Garment

Abstract

A garment, comprising: a torso portion; and a feedback element fixedly connected to the torso portion and moveable between an enabled position and a disabled position; wherein the feedback element in the enabled position is configured to provide feedback in response to pressure applied by a wearer of the garment bringing their upper arm toward their torso, and wherein the feedback element is biased toward the disabled position.

Description

GARMENTFIELD

[0001] This relates to a garment.BACKGROUND

[0002] A garment is an article of clothing that is worn on the body. Garments are made from various types of fabric or textiles and serve the primary function of covering, protecting, and sometimes adorning the body. They can range from everyday casual wear to specialized functional clothing designed to provide functionality for specific purposes.SUMMARY

[0003] According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a garment comprising: a torso portion; and a feedback element fixedly connected to the torso portion and moveable between an enabled position and a disabled position; wherein the feedback element in the enabled position is configured to provide feedback in response to pressure applied by a wearer of the garment bringing their upper arm toward their torso, and wherein the feedback element is biased toward the disabled position.

[0004] In an example of the invention, the garment further comprises a magnetic attachment means, wherein the feedback element is biased toward the disabled position via the magnetic attachment means.

[0005] In a further example of the invention, the feedback element is not connected to the torso portion via the magnetic attachment means when the feedback element is in the enabled position, and wherein the feedback element is connected to the torso portion via the magnetic attachment means when the feedback element is in the disabled position.

[0006] In a further example of the invention, the feedback element comprises a substantially elongate body having a first end and a second end.

[0007] In a further example of the invention, the substantially elongate body is a strip comprising a fabric.

[0008] In a further example of the invention, the feedback element is sewn to the garment at the first end.

[0009] In a further example of the invention, the feedback element is configured to be detachably connected to the garment via the magnetic attachment means at the second end.

[0010] In a further example of the invention, the feedback element comprises a chamber filled with one or more deformable materials.

[0011] In a further example of the invention, the one or more deformable materials comprises one or more of air, gel, and foam.

[0012] In a further example of the invention, the chamber comprises a peripheral lip configured to facilitate handling of the feedback element.

[0013] In a further example of the invention, the second end is higher than the first end when the feedback element is in the enabled position.

[0014] In a further example of the invention, the second end is lower than the first end when the feedback element is in the disabled position.

[0015] In a further example of the invention, the feedback element in the enabled position is configured to provide tactile feedback in response to pressure applied by a wearer of the garment bringing their upper arm toward their torso.

[0016] In a further example of the invention, the feedback element is configured to provide auditory feedback in response to the wearer of the garment separating their arm from their torso.

[0017] In a further example of the invention, the feedback element is configured to provide auditory feedback when the feedback element is moved to the disabled position.

[0018] In a further example of the invention, the garment is a golf garment.BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0019] The description is framed by way of example with reference to the drawings which show certain embodiments. However, these drawings are provided for illustration only, and do not exhaustively set out all embodiments.

[0020] Figure la shows a front view of an example garment in an enabled state.

[0021] Figure lb shows a side view of the example garment of Figure la.

[0022] Figure lc shows a back view of the example garment of Figure la.

[0023] Figure 2a shows a front view of an example garment in a transitory state.

[0024] Figure 2b shows a back view of the example garment of Figure 2a.

[0025] Figure 3a shows a front view of an example garment in a disabled state.

[0026] Figure 3b shows a back view of the example garment of Figure 3a.

[0027] Figures 4a to 4e show an example garment used in a golfing application.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] There is described herein a garment configured to provide feedback to the wearer. The garment may be used in sports, which non-limitingly includes golf, softball, baseball, squash, tennis, cricket. In particular, use of the garment in golf includes training as well as playing, whether socially or competitively.

[0029] Being able to execute a golf swing with good technique and form is key to success in golf. A golfer undergoes training so that their swing can become more connected. Being connected in a golf swing means maintaining coordination and synchronization among the arms, the hands, and the torso. Connectedness results in a more consistent and efficient swing, leading to better ball striking and control. Conversely, a loss of connection can lead to faults including fat or thin shots, slicing,hooking, "chicken swings", "over-the-top swings", and inconsistency in general. A key aspect of achieving connectedness in a golf swing is ensuring that an arm or both arms of the golfer maintain engagement with the torso.

[0030] The garment of the present invention comprises a feedback element that is configured to provide feedback in response to pressure applied by a wearer of the garment bringing an upper arm toward their torso. In this way, a wearer of the garment executing a golf swing (whether training or playing) can become aware of a disconnect occurring in the swing. The garment may therefore be considered a functional garment configured to provide real-time feedback to the golfer during training and / or playing.

[0031] The feedback element may be moveable between an enabled position and a disabled position. The feedback element may be configured to move to and be retained in the enabled position by one or more actions performed by the wearer. Advantageously, the feedback element may be biased towards the disabled position such that no separate action is required from the wearer to move the feedback element to the disabled position.Garment

[0032] Figures la to lc show an example garment 100 according to the present invention.

[0033] The garment 100 comprises a torso portion 101 and optionally an arm portion 102 extending from the torso portion. The torso portion 101 is configured to cover the wearer's torso including the chest, abdomen, and back. The torso portion 101 may be comprised of various materials such as cotton, polyester, or wool. Notably, the feedback functionality of the garment 100 may not be dependent on the material of the garment 100. This can be advantageous as it allows a broader range of materials to be used.

[0034] The garment 100 may be substantially similarto a golfing shirt, which may be collared or non-collared, short-sleeved or long-sleeved. However, the invention is not limited by the specific form or style of the garment 100.

[0035] The garment 100 comprises a feedback element 103, which may be fixedly connected to the torso portion 101 at a fixed connection 104 so as to be integral with the garment 100. This can be an advantage in competitive golf since regulations prohibit the use of a separate or detachable training aid e.g. a glove or a towel that a golfer can tuck between their arm and torso. The garment 100 advantageously complies with the competitive golf regulations, allowing a competitive golfer to benefit from the feedback element 103 and play competitively with the benefit of a "practice feel".

[0036] In Figures la to lc, only one feedback element 103 is shown on the left (as shown in the front view of Figure la) side of the garment 100. However, the garment 100 may comprise one feedback element 103 on each side. This is shown in Figures 2a, 2b, 3a, and 3b. A garment 100 having such a symmetric design where a feedback element 103 is provided on both sides may be preferred as it can equally accommodate left-handed wearers and right-handed wearers. Moreover, certain applications may benefit from having feedback on both sides. Golfing, as an example, can benefit from having feedback in both the leading arm and the trailing arm.

[0037] In addition to the fixed connection 104, the feedback element 103 is detachably connected to the torso portion 101 at a detachable connection site 105. In one example, the detachable connection is a magnetic connection.

[0038] In one example, the feedback element 103 is sewn to the torso portion 101 at a fixed connection 104. In other examples, however, the fixed connection between the feedback element 103 and the torso portion 101 may be established via another means such as an adhesive (glue) or one or more fasteners e.g. rivets.

[0039] The feedback element 103 may comprise a body 106 having a first end 107 and a second end 108 joined by an intermediary portion 111. The body 106 may be substantially elongate, which can be preferable in terms of maneuverability and concealability. The first end 107 and the second 108 may be bulbous ends joined by a relatively narrow intermediary portion 111 of the body 106.

[0040] The body 106 may be made of a substantially soft material such as a fabric, allowing the body 106 to be rolled and twisted. Further, using a soft material for the body 106 means the wearer can handle the feedback element 103 more safely e.g. there is minimal risk of the wearer geting cut by a sharp edge or a rigid corner.

[0041] In one example, the body 106 is a strip comprising a fabric.

[0042] In one example, the body 106 is made of the same material as the torso portion 101 of the garment 100.

[0043] The fixed connection 104 may be located substantially at or near the first end 107, and the detachable connection may be established substantially at or near the second end 108. In this way, the feedback element 103 is substantially retained when the detachable connection is established since the first end 107 and the second end 108 are both connected to the torso portion 101. Once the detachable connection has been released, however, the body 106 becomes free to twist, roll, pivot, and fold with the fixed connection 104 acting as an anchor and the second end 108 acting as a free end.

[0044] The feedback element 103 may comprise a magnetic atachment means 109 substantially at or near the second end 108. A corresponding magnetic atachment means 110 may be provided on the torso portion 101 for establishing a detachable magnetic connection.

[0045] In one example, the magnetic atachment means 109 is an exposed magnetic strip or bar that is fixedly atached to the second end 108 of the feedback element 103. The corresponding magnetic atachment means 110 may be affixedto the surface of the torso portion 101 or may be affixed to the inside of the torso portion 101. In other words, the magnetic attachment means 109 and 110 may make direct contact in establishing a connection, or the magnetic attachment means 109 and 110 may magnetically couple despite a layer of the garment 100 preventing direct, physical contact. In either case, a detachable connection may be established.

[0046] In another example, the magnetic attachment means 109 may be embedded within a chamber substantially at or near the second end 108. The chamber may be filled with one or more deformable materials configured to enhance tactile feedback. For example, the chamber may be filled with a fluid such as air or a gel. Alternatively or additionally, the chamber may be filled with a foam. The chamber may comprise a peripheral lip configured to facilitate handling of the second end 108 of the feedback element 103.

[0047] The feedback element 103 is moveable between an enabled position and a disabled position. When the feedback element 103 is in the enabled position, the garment 100 is in a corresponding enabled state. When the feedback element 103 is in the disabled position, the garment 100 is in a corresponding disabled state. When the feedback element 103 is in a transitory position, the garment 100 is in a corresponding transitory state.

[0048] Figures la to lc show the feedback element 103 in an enabled position, where the detachable connection is released. In the enabled position, the second end 108 may contact an arm portion 102 and may be positioned higher (in the sense that it is closer to the neck portion 199) than the first end 107. Broadly speaking, the second end 108 in the enabled position may be positioned in an armpit portion of the garment 100. The length of the body 106 and the position of the fixed connection 104 are such that the second end 108 may be folded up to sufficiently extend to the armpit portion of the garment 100. In the enabled position, the body 106 may be substantially taut and may substantially align vertically with the garment 100, or the body 106 may exhibit curvature at thearmpit portion of the garment 100. The feedback element 103 in the enabled position is configured to provide tactile feedback in response to pressure applied by a wearer of the garment 100 bringing their upper arm toward their torso. The feedback element 103 is maintained in the enabled position by a wearer of the garment maintaining the pressure applied by bringing their upper arm toward their torso

[0049] Figures 2a and 2b show the feedback element 103 in a transitory position, where the detachable connection is released but the second end 108 is moving toward the disabled position as a result of gravity and optionally a bias e.g. a magnetic attraction. This corresponds to a transitory state of the garment 100 as the feedback element 103 is not configured to remain in the transitory position.

[0050] Figures 2a and 2b show an example transitory position, but a transitory position generally refers to any position of the feedback element 103 as it moves from the enabled position to the disabled position. The second end 108 may be higher than the first end 107 in transitory positions corresponding to the instants just after the wearer has moved an arm away from the torso, releasing the pressure maintaining the feedback element 103 in the enabled position. The second end 108 may be lower than the first end 107 in transitory positions where the second end 108 has been allowed some time to fall under the effect of gravity and optionally a bias; such a transitory position is shown in Figures 2a and 2b.

[0051] Figures 3a and 3b show the feedback element 103 in a disabled position, where the detachable connection is established. In the disabled position, the second end 108 may be lower (in the sense that it is further away from the neck portion 199) than the first end 107. The length of the body 106, the position of the fixed connection 104, and the position of any connectors are such that the second end 108 can sufficiently extend in a downward direction to establish the detachable connection. In examples where the detachable connection is magnetic, the feedback element 103 is biased by the magnetic attraction between the magnetic attachment means (e.g. magnetic attachment means 109 and 110)toward the disabled position. In the disabled position, the body 106 may be substantially taut and may substantially align vertically with the garment 100.

[0052] The feedback element 103 in the disabled position is not configured to provide feedback in response to pressure applied by a wearer of the garment 100 bringing their upper arm toward their torso. However, auditory feedback may be provided at the instant the feedback element 103 is moved to the disabled position. For example, the auditory feedback may occur by the two magnetic attachment means 109 and 110 producing an audible sound upon impact as they come into contact to establish the detachable connection. In other words, the feedback element 103 is configured to provide auditory feedback in response to the wearer of the garment separating their upper arm from their torso.

[0053] In the disabled position, the feedback element 103 also does not interfere with movements of the wearer involving the torso and one or more arms. For example, the feedback element 103 in the disabled position does not obstruct the swinging of an arm as a part of the wearer's walking, jogging, or running motion.

[0054] Advantageously, no separate action is required from the wearer to move the feedback element 103 from the enabled position to the disabled position owing to the verticality of the feedback element working in conjunction with gravity and optionally a bias, which may be a magnetic attraction.Operation

[0055] The operation of the garment 100 will now be described with reference to Figures 4a to 4e, which show a golfing example. Details of the feedback element 103 are omitted.

[0056] Figure 4a shows a golfer, who is also a wearer of the garment 100, in an address position. The garment 100 is in an enabled state with the feedback element 103 in an enabled position, providing feedback to the golfer that the trailing arm and the torso are connected in response to pressure applied by the golfer bringing their upper arm toward their torso.

[0057] In order to reach the enabled position, the golfer may have released the detachable connection by hand and lifted the second end 108 above the first end 107, positioning a part of the feedback element 103 roughly in the armpit area. The feedback element 103 can be retained by the golfer bringing their upper arm toward their torso and can then be maintained in the enabled position if the golfer continues to apply pressure.

[0058] Figure 4b shows the golfer executing a backswing. Figure 4c shows the golfer executing a downswing. Figure 4d shows the golfer executing an early follow-through. Figure 4e shows the golfer executing a late follow-through.

[0059] Throughout the different phases of a complete golf swing, the garment 100 may be in an enabled state with the feedback element 103 in an enabled position, providing feedback to the golfer that the trailing arm and the torso are connected. Should the golfer separate his trailing arm from his torso, the feedback element 103 would move from the enabled position to the disabled position, depriving the golfer of tactile feedback that was previously felt when the feedback element 103 was in the enabled position. Additional auditory feedback may be provided by the feedback element 103 entering the disabled position e.g. by magnetic attachment means 109 and 110 coming into contact. The golfer can detect a change in feedback and become aware that their golf swing has lost connectedness.

[0060] The movement of the feedback element 103 from the enabled position to the disabled position, whether intentional (e.g. relaxing after the completion of a swing) or unintentional (e.g. the form breaking down and losing connectedness during a swing), requires no separate action from the golfer.Interpretation

[0061] The term "comprises" and other grammatical forms is intended to have an inclusive meaning unless otherwise noted. That is, they should be taken to mean an inclusion of the listed components, and possibly of other non-specified components or elements.

[0062] While the present invention has been explained by the description of certain embodiments, the invention is not restricted to these embodiments. It is possible to modify these embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A garment, comprising: a torso portion; and a feedback element fixedly connected to the torso portion and moveable between an enabled position and a disabled position; wherein the feedback element in the enabled position is configured to provide feedback in response to pressure applied by a wearer of the garment bringing their upper arm toward their torso, and wherein the feedback element is biased toward the disabled position.

2. The garment of claim 1, further comprising a magnetic attachment means, wherein the feedback element is biased toward the disabled position via the magnetic attachment means.

3. The garment of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the feedback element is not connected to the torso portion via the magnetic attachment means when the feedback element is in the enabled position, and wherein the feedback element is connected to the torso portion via the magnetic attachment means when the feedback element is in the disabled position.

4. The garment of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the feedback element comprises a substantially elongate body having a first end and a second end.

5. The garment of claim 4, wherein the substantially elongate body is a strip comprising a fabric.

6. The garment of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the feedback element is sewn to the garment at the first end.

7. The garment of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the feedback element is configured to be detachably connected to the garment via the magnetic attachment means at the second end.

8. The garment of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the feedback element comprises a chamber filled with one or more deformable materials.

9. The garment of claim 8, wherein the one or more deformable materials comprises one or more of air, gel, and foam.

10. The garment of claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the chamber comprises a peripheral lip configured to facilitate handling of the feedback element.

11. The garment of any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the second end is higher than the first end when the feedback element is in the enabled position.

12. The garment of any one of claims 4 to 11, wherein the second end is lower than the first end when the feedback element is in the disabled position.

13. The garment of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the feedback element in the enabled position is configured to provide tactile feedback in response to pressure applied by a wearer of the garment bringing their upper arm toward their torso.

14. The garment of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the feedback element is configured to provide auditory feedback in response to the wearer of the garment separating their arm from their torso.

15. The garment of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the feedback element is configured to provide auditory feedback when the feedback element is moved to the disabled position.

16. The garment of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the garment is a golf garment.

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