Wearable product

Abstract

The present disclosure generally relates to a wearable product (100) with heating and lighting functions. The wearable product (100) has a fabric body (110) with a base layer (120), a heating layer (140) for generating heat, a lighting layer (150) for emitting light (152), and an outer layer (130). The outer layer (130) has an optically transmissive pattern (132) such that the light (152) is emitted through the optically transmissive pattern (132). The wearable product (100) is washable such that the heating and lighting functions are unaffected by said washing.

Description

[0001] WEARABLE PRODUCT

[0002] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0003] The present disclosure claims the benefit of Singapore Patent Application 10202302406Q filed on 25 August 2023, which is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.

[0004] Technical Field

[0005] The present disclosure generally relates to a wearable product. More particularly, the present disclosure describes various embodiments of a wearable product comprising a fabric body with heating and lighting functions.

[0006] Background

[0007] Many wearable products have been developed for gamers and esports users to improve their gaming experience. For example, gaming gloves are worn to enhance the users’ grip and control and their gaming endurance. However, continuous wearing of such products over long periods of time can cause discomfort to the user or even result in chronic injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

[0008] Therefore, in order to address or alleviate at least one of the aforementioned problems and / or disadvantages, there is a need to provide an improved wearable product.

[0009] Summary

[0010] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is a wearable product comprising a fabric body. The fabric body comprises: a base layer; a heating layer disposed on the base layer, the heating layer comprising electrically conductive wires configured to generate heat; a lighting layer comprising lighting elements configured to emit light; an insulation layer disposed between the heating layer and the lighting layer; and an outer layer disposed on the lighting layer, the outer layer comprising an optically transmissive pattern such that the light from the lighting layer is emitted through the optically transmissive pattern. The wearable product is washable such that the electrically conductive wires and lighting elements are functionally unaffected by said washing of the wearable product.

[0011] A wearable product according to the present disclosure is thus disclosed herein. Various features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, by way of non-limiting examples only, along with the accompanying drawings.

[0012] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] FIG. 1A to FIG. 1 C are illustrations of a wearable product according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are illustrations of a fabric body of the wearable product.

[0015] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D are illustrations of a lighting layer of the fabric body.

[0016] FIG. 4A to FIG. 40 are illustrations of a mesh layer of the fabric body for adjusting the wearable product.

[0017] FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B are illustrations of low-friction gliding areas of the fabric body.

[0018] FIG. 6A to FIG. 60 are illustrations of a base receptacle attached to the fabric body and electronic devices attached to the base receptacle.

[0019] FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B are illustrations of a control module attached to the base receptacle.

[0020] Detailed Description For purposes of brevity and clarity, descriptions of embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a wearable product, in accordance with the drawings. While aspects of the present disclosure will be described in conjunction with the embodiments provided herein, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the present disclosure to these embodiments. On the contrary, the present disclosure is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents to the embodiments described herein, which are included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be recognized by an individual having ordinary skill in the art, i.e. a skilled person, that the present disclosure may be practiced without specific details, and / or with multiple details arising from combinations of aspects of particular embodiments. In a number of instances, well-known systems, methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as to not unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] In embodiments of the present disclosure, depiction of a given element or consideration or use of a particular element number in a particular figure or a reference thereto in corresponding descriptive material can encompass the same, an equivalent, or an analogous element or element number identified in another figure or descriptive material associated therewith.

[0022] References to “an embodiment I example”, “another embodiment I example”, “some embodiments I examples”, “some other embodiments / examples”, and so on, indicate that the embodiment(s) / example(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation, but that not every embodiment I example necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element or limitation. Furthermore, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment / example” or “in another embodiment / example” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment I example.

[0023] The terms “comprising”, “including”, “having”, and the like do not exclude the presence of other features / elements / steps than those listed in an embodiment. Recitation of certain features I elements / steps in mutually different embodiments does not indicate that a combination of these features I elements I steps cannot be used in an embodiment.

[0024] As used herein, the terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more than one. The use in a figure or associated text is understood to mean “and / or” unless otherwise indicated. The term “set” is defined as a non-empty finite organisation of elements that mathematically exhibits a cardinality of at least one (e.g. a set as defined herein can correspond to a unit, singlet, or single-element set, or a multiple-element set), in accordance with known mathematical definitions. The terms “first”, “second”, etc. are used merely as labels or identifiers and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their associated terms.

[0025] Representative or exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure describe a wearable product 100 that can be worn on any part of a user’s body. For example as shown in FIG. 1A to FIG. 1 C, the wearable product 100 is a glove, preferably a gaming glove, wearable on the user’s hand. The wearable product 100 includes a fabric body 110 in the form of a composite layered structure.

[0026] Further as shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, the fabric body 110 includes a base layer 120 and an outer layer 130. The base layer 120 and outer layer 130 may be made of a fabric material which can be knitted, woven, or non-woven. Preferably, the fabric material is knitted to achieve stretchability properties. For example, the fabric material includes lightweight elastane, nylon, and / or spandex material to provide superior stretch and recovery properties in different directions. These properties also improve drapability of the wearable product 100 and allow the wearable product 100 to provide passive compression to the user’s hand which helps to improve hand dexterity.

[0027] The fabric body 110 further includes a heating layer 140 disposed on the base layer 120, wherein the heating layer 140 is configured to generate heat. Specifically, the heating layer 140 includes electrically conductive wires configured to generate heat. In many embodiments, the heating layer 140 is similar to the heating layer disclosed in WO 2022 / 265576, which is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein. For example, the electrically conductive wires of the heating layer 140 are arranged electrically in parallel to each other and are connectable to a power source for conducting an electrical current through the wires, thereby generating heat in the wires. Each wire may have a multifilament structure comprising electrically conductive filaments and an insulation element surrounding the electrically conductive filaments. The filaments may be made of any material suitable for generating heat in response to an electrical current. For example, the filaments are made of copper and may be coated with tin to improve sustainability. The insulation element may be made of any material suitable for electrically insulating the copper filaments from the external environment. Additionally, the insulation element may be made of a material suitable for reinforcing or strengthening the wire. For example, the insulation element is made of nylon or other synthetic material. The insulation element provides additional protection to the user and improves the lifespan of the wearable product 100. The multifilament structure may further comprise a protective coating around the insulation element for added protection and reinforcement to the wire and to prevent ingress of external elements. For example, the protective coating is made of or comprises a polymer material such as polyurethane. The overall diameter of the wire is also kept small, such as up to 0.5-5 mm, to maintain flexibility of the wire and to allow for better drapability of the wearable product 100. The multifilament structure may further comprise a core surrounded by the filaments to provide additional support to the wire. The core may be made of nylon or other synthetic material.

[0028] The heating layer 140 may include thermally conductive cording yarns that attach each wire to the base layer 120 by cording embroidery, the cording yarns extending along and cording around the respective wire. The cording yarns may be made of any material having a high thermal conductivity value to facilitate heat transfer from the heating layer 140 to the base layer 120. For example, the cording yarns are natural yams or synthetic yarns made of polyester, nylon, or a metallic material. The wires are corded embroidered across substantial lengths of the wires using the cording yarns. The cording yarns surround the wires and protect the wires from the external environment. This mitigates the risk of damage on the wires and maintains the electrical resistance and thermal efficiency of the wires over their useable lifespan. By using the cording yarns to capture the wires, the wires are more firmly attached to the base layer 120 without compromising on the integrity of the wires.

[0029] The wires are preferably arranged such that the heating layer 140 is able to generate heat towards particular areas of the user’s body wearing the wearable product 100 with the base layer 120 preferably in direct contact with the user’s skin. For example, the generated heat may target certain muscle groups and blood vessels of the user’s hand and wrist to improve blood circulation and improve dexterity, such as the radial artery, ulnar artery, flexor digitorum profundus muscle, flexor pollicis longus muscle, extensor digitorum muscle, flexor carpi ulnaris muscle, and extensor carpi ulnaris muscle.

[0030] The heating layer 1 0 is highly efficient and requires low power consumption due to the arrangement of the wires. The power source or battery can be of lower capacity to achieve the desired useable life of the wearable product 100. The battery can be lighter and smaller in size and hence would be more portable for the user. Use of a small battery has benefits of safety as well as being lightweight and the possibility of designing sleek and attractive wearable products 100.

[0031] The wearable product 100 with the heating function can be used by gamers and esports users to improve their gaming performance efficiently and safely while managing their hand and wrist health. Various heat settings were used to test and validate the wearable product 100 for improved dexterity during a warm-up session before a gaming session as well as during the gaming session. In a first heat setting which can be used for the warm-up session, the heating layer 140 is configured to heat to a temperature of 50°C for 12 minutes. In a second heat setting which can be used for a short gaming session, the heating layer 140 is configured to heat to a temperature of 45°C for 1 hour. In a third heat setting which can be used for a long gaming session, the heating layer 140 is configured to heat to a temperature of 40°C to 42°C for 2 to 3 hours. In each heat setting, the heating layer 140 may be configured for pulse width modulation so that the heat is generated in pulses. The fabric body 110 further includes a lighting layer 150 and an insulation layer 160 disposed between the heating layer 140 and the lighting layer 150 to insulate the lighting layer 150 from the heat generated from the heating layer 140. The lighting layer 150 may be attached to the insulation layer 160 via a bonding layer 170. For example, the bonding layer 170 includes a bonding agent or adhesive material such as glue.

[0032] The insulation layer 160 functions as a barrier to reduce heat loss that is generated by the heating layer 140 and directed away from the user’s skin, thereby improving thermal efficiency of the wearable product 100 and heat retention on the user’s skin. The insulation layer 160 is preferably thin, lightweight, and flexible. The insulation layer 160 may be made of any knitted, woven, or non-woven material having a low thermal conductivity value. The insulation layer 160 may optionally include a thermal coating or laminate, e g. on a bottom side thereof, for reflecting heat back towards the heating layer 140, thereby reducing overall heat loss and improving thermal efficiency. The thermal coating may be made of a material with a low emissivity value that is preferably close to zero to reflect most of the heat that is radiated from the heating layer 140 to the thermal coating. For example, the material may be aluminium, gold, silver, or any combination thereof.

[0033] The lighting layer 150 includes lighting elements configured to emit light 152. The outer layer 130 is disposed on the lighting layer 150 and includes an optically transmissive pattern 132 such that the light 152 from the lighting layer 150 is emitted through the optically transmissive pattern 132. The lighting elements may include a set of light sources. For example, the light sources include LEDs. It will be appreciated that the light sources may emit light 152 in any number and combination of colours. The lighting elements may include a set of elongated light guide elements arranged to guide the light 152 emitted from the light sources. The light guide elements allow the emitted light 152 to be displayed in an elongated form, and each light guide element is preferably flexible and / or stretchable.

[0034] The lighting layer 150 may further include a set of PCBs 154 connected to the lighting elements for controlling emission of light 152 from the lighting elements. For example, the PCBs 154 control the lighting elements to emit 152 according to pre-designed lighting configurations and patterns to provide aesthetic appeal. Users can adjust these lighting configurations to suit their preferences and make the wearable product 100 more aesthetically pleasing to them during use.

[0035] In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, an inner side 151a of the lighting layer 150 includes a reflective coating or laminate 156 for reflecting light 152 towards the outer layer 130. Having the reflective coating 156 directly on the inner side 151a increases the efficiency of light reflectivity. The inner side 151a may further include a set of grooves 153 for improved light refraction towards the outer layer 130. In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, and FIG. 3C, the fabric body 110 includes a reflective coating or laminate 162 on the insulation layer 160, e.g. on a top side thereof, for reflecting light 152 towards the outer layer 130. Having the reflective coating 162 on a separate layer from the lighting layer 150 also helps to increase the efficiency of light reflectivity, but likely to a lesser extent than having the reflective coating 156 directly on the inner side 151 a of the lighting layer 150. It will be appreciated that reflective coatings may be formed on the inner side 151a of the lighting layer 150 as well as on the insulation layer 160. The reflective coating may comprise micro-particles and / or nano-particles and may be made of a suitable high- reflectance material such as aluminium, silver, chrome, titanium dioxide, or any combination thereof.

[0036] In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 3D, an outer side 151 b of the lighting layer 150 includes a diffusion coating or laminate 158 for diffusing the emitted light 152 towards the outer layer 130. The diffusion coating 158 creates a light scattering effect to distribute the light brightness more uniformly. The diffusion coating 158 also softens the emitted light 152 to reduce glare which can distract a gamer who is playing a game while wearing the wearable product 100. For example, the diffusion coating 158 may be made of a silicone resin powder together with a clear binder.

[0037] The body of the lighting layer 150 is preferably made of a soft and flexible material, such as silicone, to minimize discomfort to the user. Reflective and diffusion properties of the lighting layer 150 may be achieved by the respective coatings or laminates which are applied directly on the respective sides 151 a, 151 b for better optical properties as well as to maintain a thin profile of the lighting layer 150. Preferably, the thickness of the lighting layer 150 is less than 1 mm.

[0038] Further, the wearable product 100 is washable such that the electrically conductive wires and lighting elements are functionally unaffected by said washing of the wearable product 100. Specifically, the wires and lighting elements are embedded within the heating layer 140 and lighting layer 150, respectively, such that they are protected from the external environment, particularly from water during washing. Preferably, the wearable product 100 is machine washable for at least 25 cycles without affecting the functionalities of the heating layer 1 0 and lighting layer 150. It will be appreciated that materials used in the wearable product 100 are selected to be able to withstand machine washing at least 25 cycles without compromising on their material properties.

[0039] In some embodiments, the fabric body 110 includes an elastic mesh layer 180 disposed between the insulation layer 160 and the heating layer 140. Preferably, the elastic mesh layer 180 is made of a lightweight fabric material with superior stretch and recovery properties, such as elastane, nylon, and / or spandex. The fabric body 110 further includes an array of eyelets 182 in the elastic mesh layer 180, such as shown in FIG. 4A. For example, the eyelets 182 are spaced about 2 to 3 cm apart from each other and in various directions. For example, the eyelets 182 are made of a strong thin material with low coefficient of friction, such as Kevlar or single filament nylon (e.g. Tangus). The fabric body 110 further includes an adjustment wire 184 extending through the eyelets 182, the adjustment wire 184 configured for stretching and tightening the elastic mesh layer 180 to thereby adjust fitting of the wearable product 100. For example, the adjustment wire 184 is made of a low-friction yam such as nylon. Preferably, the adjustment wire 184 extends through the eyelets 182 in a zigzag manner, though other arrangements could be contemplated.

[0040] The wearable product 100 may further include a tightening mechanism connected to the adjustment wire 184, the tightening mechanism 184 configured for tightening and releasing the adjustment wire 184. Specifically, both free ends of the adjustment wire 184 exit the last two eyelets 182 which are preferably arranged close to the wrist when the wearable product 100 (e g. glove) is worn, and both ends of the adjustment wire 184 are connected to the tightening mechanism configured to tighten or tension the adjustment wire 184. The tightening mechanism should allow for gradual tightening of the adjustment wire 184 and quick release of the tightened adjustment wire 184 for quick removal of the wearable product 100 from the user’s hand. The tightening mechanism may include a BOA® closure device. For example as shown in FIG. 4B, when the wearable product 100 is worn loosely on the user’s hand 20, the user can operate the tightening mechanism, which pulls the adjustment wire 184 and brings the eyelets 182 closer together. This tightens the elastic mesh layer 180 and creates tension in the other layers of the fabric body 110. This additional tension conforms the wearable product 100 to the user’s body and improves fitting for the user. A tighter fit for the user also improves thermal conductivity from the heating layer 140 to the user’s skin.

[0041] Since users do not have uniform hand sizes, the adjustment mechanism of the elastic mesh layer 180 enables the size of the wearable product 100 to be adjusted so that the same product can fit users with various hand sizes. Optionally, the elastic mesh layer 180 may be pre-tensioned during construction of the fabric body 110, thereby further increasing the tension in the fabric body 110 and providing a tighter fit for the user.

[0042] In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 4C, the mesh layer 180 may be incorporated in the fabric body 110 without any electronic components such as the heating layer 140 and lighting layer 150. For example, the fabric body 110 may comprise a fabric base layer 120, a fabric outer layer 130 (without the optically transmissive pattern 132), and the elastic mesh layer 180 disposed in between to provide fit adjustment to users.

[0043] In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 5A, the wearable product 100 includes a set of gliding areas 190 formed on the outer layer 130 of the fabric body 110. For example, the wearable product 100 is a glove and the gliding areas 190 are arranged at the palm side of the glove 190 to help users have faster hand movements while wearing the glove, especially for gamers who require rapid hand actions for gaming. The gliding areas 190 are made of materials that enable the gliding areas 190 to have low coefficient of friction. For example, each gliding area 190 includes one or more layers of low-friction silicone material. Optionally, a chemical modifier or binder material may be added to or between the layers of silicone material to reduce the coefficient of friction. For example, the chemical modifier or binder material includes fine synthetic diamond powder with particle sizes of up to 2 microns. In an exemplary process of forming the gliding area 190, the diamond powder may be mixed with the silicone layers layer-by-layer, wherein each layer is cured after each application before adding the next layer. Once all of the layers are complete, a silicon surface modification treatment may be applied to further reduce the surface friction levels and the complete gliding areas 190 are cured under high heat.

[0044] A gliding area 190 may have a solid or continuous arrangement. Alternatively, a gliding area 190 may have a fragmented or scattered arrangement wherein discrete regions of the low-friction materials are distributed across the gliding area 190. This allows for better stretchability and drapability properties for the wearable product 100 and improves fitting for the user. For example, the low-friction gliding areas 190 are located towards the base of the glove 100 where the palm mostly come in contact with surfaces such as the mousepad, table surface, or laptop. The gliding areas 190 allows the user to move with lesser resistance so that the user can speed up their actions, especially during gaming.

[0045] In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 5B, the gliding areas 190 may be incorporated in the fabric body 110 without any electronic components such as the heating layer 140 and lighting layer 150. For example, the fabric body 110 may comprise a fabric base layer 120, a fabric outer layer 130 (without the optically transmissive pattern 132), and the gliding areas 190 disposed on the outer surface of the base layer 120.

[0046] In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C, the wearable product 100 further includes a base receptacle 200 attached to the fabric body 110, the base receptacle 200 configured for receiving a set of electronic devices. Preferably, the base receptacle 200 is moulded from a stretchable / flexible material. For example, the base receptacle 200 is made of a foam material such as polyurethane foam or EVA foam. Optionally, the foam material is laminated with a fabric material for a clean finish as well for ease of attachment to the fabric body 110.

[0047] The base receptacle 200 includes a power module receptacle 210 and a control module receptacle 220, each configured to attach a power connector module 310 and a control module 320, respectively, thereto. The power connector module 310 is further configured for removably attaching a power module 312 thereto for powering the wearable product 100. Each of the power module receptacle 210 and control module receptacle 220 includes attachment mechanisms 212,222, such as fastening clips or latches, for securing the power connector module 310 and control module 320, respectively, thereto. The power connector module 310, control module 320, and power module 312 may include handling elements, such as protruding knobs, for the user to easily attach and secure them to the receptacles 210,220. Screw holes 214,224, may be provided on the receptacles 210,220 to further secure the power connector module 310 and control module 320 in place to avoid accidental movements especially during rapid gaming actions.

[0048] The power connector module 310 is configured for receiving the power module 312. The power connector module 310 may include a set of magnets for coupling with the power module 312, and similarly the power module 312 may include a set of magnets for coupling with the power connector module 310. The power connector module 310 includes a set of electrical connectors 314 for electrically connecting to the power module 312, and sim ilarly the power module 312 includes a set of electrical connectors for electrically connecting to the electrical connectors 314. For example, the electrical connectors 314 include Pogo pin connectors. The power connector module 310 and power module 312 may rely on magnetic coupling for easier connections between the electrical connectors 314 of the power connector module 310 and the electrical connectors of the power module 312. Upon attaching to the power connector module 310 and base receptacle 200, the power module 312 supplies electrical power to the wearable product 100. The power module 312 includes a battery, preferably a rechargeable battery, and power management circuitry for managing power supply to the wearable product 100. The power module 312 may include a set of lighting elements 316 configured to illuminate when the power module 312 is powering the wearable product 100. It will be appreciated that the lighting elements 316 may illuminate in any number and combination of colours, further adding to the aesthetic appeal of the wearable product 100.

[0049] The control module 320 includes a main PCB or processor configured for performing controlling the wearable product 100 in response to non-transitory instructions operative or executed by the processor. The non-transitory instructions are stored on a memory of the control module 320 and may be referred to as computer-readable storage media and / or non-transitory computer-readable media. Non-transitory computer-readable media include all computer-readable media, with the sole exception being a transitory propagating signal per se.

[0050] For example, the control module 320 is configured to control the heating and lighting functions of the heating layer 140 and lighting layer 150, respectively. For example, the control module 320 is configured to wireless communicate, such as via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, with an external electronic device, such as a mobile phone or tablet, configured for remotely controlling the wearable product 100. For example, the user may execute a mobile app on the phone or tablet and configure various lighting configurations using the app. The control module 320 may synchronize with the mobile app to display the selected lighting configuration via the optically transmissive pattern 132.

[0051] It will be appreciated that the optically transmissive pattern 132 may be designed by the manufacturer to improve the aesthetic appearance of the wearable product 100. For example, the optically transmissive pattern 132 may be formed by sublimination on the outer layer 130. Optionally, the wearable product 100 may allow the user to modify the optically transmissive pattern 132 on the outer layer 130 to suit the user’s preference.

[0052] The control module 320 includes a set of control sensors 322, such as buttons or touch sensors, for the user to operate various functions of the wearable product 100. For example, the control sensors 322 allow the user to adjust the heat setting of the heating layer 140 and / or the lighting configuration of the emitted light 152. The control module 320 may include a set of indicators 324 for providing information to the user. For example, the indicators 324 show the current heat level or temperature of the wearable product 100. For example, the indicators 324 show the current battery level of the power module 312.

[0053] Further, the control module 320 is structured such that it is protected from the external environment. Specifically, the control module 320 is sealed from water ingress during washing. In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 7A, the control module 320 includes an upper component 330 and a lower component 340. The upper component 330 and lower component 340 define a space 350 for housing the processor. The upper component 330 and lower component 340 are joined at their peripheries 332,342 to seal the space 350 from water ingress during washing.

[0054] In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 7B, the periphery 342 of the lower component 340 includes a sealant material 344 and the periphery 332 of the upper component 330 includes a protruding edge 334. The sealant material 344 fills the peripheral space between the peripheries 332,342 and the protruding edge 334 compresses against the sealant material 344 to form a sealing engagement between the upper component 330 and lower components 340. For example, the sealant material includes silicone such as RVT silicone. Alternatively, the periphery 332 of the upper component 330 includes the sealant material and the periphery 342 of the lower component 340 includes the protruding edge. Yet alternatively or additionally, the upper component 330 and lower component 340 are joined at their peripheries 332,342 by ultrasonic bonding. Preferably, in some embodiments, the upper component 330 and lower component 340 are joined at their peripheries 332,342 by the sealant material 344 and ultrasonic bonding, thereby forming a double seal for better protection against water ingress. More preferably, the control module 320 is rated IP67 for water and dust ingress.

[0055] In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 7A, the control module 320 includes a passageway 360 for accommodating a set of wires connecting between the control module receptacle 220 and the processor of the control module 320 in the space 350. The passageway 360 further includes a sealant material to seal the wires in the passageway 360 and the processor in the space 350. Specifically, after the control module 320 is attached to the control module receptacle 220 and the processor is connected to the control module receptacle 220 via the wires through the passageway 360, the passageway 360 is filled with the sealant material to seal the wires in the passageway 360 and also to keep the processor inside the space 350. The sealant material thus seals the processor in the space 350 and prevents water from seeping into the space 350 via the passageway 360. The sealant material may include silicone such as RVT silicone.

[0056] Accordingly, the control module 320 has protective features, such as the double sealing from the sealant material 344 and ultrasonic bonding at the peripheries 332,342, as well as the sealed passageway 360, that protect the control module 320 from the external environment, particularly from water ingress during washing. The wearable product 100 together with the control module 320 can thus be machine washed and would still function normally after washing and drying the wearable product 100. Particularly, the heating layer 140, lighting layer 150, as well as the control module 320 are functionally unaffected by said washing of the wearable product 100.

[0057] Various embodiments of the present disclosure describe a device 300 comprising the wearable product 100 and the power module 312 removably attachable to the wearable product 100 for powering the wearable product 100. In many embodiments as shown in FIG. 1A to FIG. 1 C, the wearable product 100 is a glove wearable on a user’s hand. For example, the glove can be used for therapeutic purposes to alleviate hand or wrist pain and possibly conditions such as tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome. The glove may be used by gamers and esports users while providing hand I wrist thermal comfort, thereby prolonging their gaming or esports careers while managing their hand and wrist health.

[0058] The thin and flexible structure of the wearable product 100 also enables it to have a sleek profile that is aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, the wearable product 100 may be integrated with active / passive compression properties or materials that complement the heating and lighting functionalities from the wearable product 100. While gloves are illustrated as an example of the wearable product 100 in various embodiments herein, it will be appreciated that the wearable product 100 functions as a lightweight, drapeable, and flexible product with a thin profile that can be incorporated into various garments with any form factor.

[0059] In the foregoing detailed description, embodiments of the present disclosure in relation to a wearable product are described with reference to the provided figures. The description of the various embodiments herein is not intended to call out or be limited only to specific or particular representations of the present disclosure, but merely to illustrate non-limiting examples of the present disclosure. The present disclosure serves to address at least one of the mentioned problems and issues associated with the prior art. Although only some embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein, it will be apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art in view of this disclosure that a variety of changes and / or modifications can be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the disclosure as well as the scope of the following claims is not limited to embodiments described herein.

Claims

Claims1 . A wearable product comprising a fabric body, the fabric body comprising: a base layer; a heating layer disposed on the base layer, the heating layer comprising electrically conductive wires configured to generate heat; a lighting layer comprising lighting elements configured to emit light; an insulation layer disposed between the heating layer and the lighting layer; and an outer layer disposed on the lighting layer, the outer layer comprising an optically transmissive pattern such that the light from the lighting layer is emitted through the optically transmissive pattern, wherein the wearable product is washable such that the electrically conductive wires and lighting elements are functionally unaffected by said washing of the wearable product.

2. The wearable product according to claim 1 , wherein the lighting elements comprise: a set of light sources; and a set of elongated light guide elements arranged to guide light emitted from the light sources, each light guide element being flexible and / or stretchable.

3. The wearable product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an inner side of the lighting layer comprises a reflective coating for reflecting light towards the outer layer.

4. The wearable product according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the fabric body further comprising a reflective coating on the insulation layer for reflecting light towards the outer layer.

5. The wearable product according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein an outer side of the lighting layer comprises a diffusion coating for diffusing the emitted light towards the outer layer.

6. The wearable product according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the fabric body further comprising an elastic mesh layer disposed between the insulation layer and the heating layer.

7. The wearable product according to claim 6, further comprising: an array of eyelets in the elastic mesh layer; and an adjustment wire extending through the eyelets, the adjustment wire configured for stretching and tightening the elastic mesh layer to thereby adjust fitting of the wearable product.

8. The wearable product according to claim 7, further comprising a tightening mechanism connected to the adjustment wire, the tightening mechanism configured for tightening and releasing the adjustment wire.

9. The wearable product according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the elastic mesh layer is pre-tensioned for tighter fitting of the wearable product.

10. The wearable product according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a set of low-friction gliding areas formed on the outer layer of the fabric layer, each gliding area optionally having a fragmented arrangement.11 . The wearable product according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a base receptacle attached to the fabric body, the base receptacle configured for receiving a set of electronic devices.

12. The wearable product according to claim 11 , wherein the base receptacle comprises a power module receptacle configured to attach a power connector module thereto, the power connector module configured for removably attaching a power module thereto for powering the wearable product.

13. The wearable product according to claim 12, wherein the power connector module comprises: a set of magnets for coupling with the power module; anda set of electrical connectors for electrically connecting to a set of electrical connectors of the power module.

14. The wearable product according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the base receptacle comprises a control module receptacle configured to attach a control module thereto, the control module comprising a processor configured for controlling the wearable product, wherein the control module is sealed from water ingress during said washing.

15. The wearable product according to claim 14, wherein the control module comprises an upper component and a lower component, the upper and lower components defining a space for housing the processor, wherein the upper and lower components are joined at their peripheries to seal the space from water ingress during said washing.

16. The wearable product according to claim 15, wherein the periphery of the lower component comprises a sealant material and the periphery of the upper component comprises a protruding edge, wherein the protruding edge compresses against the sealant material to form a sealing engagement between the upper and lower components.

17. The wearable product according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the upper and lower components are joined at their peripheries by ultrasonic bonding.

18. The wearable product according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the control module further comprises a passageway for accommodating a set of wires connecting between the control module receptacle and the processor of the control module in the space, the passageway comprising a sealant material to seal the wires in the passageway and the processor in the space.

19. The wearable product according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the wearable product is a glove.

20. A device comprising: a wearable product according to any one of claims 1 to 19; and a power module removably attachable to the wearable product for powering the wearable product.21 . The device according to claim 20, wherein the power module comprises: a set of magnets for coupling with the wearable product; and a set of electrical connectors for electrically connecting with a set of electrical connectors of the wearable product.

22. The device according to claim 20 or 21 , wherein the power module comprises lighting elements configured to illuminate when the power module is powering the wearable product.

23. A wearable product comprising a fabric body, the fabric body comprising: a base layer; a outer layer; and an elastic mesh layer disposed between the base layer and the outer layer, the elastic mesh layer configured for adjust fitting of the wearable product.

24. The wearable product according to claim 23, further comprising: an array of eyelets in the elastic mesh layer; and an adjustment wire extending through the eyelets, the adjustment wire configured for stretching and tightening the elastic mesh layer to thereby adjust fitting of the wearable product.

25. The wearable product according to claim 24, further comprising a tightening mechanism connected to the adjustment wire, the tightening mechanism configured for tightening and releasing the adjustment wire.

26. The wearable product according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the elastic mesh layer is pre-tensioned for tighter fitting of the wearable product.

27. A wearable product comprising a fabric body, the fabric body comprising: a base layer; a outer layer; and a set of low-friction gliding areas formed on the outer layer.

28. The wearable product according to claim 24, wherein each gliding area has a fragmented arrangement, and wherein discrete regions of low-friction materials are distributed across the gliding area.

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