CONFIGURABLE PROTECTIVE GARMENT METHODS AND SYSTEM

Prior art protective equipment addresses primarily the upper body whilst in several sports, recreational activities the lower body is subjected to the most traumatic impacts which occur to the buttocks, coccyx, hips, shins, knees etc. Accordingly, there is a need for protective garments for the lower body tailored to the requirements of these sports. Embodiments of the present garment address this whilst also providing garments which include integrated protective elements targeting specific body regions where subset of these protective elements are either configurable to the user by virtue of being inflatable or provide additional functionality such as heating. Further, the integration of sensors and electronics allows data acquisition, alarms, closed-loop feedback of the heating/inflation etc.

BACKGROUND

This patent application relates to protective garments and more particularly to configurable protective garments which are configurable by the user and provide analytical data and performance feedback.

Protective equipment for contact sports such as ice hockey and American football has evolved over the years primarily through the advent of new materials and considerations of physiological impacts such as concussions. Accordingly, the protective equipment in these sports is well advanced whilst within others it has fundamentally been static, e.g. shin guards for soccer. In other sports, particularly skiing and snowboarding the industry has been unsuccessful in the development of protective gear for the lower body. Whilst helmets are now commonly worn, in order to avoid head injuries and concussions, the rest of the body remains quite exposed with only a thin suit covering the user's body.

However, whilst skiing or snowboarding, it is generally the lower body that is subject to the most traumatic impacts. In particular, these impacts occur especially to the buttocks, coccyx, hips, shins and knees. Whilst these impacts can occur from beginners to experienced enthusiasts with beginners these impacts can rapidly put them off the sport. Accordingly, it would be beneficial to provide skiers, snowboarders, and those with other recreational activities with protective garments for the lower body tailored to the requirements of these sports.

Further, within the prior art protective garments are typically discrete items, e.g. knee pads or shin pads, whilst those protecting the upper thigh, buttocks, etc. exploit removable pads which get lost, damaged, etc. or are ineffective due to the shifting of these separate pads and are uncomfortable for the user due to tight elastic bands that fail to hold the pads in place. Further, these systems are generic in that whilst sold in discrete sizes they do not conform to the user's specific body geometry or provide the user with the ability to adjust the level of padding etc. Accordingly, it would be beneficial to provide skiers, snowboarders, and those with other recreational activities with protective garments that overcome these issues.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present invention to mitigate limitations within the prior art relating to protective garments and more particularly to configurable protective garments which are configurable by the user and provide analytical data and performance feedback.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention there is provided a garment comprising:a body formed from one or more pieces of one or more fabrics;a plurality of protective elements disposed in predetermined positions with respect to the body; whereinone or more of the plurality of protective elements comprises at least one of a re-inflatable balloon and a heating element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is directed to protective garments and more particularly to configurable protective garments which are configurable by the user and provide analytical data and performance feedback.

The ensuing description provides representative embodiment(s) only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the embodiment(s) will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing an embodiment or embodiments of the invention. It being understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope as set forth in the appended claims. Accordingly, an embodiment is an example or implementation of the inventions and not the sole implementation. Various appearances of “one embodiment,” “an embodiment” or “some embodiments” do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiments. Although various features of the invention may be described in the context of a single embodiment, the features may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although the invention may be described herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, the invention can also be implemented in a single embodiment or any combination of embodiments.

Reference in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “some embodiments” or “other embodiments” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least one embodiment, but not necessarily all embodiments, of the inventions. The phraseology and terminology employed herein is not to be construed as limiting but is for descriptive purpose only. It is to be understood that where the claims or specification refer to “a” or “an” element, such reference is not to be construed as there being only one of that element. It is to be understood that where the specification states that a component feature, structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, “can” or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included.

Reference to terms such as “left”, “right”, “top”, “bottom”, “front” and “back” are intended for use in respect to the orientation of the particular feature, structure, or element within the figures depicting embodiments of the invention. It would be evident that such directional terminology with respect to the actual use of a device has no specific meaning as the device can be employed in a multiplicity of orientations by the user or users.

Reference to terms “including”, “comprising”, “consisting” and grammatical variants thereof do not preclude the addition of one or more components, features, steps, integers or groups thereof and that the terms are not to be construed as specifying components, features, steps or integers. Likewise, the phrase “consisting essentially of”, and grammatical variants thereof, when used herein is not to be construed as excluding additional components, steps, features integers or groups thereof but rather that the additional features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, device or method. If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element.

A “wireless standard” as used herein and throughout this disclosure, refer to, but is not limited to, a standard for transmitting signals and/or data through electromagnetic radiation which may be optical, radio-frequency (RF) or microwave although typically RF wireless systems and techniques dominate. A wireless standard may be defined globally, nationally, or specific to an equipment manufacturer or set of equipment manufacturers. Dominant wireless standards at present include, but are not limited to IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.15, IEEE 802.16, IEEE 802.20, UMTS, GSM 850, GSM 900, GSM 1800, GSM 1900, GPRS, ITU-R 5.138, ITU-R 5.150, ITU-R 5.280, IMT-1000, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Ultra-Wideband and WiMAX. Some standards may be a conglomeration of sub-standards such as IEEE 802.11 which may refer to, but is not limited to, IEEE 802.1a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, or IEEE 802.11n as well as others under the IEEE 802.11 umbrella.

A “wireless standard” as used herein and throughout this disclosure, refer to, but is not limited to, a standard for transmitting signals and/or data through electromagnetic radiation which may be optical, radio-frequency (RF) or microwave although typically RF wireless systems and techniques dominate. A wireless standard may be defined globally, nationally, or specific to an equipment manufacturer or set of equipment manufacturers. Dominant wireless standards at present include, but are not limited to IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.15, IEEE 802.16, IEEE 802.20, UMTS, GSM 850, GSM 900, GSM 1800, GSM 1900, GPRS, ITU-R 5.138, ITU-R 5.150, ITU-R 5.280, IMT-1000, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Ultra-Wideband and WiMAX. Some standards may be a conglomeration of sub-standards such as IEEE 802.11 which may refer to, but is not limited to, IEEE 802.1a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, or IEEE 802.11n as well as others under the IEEE 802.11 umbrella.

A “portable electronic device” or “portable electrical device” (PED) as used herein and throughout this disclosure, refers to a wireless and/or wired device used for communications and other applications that requires a battery or other independent form of energy for power. This includes devices, but is not limited to, such as a cellular telephone, smartphone, personal digital assistant (PDA), portable computer, pager, portable multimedia player, portable gaming console, laptop computer, tablet computer, a wearable device, an electronic reader, a lamp, a heater, and a portable beverage machine.

A “fixed electronic device” or “fixed electrical device” (FED) as used herein and throughout this disclosure, refers to a wireless and/or wired device used for communications and other applications that requires connection to a fixed interface to obtain power. This includes, but is not limited to, a laptop computer, a personal computer, a computer server, a kiosk, a gaming console, a digital set-top box, an analog set-top box, an Internet enabled appliance, an Internet enabled television, a multimedia player, a television, a heater, a light, a beverage machine, a food dispenser, a microwave, an oven, and a refrigerator.

A “wearable device” relates to a refers to a wireless and/or wired device used for communications and other applications that requires a battery or other independent form of energy for power which is worn by the user including those under, attached to, within, with or on top of an item of clothing and/or a user and are part of a broader general class of wearable technology which includes “wearable computers” which in contrast are directed to general or special purpose information technologies and media development. A wearable device thereby forming a subset of PEDs. Such wearable devices and/or wearable sensors may include, but not be limited to, smartphones, smart watches, e-textiles, smart shirts, activity trackers, smart glasses, environmental sensors, medical sensors, biological sensors, physiological sensors, chemical sensors, ambient environment sensors, position sensors, neurological sensors, drug delivery systems, medical testing and diagnosis devices, and motion sensors.

A “server” as used herein, and throughout this disclosure, refers to one or more physical computers co-located and/or geographically distributed running one or more services as a host to users of other computers, PEDs, FEDs, etc. to serve the client needs of these other users. This includes, but is not limited to, a database server, file server, mail server, print server, web server, gaming server, or virtual environment server.

An “application” (commonly referred to as an “app”) as used herein may refer to, but is not limited to, a “software application”, an element of a “software suite”, a computer program designed to allow an individual to perform an activity, a computer program designed to allow an electronic device to perform an activity, and a computer program designed to communicate with local and/or remote electronic devices. An application thus differs from an operating system (which runs a computer), a utility (which performs maintenance or general-purpose chores), and a programming tools (with which computer programs are created). Generally, within the following description with respect to embodiments of the invention an application is generally presented in respect of software permanently and/or temporarily installed upon a PED and/or FED.

An “enterprise” as used herein may refer to, but is not limited to, a provider of a service and/or a product to a user, customer, or consumer. This includes, but is not limited to, a retail outlet, a store, a market, an online marketplace, a manufacturer, an online retailer, a charity, a utility, and a service provider. Such enterprises may be directly owned and controlled by a company or may be owned and operated by a franchisee under the direction and management of a franchiser.

A “service provider” as used herein may refer to, but is not limited to, a third party provider of a service and/or a product to an enterprise and/or individual and/or group of individuals and/or a device comprising a microprocessor. This includes, but is not limited to, a retail outlet, a store, a market, an online marketplace, a manufacturer, an online retailer, a utility, an own brand provider, and a service provider wherein the service and/or product is at least one of marketed, sold, offered, and distributed by the enterprise solely or in addition to the service provider.

A “third party” or “third party provider” as used herein may refer to, but is not limited to, a so-called “arm's length” provider of a service and/or a product to an enterprise and/or individual and/or group of individuals and/or a device comprising a microprocessor wherein the consumer and/or customer engages the third party but the actual service and/or product that they are interested in and/or purchase and/or receive is provided through an enterprise and/or service provider.

A “user” as used herein may refer to, but is not limited to, an individual or group of individuals. This includes, but is not limited to, private individuals, employees of organizations and/or enterprises, members of community organizations, members of charity organizations, men and women. In its broadest sense the user may further include, but not be limited to, software systems, mechanical systems, robotic systems, android systems, etc. that may be characterised by an ability to exploit one or more embodiments of the invention. A user may be associated with biometric data which may be, but not limited to, monitored, acquired, stored, transmitted, processed and analysed either locally or remotely to the user. A user may also be associated through one or more accounts and/or profiles with one or more of a service provider, third party provider, enterprise, social network, social media etc. via a dashboard, web service, website, software plug-in, software application, and graphical user interface.

“Biometric” information as used herein may refer to, but is not limited to, data relating to a user characterised by data relating to a subset of conditions including, but not limited to, their environment, medical condition, biological condition, physiological condition, chemical condition, ambient environment condition, position condition, neurological condition, drug condition, and one or more specific aspects of one or more of these said conditions. Accordingly, such biometric information may include, but not be limited, blood oxygenation, blood pressure, blood flow rate, heart rate, temperate, fluidic pH, viscosity, particulate content, solids content, altitude, vibration, motion, perspiration, EEG, ECG, energy level, etc. In addition, biometric information may include data relating to physiological characteristics related to the shape and/or condition of the body wherein examples may include, but are not limited to, fingerprint, facial geometry, baldness, DNA, hand geometry, odour, and scent. Biometric information may also include data relating to behavioral characteristics, including but not limited to, typing rhythm, gait, and voice.

“Electronic content” (also referred to as “content” or “digital content”) as used herein may refer to, but is not limited to, any type of content that exists in the form of digital data as stored, transmitted, received and/or converted wherein one or more of these steps may be analog although generally these steps will be digital. Forms of digital content include, but are not limited to, information that is digitally broadcast, streamed or contained in discrete files. Viewed narrowly, types of digital content include popular media types such as MP3, JPG, AVI, TIFF, AAC, TXT, RTF, HTML, XHTML, PDF, XLS, SVG, WMA, MP4, FLV, and PPT, for example as well as other file formats. Within a broader approach digital content mat include any type of digital information, e.g. digitally updated weather forecast, a GPS map, an eBook, a photograph, a video, a Vine™, a blog posting, a Facebook™ posting, a Twitter™ tweet, online TV, etc. The digital content may be any digital data that is at least one of generated, selected, created, modified, and transmitted in response to a user request, said request may be a query, a search, a trigger, an alarm, and a message for example.

A “profile” as used herein, and throughout this disclosure, refers to a computer and/or microprocessor readable data file comprising data relating to settings and/or limits of a device according to an embodiment of the invention or a user. Such profiles may be established by a manufacturer/supplier/provider of a device, service, etc. or they may be established by a user through a user interface for a device, a service or a PED/FED in communication with a device, another device, a server or a service provider etc.

“User information” as used herein may refer to, but is not limited to, user behavior information and/or user profile information. It may also include a user's biometric information, an estimation of the user's biometric information, or a projection/prediction of a user's biometric information derived from current and/or historical biometric information.

“Metadata” as used herein, and throughout this disclosure, refers to information stored as data that provides information about other data. Many distinct types of metadata exist, including but not limited to, descriptive metadata, structural metadata, administrative metadata, reference metadata and statistical metadata. Descriptive metadata may describe a resource for purposes such as discovery and identification and may include, but not be limited to, elements such as title, abstract, author, and keywords. Structural metadata relates to containers of data and indicates how compound objects are assembled and may include, but not be limited to, how pages are ordered to form chapters, and typically describes the types, versions, relationships and other characteristics of digital materials. Administrative metadata may provide information employed in managing a resource and may include, but not be limited to, when and how it was created, file type, technical information, and who can access it. Reference metadata may describe the contents and quality of statistical data whereas statistical metadata may also describe processes that collect, process, or produce statistical data. Statistical metadata may also be referred to as process data.

A “re-inflatable balloon” as used herein, and throughout this disclosure, refers to an element intended to adjust its physical geometry upon the injection of a fluid and/or gas within it. Such re-inflatable balloons can be formed from a variety of elastic and non-elastic materials and be of varying non-inflated and inflated profiles, including for example spherical, elongated, wide, thin, etc.

A “scaffold” or “scaffolds” as used herein, and throughout this disclosure, refers to a structure that is used to hold up, interface with, or support another material or element(s). This includes, but is not limited to, such two-dimensional (2D) structures such as substrates and films, three-dimensional (3D) structures such as geometrical objects, non-geometrical objects, combinations of geometrical and non-geometrical objects, naturally occurring structural configurations, and manmade structural configurations. A scaffold may be solid, hollow, and porous or a combination thereof. A scaffold may contain recesses, pores, openings, holes, vias, and channels or a combination thereof. A scaffold may be smooth, textured, have predetermined surface profiles and/or features. A scaffold may be intended to support one or more other materials, one or more films, a multilayer film, one type of particle, multiple types of particles etc. A scaffold may include, but not be limited to, a spine of a device and/or a framework, for example, which also supports a shell and/or a casing.

A “shell” as used herein, and throughout this disclosure, refers to a structure that is used to contain and/or surround a scaffold and/or casing. within devices according to embodiments of the invention. A shell may include, but not limited to, a part or parts that are mounted to a scaffold or scaffolds that support elements within a device according to an embodiment of the invention.

A “casing” as used herein, and throughout this disclosure, refers to a structure surrounding a scaffold and/or shell. This includes structures typically formed from an elastomer and/or silicone to provide a desired combination of physical tactile surface properties to the device it forms part of and other properties including, but not limited to, hermeticity, liquid ingress barrier, solid particulate ingress barrier, surface sheen, antimicrobial, antifungal and colour. A casing may include, but not limited to, a part or parts that are mounted to a scaffold or scaffolds and/or a casing or casings forming part of a device according to an embodiment of the invention.

A “polyester” as used herein, and throughout this disclosure, refers to a category of polymers that contain the ester functional group in their main chain. This includes, but is not limited to polyesters which are naturally occurring chemicals as well as synthetics through step-growth polymerization, for example. Polyesters may be biodegradable or not. Polyesters may be a thermoplastic or thermoset or resins cured by hardeners. Polyesters may be aliphatic, semi-aromatic or aromatic. Polyesters may include, but not be limited to, those exploiting polyglycolide, polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), polyethylene adipate (PEA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN).

A “thermoplastic” or “thermosoftening plastic” as used herein and throughout this disclosure, refers to a category of polymers that become pliable or moldable above a specific temperature and solidify upon cooling. Thermoplastics may include, but not be limited, polycarbonate (PC), polyether sulfone (PES), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), poly vinyl chloride (PVC), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyimide (PI), polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), polychlorotrifluoroethene (PCTFE or PTFCE), florinated ethylene propylene (FEP), and perfluoroalkoxy alkane (PFA).

A “metal” as used herein, and throughout this disclosure, refers to a material that has good electrical and thermal conductivity. Such materials may be malleable and/or fusible and/or ductile. Metals may include, but not be limited to, aluminum, nickel, copper, cobalt, chromium, silver, gold, platinum, iron, zinc, titanium, and alloys thereof such as bronze, stainless steel, stainless stainless steel, brass, and phosphor bronze.

An “aramid” as used herein, and throughout this disclosure, refers to an aromatic polyamide. Aramids are a class of materials fibers in which the chain molecules are highly oriented along the fiber axis, so the strength of the chemical bond can be exploited. Examples, include, but are not limited to fibers distributed under brand names such as Kevlar™ Technora™, Twaron™, Heracron™, Nomex™, Innegra S™ and Vectran™ as well as nylon and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene.

A “silicone” as used herein, and throughout this disclosure, refers to a polymer that includes any inert, synthetic compound made up of repeating units of siloxane.

An “elastomeric” material or “elastomer” as used herein, and throughout this disclosure, refers to a material, generally a polymer, with viscoelasticity. Elastomers may include, but not be limited to, unsaturated rubbers such as polyisoprene, butyl rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, silicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, fluoroelastomers, perfluoroelastomers, and thermoplastic elastomers.

The term “flexible,” as used herein, refers to the ability of a body that is capable of being bent or flexed. Something that is flexible can be, for example, resilient or malleable. The term “resilient,” as used herein, refers to the ability of a body that has been subjected to an external force to recover, or substantially recover, its original size and/or shape, following deformation. The term “malleable,” as used herein, refers to the ability of a body that has been subjected to an external force to deform and maintain, or substantially maintain, the deformed size and/or shape. The term “flexible,” as used herein, refers to the ability of a body that has been subjected to an external force to return to its original size and/or shape once the external force has been removed or reduced to below a particular level.

Within the following descriptions and depictions of embodiments of the invention the garments described are an undergarment for protecting the abdominal portions and legs of a user it would be evident that embodiments of the invention may be applied to other portions of the user's body including, but not limited to, torso, thorax, neck, arm(s), hand(s), ankle(s), wrist(s), elbow(s), shoulder(s), foot or feet and head. Further, within the following descriptions and depictions of embodiments of the invention the garments are described with respect to a skier or snowboarder although it would be evident that the embodiments of the invention may equally be applied to protective garments and/or protective equipment for other sports, recreational activities, etc.

Considering initially the abdomen and thighs of a user then there are available a variety of shorts with padding where if the user wishes to extend protection to their legs there are separate knee and shin protectors on the market. These protective elements are typically made of a thick fabric and are not amenable to warmer weather conditions, being worn under another garment such as a ski suit for example, and lack breathability for the user's body. They are held in place by restrictive elastic straps either integrally attached to the protective elements or fitting through apertures within the protective elements further inhibiting circulation and creating additional pressure points and discomfort. These can be complicated to slip on and can easily move either with trying to put on another garment over them or during use thereby rendering them ineffective. Further, these protective elements are typically rigid elements designed to limit point damage to the user distributing the force of an impact over a localized area of the user's body. They do not cushion or absorb the impact.

Further these discrete separate prior art protective elements in addition to being restrictive, uncomfortable and only available in a limited number of sizes are easily lost, forgotten and damaged thereby providing inefficient and insufficient protection.

Considering the lower body then a user skiing or snowboarding can suffer injury to the lower body, to the hips, coccyx, buttocks, knees and shins resulting from falls and impacts that can often occur not only to enthusiasts of skiing and snowboarding but also beginners etc. Whilst performing these sports, the individual often falls causing various levels of injury that may precipitate the cessation of the sport or will decrease the participation in the sport. A significant issue is the lack of protective lower body garments targeted at these regions in a garment or under garment that is convenient, easy to use, maintains the protective elements in situ etc.

Accordingly, as evident from the description below in respect ofFIGS. 3 to 8the inventor has sought to address the limitations in the prior art for protective garments intended to reduce risk of trauma. Accordingly, the inventor's garments/under garments provide a novel approach for solving all of the challenges related to impacts to the buttocks, coccyx, hips, knees and shins of the wearer. It also provides additional features to improve the comfort of the user. Features of embodiments of the invention include, but are not limited to:Manually inflatable protective pads configurable by the user;Automatically inflatable protective pads configurable by the user with wireless interface to allow remote setting/adjust/control etc.;Heating to improve user comfort; andIntegrated sensors for monitoring user's body allowing alarm triggering, dynamic adjustment of protective pads, user performance feedback etc.

Now referring toFIG. 1there is depicted a schematic100of an Electronic Device101supporting Protective Clothing (PC) Systems, Applications and Platforms (SAPs) and PC-SAP features according to embodiments of the invention. Electronic Device101may, for example, be a PED, a FED, or a Wearable Device and may include additional elements above and beyond those described and depicted. Electronic Device101may be associated with an item of clothing specifically or it may interface with a controller for an item or items of clothing, not shown for clarity. Such a controller interfaced to the Electronic Device101via wired and/or wireless interfaces may be discretely powered independent of the Electronic Device101or it may be powered by the Electronic Device101. Whilst not specifically described or depicted it would be evident that such a controller associated with an item or items of clothing may exploit internal and external elements representing a subset of those described with respect to Electronic Device101. It would also be evident that whilst Electronic Device101may be a single PED, FED, or Wearable Device it may also be multiple PEDs, FEDs, and Wearable Devices which are associated to each other via wired and/or wireless interfaces. Similarly, a controller may be a single PED, FED, or Wearable Device it may also be multiple PEDs, FEDs, and Wearable Devices which are associated to each other via wired and/or wireless interfaces. A wired interface operating according to a wired standard whilst a wireless interface operates according to a wireless standard.

Also depicted in conjunction with the Electronic Device101are exemplary internal and/or external elements forming part of a simplified functional diagram of an Electronic Device101within an overall simplified schematic of a system supporting PC-SAP features according to embodiments of the invention which include an Access Point (AP)106, such as a Wi-Fi AP for example, a Network Device107, such as a communication server, streaming media server, and a router, which support interfacing of the Electronic Device101to a Network102. The Network Device107may be coupled to the AP106via any combination of networks, wired, wireless and/or optical communication links. Also connected to the Network102are Social Media Networks (SOCNETS)165; a remote system170A; an enterprise170B; a website175A; a 3rd party service provider175B; a service provider175C; and servers190respectively.

The Electronic device101includes one or more Processors110and a Memory112coupled to Processor(s)110. AP106also includes one or more Processors111and a Memory113coupled to Processor(s)210. A non-exhaustive list of examples for any of Processors110and111includes a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a reduced instruction set computer (RISC), a complex instruction set computer (CISC), a graphics processing unit (GPU) and the like. Furthermore, any of Processors110and111may be part of application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or may be a part of application specific standard products (ASSPs). A non-exhaustive list of examples for Memories112and113includes any combination of the following semiconductor devices such as registers, latches, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory devices, non-volatile random access memory devices (NVRAM), SDRAM, DRAM, double data rate (DDR) memory devices, SRAM, universal serial bus (USB) removable memory, and the like.

Electronic Device101may include an audio input element214, for example a microphone, and an Audio Output Element116, for example, a speaker, coupled to any of Processor(s)110. Electronic Device101may include an Optical Input Element218, for example, a video camera or camera, and an Optical Output Element220, for example one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), a liquid crystal display (LCD), coupled to any of Processor(s)110. Electronic Device101also includes a Keyboard115and Touchpad117which may for example be a physical keyboard and touchpad allowing the user to enter content or select functions within one of more Applications122. Alternatively, the Keyboard115and Touchpad117may be predetermined regions of a touch sensitive element forming part of the display within the Electronic Device101. The one or more Applications122that are typically stored in Memory112and are executable by any combination of Processor(s)110. Electronic Device101also includes Accelerometer160providing three-dimensional motion input to the Processor(s)110and GPS162which provides geographical location information to Processor(s)110.

Electronic Device101includes a Protocol Stack124and AP106includes an AP Stack125. Within Protocol Stack124is shown an IEEE 802.11 protocol stack but alternatively may exploit other protocol stacks such as an Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) multimedia protocol stack for example or another protocol stack. Likewise, AP Stack125exploits a protocol stack but is not expanded for clarity. Elements of Protocol Stack124and AP Stack125may be implemented in any combination of software, firmware and/or hardware. Protocol Stack124includes a presentation layer Call Control and Media Negotiation module150, one or more audio codecs and one or more video codecs. Applications122may be able to create maintain and/or terminate communication sessions with the Network Device107by way of AP106and therein via the Network102to one or more of Social Media Networks (SOCNETS)165; a remote system170A; an enterprise170B; a website175A; a 3rd party service provider175B; a service provider175C; and servers190respectively.

Typically, Applications122may activate the Call Control & Media Negotiation150module or other modules within the Protocol Stack124. It would be apparent to one skilled in the art that elements of the Electronic Device101may also be implemented within the AP106including but not limited to one or more elements of the Protocol Stack124Portable electronic devices (PEDs) and fixed electronic devices (FEDs) represented by Electronic Device101may include one or more additional wireless or wired interfaces in addition to or in replacement of the depicted IEEE 802.11 interface which may be selected from the group comprising IEEE 802.15, IEEE 802.16, IEEE 802.20, UMTS, GSM 850, GSM 900, GSM 1800, GSM 1900, GPRS, ITU-R 5.138, ITU-R 5.150, ITU-R 5.280, IMT-1010, DSL, Dial-Up, DOCSIS, Ethernet, G.hn, ISDN, MoCA, PON, and Power line communication (PLC).

The Front End Tx/Rx & Antenna128A wirelessly connects the Electronic Device101with the Antenna128B on Access Point206, wherein the Electronic Device101may support, for example, a national wireless standard such as GSM together with one or more local and/or personal area wireless protocols such as IEEE 802.11 a/b/g Wi-Fi, IEEE 802.16 WiMAX, and IEEE 802.15 Bluetooth for example. Accordingly, it would be evident to one skilled the art that the Electronic Device101may accordingly download original software and/or revisions for a variety of functions. In some embodiments of the invention the functions may not be implemented within the original as sold Electronic Device101and are only activated through a software/firmware revision and/or upgrade either discretely or in combination with a subscription or subscription upgrade for example. Accordingly, as will become evident in respect of the description below the Electronic Device101may provide a user with access to one or more RC-SAPs including, but not limited to, software installed upon the Electronic Device101or software installed upon one or more remote systems such as those associated with Social Media Networks (SOCNETS)165; a remote system170A; an enterprise170B; a website175A; a 3rd party service provider175B; a service provider175C; and servers190respectively.

Now referring toFIG. 2there is depicted a schematic200of distributed monitoring and/or control and/or adjustment and/or features relating to a Garment240according to an embodiment of the invention. Accordingly, as depicted an Electronic Device250, such as Electronic Device101inFIG. 1communicates to a Controller210associated with the Garment240, where this communication would typically be via a wireless link according to a first predetermined wireless protocol. The Controller210then communicates to first to fourth Sub-Controllers220,225,230and235respectively. These communications being via wireless links according to a second wireless protocol such as Bluetooth or others aimed at Personal Area Networks (PANs). As depicted:first Sub-Controller220is associated with a protective element, not identified for clarity, on the right hip of the user;second Sub-Controller225is associated with a protective element, not identified for clarity, on the left hip of the user;third Sub-Controller230is associated with a protective element, not identified for clarity, on the right shin of the user;fourth Sub-Controller235is associated with a protective element, not identified for clarity, on the left shin of the user.

As noted above the Controller210may have a predetermined subset of the functionality and interfaces of an Electronic Device250, such as Electronic Device101inFIG. 1. Accordingly, each first to fourth Sub-Controllers220,225,230and235respectively may within an embodiment of the invention comprise:a wireless interface to communicate to the Controller210;a wired interface to provide control signals to an integral element of the protective element it is associated with, e.g. a heater, a pump etc.;an accelerometer for measuring motion in three dimensions;one or more temperature sensors;one or more pressure sensors; anda microprocessor with a memory for managing the communications to and from the Controller210plus the integral element of the protective element.

Accordingly, the Controller210can provide specific control data to each of the first to fourth Sub-Controllers220,225,230and235respectively to control a heater, pump, or other active element within the protective element which the respective one of the first to fourth Sub-Controllers220,225,230and235respectively is associated with as part of the Garment240. Additionally, the Controller210may receive from each of the first to fourth Sub-Controllers220,225,230and235respectively data such as temperature, pressure (of an inflatable pad within protective element or pressure applied externally to the inflatable pad), temperature (of a heating element within the protective element or the ambient environment), and acceleration data. The Controller210may process the temperature data to adjust a setting of the heating element, process the pressure data to adjust setting of the inflatable pad, and process the acceleration data to generate relative motion data of the respective first to fourth Sub-Controllers220,225,230and235respectively to the Controller210which may also include an accelerometer.

Accordingly, within an embodiment of the invention a user and the controller can execute a process comprising the steps:User configures the pressure within an inflatable pad to a level acceptable;Controller stores the acceptable pressure level;User subsequently removes the garment wherein the inflatable pad is deflated;User puts the garment back on;Controller controls a pump within the inflatable pad to automatically reinflate the inflatable pad to the stored acceptable pressure level.

Accordingly, within an embodiment of the invention a user and the controller can execute a process comprising the steps:User configures the temperature of a heater within a protective element to a level acceptable;Controller stores the acceptable temperature level;User subsequently removes the garment wherein the heater is turned off or the heater is turned off based upon another condition, e.g. ambient temperature indicates user is indoors rather than outside on a cold snowy mountain;User puts the garment back on or the controller determines the user is now back outside for example;Controller controls the heater within the protective element so the stored acceptable temperature is achieved.

Within embodiments of the invention the Controller210may be triggered to control an element or elements associated with a protective element or protective elements based upon communications from the Electronic Device250. These communications being generated by an application in execution upon the Electronic Device250. Accordingly, within other embodiments of the invention the Garment240may be configured to different users or different requirements based upon different settings being communicated to the Controller210.

Within embodiments of the invention the accelerometer data may be transmitted to the Electronic Device250and therein to another system such as described in respect ofFIG. 1. This accelerometer data may be analysed, for example, to determine instance of events whilst a user wore the Garment240such as a fall, impact, etc. This data may be analysed to seek to improve the user's performance at a sport, for example.

The configuration data (e.g. pressure and temperature set by the user) and dynamic monitored data (e.g. pressure, temperature, accelerometer etc.) may be provided to one or more of a service provider, third party service provider, or an enterprise to provide feedback to them such as typical configurations, typical usage environments, etc. Alternatively, it may be used to trigger specific responses, e.g. a severe impact followed by relative stillness, might trigger an emergency service response etc. If the Controller210included a GPS or was in communication with an Electronic Device250associated with the user with a GPS then the emergency services could be routed directly to the user.

It would be evident that the configuration settings of the protective elements of the Garment240may be stored as part of a user profile stored upon the Electronic Device250and/or a remote server. Accordingly, if the user were to don another garment this could be automatically configured based upon the user's stored profile for that type of garment.

Additionally, the first to fourth Sub-Controllers220,225,230and235respectively and Controller210may be interfaced to other sensors such that in addition to data provided relating the Garment240by the Controller210to external devices such as Electronic Device250data relating to user biometrics may be provided. Alternatively, the Electronic Device250may acquire user biometrics from other sensors and store these/process these in conjunction with the data from the Garment240to trigger actions including those with respect to the configuration of the protective elements within the Garment240. For example, the biometrics may indicate the temperature of the protective elements should be adjusted or that the user is experiencing pain and the pressure of the protective elements increased. Similarly, accelerometers may indicate the user is experiencing a higher number of impacts, e.g. they are a beginner or trying to learn a new trick or skill, wherein this data can be employed in closed loop feedback of protective elements which are inflatable either providing an indication to the user that they should increase the inflation level or automatically inflating them further where an electric pump or electrically controlled switch coupled to a compressed gas cylinder etc. forms part of the system.

Within embodiments of the invention different garments, even of the same type as well as those of different types, may have different numbers of protective elements with sensors, different numbers and/or placement of protective elements with heating, different numbers and/or placement of protective elements with inflation, with or without electric pumps, with or without electrically controlled fluid and/or gas switches, etc. Accordingly, the Controller210may instigate a discovery phase when it is not part of the garment. Alternatively, a Controller210integrated within a garment may also seek to associate protective elements within another garment so that an overall single point of control exists. Equally an independent Controller210, e.g. a wearable device, may associate with the protective elements of all garments to provide single point of control. In other embodiments of the invention different garments may each have their own controller which controls only those protective elements associated with that garment.

Now referring toFIG. 3there are depicted front view300A and rear view300B of a user wearing a garment with protective elements according to embodiments of the invention. The form fitting characteristics of the garment according to an embodiment of the invention are evident which is achieved by employing a stretch fabric for the construction of the overall garment within which the protective elements are integrated and/or inserted. Where the protective elements are inserted then this is achieved through the use of “pockets” such that the protective element is retained within the pocket and retained in the appropriate position relative to the user's body. Within the following description the references to left and right for the placement of protective elements are made relative to the user.

Within front view300A there are depicted fitting atop an underlying stretch fabric body360:Hand Pump310;Right Hip Protective Element320;Left Hip Protective Element325;Right Knee Protective Element330;Left Knee Protective Element335;Right Shin Protective Element340; andLeft Shin Protective Element345.

Within rear view300B there are depicted fitting atop an underlying stretch fabric body360:Posterior protective element350;Left Hip Protective Element325;Right Knee Protective Element330; andLeft Knee Protective Element335.

FIG. 4depicts first and second rear views400A and400B of a user with and without a removable protective element fitted to an underlying stretch fabric body according to an embodiment of the invention. Within first rear view400A the user has the posterior protective element350in place whilst in second rear view400B it has been removed. As discussed above the posterior protective element350may fit within a pocket upon the posterior of the garment so that it is retained in position. Such a pocket may include a closing mechanism, such as a zip, hook-and-loop fastenings, one or more snap fasteners or other fasteners as known in the art.

Within embodiments of the invention a protective element, such as a posterior protective element such as posterior protective element350inFIGS. 3 and 4; a hip protective element such as Left or Right Hip Protective Elements320or325inFIGS. 3 and 4; a knee protective element such as Left or Right Knee Protective Elements330or335inFIGS. 3 and 4; or shin protective element such as Left or Right Shin Protective Elements340or345inFIGS. 3 and 4; may include one or more inflatable chambers and/or re-inflatable balloons. As depicted inFIG. 3in front view300A there is provided a Hand Pump310which is also depicted inFIG. 5as Hand Pump510in conjunction with a Roller Clamp520. Within embodiments of the invention different configurations may be provided according to the number of protective elements with inflatable region(s).

For example, if only the Posterior Protective Element350inFIGS. 3 and 4is inflatable then the Hand Pump510may be coupled to this and retained after use through fittings on the Hand Pump510and/or garment such as hook-and-loop fasteners for example, via a mechanical fitting (e.g. a spring clip) or via a magnetic coupling. As will be evident from the discussion below the Hand Pump510can be replaced with other pumping solutions including, but not limited, compressed gas, e.g. carbon dioxide (CO2), electrically power mechanical pump, etc.

If, for example, the Left and Right Hip Protective Elements320and325inFIG. 3are each inflatable then these may within embodiments of the invention be coupled directly together to a common pump and inflated equally from the pump or directly together with on/off switches, e.g. Roller Clamps520or mechanically locking switches, such that they can be independently inflated.

Within another embodiment of the invention if protective elements on the user's lower body such as Knee Protective Elements330/335and Shin Protective Elements340/345these may be coupled to a pump or pumps at the waist of the user for eased of use and connected via tubing and on/off switches. Accordingly, a single pump may be used with all protective elements via appropriate fluid and/or gasic connections/switches etc. or multiple pumps may be used with subsets of the protective elements via the appropriate fluid and/or gasic connections/switches etc. For example, a first pump on the left side of the user may allow one or more of Left Hip Protective Element325, Left Knee Protective Element335and Left Shin Protective Element345to be inflated whilst a second pump of the right side of the user may allow one or more of Right Hip Protective Element320, Right Knee Protective Element330and Right Shin Protective Element340to be inflated.

A protective element may be connected to the pump via a non-return valve to limit deflation subsequent to inflation.

A protective element may include a pressure relief valve to avoid over inflation and/or bursting under a severe impact.

Optionally, non-return valves are not employed but a Roller Clamp520or similar device limits/stops deflation during use until released wherein rolling up of the garment would allow the inflated elements within the protective elements to be deflated allowing a more compact storage of the garment if required. In a generic context each inflatable protective element may be coupled to a pump via an on/off switch wherein opening the switches allows the inflated protective elements to be deflated by rolling, folding, or squashing the garment. Optionally, where these on/off switches are controlled via a controller, such as Controller210, then turning off the Controller210or the garment opens all the electrically controlled switches.

Also depicted inFIG. 5is a compressed gas inflation system comprising a Fitting550, for connecting to the tubing of the protective element(s), a Control Lever540allowing the gas inflation system to connect the Pressurised Cylinder530to the protective elements, and a Casing535intended to house the Pressurised Cylinder530and protect it during the user's activities. For example, Pressurised Cylinder530may be a pressurised container designed for another application, such as a drink dispensing system etc. or the Pressurised Cylinder530may be a pressurized container designed to the garment specification so that it is for example, similar to a hip flask providing a lower projection from the user's body and shaped to fit the user's body. The Pressurised Cylinder530may be pressurized with an inert gas such as carbon dioxide (CO2) or nitrogen. However, the Pressurised Cylinder530may be filled with a liquid. Optionally, within other embodiments of the invention the Control Lever540may be replaced with an electrically controlled valve allowing automatic control of the inflation process where a power supply is also present as part of the garment, protective element(s) etc. or attached to the garment/protective element(s) via an electrical socket or electrical plug. Optionally, just as multiple hand pumps can be provided each connected to a subset of the protective elements then multiple Fittings550may be provided each connected to a subset of the protective elements.

Also depicted inFIG. 5is Electrical Pump560which allows for automatic inflation of a protective element(s) with air where a power supply is also present as part of the garment, protective element(s) etc. or attached to the garment/protective element(s) via an electrical socket or electrical plug.

A discrete Power Supply570is depicted inFIG. 5which supports an industry standard USB socket allowing connection of a cable with USB plug to provide power to a pump, electrically controlled switches or valves, heater, controller etc. forming part of the garment and/or protective elements. For example, Power Supply570may be standard commercial USB power pack or other secondary battery based power supply allowing the Power Supply570to be recharged for subsequent use. Such commercial power supplies can provide capacities such as 4,000 mAh, 10,000 mAh etc. Optionally, Power Supply570may employ primary batteries. Optionally multiple Power Sources570may be employed each coupled to a predetermined subset of the inflatable protective elements and/or a predetermined subset of the protective elements with heating elements/heaters.

Also depicted inFIG. 5are first Flexible Battery580and second Flexible Battery590. Accordingly, such rechargeable flexible batteries may be integrated within the garment and/or the protective elements as well as within other items of clothing associated with the garment or worn discretely such as a belt, for example. First Flexible Battery580comprises:A stretchable current collector anode580A;A silicone frame and sealing element580B, e.g. polydimethylsiloxane;A hydrogel electrolyte580C; andA stretchable current collector cathode580D.

Second Flexible Battery590being a flexible lithium ceramic battery offering no leakage, no flammability, continued operation after puncture, in formats as thin as 0.4 mm. For example, a 180×230×0.4 mm (approximately 7″×9″×0.016″) can provide 1400 mAh sufficient for powering an electric pump and/or short term heating etc. as well as extended operation of electronics. Other flexible battery technologies exploitable within embodiments of the invention include, but are not limited, to lithium-ion polymer (LIPO), nitrogen doped lithium phosphate, zinc manganese, lithium-manganese, and silver-zinc.

FIG. 6depicts front, rear and side views600A to600C respectively of a user with a garment supporting protective elements according to embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, in front view600A there are depictedRight Hip Protective Element610;Left Hip Protective Element615;Right Integrated Knee-Shin Protective Element620; andLeft Integrated Knee-Shin Protective Element625.

In rear view600B the right Hip Protective Element610and left Hip Protective Element615are visible together with Posterior Protective Element630whilst in side view600C the right Integrated Knee-Shin Protective Element620, right Hip Protective Element610and Posterior Protective Element630are visible.

Optionally, all of these protective elements may be integrated within the Garment650.

Optionally, the right Integrated Knee-Shin Protective Element620and left Integrated Knee-Shin Protective Element625are integrated into the Garment650.

Optionally, the right Hip Protective Element610and left Hip Protective Element615are provided as a separate element in conjunction with a belt, not identified for clarity where the Posterior Protective Element630may be demountably attachable to the belt.

Optionally, the right Hip Protective Element610and left Hip Protective Element615are provided as a separate element in conjunction with the Posterior Protective Element630which are all attached to a belt, not identified for clarity.

Referring toFIG. 7there are depicted first to fourth Image700A to700D respectively of exemplary side, buttocks and shin protective elements according to embodiments of the invention. First Image700A depicts a right hip protective element such as right Hip Protective Element610inFIG. 6which comprises a pad approximately 180 mm (approximately 7″) high, 180 mm (approximately 7″) long at the upper hip and 150 mm (approximately 6″) long at the lower hip such that the protective element is shorter towards the front. The left hip protective element, such as left Hip Protective Element615inFIG. 6, being a mirror image. It would be evident that other geometries, dimensions, configurations etc. may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention.

Second and third Images700B and700C depict a photograph and schematic of a posterior protective element such as Posterior Protective Element630inFIG. 6. The posterior Protective Element may be, for example, 390 mm (approximately 15.5″) wide by 360 mm (approximately 14.5″) high with 7 “ring” shaped inflatable regions. It would be evident that other geometries, dimensions, configurations etc. may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention as well as number of inflatable elements, their geometries, dimensions etc.

Fourth Image700D of an integrated knee-shin protective element such as right Knee-Shin Protective Element620inFIG. 6. As depicted the integrated knee-shin protective element is 330 mm (approximately 13.2″) long and 150 mm wide (approximately 6″). It would be evident that other geometries, dimensions, configurations etc. may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention.

Accordingly, it would be evident fromFIGS. 3, 4 and 6that an embodiment of the invention is a garment (e.g. leggings) formed from a protective, breathable, stretch fabric, which can be manufactured and sized to fit a wide range of users.

Within embodiments of the invention the garment is equipped with a number of strategically placed protective elements, passive protective elements which do not inflate and/or heat.

Within embodiments of the invention the garment is equipped with a number of strategically placed protective elements, passive protective elements which do not inflate and/or heat as well as a protective element which is inflatable and/or heatable which is demountably attachable to or permanently attached to the garment. The inflatable portion being through one or more chambers and/or re-inflatable balloons formed with the protective element whilst the heating system is integrated into a covering, e.g. fabric, of the protective element.

Within embodiments of the invention the garment is equipped with a number of strategically placed protective elements, passive protective elements which do not inflate and/or heat as well as active protective elements which are inflatable and/or heatable. The active protective elements being demountably attachable to or permanently attached to the garment. The inflatable portion of each active protective element being through one or more chambers and/or re-inflatable balloons formed with the protective element whilst the heating system within each active protective element is integrated into a covering, e.g. fabric, of the protective element.

The number of pads, their dimensions, which are active and which are passive may be varied within different designs of the garment. Each pad may be contoured according to the region of the user it is designed to cover.

Optionally, a protective element may have a profiled exterior surface.

Optionally, a protective element may include aramid fibers within a scaffold, shell and/or or casing.

Optionally, a protective element may be formed from a scaffold only. For example, a scaffold may be formed from a polyester or thermoplastic foam.

Optionally, a protective element may be formed from a scaffold around which a shell is formed to encase all or predetermined regions of the scaffold. For example, a scaffold may be formed from a polyester or thermoplastic may be encased with rigid portions formed from another polyester or thermoplastic. Alternatively, a scaffold may be surrounded by a silicone or elastomeric material to form a compliant deformable shell around a porous polyester or thermoplastic foam.

Optionally, a protective element may be formed from a scaffold around which a casing is formed to encase all or predetermined regions of the scaffold. For example, a scaffold of a polyester or thermoplastic foam may be surrounded by a silicone or elastomeric material to form a compliant deformable shell which is then surrounded by a casing to provide a liquid ingress barrier or antimicrobial protection.

Whilst the embodiments of the invention have been described and depicted with respect to leggings it would be evident that within other embodiments of the invention the garment may include, but not be limited to, shorts, a bra, a t-shirt, a shirt, a sleeveless shirt, a sleeve, a balaclava, socks, and gloves.

Optionally, the garment may be formed from a single piece of fabric. Optionally, the garment may be formed from multiple pieces of a single fabric. Optionally, the garment may be formed from multiple pieces of two or more fabrics.

The protective elements are positioned and shaped to minimize restriction of movement of the wearer's lower torso and legs. The protective elements are sufficiently thick to provide protection although for adults the thickness may limited by a concern for aesthetics and agility which is not as significant a factor with children or youth versions. Where the protective element is inflatable then the user may control the thickness of the removable or permanently installed protective element through the user of an inflation mechanism, such as a hand pump, electrical pump, or compressed fluid and/or gas for example.

WithinFIGS. 3, 4, and 6the protective elements overlay the buttocks, hip, upper leg portions, knees and shins of the wearer. At least some of the protective elements are relatively longer and extend from the rear of the wearer's leg to the lower end of the leg portion of the garment at the side or front of the leg. Others of the protective elements are of relatively shorter length and are disposed substantially entirely in the rear portion of the garment in the vicinity of the buttocks. The remainder of the protective elements are relatively shorter in length and are disposed in the vicinity of the hip, shin and knees of the wearer.

Removable protective elements may be inserted within a pocket made of an elastic material the same or different to that of the garment. For example, a polyether-polyurea copolymer such as those known as Spandex™, Lycra™ or elastane, for example, where the pocket is closed with a fastening means such as a hook-and-loop fastener, Velcro™ for example,

Within embodiments of the invention the protective element may employ an inner foam scaffold which has a low elastic modulus so that the scaffold is elastic to promote the absorption of collision related energy. The protective elements may also provide the wearer with protection from the impact and abrasion of a fall through casing(s) and/or shell(s) formed from materials such as hard thermoplastics, aramid fiber fabric, etc. These shell(s) and/or casing(s) may be affixed onto the outer surface of the garment either mechanically, with adhesive, thermocompression, fusion, etc. For example, within an embodiment of the invention the protective elements may be placed in the appropriate position on the garment, fastened thereto with a suitable adhesive or by “tacking” with thread and thereafter, an additional layer or layers of similar or contrasting colour fabric and a wear surface are sewn to the garment immediately around the edges of the protective elements, heating elements and along the edges of the similarly shaped inner piece of fabric which forms the garment.

Within embodiments of the invention a heating element or heating elements may be integrated within the scaffold, casing and/or shell. Such a heating element may exploit metallic elements or it may exploit other conductive elements such as carbon fibers for example. A power source for the heating elements may be a rechargeable battery pack, such as discrete Power Supply570inFIG. 5, which may fitted within the garment or may be carried within a pocket of the garment so that the rechargeable battery pack may be removed and charged separate to the garment. Optionally, rather than remote control through an electronic device, such as Electronic Device250inFIG. 2, a controller, e.g. Controller210inFIG. 2, may provide local manual controls for the user to interact with. Optionally, a single temperature control setting may be applied to all heated protective elements or each protective element may have independent temperature control settings.

Within embodiments of the invention a casing, scaffold, or shell may include one or more metallic or aramid elements to provide improved rigidity. Optionally, such an element may be a thin sheet, ribbon, rod, or tube.

Within embodiments of the invention inflatable protective pads may be inflated by the user blowing air into a tube with their mouth and controlled with an air valve.

Within embodiments of the invention described the posterior protective element has been described with respect to the buttocks of the user. However, it would be evident that the posterior protective element may be specifically for the coccyx or the buttocks and coccyx.

Within embodiments of the invention a protective element may be disposed relative to the groin.

Within embodiments of the invention a hand pump may positioned to be used by the user through a pocket or other opening within another garment worn over the garment with the protective elements. Optionally, the tubing connecting a hand pump may be long enough to allow the hand pump to be positioned within an opening, e.g. an opening on the inside of a pocket, of another item, e.g. a jacket worn over leggings or a shirt.

Within embodiments of the invention an inflatable protective element may be formed from a single re-inflatable balloon, multiple re-inflatable balloons or from a single re-inflatable balloon segmented through thermocompression bonding of the re-inflatable balloon to form multiple segments. Within embodiments of the invention the re-inflatable balloons may be designed to provide expansion substantially in all directions or in a single direction, e.g. away from the user. Within embodiments of the invention the re-inflatable balloons or segments of a re-inflatable balloon may provide a continuous surface to the user/away from the user or they have structure. Optionally, the re-inflatable balloons may be disposed upon a thin membrane or sheet which is disposed towards the user. Optionally, the re-inflatable balloons may be disposed with a thin membrane or sheet away from the user so that as the re-inflatable balloon(s) are inflated the aesthetic look of the garment is not substantially different.

Optionally, to support cleaning a battery pack may be removable or it may be appropriately sealed for immersion in water. Within embodiments of the invention such sealing for moisture/water may be appropriate for the garment anyway, e.g. skiing, snowboarding etc.