GB2625708A

GB2625708A - Wearable article with conductive regions

Info

Publication number: GB2625708A
Application number: GB2217036.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Riaz Naeem
Original assignee: Prevayl Innovations Ltd
Current assignee: Prevayl Innovations Ltd
Priority date: 2022-11-15
Filing date: 2022-11-15
Publication date: 2024-07-03
Also published as: GB202217036D0

Abstract

The wearable article 102 comprises a front region 104 and a rear region (108, fig. 2c) which is joined to the front region 104 at a first side region (106, fig. 2b) and a second side region. A first electrode 210 is provided on the first side region. A second electrode 212 is provided on the second side region. First connection region and second connection regions are provided on the first side region. A first electrically conductive pathway 214 extends from the first connection region to the first electrode 210 to connect the first electrode 210 to the first connection region. A second electrically conductive pathway 216 extends from the second connection region to the second electrode 212 to connect the second electrode 212 to the second connection region. The second electrically conductive pathway 216 extends along the rear region (108, fig. 2c) of the wearable article 102. The first electrode, connection region and conductive pathway may be formed from a first sheet of conductive material, and the second electrode, connection region and conductive pathway may be formed from a second sheet. The side regions may have a passageway between two layers of fabric which the conductive sheet passes.

Description

WEARABLE ARTICLE WITH CONDUCTIVE REGIONS

BACKGROUND

[0001] The present disclosure is directed towards a wearable article, method and assembly, and in particular a wearable article comprising conductive regions that form electrodes for sensing and therapeutic applications.

[0002] Wearable articles, such as garments, incorporating sensors are wearable electronics used to measure and collect information from a wearer. Such wearable articles are commonly referred to as 'smart clothing'. It is advantageous to measure biosignals of the wearer during exercise, or other scenarios.

[0003] It is known to provide a garment, or other wearable article, to which an electronic device (i.e., an electronic module, and/or related components) is attached in a prominent position, such as on the chest. Advantageously, the electronic device is a detachable device. The electronic device is configured to process the incoming signals, and the output from the processing is stored and/or displayed to a user in a suitable way.

[0004] In some applications, it desirable to position the electronics device on a side region of the wearable article rather than the front or back of the wearable article. Locating the electronics device at the side can be more comfortable for the wearer while also minimising the visual effect on the wearable article.

[0005] European Patent Application Publication No. EP2505090 discloses a sensor garment which includes a harness. The harness extends from a first termination point, located at a device retention element positioned at a side area of the sensor garment. The harness also extends to a second termination point at one side of the front of the sensor garment, and from the second termination point across the front of the sensor garment to a third termination point at the other side of the front of the sensor garment. The second termination point connects to a first electrode and the third termination point connects to a second electrode.

[0006] This approach requires the harness to extend from the side and across the front of the wearer to connect the device retention element to the first and second electrodes located on the front of the garment. This can affect the look, fit and feel of the garment. Moreover, this approach requires two independent conductive pathways (for the two different electrodes) to be integrated into the same harness. This can complicate the construction of the harness, the connection to the electrodes, and the integration of the harness into the garment.

[0007] The sensor garment provides a single device retention element. The device can only be retained on the sensor garment and brought into communication with the electrodes of the sensor garment at a single location. This can limit the functionality of the garment.

[0008] It is an object of the present disclosure, to provide an improved construction of wearable article comprising conductive regions.

SUMMARY

[0009] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a wearable article, method, and wearable assembly as set forth in the appended claims. Other features will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a wearable article.

[0011] The wearable article comprises a front region arranged to cover at least part of the front of the wearer, the front region comprising a first side area, a second side area, and a central area provided between the first side area and the second side area.

[0012] The wearable article comprises a rear region arranged to cover at least part of the rear of the wearer, the rear region comprises a first side area, a second side area and a central area provided between the first side area and the second side area. The first side area of the front region is joined to the first side area of the rear region to define a first side region of the wearable article. The second side area of the front region is joined to the second side area of the rear region to define a second side region of the wearable article. The first side region may be a left side region of the wearable article. The second side region may be a right side region of the wearable article.

[0013] The wearable article comprises a first electrode provided on the first side region; a second electrode provided on the second side region; a first connection region provided on the first side region; and a second connection region provided on the first side region.

[0014] The wearable article comprises a first electrically conductive pathway extending from the first connection region to the first electrode to conductively connect the first electrode to the first connection region.

[0015] The wearable article comprises a second electrically conductive pathway extending from the second connection region to the second electrode to conductively connect the second electrode to the second connection region. The second electrically conductive pathway extends along the first side area, central area, and second side area of the wearable article.

[0016] Advantageously, the wearable article construction enables first and second electrodes provided on different sides of the garment to be electrically connected to connection regions provided in a side region of the wearable article via conductive pathways. Importantly, the second conductive pathway extends across the rear portion of the wearable article rather than the front portion to connect to the second electrode. This simplifies the electrode integration as multiple conductive pathways are not required to be integrated into a single harness. Moreover, the comfort and visual appearance of the wearable article is improved.

[0017] Conductive material may not be provided in the central area of the front region Conductive material may only be provided in the side areas of the front region and the rear region.

[0018] The first electrode may be provided on the first side area of the front region.

[0019] The second electrode may be provided on the second side area of the front region.

[0020] The second electrically conductive pathway may extend along the second side area of the front region.

[0021] The second electrode may be provided on the second side area of the rear region.

[0022] The first electrically conductive pathway may extend across the first side area to connect the first electrode to the first connection region.

[0023] The wearable article may comprise: a first sheet of conductive material forming the first electrode, the first connection region and the first conductive pathway; and a second sheet of conductive material forming the second electrode, the second connection region, and the second conductive pathway.

[0024] The wearable article may comprise a fabric layer having a first surface and a second surface, a first passageway extending through the fabric layer between the first surface and the second surface, and a second passageway extending through the fabric layer between the first surface and the second surface. The first sheet of conductive material may pass through the first passageway to position the first connection region on the first surface of the fabric layer and the first electrode on the second surface of the fabric layer. The second sheet of conductive material may pass through the second passageway to position the second connection region the first surface of the fabric layer and the second electrode on the second surface of the fabric layer.

[0025] Advantageously, the wearable article comprises a first sheet of conductive material that passes through a passageway of the fabric layer such that the first connection region and first electrode of the sheet of conductive material are positioned on opposing surfaces of the fabric layer. This arrangement enables an electronics module positioned on the first surface of the fabric layer to be brought into communication with the first electrode on the second surface of the fabric layer. This can be achieved by simply placing an electrical contact of the electronics module (e.g. a conductive contact pad) in contact with the first connection region. The wearable article thus does not need to be modified to include conductive snaps to form an electrical connection through the fabric layer. This simplifies the construction of the wearable article and improves the comfort and appearance of the wearable article. Similar benefits are achieved by providing the second sheet of conductive material.

[0026] The first passageway and second passageway may be provided in the first side region.

[0027] The first sheet of conductive material may have a non-conductive surface and a conductive surface. The second sheet of conductive material may have a non-conductive surface and a conductive surface.

[0028] The non-conductive surface of the first sheet of conductive material may be attached to the fabric layer such that the conductive surface of the first connection region faces away from the first surface of the fabric layer and the conductive surface of the first electrode faces away from the second surface of the fabric layer. The non-conductive surface of the second sheet of conductive material may be attached to the fabric layer such that the conductive surface of the second connection region faces away from the first surface of the fabric layer and the conductive surface of the second electrode faces away from the second surface of the fabric layer.

[0029] The non-conductive surface of the first sheet of conductive material may be bonded to the fabric layer.

[0030] The non-conductive surface of the first sheet of conductive material may be bonded to the fabric layer using an adhesive film.

[0031] The non-conductive surface of the first sheet of conductive material may be bonded to the fabric layer using an adhesive and waterproof film.

[0032] The first sheet of conductive material and the second sheet of conductive material may be sheets of conductive polymer material. The sheets of conductive polymer material may comprise one or more of polyaniline (PANI), poly(pyrolle) (PPY), poly(thiophene) (PT), poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS), PEDOT: PSS, or a derivate thereof.

[0033] The sheets of conductive polymer material may comprise a non-conductive substrate layer and a conductive polymer deposited on the non-conductive fabric to form a conductive polymer layer. The non-conductive substrate layer may be a non-conductive fabric layer.

[0034] Conductive polymer materials are not required in all examples. Electrically conductive yarn may be used for example. The first electrically conductive pathway and the second electrically conductive pathway may, for example, comprise an electrically conductive yarn.

[0035] The wearable article may further comprise an electronics module holder arranged to removably hold an electronics module, wherein when the electronics module is held by the electronics module holder, the electronics module is brought into communication with the first connection region and the second connection region.

[0036] Advantageously, the electronics module holder removably holds the electronics module in communication with the first connection region. This enables the electronics module to be coupled to and removed from the wearable article.

[0037] The electronics module holder may comprise a pocket formed between the fabric layer and a pocket layer, wherein the electronics module is arranged to be removably positioned in the pocket.

[0038] Advantageously, the electronics module holder comprises a pocket that holds the electronics module in position and in communication with the first connection region. Mechanical fasteners such as conductive snaps are not required to be integrated into the wearable article. The pocket may apply compression to the electronics module to hold the electronics module in position.

[0039] The front region may comprise a left front panel, a right front panel, and a fastener that removably joins the left front panel to the right front panel, wherein the left front panel comprises the first side area, and the right front panel comprises the second side area. Advantageously, the wearable article is front-opening. The left front panel and right front panel can be joined/separated from one another. The wearable article can be opened from the front which can facilitate putting on and off the wearable article particularly when the wearable article is tight fitting. The wearable art icle may for example comprise an elastomeric fabric.

[0040] According to a second aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a wearable assembly.

[0041] The wearable assembly comprises a wearable article comprising: a front region arranged to cover at least part of the front of the wearer, the front region comprising a first side area, a second side area, and a central area provided between the first side area and the second side area; a rear region arranged to cover at least part of the rear of the wearer, the rear region comprising a first side area, a second side area and a central area provided between the first side area and the second side area, wherein the first side area of the front region is joined to the first side area of the rear region to define a first side region of the wearable article, and the second side area of the front region is joined to the second side area of the rear region to define a second side region of the wearable article; a first electrode provided on the first side region; a second electrode provided on the second side region; a first connection region provided on the first side region; a second connection region provided on the first side region; a first electrically conductive pathway extending from the first connection region to the first electrode to conductively connect the first electrode to the first connection region; and a second electrically conductive pathway extending from the second connection region to the second electrode to conductively connect the second electrode to the second connection region, wherein the second electrically conductive pathway extends along the first side area, central area, and second side area of the rear. The wearable assembly comprises an electronics module arranged to be positioned on the wearable article to bring the electronics module into communication with the first electrode via the first connection region and the second electrode via the second connection region.

[0042] The electronics module may comprise a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact, wherein the first electrical contact is arranged to be brought into contact with the first connection region to electrically couple the electronics module to the first electrode, and wherein the second electrical contact is arranged to be brought into contact with the second connection region to electrically couple the electronics module to the second electrode.

[0043] The wearable article may be the wearable article of the first aspect of the disclosure.

[0044] According to a third aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a wearable article comprising: a first electrode; a first conductive pathway extending from the first electrode, the first conductive pathway comprising a first branch that extends to a first termination point, and a second branch that extends to a second termination point, wherein the first termination point is conductively connected to the first electrode via the first branch of the first conductive pathway, and wherein the second termination point is conductively connected to the first electrode via the second branch of the first conductive pathway.

[0045] Advantageously, the wearable article comprises a first electrode that is electrically connected to a first termination point via a first branch of the first conductive pathway and a second termination point via a second branch of the first conductive pathway. The first termination point and second termination point serve as connection regions. An electronics module may be positioned such that it is brought into communication with the first electrode via the first termination point or the second termination point. This enables the electronics module to be positioned at multiple locations on the wearable article while still being in communication with the first electrode.

[0046] The first termination point and the second termination point may be positioned at different locations on the wearable article. The first termination point may be provided at a side of the wearable article and the second termination point may be provided at a rear of the wearable article. The first termination point may be provided at a front of the wearable article and the second termination point may be provide at the side or rear of the wearable article.

[0047] The wearable article may comprise a front region arranged to cover at least part of the front of the wearer. The first electrode and second electrode may be located on the front region.

[0048] The front region may comprise a first side area, a second side area and a central area provided between the first side area and the second side area. The first electrode may be provided on the first side area, and the second electrode may be provided on the second side area. The wearable article may further comprise a rear region arranged to cover at least part of the rear of the wearer. The second branch of the first electrically conductive pathway may extend along the rear region and the second side region of the wearable article.

[0049] The wearable article may comprise a front region arranged to cover at least part of the front of the wearer, a rear region arranged to cover at least part of the rear of the wearer, a first side region joining the front region to the rear region, and a second side region joining the front region to the rear region. The front region may comprise a first side area, a second side area, and a central area provided between the first side area and the second side area. The rear region may comprise a first side area, a second side area, and a central area provided between the first side area and the second side area. The first side area of the front region may be joined to the first side area of the rear region to define the first side region. The second side area of the front region may be joined to the second side area of the rear region to define the second side region. The first electrode may be provided on the first side region. The second electrode may be provided on the second side region. The second branch of the first electrically conductive pathway may extend along the first side area, central area, and second side area of the rear region.

[0050] The first termination point may be provided on the first side region, and the second termination point may be provided on the rear region.

[0051] The wearable article may further comprise a first electronics module holder and a second electronics module holder.

[0052] The first termination point may be provided in the vicinity of the first electronics module holder and the second termination point may be provided in the vicinity of the second electronics module holder.

[0053] When an electronics module is held by the first electronics module holder, the electronics module may be brought into communication with the first electrode via the first termination point, and wherein when an electronics module is held by the second electronics module holder, the electronics module may be brought into communication with the first electrode via the second termination point.

[0054] The first electronics module holder may comprise a pocket. [0055] The second electronics module holder may comprise a pocket.

[0056] The wearable article may further comprise a second electrode. The wearable article may further comprise a second conductive pathway extending from the second electrode, the second conductive pathway comprising a first branch that extends to a third termination point, and a second branch that extends to a fourth termination point, wherein the third termination point is conductively connected to the second electrode via the first branch of the second conductive pathway, and wherein the fourth termination point is conductively connected to the second electrode via the second branch of the second conductive pathway.

[0057] Advantageously, the wearable article comprises a second electrode that is electrically connected to a third termination point via a first branch of the second conductive pathway and a fourth termination point via a second branch of the second conductive pathway. The third termination point and fourth termination point serve as connection regions. An electronics module may be positioned such that it is brought into communication with the second electrode via the third termination point or the fourth electrode point. This enables the electronics module to be positioned at multiple locations on the wearable article while still being in communication with the second electrode.

[0058] The wearable article may further comprise a first electronics module holder and a second electronics module holder, wherein when an electronics module is held by the first electronics module holder, the electronics module is brought into communication with the first electrode via the first termination point and the second electrode via the third termination point, and wherein when an electronics module is held by the second electronics module holder, the electronics module is brought into communication with the first electrode via the second termination point and the second electrode via the fourth termination point.

[0059] The first termination point and the third termination point may be located proximate to one another on the wearable article.

[0060] The second termination point and fourth termination point may be located proximate to one another on the wearable article.

[0061] According to a fourth aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a wearable assembly comprising: a wearable article comprising: a first electrode; a first conductive pathway extending from the first electrode, the first conductive pathway comprising a first branch that extends to a first termination point, and a second branch that extends to a second termination point, wherein the first termination point is conductively connected to the first electrode via the first branch of the first conductive pathway, and wherein the second termination point is conductively connected to the first electrode via the second branch of the first conductive pathway. The wearable assembly comprises an electronics module, wherein when positioned at a first location on the wearable article, the electronics module is brought into communication with the first electrode via the first termination point, and wherein when positioned at a second location on the wearable article, the electronics module is brought into communication with the first electrode via the second termination point.

[0062] The electronics module may comprise a first electrical contact, wherein the first electrical contact is arranged to be brought into contact with the first termination point to electrically couple the electronics module to the first electrode, and wherein the first electrical contact is arranged to be brought into contact with the second termination point to electrically couple the electronics module to the first electrode.

[0063] The wearable article may be the wearable article of the third aspect of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0064] To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.

[0065] FIG. 'IA shows a front view of an example wearable article according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0066] FIG. 1B shows a side view of the example wearable article according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0067] FIG. 1C shows a rear view of the example wearable article according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0068] FIG. 2A shows a front, internal, view of the wearable article of FIG 1A to FIG. 1C. [0069] FIG. 2B shows a side, internal, view of the wearable article of FIG 1A to FIG. 1C. [0070] FIG. 2C shows a rear, internal, view of the wearable article of FIG. 1A to FIG. 1C.

[0071] FIG. 3A shows a sectional view of part of a wearable article according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0072] FIG. 3B shows the wearable article of FIG. 3A when viewed from above with the pocket layer removed.

[0073] FIG. 3C shows the wearable article of FIG. 3A when viewed from below with the insulating layer removed.

[0074] FIG. 3D shows the wearable article of FIG. 3A when viewed from below.

[0075] FIG. 3E shows the wearable article of FIG. 3A with an electronics module located in the pocket space.

[0076] FIG. 4A shows a front, internal, view of an example wearable article according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0077] FIG. 4B shows a side, internal, view of the wearable article of FIG. 4A. [0078] FIG. 4C shows a rear, internal, view of the wearable article of FIG. 4A.

[0079] FIG. 5 illustrates an example first sheet of conductive material and second sheet of conductive material used with the wearable article of Fig. 4A.

[0080] FIG. 6 illustrates an example system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0081] FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic for an example electronics module in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0082] FIG. 8A illustrates an external view of an example electronics module in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0083] FIG. 8B illustrates an external view of an example electronics module in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0084] FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic for an example electronics module in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0085] The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0086] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings but are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the disclosure is provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0087] It is to be understood that the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0088] FIG. 1A to FIG. 1C show external views of an example wearable article 102 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The wearable article 102 is in the form of a t-shirt.

[0089] The wearable article may be another form of garment besides a t-shirt. The garment may refer to an item of clothing or apparel. The garment may be a top. The top may be a shirt, t-shirt, blouse, sweater, jacket/coat, or vest. The garment may be a dress, garment brassiere, shorts, pants, arm or leg sleeve, vest, jacket/coat, glove, armband, underwear, headband, hat/cap, collar, wristband, armband, chestband/strap, waistband, stocking, sock, or shoe, athletic clothing, personal protective equipment, including hard hats, swimwear, wetsu it or dry suit.

[0090] The type of wearable garment may dictate the type of biosignals to be detected. For example, a hat or cap may be used to detect electroencephalogram or magnetoencephalogram signals.

[0091] The wearable article (e.g., a garment) may be constructed from a woven or a non-woven material. The wearable article may be constructed from natural fibres, synthetic fibres, or a natural fibre blended with one or more other materials which can be natural or synthetic. The yarn may be cotton. The cotton may be blended with polyester and/or viscose and/or polyamide according to the application. Silk may also be used as the natural fibre. Cellulose, wool, hemp and jute are also natural fibres that may be used in the wearable article. Polyester, polycotton, nylon and viscose are synthetic fibres that may be used in the wearable article.

[0092] The garment may be a tight-fitting garment or a loose-fitting (e.g., freeform garment). A tightfitting garment helps ensure that the sensor devices of the garment are held in contact with or in the proximity of a skin surface of the wearer. The tight-fitting garment may be a compression garment. The tight-fitting garment may be an athletic garment such as an elastomeric athletic garment. A loose-fitting garment is generally more comfortable to wear over extended time periods and during sleep.

[0093] The wearable article 102 comprises a front region 104 that covers at least part of the front of the wearer. The wearable article 102 comprises a rear region 108 that covers at least part of the rear of the wearer. A first side region 106 joins the front region 104 to the rear region 108. A second side region (not shown) joins the front region 104 to the rear region 108.

[0094] The front region 104 and rear region 108 extend towards one another to define the first side region 106 and second side region in this example. In other examples, side panels may be provided to define the first side region and second side region. The side panels may join the front region to the rear region.

[0095] The first side region 106 and second side region cover at least part of the sides of the wearer. In this example, the first side region 106 covers at least part of the left side of the wearer and the second side region covers at least part of the right side of the wearer.

[0096] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C show the location of sensing components in the wearable article 102. The sensing components are provided inside the wearable article 102 such that they are not visible externally when the wearable article 102 is worn.

[0097] The front region 104 of the wearable article 102 comprises a first side area 202, a second side area 204and a central area 206 provided between the first side area 202 and the second side area 204.

[0098] The rear region 108 comprises a first side area 218, a second side area 220 and a central area 222 provided between the first side area 218 and the second side area 220. The first side area 202 of the front region 104 is joined to the first side area 218 of the rear region 108 to define the first side region 106. The second side area 204 of the front region 104 is joined to the second side area 220 of the rear region 108 to define the second side region. The first side region 106 comprises the first side area 202 of the front region 104 and the first side area 218 of the rear region 108. The second side region comprises the second side area 204 of the front region 104 and the second side area 220 of the rear region 108.

[0099] The wearable article 102 comprises an electronics module holder 208 in the form of a pocket. The electronics module holder 208 is provided in the first side region 106. The electronics module holder 208 is provided inside the wearable article 102 such that it is not visible externally. The electronics module holder 208 is accessible from the external surface of the wearable article 102. In this example, the electronics module holder 208 is accessible via pocket opening 110 (FIG. 1B).

[0100] The wearable article 102 comprises a first electrode 210 provided on the first side area 202 of the front region 104. The first electrode 210 is located internally within the wearable article 102 such that the first electrode 210 is able to contact the skin of the wearer when the wearable article 102 is worn. The first electrode 210 may be located elsewhere on the first side region 106 such as on the first side area 218 of the rear region 108.

[0101] The wearable article 102 comprises a second electrode 212 provided on the second side area 204 of the front region 104. The second electrode 212 is located internally within the wearable article 102 such that the second electrode 212 is able to contact the skin of the wearer when the wearable article 102 is worn. The second electrode 212 may be located elsewhere on the second side region such as on the second side area 220 of the rear region 108.

[0102] The wearable article 102 comprises a first electrically conductive pathway 214 that extends from the electronics module holder 208 to the first electrode 210. The first electrically conductive pathway 214 extends across the first side area 202 of the front region 104 to reach the first electrode 210. The first electrically conductive pathway 214 terminates in a first connection region located within the electronics module holder 208.

[0103] The wearable article 102 comprises a second electrically conductive pathway 216 that extends from the electronics module holder 208 to the second electrode 212. The second electrically conductive pathway 216 extends along the rear region 108 (along the first region 218, central area 222 and second region 220) of the wearable article 102 and in this example also extends across the second side area 204 of the front region 104 to reach the second electrode 212. The second electrically conductive pathway 216 terminates in a second connection region located within the electronics module holder 208.

[0104] Conductive pathways do not extend across the central area 206 of the wearable article 102.

[0105] The second electrically conductive pathway 216 travels along the rear region 108 rather than the front region 104 to reach the second electrode 212. The second electrically conductive pathway 216 travels horizontally along the rear region 108 approximately around the mid torso of the wearer.

[0106] The second electrically conductive pathway 216 is longer than the first electrically conductive pathway 214.

[0107] In preferred examples, a first sheet of conductive material forms the first electrode 210, first electrically conductive pathway 214, and first connection region, while a second sheet of conductive material forms the second electrode 212, second electrically conductive pathway 216, and second connection region. The first and second sheets of conductive material may be sheets of conductive polymer material as explained below in relation to FIG. 3A to FIG. 3E. In other examples, a conductive yarn may be used as the conductive material. For example, conductive yarn may be stitched, embroidered, knitted, or woven with a non-conductive fabric base layer.

[0108] The electrodes/conductive pathways/ connection regions are not required to be formed together from sheets of material. The electrodes/ conductive pathways/ connection regions may be formed separately and conductively joined together on the wearable article. For example, the electrodes may comprise a conductive polymer material while the conductive pathways/connection regions may comprise conductive yarn.

[0109] In another example, the wearable article 102 is in the form of a chest strap that defines the front region, rear region, first side region, and second side region. The chest strap comprises a band of material that can extend around the chest of the wearer.

[0110] FIG. 3A shows a simplified sectional view of part of the wearable article 102.

[0111] The wearable article 102 comprises a fabric layer 302. The fabric layer 302 forms the front region, rear region and side regions of the wearable article 102.

[0112] The fabric layer 302 comprises a first surface 304 and a second surface 306. A first passageway 308 extends through the fabric layer 302 between the first surface 304 and the second surface 306. A second passageway 310 extends through the fabric layer 302 between the first surface 304 and the second surface 306. The first passageway 308 and second passageway 310 are slits that extend through the fabric layer 302.

[0113] In this example, the electrodes, connection regions, and conductive pathways are provided by sheets of conductive material that are integrated into the wearable article 102.

[0114] The wearable article 102 comprises a first sheet of conductive polymer material 312. The first sheet of conductive polymer material 312 comprises a conductive surface 314 and a non-conductive surface 316. The first sheet of conductive polymer material 312 forms the first electrode 210, the first electrically conductive pathway 214, and the first connection region 318.

[0115] The first sheet of conductive polymer material 312 passes through the first passageway 308 to position the first connection region 318 on the first surface 304 of the fabric layer 302 and the first electrode 210 on the second surface 306 of the fabric layer. The first surface 304 faces away from the wearer when the wearable article 102 is worn and the second surface 306 faces towards the wearer when the wearable article 102 is worn.

[0116] The non-conductive surface 316 of the first sheet of conductive polymer material 312 is attached to the fabric layer 302. This may be a direct or indirect (via one or more other layers) attachment. In preferred examples, the non-conductive surface 316 is bonded to the first sheet of conductive polymer material 312 using an adhesive film which may additionally be waterproof.

[0117] The non-conductive surface 316 therefore faces towards the fabric layer 302. The conductive surface 314 of the first connection region 318 faces away from the first surface 304 of the fabric layer 302, the conductive surface 314 of the first electrode 210 faces away from the second surface 306 of the fabric layer 302 and the conductive surface 314 of the first electrically conductive pathway 214 faces away from the second surface 306 of the fabric layer 302.

[0118] The wearable article 102 comprises a second sheet of conductive polymer material 320. The second sheet of conductive polymer material 320 comprises a conductive surface 322 and a nonconductive surface 324. The second sheet of conductive polymer material 320 forms a second electrode 212, a second electrically conductive pathway 216, and a second connection region 328.

[0119] The second sheet of conductive polymer material 320 passes through the second passageway 310 to position the second connection region 328 on the first surface 304 and the second electrode 212 on the second surface 306 of the fabric layer 302.

[0120] The non-conductive surface 324 of the second sheet of conductive polymer material 320 us attached to the fabric layer 302. This may be a direct or indirect (via one or more other layers) attachment. In preferred examples, the non-conductive surface 324 is bonded to the second sheet of conductive polymer material 320 using an adhesive film which may additionally be waterproof.

[0121] The non-conductive surface 324 faces towards the fabric layer 302. The conductive surface 322 of the second connection region 328 faces away from the first surface 304 of the fabric layer, the conductive surface 322 of the second electrode 212 faces away from the second surface 306 of the fabric layer 302 and the conductive surface 322 of the second electrically conductive pathway 216 faces away from the second surface 306 of the fabric layer 302.

[0122] The wearable article 102 further comprises an electronics module holder 208 arranged to removably hold an electronics module. When the electronics module is held by the electronics module holder 208, the electronics module is brought into communication with the first connection region 318 and the second connection region 328.

[0123] The first connection region 318 and second connection region 328 are arranged proximate to one another such that an electronics module can be simultaneously brought into communication with both the first connection region 318 and the second connection region 328. The first electrode 210 and second electrode 212 are spaced apart from one another.

[0124] The electronics module holder 208 in this example comprises a pocket which defines an internal pocket space 326 in which the electronics module is located. The pocket space 326 is formed between the fabric layer 302 and an outer pocket layer 332. The electronics module is arranged to be removably positioned in the pocket space 326.

[0125] The outer pocket layer 332 is elasticated. The user is able to position the electronics module in the pocket space 326 and remove it therefrom. The pocket layer 332 applies a compressive force to help fold the electronics module in a generally fixed position within the pocket space without requiring separate mechanical fasteners to couple the electronics module to the first connection region 318 and second connection region 328.

[0126] An insulating layer 330 is bonded to the conductive surface 314 of the first electrically conductive pathway 214 and the conductive surface 322 of the second electrically conductive pathway 216 such that the conductive surfaces 314, 322 do not contact the skin of the wearer when worn. The first electrode 210 and second electrode 212 are not covered by the insulating layer 330. The first electrode 210 and second electrode 212 are therefore exposed to contact the skin of the wearer. The insulating layer 330 may comprise an opening to expose the first electrode 210 and an opening to expose the second electrode 212.

[0127] The first electrode 210 and second electrode 212 are arranged to be provided on the wearable article 102 such that they face the skin surface of the wearer when the wearable article 102 is worn. This enables the first electrode 210 and second electrode 212 to contact the skin surface and measure biosignals from the skin surface and/or apply signals to the skin surface. Signals may be applied to the skin surface in therapeutic applications for example.

[0128] The electrodes may be arranged to perform measurements from the wearer such as bioelectrical (e.g., ECG) or bioimpedance measurements. Additionally, or separately, the electrodes may apply signals to the wearer for therapeutic applications.

[0129] FIG. 3B shows the wearable article 102 from above with the pocket layer 332 removed. The first passageway 308 and second passageway 310 are parallel spaced slits that are arranged in a lengthwise direction of the fabric layer 302. The first connection region 318 and second connection region 328 are spaced apart from one another with a spacing that generally corresponds to the spacing of contacts of the electronics module as explained below in relation to FIG. 3E.

[0130] FIG. 3C shows the wearable article 102 from below with the insulating layer 330 removed. The first electrically conductive pathway 214 and second electrically conductive pathway 216 extend in opposing directions along the second surface 306 of the fabric layer 302 such that the first electrode 210 and second electrode 212 are spaced apart from one another either side of the first passageway 308 and second passageway 310.

[0131] FIG. 3D shows the wearable article 102 from below with the insulating layer 330 attached. The first electrically conductive pathway 214 and second electrically conductive pathway 216 are covered by the insulating layer 330. The insulating layer 330 comprises a first opening which exposes the first electrode 210 and a second opening which exposes the second electrode 212.

[0132] FIG. 3E shows an electronics module 334 positioned in the pocket space 326 of the wearable article 102.

[0133] "Electronics module" may refer to an electronic device that is able to communicatively couple with first electrodes so as to obtain measurement signals from the first electrodes and/or apply signals to the first electrodes.

[0134] Electronics modules typically comprise a sensing interface for communicatively coupling with the wearable article, a controller, and a wireless communicator for communicating with an external device such as a user electronic device over a wireless communication protocol.

[0135] The electronics module is typically removably coupled to the wearable article such that it is retained by the wearable article when worn. The electronics module can be removed from the wearable article so that the wearable article can be washed without damaging the internal electronics of the electronics module. The electronics module can also be removed from the wearable article for charging. In other examples, the electronics module is integrally formed with the wearable article such as when the wearable article/electronics module form a smartwatch. The electronics module can be used with different wearable articles or independently.

[0136] Generally, the electronics module comprises all of the components required for data transmission and processing. In this way, the manufacture of the wearable article may be simplified. In addition, it may be easier to clean a wearable article which has fewer electronic components attached thereto or incorporated therein. Furthermore, the removable electronics module may be easier to maintain or troubleshoot than embedded electronics. The electronics module may comprise flexible electronics such as a flexible printed circuit (FPC).

[0137] The electronics module 334 comprises a first electrical contact 336 which contacts the first connection region 318 to bring the electronics module 334 into communication with the first electrode 210. The electronics module 334 comprises a second electrical contact 338 which contacts the second connection region 328 to bring the electronics module 334 into communication with the second electrode 212.

[0138] The spacing between the first electrical contact 336 and second electrical contact 338 generally corresponds to the spacing between the first connection region 318 and the second connection region 328 such that the first electrical contact 336 is able to contact the first connection region 318 at the same time as the second electrical contact 338 contacting the second connection region 328.

[0139] The first electrical contact 336 and second electrical contact 338 of the electronics module 334 are raised and extend away from the housing of the electronics module 334. This improves the signal coupling with the first connection region 318 and second connection region 328.

[0140] The first electrical contact 336 and second electrical contact 338 are also formed from a conductive polymer material in this example. They may be formed from other electrically conductive material as desired.

[0141] While not shown in the Figures, the wearable article 102 may be a front opening garment such as a cycling jersey or front opening sports bra. In these examples, the front region 104 comprises a left front panel which defines a left body portion and a right front panel which defines a right body portion. The left front panel and right front panel are joined together via a fastener such as a zipper. This allows the front region to be opened to facilitate putting the jersey on an off. The second conductive pathway tracking around the rear region 108 of the wearable article 102 enables this form of garment construction to be used.

[0142] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C show an example wearable article 402 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The wearable article 402 in this example is in the form of a T-shirt comprising a front region 404 (FIG. 4A), a first side region 426 (FIG. 4B), a second side region (not shown), and a rear region 428.

[0143] The wearable article 402 comprises a first electrode 406 and a second electrode 408. The first electrode 406 and second electrode 408 are located on an internal surface of the wearable article 402 such that they may contact a skin surface of the wearer when the wearable article 402 is worn.

[0144] The first electrode 406 and second electrode 408 are located on the front region 404 of the wearable article 402. The first electrode 406 and second electrode 408 may be otherwise located on the wearable article 402 such as on the rear region 428 of the wearable article 402.

[0145] A first conductive pathway 410 electrically couples the first electrode 406 to a first termination point located in a first electronics module holder 422 and a second termination point located in a second electronics module holder 424. The first conductive pathway 410 comprises a first branch 414 that extends to the first electronics module holder 422 and a second branch 416 that extends to the second electronics module holder 424. The first termination point and second termination point serve as connection regions which enable an electronics module to couple with the first electrode.

[0146] A second conductive pathway 412 electrically couples the second electrode 408 to a third termination point located in the first electronics module holder 422 and a fourth termination point located in the second electronics module holder 424. The second conductive pathway 412 comprises a first branch 418 that extends to the first electronics module holder 422 and a second branch 420 that extends to the second electronics module holder 424. The third termination point and fourth termination point serve as connection regions which enable an electronics module to couple with the second electrode.

[0147] The first electronics module holder 422 in this example is in the form of a pocket. The pocket may be positioned inside the wearable article 402 and may be accessible from a pocket opening provided on the outside surface of the wearable article 402. The first electronics module holder 422 in this example is located in the first side region 426 of the wearable article 402.

[0148] The second electronics module holder 424 in this example is in the form of a pocket. The pocket may be positioned inside the wearable article 402 and may be accessible from a pocket opening provided on the outside surface of the wearable article 402. The second electronics module holder 424 in this example is located in the rear region 428 of the wearable article 402 in the vicinity of the upper back of the wearer.

[0149] When an electronics module is held by the first electronics module holder 422, the electronics module is brought into communication with the first termination point and the third termination point. The electronics module is thus communicatively coupled to the first electrode 406 via the first branch 414 of the first conductive pathway 410 and communicatively coupled to the second electrode 408 via the first branch 418 of the second conductive pathway 412.

[0150] When an electronics module is held by the second electronics module holder 424, the electronics module is brought into communication with the second termination point and the fourth termination point. The electronics module is thus communicatively coupled to the first electrode 406 via the second branch 416 of the first conductive pathway 410 and communicatively coupled to the second electrode 408 via the second branch 420 of the second conductive pathway 412.

[0151] The electronics module may therefore be swapped between the first electronics module holder 422 and the second electronics module holder 424 by the user. Regardless of the holder than holds the electronics module, the electronics module is still in communication with the first electrode 406 and the second electrode 408 and thus able to perform physiological sensing of the wearer. The different electronics module holder locations may be suited to different activities. For example, the first electronics module holder 422 location at the first side region 426 of the wearable article 402 may be preferred for sleeping while the second electronics module holder 424 location at the rear between the shoulders may be preferred while performing contact sports, running or cycling.

[0152] FIG. 5 shows the first electrode 406, second electrode 408, first conductive pathway 410 and second conductive pathway 412 in isolation. In this example, the electrodes 406, 408 and conductive pathways 410, 412 are formed from conductive polymer material.

[0153] The first electrode 406 and first conductive pathway 410 are formed from a unitary sheet of conductive polymer material. The first branch 414 and second branch 416 are formed by cutting the sheet of conductive polymer to the desired shape. The shape of the first branch 414 and second branch 416 are selected as desired to enable the first branch 414 and second branch 416 to reach the desired locations when integrated into the wearable article 402. The first branch 414 terminates in the first termination point 502 and the second branch 416 terminates in the second termination point 504. The first termination point 502 and second termination point 504 are formed from the same unitary sheet of conductive polymer material.

[0154] The second electrode 408 and second conductive pathway 412 are formed from a unitary sheet of conductive polymer material. The first branch 418 and second branch 420 are formed by cutting the sheet of conductive polymer to the desired shape. The shape of the first branch 418 and second branch 420 are selected as desired to enable the first branch 418 and second branch 420 to reach the desired locations when integrated into the wearable article 402. The first branch 418 terminates in the third termination point 506 and the second branch 420 terminates in the fourth termination point 508. The third termination point 506 and fourth termination point 508 are formed from the same unitary sheet of conductive polymer material.

[0155] The wearable article 402 comprises a fabric layer with passageways as explained above in relation to FIG. 3A to FIG. 3E.

[0156] The fabric layer comprises a first passageway and a second passageway which are arranged proximate to one another. The first branch 414 of the first conductive pathway 410 is fed through the first passageway to position the first termination point 502 and the first electrode 406 on opposing surfaces of the fabric layer. The first branch 418 of the second conductive pathway 412 is fed through the second passageway to position the third termination point 506 and the second electrode 408 on opposing surfaces of the fabric layer. The first termination point 502 serves as a first connection region and the third termination point 506 serves as a second connection region.

[0157] A pocket layer overlaps the fabric layer in a similar manner to the arrangement shown in FIG. 3A to FIG. 3E to form a pocket in which an electronics module can be removably positioned. When positioned in the pocket, the first electrical contact of the electronics module is brought into contact with the first termination point 502 and the second electrical contact of the electronics module is brought into contact with the third termination point 506. Other forms of electronics module holder besides pockets may be used.

[0158] The fabric layer comprises a third passageway and a fourth passageway which are arranged proximate to one another. The second branch 416 of the first conductive pathway 410 is fed through the third passageway to position the second termination point 504 and the first electrode 406 on opposing surfaces of the fabric layer. The second branch 420 of the second conductive pathway 412 is fed through the fourth passageway to position the fourth termination point 508 and the second electrode 408 on opposing surfaces of the fabric layer. The second termination point serves as a third connection region and the fourth termination point serves as a fourth connection region.

[0159] A pocket layer overlaps the fabric layer in a similar manner to the arrangement shown in FIG. 3A to FIG. 3E to form a pocket in which an electronics module can be removably positioned. When positioned in the pocket, the first electrical contact of the electronics module is brought into contact with the second termination point 504 and the second electrical contact of the electronics module is brought into contact with the fourth termination point 508. Other forms of electronics module holder besides pockets may be used.

[0160] In the above example, each conductive pathway has two branches. It will be appreciated that the conductive pathways may have more than two branches to provide more than two locations on the wearable article where an electronics module may be brought into contact with the first and second electrodes. It will also be appreciated that more than two electrodes may be provided in the wearable article. Each electrode will typically be coupled to a different conductive pathway.

[0161] FIG. 6 shows a system according to aspects of the present disclosure. The system comprises a wearable assembly 602 and a user electronic device 604. The wearable assembly 602 is worn by a user who in this embodiment is the wearer 606 of the wearable assembly 602.

[0162] The wearable assembly 602 comprises the wearable article 102 (or the wearable article 402). The wearable assembly 602 also comprises the electronics module 334. The electronics module 334 is releasably coupled to the wearable article 102. The wearable article 102 comprises a first holder (not shown) arranged to removably retain the electronics module 334. The first holder enables the electronics module to be attached and removed from the wearable article 102.

[0163] In some examples, and as described above, the electronics module holder comprises a pocket such as a garment pocket. The pocket has an opening through which the electronics module 334 may be inserted and removed from the pocket. The pocket may be formed from textiles of the wearable article 102.

[0164] The present disclosure is not limited to holders in the form pockets.

[0165] The electronics module 334 may be configured to be releasably mechanically coupled to the wearable article 102. The mechanical coupling of the electronics module 334 to the wearable article 102 may be provided by a mechanical interface such as a clip, a plug and socket arrangement, etc. The mechanical coupling or mechanical interface may be configured to maintain the electronics module 334 in a particular orientation with respect to the wearable article 102 when the electronics module 334 is coupled to the wearable article 102. This may be beneficial in ensuring that the electronics module 334 is securely held in place with respect to the wearable article 102 and/or that any electronic coupling of the electronics module 334 and the wearable article 102 can be optimized. The mechanical coupling may be maintained using friction or using a positively engaging mechanism, for example.

[0166] In the above examples, the electronics module 334 is brought into conductive communication with the electrodes of the wearable article. This is not required in all examples. The electronics module 334 may wirelessly communication with the wearable article. This may be via inductive communication. The wearable article may comprise an antenna such as an NFC antenna. The electronics module 334 may comprise a corresponding antenna. When positioned in proximity with the wearable article, an inductive communication coupling may be formed to enable the electronics module 334 to receive/send signals to the electrodes of the wearable article via the conductive pathways.

[0167] The electronics module 334 is arranged to wirelessly communicate data to the user electronic device 604. Various protocols enable communication between the electronics module 334 and the user electronic device 604. Example communication protocols include Bluetooth Bluetooth

0 Low Energy, and near-field communication (NFC).

[0168] The system also comprises a remote server 608 which may be in communication with the user electronic device 604 and/or the electronics module 334.

[0169] FIG. 7 shows a simplified diagram of an example electronics module 334 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The electronics module 334 comprises a controller 702 and a sensing interface 704 communicatively coupled to the controller 702.

[0170] The sensing interface 704 in this example comprises a first electrical contact 336 and a second electrical contact 338. The sensing interface 704 receives measurement signals from the first electrical contact 336 and second electrical contact 338. The measurement signals, or a processed version thereof, are provided to the controller 702. The measurement signals may be any form of biosignal as described above. The sensing interface 704 is therefore able to receive physiological signals from a wearer of the electronics module 334.

[0171] The controller 702 is able to process the signals received from the sensing interface. The controller 702 may control a wireless communicator (not shown) of the electronics module 334 to transmit data to an external device such as user electronic device 604 of FIG. 6.

[0172] FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B show external views of an electronics module 334 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The electronics module 334 has a housing 802. Components of the electronics module 334 such as the controller 702 are disposed within the housing 802. The first electrical contact 806 and the second electrical contact 804 are located on an external surface of the housing 802.

[0173] The first electrical contact 806 and second electrical contact 804 are raised and project away from the housing 802 of the electronics module 334. This helps ensure good signal coupling with the first connection regions of the wearable article. The first electrical contact 806 and second electrical contact 804 are formed from a conductive polymer material in this example. This also helps ensure a good signal coupling with the conductive polymer first connection regions.

[0174] The electronics module 334 may have a length of between 20 mm and 60 mm, a width of between 15 mm and 35 mm, and a depth of between 5 mm and 15 mm. In some examples, the electronics module 334 has a length of between 30 mm and 40 mm or between 35 mm and 38 mm. In some examples, the electronics module 334 has a width of between 20 mm and 30 mm or between 24 and 26 mm. In preferred examples, the electronics module 334 has a width of 25 mm. In some examples, the electronics module 334 has a depth of between 8 mm and 12 mm or between 9 mm and 11 mm. In preferred examples, the electronics module 334 has a depth of between 9.7 mm and 10 mm. In one particular example, the electronics module 334 has a length of 38 mm, a width of 25 mm and a depth of 9.6 mm.

[0175] FIG. 9 shows a simplified schematic diagram for an example electronics module 334 as shown in FIG. 7. It will be appreciated that not all of the components shown in FIG. 9 are required and additional components may also be provided.

[0176] The electronics module 334 comprises a controller 702 and a sensing interface 704 as described in FIG. 7. The sensing interface 704 comprises a first electrical contact 806 and a second electrical contact 804. The controller 702 is communicatively coupled to the sensing interface 704 and is operable to receive signals from the sensing interface 704 for further processing.

[0177] The sensing interface 704 comprises electrical contacts 806, 804 in this example. This means that the communicative coupling in this example is a conductive coupling formed by direct contact between the electrical contacts 806, 804 and the first connection regions of the wearable article, but this is not required in all examples. The communicative coupling may be a wireless (e.g., inductive) coupling.

[0178] The electronics module 334 further comprises a power source 902 and a power receiving interface 904.

[0179] The power source 902 may comprise one or a plurality of power sources. The power source 902 may be a battery. The battery may be a rechargeable battery. The battery may be a rechargeable battery adapted to be charged wirelessly such as by inductive charging. The power source 902 may comprise an energy harvesting device. The energy harvesting device may be configured to generate electric power signals in response to kinetic events such as kinetic events performed by the wearer of the wearable article. The kinetic event could include walking, running, exercising or respiration of the wearer. The energy harvesting material may comprise a piezoelectric material which generates electricity in response to mechanical deformation of the converter. The energy harvesting device may harvest energy from body heat of the wearer. The energy harvesting device may be a thermoelectric energy harvesting device. The power source may be a super capacitor, or an energy cell.

[0180] The power receiving interface 904 is operable to receive power from an external power store for charging the power source. The power receiving interface 904 may be a wired or wireless interface. A wireless interface may comprise one or more wireless power receiving coils for receiving power from the external power store. In some examples, one or both of the first and second electrical contacts 806, 804 may also function as the power receiving interface 904 to enable power to be received from the external power store.

[0181] The power receiving interface 904 may also be coupled to the controller 702 to enable direct communication between the controller 702 and an external device if required.

[0182] The electronics module 334 further comprises a wireless communicator 906. The wireless communicator 906 may utilise any communication protocol such as used for communication over: a wireless wide area network (AN), a wireless metro area network (VVMAN), a wireless local area network (VVLAN), a wireless personal area network (WPAN), Bluetooth 0 Low Energy, Bluetooth Mesh, Thread, Zigbee, IEEE 802.15.4, Ant, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), a cellular communication network, or any other electromagnetic RF communication protocol. The cellular communication network may be a fourth generation (4G) LTE, LTE Advanced (LTE-A), LTE Cat-M1, LTE Cat-M2, NB-IoT, fifth generation (5G), sixth generation (6G), and/or any other present or future developed cellular wireless network.

[0183] The electronics module 334 further comprises a sensor 908. The sensor 908 may comprise one or a combination of an optical sensor, temperature sensor, motion sensor, magnet sensor, and location sensor. Other sensors may also be included in the electronics module 334.

[0184] Although the example embodiments have been described with reference to the components, modules and units discussed herein, such functional elements may be combined into fewer elements or separated into additional elements. Various combinations of optional features have been described herein, and it will be appreciated that described features may be combined in any suitable combination. In particular, the features of any one example embodiment may be combined with features of any other embodiment, as appropriate, except where such combinations are mutually exclusive. Throughout this specification, the term "comprising" or "comprises" means including the component(s) specified but not to the exclusion of the presence of others.

[0185] All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

[0186] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0187] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A wearable article comprising: a front region arranged to cover at least part of the front of the wearer, the front region comprising a first side area, a second side area, and a central area provided between the first side area and the second side area; a rear region arranged to cover at least part of the rear of the wearer, the rear region comprising a first side area, a second side area and a central area provided between the first side area and the second side area, wherein the first side area of the front region is joined to the first side area of the rear region to define a first side region of the wearable article, and the second side area of the front region is joined to the second side area of the rear region to define a second side region of the wearable article; a first electrode provided on the first side region; a second electrode provided on the second side region; a first connection region provided on the first side region; a second connection region provided on the first side region; a first electrically conductive pathway extending from the first connection region to the first electrode to conductively connect the first electrode to the first connection region; and a second electrically conductive pathway extending from the second connection region to the second electrode to conductively connect the second electrode to the second connection region, wherein the second electrically conductive pathway extends along the first side area, central area, and second side area of the rear region.
2. The wearable article of claim 1, wherein the first electrode is provided on the first side area of the front region.
3. The wearable article of claim 1 or 2, wherein the second electrode is provided on the second side area of the front region
4. The wearable article of claim 3, wherein the second electrically conductive pathway extends along the second side area of the front region.
5. The wearable article of claim 1 or 2, wherein the second electrode is provided on the second side area of the rear region.
6. The wearable article of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein conductive material is not provided in the central area of the front region.
7. The wearable article of any of claims 1 to 6, comprising: a first sheet of conductive material forming the first electrode, the first connection region and the first conductive pathway; and a second sheet of conductive material forming the second electrode, the second connection region, and the second conductive pathway.
8. The wearable article of claim 7, comprising: a fabric layer having a first surface and a second surface, a first passageway extending through the fabric layer between the first surface and the second surface, and a second passageway extending through the fabric layer between the first surface and the second surface, wherein the first sheet of conductive material passes through the first passageway to position the first connection region on the first surface of the fabric layer and the first electrode on the second surface of the fabric layer, and wherein the second sheet of conductive material passes through the second passageway to position the second connection region the first surface of the fabric layer and the second electrode on the second surface of the fabric layer.
9. The wearable article of claim 8, wherein the first passageway and second passageway are provided in the first side region.
10. The wearable article of any of claims 7 to 9, wherein the first sheet of conductive material has a non-conductive surface and a conductive surface, and wherein the second sheet of conductive material has a non-conductive surface and a conductive surface.
11. The wearable article of claim 10, wherein the non-conductive surface of the first sheet of conductive material is attached to the fabric layer such that the conductive surface of the first connection region faces away from the first surface of the fabric layer and the conductive surface of the first electrode faces away from the second surface of the fabric layer, and wherein the nonconductive surface of the second sheet of conductive material is attached to the fabric layer such that the conductive surface of the second connection region faces away from the first surface of the fabric layer and the conductive surface of the second electrode faces away from the second surface of the fabric layer.
12. The wearable article of claim 11, wherein the non-conductive surface of the first sheet of conductive material is bonded to the fabric layer.
13. The wearable article of claim 12, wherein the non-conductive surface of the first sheet of conductive material is bonded to the fabric layer using an adhesive film.
14. The wearable article of claim 13, wherein the non-conductive surface of the first sheet of conductive material is bonded to the fabric layer using an adhesive and waterproof film.
15. The wearable article of any one of claims 7 to 14, wherein the first sheet of conductive material and the second sheet of conductive material are sheets of conductive polymer material.
16. The wearable article of claim 15, wherein the sheets of conductive polymer material comprise one or more of polyaniline (PANI), poly(pyrolle) (PPY), poly(thiophene) (PT), poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS), PEDOT: PSS, or a derivate thereof.
17. The wearable article of claim 16, wherein the sheets of conductive polymer material comprise a non-conductive substrate layer and a conductive polymer deposited on the non-conductive fabric to form a conductive polymer layer.
18. The wearable article of claim 17, wherein the non-conductive substrate layer is a non-conductive fabric layer.
19. The wearable article of any one of claims 1 to 18, further comprising an electronics module holder arranged to removably hold an electronics module, wherein when the electronics module is held by the electronics module holder, the electronics module is brought into communication with the first connection region and the second connection region.
20. The wearable article of claim 19, wherein the electronics module holder comprises a pocket formed between the fabric layer and a pocket layer, wherein the electronics module is arranged to be removably positioned in the pocket.
21. The wearable article of any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the front region comprises a left front panel, a right front panel, and a fastener that removably joins the left front panel to the right front panel, wherein the left front panel comprises the first side area, and the right front panel comprises the second side area.
22. The wearable article of claim 1, wherein the first electrically conductive pathway and the second electrically conductive pathway comprise an electrically conductive yarn
23. A wearable assembly comprising: a wearable article comprising: a front region arranged to cover at least part of the front of the wearer, the front region comprising a first side area, a second side area, and a central area provided between the first side area and the second side area; a rear region arranged to cover at least part of the rear of the wearer, the rear region comprising a first side area, a second side area and a central area provided between the first side area and the second side area, wherein the first side area of the front region is joined to the first side area of the rear region to define a first side region of the wearable article, and the second side area of the front region is joined to the second side area of the rear region to define a second side region of the wearable article; a first electrode provided on the first side region a second electrode provided on the second side region; a first connection region provided on the first side region; a second connection region provided on the first side region; a first electrically conductive pathway extending from the first connection region to the first electrode to conductively connect the first electrode to the first connection region; and a second electrically conductive pathway extending from the second connection region to the second electrode to conductively connect the second electrode to the second connection region, wherein the second electrically conductive pathway extends along the first side area, central area, and second side area of the rear region; and an electronics module arranged to be positioned on the wearable article to bring the electronics module into communication with the first electrode via the first connection region and the second electrode via the second connection region.
24. A wearable article as claimed in claim 23, wherein the electronics module comprises a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact, wherein the first electrical contact is arranged to be brought into contact with the first connection region to electrically couple the electronics module to the first electrode, and wherein the second electrical contact is arranged to be brought into contact with the second connection region to electrically couple the electronics module to the second electrode.