 sends a command to control the activation of all adaptive engines to achieve the desired support level. If the control circuitry 50 determines that the support level does not need to be changed, the technique 60 returns to monitoring the activity level at 71.

[0038] At 77, the technique 70 completes a processing loop in which the adaptive engine 15 adjusts the adaptive support garment 10 by appropriately manipulating the support structures 16 coupled to the adaptive engine 15 to achieve the commanded support level. After adjusting the support level, the technique 60 returns to monitoring the activity level at 71.

[0039] FIG. 1F is a flowchart illustrating a support level calibration and monitoring technique 80 according to some exemplary embodiments. The technique 80 outlines how the adaptive support garment 10 is initially calibrated for a particular user and how the garment can adjust the support level over time based on monitoring the activity level and related parameters monitored by the adaptive support garment 10. In this example, the technique 80 includes operations such as initializing the 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 characteristic data at 86. The technique 80 includes operations for initially calibrating the adaptive support garment for initial use by a user (operations 81-84) and for updating the support level calibration during use (operations 84-86). A second set of operations involves using machine learning or artificial intelligence algorithms to learn the user's preferences and update the support level calibration of the adaptive support garment. The support level calibration adjusts the predetermined support level to accommodate the unique physiology of an individual user. For example, a user of an adaptive bra with a C-size chest cup will utilize a different adjustment of the support structure to achieve a particular level of support compared to a user of an adaptive bra with a DD-size chest cup. Because some users may naturally appreciate more aggressive support compared to another user with similar physical characteristics, the calibration process can also be tailored to user preferences.

[0040] In this example, technique 80 begins at 81 by initializing a control circuit, such as control circuit 50, to operate an adaptive support garment, such as support garment 10. Initializing the control circuit includes turning on the adaptive support garment and preparing the control circuit for operation of the adaptive support garment. At 82, technique 80 continues with receiving activity data, such as from sensor 25, by control circuit 50. During initial calibration, the user is instructed to perform certain specific or repetitive movements to assist in the calibration. Data from the performance of these specific movements is received by control circuit 82. At 83, technique 80 continues with using activity data generated by performing known physical movements by control circuit 50 to calibrate the initial support level for the user of the adaptive support garment. The known physical movements are selected to invoke specific soft tissues affected by the 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 contact surface and / or shoulder straps that can characterize breast tissue movement during known movements.

[0041] Once the initial calibration is complete at 83, technique 80 can transition to a monitor / learn mode beginning at 84. Operations 84 through 86 can stand alone as an ongoing monitor / learn mode of operation of adaptive support system 1. At 84, technique 80 continues with control circuitry 50 monitoring support characteristics, which may include activity data as described above. At 85, technique 80 continues with control circuitry determining whether the support level calibration needs to be updated based on the monitored support characteristics. If the support level calibration does not need to be changed, technique 80 returns to 84 to continue monitoring the support characteristics. If the support level calibration needs to be changed, technique 80 optionally continues to 86, analyzing support characteristic data to facilitate updating the support level calibration. Technique 80 then returns to 83 to update the calibrated support levels based on the analysis.

[0042] Adaptive Bra The desired fit of a bra (or other support garment) may change depending on the activity experienced by the wearer of the bra (or other support garment). For example, during sedate (relaxed) activities, the wearer may prefer a bra with less compression and tension than during active activities. However, when changing activity levels, the wearer may not have the opportunity to exchange a first bra with a first fit for a second bra with a different fit. Furthermore, the wearer may benefit from a bra that can dynamically adapt as the wearer transitions from activity to activity. Also, during different active activities, the wearer may benefit from different types of additional support. Currently, bra users can select a bra for one activity level regardless of other activity states experienced while wearing it. This selection may result in the selected bra not being a preferred choice for some activities.

[0043] Thus, an adaptive bra that can be adjusted to change fit characteristics based on the user's wants or needs during wear provides the benefit of varying levels of support to enhance comfort levels across all activities. For example, a first bra fit can support sedate activities, providing a comfortable fit that allows breast tissue movement while providing gentle support. The bra can then adjust automatically or by the wearer (e.g., manually) as activity increases to a second fit that increases the force applied to the breast tissue to stabilize and secure the breast tissue during more impactful activities. For example, a wearer can have the bra in the first fit while moving into an athletic activity, and the wearer can adjust the bra to the second fit upon commencing the athletic activity. Following the athletic activity, the wearer can again change the bra fit back to the first fit. Breast tissue and surrounding soft tissue experience dramatic changes in movement between different activities, which can be measured as changes in the magnitude of acceleration. Such measurements can be one input to a dynamic adaptive bra as discussed herein. Although breast tissue is used as an example above, the concept of adaptive support is applicable to any body tissue that can benefit from increased support during a particular activity.

[0044] An adaptive bra can include adjustability across breast tissue at the breast contacting surface, at the bridge, at the shoulder straps, at the wings, and / or along the back, among other locations. Adjustability can include tightening / loosening straps, widening straps, tightening gores (bridges), tightening bands, encapsulation, and breast contouring.

[0045] FIG. 2A is a diagram of adjustable zones of an adaptive bra, according to some exemplary embodiments. In this example, bra 200A can include multiple adaptive zones. The adaptive zones can include underband 210, breast contact area size 212, strap width 214, gore 216, strap length 218, and compression (wings) 220. In some examples, additional adaptive zones can target breast shape (not specifically shown in FIG. 2A ). Adjustment of underband 210 can include tightening or loosening to change underbust support and / or breast lift. In traditional sports bras, up to 60% of the wearer's breast load is carried by underband 210 around the rib area. Adjustment of breast contact area size 212 can provide three-dimensional variation in the breast contact area size of adaptive bra 200A, such as via a dynamic padding system or structured air pillows. Dynamic padding systems include those discussed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0129999, entitled "Article of apparel with dynamic padding system," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Adaptation in breast contact area size 212 can also include shape adjustment. Adjusting strap width 214 can distribute the load on the bra strap over a wider area under certain conditions. In one embodiment, adjusting 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 is stretched, it becomes thicker perpendicular to the applied force. The thickening occurs due to an internal structure, which causes a specific deformation when the sample is uniaxially loaded. Auxetics can be single molecules, crystals, or macroscopic materials with a specific structure. Auxetic materials and structures are expected to have mechanical properties such as high energy absorption and fracture resistance.

[0046] The gore 216 adjustment can adjust the position of the breast-contacting surfaces relative to one another to provide breast containment or separation. Strap length 218 adjustment zones are shown in several exemplary locations, providing the ability to adjust lift and / or size-type fit adjustments. In traditional sports bras, up to 40% of the wearer's breast load is carried by straps that run from the shoulders to the back. The compression 220 adjustment allows for adjustment of the entire breast-contacting material separately from the underband 210. In some embodiments, the compression adjustment is performed using a rear adjustment mechanism (or adaptive support structure). Breast compression can be used to stabilize breast tissue during high-impact activities such as running. As indicated above, wearers of adaptive bras benefit from adaptive support during a variety of activities with varying degrees of impact, from walking to yoga to running. Each individual activity presents different support challenges. For example, during yoga, a wearer benefits from moderate support while allowing extreme flexibility. In comparison, running may require maximum support, while flexibility is not as important.

[0047] 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 can be adjusted by the wearer to adjust the degree of breast tissue movement restraint. In this example, the adjustable restraint bra 200B includes a first breast contacting portion 232, a second breast contacting portion 234, and a bridge 236 extending between and connecting the first and second breast contacting portions. The first breast contacting portion 232, the second breast contacting 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 high modulus) relative to the other portions of the bra. Modulus is measured based on tensile stress versus tensile strain along a tensile axis. Herein, the tensile axis of the first material is parallel to the tensile axis of the second material when discussing relative modulus. For example, if a first portion has a lower modulus than a second portion of bra 200B, the tensile axes of both the first and second portions are parallel within the article as formed (e.g., both are perpendicular when bra 200B is in the configuration worn by a conventional wearer).

[0048] 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 buckles, rungs, clasps, hooks, etc.) that is connected with bra material, straps, or other elements (e.g., cords). Additionally, in some embodiments, the adjuster may be (or may be coupled to) an adaptive engine that provides automatic or wearer-activated adjustment.

[0049] Restraint bra 200B can restrict breast tissue movement through adjustment of adjuster 246 (see FIG. 2C). For example, when adjuster 246 decreases the distance between upper portion 238 and lower portion 230, a bunched fabric is created from the condensed material. This reduction in distance pulls the breast-contacting surfaces closer together, limiting the volume of space that breast tissue can fill. This reduction in volume creates a compressive force on the breast tissue, which translates to a motion-reducing effect when the wearer engages in physical activity.

[0050] Embodiments herein describe material layers. A layer is a layer of material that may have different properties (e.g., physical, chemical, appearance) from other material layers. For example, a multilayer knit material may have all layers knitted simultaneously, but one of the layers may have different properties (e.g., material or yarn selection, coloring, stitching technique, knit construction type, knit stitch sequence, etc.) from the other layers. Similarly, a laminate may be formed from two or more permanently bonded materials, but the original materials may each form a different layer within the laminate. Thus, embodiments herein discuss material layers that may or may not be separable from other layers. In an adjustable bra, a non-stretch material may be wrapped or layered between a first stretch material facing the body and a second stretch material facing the exterior. The term "non-stretch" is related to 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 can be stretched with sufficient force, but in exemplary embodiments requires more force than a stretchable material or stretches less than a stretchable material.

[0051] 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 laces 255, and a user-activated cord (e.g., adjuster 246). The adjuster 246 can activate the adaptive engine 250, which can shorten the compression laces 255 and activate the motion restraints 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 in the compression laces 255 and reduce the motion restraints.

[0052] 3A-3B are rear views of an adaptive bra 300 with a continuous support structure, according to some exemplary embodiments. The adaptive bra 300 illustrates exemplary support structures (e.g., drawstrings 305) for providing adaptive support to the wearer. The adaptive bra 300 includes components such as drawstrings 305, manual pulls 310, adjusters 315, guides 320, drawstring hubs 325, and anchor tabs 330. The adaptive bra 300 utilizes a continuous drawstring 305 support structure disposed around the underband, between the chest-contacting material, and over each shoulder strap. The drawstrings 305 are guided through desired locations on the adaptive bra 300 by guides 320. The guides 320 may be fabric channels, tubing, or material tunnels that may extend along critical portions of the drawstring path to improve support and comfort. In certain examples, the guides 320 are formed from knitted components, 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 adaptive support via a manual pull 310. As further described below, all of the support architectures shown in the various adaptive support garments can have an automatic adaptive engine integrated into them for full or semi-automatic adjustment.

[0053] The adaptive bra 300 includes a string hub 325 positioned along the underband at the rear of the garment. The string hub 325 routes the continuous drawstrings 305 laterally around the underband, descending from the shoulders. The string hub 325 is shown as a simple triangular slot structure, although exemplary alternative structures may utilize small pulleys or fixed circular string guides. In some embodiments, the string hub 325 can be replaced with a string tightening engine to provide automatic or semi-automatic adjustment and string routing. An exemplary adaptive engine is described below with reference to Figures 9A-9E.

[0054] The lacing architecture shown in adaptive bra 300 can facilitate breast tissue isolation, underband compression, and lift through shoulder strap compression.

[0055] FIG. 3C is a line drawing illustrating an example of a knit tube 352, where the knit tube 352 is formed by a multilayer knit structure, such as a tubular knit structure. The tubular knit structure can be formed by any suitable tubular knitting technique, for example, via a flat knitting technique, such as circular knitting or flat knitting, or via a wrap knitting technique. As an example, a tubular knitting process on a flat knitting machine can include a first knit layer formed on a first bed of the knitting machine, which remains separable from a second knit layer formed on a second needle bed for multiple courses (e.g., has a central region that is not locked to the second knit layer). For example, referring to an enlarged view of one knit tube 352, the first layer 354 of the tube 352, which can define the outer surface 356 of the knit component 350, can be formed on a first needle bed of the knitting machine (e.g., having a single jersey or similar knit structure). A second layer 358 of knit tube 352, which may define the inner surface of knit component 350, may be formed on a second needle bed of a knitting machine (e.g., having a single jersey or similar knit structure). End edges 360, 362 of knit tube 352 (extending along the tube length) are positioned where an end course of the tubular knit structure (in the knitting direction) utilizes both needle beds to lock first layer 354 and second layer 358 together. In the resulting knit component 350, a channel / tunnel may be formed between first layer 354 and second layer 358 of knit tube 352, and that same channel may be used to receive tension strand (e.g., string cable) 370.

[0056] The adaptive apparel discussed herein can utilize knitted tubes, such as knitted tube 352, to route lacing cables that form an adaptive support structure through each garment. For example, any of the adaptive bras discussed above can include shoulder strap and underband portions that include knitted tubes for containing lacing cables as part of an integrated adaptive support structure, among other features. All of the adaptive bra and tight embodiments discussed above can be constructed with at least a portion of the lacing system contained within a knitted tube or channel structure similar to knitted component 350 discussed herein. Routing the lacing cables through knitted component 350 provides an aesthetic improvement by hiding the lacing system and also distributes forces from the lacing system for improved comfort and support for the wearer.

[0057] 4A-4D are diagrams of an adaptive bra 400 with crisscross-shaped rear support drawstrings, according to some exemplary embodiments. The adaptive bra 400 provides an illustration of an alternative adaptive support structure, including a right adjuster 405A and a left adjuster 405B, which can be replaced with an adaptive adjustment engine. The adaptive bra 400 also includes a rear drawstring cover 410, as shown in FIG. 4B. FIGS. 4C and 4D show the rear adaptive support structure with the rear drawstring cover 410 pulled back. The rear adaptive support structure includes drawstrings 415, drawstring pulleys 420, an adjustment engine 425, an adjuster 430, and an underband 435. In this example, the drawstrings 415 form a crisscross pattern across the rear of the adaptive bra 400, extending from the adjustment engine 425 located along the underband to the shoulder strap anchor points. The drawstrings 415 traverse a series of drawstring pulleys 420 on both sides of the adaptive bra 400. The strap pulleys 420 are secured in place to provide underband and gore type adjustments. The rear adaptive support structure is also secured to the shoulder straps to simultaneously provide lift support through the shoulder straps.

[0058] The adjustment mechanism shown on adaptive bra 400 includes right and left adjusters 405A, 405B and an adaptive engine 425 along the rear underband. The right / left adjusters 405A, 405B provide direct underband adjustment, while the adaptive engine 425 applies tension to the rear support structure via the drawstrings 415. In this example, the adaptive engine 425 is manually activated via adjuster 430. In another example, the adaptive engine 425 can be replaced with an automatic or semi-automatic adjustment engine to provide wearer- or sensor-activated automatic adjustment. In certain examples, the adjustment engine can be adapted to adjust both the drawstrings 415 and the underband, thereby eliminating the need for manual right / left adjusters 405A / 405B. In some examples, multiple adaptive engines are used to provide separate automatic adjustment of each of the drawstrings 415 and right / left adjusters 405A / 405B.

[0059] 5A-5C are diagrams of an adaptive bra 500 with crisscross gore support drawstrings 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 drawstrings 530 for adjusting the breast-contacting surface 505. The front support structures also include a central anchor overlay 510 that supports string anchors 515 along the medial 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 to help distribute forces from the cross-shaped drawstrings 530. The drawstrings 530 are secured to lateral anchors 520A and 520B and extend to right and left shoulder anchors 525A and 525B. The drawstrings 530 hang from the right and left shoulder anchors 525A, 525B in a crisscross pattern formed by the string anchors 515 distributed along the medial edges of the breast-contacting surface 505. The front support structure is adjusted via adjuster 535, which in this embodiment is a manual tension adjustment mechanism that provides the ability to tension laces 530, as shown in Figure 5B.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 5B, the front support structure of the adaptive bra 500 can generate lift through gore tension as well as shoulder straps. In this embodiment, the breast-contacting surface 505 is an essentially inelastic material, providing additional containment and support to the breast tissue when tension is applied to the front support structure (see FIG. 5B). In another embodiment, the central anchor overlay 510 is a stiff 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.

[0061] The back 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 a separate initial adjustment mechanism that allows 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.

[0062] 6A-6C are diagrams of an adaptive bra 600 with an adaptive breast contact surface and rear support drawstrings, according to some example embodiments. In this example, the adaptive bra 600 includes an adaptive support structure that focuses on breast shape, providing lift through a front structure and gore and underband tension through a rear structure. The front support structure includes a breast contact surface 605, drawstrings 615, drawstring guides 620, and trim 610 provides dimensional structure around the perimeter of the adaptive bra 600.

[0063] The breast-contacting surface 605 can include a substantially inelastic (or at least less elastic than the surrounding non-supporting material) material with a contour that provides specific breast tissue shaping when tension is applied to the drawstrings 615. In this example, the contour includes two slots 606 formed in the upper portion of the breast-contacting surface 605, allowing the material to cradle the breast tissue and provide lift and some compression when tension is applied. The breast-contacting surface 605 includes three separate string guides 615 at the top of the separated portions. In this example, the string guides 615 are formed of a hemmed material that creates a material tunnel. In other examples, the string guides can be plastic tubes with varying degrees of stiffness depending on the desired shape designed into the adaptive bra.

[0064] The rear structure of the adaptive bra 600 is shown in FIG. 6C, with hidden lines showing where the drawstrings 615, anchors 625, and underband 635 are routed within the adaptive bra 600. As shown, the drawstrings 615, forming a cross structure, extend downward from the shoulder straps where they cross from the front. The cross pattern allows the adaptive engine 630 to provide tension to the underband, gore, and front structure in unison. The rear support structure can be activated via an adjuster 640, which in this example is a pull tab. In other examples, the adjuster 640 can include a tension and release button or a separate pull tab.

[0065] 7A-7D are diagrams of various adaptive bra 700 configurations with an auto-adjusting mechanism, according to some exemplary embodiments. While the adaptive bra 700 examples shown in these figures are similar, the number and placement of string guides 710 can create different support adaptations. FIG. 7A shows adaptive bra 700A with two string guides 710 positioned to apply tension to the right and left wings, thereby providing enhanced compression throughout the breast tissue and gore area. FIG. 7B shows adaptive bra 700B with five string guides 710 positioned to apply tension to the shoulder straps and wing areas. FIG. 7C shows adaptive bra 700C with seven string guides provided in a pattern that focuses on tension in the gore and underband. FIG. 7D shows adaptive bra 700D with nine string guides 710 positioned to create additional tension through the shoulder straps compared to the pattern in FIG. 7C.

[0066] All variations of adaptive bra 700 include a continuous lacing cable 705, a lace guide 710, a lace engine pocket 715, and a lace engine 720 (also referred to herein as an adaptive engine). The lace engine may include an open spool configuration to allow removal of the lace engine 720 for washing the garment, charging the internal battery, or replacement. The continuous lacing cable 705 engages with the spool of the lace engine 720 to provide automatic or semi-automatic adjustment for the adaptive bra 700. In this example, the lace guide 710 is a circular open lace guide, although alternative lace guides are also available. For example, a closed tubular lace guide could be implemented to avoid the possibility of disengagement of the continuous lacing cable. In other examples, the lace guide 710 may include a snap-on cover to hold the lace cable in place during use. Each lace guide 710 is attached to a reinforced fabric overlay to aid in lace force distribution and support garment life.

[0067] 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 receiving a lace engine. Adaptive bra 700B adds three additional lace guides 710. One of the additional lace guides 710 is secured to a shoulder strap anchor overlay 730, which distributes force to the shoulder straps when tension is applied to 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 remaining two additional lace guides 710 in adaptive bra 700B (compared to 700A) primarily operate to route the lace cable 705 away from exposed tissue. Adaptive bra 700C includes seven string guides 710 in a slightly different configuration, thereby focusing adaptive adjustment in the left wing region 735A, right wing region 735B, left underband region 740A, and right underband region 740B. (Note that adaptive bra 700C does not include straps or overlays in the wing or underband regions.) In contrast, adaptive bra 700D includes strap or overlay reinforcements in the wing or underband regions for securing the shoulder straps. More specifically, adaptive bra 700D includes nine string guides 710, with string guides 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 breast tissue compression and support by adjusting support in the underband, wing regions, and shoulder straps.

[0068] 8A-8B are diagrams of an adaptive bra 800 configuration 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 for holding an adaptive engine for automatic or semi-automatic adjustment. Adaptive bra 800A includes an underband zone with lacing cables 805 coupled to underband 830 and extending through lower (tail) adaptive engine pocket 835C. This example also includes wing zones with lacing cables 810 coupled to anchors 820, thereby distributing tension generated in lacing cables 810 over a wider area along the sides of adaptive bra 800A. Lacing cables 810 are adjusted by a central adaptive engine located within central adaptive engine pocket 835B. Anchor 820 can be a pulley, a circular anchor, a tubular lacing guide, or a fabric loop, among others. The gore zone lacing cable 810 is implemented in this example as a single lacing cable extending from a lower left anchor crossing a portion of the back of adaptive bra 800A to an upper right anchor. In other examples, the gore zone lacing cable 810 can be implemented as three separate lacing cables (see FIG. 8B ), or some other combination of lacing cables. In FIG. 8B , all three separate lacing cables 810 are routed through a central adaptive engine 840B for simultaneous adjustment. Adaptive bra 800A also includes a shoulder zone with dual lacing cables 815 extending from the right shoulder to the left shoulder through an upper (head-side) adaptive engine pocket 835A.

[0069] Adaptive bra 800B shown in FIG. 8B includes lace tightening (adaptive) engines 840A-840C within adaptive engine pocket 835. Lacing engine 840A functions to adjust shoulder zone lace cables 815, which provide shoulder strap adjustment and additional lift to the front breast-contacting area of ​​adaptive bra 800B. Lacing engine 840B functions to adjust gore zone lace cables 810, which provide compression across the breast-contacting area. Lacing engine 840C functions to adjust underband zone lace cables 805, which provide tension support to the underband of adaptive bra 800B.

[0070] As described in more detail below, lacing engines 840A-840C may operate via manual input (eg, semi-automatically) or in response to sensor inputs indicative of activity level or tension in the lacing cables, etc.

[0071] 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. Some of the embodiments discussed above provide adaptive support structures that include some 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 various levels of shape control. Details of dynamic padding systems are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0129994, entitled "Apparel Article with Dynamic Padding System," incorporated by reference above.

[0072] In one embodiment, the breast contacting surface of the adaptive bra may utilize a variation of the dynamic padding system described in the Dynamic Padding System application, whose control strings may be routed to the adaptive engine to provide automatic or semi-automatic control of the dynamic shaping structures within the adaptive bra.

[0073] Adaptive Support Structure - Lace-Up System A variety of different adaptive support structures for adaptive bras have been discussed above with reference to FIGS. 2A-8B. These adaptive support structures generally include lacing systems that extend through various lace guides, tubes, or fabric anchors. In other embodiments, the lacing systems can be embedded within the textiles used to construct the adaptive support garment. Textiles can include knitted, woven, and nonwoven textiles, braided textiles, among others. For example, textiles can be manufactured to include or be assembled to form tubes or tunnels through which lace cables for various lacing systems can be routed.

[0074] In examples utilizing knit textiles, a flat knitting process called flat knitting (among other knitting processes) can be used to form knit components for adaptive support garments. Various functions can be incorporated into the knit component. For example, the knit component can define a tube formed from a single knit structure, with strands (lacing cables) extending through the length of the tube. As another example, the knit component can have a pair of at least partially coextensive knit layers formed from a single knit structure, with multiple floats extending between the knit layers. In some configurations, the knit type or yarn type can vary in different regions of the knit component to impart different properties. Additionally, the knit component can incorporate thermoplastic yarns fused in different regions of the knit component to impart different properties. U.S. Patent No. 6,277,949, entitled "Article of footwear having an upper incorporating a knitted component," includes further details regarding methods of utilizing knit textiles to create fabric tubes or tunnels for routing a lacing system. U.S. Patent No. 6,277,949 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0075] The knitting process can be used for inlay yarns, stands, or cables that can be used in the lacing systems discussed herein. During the manufacture of the knitted component, at least a portion of the cable (yarn or strand) can be inserted between specific loops of the knitted component on the knitting machine. The cable can be inserted into the knitted tube during the knitting process, such as by utilizing an inlay process. For example, the inlay process can include using an inlay feeder or other mechanical inlay 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 an inlay process, along with a combination feeder for enabling such a process, is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0129997, published June 13, 2013, and assigned to NIKE, Inc., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Alternatively, the cable can be fed through the knitted tube of the knitted component by hand and / or another suitable method. It is contemplated that the cable may be attached to the rest of the lacing system in different 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 discussed herein.

[0076] A knitted tube is generally a hollow structure formed by two overlapping, at least partially coextensive layers of knitted material (see the example shown in FIG. 3C and discussed above). 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 so that another element (e.g., a cable) can be positioned between the two layers of knitted material and passed through the tube.

[0077] More specifically, the tube can be formed by a multilayer knit structure, such as a tubular knit structure. The tubular knit structure can be formed by a tubular knitting process in which a first knit layer formed on a first bed of a knitting machine remains separable from a second knit layer formed on a second needle bed for multiple courses (e.g., has a central region that is not locked to the second knit layer). For example, a first layer of the tube, which can define the outer surface of the knit component, can be formed on a first needle bed of the knitting machine (e.g., has a single jersey or similar knit structure). A second layer of the tube, which can define the inner surface of the knit component, can be formed on a second needle bed of the knitting machine (e.g., has a single jersey or similar knit structure). An edge of the tube (extending along the length of the tube) corresponds to where the end course of the tubular knit structure (in the knitting direction) utilizes both needle beds, thereby locking the first and second layers together (although in some embodiments, separate layers can optionally continue beyond the edge in a secure manner). In the resulting knitted component, a channel / tunnel is formed between the first and second layers of tubing, and that same channel can be used to receive a cable.

[0078] The yarns, strands, or cables discussed above can include inlay yarns having a filament (e.g., monofilament), multifilament, strand, yarn, thread, rope, webbing, cable, or chain configuration, for example. The thickness of the inlay yarns can be greater than the yarns forming the knitted elements, such as the adaptive support garment 10. In some configurations, the inlay yarns can have a significantly greater thickness than the yarns of the knitted elements. The cross-sectional shape of the inlay yarns can be circular, although triangular, square, rectangular, oval, or irregular shapes are also possible. Furthermore, the materials forming the inlay yarns can include any of the materials for the yarns in the knitted elements, such as cotton, elastane, polyester, rayon, wool, and nylon. As noted above, the inlay yarns can exhibit greater stretch resistance than the remainder of the knitted element. Accordingly, suitable materials for inlay yarns can include various engineering filaments utilized in high-tensile applications, including glass, aramids (e.g., para-aramid and meta-aramid), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, and liquid crystal polymers. As another example, braided polyester yarns can also be utilized as inlay yarns.

[0079] The lacing systems discussed throughout this disclosure represent only a few example arrangements that can provide the desired support within an adaptive support garment. Other lacing architectures can be adopted from related garments or footwear. For example, the automated lacing footwear platforms disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,273,949, entitled "Lacing Architecture for Automated Footwear Platform," and U.S. Patent No. 6,273,949, entitled "Lacing Architecture for Automated Footwear Platform," both disclose lacing structures suitable for use within adaptive support garments. U.S. Patent No. 6,273,949 and U.S. Patent No. 6,273,949, are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0080] 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 indicative of how portions of the anatomy associated with the adaptive support garment are moving and / or stresses placed on portions of the adaptive support garment. Sensors such as motion tracking sensors and force-measuring sensors (e.g., strain gauges) are examples of sensors that can be used to provide the necessary data.

[0081] Force sensors may be embedded in relative portions of the adaptive support garment, may be separate devices worn by the user, and / or may be integrated 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 these forces. For example, sensors may be utilized to detect impact forces on the shoulder straps of an adaptive bra. The impact force data may be interpreted as indicating the level of compression or breast tissue isolation that the adaptive bra should provide to the wearer.

[0082] In addition to, or instead of, force sensors embedded in the adaptive support garment, the garment can include stretchable capacitance sensors for monitoring increased activity levels. In one example, the adaptive support garment can include one or more stretchable capacitance sensors in strategic locations, such as the shoulder straps, underband, and / or in association with anchor points for the various adaptive support structures and lacing systems discussed herein. The stretchable capacitance sensors can detect athletic movements indicative of the wearer's activity level, and signals from these sensors can be processed by control circuitry, as discussed herein, to determine the desired level of support for the adaptive support garment.

[0083] Further details regarding related implementations of stretchable capacitive sensors can be found in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0129999, entitled "Sense-Enabled Apparel," the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety for all non-limiting purposes. Examples of stretchable capacitive sensors that may be utilized in accordance with various embodiments are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0129999 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0129999, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety for all non-limiting purposes. The control circuit 50 discussed above can also utilize sensor inputs to trigger lighting integrated into the adaptive apparel. Lighting can be integrated for safety during nighttime activities.

[0084] In some embodiments, 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), can track up to six degrees of freedom (DOF) and can be applied to various parts of the anatomy to provide feedback to a control system monitoring the adaptive support garment. One such sensor is from a company called Polhemus (https: / / polhemus.com / micro-sensors / ), although similar sensors are available from other manufacturers. 6-DOF motion sensors can capture the degree of both linear and rotational displacement, the frequency of movement, and / or the speed of movement through up to six degrees of movement. In adaptive bra embodiments, by associating sensors with breast structures, particularly the nipple region of the breast structures, the sensors can accurately capture the displacements experienced by the breast structures during movement. Furthermore, because the nipple region typically represents the anterior-most part of breast tissue, placing the sensors in this location allows the sensors to capture the maximum amount of displacement experienced by the breast structures. A control system within the auto-adaptive bra can utilize this sensor data (e.g., displacement data, frequency and velocity data, etc.) to adaptively adjust the support structure to compensate for changes in the collected data as activity levels change. The above description is intended to explain and / or enhance previous discussions related to sensors 25, also referred to throughout as activity sensors.

[0085] Adaptive Tuning Engine The following discusses an example of a powered lacing engine utilized in some of the adaptive bra embodiments discussed above as an adaptive adjustment engine. While much of this disclosure focuses on powered lacing engines, many of the mechanical aspects of the discussed designs are applicable to human-powered lacing engines or other powered lacing engines with additional or fewer capabilities. Thus, the terms "automatic" or "adaptive" as used in "adaptive apparel" or "automated apparel platform" are not intended to cover only systems that operate without user (e.g., manual) input. Rather, the term "automatic / adaptive apparel platform" includes a variety of powered and human-powered, automatically activated, and human-activated mechanisms for the adaptive support systems discussed herein.

[0086] In one example, an 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 one or more sensors, an adaptive support system that includes a motorized lacing 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 sensor can be configured to detect an activity level to which the adaptive support system can respond by adjusting the support structure. In one example, the adaptive apparel article 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 lacing engine 900.

[0087] An example lacing engine 900 is described in detail with reference to Figures 9A-9F. Figures 9A-9F are drawings illustrating an electric lacing 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 various external features of the exemplary lacing engine 900, including a housing structure 905, case screws 908, lacing channel 910 (also referred to as lacing guide relief 910), lacing channel walls 912, lacing channel transition 914, spool recess 915, button opening 920, button 921, button membrane seal 924, programming header 928, spool 930, and lacing groove 932.

[0088] In one example, the lacing engine 900 is held in place by one or more screws, such as case screws 908. The case screws 908 are located near the primary drive mechanism to increase the structural integrity of the lacing engine 900. The case screws 908 also function to aid in the assembly process, such as holding the case together for ultrasonic welding of the exterior seams.

[0089] In this example, lacing engine 900 includes a lacing channel 910 that receives a lacing lace or cable once incorporated into the automated adaptive garment platform. Lacing channel 910 may include lacing channel walls 912. Lacing channel walls 912 may include chamfered edges to provide a smooth guide surface for the lacing cable to extend through during exercise. A portion of the smooth guide surface of lacing channel 910 may include a channel transition 914, which is an enlarged portion of lacing channel 910 that connects to a spool recess 915. Spool recess 915 transitions from channel transition 914 into a generally circular portion that closely matches the profile of spool 930. Spool recess 915 not only serves to retain the spool lacing cable, but also serves to hold spool 930 in place. However, other aspects of the design provide the primary retention for spool 930. In this embodiment, spool 930 is shaped similarly to a half yo-yo, with a string channel 932 running through the flat top side and a spool shaft 933 (not shown in FIG. 9A) extending downward from the opposite side. Spool 930 is described in further detail below with reference to additional figures.

[0090] The side of lacing engine 900 includes a button opening 920 that allows a button 921 to extend through housing structure 905 to activate the mechanism. Button 921 provides an external interface for activating a switch 922, which is shown in further figures described below. In some embodiments, housing structure 905 includes a button membrane seal 924 to provide protection from dirt and moisture. In this embodiment, 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 and down the sides. In another embodiment, button membrane seal 924 is a 2 mil thick vinyl adhesive-backed membrane that covers button 921 and button opening 920.

[0091] 9B is a diagram of various internal components of lacing engine 900, according to an exemplary embodiment. In this example, lacing 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 functions to block dirt and moisture that may migrate into lacing engine 900 around spool shaft 933.

[0092] In this example, the primary drive components of lacing engine 900 include worm drive 940, worm gear 950, gear motor 945, and gearbox 944. Worm gear 950 is designed to inhibit backdrive of worm drive 940 and gear motor 945, meaning that the primary input power from the lacing cable via spool 930 is resolved by the relatively large worm gear and worm drive teeth. This arrangement eliminates the need for gearbox 944 to include gears strong enough to withstand both dynamic loads from active use of the adaptive garment or clamping loads from tightening the lacing system. Worm drive 940 includes additional features to help protect more vulnerable portions of the drive system, such as worm drive key 942. In this example, worm drive key 942 is a radial slot in the motor end of worm drive 940 that interfaces with a pin through the drive shaft emerging from gearbox 944. This arrangement prevents the worm drive 940 from applying axial forces to the gearbox 944 or gear motor 945 by allowing the worm drive 940 to move freely axially (away from the gearbox 944) and transmit those axial loads to the bushing 941 and housing structure 905.

[0093] FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view of lace engine 900 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 9C helps to explain the structure of spool 930 and how lace groove 932 and lace channel 910 interface with lace cable 931. As shown in this example, lace 931 extends through lace channel 910 and into lace groove 932 of spool 930. The cross-sectional view also shows lace recess 935 and spool center, which are the locations where lace 931 builds up as it is wound by rotation of spool 930. Spool center 937 is a circular, reduced-diameter portion located below the top surface of spool 930. Spool recess 935 is formed by spool recess 915, the sides and floor of spool recess 915, and an upper portion of spool 930 that extends laterally to substantially fill spool center 937. In some examples, the upper portion of spool 930 may extend beyond spool recess 915. In other embodiments, the spool 930 fits completely within the spool recess 915, with the upper radial portion extending into the sidewall of the spool recess 915, yet allowing the spool 930 to rotate freely with the spool recess 915. The string 931 is captured by the string groove 932 as it extends across the lacing engine 900, so that as the spool 930 rotates, the string 931 rotates on the body of the spool 930 within the string recess 935.

[0094] As shown by the cross section of the lacing engine 900, the spool 930 includes a spool shaft 933 that couples with the worm gear 950 after passing through an O-ring 938. In this example, the spool shaft 933 is coupled to the worm gear via a keyed pin 934. In some examples, the keyed pin 934 extends only uniaxially from the spool shaft 933 and contacts a key on the worm gear 950 to allow nearly a full rotation of the worm gear 950 before the keyed pin 934 makes contact when the direction of the worm gear 950 is reversed. A clutch system can also be implemented to couple the spool 930 to the worm gear 950. In such examples, the clutch mechanism can be deactivated to allow the spool 930 to move freely during unlacing (unlacing). In the example of the keyed pin 934, although it extends only uniaxially from the spool shaft 933, the spool can move freely during the initial activation of the unlacing (unlacing) process while the worm gear 950 is driven backward. Allowing the spool 930 to move freely during the first part of the unlacing process helps prevent tangling of the laces 931 as it provides time for the adaptive support garment to respond, which applies tension in a direction that loosens the laces 931 before being driven by the worm gear 950.

[0095] Figure 9D is another cross-sectional view of lacing engine 900, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2G shows a more internal cross-section of lacing engine 900 compared to Figure 2F, showing additional components such as circuit board 160, wireless charging interconnect 165, and wireless charging coil 966. Figure 2G is also used to show more detail around the interface between spool 930 and lace 931.

[0096] FIG. 9E is an exploded view of lacing engine 900, according to an exemplary embodiment. The exploded view of lacing engine 900 shows how all the various components fit together. FIG. 9E shows lacing engine 900 upside down, with lower portion 904 at the top of the page and upper portion 902 near the bottom. In this example, wireless charging coil 966 is shown glued to the outside (bottom) of lower portion 904. The exploded view also provides a good illustration of how worm drive 940 is assembled with bushing 941, drive shaft 943, gearbox 944, and gear motor 945. The illustration does not include the drive shaft pin that is received in worm drive key 942 at the first end of worm drive 940. As described above, worm drive 940 slides on drive shaft 943 to engage with the drive shaft pin in worm drive key 942, which is essentially a slot extending transversely to drive shaft 943 at the first end of worm drive 940.

[0097] FIG. 9F illustrates a mechanism for securing a lace within a spool of a lacing engine, according to some exemplary embodiments. In this example, spool 930 of lacing engine 900 receives lace cable 931 within lace groove 932. FIG. 9F illustrates a lace cable having a ferrule and a spool having a lace groove that includes a recess for receiving the ferrule. In this example, the ferrule snaps (e.g., an interference fit) into the recess to help retain the lace cable within the spool. Other exemplary spools, such as spool 930, do not include a recess, and other components of the self-adaptive garment are used to retain the lace cable in the lace groove of the spool. These examples further highlight the need, or at least the utility, of an adaptive adjustment engine that can be easily removed from an adaptive garment for cleaning the garment.

[0098] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating components of a powered lacing system for adaptive support garments, according to some exemplary embodiments. System 1000 illustrates basic components of a powered lacing system, including an interface button, a foot presence sensor, a printed circuit board assembly (PCA) with a processor circuit, a battery, a charging coil, an encoder, a motor, a transmission, and a spool. In this example, the interface button and sensors (such as those described above) communicate with the circuit board (PCA), which also 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. Within adaptive garment applications, sensor input is utilized to receive sensor input from sensors that monitor anatomical parameters (e.g., movement, displacement, velocity, acceleration, etc.) or parameters of the adaptive garment, rather than foot presence, as occurs when the powered lacing system is integrated into a footwear assembly.

[0099] 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 buttons and / or sensors (shown as foot presence sensors) and / or batteries and / or drive mechanisms and / or encoders, and can be further configured to issue commands to the drive mechanisms, such as tightening or loosening the adaptive support garment or capturing or recording sensor information, among other functions.

[0100] Adaptive tights 11A-11E illustrate various adaptive tight configurations, including manual or automatic adaptive adjustments, according to several embodiments. In one example, adaptive tights 1100A are compression-type athletic tights constructed from various fabrics with different properties. The body fabric (white / unpatterned) is a woven, nonwoven, or knit textile with at least sufficient elastic properties to comfortably conform to the wearer's contours. The superstretch fabric (dark gray / dark patterned) is highly elastic and provides the majority of the built-in compression offered by the tights. In some embodiments, adaptive tights 1100A also include mesh areas to increase the breathability of the garment.

[0101] The adaptive tights 1100A also include adaptive support structures in the form of strings 1110 and guide tubes 1120. In this example, the strings 1110 are routed along the rear of the waistline to the adjustment mechanism 1130 in a split spiral pattern on an inner (medial) facing portion along the lower portion (distal to the knee) and on an outer (lateral) facing portion along the upper portion (proximal to the knee). The split spiral lacing pattern has been found to provide additional spring when engaged during physical activity. 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, for automatic control of the support structures (e.g., the strings 1110 routed through the guide tubes 1120).

[0102] 11B-11D show alternative embodiments of adaptive tights incorporating different fabric layouts as well as compression banding (e.g., horizontal bands of superstretch fabric). For example, adaptive tights 1100C shown in FIG. 11C include webbed compression bands integrated into the tights to enhance compression in the thigh and calf areas. Adaptive tights 1100D shown in FIG. 11D also include compression bands with a different pattern to provide a lower level of compression. In these embodiments, the compression bands are aligned with guide tubes 1120 in at least some locations, thereby distributing the force from tension applied to strings 1110 over a wider area of ​​the garment.

[0103] FIG. 11E shows exemplary adaptive tights in use. During an activity such as running, the laces 1110 release as the wearer's knee flexes, but fully engage as the foot straightens, providing additional support to the corresponding leg muscle groups during footstrike and then release during foot lift, providing freedom of movement. Thus, the support provided to the wearer varies in response to running pace, activating to provide additional support to the foot when needed during running, while allowing freedom of movement when less support is needed during the running cycle. In some embodiments, the adaptive engine can be activated to increase the support variability, further increasing support during high-impact portions of the running pace. Altering the support structure can also promote higher energy return to improve the wearer's performance.

[0104] The advantage gained through the dynamic support described above is that it provides additional support during foot strike to increase support to the foot region such as the thigh or calf, and then releases the support after foot strike as the foot lifts off, providing freedom of movement as the foot swings back.

[0105] Compression Sleeve Sleeves can be used to support physical activity and aid in recovery after physical activity. As described herein, sleeves can include, among other things, leg sleeves, arm sleeves, and tubular portions of other garments, such as shirts, pants, tights, leggings, etc. FIG. 12A is a line drawing illustrating an adaptive compression sleeve, according to some exemplary embodiments. In this example, the adaptive compression sleeve 1200A includes strings 1205 that extend in a crisscross pattern between a series of string guides 1210 on either side of the adjustment zone (e.g., in the spaces between the string guides). The compression sleeve 1200A also includes a zipper 1224 and zipper pull 1222 to aid in donning the compression sleeve by allowing it to be easily wrapped around a target anatomical structure, such as the upper or lower leg region. The zipper 1224 divides the compression sleeve 1200A into a front half 1220A and a back half 1220B, which are primarily constructed of elastic or non-elastic mesh material. In this embodiment, the front and back halves 1220A and 1220B are also connected by the bottom layer 1214, which is a layer of fabric that spans both halves and underneath the adjustment zone.

[0106] The exemplary adaptive compression sleeve 1200A shown herein is manually adjusted using a string 1205. However, the adaptive compression sleeve 1200A can have an integrated adaptive adjustment engine to provide automatic or semi-automatic adjustment. An automatic adaptive compression sleeve 1200B, such as that shown in FIGS. 12B-12E, can be programmed to detect an increase 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 level of detected activity.

[0107] Alternatively, the adaptive compression sleeve 1200B discussed below may be configured to aid recovery by pulsing the compression level or by gradually changing the compression level and / or compression location throughout the length of the sleeve. In one example, the compression sleeve 1200B can pulse the compression and / or move the compression location up and / or down the longitudinal length of the sleeve to enhance 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 incorporated within the sleeve or adaptive engine.

[0108] 12B-12E are line drawings illustrating 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 components such as lacing cables 1205, lacing cables 1206, an airbag 1208, lace guides 1210, lace return guides 1212, lace guide overlays 1215, longitudinal reinforcements 1216, mesh side panels 1220A / 1220B (also referred to as the front half 1220A and the back 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 adapted to accommodate a portion of the wearer's anatomy, such as the ankle. In certain examples, the adaptive sleeve 1200B includes a full-length zipper along the back side (e.g., the back of the leg) to facilitate entry and exit from the sleeve.

[0109] FIG. 12B shows an example of a lower limb adaptive sleeve, according to some embodiments. The adaptive sleeve 1200B distributes compression forces from the adaptive engine 1230 up and down the sleeve via a two-zone crisscross lacing pattern including lacing cables 1205 and 1206, each passing through a series of lacing guides 1210. The lower (distal) lacing pattern formed by lacing cables 1206 includes a return loop that extends along the outside of the lacing zone, while the return guides 1212 return to the top (proximal end) of the adaptive sleeve 1200B. The return loop helps distribute tension forces more evenly throughout the sleeve. Both lacing cables 1205 and 1206 are captured in lacing stops 1218, which allow for additional manual adjustments. For example, the tension level between lacing cables 1205 and 1206 can be adjusted using lacing stops 1218 (also referred to as lacing anchors 1218). Varying the relative tension between lacing cables 1205 and 1206 allows the upper lacing zone (e.g., the zone controlled by lacing cable 1205) to have different compression characteristics compared to the lower lacing zone. The relative terms "upper," "top," or "top" 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. Figure 12B includes references to proximal and distal to aid in orientation.

[0110] In this example, both lacing cables 1205 and 1206 are fed into an adaptive engine 1230 located in the center of 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, lacing cables 1205 loop through adaptive engine 1230 and engage with lacing spools within the adaptive engine, as described above. Lacing cables 1205 cross from adaptive engine 1230 up the sleeve to the proximal end where lacing cables 1205 extend through lacing anchors 1218. Lacing cables 1206 also loop through adaptive engine 1230 and engage with lacing spools in parallel with lacing cables 1205. The lace cables 1206 cross from the adaptive engine 1230 down the adaptive sleeve 1200B to the distal end where each end of the lace cables 1206 extends around the periphery of the drawstring (e.g., adjustment zone) and back to the proximal end via return guides 1212. In this example, the adjustment zone is defined by the boundary of the longitudinal stiffener 1216. In other examples, the adjustment zone may be defined by other structures, such as the boundary of the lace guide overlay 1215. In this example, the return guide 1212 is formed from a loop or tunnel of fabric, as described above. In other examples, the return guide 1212 may be a plastic lace guide or similar lace routing structure known in the art.

[0111] In this example, the lace guide overlay 2015 is a longitudinal strip of reinforcing fabric extending inward from two longitudinal stiffeners 2016 toward a throat, which is the open space between a series of lace guides located along most of the longitudinal length of the adaptive sleeve 1200B. The longitudinal stiffeners 2016 help to maintain the shape of the sleeve 1200B and distribute the lace cable load more evenly across the mesh side panels 1220. The throat (not specifically labeled) is the area between the lace guide overlays 2015 and contains (or exposes) at least a portion of the airbag 1208. The airbag 1208 also functions in this example to distribute the 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 injected by the user as part of the donning process. Sleeves designed for use on the upper extremities may not include airbag 1208 because there is no rigid anatomical structure to protect against point pressure caused by the sleeve's lacing (e.g., lacing cables 1205 and 1206). In another embodiment, airbag 1208 is replaced with a rigid or semi-rigid plastic shield that acts to distribute the force of the lacing.

[0112] 12C is a line drawing view of the side of the adaptive sleeve, better showing a portion of the leash return guide 1212 and the return path of the leash cable 1206. The side view also shows how the leash return guide 1212 is positioned adjacent to the side edge of the longitudinal stiffener 1216. In this example, the longitudinal stiffener 2016 is a plastic-coated fabric material; in other examples, the longitudinal stiffener 2016 is a rigid or semi-rigid structure embedded between layers of fabric (see FIG. 12E, described below).

[0113] 12D illustrates an embodiment of an exemplary adaptive engine 1230 integrated into an adaptive support sleeve 1200B. In these examples, the adaptive engine 1230 includes components such as a housing 1232, a leash spool lid 1234, a lid latch 1235, a lid hinge 1236, and a lid leash guide 1238. As noted above, the adaptive engine 1230 is similar to the adaptive engine discussed above with reference to FIGS. 9A-9E, and the following discusses some of the adaptations made for this exemplary adaptive compression sleeve.

[0114] The housing 1232 is designed to hold the adaptable engine as discussed above. The housing 1232 includes a recess (or cutout) on either the left or right side of the housing 1232 to receive a lid hinge 1236. The lacing spool lid 1234 also includes a lid latch 1235 that engages with a complementary feature on the housing 1232. In this embodiment, the lid latch 1235 includes an angled protrusion that snaps into a recess in the vertical wall of the housing 1232. The lacing spool lid 1234 guides the lacing cable to the lacing spool within the adaptable engine 1230, allowing for automatic changes in the effective length of the lacing cable (e.g., lacing cable 1205 and lacing cable 1206). The lacing spool lid 1234 also includes lacing guides 1238 on each side edge that guide the lacing cable into position to engage the lacing spool.

[0115] 12E is a line drawing illustrating a cross-section of an adaptive compression sleeve, according to some exemplary embodiments. In this example, adaptive sleeve 1200B includes an airbag 1208, a lace 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 longitudinal stiffener 1216 shows the exemplary longitudinal stiffener 1216, including the rigid or semi-rigid baton 1217 sandwiched between layers of adaptive sleeve 1200B. In some examples, baton 1217 may be replaceable via a pocket formed in longitudinal stiffener 1216.

[0116] The cross-sectional view also shows an example cross-sectional shape of the airbag 1208, which in this example 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.

[0117] 12F is a line drawing illustrating a rear 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 extends the length of the adaptive sleeve. The zipper 1224 includes zipper pulls 1222 and divides the mesh side panel 1220 into a front half 1220A and a back half 1220B. The adaptive sleeve 1200B also includes a flared distal end 1226 that conforms to a received anatomy, such as the wearer's ankle.

[0118] 12G is a line drawing 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 upper extremity adaptive compression sleeves 1252, lower extremity adaptive compression sleeves 1254, and adaptive footwear assembly 1256. The system is controlled via an application running on a computing device such as smartwatch 30 or smartphone 35.

[0119] In this example, the adaptive compression sleeves and footwear assemblies are configured to provide varying levels of compression to facilitate recovery after athletic activity. 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 instruct footwear assembly 1256 to compress, followed after an adjustable number of seconds by lower extremity adaptive compression sleeve 1254, which is then followed by upper extremity adaptive compression sleeve 1252. This sequence can be reversed, repeated, and / or reconfigured as needed to achieve the desired recovery regime.

[0120] As noted above, the adaptive engine controlling each adaptive compression device in recovery system 1250 can communicate with a controller via wireless communication. The controller (e.g., smartwatch 30 or smartphone 35 in these examples) can control the compression and decompression sequence to correspond to a predetermined protocol or a user-generated sequence.

[0121] 13A is a flowchart illustrating a technique for operating an adaptive compression garment, according to some exemplary embodiments. In this example, technique 1300 can include operations such as activating a control circuit at 1305, receiving a sequence selection at 1320, sending a command at 1325, and operating an adaptive engine at 1330. Optionally, technique 1300 can also include operations such as displaying compression sequence options at 1310 and modifying the compression sequence at 1315. Further, in technique 1300, operating the adaptive engine can optionally include engaging a lacing system at 1332 and manipulating a lacing spool at 1334.

[0122] In this example, technique 1300 begins at 1305 with the initiation of a control circuit, such as control circuit 50. The control circuit is a dedicated circuit assembly 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, technique 1300 optionally continues with the generation, by the control circuit, of a display of compression sequences available for selection by a user. Technique 1300 also optionally includes an operation to modify the compression sequence at 1315. The control circuit can 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.

[0123] At 1320, technique 1300 continues with receiving a selection of a compression sequence by the control circuitry. The selected compression sequence is implemented by the adaptive compression garment. At 1325, technique 1300 continues with sending a command by the control circuitry to the adaptive engine to implement the selected compression sequence. At 1330, technique 1300 continues with operating the adaptive engine to execute the received command to implement the selected compression sequence. Operation of the adaptive engine includes engaging a lacing system with the adaptive compression garment at 1332 and manipulating lacing spools in the adaptive engine to change the effective lengths of lacing cables in the lacing system. Changing the effective lengths of one or more lacing cables enables or disables compression.

[0124] 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 discussed above with reference to FIG. 12G. In this example, technique 1300B can include operations such as activating control circuitry at 1355, receiving and / or processing a recovery sequence selection at 1370, transmitting a coordinated 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 can also include operations such as displaying recovery sequence options at 1360 and modifying or creating a recovery sequence at 1365.

[0125] Technique 1350 begins at 1355 with initiation of control circuitry, such as initiation of an application operating on a smartwatch 30 or smartphone 35 that controls adaptive compression garments in the system. At 1360, technique 1350 optionally continues with the control circuitry displaying recovery sequence options for a user to select from. Technique 1350 optionally continues at 1365 with the control circuitry generating an interface that allows a user to modify or create a recovery sequence. At 1370, technique 1350 continues with receipt and / or processing of the selected recovery sequence by the control circuitry (e.g., an application operating on the smartwatch 30 or smartphone 35). Processing the selected recovery sequence includes generating a series of coordinated commands to perform coordinated compression and release actions on adaptive compression garments in the adaptive recovery system. Coordination between adaptive compression garments includes, among other things, the timing of actions.

[0126] At 1375, technique 1350 continues with sending, by the control circuitry, a coordinated command to each of the adaptive compression garments in the adaptive recovery system. Technique 1350 continues with the adjustment operations of the first adaptive garment at 1380, the second adaptive garment at 1385, and optionally the adaptive footwear at 1390. In one example, the adjustment operations of the adaptive compression garments may include a sequence such as compressing adaptive footwear assembly 1256, followed after X seconds by compressing adaptive compression sleeve 1254, followed after X seconds by compressing adaptive compression sleeve 1252. An exemplary sequence may follow releasing adaptive compression sleeve 1252, followed by releasing adaptive compression sleeve 1254, followed by releasing adaptive footwear assembly 1256. The compression releases may include short delays between each release, as well as delays between compressions. The sequence may include pulse compression and other more complex interactions.

[0127] 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 methodologies (techniques) discussed herein, according to some exemplary embodiments. Specifically, FIG. 14 illustrates a schematic diagram 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) can be executed to cause the machine 1400 to perform any one or more methodologies discussed herein. For example, the instructions can cause the machine to execute the flowcharts of FIGS. 1D, 12G, and 13. Additionally or alternatively, the instructions implement aspects of system 1, including control circuitry 50, as well as aspects of adaptive engine 15. The instructions also implement functions described as being attributed to or operating on 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 in the capacity of a server machine or a client machine in a server-client network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment.Machine 1400 may include, 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 devices, a web appliance, a network router, a network switch, a network bridge, or any machine capable of executing instructions 1416 sequentially or otherwise and specifying actions performed by machine 1400. Further, while only a single machine 1400 is illustrated, the term "machine" should also be taken to include a collection of machines 1400 that individually or jointly execute instructions 1416 to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein.

[0128] Machine 1400 may include processor 1410, memory 1430, and I / O components 1450, which may be configured to communicate with each other, such as via bus 1402. 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), another processor, or any suitable combination thereof) may include, for example, processor 1412 and processor 1414, which may execute instructions 1416. The term "processor" is intended to include multi-core processors, which may include two or more independent processors (sometimes referred to as "cores") that can simultaneously execute instructions. While FIG. 14 shows multiple processors, machine 1400 may include a single processor with a single core, a single processor with multiple cores (e.g., a multi-core processor), multiple processors with a single core, multiple processors with multiple cores, or any combination thereof.

[0129] Memory / storage 1430 may include memory 1432, such as main memory, or other memory storage, and storage unit 1436, both accessible to processor 1410, such as via bus 1402. Storage unit 1436 and memory 1432 store instructions 1416 that embody any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein. Instructions 1416 may also reside, completely or partially, within memory 1432, within storage unit 1436, within at least one of processors 1410 (e.g., within a processor's cache memory), or any suitable combination thereof during execution by machine 1400. Thus, memory 1432, storage unit 1436, and memory of processor 1410 are examples of machine-readable media.

[0130] 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 (e.g., erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM)), and / or any suitable combination thereof. The term "machine-readable medium" should be interpreted 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" should also be interpreted 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 methodologies described herein. Thus, "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" inherently excludes signals.

[0131] I / O components 1450 may include a wide variety of components that receive input, provide output, generate output, transmit information, exchange information, obtain measurements, etc. The specific I / O components 1450 included in a particular machine will depend on the type of machine. For example, a portable machine such as a cell 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 I / O components 1450 may include many other components not shown in FIG. 14 . I / O components 1450 are grouped according to function solely to simplify the following discussion, and grouping is in no way intended to be limiting. In various exemplary embodiments, I / O components 1450 may include output components 1452 and input components 1454. Output components 1452 may include visual components (e.g., a display such as a plasma display panel (PDP), a light-emitting diode (LED) display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a projector, or a cathode ray tube (CRT)), auditory components (e.g., speakers), tactile components (e.g., vibration motors, resistive mechanisms, etc.), other signal generators, etc. 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, or other pointing device), tactile input components (e.g., physical buttons, a touchscreen that provides the position and / or force of a touch or touch gesture, or other tactile input component), audio input components (e.g., a microphone), etc.

[0132] In further exemplary embodiments, I / O component 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 particular examples, the I / O components include sensors 25, as described above. In one example, biometric component 1456 may include components for detecting facial expressions (e.g., hand expressions, facial expressions, vocal expressions, body gestures, or eye tracking), measuring biometric signals (e.g., blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, sweat, or brain waves), identifying people (e.g., voice identification, retinal identification, face identification, fingerprint identification, or electroencephalogram-based identification), etc. 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 can 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 the concentration of hazardous gases for safety purposes or measures pollutants in the air), or other components that can provide an indication, measurement, or signal corresponding to the surrounding physical environment. The position component 1462 can include a location sensor component (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS) receiver 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 magnetometer), etc. All of the different I / O components 1450 discussed herein can be integrated into the system 1 discussed above, and data outputs from these various I / O components can be used within the adaptive support system techniques discussed in FIGS. 1D, 12G, and 13.

[0133] 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 coupling 1482 and coupling 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 any of a wide variety of peripheral devices (e.g., a peripheral device coupled via a universal serial bus (USB)).

[0134] Additionally, the communications component 1464 may include a component that detects an identifier or is operable to detect an identifier. For example, the communications component 1464 may include a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag reader component, an NFC smart tag detection component, an optical reader 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) Code, Aztec Code, Data Matrix, Data Glyph, MaxiCode, PDF417, UltraCode, UCC RSS-2D barcodes, and other optical codes), or an acoustic detection component (e.g., a microphone for identifying tagged audio signals). Additionally, various information may be derived via the communications component 1464, such as location via Internet Protocol (IP) geolocation, location via Wi-Fi signal triangulation, location via detection of NFC beacon signals, etc., which may indicate a specific location.

[0135] Transmission medium In various exemplary embodiments, one or more portions of network 1480 may include 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), the Internet, a portion of the Internet, a portion of the 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 portions of network 1480 may include a wireless or cellular network, and coupling 1482 may be a code division multiple access (CDMA), a global system for mobile communications (GSM) connection, or other type of cellular or wireless coupling. In this embodiment, coupling 1482 may implement any of various types of data transfer technologies, such as single-carrier radio transmission technology (1xRTT), Evolutionary Data Optimization (EVDO) technology, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) technology, Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) technology, Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) including 3G, Fourth Generation Wireless (4G) networks, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Worldwide Interoperable Microwave Access (WiMAX), Long Term Evolution (LTE) standards, other standards defined by various standards bodies, other long-range protocols, or other data transfer technologies.

[0136] The instructions 1416 may be sent or received 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 a number of well-known transfer protocols (e.g., Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)). Similarly, the instructions 1416 may be sent or received to the device 1470 using a transmission medium via coupling 1472 (e.g., a peer-to-peer coupling). The term “transmission medium” should be interpreted to include any intangible medium capable of storing, encoding, or conveying the instructions 1416 for execution by the machine 1400, including digital or analog communications signals or other intangible media for facilitating communication of such software.

[0137] Additional Notes Throughout this specification, multiple instances may implement components, operations, or structures that are described as a single instance. While individual operations of one or more methods are illustrated and described as separate operations, one or more of the individual operations may be performed simultaneously, and the operations need not be performed in the order illustrated. Structures and functions presented as separate components in example configurations 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 fall within the scope of the subject matter of this specification.

[0138] Although a summary of the inventive subject matter has been described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments, various modifications and changes can be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader scope of the present disclosure. Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter, individually or collectively, are referred to herein by the term "invention" for convenience only, and are not intended to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single disclosure or inventive concept when in fact more than one is disclosed.

[0139] The embodiments set forth herein are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosed teachings. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the 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 an inclusive or exclusive sense. Moreover, multiple examples may be provided for a resource, operation, or structure that is described herein as a single example. Moreover, boundaries between various resources, operations, modules, engines, and data stores are somewhat arbitrary, and particular operations are illustrated in the context of specific example configurations. Other allocations of functionality are contemplated and may fall within the scope of various embodiments of the present disclosure. In general, structures and functions presented as separate resources in an example configuration may be implemented as a combined structure or resource. Similarly, structures and functions presented as a single resource may be implemented as separate resources. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are included within the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure, as expressed by the appended claims. The specification and drawings are, therefore, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense.

[0141] Each of these non-limiting examples is effective on its own 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 an anatomical structure, the adaptive support garment including an adaptive support structure integrated 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 to actuate the adjustment of the portion of the adaptive support garment.

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

[0144] In Example 3, the subject matter of Examples 1 and 2 includes the lacing system including lacing cables routed through a plurality of lacing guides to adjust portions of the adaptive support garment.

[0145] In example 4, the subject matter of examples 1-3 includes the adaptive engine operating to adjust the effective length of the tie cable.

[0146] In example 5, the subject matter of examples 1-4 includes wherein the adaptive engine includes a motor and control system for automatically or semi-automatically adjusting the adaptive support structure.

[0147] In Example 6, the subject matter of Examples 1-5 includes a sensor positioned relative to a portion of the anatomy to monitor a parameter of the portion of the anatomy.

[0148] In Example 7, the subject matter of Example 6 includes the sensor monitoring a parameter indicative of at least one of the following parameters of the portion of the anatomy: acceleration, velocity, and movement.

[0149] In Example 8, the subject matter of Examples 1-7 includes, wherein 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, the subject matter of Examples 1-8 includes the adaptive support garment being a bra including shoulder straps, a breast contacting surface, and an underband.

[0151] In Example 10, the subject matter of Examples 1-9 includes, wherein the adaptive support structure includes a drawstring coupled to at least one of the shoulder straps, the breast contacting surface, and the underband.

[0152] In Example 11, the subject matter of Examples 1-10 includes wherein 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, the subject matter of Examples 1-11 includes the rear lacing system including a crisscross lacing pattern extending between the right and left wing portions of the bra.

[0154] In Example 13, the subject matter of Examples 1-12 includes the rear lacing system including a drawstring coupled to the rear base of the shoulder strap.

[0155] In Example 14, the subject matter of Examples 1-13 includes a rear lacing system including a drawstring extending over the shoulder straps and coupled to an upper portion of the breast contacting surface.

[0156] In Example 15, the subject matter of Examples 1-14 includes wherein the adaptive support structure includes a drawstring coupled to the underband.

[0157] In Example 16, the subject matter of Examples 1-15 includes wherein the adaptive support structure includes a front lacing system extending between the breast contacting surfaces.

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

[0159] In Example 18, the subject matter of Examples 1-17 includes the front lacing system including a lacing cord extending through a lace guide disposed on a portion of each shoulder strap of the shoulder straps.

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

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

[0162] Example 21 is an adaptive support garment configured to support a portion of an anatomical structure, the adaptive support garment including an adaptive support structure integrated 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 to automatically adjust the portion of the adaptive support garment.

[0163] Example 22 is an adaptive support system including an adaptive support garment configured to support a portion of an anatomical structure; an adaptive support structure integrated into the adaptive support garment, the adaptive support structure 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 anatomical structure to monitor a parameter related to the portion of the anatomical structure; and an adaptive engine coupled to the adaptive support structure 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 including an activity sensor that monitors a user's activity, an adaptive support garment including an adaptive support system integrated into the adaptive support garment and an adaptive engine coupled to the adaptive support system to automatically adjust portions of the adaptive support garment through operation of the adaptive support system, and a control circuit configured to send instructions to the adaptive engine in response to input received from the activity sensor.

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

[0166] In Example 25, the subject matter of Examples 23 and 24 includes the predetermined activity classifications including high impact and comfort.

[0167] In Example 26, the subject matter of Examples 23-25 ​​includes, wherein the control circuitry is further configured to determine a support level based on the selected predetermined activity classification.

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

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

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

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

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

[0173] In Example 32, the subject matter of Examples 23-31 includes the activity sensor being embedded within the adaptive support garment.

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

[0175] In example 34, the subject matter of examples 23-33 includes wherein the adaptive support garment is a bra and the activity sensor is positioned within a portion of the breast contacting surface.

[0176] In Example 35, the subject matter of Examples 23-34 includes wherein the adaptive support garment is a bra and the activity sensor is positioned within a shoulder strap.

[0177] In Example 36, the subject matter of Examples 23-35 includes, wherein the activity sensor includes at least one of 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, the subject matter of Examples 23-36 includes, wherein the control circuitry is disposed within a computing device that includes a display and communication circuitry.

[0179] In Example 38, the subject matter of Examples 23-37 includes, wherein the communication circuitry is configured to wirelessly transmit commands to the adaptive engine.

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

[0181] In Example 40, the subject matter of Examples 23-39 includes the adaptive support system including drawstrings connecting separate portions of the adaptive support garment, the drawstrings being adjustable to change the relative positions of the separate portions of the adaptive support garment to generate different support characteristics.

[0182] In Example 41, the subject matter of Examples 23-40 includes the adaptive support system including a plurality of lace guides for routing the drawstrings through separate portions of the adaptive support garment.

[0183] In example 42, the subject matter of examples 23-41 includes at least one segment of the lace being coupled to a lace spool component of the adaptive engine to enable the adaptive engine to change the effective length of the lace.

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

[0185] In example 44, the subject matter of examples 23-43 includes, upon determining that an adjustment to the adaptive support system is necessary, sending an adjustment command to an adaptive engine to make the adjustment.

[0186] Example 45 is an adaptive support apparel system including an activity sensor that monitors a parameter indicative of a user's activity level, an adaptive support garment including an adaptive support system integrated into the adaptive support garment and an adaptive engine coupled to the adaptive support system for adjusting a first portion of the adaptive support garment relative to a second portion 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.

[0187] Example 46 is an adaptive support apparel system including an adaptive support garment including an adaptive support system integrated into the adaptive support garment and an adaptive engine coupled to the adaptive support system for adjusting a first portion of the adaptive support garment relative to a second portion of the adaptive support garment through 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, the subject matter of Example 46 includes a wearable computing device including a user interface configured to accept input indicating a user's activity level, and a control circuit configured to receive the activity level from the wearable computing device.

[0189] In Example 48, the subject matter of Examples 46-47 includes an activity sensor that monitors activity of a user, wherein the control circuitry is configured to process input received from the activity sensor to control the adaptive engine.

[0190] In example 49, the subject matter of examples 46-48 includes the control circuit sending a predetermined support level command to the adaptive engine based on input received from the activity sensor.

[0191] In example 50, the subject matter of examples 46-49 includes selecting a predetermined activity classification based on activity level data received from an activity sensor.

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

[0193] In Example 52, the subject matter of Examples 46-51 includes determining a support level based on a selected predetermined activity classification.

[0194] In Example 53, the subject matter of Examples 46-52 includes adjusting the portion of the adaptive support garment based on a control command received from the control circuitry corresponding to the determined level of support.

[0195] In example 54, the subject matter of examples 46-53 includes the activity level data being received by the control circuitry via a wireless communication link with a footwear assembly housing the activity sensor.

[0196] In example 55, the subject matter of examples 46-54 includes extracting footstrike activity from activity level data from an activity sensor.

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

[0198] In Example 57, the subject matter of Examples 46-56 includes calculating the activity level 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, the subject matter of Examples 46-57 includes selecting a predetermined activity classification based on the calculated activity level.

[0200] In example 59, the subject matter of examples 46-57 includes automatically adjusting portions of the adaptive support garment based at least in part on the calculated activity level.

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

[0202] In Example 61, the subject matter of Examples 46-60 includes where receiving the activity level data includes receiving soft tissue movement data from an activity sensor embedded in the adaptive support garment.

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

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

[0205] In Example 64, the subject matter of Examples 46-63 includes the automatic adjustment of portions of the adaptive support garment including manipulating a lacing system connecting separate portions of the adaptive support garment, the lacing system being adjustable to vary the relative positions of the separate portions of the adaptive support garment to generate different support characteristics.

[0206] In example 65, the subject matter of examples 46-64 includes operating the adaptive engine such that manipulating the lacing system changes the effective length of at least a portion of the lacing system.

[0207] In Example 66, the subject matter of Examples 46-65 includes wherein operating the adaptive engine to change 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 integrated into 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, the subject matter of Example 67 includes monitoring a user's activity level using an activity sensor, and receiving the activity level indicator includes receiving activity level data generated by the activity sensor.

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

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

[0212] In Example 71, the subject matter of Examples 67-70 is such that 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 circuit to determine the activity level indicator.

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

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

[0215] In example 74, the subject matter of examples 67-73 includes where 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 including a support structure configured to encase a portion of a wearer's anatomy and provide compression to the portion of the anatomy; a plurality of lace guides disposed on the support structure; lace cables extending through the lace guides to form a lacing pattern over a lacing 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 the lace cables, the adaptive engine configured to increase or decrease tension in the lace cables to, respectively, increase or decrease compression of the support structure.

[0217] In Example 76, the subject matter of Example 75 includes wherein the lacing pattern includes routing the lacing cables completely around the perimeter of the lacing region of the support structure.

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

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

[0220] In Example 78, the subject matter of Examples 75-78 includes the adaptive engine being positioned on a center point of the lacing region of the support structure.

[0221] In Example 80, the subject matter of Examples 75-79 includes the tie cable extending from opposite sides of the adaptive engine.

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

[0223] In Example 82, the subject matter of Examples 75-81 includes the tie cable being secured to the outside of the perimeter.

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

[0225] In Example 84, the subject matter of Examples 75-83 includes the anchor being configured to wind the string around the anchor.

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

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

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

[0229] In example 88, the subject matter of examples 75-86 includes the adaptive engine being positioned at a midpoint along the proximal-distal length of the support structure.

[0230] Example 89 is an adaptive support garment including a support structure configured to encase a portion of a wearer's anatomy and provide compression to the portion of the anatomy; a plurality of lacing guides disposed on the support structure; lacing cables extending through the lacing guides to form a lacing pattern on the lacing region of the support structure; an adaptive engine coupled to the support structure and engaging the lacing cables, the adaptive engine configured to increase or decrease tension in the lacing cables to respectively increase or decrease compression of the support structure; and an airbag disposed between the lacing region and a wearer-facing surface of the adaptive support garment, the airbag configured to distribute force from the lacing cables along the airbag.

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

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

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

[0234] In Example 93, the subject matter of Examples 89-92 includes the support structure including a first layer and a second layer forming a cavity therebetween, and the airbag is disposed within the cavity.

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

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

[0237] In Example 96, the subject matter of Examples 89-95 includes the reinforcing element being a first reinforcing element and further including 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, the subject matter of Examples 89-96 includes a reinforcing element disposed between the first layer and the second layer.

[0239] In Example 98, the subject matter of Examples 89-97 includes the airbag being substantially coextensive with the lacing area.

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

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

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

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

[0244] In example 103, the subject matter of examples 89-102 includes wherein the tie cable extends from opposite sides of the adaptive engine.

[0245] In example 104, the subject matter of examples 89-103 includes the adaptive engine including a spool configured to take up the lining cable, the lining cable configured to exit the spool on an opposite side of the spool.

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

[0247] In Example 106, the subject matter of Examples 89-105 includes the support structure including 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, the subject matter of Examples 89-106 includes the support structure including a first elastic portion extending between a first side of the lacing area and the zipper, and a second elastic portion extending between a second side of the lacing area and the zipper.

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

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

[0251] In Example 110, the subject matter of Examples 89-109 includes the flared portion being sized to receive the ankle of the wearer.

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

[0253] In Example 112, the subject matter of Examples 89-111 includes the flared portion not compressing when tension is applied to the lace cable.

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

[0255] In Example 114, the subject matter of Examples 89-113 includes forming a split spiral pattern along an inner portion of the lower portion of the support structure and along an outer portion of the upper portion of the support structure.

[0256] Example 115 is a method for operating an adaptive compression garment, the method including activating a control circuit communicatively coupled to an adaptive engine on the adaptive compression garment, receiving on the control circuit a selection of a compression sequence, 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, the subject matter of example 115 includes wherein operating the adaptive engine includes engaging a lacing system with the adaptive engine to apply tension to the lacing system in response to a compression command.

[0258] In Example 117, the subject matter of Examples 115-116 includes applying tension to the lacing system includes shortening the effective length of the lacing cables in the lacing system to create compression in the adaptive compression garment.

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

[0260] In Example 119, the subject matter of Examples 115-118 includes wherein loosening the lacing system includes extending an effective length of a lacing cable within the lacing system to release compression of the adaptive compression garment.

[0261] In Example 120, the subject matter of Examples 115-119 includes the series of compress and release commands including compress commands, hold commands, and release commands arranged in a predetermined order.

[0262] In example 121, the subject matter of examples 115-120 includes wherein operating the adaptive engine includes rotating a lacing spool that engages a lacing cable of a lacing system integrated with the adaptive compression garment.

[0263] In Example 122, the subject matter of Examples 115-121 includes generating compression within a portion of an adaptive compression garment by rotating a lacing spool in a first direction to shorten an effective length of a lacing cable and introduce tension into the lacing system.

[0264] In Example 123, the subject matter of Examples 115-122 includes rotating the lacing spool in a second direction to extend the effective length of the lacing cable and release tension in the lacing system.

[0265] In example 124, the subject matter of examples 115-123 is such that operation of the adaptive engine includes manipulating a lacing spool within the adaptive engine, the lacing spool engaging a plurality of lacing cables of a lacing system integrated with the lacing system.

[0266] Example 125 is an adaptive recovery system including a first adaptive compression garment including a first lacing system coupled to a first adaptive engine configured to automatically manipulate the tension of the lacing system, a second lacing system coupled to a second adaptive engine configured to automatically manipulate the tension of the second lacing system, and control circuitry communicatively coupled to the first adaptive engine and the second adaptive engine, wherein the controller includes a processor and a memory device including instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the controller 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, the subject matter of example 125 includes further including that the memory device includes instructions for sending commands to the first adaptive engine and the second adaptive engine to generate a series of tension and release cycles.

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

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

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

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

[0272] In example 131, the subject matter of examples 125-130 includes wherein the adaptive footwear assembly includes a control circuit.

[0273] In Example 132, the subject matter of Examples 125-131 includes wherein the control circuit is a component of the third adaptive engine.

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

[0275] In example 134, the subject matter of examples 125-133 includes wherein 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, the subject matter of Examples 125-134 includes the first adaptive engine including a sensor operably coupled to the control circuit and configured to output a signal indicative of a physiological state of a wearer of the first adaptive compression garment or a state of the first lacing system, and the control circuit further configured to adjust tension of the first lacing system and the second lacing system based at least in part on the signal output by the sensor.

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

[0278] Example 137 is a method for operating an adaptive recovery system, including activating control circuitry communicatively coupled to a first adaptive engine on a first adaptive recovery garment and a second adaptive engine on a second adaptive recovery garment, receiving a selection of a compression sequence on the control circuitry, transmitting a series of coordinated compression and release commands from a controller 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, the subject matter of example 137 includes the series of coordinated compression and release commands including separate compression and release commands to the first and second adaptive engines to generate differential compression between the first and second adaptive recovery garments.

[0280] In example 139, the subject matter of examples 137 and 138 includes that the series of coordinated compression and release commands further includes separate compression and release commands to the first and second adaptive engines to dynamically change the different compressions by changing the different compressions over time.

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

[0282] In Example 141, the subject matter of Examples 137 to 140 includes the compression command including a first compression command for the first adaptive engine and a second compression command for the second adaptive engine, and the first compression command is separately selectable with respect to the second compression command.

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

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

[0285] In Example 144, the subject matter of Examples 137-143 includes wherein loosening the lacing system includes extending an effective length of the lacing cables within the lacing system to relieve compression of the adaptive recovery garment.

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

[0287] In Example 146, the subject matter of Examples 137-145 includes wherein operating the first and second adaptive engines includes rotating first and second lacing spools, respectively, to engage first and second lacing cables, respectively, integrated into the first and second adaptive recovery garments.

[0288] In example 147, the subject matter of examples 137-146 includes wherein the activation of the control circuitry further includes being communicatively coupled to a third adaptive engine integrated into the footwear assembly.

[0289] In example 148, the subject matter of examples 137-147 includes wherein 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, the subject matter of examples 137-148 includes operating a third adaptive engine in response to a portion of the series of adjusted compression and release commands received by the third adaptive engine.

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

[0292] Example 151 is a method for 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 adapted to apply compression to a first portion of an anatomical structure and the second adaptive recovery garment is adapted to apply compression to a second portion of the anatomical structure; receiving on the control circuit a selection of a coordinated recovery sequence, wherein the coordinated recovery sequence includes 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 with sensor and control information derived from footwear and / or apparel sensors and processed by a central control device (e.g., a smartphone or a central processing system within a lacing 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 of Examples 1 to 152.

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

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

[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 the elements shown or described are provided. Furthermore, the inventors also contemplate examples that use any combination or permutation of the shown or described elements (or one or more aspects thereof) with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein, or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof).

[0299] In the event of inconsistent usage between this document and a document incorporated by reference, the usage of this document shall control.

[0300] As is common in patent documents, the terms "a" or "an" herein include one or more, independent of other descriptions or uses of "at least one" or "one or more." Unless otherwise specified, "or" is used non-exclusively herein, e.g., "A or B" includes "A but not B," "B but not A," and "A and B." As used herein, the terms "including" and "in which" are used synonymously with "comprising" and "wherein." Also, in the following claims, the terms "comprising" and "comprising" are not limiting; i.e., systems, devices, articles, compositions, formulations, or processes that include elements in addition to those listed after such terms in the claims are considered to be within the scope of the claims. Furthermore, in the following claims, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" are used merely for purposes of distinction and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

[0301] Embodiments of the methods described herein, such as the operation of embodiments of the adaptive support garment, can be at least partially implemented mechanically or by a 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 above examples. Implementations of such methods may include code, such as microcode, assembly language code, high-level language code, etc. Such code may include computer-readable instructions for performing various methods. The code may form part of a computer program product. Further, in one example, the code may be tangibly stored on one or more volatile, non-transitory, or non-volatile tangible computer-readable media, such as during execution or at other times. Examples of these tangible computer-readable media include hard disks, removable magnetic disks, removable optical disks (e.g., compact disks and digital video disks), magnetic tape, memory cards or sticks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), etc.

[0302] The above description is intended to be illustrative, not limiting. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments may be usable by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the above description, for example. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. Section 1.72(b) to enable the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is provided with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, 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 a disclosed, but unclaimed, feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in some of the features of the particular embodiments disclosed. Therefore, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description as an example or embodiment, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that 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. 1. An adaptive support garment configured to support a portion of an anatomical structure, comprising: an adaptive support structure integrated into the adaptive support garment and configured to adjust a portion of the adaptive support garment; an adaptive engine coupled to the adaptive support structure to activate adjustments of portions of the adaptive support garment; a lacing system coupled to the adaptive engine; Including, the adaptive support garment is a bra including shoulder straps, a breast contacting surface, an underband, a right wing portion, and a left wing portion, and the adaptive support structure is a) the right wing portion and the left wing portion; b) the underband, and c) the breast contact surface a lacing system coupled to at least one of when the lacing system is coupled to the right and left wing portions, the right and left wing portions are configured to adjust the position of the breast contacting surfaces relative to one another to provide gore compression to provide breast containment or separation; the adaptive engine is configured to include a motor and a control system to automatically or semi-automatically adjust the adaptive support structure; the adaptive support garment further comprises at least one of a force sensor and a stretchable capacitive sensor; the adaptive engine dynamically alters the fit and support of the adaptive support garment based on activity data acquired by the sensors; Adaptive support garments.

2. The adaptive support garment of claim 1 , wherein the lacing system includes lacing cables routed through a plurality of lacing guides to adjust portions of the adaptive support garment.

3. The adaptive support garment of claim 2 , wherein the adaptive engine operates to adjust the effective length of the lacing cables.

4. The sensors measure the following parameters of the part of the anatomy: Displacement, acceleration, speed, and motion The adaptive support garment of claim 1 , wherein the adaptive support garment monitors a parameter indicative of at least one of:

5. The adaptive support garment of claim 1 , wherein 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.

6. The adaptive support garment of claim 1 , wherein the lacing system includes a drawstring coupled to at least one of the shoulder straps, the breast contacting surface, and the underband.

7. The adaptive support garment of claim 1 , wherein the lacing system includes a crisscross lacing pattern extending between right and left wing portions of the bra.

8. The adaptive support garment of claim 1 , wherein the lacing system includes a drawstring coupled to a rear base of the shoulder strap.

9. The adaptive support garment of claim 1 , wherein the lacing system includes a drawstring extending over the shoulder straps and coupled to an upper portion of the breast contacting surface.

10. 10. The adaptive support garment of claim 1, wherein the lacing system includes lacing cords along a central edge of each breast contacting surface that form a crisscross lacing pattern between a plurality of lace guides.

11. The adaptive support garment of claim 10 , wherein the lacing system includes a drawstring extending through a drawstring guide disposed on a portion of each of the shoulder straps.

12. The adaptive support garment of claim 1 , wherein the lacing system is via a plurality of lacing guides positioned adjacent portions of the adaptive support garment.

13. The adaptive support garment of claim 12 , wherein at least some of the plurality of lace guides include pulleys to route a portion of the lacing system.

14. The support garment further comprises a motion tracking sensor positioned relative to a portion of the anatomical breast structure and configured to monitor displacements experienced by the breast structure; The adaptive support garment of claim 1 , wherein the motion tracking sensors are positioned in the front-most nipple region to capture the maximum amount of displacement experienced by the breast structures.

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